YOU ARE NOT ALONE

CHAPTER 3

After the incident, Sakura became known as Itachi's girl. When they emerged from the locker room, Itachi led her by the hand to the allotted place for their fighters. He made sure that she was wearing his jersey jacket, his name at her back where everyone could see.

What people didn't know at that point was that there was no romantic relationship between the two. After the kiss, there was an awkward silence between the two of them.

Sakura had stiffly backed away slowly, face red and her eyes were looking every where but Itachi.

Itachi, on his part, cleared his throat. He then said, "I am sorry. That was a little forward. But that does not mean that it is regrettable."

The comment prompted Sakura to turn a darker shade of red. Itachi smirked and reached out to her. He gently laid a hand on hers. "Listen, I meant what I said. I will protect you. I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable. You are in an event that is overwhelmingly filled with testosterone. As you can see, there are not many women kendo fighters."

Sakura closed her eyes in frustration before opening them and looked up at Itachi. "Sasuke gave me the ran down. Naruto, even that knucklehead, told me about this. I just didn't expect…"

"Shinamoto has always been wild. There are numerous rumors and stories attached to his name aside from his athletic career. I had a feeling he would have his eyes on you the moment he saw you."

Sakura gave a frustrated sigh before answering, "Maybe I should have taken up Sasuke's offer of teaching me some moves…I'm going to beg him when we get back."

Itachi couldn't help the laugh that came from him. "I will teach you, Sakura. There are training rooms assigned to each team for the duration of the tournament. If you'd like, we could go through some moves later."

"Really?"

He only nodded. "I'd like that. Thank you, Itachi, especially with what you did back there. You could have seriously gotten hurt. To think he came armed and those goons of his…"

"I am sure that they are being dealt with now. Knowing him though, he will not take it lightly. I simply ask that you stick close to me for the duration of our time here."

"By this time, everybody would have already thought that we are together anyway. There is no stopping stories once they have started."

"I do not mind it. Do you?"

"No."

"That is good then." Itachi stood and extended his hand towards her to help her up. "Besides, you should not listen to useless stories." He then led her out.

XxXxXx

You should not listen to useless stories.

Those words haunted Sakura ever since he walked away from her years ago. Yeah right. That turned out to be such a hypocrite statement.

Sakura carried a sleeping Takeshi from Sasuke's car. Sasuke was walking a few steps in front of her and rang his parents' house doorbell. He looked back at Sakura as she laid a gentle hand at her son's back.

It didn't take long before the front door opened. Mikoto ushered them inside when she saw them.

"Hi, Mikoto-san."

The older woman walked towards her and Takeshi after she greeted her son. Sasuke went to the living room and placed Takeshi's bag on the couch, greeting his father in the process.

Mikoto gave Sakura a small hug. "How's the little one?"

"He's doing better now. He hasn't had any fever since last night, which is very good." Sakura answered softly, smiling down at her precious cargo.

Fugaku and Sasuke walked towards them. "Hello, Fugaku-san." Sakura greeted, to which the older man nodded in acknowledgement.

"Come on. You can bring him to Itachi's old room." Mikoto offered.

Sakura nodded but before she took a step towards the stairs, Takeshi lifted his sleepy head up and rubbed his eyes awake. "Had a good nap, sweetie?" Sakura kissed his forehead.

Takeshi nodded his small head. Sakura smiled again and said, "Look at where we are, sweetheart, and look who's happy to see you."

Doing what his mother said, Takeshi looked around and his eyes widened with happiness. "Gramma! Grammpa!" He reached over at Mikoto who was only glad to take the boy in her arms.

After giving her only grandson a huge hug, she told him, "Why don't you go to grandpa and I will prepare lunch?"

Fugaku, who didn't get to cuddle his children while they were growing up, did not seem to be having a problem with handling the boy.

"Mikoto-san, let me help you with lunch." Sakura offered as she left the men in the living room and followed the older woman to the kitchen.

As they started to prepare lunch, Mikoto opened, "I received a call from Sasuke last night. He said that Itachi had come to him asking for your address. He also told me that Itachi now knows Takeshi's existence."

"Yes. I was the attending physician to his fiancée when she was brought in for immediate surgery. That was how we met again. What I didn't expect was for Sasuke to bring Takeshi over the at the hospital as I was ending my shift, explaining Akiko's progress and treatment to Itachi."

"How did he find out that Takeshi is his?"

"Takeshi. When Itachi asked how old he was, Sasuke and I didn't exactly have time to interfere. Itachi is a smart man. He can do the math."

Mikoto let out a sigh as she stirred at the stove. "Yes, that son of mine is truly an intelligent man but I'm afraid his social skills are not at par. He has been in a downward spiral ever since you two broke up. No matter what I did, I cannot reach him. Your break up truly devastated him even if he would not admit it openly."

That stopped Sakura. She didn't expect that. After all these years, Mikoto hadn't talked about Itachi and the ramifications of their break up with her before. "What do you mean?" She couldn't help but ask.

"My dear, after you, my son closed off his heart. He worked hard professionally but never making any emotional connections with others, women in particular. I'm afraid the play boy image he got is his way of adapting of having lost you."

"He believed I betrayed him." Sakura answered softly. Her voice was filled with raw pain and sadness.

"Yes, he did. Before you, he had never been serious in any of his relationships. You are the first he introduced to the family as his girl friend. I am his mother. I knew he loved you. Something happened that broke you two up and it hurt him as well. It is hard to watch the two of you progress apart."

Sakura was silent for awhile. As she continued to cut the vegetables, she said, "Akiko happened."

"Itachi was tight lipped about it. What exactly did that witch do?"

"I am not entirely certain, Mikoto-san. I only know what she did to me and almost did to Takeshi. As for what she toldItachi, I can only guess. To sum it up, I believe she convince him that I am having an affair with various men…that I betrayed him…and have been lying to him for sometime. Circumstances as they were, I think my bed rest and fear of miscarriage was misconstrued and proved to Itachi that Akiko was telling the truth."

Mikoto let out another sigh. "For whatever reason it was, I'm glad that now he is aware of his son. You might now have been out-front with me, young lady, but I know that it is what you have wanted ever since you were pregnant with that precious child. A mother knows."

"Yes. From the moment I knew I carried our child, I wanted Itachi to share the blessing. It may have taken years but at least he now knows."

"Has he made an effort in getting to know Takeshi?"

Sakura smiled and her eyes softened. The older woman didn't miss these. "Yes. When he came over last night, I believe he has started to exert his right as a father. Watching the two of them together was like watching Itachi and his mini-me. He asked if he could take Takeshi out for the weekend."

"What does that mean for the two of you? Don't get me wrong, Sakura. I love Itachi as he is my son but that doesn't mean I do not care about you too. You are like a daughter to me. I don't like seeing you hurt as well."

"I don't know, Mikoto-san. I am willing to let him in a bit for our son's sake. He needs us both. I'm hesitant to think of more. Besides, he is engaged. I will not be the other woman in his life. I will not be anyone's mistress no matter what our past is."

"I support that decision 100%. But I only ask, Sakura, do not be afraid to explore all the possibilities this path could hold."

"I understand. I want what is best of Takeshi."

"For you as well, my dear. You deserve your happiness too."

XxXxXx

When Itachi was invited to lunch that day by his mother, a refusal was at the tip of his tongue. But when he found out that Sakura and their son were going to be there, he agreed to come.

After walking out of Sakura's apartment the night before, he knew he wanted to spend the next day with the two people he left behind. Takeshi was still recovering and knowing Sakura's nature, he knew that she wouldn't want to leave him yet. She would want to be with him until she was certain that he was entirely well.

Ending things earlier with Akiko made him want to rush back to Sakura's side, forever reveling in the miracle that was their child.

Itachi drove towards the home he grew up as a child. All these years, his parents had known about his son. All these years they didn't tell him anything. They didn't even hint a bit. But the look of disappointment was something that was hard to miss as time elapsed and most especially when he brought Akiko home, declaring that she was his fiancée.

A part of him wanted to hate his parents for keeping such a secret. He wanted to hate his little brother and even Sakura for not telling him. He deserved to know that he had sired a child.

But again, he did not deserve the truth when it was him who had walked away. It was him who had simply ended things without talking to Sakura or asking her side of the story. Her distraught, heartbroken face would forever haunt him.

His father, although very strict and formal towards him and Sasuke when growing up, had always taught them that a man honors his woman. Even with all the faults of his father, he showed them that he always respected Mikoto and treated her highly. Itachi failed in the moment he opened his mouth and went against Sakura. He continued to fail when he took various women who meant nothing to him in his bed, sought one night and threw them out of his life.

When he parked at the garage, Itachi noticed that his brother's car was already there. He rang the bell and was let inside by Sasuke. He followed his brother to the living room and was surprised to see Takeshi there watching cartoons with his father.

The little boy turned to look up. He smiled when he saw Itachi. "Uncle!" He said as he got up and ran. He then attached himself on his biological father's legs.

Itachi laid a hand on top of the boy's raven head. His eyes softened. "How are you feeling today? Better?"

Takeshi nodded enthusiastically and looked up at him, giving him a huge smile.

"Sasuke," Fugaku's voice took Itachi's attention from his son. "Why don't you take Takeshi for awhile and help him get ready for lunch? Your mother is about to call us. I need to speak with Itachi alone for a moment."

Sasuke didn't say anything but knelt down beside Takeshi and smirked. "What do you say we wash our hands and see if mommy needs help in the kitchen?"

"Can I have juice, daddy? Mommy said that if I drank my orange juice and be good shewill let me have hot chocolate with cookies."

Sasuke ruffled Takeshi's hair and gathered him in his arms. "Let's see if grammy has your favorite ninja boxed juice and then we'll ask mommy for hot chocolate."

"Yey! Ninja juice! Let's go daddy!"

Watching his younger brother be the father to his son was like throwing salt in open wounds. He wanted that. He wanted to have that kind of relationship with his son. Takeshi was his son.

"Come," Fugaku's single-worded command brought Itachi out of his reverie. He followed his father to his downstairs office without saying a word.

XxXxXx

"Ninja juice! Ninja juice!" Takeshi happily chanted as he and Sasuke entered the kitchen.

Sakura couldn't help but laugh as she turned towards them. "Okay, ninja man. Wash your hands and sit down."

"Hurry daddy!"

Sasuke laughed as he lifted the boy up on the sink and let him wash his hands.

"Do you need help with the table, Sakura?" Sasuke asked over his shoulder.

"No. I got it. I think I saw some juice in the fridge."

"It's in the bottom compartment, Sasuke." Mikoto instructed as she started to ladle out the food into serving plates.

"Itachi's here by the way. Father just wants to have a word with him for a moment." Sasuke said as he placed the opened juice box in front of Takeshi. His gaze was on Sakura. He knew that she was still uncomfortable with this latest development no matter how much she said that it was okay.

Sakura was finishing up setting the table. "Then I should add another set then." She answered.

Sasuke approached Sakura and laid hand on her arm. "You don't have to do this if you are uncomfortable."

Sakura smiled in response. "Thanks, Sasuke. But I have to. For Takeshi."

Sasuke looked at her. He didn't say anything immediately. "It's going to be a huge change for Takeshi, especially making him understand the switch between our titles. I'm here, okay?"

She nodded. "Thanks, Sasuke, for everything."

XxXxXx

"You have found out." It was delivered as a statement rather than a question. Fugaku said it as he was looking outside his office window as he heard the door close behind him.

"Yes, Father."

"Hn,"Fugaku then turned around and gave his son a stern look. "It is only through Sakura's decision that your son has the Uchiha name. With Sasuke's help, your son is growing up knowing his name."

"Yes, I know, Father."

"I do not know what happened years ago that made you and Sakura break up. I do not need to know. I do know that you are aware of your responsibility. I have raised you to always fulfill your responsibility."

"I plan on getting to know Takeshi and having him get to know me. As for Sakura, I will win her trust back."

Fugaku nodded. "Good. Just be warned. If you fail, it is she who will walk out this time and will take Takeshi with her. I have heard rumors that the hospital in Suna is very much interested in getting Sakura into their folds."

His father didn't need to continue or say anything more. Itachi understood quite clearly what was at stake.

XxXxXx

Lunch wasn't as awkward as everyone expected it to be. Takeshi was the perfect ice breaker. He was back to his energetic and inquisitive self much to Sakura's relief and everyone's amusement.

"Mommy, I've finished my vegetables. Can I have cookies and hot chocolate now?" Takeshi asked as he tugged on Sakura's hand.

She smiled and nodded. But before she could get up, Itachi stood and met her gaze. She simply nodded.

Itachi prepared a small plate with cookies and a glass on how he took his chocolate milk as a kid. Compared to Sasuke, he made more of a sweet tooth. He would be forever grateful to Sakura that she had been sharing things about him to Takeshi. Now, he wanted to share this with their son himself.

He headed back to the table and set the plate in front of Takeshi as Sakura took his used dishes. His eyes softened when he saw the excitement in his son's eyes. It melted a little more when Takeshi thanked him liked he had done something really special.

The little boy's eyes widened a bit more when he got his first taste of the cocoa. There was something special about it. It wasn't like the ones Sasuke would prepare for him. It was slightly different from what Sakura would give him.

"You like it?"Itachi asked, from his seat beside the little boy.

Takeshi nodded enthusiastically. "It's almost like what mommy makes!"

Itachi looked up and caught Sakura's gaze as he answered, "I taught you mother how to prepare hot chocolate. But nothing beats the original."

"Really?"

"Yes. Next time, I will teach you too, if you like and if your mother says it is okay. We do not want to spoil your appetite for meals."

Takeshi looked to his mother and started pulling at her sleeve. "Can we, mommy? Please? Please? I promise I will eat all my vegetables."

Sakura let out a sigh. How could she resist him and those cute little eyes of his? "Okay." As Takeshi started yelling in triumph, Sakura added, "But you know the rule. Healthy food-"

"-before sweets. Yes, mommy. Thank you!"

From the opposite side of the table, Fugaku, Mikoto and Sasuke watched in amusement at what they had just witnessed. There was no doubt that Itachi was indeed serious in stepping up to the plate to become Takeshi's father.

XxXxXx

For the duration of the trip, Sakura and Itachi weren't far from one another. They let everybody think whatever they wanted about their relationship, neither would verify any questions. On the trip back, they sat beside next to each other again, only this time, Sakura sat by the window.

"Things will be the same once we get back." Itachi said.

Sakura nodded and leaned back. "This certainly is a trip that I never expected."

Itachi was silent for a moment. "Sakura," He waited until she looked back at him. "Are you adverse to the idea of seeing where this leads us?"

The question stilled Sakura. She didn't expect that question from him. She knew that as Sasuke's best friend, Itachi found it necessary to look out for her. Aside from the kiss at the locker room, Itachi had been nothing but a gentleman. It was her decision now. She knew that whatever it was she would decide, Itachi would respect it.

Did she want to have a relationship with Itachi? If she was honest to herself, she knew that she was attracted to the elder Uchiha brother. Aside from his innate good looks, Sakura had always admired his intelligence and character. So, would she allow herself now to open herself to a possible relationship?

She leaned forward and kissed him chastely in the cheek. She smiled up at him and said, "No."

Itachi gave her a smile that made her heartbeat faster. He reached his arm around her should and pulled her towards his body. He laid a sweet kiss on her forehead. "I would kiss you but our location right now is not appropriate."

Sakura giggled against his chest and whispered back, "Shishui isn't going to let you live it down. We have your image to protect."

XxXxXx

"Are you sure you know what you are doing, Forehead?"

Sakura let out a sigh as she was washing the dishes. Tomorrow morning Itachi would be coming to pick her and Takeshi up for a weekend getaway. "Honestly? I don't know, Pig? He's Takeshi's biological father. Takeshi deserves to know him as much as Itachi deserves to know our son."

Ino snorted on the other end of the phone call. "He doesn't deserve squat. He abandoned you and Takeshi. He's not the same man you fell in love with, Forehead."

"I am also not the same woman he claimed to love before."

"Look," Ino started, "I know you mean well and you are thinking about your son but becoming a mom doesn't mean you also forget about yourself. It's the same thing you told me when I had the twins and most especially when they turned 2 years old"

"I understand that Ino. I'm scared to even think about it. This is the man whom I loved with me entire being once. I thought that we would be spending our lives together. Trust me, if it were just me, I'd be running the opposite direction right now."

"Well, just be careful, Sakura. Oh and before I let you go and do your thing, I heard some bit of juicy news this afternoon at work."

Sakura groaned. Ino hadn't changed ever since they had been kids. "Do I even want to know, Pig?"

"Oh totally." Ino paused. "Itachi came by the hospital the yesterday morning. He went straight to that bitch's room. No one really knows what the exact words were said but it didn't take him long to come out of the room. He kept on walking without looking back and Akiko was hysterical, calling out to Itachi. It appears that he broke up with her and left her. She's been trying to get herself checked out from her now attending physician. As of now, she's still in the hospital."

Sakura stilled. "You mean…Itachi broke up with her? They're not engaged anymore?"

"Yes, Forehead. I have no idea if Itachi's intentions now are pure but like I said, be careful. I'll repeat, he's not the same man you fell in love with."

XxXxXx

Itachi got up early. He hadn't been able to sleep much the night before in anticipation of the day. It would be the first outing he would be bringing Takeshi to and his first attempt in mending fences with Sakura.

Arriving at Sakura's apartment early, Itachi knocked on the door. He didn't wait long before the door opened.

"Good morning," Sakura greeted as she opened the door wider to let him in. "Takeshi's still asleep. He could hardly sleep last night. He's so excited. Would you like some coffee? Tea? I'll just finish packing up and we will be ready to go. Takeshi can sleep going there."

"Good morning. Yes, coffee would be nice." He answered as he followed her to the kitchen. "I could hardly sleep too last night."

Sakura served him his coffee as she turned back to the counter where she was preparing snacks for the trip. "I hope you don't mind people eating in the car. Takeshi usually likes to snack during long trips."

"I do not mind at all. Do not worry, Sakura."

"Okay then. I am making him some panda sandwiches. Would you like some too?"

"Panda sandwiches?"

"Oh! Sorry. It's pretty much any spread. Takeshi likes chocolate though. I usually give him different jams too. We call it panda sandwiches because I make them into panda shapes."

Itachi stood from where he sat at the table and walked to stand beside her. "Let me help."

She nodded and passed all the jars of different spreads towards him. She handed him a couple of bread knives. She then proceeded to use the cookie cutter through the bread slices. They worked quietly.

"Sasuke and I were talking last night." Sakura started. Itachi paused with what he was doing and looked at her. "He'll be back by Sunday afternoon, about the same time we will be. We were discussing that maybe it would be the right time if we started explaining to Takeshi what your true role in his life is, that is, if you are agreeable."

In that moment, Itachi was overwhelmed with self-admonition. How could he have doubted Sakura's character before? "Yes, that would be fine." He was amazed with how Sakura and Sasuke have stepped up with this change in all of their situations.

Putting down the cookie cutter, Sakura looked back at Itachi. "Listen, I have no illusions that it's going to be a hard transition. Takeshi is still too young to understand it fully but I know he's old enough to understand the basics. I've seen you trying to be his father and I'm truly glad for that. We're going to figure out how we are as parents too. He's going to need us to have a united front no matter what our relationship is."

Itachi didn't comment right away. He understood Sakura's reservations against him. "Hi. My name is UchihaItachi." He said as he extended a hand.

Sakura raised an eyebrow and Itachi answered with a smirk. Her eyes narrowed. Based on her memory and being around Sasuke long enough, she knew that smirk to be of a challenge. "It's nice to meet you, UchihaItachi, My name is Haruno Sakura. I just happen to be the mother of your son."

Taking Sakura's hand and shaking it, Itachi answered, "The pleasure is all mine, Sakura. My son could not have a better, more beautiful mother." He then kissed her hand, which prompted a blush from Sakura. He was inwardly delighted that she's still as responsive to him as before.

Sakura cleared her throat and took her hand from his. "Fresh start. I'm hoping to all kami that I'm doing the right thing."

"I broke it off with Akiko. You do not have to worry about her. She will not go near our son. She will not be going near you. You are right. You are not someone's mistress. You deserve better than that." Itachi suddenly said.

"I know. Ino told me about it. She told me you went to her hospital room and broke up with her. I can't say I feel bad in being relieved that she won't be my son's stepmother. I'm relieved that she won't be involved in his life."

Itachi turned fully towards Sakura and gently turned her towards him. "Do not ever feel bad about that. Ever."

"She will fight for you. You know that right?"

"I do not care if she fights for me or not. I have washed my hands clean of her."

"Just like that?"

Itachi's eyes narrowed a bit. "She is lucky that is all I am doing. After learning what she did to you and to Takeshi-"

"Let's not bring that up again, please. I get the picture. Anyway, why don't you finish up here and I'll go and get Takeshi?"

Sakura didn't give him time to answer as she stepped back away from him and headed towards Takeshi's room.

Itachi let out a sigh as he finished packing the food. He then took the pack and went to the foyer. Sakura met him there with Takeshi on her arms.

"I got him a car seat for my car so we don't need to get the one from yours. Let me take the bags down and then I'll be back to help you with Takeshi." Itachi offered. Sakura nodded as she sat on the couch to wait.

It didn't take them long before they were on the road, heading to their destination. "So, where are we heading to?" Sakura asked as she sneaked a peak at the back, where Takeshi was still sleeping.

"There is a resort an hour and a half drive from here. Hanaasagi in Katsuura, Chiba. It is near Ubara beach. I rented a room for the weekend. I remember you telling me that Takeshi likes the water."

"That sounds nice. He would really enjoy it there."

"I am hoping that you are too." Itachi was looking at her at the corner of his eye.

The comment made Sakura look at Itachi. "Itachi…"

"The place has good reviews and I reserved a family bath hot spring for later at 5:00. This trip is as much for you as it is for Takeshi. Only pure intentions, I assure you. Besides, we did agree on starting over."

Sakura left out a breath and smiled. "That sounds lovely. I might just leave you two to do the whole male bonding thing and go for some self pampering too."

Itachi let out a smile. "Good. I thought I would be needing to sell the idea to you more."

For the first time in years, he was able to make her laugh again. Hope bloomed inside of him. A feeling of triumph coursed through his veins.

XxXxXx

Sakura sat on a towel laid out on the sand under a big umbrella that Itachi had put up. Itachi and Takeshi were by the water making a sand castle. Watching them together like that brought a huge smile on Sakura's lips. There was no doubt that the little boy was Itachi's. They looked so alike.

She had seen women swoon over Itachi when they arrived and when they first got to the beach. She couldn't really blame them. While Itachi checked them in, a group of elderly women had approached her, while she was holding Takeshi, who had only woken up. Takeshi, the little angel that he was, has smiled and animatedly talked to them. The women were taken with his utter cuteness and intelligence.

Itachi had walked up to them and stood beside Sakura. He smiled at the old women, taking in their compliments about their son.

"You and your wife are very blessed to have a little boy like him." One had said.

It caused Sakura to blush and for Itachi to lay an arm around her waist and pulled her and Takeshi closer. "Yes, we are. Thank you. If you will excuse us, I must get them settled in our room. Good day, ladies." Before Sakura could answer, Itachi addressed Takeshi, "Come on, buddy. How about I carry you on my shoulders so your mother does not have a hard time?"

Takeshi leaped onto Itachi's open arms and let out an excited squeal as he was lifted onto the man's shoulder.

"Mommy! Mommy look! I'm taller than you!" Takeshi exclaimed.

It caused both parents to laugh. Sakura decided to play along. "Hey, I didn't want you to grow that fast." She said as she pouted.

Itachi smirked while Takeshi laughed. Sakura just shook her head and smiled as they walked towards their cottage.

Replaying that scene over and over again in her head, Sakura wasn't sure if she wanted to hit Itachi or be grateful. But looking at them now near the water and building, she decided to let it go. The only thing that the old ladies got wrong was they weren't married but other than that, she would have to agree that they are indeed blessed to have Takeshi as a son.

Her reverie was broken when she realized that they were on their way back to her.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Takeshi exclaimed as he came running. Sakura welcomed him in open arms. "Did you see? That's the biggest sand castle I've made. Even pirates will have a problem storming there!"

Sakura couldn't help but laugh at her son's antics. She was also aware that Itachi had sat beside her. "It is a beautiful castle. Now, why don't you two have a little snack before you go back to play?"

When she handed a sandwich to Takeshi, the little boy's face lit up. "Panda sandwich! Yum!"

"Here, Itachi." Sakura said as she handed another one. "What would you like to drink? We have juice and water."

"I'll take the water, thank you."

"Mommy, come swim with us." Takeshi said in between bites.

"Yes, mommy, come and join us. The water is cool."Itachi added.

Sakura let out a sigh. "Okay. It looks like I won't be able to win against you two men."Itachi's amused gaze was on her as Takeshi was nodding vigorously, mouth full of food. "When you two finish, let's just re-apply some sunblock and then let's go."

"I'm done, mommy."

"Okay. Come here, sweetheart. Let me put some on you."

Takeshi obediently followed his mother, while Itachi finished the last of his sandwich and water. "Mommy, why do we need to put lots of sunblock? We placed some earlier."

"Because sweetie, it only lasts for a certain number of time. We don't want you to become a Takeshi-barbeque, do we?" Sakura answered as she started to tickle Takeshi's tummy. The little boy erupted with laughter. Itachi watched on in amusement as he applied some on himself.

"Okay, sweetheart, let me just put some on myself."

"Do you need help with your back, Sakura?" Itachi offered as he handed her the bottle of sunblock.

Sakura couldn't help the blush on her face. "It's fine, Itachi. Thank you."

"Put up your hair, Sakura, and let me help you." Itachi said and leaned closer. "Purely innocent, I swear." Besides, I do not like how the other men are looking at you. He wanted to add but held his tongue. He knew that Sakura was beautiful woman. With the white bikini she was wearing, you wouldn't think that she had already given birth. He didn't like the idea of other men trying to think that they could have a chance with her. He preferred if they didn't look. If they had to look, he was going to make sure that they knew she was hands-off.

Itachi knew that he didn't have the right anymore to be jealous but damn if he would simply leave her open for the taking. The selfish part of him wanted her back. He wanted her for himself. She was already the mother of his child and as far as he was concerned, that made her part of his life more than it did before.

He had already decided that what he felt for her never left. He would grovel if that is what she needed for her to forgive him. She just had to be there to give him that chance. He wasn't going to allow other men to poach what was his.

Sakura took her hair up after biting the inside of her cheek. She had seen the look on Itachi. She knew that it was something that he wasn't going to let go. She had learned long ago that it was easier to agree than argue. It was for her welfare after all.

She angled her body so that he would have an easier access to her back. She forced herself not to shiver when she first felt his hand applying the lotion. There wasn't anything seductive to his touch just like what he promised.

"Need help with your back, Itachi? I noticed that you are starting to become red." She offered, to get her mind of his touch.

Itachi paused in what he was doing. He knew he didn't hear wrong. He was certain that Sakura had offered. If that was an olive branch then he wasn't going to waste it. "Yes, please."

When he was done, Sakura looked back at him and motioned for him to turn around. He did so without any reservation. Sakura gulped inwardly as she started applying on his back. It didn't take her long to finish. To lessen the tension within them, she took a small dab of sunblock and made a quick dab of it on Itachi's nose.

"Run, Takeshi!" Sakura exclaimed as she threw down the bottle onto the towel and started running to the water. Their son ran after her, giving out fits of laughter.

Itachi was momentarily stunned with what Sakura did. When they started running, a grin erupted from his lips as he wiped off the lotion from his nose and rose like a panther after his prey. He then started running after his family.

Just as Sakura was about to hit the water, a strong pair of arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her to an equally strong-built chest.

For a moment, time seemed to stop. "I've got you." Itachi whispered. Before any of them could say anything more, they felt a little body collide next to Itachi's thigh.

Knowing immediately who it was, Itachi laid a hand on the head of his son. Both parents glanced down at him. Takeshi was smiling widely at them.

It was in that moment that Itachi felt that he truly belonged. This feeling of things being right flowed through his veins, making him pull Sakura closer to him. If she noticed, she didn't say anything about it.

Pulling Sakura and Itachi's hands in his own, Takeshi started walking towards the water. "Let's go, please! Do you think I will get to swim with fishes?"

Sakura started laughing. Itachi then answered. "Why don't we practice here for now? We can drive back to Tokyo early tomorrow so we can take a ferry to Miyake Island. We can see a lot of birds and if you want you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures as well. How does that sound, Takeshi?"

Takeshi's eyes widened as he looked up at Sakura. "Can we go, mommy? Please?"

Sakura looked up at Itachi. "I'll agree if you will let me drive at least half-way back so that you are not so tired."

"No. I will be fine. I just want to two of you to enjoy." Itachi replied as he brushed his knuckles on her cheek. Sakura immediately reddened. "So, what do you say?"

Sakura kept her gaze at Itachi's eyes, visibly contemplating. She then looked down at their son. The expectant gaze of the little boy softened her eyes. "Okay, that sounds like a great idea."

"If you are really sure, Itachi." She added as she looked back up.

"Leave it to me. I will make arrangements later this evening." At that, Sakura nodded. "But for now," Itachi scooped up Takeshi in his arms and tossed him up a little bit and catching him, "Why don't we all swim?" He then charged into the water with Takeshi. The little boy couldn't help the excited laugher that bubbled forth.

Sakura shook her head in amusement as she followed the two men who held significant places in her life.

XxXxXx

That evening, after spending time in the private family onsen and having dinner, Takeshi was about ready to sleep. Sakura and Itachi had sat side by side in front of their room's open window overlooking the sea. Takeshi was in Sakura's arms, his forehead was against her neck as he started drifting off to dreamland.

"Sweetie, what if daddy was uncle and uncle was daddy?" Sakura suddenly whispered.

Itachi froze beside her. He had an understanding that they were going to do this with Sasuke the next day. He looked at Sakura sharply. She met his gaze with calmness, demanding that he trust her. He nodded.

"Daddy was uncle and uncle was daddy?" Takeshi echoed.

"Yes."

"What does that mean, mommy?"

"It only means that you call daddy, uncle and you call uncle, daddy."

"Why? Doesn't daddy want to be my daddy anymore?"

"No, sweetheart. Daddy loves you so much that's why ever since you were a baby he let you call him daddy. Your real daddy was away then. Daddy Sasuke didn't want you to feel sad and to think that you didn't have a daddy."

"But my real daddy is here now?"

"Yes, Takeshi. I am here." Itachi answered as he lowered his head and met the sleepy gaze of his son. "I will never leave you or your mommy again."

"Daddy Sasuke will not love you less even if you call him uncle."

Takeshi seemed to try to understand. He looked at Itachi and asked, "Daddy?"

"Yes," Itachi answered with barely concealed emotion.

"Why were you away? Didn't you want to be my daddy?"

It felt like his heart had jumped to his throat. He kissed Takeshi on his forehead. "Daddy was very foolish back then. Of course I want to be your daddy. I only needed time to become smart like you."

"Don't leave again, daddy. I don't like it when mommy cries at night." Takeshi said as he started to drift off.

Both parents were stunned by what their little boy had said. Itachi immediately sought after Sakura's gaze. Sakura, on her part, wasn't sure on how to react to that. She didn't realize that her son would hear her when she would cry herself to sleep at night.

Before Itachi to utter any word, Sakura whispered, "Shh. Let me put him down on the bed first." She stood, followed by Itachi. Before Sakura could pull down the bed covers, Itachi did it for her. Gently setting the sleeping boy on the bed, Sakura's mind was racing. She knew that Itachi wanted answers. She went through the motions of tucking him in before getting his stuffed teddy bear from the bag she prepared. She placed it under his arm and kissed him a good night. Itachi did the same.

XxXxXx

Itachi and Sakura had been going out for three months and so far, they hadn't felt tired with each other's company. It had taken everyone by surprise when they started going out. Nobody expected that Itachi would choose to be with his little brother's female best friend. Itachi never really showed any interest with a female before, not that there was any shortage of those who were interested in him.

Not short on suitors herself, especially after she started blooming at the age of 16, no one expected that she would choose Uchiha Itachi. Having seen her be best friends with Sasuke for almost her entire life, they didn't expect her to choose the older, more intimidating brother.

Sasuke had pulled her aside and confronted her about it. Not only was it awkward for him but it was something that took him completely by surprise. When he warned her about what could happen when she was assigned to go with the kendo team without him, Sasuke had expected that Sakura would be coming back in one piece.

She did come back in one piece. What he didn't expect was for her to be attached to his brother. But when Sasuke had learned what had happened, he was glad that Itachi had stepped in. From then on, Sasuke knew that Sakura was attracted to that part of Itachi that he rarely showed. It was something that only he and his parents have seen when they were growing up. He also figured out that Itachi wasn't doing it on a whim. He knew that his brother found something in Sakura that stroked his protective instincts. That was good enough for Sasuke. He knew that Itachi could and would protect Sakura.

Itachi only proved Sasuke's reasoning when Sakura's parents died in an accident. Sakura had been devastated by the sudden loss that she could hardly function properly. It had been Itachi who had arranged the entire funeral process for her. Itachi had instructed both Naruto and Sasuke not to leave Sakura in his apartment while he went out and fixed that things that were needed to be fixed.

From identifying the bodies at the morgue to planning all the details to the cremation and burial, Itachi had done those things in one afternoon without being asked.

When Sakura decided to sell her parents' house and moving into her own apartment, it was Itachi who had offered his place for her to stay until she decided where she wanted to live. He had been with her during the entire selling process, making sure that she got a fair price for the house. He had been the one to help her move and settle into her one bedroom apartment near the university.

But it wasn't only Itachi who was giving in their entire relationship. Sakura have given just as much. Itachi had a habit of being a workaholic. Sakura made sure that he took a break and would eat decent meals. She would cook for him and do the groceries, especially when he had exams and he was stressed out.

When Itachi got sick, Sakura would always be by his side and nurse him back to health. She would make him soup and make sure he took his medicines and enough fluids. She would run him a bath and at times helped him if he was too weak.

She would patiently pat his back if he felt sick. If he threw up because of a high fever, she never said anything or showed discust.

Everybody thought as time passed that they would end up married. That was why it took everyone another dose of surprise when suddenly they broke up, Itachi walking away and Sakura pregnant with Sasuke taking up the role as father to her baby.

XxXxXx

"You what?!" Naruto exclaimed as he placed both hands on the table, standing up and looking directly at the Uchiha in front of him.

"You heard me, dobe."

"You left Sakura and Takeshi in Itachi's care?! And you call me crazy, teme!"

"He is Takeshi's father, no matter how you argue. It was Sakura's decision to allow him in their son's life. What did you want me to do, forbid her?" Sasuke answered, annoyed. He then took a swig of his sake.

The other men at the table were quiet.

"Sasuke is right, Naruto." Shikamaru finally commented as he leaned back on his chair. "Itachi already met Takeshi. Of course he would like to get to know him."

"This is Itachi we are talking about. He left Sakura once like she didn't matter at all. He left he to deal with her pregnancy alone. He then went out and became such a playboy. Now, you guys are suddenly okay with the entire situation?"

"Naruto," Neji said, finally speaking up. "All these years, we have helped Sakura get back on her feet. Nobody is questioning that. Every single man on this table can attest to that. Now, you must trust Sakura in making the right decision for her and her son. Besides, this doesn't mean that if something happens again that we would be sitting back and will be doing nothing. Sakura is one of us."

Naruto sat back down and took a huge gulp of his sake. "Fine, fine. So, teme, how about Takeshi? How do you guys plan on explaining all of this to him?"

"Sakura's in charge."

Another round of silence descended on the group. Everybody knew how hard it was for Sakura to get back on her feet. If it weren't for Takeshi, it would have taken her a longer time to get up. At that point, they could only hope that Sakura knew what she was doing.

XxXxXx

Sakura sat back down in front of the open window and waited for Itachi. He sat down beside her and didn't say anything. A comfortable silence enveloped the two. Each other them was lost in their own thoughts.

It was Sakura who broke it. "I know I told you this morning that Sasuke and I planned to tell him about the truth tomorrow but I figured that I would ease him into the subject. I've been thinking about it the entire day. If we just came out with it tomorrow, it might be overwhelming."

"He was almost asleep when you said it."

Nodding, Sakura answered, "Yes, I know. But now I know that the idea has been more or less introduced. By tomorrow, when we talk to him with Sasuke, it wouldn't be that hard for him."

"Sakura, Takeshi also said that you have been crying."

The sentence hung between them like a heavy blanket. "There are times when I find myself overwhelmed. If you want me to admit, yes, my heart still knows you but mostly the pain of knowing you do not feel the same…of knowing it is so easy for you to walk away like you did without so much as a second glance. I loved you and yet it wasn't enough. I cried because I wasn't enough to make you stay. I cried because I couldn't give my son his real father…that I could only give him bits and pieces. I gave him a fantasy of a father, even though I will forever be grateful to Sasuke that he stepped up onto the plate and has been there for Takeshi from the cradle."

By this time, tears were falling down Sakura's eyes no matter how often she tried wiping them away. She couldn't look at Itachi. She willed the calmness of the sea in front of her to calm her being as well. She hated her weakness. She hated that she couldn't control her tears in front of him.

Itachi could feel each of her words etch just a little deeper inside of him. He promised that he was going to be proper and pure but damn it he wasn't going to let her cry in front of him and not do anything. Steeling himself for the possible rejection that might come his way, he reached out an arm around her and gently brought her to him.

Sobs escaped from her as she allowed herself to release some of her grief. She buried her face against his chest. Itachi stayed silent as he pulled her closer. This was the result of what he did years ago. He deserved the guilt that he was feeling at the moment.

"I'm so, so sorry, Sakura. I should have come to you."

"I'm sorry too, Itachi. For not fighting for us more than I did and for not telling you about Takeshi." She whispered back.

"Shh." Itachi replied as he stroked her hair out of her face. He kept on the gentle ministrations until he felt her surrender to sleep. Her breathing started to deepen. He knew that letting out the emotions after a full day is draining.

Just before she succumbed to sleep, he heard her say, "I know I should be giving you a hellish time, maybe even kill you. But for our son, I'll let it go. Maybe for me too…"

"I promise you, Sakura," Itachi whispered to her sleeping form, "I will not turn my back on you and our son from now on. You have my word."

XxXxXx

The next morning, Sakura woke up to her son's voice. As she was regaining consciousness, she realized what Takeshi was saying, "Mommy, daddy, wake up!"

Sakura froze when she realized that the pillow under her head was moving. She immediately looked up as Itachi was also coming back to consciousness. For a moment, she froze, her mind scrambling to understand what was going on. Itachi looked down and met her gaze.

"Good morning, Sakura." He said, voice still rugged with sleep.

"Good morning, Itachi." Sakura answered as she sat back up and looked at the small person tugging at her sleeve. "And a good morning to you, sweetie." She leaned and gave Takeshi a kiss on the forehead.

Itachi ruffled Takeshi's hair and greeted him a good morning too. Takeshi, in return, flung himself into Itachi's arms. "Good morning, daddy."

Itachi froze. He expected that his son would call him uncle again since he was half-asleep when they talked to him the night before. Clearly he was wrong in his assumption. "My son," He whispered as she tightened his embrace at the little boy.

Sakura's gaze wet Itachi's over their son's head. Her eyes' softened as she smiled at him. She then laid a hand on Takeshi's back.

"You're really my daddy, right?" Takeshi asked as he looked up at the obsidian eyes of his father.

"Yes, I am."

"You're not going to leave again, right?"

"No, I am not."

"Are you going to make mommy cry again?"

Sakura's heart swelled at her little man protecting her. He was always such a protector, a warrior, just like his father. Itachi sought out Sakura's gaze and held her there before he answered Takeshi's question.

"I will never make your mommy cry intentionally?"

Takeshi tilted his head to the side in confusion. "What does intentionally mean?"

Itachi blinked. With how his son talked, it was hard to remember that he was only 5 years old. Sakura couldn't help but giggle. "Intentionally means on purpose. I will never make your mommy cry on purpose."

Takeshi's mouth turned into a big "Oh" before he smiled his usual jubilant smile.

"Alright, you two. Let's freshen up a bit before we head for breakfast. We better leave soon if you two want to swim with the dolphins."

"Yey!" Takeshi exclaimed as he jumped of his father's lap and went to his bag to rummage for some clothes. He then dashed to the bathroom.

Sakura couldn't help but laugh. "I meant what I said, Sakura." Itachi's sentence interrupted her thoughts of their son. She looked back down at him and smiled, "I know."

She then pulled Itachi to his feel and motioned him to the bathroom. "Why don't you check Takeshi and make sure that he does it properly while I call Sasuke so he will expect us on a later time."

XxXxXx

Akiko's anger started boiling over as she looked at the pictures that she had just received. When she was told that the child that that whore Sakura had given birth to was actually Itachi's, she had told her hired me to track them and do surveillance.

In each picture, they looked more and more like a happy family. She wasn't going to allow that to continue. Her eyes narrowed and placed a hand on her stomach.

(to be continued…)

Okay, here's chapter 3. I was finally able to finish it! Although, it was really disappointing that there were only a few reviews for the last chapter…hopefully that you could spare a few minutes to drop a review this time. There are only 2 more chapters to go so I hope that I get to hear from you before the last chapter gets posted so I can thank you properly. The last two chapters will be a whirlwind and probably as long, if not, longer than this chapter. I hope I get to see you until the end of the story. Please review. Thanks

Michiko