The Third Test

I'm a little disappointed with the reviews but that's okay; I still love you. Here's the new chapter to show you how much I care! Although it's a little short…

READ, REAVIEW & ENJOY!

(P.S., I started another story for "Avatar: The Last Airbender." Check it out!)

Itachi and Sakura kept walking through the park hand in hand simply enjoying each other's company. They walked slowly for they were in no rush to end their time alone, and they spoke in soft, gentle voices that had other couples in the park look at them with envy; wishful and with silent contentment at seeing the pair fit together so perfectly.

Itachi lead Sakura to a small clearing past the trees to sit on the edge of a lake where the sun's rays were reflected by the serene crystal waters. Itachi gave Sakura's hand a squeeze before letting it go to gallantly take off his navy leader jacket and place it on the ground behind Sakura.

Without a word he meekly bowed the slightest bit, a small courtesy as he offered his hand to his companion while placing the other one on the small of his back.

The pink-haired girl blushed slightly as she bowed her head and curtsied back, her right leg reaching behind her as she took his waiting hand and bowed deeper with her body.

They both straightened up a second later and stared into each other's eyes and they smiled. Itachi motioned for her to sit down and she did with his assistance, love making her body appear graceful despite being such a simple move. Itachi let go of her hand and proceeded by starting to take a seat beside her, but Sakura clicked her tongue at him making him stop. He tilted his head to the side as he looked at her inquiringly. She looked away quickly but it was too late. Itachi had already seen the lovely red tinge on her cheeks and it made him wonder what she had in mind.

Sakura turned back to face him, her eyes cast down not daring to look at him as she tried to find a way to tell him what she wanted without it coming out wrong and making her embarrass herself.

The raven-haired man just squatted down beside her, patiently waiting for her. If she didn't want him to sit there, then he wouldn't; even if he could take a seat and then move. Itachi wished to respect and follow his girl's wishes, so even if she hadn't voiced them he would follow them and wait for her to say them so he could follow her instructions to the letter.

Sakura still couldn't find the right words to tell him what she wanted him to do. It was too embarrassing no matter how she said it. She glanced at him before turning her head to look at the space behind her. The sun was shinning to her face and she enjoyed the warmth, but her back was a little cold. Was she selfish for thinking that having Itachi's warm chest to lean back on was okay? She probably was, she decided, and turned her head to find Itachi waiting for her to say something.

She finally shook her head, dismissing the idea, and motioned for him to sit down but Itachi was having none of that.

He felt a little sad that Sakura hadn't found it in her to feel comfortable telling him things that she herself found silly or that she thought were embarrassing. It wasn't that he felt that he should know everything about his girlfriend, but Sakura's idea of embarrassing and his were very different so what she wanted was probably no big deal.

He took back her hand and rubbed her knuckles gently with the pad of his thumb, her pale porcelain skin a beautiful contrast against his darker, rougher one.

Sakura curled her fingers, holding on to Itachi's own. His touch was so soothing, even when she was completely calm and relaxed… it was almost like magic. She wondered if he felt that way too when she touched him.

Sakura looked up with a start as she felt Itachi stand up, bringing her back from her fantasy world. The way he had so patiently been crouching there made it seem that he wouldn't move for the world, so his sudden movement startled her. She glanced up at him, curious about what he was going to do. He was bending forward so as to not reach his full height and Sakura realized with warm pleasure that he was doing that so he didn't have to let go of her hand.

With a small but utterly love-filled smile aimed at her, Itachi shuffled over to where she had glanced behind her and lowered himself on the part of his jacket his princess hadn't sat on, his legs spread to either side of her. Sakura blushed as she realized that he was doing what she had wanted him to without her saying a word. How was that possible?

Itachi chuckled at her amazed and delighted expression, enjoying the fleeting emotions on her face and knowing that he was the cause of them, that he was the one who the emotions were for. He smiled at her once more before lightly kissing her forehead, a light, sweet peck that held the tenderness and devotion he held for her.

Sakura sighed in happiness, completely glad that she had become enamored with Itachi. Who else could it be her destiny but him? He was like a prince from all those fairy tales that her mother had read to her when she was little, yet he also perfectly fit the image she had created of a strong, honorable man who would be willing to face all, challenge all, and give all for what he cares for and believes in. And he had chosen her.

As Sakura was lost in her thoughts again, Itachi's smile widened for he knew what she was thinking about while looking at him. Indeed, it was quite ironic that he was thinking the exact same thoughts as her but in vise versa. How did he, the "emotionless, stone-faced, strict-as-a-sergeant" man end up with such a lovely, delicate but strong and kind-hearted girl whose smile literally had the power to heal the worst wounds and also kill the strongest of enemies if they dared to hurt her loved ones?

Without warning, he scooted closer to her and wrapped his arms around her torso, one arm right across her collarbone and the other around her stomach. Sakura squeaked in surprise and blushed furiously as she realized what Itachi was doing. He chuckled, amused. He didn't think he'd ever get tired of that blush.

His chuckles were cut short as he felt her petite hands touch his arms, her arms cool in contrast with his perpetually warm ones. The contact sent shivers down his spine which he barely contained. Now it was her turn to chuckle.

A faint peep was heard from the lake and they both turned their heads in the direction of the sound. Sakura's face lit up when she saw what it was: a family of ducks, the little ducklings jumping into the crystal waters for the first time.

Itachi had his eyes on the energetic little family as well, and for the moment he and Sakura felt the same feelings as one. The world was a wonderful place, and that is why they were alive: to protect it and love it. They glanced at each other. And to love one another.

Itachi bowed his head after a brief hesitation at the same time that Sakura straightened up to reach his face, and they kissed, the single action capturing the infinite, never-ending feeling of pure joy.

As the couple parted and Sakura turned back to watch the ducklings learn how to swim while leaning against Itachi's warm chest surrounded by his loving embrace, the lazy genius Shikamaru Nara and his best friend, Choji Akimichi (who was eating his chicken-flavored chips quietly for once) smirked.

Being able to communicate without words and to be able to read each other's body language was a critical asset not only for a ninja but for any couple. Itachi had been able to find out what Sakura wanted and deliver it without batting an eye at her request. If it had been any other guy, he probably would've ignored Sakura's subtle but powerful clues.

Itachi hadn't. And that was prove that their hearts were connected in ways that couldn't be explained in words. It was pure. It true. They were one. The bond was strong and connected them, heart, soul, mind and body, forever.

It was love.

Shikamaru and Choji looked at each other happily. Test passed.

Now they could go back to cloud watching before they had to go get ready for lunch with their friends and the lovebirds.