A/N: I've got to confess. Once I clicked the tab to publish this new story, I knew that no matter what the reviews held, I'd be continuing. It took me years to post it and I suppose I want to see this now until the end, not that I'm sure how long that is going to take. Anyway, I won't keep this little message long. I hope that you guys read until the end.

Michiko

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

CHAPTER 2

Sakura let out a quiet sigh before taking a seat next to Itachi. She only knew Sasuke's brother in passing. They weren't close. Whenever she would come over to the Uchiha household, Itachi was either always out or in his room. In the rare occasion that she did see him there, their interactions were fleeting. To be quite honest, Sakura found Itachi intimidating. She had even told Sasuke that once. Sasuke had only snorted and shrugged.

Now, she didn't have a choice but to sit beside Itachi. She knew it was going to be a long, long trip. She took out her cell phone and ipod from her bag and placed it on the compartment above before settling in. Once she was seated, Sakura simply gave Itachi a smile before facing front and hooking the earphones on her ears.

Itachi lifted an eyebrow. From what he knew of the girl, from what he could remember of her and from what his brother had said, she can be loud and annoying. Sasuke had once said that she was somewhat a crybaby. Through the years though, she was became the quieter one compared to his brother's other best friend, Naruto. Whenever she would come over to their house, he would sometimes hear her break up the two knuckleheads from fighting or keeping them from doing something stupid, like break his mom's vase…again. He didn't really expect her to act like a fan-girl but he expected her to at least initiate some sort of conversation with him.

"Ah! How the mighty has fallen," A comment came from across the aisle from them.

Itachi looked up to his cousin, Shisui. Sakura didn't seem to notice anything as she didn't even turn.

Shishui understood Itachi's glance and snickered, "I think you have met your match, Ita-chan."

"How many times have I told you not to call me that?"

It only made Shisui laugh. He then turned to the girl beside his younger cousin. It seemed she was the first girl who didn't succumb to the charms of one Uchiha Itachi. Very rare indeed. No way he was going to pass it up. It was his duty as a cousin. "Excuse me, lovely maiden." He said loud enough that he knew she would have heard.

Sakura looked up across the aisle and tilted her head to the side.

Shisui grinned and said, "What's your name?"

"Oh!" Sakura exclaimed as she immediately took off her earphones. "Sorry. I wasn't sure if it was me you were talking to. I'm Sakura. Guessing from your features, you're related to Sasuke."

"Sasuke?" One of Shisui's eyebrows lifted up in both confusion and surprise. Then a Cheshire smile spread across his lips. "Oh? Does Sasu-chan have a girl friend already?"

Catching Shisui's insinuation, Sakura blushed and immediately replied, "No! I'm his best friend, Shisui-san."

Shisui couldn't help the laugh that escaped him after Sakura's indignant response. "Oh! You know my name, Kitten. I'm honored."

"Kitten?" Sakura crossed her arms. "Now I understand what Sasuke's been saying. You really are a jackass."

Itachi let out a series of cough that sounded suspiciously like he was trying his laugh.

"Jackass? You wound me, Kitten."

Sakura shook her head and motioned to put her ear pieces back when Shisui suddenly added, "So how come I've never seen you around their house?"

She raised an eyebrow and answered, "You mean you actually have the time to be in their house?"

"What do you mean?"

"Sasuke said that you always spend your free time chasing skirts. Aren't you the one who got caught with his pants down, so to speak? Getting so drunk at that club and a certain incident of "total alcohol blindness"?"

Shisui faced turned red. "No way! Sasuke told you about that?"

Sakura lifted an eyebrow again. "I did tell you that he's my best friend. Plus, knowing he isn't going to be able to come on this trip, he made certain I knew all there is to know about the people here."

"But I am curious as to why you do not come as often as you did when you were younger." The question startled her. She, in all honesty, didn't expect the Uchiha beside her to enter the conversation. She turned her head towards him and saw that he was waiting for her answer.

"Sasuke is your brother, right? So I am sure you are aware that he can be a total idiot if you leave him and Naruto in the room for a long time. Sooner or later, one or the other is going to challenge the other in some knuckleheaded bet and pretty soon they get rough. That's how your mom's vase became a casualty."

"Ah, the vase."

Sakura wasn't sure how to respond to that so she simply shrugged and motioned to put back her ear pieces. She closed her eyes and tried to drown everything in music. She tried thinking on how she would manage her time to get at least her studies in while on this trip. Before she knew it though, Sakura found herself falling asleep.

When she found herself waking up, Sakura felt slightly disoriented. She didn't remember falling asleep. She was warm and comfortable though. In her slightly clouded state, she felt her pillow move.

Move?

She instinctively looked up, only to find her eyes meeting deep onyx ones. Sakura stiffened, eyes growing wide. She felt her body awaken at that moment as realization as quick and shocking as lightning coursed through her body.

XxXxXx

Takeshi was finally tucked into bed. After dinner, both parents saw that he rubbed his eyes frequently, fighting off sleep. With a look at Itachi, Sakura suggested that they both head back to the couch and watch TV while she changed his sheets. Itachi had simply nodded and gathered the boy in his arms, heading off to the living room.

As she was changing the sheets, Sakura kept telling herself that she was only doing it for her son. He deserved to know Itachi. Watching father and son bond for the first time was both heart-warming and heartbreaking. She could see so much of Itachi in her son that Sakura knew she was making the right decision of letting them get to know each other while another part of her was warring inside, saying that it would be a colossal mistake. It wouldn't just be her who hurts if things go bad this time. It was a scary thought for her that she was gambling with her son's as well.

Back then, if you asked her, no doubt would cloud her mind and would immediately say that Itachi was an honorable man. After their disastrous break up, it was hard to get back that mindset. Disillusion faded and reality set in for her in a huge way.

Walking back towards the living room, Sakura couldn't help but stop. Her eyes grew softer at the sight she met. There was her little man, with such a peaceful and innocent face, asleep on his father's chest while the older man's arms wrapped securely around him.

XxXxXx

Itachi carried his son towards the living room, while watching Sakura from the corner of his eyes. He could see the conflicting emotions that were raging behind her eyes. At the kitchen just before dinner, while he had her in his arms, he thought he saw some re-kindled feelings. But they were gone as quickly as they appeared. For a moment, he doubted that he saw them. As dinner went on, though, he decided that no matter what, he would make up from his terrible mistake and misjudgment. He was going to prove himself again to Sakura and their son.

"Try to sleep, Takeshi." Itachi whispered, as he lowered the volume to the TV when he noticed the little boy in his arms rub his eyes more frequently to stave the sleepiness off. They had been watching for quite awhile now.

Takeshi yawned and shook his head. "But daddy's not here yet."

That simple sentence was like the sharpest of knives. What made it worse was Itachi understood why his son didn't consider him his father yet. "I'm here. You are still not completely well. Let's not worry Sasuke."

"But I want my daddy."

It made Itachi tighten his embrace a little bit. "I'm here, Takeshi. I'm here." He whispered gently. "I'm never going to leave you again. I promise." He added softly.

He noticed that Takeshi was becoming restless so Itachi immediately said, "Why don't I tell you a story?"

"What," Takeshi yawned again. "kind of story?"

"How about I tell you when Sasuke and I were still kids. I was a year younger than you when Sasuke was born." That seemed enough to distract Takeshi and trigger an interest. "I was about four years old when he was born. I remember going to visit the hospital with my grandmother the day after Sasuke was born. Your great grandmother said that we could not go the night before because my mother and little brother had to rest. I could not sleep that night because I was excited to finally meet my brother."

"Hmm," Takeshi was slowly falling asleep. Just before he truly lost consciousness, he asked, "I don't have a brother. Do you think if I ask mommy, I could have one too?"

Itachi smiled. He could already picture Sakura's reaction when, not if, Takeshi asked that particular question. He, personally, wouldn't mind giving a brother or sister to Takeshi. After letting the shock of finding out he fathered a son pass, Itachi wasn't against the idea of having another one, or several. For now, he was content on having his son in his arms. He still had a long way to go to prove to the little boy that he could be the father he could be proud of.

"Maybe in the future, you will have a younger sibling. You can ask your mommy but for now, sleep well…my son." Itachi whispered to the sleeping child.

With the soft glow from the TV and the silence of the apartment, Itachi took the time to study his son. He was perfect. A lot of his features came from him but Takeshi's spirit was all Sakura. His resilience and easy smile were all from his mother. Itachi was simply amazing at this perfect little child he cradled in his arms. A huge wave of paternal pride overwhelmed him. Never did he think he would feel that way.

"He's asleep." Sakura's soft whisper as she sat beside them broke Itachi from his reverie. Sakura's eyes were soft as she gently ran the back of her hand on his small, chubby cheeks.

Itachi watched with rapt attention at all of her gestures. She truly was a marvel to watch. She had settled into motherhood quite well. A part of him ached at not having to see her during the entirety of her pregnancy until she gave birth to their miracle. He hadn't been there for the first few years watching their son grow.

"His bed is ready."

Itachi followed Sakura to Takeshi's room. He gently placed him on his bed and pulled up the covers, tucking him in. He stroked Takeshi's hair gently before bending down to kiss his forehead. Sakura sat on the bed and placed the stuffed bear under Takeshi's arm before she too kissed him good night.

Both parents watched their small son for a moment before silently leaving the room. Sakura was silent as she walked back towards the kitchen to deal with the dishes. Itachi followed without a word.

"Would you like some tea? Coffee?" Sakura offered.

Itachi walked over to her place by the cup boards before answering, "Let us have tea later together. I will help you with the dishes."

Sakura nodded but before she could reach the sink, she felt Itachi gently grab onto her wrist. "I will wash. You will dry." He told her, making her look up and met his gaze for a moment trying to scrutinize his motives. She nodded and went to get the drying towel.

After awhile, "You have always been excellent around the kitchen, but tonight's dinner was really delicious." Itachi commented to break the tension that had been between them since entering the kitchen.

"Thank you,"

"Takeshi loves dango very much, it seems."

Sakura smiled a bit, her eyes softening. "Even if it is Sasuke whom the world thinks is his father, Takeshi is a mini-you, Itachi."

At that, Itachi wanted so much to drop everything he was doing and gather Sakura in his arms as he did earlier. He stopped himself, though, knowing that if he pushed too much tonight, he could lose her forever. Every part of him repulsed that idea and that was where he got the resolve not to do anything.

"Itachi," Sakura started before turning towards him. "Watching the two of you together," Pausing to gather her thoughts, she wanted to say a lot of things, "You deserve to get to know each other but a part of me is so afraid to trust you fully yet. All I ask is you don't hurt him. Whatever happens to us, you have to give me your word that you will not let anything hurt him, especially that woman."

XxXxXx

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-" Sakura shot up on her seat really fast, the jacket covering her fell to her lap.

"It's fine." Itachi simply answered, slightly amused, especially with the blush Sakura was sporting.

She felt her entire face grow warmer. She felt much embarrassment as her heart kept beating really fast. It was when she noticed the jacket on her lap. Uchiha, I. It was upside down but Sakura knew that there was no mistake on which name was written. There was no contest on whom the jacket belonged to.

Sakura's face could pass as a neon sign with how the red color deepened.

Itachi watched with much amusement as he closely saw the emotions, thoughts that ran clearly on her face. She seemed to have frozen beside him, not really what to do next. He decided to take the choice from her. Reaching over, he took his jacket from her unmoving hands and wrapped it around her shoulders, making her stiffen more.

"No one will touch you now. Do not worry."

His words confused Sakura. She couldn't help the frown that came to her face. Itachi understood the unspoken question. "Keep the jacket with you. None of the guys in the team or the other will come and harass you."

"Harass?"

"Ah! It seems that you have spent too much time with my brother and Naruto that you are failing to notice how men look at you. Did you not know that when you entered the bus, almost all the men on the team looked towards you?"

XxXxXx

Itachi and Sakura sat there in silence. The tea was cooling but neither seemed to mind.

"Do you have plans this coming weekend?" Itachi finally said to break the silence.

Sakura looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. "Why don't we go out of town? It is a long weekend. I would like to take you and Takeshi somewhere."

"Do you really think that is such a good idea? Your fiancée is still in the hospital recovering. At most, she would be staying until Friday. She would be home by the weekend."

The fact that Sakura had said it in a calm and rational voice, irked Itachi. It was a natural thing to say in the situation they found themselves in. But in all honesty, Itachi couldn't find it within himself to care. Holding Takeshi in his arm while he was falling asleep made Itachi yearn to make true his words. He was more interested in immersing himself into the life of his son and again in the woman in front of him rather that the woman he called fiancée.

Itachi couldn't help it but reach over across the table and take one of the hands that were holding her cup. "I have already missed years in our son's life. Please allow me this chance to start making up for that. I will handle Akiko. It is too much to ask for now but trust me to make sure that I will protect the two of you and no repercussions are going to touch you both."

Sakura let out a sigh. A part of her was angry at herself for the answer she knew she would be uttering. She turned her hand upside down in his and gently gripped back. "I can't believe I'm saying this but…" She then looked at him straight in his eyes. "Okay."

Inside of her, Sakura felt that she agreed to easily but then her thoughts drifted back to when Itachi was holding Takeshi in the living room. It was heartbreaking to watch her little boy call out to his daddy, wanting him when he was in his father's arms all along. Itachi's desperate, emotion-filled words echoed in her entire being, cutting right though her.

No matter what, this was the man who gave her the greatest gift anyone had given her. He gave her, her son. For that, no matter what the past, she would always be grateful to him.

"But daddy's not here yet."

"I'm here. You are still not completely well. Let's not worry Sasuke."

"But I want my daddy."

"I'm here, Takeshi. I'm here."

"I'm never going to leave you again. I promise."

"Maybe in the future, you will have a younger sibling. You can ask your mommy but for now, sleep well…my son."

The relief that she saw immediately her answer was undeniable. She didn't notice that his shoulders were tense until his shoulders visibly relaxed.

"Okay?" His almost breathless question made her smile a bit.

"Yes. Just so you know Takeshi likes to swim. He would be well enough by the weekend to go swimming."

The soft smile that crossed Itachi's face gave Sakura a glimpse of the man she fell in love with.

"Does that mean I get to see you in a bikini too?" And there he goes. He just had to say that.

Sakura raised an eyebrow, "Easy, lover boy. I don't do 'mistress' duties. Flirting with engaged or married men is a huge turn off, just so we're clear."

The amusement from Itachi disappeared. It almost made Sakura feel like hitting herself. A part of her though was cheering that she put Itachi in his place. She would not be taken for a fool nor will she allow him off the hook just like that.

Itachi looked at her sharply, looking her features carefully.

"I have a lot of things to prove to you, Sakura." His hold on her hand tightened a bit. "Make no mistake. I will prove to you that I am not only worthy of Takeshi, but your trust as well. Even if you deny it, I know you know that there is still something between us. I-"

"There isn't anything between us anymore, Itachi, aside from the fact that we share a son." Sakura cut him off as she took the cold cups of tea and walked over to the sink. She wasn't going to allow him to keep up that thread of conversation.

Itachi walked up behind him, trapping her against the sink. Her back was to his chest. He could feel her tense up. He lowered his mouth by her ear and said, "I will not push you, Sakura. But we both know the truth."

"Do we, Itachi? I seem to remember someone not believing it."

"There will come a time, Sakura, when I will prove myself again to you. You may not believe it now, but I have never stopped loving you."

At those words, Sakura stood rigid. "How can you even say that to me?" Her breathless plea was filled with pain and anger. "You tell me that when you believed the lies of the woman you are going to marry?"

Not being able to help it anymore, Itachi gently turned her to face him. He wanted her to see his face when he spoke. "I cannot erase the past, Sakura. I wish I could. I tell you this because it is my truth. It is up to you to believe it or not. But like I said, one day you will learn to trust me again."

"You know, I'm so going to kill Sasuke for giving you my address." Sakura said as she pushed Itachi away from her. The comment made Itachi snigger.

"I will inform him then. Although he is expecting that you would kill me first."

"Seriously though, I can't promise you anything. I can't even wrap my head around the things you've said. I can only give you a chance like this weekend so far."

"That is all I need right now."

XxXxXx

Once the competitions started, Sakura found herself busy dealing with minor to major injuries to the team. There wasn't any arguing with Itachi so she didn't exactly have a choice other than keep the jacket with her. It being too big, she couldn't move freely with it so she had to place it in her bag while she dealt with the participants.

As she was cleaning up her station before going back towards the bench reserved for their team, a group of men walked up behind her. They were part of the opposing team.

"You're finally done with the last one. Perhaps you wouldn't mind looking some of our injuries." A voice spoke from her behind startling her.

Sakura immediately turned around and saw that there were at least four men there. She knew that by their uniforms that they were contestants. There was no way she would be able to handle them all together if worse comes to worse. She feared what could happen but didn't want to give them the satisfaction in seeing her afraid.

"You have you own team medic."

"But we want you." The man who spoke said, taking a step closer to her. "You have such a sweet voice. It complements with that unique pink hair and stunning green eyes."

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "Leave. I am an exclusive medic for Konoha University Shinobi. You will receive no help here." Her voice was strong and forceful.

Before the man and his lackeys could step forward, Itachi's voice sounded from behind them. "Do not make another step towards her."

The men stilled turned and watch Itachi approach them.

"Uchiha,"

"Shinamoto," Itachi replied as he passed him and went straight for Sakura. "Are you alright?" He almost whispered. At Sakura's nod, he prompted, "Where is the jacket I left you?"

"It's in my bag." Knowing that he was going to ask her to take it out, Sakura brought it out and handed it to him thinking that he wanted it back.

Itachi took it from her and opened it. He then placed it around her shoulders, pulling the lapels in front to somehow envelop her with it. Sakura looked up at Itachi with slight confusion in her eyes but cleared with understanding when she saw the unspoken message his eyes were telling her.

"I will only say this once," Itachi said as he made the last adjustments to the jacket over her and took her bag unto his shoulder, "The next time you and your friends so much as breathe wrong in her direction, it is I who you will be facing."

Sakura bit her lip to keep from saying anything. It was annoying to think about what Itachi was implying when there wasn't anything to imply in the first place. But a part of her would rather have that than find herself cornered by those guys again. She knew they were trouble. She wasn't about to delude herself in believing that she could handle four trained kendo fighters on her own. She wanted to kick herself for not taking Sasuke up on his offer to teach her a few moves. Maybe she would pester him when she got home until he agreed to show her this time.

"Come, Sakura." Itachi said, breaking her out of her reverie as he gently guided her away. His hand was on the small of her back.

Sakura was so distracted with Itachi's gestures and warm hand on her back that she didn't notice another arm reaching for her. She suddenly found herself roughly grabbed away from Itachi. She let out a surprised gasp at the motion and found herself against a hard chest. Her entire body froze.

"You didn't really think you could get away from me that easily, did you, sweetheart?"

"I am not your sweetheart." Sakura answered without pause and instinctively raised her other hand to slap him.

The move was so unexpected that it shocked Shinamomoto. But the shock was short-lived. Anger clouded his vision. Before he could lay a finger in retaliation, Itachi's fist came into contact with his jaw. It was powerful that it made Shinamoto stagger back. Sakura didn't hesitate to struggle and broke off his grasp on her.

In a split second, an all-out fight broke out.

"Run, Sakura! Go to the others!" Itachi instructed as he traded blows with Shinamoto.

Sakura was torn on what she was supposed to do. A part of her wanted to go and follow Itachi but another was dead set on not wanting to leave him. The choice was taken away from her when she felt someone grab her. She didn't need to look to know that one of Shinamoto's friends had grabbed her. She started to struggle as her eyes never left Itachi's form. Fear crawled throughout her body. She didn't know what else she could do to get herself and Itachi out of that situation.

Itachi cursed under his breath. He knew that Sakura hadn't been able to get away. He knew he had to wrap the fight up and take her away. It was hardly a fair fight though. Three of them against him, while the other held Sakura, it was truly an unfair fight.

Without a doubt, Itachi was good. No, Sakura corrected herself, he was not just good, he truly was skillful. His moves were smooth and precise.

"He may be skilled but your boy friend will get it." The man who was holding her said. Sakura stiffened and that was when she saw Shinamoto take out what looked like a pocket knife from his pocket.

"Itachi!" Sakura screamed.

Itachi caught a glimpse of something shiny at the corner of his eye. He instinctively knew that that was what Sakura had shouted to warn him off.

As he was struggling with Shinamoto, one of his friends swung a punch and hit Itachi in the face. Sakura watched Itachi stagger.
No!" She screamed.

Two men were holding Itachi's arms as Shinamoto prepared to deliver a shot. Before he could do anything though, "What is going on here?!" They all heard and everybody froze.

"Drop the knife!" Jiraira bellowed as he stood beside another man.

"Now, Shinamoto! And let Uchiha Itachi and the girl go!" The command was firm and full of authority.

Judging by how the four men froze, Sakura knew that there was a huge chance that his man was their coach.

Sakura felt the hold on her loosen. She didn't even think as she ran to Itachi. She flung herself on him, relieved that he didn't get stabbed or anything. Itachi, on his part, was surprised to find himself an armful of sweet smelling pink-haired woman. He enclosed her in his arms. The fact that she was shaking made Itachi pull her closer to him.

"Are you alright?" He whispered. He felt her nod against his chest.

Without really noticing what was happening around them or letting her out of his arms, Itachi guided Sakura out of there.

XxXxXx

Entering his penthouse apartment, Itachi realized that he didn't feel at home. He might have lived there for a few years already but still, it lacked any feeling of warmth. Everything had its place. Everything was modern and upscale. But Itachi realized that it was a cold place.

His thoughts brought him back to Sakura's apartment. It might not have been as big and grand as his, her place felt lived, felt loved. That was the place where his son calls home, where his son wakes up every morning, eager to face a new day. That was where his son was lulled to sleep every night by an amazing woman he had once called his.

Itachi threw his suit jacket at the back of the couch and went to fix himself a glass of whiskey. He stood in front of his huge penthouse window, overlooking the city. It was a beautiful sight, one that he had always appreciated. One of the lights there was from Sakura's apartment, Takeshi's night light that she had placed by his window sill.

A son.

The knowledge was still enough to bring him to his knees. All those years ago, he had fleeting thoughts of him and Sakura having children. After their disastrous fallout, he never thought about having children again. Even when he proposed to Akiko, never did the thought of siring children cross his mind.

Now, knowing Takeshi's existence, Itachi couldn't think of going through the rest of his life without being part of his son's. He wasn't lying to Sakura earlier. He never did stop thinking of her, loving her. After all the years of telling himself that he was over her and she didn't matter to him anymore and being completely honest now, he knew that he never did let go of his affections towards her. How could she? She had always been special. But she was also human, and so was he.

A costly mistake, a little of hers but mostly his, had torn them apart.

Now, he was given another chance. For the first time in years, Itachi truly looked forward to the weekend. He was going to prove himself worthy of Sakura's trust and more importantly, he was going to be a part of Takeshi's life. His son was going to know him as he would get to know everything in return. He had already missed out on the first years of Takeshi's life. He wasn't about to waste another minute.

Itachi knew that he had to start making amends. For that to happen, he knew that he had to end things with Akiko. In all honesty, there was no sense of loss on that part. He had never had any feelings for her. Cold-hearted as it must sound, he held no love towards her even if he did propose to her. She was only the most convenient at the time. She might be good in bed, he would give her that, but there was never love on his part to her.

After hearing what Akiko had done to Sakura back then and inadvertently it had almost killed his child, it was something that Itachi knew he wouldn't forget or forgive any time soon.

Unconsciously, Itachi's grip on the whiskey glass tightened. His eyes narrowed. Akiko had hurt both Sakura and Takeshi all those years ago. She definitely didn't belong in their lives now. He understood Sakura's vehemence against Akiko being anywhere near Takeshi. He shared the same sentiment. She wasn't going to have a chance to be near his son.

XxXxXx

Itachi led Sakura away. He brought her to the locker room assigned to their team. It was empty since most were still either waiting to compete or watching the other fighters. Sakura didn't say a word or move away from Itachi. Once they were inside, Sakura motioned for him to take a seat on one of the benches.

Wordlessly, Itachi released her and followed suit. Sakura opened her bag and took out a cloth. She went to the sink to wet it. Her mind kept replaying what had happened earlier over and over again. Without knowing it, her hands started to shake. She was startled when she turned and found Itachi looking at her. Sakura inwardly sighed and started to walk towards him. It unnerved her to see him watching her every move as she approached.

Itachi knew that the earlier encounter had affected her more than she was willing to admit. As he watched her dampen the cloth, small signs showed him that he was correct. He didn't really understand where the protective instincts were coming from. Perhaps it was because she was his younger brother's best friend but something raw was influencing his actions.

He knew that she was so lost in thought that she didn't expect to see him watching her. It didn't stop him from keeping his eyes on her as she walked back towards him.

Sakura sat beside him. He turned towards her, knowing that she wanted to clean his bruised lip. It was lucky swing. It was one he didn't see as he was trying to keep himself from getting killed.

"I'm sorry," Her soft voice while she was dabbing at his lip, broke Itachi from his reverie.

His eyes looked back at her, "What are you sorry for?"

Sakura bit her lower lip and brought her hand down. She looked down. She couldn't look at him in the eye although she knew that his gaze was upon her. "I should have been smarter than I had been. You warned me, in a way. Sasuke warned me. Still, I let myself be in that-"

She wasn't able to finish what she was saying as Itachi lifted her chin to allow him to make eye contact. "Don't, Sakura." As she was about to argue, Itachi added, "It is not your fault."

"But you got hurt."

Without another word, Itachi crashed his lips against hers. His hand found itself at the back of her neck as he pulled her head closer to him.

Sakura was shocked. Here was the big brother of her best friend kissing her. Maybe it was the stress or the shock of what happened earlier on top of everything that she was handling but Sakura found herself answering his kiss.

When Itachi broke the kiss, he told her, "I will protect you."

XxXxXx

I will protect you.

Those were his words to her when he decided that he was going to pursue her. Those were his words to her when they started. They may have at that point only known each other in more than a passing glance for only a while, Itachi knew that she was special. There was something about her that captured his attention. Maybe it was the combination of innocence and independence that drew him or maybe it was because she was, until now, the best friend of his younger brother, or perhaps a combination of both, it invoked such a strong sense of protection from him.

But in the end of their relationship, he didn't protect her. He abandoned her. He turned his back on her. Without even knowing, he turned his back and walked away from his son too. After the initial anger he felt hours after finding out that he had a son, Itachi understood why Sakura felt like she couldn't approach him to tell him her news. If it were him, he wouldn't as well. Speaking to her the night before solidified his thoughts about that.

Walking through the front of the hospital, he had only one thought in mind. He was going to end a part of his life he would never be proud of. Aside from ending it with Akiko, he was going to end the lifestyle he had been living since leaving Sakura. No more women to warm his bed for a single night only. No more shallow living and lies.

His son deserved a father who he could be proud of. Sakura deserved more than perhaps he could give. She deserved a man whom she could trust and who would be there for her. By kami, Itachi was going to be that man. He was going to be that kind of father.

Opening Akiko's room, Itachi saw her smile up at him at his entrance. His face remained neutral.

"Itachi! I was wondering where you were off to, sweetheart."

Hearing her voice, Itachi remembered Sasuke's words. I don't think you realize how much you've made Sakura suffer. How could you ever believe that whore, Akiko, is beyond me. Now more than ever, Itachi was inclined to agree with his younger brother. He had once thought that he could spend his life with this woman but after learning his son's existence and how this woman almost killed him, the idea of marriage became sour. He wouldn't take her now or ever.

"You are awake now. That is good. At least you are conscious enough to understand what I am about to say."

Confusion spread across Akiko's face. She couldn't seem to understand Itachi's tone. She didn't say anything though.

"I wash my hands clean of you. The engagement is off." With that, Itachi didn't give her time to talk him down as he simply turned and walked out of the door. He saw the stunned expression on her face and it wouldn't be long before her usual verbal responses kicked in. He didn't want to listen to anything she had to say. It was a cold move but she should consider herself lucky. She had almost killed his son and she was lucky to get out of it with only that.

XxXxXX

I will protect you.

As Sakura laid to sleep after Itachi left, his promise from long ago kept on repeating over and over again. His current actions confused her greatly. He claimed that he still loved her. She found it hard to believe especially when he found it very easy to walk away from her long ago.

His invitation for the weekend confused her more. She knew that partly he was doing it so he could get to know their son more and to allow Takeshi to know him in return. Itachi also told her that he would be proving himself to her. What did that mean exactly? She was to apprehensive to even think about what that could mean. She didn't want to put herself out there again and only be played. It wasn't just her this time. She had to protect Takeshi from whatever that could hurt him, even if it was from Itachi. Sakura fell asleep with those thoughts in mind.

Early the next morning, Sakura woke up to knocking. She sat up and immediately looked at the clock beside her bed. 6:00 a.m. An eyebrow rose. Who would be knocking at my door at 6 in the morning?

Getting out of bed, Sakura stretched a bit before heading out her bedroom door. Before heading to answer the door, she peaked into Takeshi's room. She smiled when she saw that he was still sleeping.

The knocking persisted again. It didn't sound agitated or in a hurry, which made her wonder again who it was. Peaking through the peek hole, she was surprised. Sasuke.

Sakura unlocked the bolts and opened the door. "Sasuke? What's wrong? What are you doing here this early?" She asked as she let him pass and re-locked the door.

"I wanted to make sure that you're okay."

She led him to the kitchen and started making tea. Letting out a sigh and answered his implied question, "I can't say that I'm totally okay, Sasuke. Having Itachi appear in my door step unexpectedly is not something I really wanted to happen last night especially since Takeshi is sick."

Waiting for the water to boil, she sat in front of Sasuke. She understood his look. "As much as I would like to strangle Itachi, a part of me wanted him to be here last night. I want Takeshi to have him in his life."

"Believe me, I wanted to take a swing or two when he showed up demanding where you live."

"Now that you mentioned it, why didn't you at least give me a heads up that you were giving him my address?"

Sasuke had the decency to wince. "As much as I think he's an ass, you said so yourself, Takeshi deserves to have him in his life."

"You should have made him grovel more." Sakura commented as she crossed her arms.

"Why didn't you make him grovel more?" Sasuke fired back.

Sakura let out a sigh. Before she could answer, the kettle whistled. She stood up and answered, "Last night, Takeshi had all of my focus. He threw up when Itachi showed up. Trust me, I am so making him grovel this weekend."

It was Sasuke's turn to lift an eyebrow. "This weekend?"

Sakura poured him a cup of tea before filling hers and sitting back down. "Itachi asked me if he could take Takeshi out this weekend. I honestly don't have a problem with that. He opened the invitation to me too. After some prodding and little thinking on my part, I'm ashamed to admit, I said yes. I guess we will see where this goes."

Sasuke leaned back and didn't answer right away. "Maybe it's a good thing, Sakura. Either way, Takeshi and Itachi will get to know each other, first and foremost. As for what will happen with the two of you, well, maybe you will finally get to settle the past."

Sakura wrinkled her nose. "It's not like I haven't forgiven Itachi. It's that blasted woman I'm worried about. He told me not worry about it and he will handle it but I don't know. I know one way or the other she will figure it out that whatever Itachi does, it is because of me and Takeshi and she will stop at nothing until she hurts us. That was what she did before and I doubt that it will change now, even if I did save her life."

Sasuke reached across the table and gave her a serious, stern look. "She is not going to get the chance to hurt you and Takeshi. I never did like that woman. She will have to go through me first."

She couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Sasuke. I know you have always been here for us and I believe you when you say that you are looking out for us as you have always been. You are not with us 24/7. So, don't worry. I will take up that slack. She won't harm Takeshi."

Before anymore could be said, Takeshi came running into the kitchen. He ran straight to Sasuke, whom opened his arms to receive the child.

"Daddy!"

"Hey, buddy. How are you feeling?" Sasuke took the boy to his lap.

"I'm okay. I missed you last night. Uncle told me a story. He told me when he was waiting for you at the hospital before you were born." Takeshi answered excitedly. He then turned to Sakura and asked, "Mommy, can I have a brother too?"

Sakura almost dropped the class of orange juice she poured for him. "Uh, maybe in the future, sweetie. Who knows what will come?"

"Mommy, where do babies come from?" was Takeshi's innocent next question.

She felt her cheeks flush to red. She could see from behind Takeshi that Sasuke was trying hard to contain his laugh. Judging by the smirk he had on, he enjoyed the conversation.

"Someday, sweetheart, I will tell you. Or better yet, you can ask daddy." If she was going to be in the hot seat, she was definitely not going to stay there alone.

Takeshi turned to look back up at Sasuke with a cute, questioning face. Sasuke let out a cough and blushed. "Buddy, mommies and daddies sometimes talk about having babies and decide when they want them."

"Sometimes? You mean, daddy, not all the time?"

Sasuke knew he dug himself deeper. He would have face palmed if he were alone. "Uh-"

Sakura decided to throw him a bone. "Sweetie, for now, all you need to know is that babies come from heaven. They come to earth to become blessings to mommies and daddies."

"From heaven? So mommy are they the angels you said come from the sky? The falling stars?"

Sakura smiled and nodded. "They become little angels to their mommies and daddies. Now," She then placed his glass of juice in front of him and said, "What would you like to eat? Waffles or pancakes?"

"Mickey mouse pancakes!"

Sakura laughed and nodded. "Mickey mouse pancakes it is. How about you, Sasuke? I can make you a tomato omelet."

"I'll take the omelet, please."

His immediate reply made Sakura laugh and shake her head.

(to be continued…)

Hi! Sorry for the late update. I got sick and between work and school I didn't have much time to sit down and write. I've decided to sum this whole story up in five chapters only. So, just like this one, expect the last 3 to be as long or longer. A fair warning though, I will updating late because the next chapters are going to be really LONG. I will try my best to update as soon as I can. Don't forget to leave a review though. I'm sure you know that reviews are like creative juice that drives away writer's block. Please review!

Michiko