Ok so...i'm thinking about updates and such and i'm thinking weekly but i kinda want opinions. I'm working on my fifth chapter right now and i read over my drafts and edit them about 3 times a week or more so you're not even reading a first draft but more of a fourth. Anyways...i'm thinking weekly what do you think? Oh and since i haven't said it already i'm saying it now...I don't own Naruto but i would think that would be obvious.
"Ino for the last time I am NOT wearing that!" Sakura yelled at her best friend raiding her closet, "And I know for a fact that that specific article of clothing would never be found in my closet on any other day and that YOU brought it here."
Ino scoffed at being found out, "I would never do such a thing to you Sakura."
"Bullshit," she replied as she finished touching up her make up. She never needed much, if any at all, and refused to wear any such color that made her look like a geisha instead of a normal woman.
"Fine will you at least wear this?" Ino asked pulling out one of Sakura's favorite 'going out' tops. It was a forest green halter top that tied behind the neck and the fabric gave off a light shimmer.
Sakura eyed it in apparent disinterest, "Sure I'll wear that with a pair of very comfortable black loose pants.
"Nope you're wearing a skirt," Ino countered pulling out a pencil skirt.
"Pants Ino," Sakura stood up and pulled out the perfect pair that she had bought to go with that specific top.
"Skirt Sakura," Ino counter waving it in front of her face.
"Pants."
"Skirt."
"Pants!"
"Skirt!"
"PANTS!"
"SKIRT!"
"Ino," Kya walked in eating a bowl full of peaches and cream, "If you rile her up before her date then it's not going to go well and that I will not allow." She smiled sweetly popping another peach into her mouth.
"My apologies Kya kaa-san but I really think she should wear the skirt," Ino wiggled the article of clothing for Kya to see.
"A skirt would be nice…" Kya started but was interrupted by the doorbell, "Oh I wonder who that is?" She smiled mischievously before descending the stairs to answer the door.
"See your mother agrees with me," Ino smirked triumphantly.
"Ino I'm wearing pants if it's the last thing I do and if you don't agree," she eyed her friend with a harsh glare, "Then I'm going to punk your skinny ass down the stairs and out of the village and make Shikamaru's lazy ass go and get you!"
"Try it Forehead! Now come on take those sweats off I want to see this skirt on you," Ino smirked as she dodged a punch from her best friend.
Itachi heard the commotion from inside and listen for a good five minutes as Sakura and Ino fought over her clothing choices. Deciding to aid her in any way he could he rang the bell before Sakura could make good on her threat. He listened as Sakura's mother's chakra signature opened the door.
"Good evening Itachi-san you're looking handsome tonight," Kya commented tongue between her teeth.
Itachi's eye narrowed in slight confusion before her lips popped and she smiled, "There got it. Sorry had a rather stubborn piece of peach caught between my teeth."
Itachi nodded at her explanation then entered their home as her mother open the door wider to accommodate him. He was directed to a small sitting room to his left with the stairs leading to the upper floor were to his right.
"Ino! I swear if I see you tomorrow I'm going to rip your hair out!" They heard Sakura threaten from upstairs.
Kya tsked, "I apologize for her behavior Itachi-san…Ino has put her in a rather foul mood."
He nodded turning his calm gaze from the stairs to her, "It's no problem. Sakura is easily riled."
Kya smirked and nodded, "That she is. Tell me, when did you first meet my daughter?" She motioned for him to take a seat on the couch while she took a nearby chair.
"When she was twelve and assigned to Team 7," he answered politely.
She giggled at him, "Now, now, Itachi-san, you know that's not what I meant." She smiled knowingly at him while grabbing her bowl of fruit and began eating again.
He nodded at her meaning before answering in a low monotone voice, "It was when Sasuke returned from his defection to Orochimaru."
"And you're only making yourself known now because…" she asked leadingly.
"I thought she still had a strong attachment to my brother," he answered honestly not really seeing a reason or wanting to lie to the woman, "I didn't want to interfere with anything that they could have. I knew of her apprenticeship to the Hokage but I never saw results until the day she took my brother by surprise and knocked him a mile away from the village," he smirked at the memory, "I've never seen my brother that surprised before."
Kya laughed, "I don't think anyone besides myself knew that Sakura had that reunion planned since he broke her heart."
He looked at her and Kya took his scrunched eyebrows as a form of question.
She answered, "She was really shaken up over the entire ordeal and wouldn't stop talking about him refusing her assistance and saying 'thank you' before knocking her out. For a girl like her sometimes she needs a good cry before she can officially move on."
He nodded as she continued. "She was frightened about what things would be like with the team when he came back and didn't want things getting off to a bad start, as she put it, 'prideful rivalry shit'. She also didn't want to be the weak link so she steeled herself with the Hokage's training and put herself through hell and back in order to progress. I can't be more proud of who she is. Every single member of her Team 7 is stubborn in their own way but she was the glue that kept them together in the end."
Itachi looked back towards the stairs.
"Now enough about that, I'll go get Sakura so you can leave," she stood up and walked up the stairs stopping at the top, "Good Lord Sakura are you going to keep him waiting all live long day!"
"I'm coming mother," Sakura sang back with a slight edge to her voice.
Kya smiled seeing her daughter win the argument over clothing and stepped out in her green halter and black pants with black closed toed shoes, "You look lovely."
Sakura rolled her eyes with a genuine smile, "Yeah, yeah."
Mother and daughter walked down the stairs together and into the sitting room. Sakura stopped and glanced at her date fighting with everything in her not to show her anxiety over the ridiculously handsome man in her home. Itachi stood as they entered and Sakura appraised him fast; dark blue kimono wrapped shirt, black pants loosely handing around his hips with back ninja sandals. His hair was tied at the nape of his neck and looked silky to the touch.
Makes me want to run my hands through it…mmmmmmm, her inner sighed happily.
Don't even go there…we were coerced into this remember that, she chided.
Itachi fought a winning smirk the moment he saw Sakura stand before him. The dark green of her top contrasted beautifully with her electric jade eyes and soft pink hair which was styled differently than was typical for a girl like her. She had kept it down but swept the majority to the right side while the left was secured with a silver clip. He eyes stood out ever so slightly than normal and he attributed that to her wearing mascara and hints of eye liner. Her lips were a glossy pink and he wanted nothing more than to kiss her.
Ino coughed then with a large smile, "Well damn Itachi if you want to kiss her you might as well ask first."
He looked up from his date and quirked an eyebrow at the blonde leaning against the staircase.
"Ino…" Sakura hissed turning to glare at her friend.
"What?" she asked innocently, "I'm not the only one who could see that."
Kya giggled softly before motioning to the door, "You have fun now. Ino and I will be expecting full details when you get home."
Sakura grumbled, "If Ino knows what's good for her she won't be around when I get home."
"Whatever you say Forehead," Ino sang at her.
"Watch it Pig."
Sakura turned towards Itachi finding him significantly closer to her and he extended his arm towards her.
"Shall we go?" he asked in his soft velvet voice.
He so said it like that on purpose! And what's with the whole arm thing seriously!
Shut up and enjoy it woman!
Sakura nodded with a small nervous smile before he led her out of the door.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Ino called from the door, "Actually maybe you should!"
She had to instantly dodge a shruiken that Sakura had thrown at her. Kya and Ino laughed to themselves as they closed the door after pulling the shuriken out of the door jam.
Sakura cleared her throat, "I'm really sorry about that."
"About what exactly?" he asked looking straight ahead.
"You probably could hear my argument with Ino a mile away," she smiled sheepishly at him.
He returned her shy smile with a faint smirk, "Yes I could actually, but it was quite entertaining."
She rolled her eyes, "Riiiight…well anyways where are we going?"
"Kabuki," he replied turning down a slightly busy street. The road was lit up with restaurant signs and shops enticing customers indoors, many Konoha couples were out enjoying the cool even weather, it was a clear night with only a slight breeze to make the leaves rustle along the road.
Sakura paused for a moment before tugging on Itachi's arm, "Follow me a moment." Without another word she directed him up to the top of the shops. Sakura was grateful for Itachi's quick reflexes as he landed perfectly next to her.
"Sorry about that, I see a familiar patron at a certain ramen stand. Wouldn't want him to interrupt anything…" she quickly explained nervously as they walked across the rooftops.
Itachi glanced at Ichiraku's and spotted her teammates bright orange pants, "What exactly did you not want him to interrupt?"
She faltered for a moment, "Well…it's just…I don't know but…ugh never mind…"
Just tell him you've been dying to kiss him…
I'm on a date here so you can just keep your little comments to yourself.
Oh no sweetie they are not just my comments but yours as well. You know that. Her inner grinned wickedly.
Sakura began massaging her temple with her left hand, Just can it! I don't want to screw up tonight…I actually want to enjoy myself on my first legitimate date.
Fine, I concede we do deserve a nice date.
"Headache?" Sakura glanced up at her date and answered his question.
"Oh…no I'm fine really," she dropped her hands immediately and stopped when he turned her body towards him.
She watched his eyes as he lifted his hands and placed his first and middle finger against her temples. He gently massaged in a circle then inserted a little chakra. Sakura relaxed slightly under his gentle touch but never broke eye contact.
Itachi felt…something. It was as though her mind was buzzing and pulsing; no wonder she had a headache. He reasoned that she probably hasn't had a free day since prior to the war and her mind was still in overwork mode. He kept massaging trying to relax the muscles specifically around her eyes to lessen the headache that he was sure she had. Nobody's mind could be this active for long periods of time and not feel entirely exhausted daily. After another few seconds his efforts, he realized, were fruitless. Her muscles still stayed somewhat tense so he ceased the minute healing and decided to take advantage of their close proximity. His left hand ran lightly through her silky pink hair before dropping to his side. His right hand slowly ran down her temple and over her smooth cheek watching her blush lightly at his action. His thumb softly caressed the outside of her lips before he withdrew…So smooth and enticing.
"Our reservation awaits us," he told her in a quiet voice, "Shall we?" He offered his arm to her again and she absentmindedly took it as he led them off the roof and back onto the busy street.
"Uchiha-san, it's good to see you this evening, I assume you're here for the reservation," the hostess asked with a pleasant smile.
Itachi nodded.
"Please follow me, your table is ready."
The hostess grabbed a couple of menu's as well as a yellow insert then led them to a secluded booth in the dimly lit dining room. Sakura's eyes widened as they were led through the beaded entrance to the dining room. In the center of the large room was a giant sushi bar with 4 chefs wearing traditional garb carefully preparing a variety of orders. Surrounding the sushi bar were tables filled with patrons with booths lining the out area. The hostess placed their menus on the table and indicated for them to sit.
"Tonight is our all you can eat sushi, for one it's $20 and for two the price is $35. Anything you can't finish will be charged," she bowed her head quickly before returning to her station.
"I don't even know if I can eat $20 worth of sushi," Sakura commented as she picked up her menu.
"It depends on what you order, some rolls and specialty cuts are more expensive than others," Itachi replied.
"True I guess."
Their waitress arrived then, "Welcome to Kabuki my name is Yinsing and I'll be serving you for the evening, may I get you both something to drink?"
"We'd like a bottle of your Tokubetsu Honjozo-shu Sake," Itachi replied lifting the yellow menu insert to glance at it.
"Right away sir," the waitress replied and left.
Sakura quirked an eyebrow and watched him. After a moment he glanced up waiting for her to speak.
"That's generous of you," she told him in almost a whisper.
He put the yellow menu down and stared intently at her, "Does that make you uncomfortable?"
"No," she replied quickly, "It's just…this place is really nice and that bottle of sake…"
"I want you to know that my intentions for us go beyond just casual dating," he cut her off.
She stiffened in surprise, "What do you mean by intentions?"
He smirked at her expression, "I would not spend this kind of money frivolously on just any woman I wished to date."
"Itachi what is this to you?" Sakura asked quickly before her nerves got the better of her. Her mind was filling with memories of Sasuke venting about his clan drama. She had planned to confront him about this anyway and since he brought it up… "I'm serious too, give me a straight answer because if it's anything frivolous I'll leave right now."
She looked up resolved in her hasty on-the-spot decision and Itachi could see it. 'Sakura likes people who are real with her. She hates bullshit, slander, and half-truths.' Sasuke's words echoed in his ears and he knew this was the moment…if he wanted her, which he did, he would have to secure her now before she dropped him.
"Sakura, I wish to court you exclusively in hopes that our relationship can be everlasting. My sole reason for wanting to court you is for you to accept my proposal and make you the matriarch of the Uchiha Clan."
Sakura couldn't help but go slack-jawed at his confession. She got exactly what she asked for, she could see it in his eyes, eyes so much like his brothers that she could read exactly what he was thinking. He wanted her, he had wanted her for…she couldn't believe it. She had expected him to try more coercing, some type of trickery or…just something but he didn't, he gave her his honest answer.
This can't be real. He's not allowed!
You can see it as well as I can.
He's the heir, his bride has to be of Uchiha blood, he's going against everything just by taking me on a date and to admit that he wants to… she couldn't finish her thought.
Marry you, bind you to him eternally, and make you one of the most powerful women in the village aside from the Hyuuga matriarch and our current female Hokage. Yeah don't worry I'll finish those thoughts for you.
"You can't be serious," she breathed out rubbing her temples again; her inner could be so frustrating and very right on these occasions…damn bloodline.
"I'm perfectly serious. I wouldn't joke about anything like this," he replied with a monotone voice.
"You're not allowed Itachi. I know you're not even supposed to be seen in some place like this with me," she looked up with a stony expression, "Why do you think I kept denying you all those times. I knew you were interested but do you not think that Sasuke hasn't filled us in? We're closer to him than anyone in your clan. We know all the dirty gritty details, all the drama that goes on in the main house, and I know for a fact that you marrying outside the clan will raise hell. I don't even know how Naruto gets away with dating Hinata! Wait scratch that I do know, he's already secured the position of Hokage when Tsunade-shishou decides to retire. Hyuuga-sama is too proud of a man to pass up an alliance like that. But you," she pointed at him, "Why? Why me when you know you can't have me?"
Itachi just watched her as she ranted trying to reason out his attraction to her. He found it mildly amusing as she continued to verbally downplay the situation. Sasuke was very well informed and he had seen to it that his teammates were informed as well. Sakura kept ranting about their politics and even named a few of the women that he knew the clan would like for him to choose a bride from. She even admitted to seeking the women out discretely in person and she even perused their individual medical files. This impressed him even further since she had just, perhaps unconsciously, confessed her own real attraction to him. She continued to rant about the training session when Sasuke was introduced to a couple of younger women meant for him. This anecdote he found rather interesting, he knew the clan was pressuring his younger brother in the same area in case Itachi was somehow killed in action or turned traitor. He guessed that most of the old elders were still on edge about his declaration of genocide back during the meeting with the Sandaime.
The waitress arrived then with a bottle of their chosen sake and two small glasses, "What will you be having tonight?"
Itachi handed her the yellow menu insert, "For two please."
The waitress nodded as she took their menus and proceeded to drop off the yellow paper to the sushi bar.
"When did you fill that out?" Sakura asked stunned.
He smirked at her, "During your rant. I took the liberty of ordering for the both of us since you seemed otherwise occupied."
She scoffed, "How do you even know what I like?"
"My brother can have a big mouth," he replied pouring sake for them.
Sakura sighed then, "Itachi please answer my question. I need to know for my own general sanity…I don't want to be hurt again."
Sakura downed her cup of sake so she missed the softened look Itachi was now giving her. Without looking back up at him she poured herself another glass.
"I see you've learned other skills from the Hokage besides strength and medical jutsu," he commented offhandedly.
Sakura let out a breathy chuckle, "Well Shizune can't always be her drinking partner now can she?"
Itachi smirked again.
"Besides, since Jiraiya died she's drank more than is typical for a woman like her. Shizune and I take it in shifts to monitor her without her really knowing. I have quite the resistance for alcohol now even without using medical jutsu to help regulate," she explained with a small smile.
"I commend you," he raised his glass and down it in one swallow.
"Now since you successfully changed the subject again can I get my answer now?" Sakura finished off her last glass then twirled the cup in her hands waiting.
Itachi nodded setting down his own cup then rested his hands over hers to stop her fidgeting.
"Sakura I was being perfectly honest with you before," he said in a soft voice, "I want you like I've never wanted another woman in my life. You feats are nothing small, you're a damn good kunoichi definitely one of the villages best. You're the Hokage's apprentice, you've revolutionized medical jutsu, you fought and survived against Madara in the Fourth Great War, and your team is being hailed as the New Sannin by the entire shinobi core. You're intelligent, brave, courageous, valiant, loyal, so why wouldn't I want a woman like you. Sasuke wouldn't be half the man he is with your and Naruto's influence. Reiko speaks highly of you every chance she gets and what you're trying to teach her now…nobody in my clan would be able to explain. So does that answer your question?"
Sakura's face went from impassive to shock then embarrassment, "You didn't explain about your clan though…what would happen if they found out we were together?" She started to shake which prompted him to hold her hands a little tighter in reassurance.
"I can handle them," he answered simply.
She shook her head, "No Itachi, I need a guarantee. I won't be subjected to petty looks or snide comments or political bullying. If that's what's in store for me in this relationship then I'm telling you no right now."
He sighed watching her try to school her emotions, he didn't think she would ever be able to keep her face perfectly blank and he was grateful for that.
"My mother approves of my decision. My father does not know of it as of yet. My cousin Reiko loves you. My cousin Shisui would take you for himself if he could. And my brother approves of us being together."
Sakura's head shot up, "Sasuke…he's…"
He nodded, "He and Naruto both know and have threatened to kill me if I break your heart."
Her face softened and she chuckled, "My boys…"
"Sakura," he called her attention back to him, "I promise you that if you accept me and this relationship that you will not be subjected to any feelings of rejection or inferiority from my clansmen. Many of the younger generations of my clan do not share the same sentiment that their fathers and grandfathers have grown accustomed to. They have made these known to me since I will be the one to take over as Head when my father passes or decides to retire. From them, you will receive nothing but upmost respect. The elders would also not chance the wrath of the Hokage if they were found in the wrong against her most prized pupil, they think too highly of their social standing to allow that to happen. They will treat you with civility but probably nothing more than that. Now it is my turn to ask, Haruno Sakura will you accept my offer of courtship?" He lifted each of her hands and kissed them both lightly before raising his head to wait for her answer.
Sakura was more confused than ever.
We both know your answer just tell him already, her inner sigh in exasperation, it's useless and tiring for you to continue denying your attraction to him. This started what like before the war?
Yes…and this isn't just about a damn attraction anymore it's about something more. If I agree to this relationship he has already specified where it will end up!
Only if you want it to. The only thing he specified was his intentions in the future! You still haven't made your specifications known and he will respect them.
She sighed; I guess you're right…
Her inner scoffed, Of course I'm right! Now tell him what you want in return then he'll nod and then hopefully the food will arrive so the situation won't be as awkward after that.
Kami I hate it when you're right.
Technically you're right…remember we are…
One and the same, yes I remember now shush!
"Before I give you my answer I have…a condition," she told him. She tried taking her hands away from his but he held fast not letting her move. "Ok I…I can't commit long term. Too many things could happen between now and the future that to accept you knowing that my acceptance means I will someday be tricked into being your wife is unacceptable to me."
She glanced up at him and was reassured at his nod.
She cleared her throat, "I just want us to have a normal relationship like any other couple. We can date, go out, train, whatever, but if, and that's a big IF, we decide to take this beyond just dating then it will be mutual. Do you understand what I'm saying because I feel like I huge fool because I'm not explaining myself very well?"
Itachi nodded with a small quirk of his lips, "You don't want to feel like this relationship will be planned from beginning to end, I understand and respect your decision."
She nodded and smile relieved, "If I or you want to end this at any time we will do so as adults and not like some stupid hormonal teenagers. I was already coerced into this date and I will not be coerced again…especially not for marriage."
Itachi nodded again.
"Good now that we have that out of the way can you let go of my hands now?"
He lifted an eyebrow as a challenge as she narrowed her eyes, "I could just break your hold Itachi-san."
His eyes lit up in amusement as he slowly released his hold of her. And right on time their sushi order arrived.
"Is there anything else I can get you two?" their waitress asked.
"Glass of water please," Sakura smiled at her before the waitress bowed and left.
Sakura took her dipping dish and filled with soy then grabbed a large glob of wasabi and began to mix the two together. She picked up her small plate next and was about to grab some sushi off the platter when she saw a puzzling expression of Itachi's face.
"What?"
He switched his gave from her dipping dish to her eyes, "You mix them?"
Sakura looked down at his reference then back up, "Yeah…who doesn't?"
He let out a soft chuckle, "You're the first person I've seen do that with this dish."
"All of my friends eat it this way," she defended then decided to tease him, "Perhaps you need to get out more."
He quirked a brow at her then proceeded to fill his own dipping dish with soy. He paused then hearing Sakura's giggle.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing…"
He put the soy sauce down and stared at her with a blank expression, she still continued to giggle.
"Tell me."
She shook her head as she took a piece of salmon, dipped it, and then popped it into her mouth.
"I insist," he replied.
Again she shook her head. Rolling his eyes inwardly he continued filling his dipping dish when Sakura giggled again.
"What do you find so amusing about this act?" he questioned his brows slightly furrowed.
She shrugged knowing he would figure it out soon. She was about to take a piece of a roll when his chop sticks pinned her hand. His face now inches away from hers.
"I insist," he repeated.
Sakura's amused stare met his own challenging one before she giggled again much to his annoyance.
She finally graced him with an answer, "I don't think I've ever met a man that pours soy quite like you. Do you really need to lift your pinky?"
His eyes narrowed at her teasing, "Are you criticizing the way I was raised?"
"No, I'm simply saying you are the first person I've ever seen do that," she threw his words back at him.
He prized her with a typical Uchiha smirk, "All of my friends and family pour soy this way, perhaps you should get out more."
They each held the others gazes before Sakura started laughing again. Itachi let her hand up as he placed a few pieces of sushi on his plate.
"So since we've already had way too deep of a conversation for a first date, how about we bend the first date rules a little bit?" she asked watching him place ginger on top of his tuna.
"How so?" he questioned.
"Simple really," she answered twirling her chopsticks around her hand with the finesse only a shinobi could acquire, "Tell me everything I need to know about you in five minutes."
The ground rumbled beneath her feet as she steadied herself against Sakura's chakra punch. Limbs shaky and body growing tired faster from excessive beatings she had taken recently.
"Your answer Reiko!" Sakura yelled charging at her student.
She dodged a kick and immediately released a katon jutsu to gain some distance between her shishou.
"I don't have a new one," she replied weakly on her hands and knees.
"Then you know what's coming to you," was Sakura's reply as she disappeared in a whirl of sakura petals.
Reiko's sharingan flickered in and out with chakra exhaustion but she was able to discern Sakura's location before receiving the full force of her chakra punch. Her last reserves were used when Sakura's hand, instead of hitting Reiko's face, it slammed into the ground launching debris in every direction. Reiko's face fell seeing the destruction and became grateful that she dodged. It was short lived however when another fist cracked her jaw landing her face first into the ground. She bit back a pained moan as Sakura's shadow fell over her.
"It's been a week Reiko," Sakura told her in a monotone voice, "Are you going to let me beat you to death?"
Unable to speak because of her dislocated jaw Reiko shook her head.
"Your body will progressively deteriorate with these sparring sessions if you do not come up with your answer soon. Do you want me to put you in a coma?"
Reiko again shook her head.
"I have work at the hospital now, I'll see you tomorrow," Sakura turned on her heel and walked away.
Reiko stood shakily thankful that her session ended early. She slowly began walking back towards her home that she lived in with her brother Shisui. Since their parents died during the war it was now their responsibility until her brother got married. She missed her mother and knew that if she were alive right now she would be fussing over her. Back when she was alive Reiko would have tried to shrug her off as an overbearing parent, but now with this she missed her fussing more than ever. Shisui was a constant presence whenever she needed him but she was 13 years old, she didn't need him fussing over her and she didn't need to call him from his duties either.
"Uchiha Reiko." She heard an older voice call out to her.
She turned to see the High Elders leaving Uchiha Fugaku's home, they must have just finished with a council meeting, it was Wednesday after all. She should have taken the back way to her home in order to avoid their questions, she needs to stay focused, they did live next door to them after all.
"What has happened to you?" one of the elder men, Rook asked her.
She just shrugged without replying, she almost had enough chakra to heal her jaw in about an hour.
"Her jaw is broken," Akemi, another elder, observed, "She's low on chakra, Reiko I'll send an escort with you to the hospital. That injury needs to be fixed immediately."
Reiko shook her head fast making her jaw twinge. She motioned with her hands the same sentiment.
"It is not up for discussion, even if you can heal yourself," Rook stated before being cut off by another voice.
"Reiko will be able to heal herself soon elders it is nothing to worry about," Shisui walked up placing a comforting arm around her shoulder.
Reiko relaxed into her brother's comforting grasp relieved that he was there to help her.
"Shisui-san just because your sister is the student of Haruno Sakura doesn't mean she needs to suffer with extensive injuries," Rook observed.
He nodded, "That maybe so but this is a training exercise between her and her master. Interference is prohibited."
Reiko nodded backing up her brother's statement.
"I don't see how this qualifies as a training exercise," Fugaku emerged from his home when he realized the elders had yet to leave.
"Fugaku-sama," Shisui nodded his head in recognition.
"If it is training then why hasn't Sakura, apprentice to the Hokage, healed her herself?" Akemi asked with narrowed eyes.
"Indeed she could but she will not,"Shisui said but immediately bit his tongue…I should not have said that.
"And why is that?" Fugaku asked keeping a straight face.
"The reason is unknown to me," he answered with a lie.
"Fugaku-sama," Rook turned and looked at him, "I believe a visit to see Haruno is in order."
Fugaku nodded and pointedly ignored Reiko's silent protest. She turned her fiery eyes on her brother and stomped her foot demanding an explanation.
"I'm sorry little sister, it slipped out before I could stop myself," he apologized trying to placate her.
Tears started to form in her eyes as she demanded that her brother take her to her master. He nodded and picked her up piggy back and took off.
"Enter," Sakura called out to the person knocking on her door.
"Haruno Sakura." Said woman looked up to see the three high ranking elders of the Uchiha clan walk into her office.
She nodded her head, "How can I help you gentleman?" Moegi and TingTing who were also in the room with her stood straight and tall in the presence of the elders.
"We request a private audience with you to discuss your treatment of one of our clan members," Rook walked up and took a seat in one of the two chairs opposite her desk.
Sakura nodded then motioned for TingTing and Moegi handing them both fake folders, "TingTing the gauze needs to be replaced on the patient in room 43. Moegi make sure the patient in room 35 is getting the proper amount for his IV drip."
Moegi and TingTing nodded understanding the hidden orders given to them. TingTing was to leave then mask her chakra and hide outside her master's window. Moegi had door duty to either prevent people from entering or to prevent Sakura from destroying the hospital. TingTing usually got window duty since Moegi was the only one who could catch Sakura's chakra punch aside from Tsunade, and also because she had small chakra reserves which made concealing herself easy since she could erase all traces of her existence except for direct line of sight. The respective girls left their master alone with the three imposing men.
"Which member do you wish to discuss?" Sakura asked nonchalantly.
"Your third member of the Medic Squad Reiko," Akemi stood behind the others as Fugaku had taken the other seat.
"What do you have to say, please make it quick I have patients to see to," she leaned back in her chair and folded her arms.
All three men narrowed their eyes slightly as her lack of respect and Sakura scoffed.
"Forgive me for being in a hurry since you saw fit to interrupt my work day. Any questions regarding her training could've been scheduled for an appointment where I could give you my undivided attention. As such you have not and you're lucky I don't have anywhere to be for the next," she checked the clock, "ten minutes so what are your questions?"
Fugaku spoke first, "When Reiko came home to the compound she had a dislocated jaw, was this your doing?"
Sakura nodded.
"Why didn't you heal her?"
"Because it's an arrangement we have between the two of us. It's been almost an hour since we've ended that training session she should be healing herself up by now in a long warm bath," she answered easily.
"Why inflict such needless pain at all?" Rook asked.
"We demand an answer," Akemi interjected before Sakura could refuse.
She stared at the men then decided to just give them a straight answer, "I didn't like the answer to her question."
"What question?" Rook asked.
"What is her Will of Fire," she answered simply.
Akemi scoffed, "What a pathetic reason."
"Indeed," Rook agreed.
"I didn't ask for you approval for my teaching methods and I don't want them now," she sat up straight behind her desk fixing the men with a mild glare, "If you have come here to mock my teaching methods then your ten minutes are up."
"Reiko is not yet old enough to answer that question," Fugaku told her plainly, he wanted answers but knew enough about his son's teammate that she didn't respond to intimidation or orders from other people than the Hokage.
"I beg to differ, I learned the answer to that question when she was my age," Sakura sorted through more files on her desk just to break eye contact.
"We demand you heal her," Rook leaned forward in his chair, "It is unseemly for her to walk around so battered down. Think about her self-esteem and image."
Sakura barked out a laugh, "Image! Reiko is not so concerned with image as much as you are."
Akemi growled, "Mind your place Haruno."
"Mind my place, you are in my office, interrupting my time. Don't tell me what I need to do, I'm not some woman you can walk over." She was slowly losing her patience with these men. If they found out about her relationship with Itachi she was going to receive more of this than she wanted to handle.
"Your direct insult to your elders will be reported to the Hokage. We will demand you be removed from you position," Rook stood to try intimidation by towering over her.
"By all means go ahead. Banish me and see if you can find someone else as suitable to run the hospital and the academy and oversee all patient statistics in ANBU and…"
"This is quite enough out of you Haruno! We will not tolerate you berating a member of our clan in such a manner or we will have her removed from your squad!" Akemi shouted at her.
"Doctor Haruno to you elder. And what crush her dreams?" Sakura scoffed at the elder, "So this is how you men think; that women should be docile and always adhere to your words without a thought of their own?"
"Doctor Haruno that is quite enough if you please," Fugaku had remained silent during the argument but spoke up in defense of their clan in a small but firm voice.
Just then the door to her office opened as Reiko ran up to her master and knelt next to her, Sakura could see her silent apology in her eyes. Shisui followed his sister but stopped at the desk nodding to the elders in the room. What surprised the elders the most was when Itachi followed in after Shisui.
"Honorable Elders," Itachi nodded his head at the three men, "Sakura."
"I wondering when you were going to walk in," Sakura glared at her very new boyfriend. She could feel him outside her office probably just listening and biding his time.
He smirked back taking up a position next to her opposite of Reiko.
"Itachi, Shisui, Reiko, if you don't mind we're having a private discussion with Haruno…" Akemi was trying to get the newcomers out of the room.
"Doctor Haruno, Uchiha-san," Sakura narrowed her eyes slightly, "I hate repeating myself over inconsequential matters."
Akemi's gaze turned angry, "You forget your place Doctor Haruno."
"Actually you forget yours Akemi-sama. Sakura is the director of this hospital, Chief Medical Officer over Konoha, and the Headmaster of the new Medic Academy. She is a highly skilled and respected shinobi of this village and should be treated as such," Itachi stated gazing at Sakura.
Itachi didn't stop at words and backed them up with actions next. They had kept their new relationship quiet after their date and had planned on doing so for some time. But Itachi made a quick decision since the elders had decided to stick their noses in her business with Reiko. He lifted her hand that was closest to him and raised it to his lips kissing the back softly. The tender action made Sakura's body relax but she only allowed it to show in her softened gaze.
Itachi's eyes never left hers, "I was on my way here to see if you were busy or if you'd like to accompany me for lunch?"
Sakura sighed, "Can't today Itachi I'm booked. Perhaps tomorrow?"
He nodded, "I'll be by tomorrow at noon."
"Itachi?" Rook asked wanting to confirm his suspicions. The room was silenced in shock as they waited for the elder to ask his question, "What is your relationship with this woman?" Such a blatant display of affection sent him reeling.
Sakura glared at the elder man, "I have a name elder."
"Yes I know," he glared right back at her.
"Sakura and I are currently seeing each other," Itachi answered smoothly.
Rook and Akemi gasped while Shisui and Reiko's eyes sparkled in delight.
"This was not sanctioned by the clan, Itachi, we will discuss this later," Rook warned him, "Fugaku-sama by your leave I have no further business here."
"I as well," Akemi added staring daggers at Sakura, which she returned.
Fugaku nodded and both elders stormed out of the office.
Sakura turned to Reiko, "Have enough chakra yet?" Reiko nodded. "Heal up, we need to talk."
Reiko nodded again and started the process.
Fugaku stood and stared blankly at his son, "Itachi, tonight you and your mother and I will need to have a discussion."
"Might as well include Sasuke, he will find out anyway," Itachi stared back impassively.
"This does not concern him."
"It does. Either Sasuke is also involved or we will both be scarce."
Fugaku waited for a moment then nodded accepting the terms. He turned his gaze to Sakura as she over saw Reiko's healing. Her jaw snapped into place then he turned and left as if that was his que.
"Shishou are you and Itachi-san really together?" Reiko asked standing up while massaging her sore jaw.
Sakura nodded, "Yes, although I do believe I was coerced."
"Kami Itachi," Shisui teased, "Can't even get a girl to date you without an underhanded trick. Damn sad."
"What Sakura forgot to mention was that after the initial coercion as she states we mutually agreed to become exclusive," she could feel his eyes on her back but she did not give him the satisfaction of turning around.
"Ahh I see," Shisui winked at Sakura who just rolled her eyes.
"How long?" Reiko asked.
"One week already," Sakura answered.
"Why didn't you tell me, do Moegi and TingTing know?"
Sakura shook her head, "Nobody was going to know until we wanted them to. Not even my team knows except now that it's out I'm going to receive hell from them. Why did you do that by the way?" She finally turned around in her swivel chair to eye him, "Or was this all part of you master plan to secure me."
Itachi's gaze bore into her as his previous blank face turned triumphant, "That is one way to put it."
Sakura rolled her eyes, "Seriously…"
"Now was as good a time as any, they won't dare do anything drastic now that I have an attachment to you. They will be more subtle," he explained leaning against her desk arms folded.
"They won't be able to do anything anyway. Tsunade-shishou would just tell them to shove it albeit more subtly than I did."
Itachi's face softened again as he let out a breathy chuckle.
Reiko gasped, "Nee-san did Itachi just…laugh?" she stared at her cousin with wide eyes making Sakura cover her laugh with her hand.
"Women can be very manipulative to men Reiko," Shisui answered with a knowing look to his cousin, "When you're older you'll learn how to play the game."
"It won't be anything your sorry excuses for emotion will teach her," Sakura told them, "She will not be a solider with limited emotion if I can help it."
Reiko's shocked gaze switched from her cousin to her master; her declaration surprised her but at the same time calmed her over her troubled feelings. She knew Sakura cared for her, her conversation a couple weeks back with her master's team and her brother and cousin told her that, but this was the first declaration she's heard from her master herself since the first training session when she couldn't answer her question. She still couldn't but Reiko felt like her eyes were opened just slightly and she could see what they meant about Sakura teaching with her fists; while she was beaten to a pulp Sakura never used full chakra on her, knowing that she would inadvertently kill her if she did. Her master literally just kicked her ass over and over all because of one question that she realized was very important to her master. And if it was important to Sakura then it had to be important to her.
"Reiko!" Sakura yelled directly into her ear causing the girl to jump back into her brother's chest.
"Sorry shishou…" she apologized, head down, "I was just thinking…"
"Look at me," Sakura ordered in a soft yet firm voice making the girl comply, "I need your help. Moegi and TingTing have their own duties to attend to."
"But you said I wasn't allowed until I answered you."
"Well I'm making an exception," Sakura looked up to wave in a nurse waiting by her door, "Is she ready?"
"Hai Haruno-san," the nurse answered.
"I'm on my way have everything prepped and ready for when I get there."
The nurse bowed and left.
"So today Reiko I need your assistance," Sakura explained. She reached for her student and began healing all her injuries deep and superficial. Reiko's eyes widened as she felt her masters chakra course through her replenishing everything she had been lacking for over a week. "Uchiha Mei is currently in the delivery room and about to give birth to her beautiful daughter. I need an assistant and you have yet to witness a birth correct?"
Reiko nodded stunned.
Sakura smirked at her face, "Good now go scrub up. I won't have you giving that poor child any disease because you're covered in blood and dirt." She waited watching Reiko stand still in shock, "Unless you would rather not?"
"No! No, wait I meant hai I'm going!" Reiko bolted out of the office and towards the locker rooms.
Shisui chuckled at his sister's hasty exit, "I thought it was against your rules for her to heal any superficial injuries, let alone you."
Sakura shrugged her shoulders, "I can't have an incompetent assistant during a birth. Poor girl would barely be able to hold that child with her injuries."
"You said Aunt Mei was having a girl?" he asked following her out of her office.
Sakura shot him a glance, "That's right, she's your…"
"Mother's sister yes."
"Right I remember Reiko talking about how excited she was her auntie was having a baby. Must have just slipped my mind," her smirk was not missed by either man.
"What are you planning?" Itachi asked eyeing her.
"Nothing."
"You're a terrible liar Sakura-chan," Shisui commented.
"Good thing I'm being honest," she teased.
"Or you're just deluding yourself," Shisui stood in front of her halting her movement.
She folded her arms, "Shisui I'm sure your aunt would hate it if I was late to her delivery."
"Tell me your plan."
"No."
Running feet made her glance back to see Reiko booking it down the hall towards them.
She sighed, "I'm not going to tell you because I'm hoping that I won't have to use words. If you really want to know stay and wait for Reiko to emerge and you can come see the little baby."
"Let her pass Shisui she obviously had this planned out ahead of time," Itachi placed a hand on her shoulder directing her out of her blocked path.
Sakura tensed slightly at his touch but relaxed…they were dating and he had a right to be a little…
Intimate…honey we ain't seen any type of intimacy yet.
Sakura steeled her nerves and when the pressure of his hand left, she missed it. Kami help me…
"I'll be seeing you gentlemen in a few hours, Reiko!"
"I'm here," her student paused next to her.
"Let's go we have lab work to do after this," Sakura strode forward her long white apron fluttering slightly at her pace.
Reiko sighed dreading the amount of work that she was going to have to do in the lab, she really didn't mind getting the daily beatings if it meant less lab time, but she followed her master obediently.
The sounds of an infant crying filled the room followed by the harsh gasps of the baby's mother.
"Congratulations Mei," Sakura praised holding the small child up for the mother to see, "She's a beautiful little girl."
Mei's hair was plastered around her face and was shiny with sweat. "Thank you…Sakura," she breathed.
Sakura nodded at the acknowledgement then turned, "Reiko assist."
Together with her mentor she helped clean and dress the baby while taking measurements. The baby continued to cry the entire time, her little mouth as wide as she could get it as she wailed for the soft embrace of her mother. Sakura held the infant up after they dressed her in simple infant hospital garb complete with booties and a soft pink beanie.
"Time to wrap her, grab the blanket," Sakura instructed.
Reiko obeyed immediately as she swaddled the child under Sakura's watchful gaze. What surprised her even more was when Sakura made no move to take her back but left her in Reiko's arms. The baby had finally quieted down and Reiko took the opportunity to study her. She was pink and squishy, her skin a darker color than the beanie that was placed on her head. She had perfect lips, in her opinion, a small little triangle not to large but not too small. Before her head was covered up the baby had a large mop of the Uchiha's traditional raven black hair. One thing she has yet to see were her eyes, what color were they, when did they open, how long was this baby going to sleep before she could get her question answered.
"Reiko, I'm sure Mei would now like a turn," Sakura walked up to her student talking softly, "Take her over there."
She put on foot in front of the other hesitant to let the small infant go.
"Does she look beautiful?" Mei asked watching the amazement play across her niece's face.
Reiko broke out into a smile, "She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."
Mei held her arms out and Reiko placed the small bundle gently into her mother's embrace.
"Oh my little Lily welcome to the world," Mei whispered kissing the infant's forehead. The baby cooed in response.
"Is that her name?" Sakura asked monitoring the other nurses as they finished cleaning the room.
Mei nodded, "Uchiha Lily."
Sakura smiled, "Reiko go get the father."
Her student nodded and flew out of the room. She burst into the waiting room to see her uncle, brother, and cousin all stand in anticipation.
"She's so beautiful!" Reiko exclaimed before waving them after her, "Come on!"
They entered the room and the father immediately went to his wife's side. They conversed together for a moment before Mei handed him their daughter. Sakura watched from the other side of the room as she filled out the documents for the birth certificate and other hospital documentation.
"Strong Uchiha features," the father praised, "Has she opened her eyes yet?"
Mei shook her head, "No but she was one heck of a screamer."
"Taking after you huh Mei?" Shisui teased as he took his turn holding the baby.
"Enough out of you Shisui, I was there when your mother gave birth, 26 hours of labor would have made me put you up for adoption," she teased her nephew right back.
"What are her stats?" Itachi asked turning to Sakura.
"8 lbs. 3 ounces, 21 inches long, all around a healthy baby girl but some testing would still need to be done in order to confirm," Sakura answered.
The baby began to wiggle in Shisui grasp that led to another round of crying. He tried soothing her until Mei beckoned for her. He placed Lily in Mei's waiting arms.
"Good job nee-san, you made her cry," Reiko teased him.
"She's probably hungry and there isn't anything I can do to help that," he answered her with a small nudge.
They turned their attention back to the mother holding the child close to her. She opened her eyes revealing two dark onyx gems, Mei smiled kissing her daughter's forehead once more.
"Shhh my baby, mama's here and I will protect you," she whispered fervently to her crying child.
Reiko's eyes widened at her aunt's statement. All of a sudden memories of the past few weeks flew through her mind:
What is your Will of Fire?...I want to be a great ninja…THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!...Sakura usually teaches with her fists…You're lucky to have her…What is your answer Reiko!...Do you want me to beat you into a coma!...How is that a bad Will of Fire?...It's not but maybe there can be something better…
"Reiko." She turned her head sharply to see Sakura holding onto her.
"Sorry shishou I kinda spaced it for a minute," she apologized.
Sakura smirked knowingly at her, "It's alright I'm sure you have a lot of things on your mind. Forget the lab work and go home and rest. We still have a training session tomorrow I want you to be sufficiently prepared for it."
Reiko nodded obediently and turned to see Shisui and Itachi watching her.
"I'll see you at home nee-san," she said before slowly walking out of the room closing the door behind her.
"Let's go boys and give the happy couple some time alone with their daughter. Mei," Sakura got the woman's attention, "Another nurse will come by to administer tests and the lactation specialist will be by in a few minutes."
Mei nodded, "Thank you Sakura, for everything."
Sakura only nodded before leaving the room.
"Smart move Sakura, I think she finally got it," Itachi commented as Sakura handed her paperwork to the nurse's station.
"I thought this might help. Shisui I'm going to ask you not to talk to her about it. I want her to figure it out on her own," Sakura eyed him.
"You're brilliant and I won't interfere," He conceded, "I take it Reiko will have a rigorous training session tomorrow."
Sakura smirked, "I've been holding back. Tomorrow she better fight for her life or she might get close to losing it."
Thoughts...questions...comments...suggestions...i'm really pretty open with everything so don't feel scared to request anything as long as it fits my characters :) what would you like to see: other characters like NaruHina or lots of fluff or what?