It is officially school time :( So i think i'm going to stay with every two weeks for an update. I've already had to write one paper and this week i have TWO tests...someone shoot me now. What happened to summer and all the free time i had to be creative and write. Oi Vey...life goes on. Anyway enjoy!
Sakura's hand gave out and dropped limply to the bed but her lips remained locked with Itachi's. He had definitely taken her advice and kissed her like he meant it. She could feel every single one of his pent of emotions; his pain, heart ache, his desire, and his relief that she was ok. She tried conveying her own sentiments of relief, happiness, and her apology. She wanted his forgiveness. But in her weakened state Sakura could do little more than accept his ministrations which she didn't mind whatsoever…except when she needed to breathe. Itachi seemed to sense her need and would leave her lips while she caught her breath. The instant she even thought about whining to make him come back to her, he was already there claiming her once more. Kami she couldn't get enough of him and it seriously irked her that she could not respond properly.
"Alright!" a boisterous voice cut in followed by a couple a large breasts and heels entered the room, "You can finish that later once Sakura has recovered her strength."
Sakura chuckled lightly against Itachi's intoxicating lips as he pulled away. He began to lean back but Sakura's tired hand leapt up and caught his shirt keeping him close to her.
"One more second shishou," Sakura breathed, lightly pressing their lips together once more.
Tsunade growled but allowed it, besides it wasn't everyday a crowd of people got to watch the infamous prodigy be affectionate with another person. Based on the amused eyes around the room he was going to be teased about that later.
"Itachi enough she needs to breathe!" the Hokage ordered but laughed all the same.
Their tender and seemingly gentle kiss had turned into something significantly more intimate. And Tsunade ended their small escapade before they embarrassed themselves even more in front of their friends.
"Sorry shishou," Sakura apologized, "Please don't make him leave."
Tsunade smiled sympathetically as she approached the other side looking at the monitors, "I couldn't make him even if I tried. Your vitals are stable and it seems you are steadily increasing chakra. How are you feeling?"
Sakura looked around the room seeing her teammates and friends congregated in her small room but everyone was quiet…it was eerie. Was something wrong? Did they not know how to act around her anymore?
"I-uh, I'm alright…" she answered with a questioning look directed at her comrades. Naruto understood and shot an annoyed look at Tsunade. Sasuke rolled his eyes while Sai just smiled along with Kakashi. Ino had her arms folded and began to tap her foot impatiently on the floor.
"That's the best my apprentice can say about her own condition?" the buxom woman folded her arms under her chest with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh ummm, I haven't actually done a body scan of myself yet," she answered still eyeing her teammates, "Why aren't they speaking?"
"Because I told them not to until I finished my part of checking up on you," she answered placing her healing hands on Sakura's abdomen, "Your muscle mass is greatly diminished."
"Not surprised considering my situation. And I never had much to begin with," Sakura answered looking back at Itachi. His face was blank but she could still see the softness in his onyx eyes. She smiled in response.
"Well now that you're awake we can start you on liquids to make sure you can keep it down then we will transfer you to solid foods. We need to start you on physical therapy to rebuild your muscular system. I trust your nervous system was not affected?"
Sakura gave her master quizzical and worried glance, "Not that I know of…"
Tsunade growled removing her hands, "Apparently you've lost your sense of humor. Alright you all can bombard her now." It was a little unnerving to see Sakura acting so…fragile.
Naruto's eyes lit up, "SAKURA-CHAN!" he yelled moving the Hokage out of the way and smoothing Sakura in a huge hug.
"Naruto! Be careful with that arm you idiot!" Tsunade yelled pulling off Sakura so he didn't rip the needles out.
He grumbled in protest as the Hokage lifted him up and held his larger form in front of her face by the back of his orange jacket. It was a miracle the fabric didn't rip. Their glaring match didn't last long as Sakura's sniffles cut in. They looked down to see tears streaming down her cheeks while Itachi gently wiped and re-wiped them away.
"What's the matter?" Naruto asked as Tsunade set him on his feet.
"Sorry," she sniffed, "I'm just…so happy to be home."
"We're happy that you're home too Sakura-chan," Kakashi smiled at her.
"Hn…it's good to see you awake. It was unsettling seeing your body so still," Sasuke smirked lightly at her.
"Yes I do believe I remember dickless saying he missed getting smacked by you," Sai said offhandedly. Naruto immediately turned on Sai growling that he certainly was not dickless.
Sakura laughed again as the tears kept flowing…I cry when I'm happy, I cry when I'm in pain, I just can't stop crying. But this is also the first time in a long time that I have wanted to.
The reunion continued as Sakura and all of her friends conversed. Naruto offered to get her some ramen since she couldn't go to the post mission dinner her and Team Seven always had. Ino gracefully moved Itachi out of the way and had sat down beside her best friend on the bed, cradled her head against her chest, and stroked her hair. She passed around the new gossip happening in Konoha but she strategically left out the fact that everyone in the village thought she was engaged to Itachi. She decided to leave that little bit of information up to the Uchiha who raised an eyebrow at her mischievous and pointed look. Lastly her best friend filled her in on her clan members.
Tsunade had put them up in the foreign dignitaries housing until she woke. Ino explained that every woman there refused to do anything related to any kind of permanent residence until they could consult with the last member of their clan.
"And every single one of us has been over there everyday teaching all of them how to read and write," Ino explained with a large smile, "Although I don't think Naruto's doing a very good job. More people seem confused after his tutoring and I usually have to go fix it."
Naruto huffed and folded his arms, "Hey I offered to do the shinobi training. I was never a good reader when I was little! I don't know why I got stuck trying to teach that."
"Ain't that the truth you gaki," Ino stuck her tongue out at him making Sakura chuckle, "Sasuke-kun is a better tutor than you. Anyways Tsunade-sama has assigned the entirety of the Konoha Twelve, including our sensei's to instruct our newest comrades in everything from culture, grammar, and typical shinobi training. You can imagine how that is going. But it's not all bad. All of the younger children have been enrolled in the Academy and they receive tutoring on their letters after school. The elder women are struggling slightly but you can't blame them for not learning when they were younger. As you well know Miss Medic-nin it's harder to learn a language when you're older than when you're younger and your mind is more moldable."
"Hai, you're right," Sakura replied softly. At first Sakura was a little put out that Ino made Itachi move but as soon as her hand stroked her nasty and neglected hair she decided she didn't much care anymore.
"Alright she needs to rest," Tsunade ordered shushing everyone out of the room, "You can see her tomorrow and Ino, give her a bath."
"Hai Tsunade-sama," Ino smiled.
"Bath…" Sakura sighed, "That sounds nice."
"Here," Ino stood readjusting Sakura's body on the bed, "I'm going to your house and I'll grab your stuff. I'll be back in about an hour and then you are getting a bath and you're getting extremely pampered. Would you like a pedi as well?" Ino continued seeing Sakura's slight nod, "I'll grab your favorite red color then and I'll need to stop by the store. I don't care what Tsunade-sama says I'm letting you splurge with good ol' Haagan Das Chocolate ice cream. And once we have that opened…you and I are going to have a talk. No ifs, ands, or buts about it ok?"
Sakura looked into Ino's serious teal eyes and smiled. She loved her best friend and she could probably sense Sakura's melancholy from a mile away. Ino knew exactly what she needed and she could only thank the heavens above that Ino was here to help her. There probably wasn't another woman on the planet that understood her like she did. The pink haired patient knew she needed vent out her feelings and she also knew that Ino was the best person for the job. She didn't even need to be inside her mind to do it.
"Hai Ino-pig."
Ino smiled brightly at that, "Later Forehead!" she called closing the hospital door.
Sakura's eyes stayed trained to the closed door. She didn't know why but at the moment she didn't know what to say to Itachi. What she did know was that she needed to bring up her conversation with the Gobi. But how? When? What would he say when she told him what the bijuu said? Would those damning statements prove true? Would she be able to see it in his eyes? Did she have to courage to do what was necessary in order to avoid this situation and others that will be like it? And what about her virginity? Kami…would he even want to touch her again? Would she even be able to bear another man's hands on her body again? That would kill their relationship! There was no way he would want her now…of that she was sure. How could he love or even want to be with someone who couldn't stand to have him touch in an intimate way. She was ruined and if the Uchiha clan didn't approve of her before then there was no way in hell they'd approve of her now. She might as well just give up, this wasn't worth fighting over now…not when she was damaged goods.
Don't jump to conclusions, Her Inner chided.
But it's true!
No it's not true…
How do you know that? Sakura whimpered.
Her Inner growled, You haven't asked him yet! How will you know for sure until you ask him!
"Are you alright?" Itachi asked her softly.
Sakura's head turned back slowly, "I'm fine."
His eyes narrowed minutely. She was lying…and whatever she was thinking about it was obviously something important. Was it going to be about her situation or her kidnapping? Was she concerned about her infidelity? She shouldn't be, to him she was still pure and clean…but maybe she didn't feel that way. He could only hope that whatever was troubling her, he would be able to help her fix it.
"I want…" she cleared her throat, "I want to know what you think…about what happened…"
He didn't answer right away as he just continued to stare at her slightly panicked face. It was obvious that whatever he said was going to say would have a huge impact on her and their relationship. He definitely needed to choose his words carefully.
"Sakura what happened to you does not affect my personal feelings towards you," he told her softly reaching for her hand, "I still want you, nothing can ever change that."
"Are you sure?" she whimpered looking down at her bed sheets.
"Hai," he moved his chair back to its original position before Ino took over, "I love you and that will never change."
Tears leaked out of her eyes and he gently wiped them away, "But what about…what about…me…I'm not a virgin anymore. I've been broken!" She gasped and her hands shot to her mouth to hold back her choked sobs, "He touched me! He molested me! Then he raped me! How can you want that?! How can you not look at me and see me for what I really am!"
He grabbed her chin making her meet his eyes. His grip was firm but not in a harmful way. She was still delicate in both body and mind, and he couldn't afford to hurt her, "I am looking Sakura. And I see someone who's been hurt and needs to heal. But I still see the strong, vibrant, and compassionate woman I fell in love with. And I promise you that no other man will ever touch you again!"
He sealed his statement with a harsh kiss. Sakura accepted it unable to turn away from the promise he was willing her to believe. His lips were asking for her trust and her love. He didn't want to lose her or have her turn away from him. He wanted her, no matter what he wanted her!
Sakura began responding her tears staining his perfect cheeks as she kissed him back. She wanted to soak in this feeling; it wasn't quite cloud nine but it sure as hell was close. Then she remembered her other problem.
Pushing against his solid chest with the little force she could muster, Sakura urged him back so she could speak, "Itachi wait…I uh…I mean…"
He waited patiently stroking her cheeks, trying to encourage her to continue.
"I spoke to the Gobi," she whispered not meeting his eyes again.
His hands stilled as that one small statement settled in his body, "You…spoke with the Gobi?"
"Hai," she looked up the sadness in her eyes returning, "He said some things…about Uchihas…and about you. And I didn't believe him but…Itachi he talked about it as if he knew it would happen! As if there was nothing I could do to change it."
"What did it tell you?" he asked. This was definitely bad if that bijuu was influencing her thoughts and she was believing him.
"I-I didn't believe him at first," she looked up pleading with him.
"At first?"
She shook her head, "I…I don't want to believe him…"
Itachi took in a large steady breath calming his rampant emotions. He couldn't lose it, not here and definitely not now. He needed Naruto to speak with her about this; he was the only one who could really know about her and the Gobi's relationship.
"We will discuss this later, when Naruto-san and Hokage-sama are present," he said stoically.
Sakura cringed at his tone, he was using that voice. Was he mad at her? She didn't really believe The Gobi but…what was his attitude trying to tell her?
"You're mad…" she whispered looking away from him as the tears started again, "I'm so sorry…"
"Do not apologize," he said trying to get her to look at him. She was refusing making him sigh and re-approach the situation, "I'm not angry with you Sakura. I just don't want to have a conversation that we both don't know much about. Tsunade is the Hokage and she will need to make a decision about your sealing. Naruto is your fellow jinchurikki and his insight into your situation will be better than mine. I will arrange for them to both stop by tomorrow so we may have a private conversation on the matter."
Oh Kami! She shrieked, He doesn't…he…they aren't…
You are jumping to conclusions again!
They don't know what to do with me! I'm going to have to leave!
Will you stop being so damned dramatic and just wait!
Sakura's tears didn't stop as she wallowed in her self-pity. She was going to leave. As soon as she was able she would pack up a few things and just leave. She couldn't take this…this heartache. She definitely wasn't strong enough to handle it. The Haruno kunoichi's will be well taken care of so her obligation to them is over. In order to be spared more pain and in order to keep her village out of political turmoil with the rest of the world Sakura would make the sacrifice and leave.
The door re-opened and Ino walked in with a big bag. She instantly took in Sakura's wavering form and Itachi's slightly pitiful attempts to try and comfort her, "Itachi-san you weren't supposed to make her cry."
He didn't respond because he had no idea what she was crying about. She wouldn't respond to his attempts and so for the last twenty minutes he was resigned to just wiping her tears and stroking her matted hair.
"Sakura," Ino walked up hands on her hips. The pink haired women met her eyes, "You can't cry yet. First we pamper, then we eat, and then we cry. You know how this goes so don't do it out of order."
Itachi watched as Ino disconnected her friend from the machines then hoisted Sakura up into her arms, another telling sign of his woman's fragile state. Ino chatted away as she carried Sakura in the bathroom and a minute later he could hear a bath being drawn. He sighed and stretched before walking to the window. The sun was waning as it had finally disappeared behind the tree line. She was home. She was safe. But this experience had changed her. Only a fool would presume that her experience as a captive, of the cruelest kind, would leave her unchanged. But time would only tell how much.
Taking a deep breath he thought over Sakura's confessions. She saw herself as unclean and thought he would think the same. Why would she think that about him? It was obvious that Sakura thought that he would leave her and it hurt that she had assumed that about him. But could he really hold it against her? No…after all from what he had observed from the other women they were conditioned to respond in a variety of ways. If one of them tripped during their traveling they would quickly right themselves then cringe if a male shinobi would ask them if they were ok. It couldn't be helped what had been literally beaten into them from a young age. Hopefully being integrated into regular society their behaviors will have adapted.
Then there was the matter of the Gobi. It had spoken to Sakura and from what he could glean…he told her some damning things. Things against his family, and against him that he hoped Sakura wouldn't listen to. Whatever it was they needed to fix it and fast. He needed Naruto to talk to her and maybe even try to talk to the Gobi. Sakura was strong…she could get through this. And he only hoped that she would be strong enough to resist the Gobi's words until they could reach a compromise. He wasn't going to let her go, not after everything. Itachi would think himself as less than a man if he left her now. What kind of man would leave a woman in such a state…only a coward…and he was no coward. No…even if he had to personally speak to this bijuu, he would make sure that it understood his intentions of keeping Sakura around. That demon will not win.
The door opened and Ino walked out with Sakura in her arms. He turned and sat back down in his chair as Sakura was hooked back up. She looked better, more refreshed after her bath. It was pleasing to see her so relaxed but that was going to be short lived. Whatever Ino wanted to talk to her about would probably bring her depression back, but hopefully after getting all of her worries and pent up fears off her chest, maybe her mind wouldn't be as clouded and consumed by fear.
"Ok first things first," Ino reached down and pick up another bag pulling out a case of strawberries and a tub of whipped cream, "Comfort food and I'm not letting you tell me no so don't even try."
Sakura just smiled and reached slowly for a large strawberry, dipped it into the fluffy white cream, and brought it to her pale lips. She sighed in utter contentment as she took her bite chewing slowly…savoring the delicious flavors that assaulted her tongue, "Kami Ino…you're the best."
Ino smiled sucking on her own red berry, "Yeah don't I know it. Itachi you're not exempt from partaking in comfort food, dig in." She ordered pushing the clear basket toward him.
He watched Sakura a moment longer before reaching for his own fruit and eating it. They were ripe and full of juices; hard enough so the juice didn't leak out of their lips but still soft so when the berry rolled around the tongue is practically dissolved. Ino did well in picking the berries. They were content for a while to just sit and indulge in the sweet treat and as soon as the basket was finished Ino put it away then met her friend's haunted gaze.
"Alright Forehead," Ino said in a soft but unyielding voice, "I don't want specifics but I know you have a lot on your chest…spit it out."
Sakura stared into Ino's familiar teal eyes and began to crumble. What could she say? So many feelings were swirling through her brain and body that Sakura honestly have no idea what to say.
"I…I just…Ino I..." she stumbled not being able to put her jumbled thoughts together.
"Do want it to be just us girls?" she asked.
"NO!" Sakura yelled reaching for Itachi's hand on the bed, "No…don't make him leave…please."
Ino smile weakly, "Well then just start with whatever comes out."
"That's just it…I have no freaking clue where to start," Sakura looked up at her, "I just feel so…confused and dead inside. I just don't…Kami I have no idea what the hell I'm supposed to feel anymore. I should be angry, I should be wanting to storm around the village in a rage and breaking anything that's in my way but I can't. I can't because I feel like I should be in a dark corner crying in a small ball and I hate that feeling Ino! I haven't felt this helpless in years! What was all my fucking training for if after one month of torture I'm completely changed into a different person than before! What happened to me?!" she screamed wrenching her hands out of her friend's grasps and hiding her face, "I feel like a stranger in my own body. So much…so much shit happened Ino…I feel…I feel so desecrated! And I just want to die!"
Ino pulled her forward and buried Sakura's screaming tear stained face into her chest and rocked her back and forth. Sakura told her everything that happened starting from the beginning. She said how she felt, what happened, and how she came up with mind numbing day dreams to escape the torment she was put through. She confessed her own weakness but then would defend herself saying she was only weak because of the malnourishment. She let everything go…from how unfair it was to be targeted to her own feelings of shame.
"There was this one time though," Sakura hiccupped against her friend trying to control herself, "That I was proud of myself."
"When was that?" Ino asked stroking her damp pink hair.
"The second week or third…I can't remember. Time always slipped away from me," she said clearing her throat, "I was put into the group conditioning session with other kunoichis. I was terrified because I didn't have a lot of chakra and I definitely didn't want anyone else touching me. They all surrounded me and they'd pierce my skin with kunai and senbon. I was even whipped a few times which made me mad. Then they started getting closer and the intent changed in their eyes from vicious torture to vile desire. That's when I snapped. I ripped the rope from my legs with what little chakra I had and I knocked every single one of those bastards to the ground. Tetsu began laughing at the scene before he walked up and let me body fall to the floor. He picked me up then and carried me back to my prison saying, 'Looks like I will be the only one taking pleasure in you.' I passed out after that…"
"Good for you," Ino choked out. She wanted to smile that even in her weakened state Sakura could still knock some idiots on their asses but then again, her situation was nothing to really smile about, "Defending yourself like that. It took a lot of guts."
Sakura didn't answer just continued to let Ino hold her. She was tired now…with all the crying she did as well as her present physical state she wasn't surprised at her exhaustion. But instead of feeling uneasy or dirty…she felt an odd sense of peace settle over her, a peace that hadn't existed prior to this moment.
"Ino…arigato."
"Always Sakura."
"I'm tired, I think I'm going to sleep for a bit."
"Good idea," Ino leaned her head back onto the pillow and adjusted the blankets over her small body, "Tsunade-sama assigned me to be your nurse for the duration of your stay so I'll be by the check on you later. Itachi-san if she does need anything, just find me."
He nodded once then Ino kissed Sakura's forehead and left the room. His dark onyx eyes looked back into emerald as Sakura beckoned him closer.
"Sleep with me?" she asked timidly, "I don't want to be left alone."
Despite the long talk and sob session she had with Ino, Itachi could still see how vulnerable and breakable she seemed. And of course leaving her in this current condition was unacceptable. He nodded once and climbed into the hospital bed. Sakura curled into him breathing in his beautiful scent before falling into a deep slumber.
Cold…I'm so cold…
Heaviness pulled her body downward as if she were sinking slowly through dampened earth. Laughter echoed around her but not the happy kind. It was evil, sadistic, and very, very familiar.
This can't be…did I dream the whole thing?
Her eyes opened slowly and focused on the crimson color of her legs. Trails of blood trickled down what were once finely-toned and powerful appendages. She had been damn proud of her shapely legs but now they were reduced to shriveled nothingness. It was scary, watching her life blood flow out of her body and onto the brown ground without a care in the world.
Wait…this…this can't be real? No it can't! It can't! I was rescued, I was saved! I remember Itachi…I was with Itachi!
Jerking against the chains above her head Sakura's head shot up to see Tetsu grinning wickedly at her kunai in hand.
"Hello my little cherry blossom," he trilled, "Ready for more?"
She continued jerking not believing what she was seeing.
A genjutsu! She shouted in her head, this has to be a genjutsu!
"You're not real!" she screamed at Tetsu, "None of this is real!"
"Oh you're wrong my dear," he told her quite frankly, "This is as real as it gets."
The harsh metal pierced her wound body and she jerked in reaction. She had to get out of this. This torture was over, the pain was all over, she was home, and she remembered Itachi and his face on the battlefield.
Wake up! She screamed at herself, Wake up oh please Kami wake up!
More metal continued to poke and prod at her supple body making her writhe in more pain.
Tetsu hummed in contentment by her ear, "You are mine little cherry blossom…"
"Sakura!"
Large green eyes shot open as Sakura jerked upward in a scared frenzy. Her body was in over drive telling her she was in danger and she need to escape. Without another coherent thought she jerked away from the hands that reach towards her screaming at them not to touch her and to leave her alone. The sheets were thrown in every direction as her weakened body fell to the floor the needles ripping out of her arm. The pain didn't even faze her as she tried but failed to crawl across the floor.
"Sakura, calm down you are safe!" a loud feminine voice cut through her panicked thoughts.
She froze lying pathetically on the floor as a pair of slightly heeled shinobi sandals appeared. Knees touched the floor followed by a pair of overly large breasts then her master's face. Tsunade tried to keep a stoic visage about her but even Sakura could see the slight worry in her amber gaze.
"It was just a dream Sakura. Let me help you back up," the Hokage said softly touching Sakura's shoulder.
Sakura nodded slightly feeling herself hoisted up from the cold hard tiled floor. She was placed back on the bed and only then did she notice the machines that were still hooked up to her body gradually slowed their frantic pace. Itachi and Naruto were at the foot of the bed both had the same slightly worried looks on their faces and she bowed her head in shame. It was really embarrassing seeing people she loved and respected look at her that way…it made her feel young again…like she was weak and couldn't protect herself. It hurt.
"There all fixed up," Tsunade announced to the silent room, "No more jumping out of this bed or I'm putting restraints on you, do you understand?"
Pink locks moved up in down in the affirmative.
"Alright, well Itachi went and brought you some miso. I know the hospital version is disgusting and not even dogs would drink it. So here's the good stuff. Drink up then we need to have a talk," her master ordered.
"I'm not hungry," Sakura whispered still not looking at them.
"I don't care if you feel hungry or not. Your body needs the nutrients so you will eat. This is not a discussion."
Her green eyes peeked up and she cringed slightly seeing the uncompromising look on her master's face.
"Ok."
Itachi walked around the bed and placed a sack on the table. Reaching inside a small Styrofoam bowl was lifted out and the cap taken off. The beautiful array of scents hit her nose faster than she anticipated and Sakura breathed in the calming sensation the soup provided. Her body clenched in anticipation for the delicious taste as Itachi sat next to her on the bed, the bowl between his hands.
"It's a little hot," he warned holding it near her lips.
Sakura's hands lifted to hold the bowl to her mouth but they only lasted a couple of second before gravity pulled them down to the bed once more. She growled at her weakness a little peeved that her body wasn't responding properly.
Tsunade snorted, "Give it time Sakura. Did you really think you'd be up and walking around after a month of malnourishment?"
"Haiiiiiiii," she pouted.
"Get over it. Your physical therapy begins this afternoon. Once Dr. Fu clears you then you can begin regular shinobi training. I swear if you try training before you are medically cleared I will shove my foot up your ass, literally."
Sakura glared at Tsunade's threat but chastised herself a moment later. How many times has she used that threat on other patients? Shinobi were notorious for disregarding their own health in favor of training. Usually she was the one to issue the threat, and now the tables were turned. She had to follow her own advice because if she did too much too soon then she would find herself back in this hospital bed and on a longer recovery road.
"I won't," she promised.
Tsunade nodded and watched as Itachi gently pressed the edge of the bowl to Sakura pale lips and she sipped slowly. The soup was definitely delicious. She knew there was a corner stand near the hospital that sold exactly this type of soup. Taking one large swallow Sakura closed her eyes and leaned back against the bed. She could feel the warmth seeping into her body soothing the insides as her body broken down the different nutrients. It was a comforting feeling considering her hospital room was freezing. It was autumn so the nights and days were getting cooler and having a severe lack of body fat and muscle mass just made her even colder. She literally had nothing to keep her warm besides the thin hospital gown and the blankets. Itachi lifted the soup to her lips again and steadily Sakura drank it all. Throwing the empty bowl into the garbage he settled back into his chair waiting for the "talk" to start.
"How do you feel now?" Tsunade asked watching the contented look on her apprentice's face.
"Good…still weak though."
She snorted, "Miso doesn't regrow muscles. So let's get down to business."
Nobody spoke as Tsunade turned her gaze to Naruto who was fidgeting slightly. He looked up at her then back at Sakura who was staring at her and Itachi's intertwined hands.
"Sakura-chan," he began, "We need to talk about your bijuu."
She nodded not looking up.
"The Gobi right?"
She nodded again.
"At least you lucked out," he smiled brightly at her, "The Gobi is a pretty chill bijuu."
"Not to me he isn't," she said looking up at him.
Naruto nodded turning a little serious, "You've spoken with him then? What was it about?"
"He was…very angry…" she whispered, "He was angry because the promise you made him was broken. He's bitter that this has happened to him. He just wants to be free to roam the earth again instead of being sealed into a human being. And…he…" she choked fighting back more tears, "He said I would have to leave. That I'd be abandoned and used."
"That's not true!" Naruto leaned forward, "You tell him that no matter what, we will not abandon you!"
"I did," she replied looking up at Itachi. She could see his anger at her comment but also something… "He said that the Uchiha will try to use me, manipulate me with their sharingan. I would only be seen as a tool and no longer as a person. I'm a monster now…that's how people will see me, just like they used to see you, Naruto."
Lifting her gently from the bed Naruto cradled his teammate in his arms and rocked her. His shirt slowly dampened with Sakura's tears but he just held her tight and whispered his promise into her ear, "That is not going to happen to you Sakura. My pain will never be yours."
She choked slightly before speaking, "How…how can y-you be s-s-so sure?"
Naruto grabbed her chin and stared into her eyes, "Have I ever broken a promise to you Sakura-chan?"
The intensity of his dark blue eyes held her captive. She froze completely unable to look away and unable to deny the truth shining in his eyes. This was Naruto, she could trust him to keep his promise because he hadn't yet broken one; not to her, not to Sasuke, or Kakashi,, and even Sai. Naruto kept his word…it was his way of ninja after all.
"Arigato…Naruto-kun," Sakura whispered against his chest.
He squeezed her tighter, "Anytime Sakura-chan."
Her sniffling subsided enough that Naruto loosened his hold on her and set her back down. She was exhausted for the second day in a row because of crying. It was starting to aggravate her.
"Anything else we need to know Sakura?" Tsunade asked softly.
She nodded, "Whatever Tetsu did to the seal…it's something horrible."
"Explain."
"The Gobi is bleeding. Multiple lacerations throughout his entire body and it bleeds out of his cell. He should have a beautiful white coat, but it's been stained red. The Kyuubi isn't like that in you, is he?"
"No," he shook his head, eyes narrowing.
"We will have the seal team take a look at it and see what they can divine from it," Tsunade decided before standing, "Get better, that's an order."
"Hai shishou," Sakura answered as she and Naruto left the hospital.
The silence was heavy between the last two people in the room. Neither wanted to break it, not really knowing what they were going to say to each other. Sakura knew that if Itachi were to say something it would be…well actually…she had no idea what he was thinking.
"You thought that now that you're a jinchurikki I would abandon you and try to use you as a weapon?" he asked in his shinobi stoic voice.
Well…she certainly wasn't expecting that, but at the same time Sakura wasn't really surprised.
"I…I was hoping not…" she answered truthfully looking up into his eyes.
His onyx orbs narrowed slightly, "You think that little of me?"
"NO!" she gasped out, "No I defended you. I told him you were different and that it wouldn't happen! But he sounded so sure and so…I just…I'm so sorry Itachi. I swear I didn't doubt you!"
He nodded once, "Good."
She raised a brow.
"I would have had to convince you otherwise but it seems as if I won't have to anymore," he smirked at her.
Sakura rolled her eyes, "Was that some kind of test?"
"Hai."
"Did I pass?"
"Hai."
"What's my score?"
He leaned towards her their noses touching, "B."
She shoved him back a little so she could glare at him, "B?" Why would he give her such a low score, she told him the truth and said that she really didn't doubt him. She shouldn't have a B she should an A! She couldn't even remember the last time she ever received a grade lower than an A.
He smirked.
"May I ask why?"
"Because," he whispered leaning back down again, "It leaves room for improvement."
He kissed her pressing his lips firmly and commanding her to take it. Sakura would have shoved him away if she had the strength, the audacity of that man to think he could just take what he damn well wanted, but Itachi knew she couldn't even harm a fly. He could be so pushy when he wanted to be and for the most part…she couldn't find it in herself to really care. She was just happy to know that the Gobi's words were not going to come true. He still loved her and right now, in her current state, that was good enough for her.
The door slid open then and a shocked gasp drew the kissing couple apart.
"My apologies Uchiha-sama," the man bowed, "I did not mean to intrude on you and your fiancé."
Sakura's eyes widened and she turned to Itachi demanding an explanation, "The hell does that mean?"
He smirked again, "The entire village thinks that we're engaged."
Sakura's face turned beat red in anger and embarrassment. Who could have thought of such a rumor! Sure they were dating and she had agreed to marry him later, but she didn't say yes yet! Then her eyes narrowed as she thought of the only person who would ever spread such a rumor.
"INNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
The Doctor cringed at her angered tone but did not comment on it. Besides he wasn't allowed to leave until he escorted Sakura to her PT appointment, "I'm going to go grab a wheelchair, I'll be back."
He hurried out of the room just as Itachi placed a singled finger on her lips.
"It was not Ino that told."
"Then who was it, Naruto? It sure as well wasn't Sasuke, or Sai, or Kakashi-sensei!" she glared up at him. Her sudden burst of energy was nice but she would probably crash later because of it.
He shook his head eyes glittering in amusement, "It was I."
Emerald eyes widened in shock at his declaration, "Why?"
"Many things happened when you were taken," he explained, "one of which there is a new council in the Uchiha clan. The former Elders are no longer in their seat of power. And in order to procure the best of my clansmen for helping in your retrieval, I claimed you as my fiancé. The entire village thinks we are currently engaged."
"You sneaky, rotten, little bullheaded bastard!" she growled angrily, "You have not even asked me yet!"
He quirked a brow, "Would you say no?"
"No, but this doesn't mean you're getting off the damn hook," she sighed then some of her steam slowly dissipating, "You had better still ask me properly though…I won't marry you until then."
"Dully noted," he calmly replied, "I think your therapist has returned but is reluctant to enter the room."
"Call him in, might as well get this over with."
I know...not my best...totally filler...i promise it'll get better soon! i'm feeling a little lazy so i might totally skip most of her physical rehabilitation just to keep the story moving what do you think? I have some really fun things planned ;) Sakura gets Itachi out of his comfort zone, growing relationships between Team Kakashi and their OC's (many of you have guessed who :)), and of course the ItaSaku wedding, Naruto's promotion to Hokage, and the return of Shinta! Oh and my personal favorite...Tetsu's interrogation muh ha ha ha! See ya'll soon!