Yeah i know...i know... Anyways i know a lot of people are anxious for this chapter so if you wish to know where i've been read the AN at the end :)
Sakura wheeled herself down the hallway of the hospital careful to avoid nurses, doctors, visitors, and other patients who may be in the hallways. She just finished with her physical therapy session for the day and after a week of being pushed because of her lack of muscle mass, she insisted that she push herself from now on. She had begun to feel better; gross motor movement in her arm was strengthening since convincing her therapist to let her move herself around. It was also very liberating for Sakura to have this type of independence again. She had relied on other people for two weeks and that was definitely enough. The only other time she ever wanted to be waited on was when she was pregnant.
Hehe, pregnant with little Uchihas, she giggled to herself as she pressed the button in the elevator to her floor.
Not gonna lie but we would have some damn fine looking children, her Inner mused with her.
Agreed, I hope they look a lot like their father.
Ugh, what's taking him so damn long?!
I said I wanted something special you little harpy! Everyone in the village thinks we're engaged already and the least he can do is give me a good formal proposal.
Psssh, just wed him and bed him. I'm sick of waiting…
Sakura's face paled slightly at her Inner's callous comment. She decided not to broach the subject again considering her recent behavior. Recently whenever Itachi would try to broach any level of intimacy Sakura would freeze up. She would feel terrible about it considering every time his hands touched her she thought of another…more vile creature. Shame always followed her feelings of disgust at herself. She shouldn't be thinking about Tetsu when she was with Itachi. It should only be Itachi on her mind…but it's not like she can just put her month of captivity to the back of her mind! It still seemed like yesterday that she was hanging in her prison cell blood dripping from her body. She could still feel Tetsu's hands touching her, violating her, claiming her in ways that she only wanted Itachi to claim her in. Her body shivered at her thoughts pausing briefly in the middle of the hallway. Her nightmares were consistent since she had the first one a week ago. Every night it seemed that when she closed her eyes and tried to think of something pleasant to fall asleep to, like dancing with Itachi or hitting the clubs with Ino, they were always interrupted with dark brown walls and blood stained floors. She would wake up in a cold sweat with the heart rate monitor going crazy with her rapid heartbeat. The frist few times nurses had come in to make sure nothing was happening with their patient. But Sakura would shoo them away and then seek the comfort of her stalwart boyfriend. When Sakura talked to Shizune about it, the senior medic confirmed Sakura's suspicions; the pink haired medic was currently suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Who knew when she would get over it and become like the woman she was prior to this whole ordeal.
That's not going to happen…
It could, Sakura said softly not quite believing her own words.
Her Inner sighed, Your optimism is infectious but this is different, even you know that. That one month is going to live within us for the rest of our lives.
Will I ever get over it? Can I even try to let Itachi in without freezing up every time?
…I don't know…
Placing her hands back on the tires Sakura began wheeling towards her room. Her decent mood vanished with those plaguing thoughts and the white lit hallways didn't seem as happy anymore.
"Sakura-sama?"
She looked up to see an Uchiha, one of her room guards, looking at her.
"Are you well?" he asked in a stoic voice but she could detect a slightly amount of concern.
"Hai…I'm alright," she replied looking at the floor. It was almost annoying but perversely dignifying that she was able to "see" through the Uchiha's stoic expressions. Maybe it was now a curse, being able to only see their feigned indifference would be a blessing right now.
"You have a visitor waiting in your room," he gestured to her door.
Her brows quirked in curiosity and she turned herself so she could wheel through the door. The guard opened it for her then closed it slowly behind her wheelchair.
Sakura's brows shot to the ceiling when she saw who was standing near the window in her room. It was definitely not someone she was expecting but then again…with the whole rumor about her and Itachi being engaged Sakura reasoned she should have at least been expecting this sometime.
"Sakura-san, you're looking well," Uchiha Mikoto smiled at the young woman, "I was told you'd be finishing with your therapy soon and that this would be a good time to visit you."
"M-Mikoto-sama," Sakura cleared her throat, "You were told right I guess."
"How was your session today?" the Matriarch asked taking a seat in a nearby chair.
"It was fine. Dr. Fu says I'm improving quickly," Sakura answered politely. She was a little nervous talking with Itachi's mother…after all she had only met the women once or twice since she'd been a member of Team Seven. And she definitely hadn't been by to visit since she and Itachi started dating, going to the Uchiha Compound after her incident was pretty much a big no-no.
"That's good to hear," Mikoto smiled warmly at her.
The conversation dwindled and a small awkward silence reigned for a short time before Sakura got the nerve to ask a question.
"Mikoto-sama…"
"Just Mikoto please Sakura," she cut in quickly, "It would be a little weird to be called –sama by my daughter-in-law now wouldn't it."
"Oh," she laughed nervously, "I guess it would."
"Now what was it that you wanted to ask me?"
"Oh I uh," she cleared her throat, "I was just wondering why you were here?"
The older woman quirked a brow slightly surprised by the question, "Are you not engaged to my son?" she asked rhetorically.
"I uh…well actually…he uh…hasn't officially asked me yet," she answered truthfully her head bowed to the floor.
Mikoto stayed quiet in shock before bursting into light laughter. Sakura's head shot up eyes wide as she watched the woman place a hand on her stomach.
"Itachi…" she mused, "That little weasel. He has everyone believing that the two of you are engaged. No doubt he filled you in on what happened the day you were kidnapped?"
Sakura nodded, "Yeah a little."
Mikoto smirked and Sakura almost laughed, Itachi and Sasuke obviously inherited their prized smirks from their mother, "He stood up in front of the clan and announced that you two were engaged to be married. I was so happy that I didn't even think that it was a ploy. Oh that boy deceiving his mother all this time…"
Sakura had to smile a bit at her reaction. Granted she had never spent significant time with the woman but already during their conversation Sakura was warming up to the Matriarch. She wasn't as proud and standoffish as some of the other Uchiha women. She seemed lovable and amiable, and yet Sakura could sense the underlying power that resided in her. Mikoto was definitely still strong since she did survive the Fourth War.
"But as for me I came here to get to know you better and to give you some insight as to what it's like to be the Matriarch of our clan," Mikoto smiled lightly at her, "If you want we can still talk about those things or we can just simply chat. I'm fine with either."
Sakura's smile grew slowly again as she wheeled herself over to her bed then began to stand. Mikoto reached out to help her but Sakura waved her off stating she had enough energy to get up. The raven haired woman watched as Sakura situated herself.
"I'm still open for talking if you're up to it," Sakura replied adjusting her bed into more of a sitting position, "Just don't be offended if I fall asleep on you."
"I won't be," she smiled, "Your willpower is impressive. From what I hear about you from Sasuke and Itachi you are very driven in everything you do."
A light blush crossed the medic's cheeks, "Oh I uh…I just like to get things done my own way."
"It's admirable. You are a very accomplished woman for being as young as you are."
"Thank you."
Mikoto nodded, "So are you and Itachi planning on continuing your courtship?"
Sakura's blush returned tenfold, for some reason when Mikoto asked her that she felt like a little school girl getting asked about her secret crush, "Hai…we don't plan on ending it anytime soon." Her stomach lurched a little at her statement…that is if I actually get to stay in Konoha…
"Excellent," she beamed, "Does he have any future plans on asking you to marry him?"
"Oh…uh…he ummm…"
"Are my questions making you nervous?" Mikoto asked abruptly.
Sakura nodded quickly not meeting her gaze.
"Do I frighten you?"
"N-No."
"Then why won't you look me in the eye?"
Sakura looked up then with a shocked look which contrasted greatly with Mikoto's challenging gaze. She didn't know how to answer the older woman's question because she honestly didn't know why she couldn't look Mikoto in the eye. Maybe she was afraid that Mikoto would see the sadness that lingered in her gaze, or be able to see her impurity and not want Sakura for a daughter any longer. Or maybe it was because Sakura felt she owed the woman her highest respect considering who she was and all.
"I don't know Mikoto-san," she answered truthfully.
The Uchiha Matriarch sighed softly, "I'm not here to judge you Sakura-san. I'm only here to get to know the woman who captured my Itachi's attention. I'll admit when he first told me of his attraction to you I was a little shocked, but at the same time I was pleased that there was a woman brave enough, strong enough, and kind enough to worm their way into his heart. As the mother of a prodigy it was a shock to see him coming to me for guidance, but as soon as he said your name I knew you were meant to be. Forgive my intrusion, I'll leave you and maybe later we can talk again."
Mikoto stood and began to walk to the door before Sakura stopped her, "Mikoto-san please wait."
"Yes dear?" she said turning away from the door.
"Was it you that Itachi was conspiring with?" with a slightly peeved expression on her face.
Mikoto smirked lightly seeing the irritation mixed with genuine curiosity in Sakura's emerald gaze. Retracing her steps she sat back down in the chair to resume their conversation.
"It was. Did he tell you?"
"Not directly," Sakura answered, "He told me once that you approved of us being together. I just kinda figured you probably helped him step it up and ask me out."
Mikoto chuckled, "I did. He was a little disheartened when you refused him after Pein's attack but he understood your reasoning. I helped him get over it and then once he got the time off after the war I had to kick his ass into gear to get him to pursue you again."
Sakura chuckled lightly at that, "I think you're the only person in the world who could get him to do anything."
"Not anymore I'm not. You hold that position now."
She snorted, "Not likely. That stubborn asshole gets his way whether I want him to or not."
Mikoto chuckled, "Yes he's stubborn just like his bullheaded bastard of a father."
Sakura couldn't contain the laughter that escaped her mouth. Never did she imagine that Uchiha Mikoto, Matriarch of the famed Uchiha clan, could swear with the best of them. Sakura had to admit she liked it, it made her more…approachable, and less the higher authority in the room.
"Tell me about Itachi when he was little," Sakura asked looking over at Mikoto still smiling.
The elder woman smiled and got more comfortable in the chair, "That boy was always too smart for his own good…" She launched into the story of his birth how after a few minutes of crying he stayed silent and steadily observed what his small infant eyes could. Mikoto stated that she noticed then that her son would grow up to be special, prodigal, and something that the other nations would fear. He continued to grow and develop at a seemingly faster pace than the others, even Shisui who is the same age as him. His prodigal genius became known the first day he threw a kunai and hit the center without a single mistake. His father then trained with him daily so that his perfection could increase rapidly. He entered the Academy at five the same as the other children and graduated soon thereafter. And like Sasuke, Itachi had a fan club that always followed him around. Sakura chuckled at that and she could just picture the annoyed look on Itachi's face having to avoid a legion of Academy fan girls. Mikoto went on to talk about Sasuke and Itachi's relationship and how much Itachi loved and doted on his younger brother. She admitted she was sad when his childhood was taken from him, what with the Third Shinobi War in full swing the Sandaime needed his best and Itachi was one of those shinobi. Itachi tried to spend time with his little brother but Fugaku had impressed the need for continuous training in order to perfect his skills. "That was when the rift started," her voice more solemn, "Sasuke grew jealous of his older brother and his accomplishments and with Itachi's increased responsibilities he had little to no time to spend with Sasuke. It broke Sasuke's little heart when his brother continuously poked him in the head and told him 'next time Sasuke'. But then he had Naruto to fight with and their bond was created, but you know that story now don't you?"
Sakura smiled lightly and nodded. Naruto, dead last in their class, and Sasuke another talented Uchiha trying to catch up to his brother the prodigy. Their brother-like bond started there, trying to beat each other and rise through the ranks faster in order to become the best.
"Unfortunately while Sasuke grew more jealous and emotional Itachi grew more introverted. Every day he would come home and I could see it in his eyes. His young heart aching with the pain of what he had seen and done. He wouldn't let anyone really get close to him except for Shisui, and I suspected that's because he knew Shisui had seen and done things similar to him at his age. But even as he grew older Itachi never changed after that. He became the perfect carbon copy of his father, stoic face and all. My heart cried for him and I would look through pictures of when he was younger and I'd see that small amount of peace in his eyes. I always thought to myself I'd give anything to let him get that back. Then there was the night before our coup against the village and Itachi threatened to murder us all if we didn't abandon our plan."
"Wait…" Sakura cut her off and sat up from the bed, "What are you talking about?"
Mikoto narrowed her eyes slightly, "He hasn't told you about this?"
"Sasuke told us about the coup and that the Hokage talked you out of it but Itachi…he threatened to kill his entire clan?" she asked almost unbelieving.
Mikoto nodded somberly, "He did. That night I thought I'd lost my first born. How could he threaten such a thing and actually mean it. But as it turns out many of our younger clan members felt much the same. Granted they were angry that they couldn't get promoted but they knew why. And they didn't want to hurt their entire village in anger over it."
Sakura sighed closing her eyes, "I can't believe he did that…"
"I can't either, but it was necessary. Itachi was always the type of person to never do anything without a purpose. If killing us meant that peace could live in the village then he would do it without a second's hesitation," Mikoto sighed but turned a small smile at Sakura, "But now I'm just happy that Itachi has finally found peace again."
"How?" Sakura asked curiously looking up at her.
"With you my dear," she answered smiling at the medic's blush, "He found it in you. That night he came to me asking for advice I saw that childlike light return to his eyes. I knew then that no matter what, he had to have you, that you were the key to him finally returning to his old self, that you were the key to him being at peace. So I made sure he went after you."
Sakura chuckled a bit at the rather casual statement at the end, "Made sure he went after me. He did more than that didn't he…" she whispered to herself.
Mikoto didn't let on that she heard Sakura's statement but smiled anyway at the softened look in the medic's eyes.
"Thank you Sakura."
"For what?"
"For bringing my Itachi back to me," she answered simply, "And also my Sasuke. My boys are great men in their own right, but they wouldn't be half the men they are without your influence."
"Oh…" her cheeks turned bright red, "Ummmm, you're welcome…I guess."
Mikoto chuckled at her embarrassment but did not comment further. The door slid open and both women turned to see Itachi walk in carrying a bag. His eyes narrowed slightly seeing Sakura's already bright red cheeks turn even redder as she averted her eyes. He chose to ignore it and addressed his mother.
"Kaa-san what have you been talking about to warrant such a blush on her face?" he inquired in a clinical voice.
Mikoto tsked, "Don't take that tone with me boy. I wasn't the one lying about being engaged in the first place."
Onyx eyes narrowed again at her statement, that statement alone shouldn't cause Sakura to turn red but then again she always grew embarrassed about the smallest things.
"I brought you lunch," he turned his attention to Sakura.
"Thanks Itachi," Sakura slowly calmed her body down slowly getting rid of the blush, "What'd you bring today?"
"Onigiri," he replied setting the bag next to her, "Hokage-sama says to stay on bland food for a while."
She pouted, "Please tell me the salmon is spiced just a little bit."
He smirked, "It's chicken and only mildly."
She pouted again but that didn't stop her from taking a bite and leaning back on the bed. Sakura wasn't the type of person to eat bland food and onigiri was definitely a dish that needed some type of spice or else the rice and stuffing inside was just…plain.
"Thanks anyway, they do taste good."
"Better than those strawberries Ino-san keeps sneaking in for you?"
Sakura stared fixated on her onigiri, "I have no idea what you mean."
Mikoto smirked watching the two of them interact. It was sweet and charming and she definitely enjoyed this more lighthearted side of her son.
"Besides fruits are definitely a good source of nutrition and are essential to achieving the maximum state of health," Sakura reasoned.
"Indeed," Itachi agreed smirking at her. She still refused to look up at him.
"If all of your quarrels are this easy I foresee nothing destroying your relationship in the near future," Mikoto said nonchalantly, "In fact Itachi-kun, I came here today to inform Sakura of her duties as Matriarch when you finally get around to officially asking her."
"It's a little soon don't you think Kaa-san," he stated easily looking over at his mother.
"On the contrary, if she knows now she will have an idea of what she's getting herself into."
"While I agree with you Mikoto-san," Sakura cut in, "Perhaps this conversation would be better after I get out of the hospital. Maybe you and I can meet for tea at your home and you can show me the ropes then."
Mikoto smiled warmly at her and stood, "I think that's a better idea. When you're discharged we will make a day out of it. I'll take me leave now, get well soon Sakura."
"Thanks for coming Mikoto-san," Sakura smiled back as the lady walked out of the room.
"So, any more news I should know about?"
Itachi sighed leaning back into the chair his mother vacated, "The Alliance and the Daimyo's are being very unreasonable. The Kage's however are all standing together."
"Explain what that means…please," her green eyes widened in fear.
Itachi leaned forward and placed a lingering kiss to her forehead, "You will be fine. It doesn't matter what the other nations think the Kage's won't make you leave Konoha."
"But this is already causing more problems than it should," she argued back weakly, "The Haruno's are safe here in Konoha, I don't…I just…"
Sakura's statement was cut off as she was pulled up into a harsh kiss from her almost fiancé. While she wanted to pull away from him in case she had to make a drastic decision, Sakura couldn't pull away from something that she so desperately needed.
"Don't speak like that," he whispered harshly against her lips, "You are not leaving my side for the rest of your life. Do you understand that?"
"This is bigger than you and me. I will do what's right if I have to," she argued back.
"Nonsense," he bit her lips drawing her into another harsh and commanding kiss before releasing her again, "Once you've regained your strength I'm taking you home with me where I can protect you properly this time. Nobody, not a Kage, not a Daimyo, or that damned Alliance will take you away from me."
Sakura's heart leapt in her chest at his fervent declaration. Out of everything she could ever ask for this is exactly what she wanted. She wanted to be at Itachi's side, as his wife, and live here in Konoha. But the circumstances and her new status as a jinchurikki were making it very hard for her to accept that. The Alliance had to audacity to demand the bijuu be removed from her body. But Naruto and Tsunade fought against such an irrational decision stating that such a procedure would kill her. The only other alternative the Alliance would accept would be for her to leave and become a citizen in another country in order to keep in accordance with the Alliance Treaty signed after the war. Gaara immediately stepped in claiming their demands were foolish and such action in unnecessary, considering two bijuu were kidnapped right under their noses thus showing a blatant disregard for the safety of this world since the Alliance allowed for these events to happen. The Raikage, A, stepped in next backing Gaara's claim and arguing that the rest of the bijuu should be split up between the Great Nations where no other rogue mercenary group would be able to touch them. Mei agreed with A's statement as well. Onoki would not give his official decision until he had more evidence. The fours Kage's were shocked at his declaration but figured that the old fence-sitter was reverting to his old grumpy ways now that the war was officially over.
"The Tsuchikage wants more evidence. The Kages, Daimyo's, and Alliance are all gathering information about this situation to present at the next council meeting in Iron. Hokage-sama is going to be taking some of the Haruno's along as witnesses, and she also wants to take you," Itachi explained to her.
Sakura nodded against his forehead then reached her hands up to caress his smooth face, "What if they still chose to take it out of me?"
"It's not happening," he promised, "I won't allow it."
Sakura smiled sadly looking up into his beautiful eyes, "I wish I could feel the way you do. I just don't know Itachi…I don't want to leave," she started tearing up, "I don't want to leave you, but I can't be the source of international turmoil. Not after everything we've accomplished with the war…I can't Itachi. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?"
He sighed closing his eyes and leaned his head against her neck nuzzling it softly. He hated this. Why did the Alliance have to act up in such a manner? Why were the pompous Daimyo's hell bent on siding with everything the Alliance wanted? Why wasn't the Tsuchikage immediately taking their side? Why did Tetsu have to seal her in the first place?!
With another frustrated sigh Itachi placed tender kisses on her neck, "I understand, but I still won't let you leave."
Sakura sighed softly calming her rapidly beating heart as Itachi continued to kiss his way up her neck. His lips were light and soft barely grazing her skin as he continued to whisper, "You're staying right here, by my side, I will never break this promise to you."
Her heart fluttered in her chest again and she felt her body lean until her back was pressed against the bed. Itachi leaned over her possessively as his kisses turned more insistent and his hands began to wander around her body. Sakura's reaction was instantaneous. After one month of harsh and invasive conditioning everything in her froze at his sudden change. Focusing on her breathing Sakura tried to stimulate her parasympathetic nervous system so that her Fight or Flight response wouldn't kick in. But she couldn't help it. If she closed her eyes and felt his kisses she instantly saw another man; violating her, molesting her, touching her…it was driving her to insanity. But she just couldn't help it…her body now reacted in an adverse way to this stimulation and she cursed herself for her weakness. She could never be intimate with him again…and it was killing her inside.
Soft hands grazed slowly over her pert breasts and she jerked instantly in response. Grabbing his wrist and holding it away from her body as Sakura cringed.
"I'm sorry…" she whispered through her tears, "I'm so sorry. I can't, I'm sorry Itachi…I just...I just..."
"Shhhh," he cooed kissing away the tears from her cheeks, "It's going to be fine."
Sakura nodded halfheartedly trying to believe his words, "I can't…not anymore…" she hiccupped, "Every time I close my eyes…he's always there. I hate it! I want him to go away! I want to see you, not him but…I just…can't…"
Her tears came out with more fury and Itachi sighed in mild defeat. Leaning his head on the top of her chest he breathed in quelling the anger that rose inside of him. Sakura tears fueled it, hearing her weep over her circumstances. She couldn't find comfort anymore. Between the recurring nightmares, the pressure from the Alliance, and trying to be intimate with her soon-to-be fiancé…she was under a lot of stress.
And all of it was Tetsu's fault. But for now he needed to be strong, for her, and for her wellbeing.
"We will get through this," he said lifting his head back up to wipe away her fresh tears, "One day, you will only see me. And we will be able to take comfort in each other."
"I'm broken Itachi…more so than when we first met…"
"You are beautiful and clean and pure."
She shook her head not letting herself believe his words.
"I'll never be who I once was," she whispered looking back up at him.
He smiled softly, "We're not supposed to be. We learn from the past and move on. Sometimes it just takes a little more time to accomplish the last part."
Sakura smiled up at him her tears beginning to dry, "You really believe that?"
"I believe that if you want to heal then you will heal. But if you keep clinging to the past then those ghosts will forever haunt you."
She nodded seriously taking his words in and promising to ponder on them later, "I'll try Itachi…but I don't know how long that will take."
"That doesn't matter," he kissed her nose.
"I love you…Kami help me I love you," she pulled him in close for a hug.
"As I love you, my jewel."
The dripping water woke her from the nap she was supposed to be taking. Weary emerald eyes opened to stare at another ugly brown ceiling…but at least this one was rusty metal instead of dirt. That much is a plus. Sitting up and wringing the bloody water out of her hair Sakura walked over to that large red door to stand next to her Inner.
"Any progress?" she whispered to her non-corporeal form.
"Actually yes," Inner smirked, "He has agreed to try a healing session."
"That's great!" Sakura smiled widely.
Things were still strained between the Gobi and Sakura but today, with him agreeing to try healing, they reach a new milestone. Another step was going to be taken in mending their very strained relationship.
"Gobi," Sakura called out quietly, "I'm going to start healing now."
The bijuu didn't even spare her a glance or acknowledge her so Sakura proceeded forward and placed her hands on a large gash just below his shoulder. Hands outstretched Sakura lit them up with her green healing chakra and set to work. The muscle began healing slowly, stitching itself back together under Sakura's tender care. Five minutes later the gash was completely healed and a large smile lit up her face.
"It worked!" she exclaimed in happiness.
"Look closer Sakura," her Inner sighed.
Her medical eyes scrutinized the wound and not a second later it reopened oozing blood down the Gobi's silky white fur.
"No…that's just…what the hell?!" Sakura growled in anger and sorrow.
"I told you it was fruitless," the Gobi moaned, "You cannot succeed with conventional healing."
"Why not? This just doesn't make sense…" Sakura looked up at his dim teal eyes.
The bijuu grunted in annoyance, "Foolish human."
"Well you've been nothing but unhelpful since we got stuck together," Inner chided, "If you'd actually work with us instead of being aloof then we might actually succeed in fixing this problem."
Silence reign for a short time, neither party wanting to interject after that last statement. What could they do? They didn't even know how or why this was happening. Naruto said the Kyuubi was right as rain inside of him so what happened during the sealing that made the Gobi bleed out…
"Is it my seal?" Sakura thought out loud, "If I fix the seal will it fix your wounds?"
The great white head turned towards her as the Gobi fixed her with both eyes, "I guess you're not as stupid as you look."
Sakura couldn't find it in her to be angry at his comment. Her thoughts turned inward to the scrolls she'd been reading the past few days, all of them related to sealing.
I need to see my seal.
Well, have someone draw it up for you then we can study it and find an answer.
We should probably get a good look at Naruto's as well so we can compare and alter it accordingly.
Good idea, seems like you've got you work cut out for you.
I'm not the only one that will be studying you know, Sakura nudged her Inner before exiting the cage, "Don't worry Gobi, I'll figure this out!"
"If you can…" he whispered in return. Sakura's heart skipped a beat hearing the sadness echoing through the chamber. She would fix this…there was no other option.
Sakura woke from her nap to a slightly noisy hospital room. But it wasn't the incessant beeping of the machines to the nurses wandering the halls checking in on their patients that startled her. It was the plethora of voices actually inside her room, all talking amiably to one another. Her eyes slowly opened and when they focused they instantly zeroed in on the closest feminine voice, Kaminari.
"Oh Sakura you're awake!" Kaminari proclaimed excitedly, "We've been waiting for you, but not very long so you don't have to feel bad about it or anything."
Sakura smiled lightly at the maroon-haired woman…there was something different about her that Sakura couldn't quite point out, "Thanks, what are you all doing here?" Her eyes scanned the room quickly, she didn't really recognize anyone else besides Kaminari but she knew they were all Haruno's.
"We all wanted to come and see how you were doing since we haven't had a chance to yet," Kaminari answered, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright," she answered honestly, "Better than yesterday at least."
"That's good to hear," Sakura attention was redirected to another person. She seemed older and looked about ready to give birth, "My name is Mizuko, it's a pleasure to finally meet you Sakura."
Sakura smiled in recognition of the name, "Likewise."
"This one here is Ryuu," Kaminari began the rest of the introductions, "This is Kaze, Hanayo, Kinu, Yukari, Akahana, Botan, Fuyuko, and Kako. That's about the maximum Tsunade-sama would allow in your hospital room right now. She said we'd all have to take turns."
Sakura nodded taking in everyone's faces, some older and some younger and each one distinctly unique from the other. She had to admit they were quite a sight. Orange hair, green hair, dark and light purple, blonde, silver, maroon, white, with dark blue eyes, pink eyes, light yellow, gold, purple, dark green, there wasn't one thing on these women that were similar to each other.
"Wow," Sakura whispered with a sly grin, "I guess me having pink hair and green eyes it's that much of an oddity after all is it?"
Everyone chuckled at her comment as a small breeze announced Itachi's arrival into the room.
"Hi Itachi-san!" came a chorus of hellos from the full hospital room.
He stood there shocked silent seeing dozens of eyes all trained on him. Sakura chuckled a little which broke him from his mild stupor and he nodded to the women, "Afternoon."
"What'd you bring me to eat Itachi?" Sakura asked calling his attention to her, "Something different I hope."
He smirked and shook his head, "Onigiri again."
"Come on..." she pouted, "Not even on udon, or maybe even kimchee? I'll even take ramen!"
"It's salmon this time with medium spice," he answered plainly. He smirked as he watched her eyes light up in excitement as she stole the bag from his grip and pull out the first rice ball.
"You're the best," she muttered with her mouth full.
"You're so lucky Sakura nee-chan," Akahana said with a small blush as she looked at Itachi, "He's been so nice to you and to us."
"Yeah every one of your friends and even Hokage-sama has been really kind since we got here," Kinu agreed with a small nod.
"Yeah, and Choji-san always shares his snacks and they are really good and I can't stop eating them until Mizuko nee-chan tells me to!" Yukari shouted excitedly.
"That's because you'll get sick if that's all you keep eating all those sweets Yukari," Mizuko chided with a small smile.
"Not to mention that's the last thing you need to be especially since we're behind in our studies," Ryuu grumbled a bit, "I never would have thought my taijutsu was that terrible."
"You and me both Ryuu," Hanayo, a green haired red eyed woman agreed, "I thought I could hold my own but that's obviously not so."
"Well nobody can hold their own against that green crazy man," Kaminari snickered shooting a playful glance at Kinu.
"Don't make fun of him!" pale pink eyes narrowed at Kaminari, "He's been nothing but nice since we met him."
"I take it the green crazy man is Rock Lee?" Sakura asked receiving many nods in return, "He can be a handful."
"But he's nice," Kinu argued again.
"Nobody isn't saying he's not nice Kinu," Mizuko chuckled a little at the young woman, "Lee-san is a great instructor."
"I don't think I've ever met anyone with that much stamina," Ryuu commented a little dryly.
"Oh Naruto can give him a run for his money," Sakura interjected after swallowing more of her rice ball, "Both of them never know when to quit training."
"That's true," Kaminari said, "They are the most energetic people I have ever seen."
"So tell me," Sakura sat up on her bed with Itachi's help. She cast a small grateful smile in his direction, "What's been going on? Ino mentioned you guys were receiving tutoring?"
Mizuko nodded as everyone but her fell silent, "We have although I require much less than my sisters at the moment."
"I still can't believe you hid that from all for all this time," Ryuu grumbled.
Mizuko rolled her eyes and rubbed her stomach, "We've been over this Ryuu, I couldn't tell anyone. I wanted to but I couldn't risk it."
"Anyways," Kaminari interjected in order to prevent Ryuu from starting another argument, "We're also receiving training from your friends as well as proper seal training."
Sakura nodded, "That's good. Have you guys thought about setting up a permanent residence?"
They all looked to Mizuko who answered, "Our permanent residence will be constructed after our last sister is out of the hospital," she smiled warmly, "We refuse to do anything without you."
Sakura's heart warmed at the sentiment, "Thanks."
"But recently we have been provided with the deeds to a large piece of property in the village," all the older women in the room smirked, "We now own three acres of property that affords us a very beautiful view of the village. Our…benefactor was very insistent."
Sakura's eyes narrowed in curiosity, "Someone purchased the land for you? I thought it would have been given to you from the Hokage?"
"Nope," Kaminari smiled brightly, "We, the Haruno's, are the owners of legally purchased property! Can you guess who did it?"
Sakura stared at everyone's smiling faces until the short white haired girl, Kaze, gave her a hint and flashed her lavender eyes towards Itachi.
Sakura's eyes widened as she turned on her boyfriend, "You did this? You purchased it?"
He nodded once with a soft look on his face, "The Uchiha clan purchased the property in the Haruno name. They will become a permanent addition to our village. It is only right they have their own legally purchased land to build their homes."
"Where? Where's the land?" Sakura's smile widened as she fought back tears.
"Right next to the Uchiha compound," he answered simply.
Sakura started laughing as she reached for his hand to pull him down into a soft kiss, "Thank you."
He kissed her again in reply then straightened.
"Now I'll be living quite close to you won't I?" Sakura cheekily asked.
He shook his head, "On the contrary once you are released from the hospital you will be staying at the Uchiha Compound with one of my clansmen being your constant guardian."
"What?!" he has completely taken her off guard, "You got to be kidding me?"
"I am not," he replied simply.
"Itachi…" Sakura took a deep breath conscious of the other people in the room, "That's hardly appropriate. Especially with our history…and your father, what will he say?"
"He does not have a say in the matter," he stated matter-of-factly, "Any decisions regarding you and your well-being go through me. You continued safety is my top priority. There will not be a repeat of this event again."
The women in the room froze under his imposing presence. They could all easily sense the distress that this event took on him.
"Itachi," Sakura softened her approach since she could see and feel the turmoil rolling off him in waves. No doubt her…sisters…could also feel his suppressed anger, "I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that. It's just…this is my family. I'd like to spend as much time with them as possible before…" before we get married, she finished in her head.
He nodded once in understanding. Her unspoken statement reached his ears easily, "I will consider it and discuss this with you later."
She smiled squeezing his hand in reassurance, "Thank you." She glanced at the women then turned back to him, "If you don't mind, I'd like to have a little…talk with them…I'll see you later alright?"
He nodded and leaned in to kiss her brow, "I'll be back tonight. Your guards are still posted outside your door."
Sakura closed her eyes relishing the feel of his soft lips on her forehead, "I'll be fine."
In another swirl of leaves he was gone leaving the women alone.
"I hope many of your men in this village treat women the same," Hanayo sighed enviously.
Sakura giggled, "They are out there, but sometimes you have to find them. And sometimes you have to knock the good ones over the head to get them to even notice you."
Kaminari chuckled, "I take it Naruto is one of those men you described."
"He is," Sakura smiled, "Hinata has had a mad crush on him for years. And he only realized it when she stepped into front of him to protect him from Pein of the Akatsuki. He's been head over heels in love with her since that day."
Mizuko snorted and covered her mouth, "I hope it doesn't take that kind of selfless act to get men to notice you in this village."
"Are you kidding me?" Ryuu scoffed lightly, "Half the village itself can't stop staring at us. I'm just happy we haven't been inappropriately approached with some of the stares we receive."
"Well they might just be keeping their distance because we're so new," Kaminari offered.
"Well feel free to hit anyone who makes you uncomfortable," Sakura offered swallowing a bite or onigiri, "Most of the village is well aware of my bad temper. So feel free to go slightly crazy on anyone."
Ryuu smirked wickedly at her, "We've heard about your infamous temper. Your friends have said you and the Hokage are the scariest people when angered."
Sakura chuckled a little nervously, "Yes well…I have a low tolerance for stupidity."
All the women chuckled before they noticed a seriousness settle over Sakura's features. Their pink haired sister took a deep breath trying to settle her nerves.
"Since you guys are here…" she started not making eye contact, "I was…I wanted to know how you are dealing with everything?"
Kaminari spoke up first so the following silence wouldn't become more awkward, "It's been nice actually. I wake up every morning and I see the sun shining outside and I know that the hell I had been subjected to for the first 18 years of my life is over. I can finally allow myself to be happy."
Sakura looked up and smiled at the peaceful expression on her face, "So it's been easy for you?"
Kaminari shrugged, "Sometimes it is but sometimes it's not."
"Every morning I wake up thinking everything has been a good dream," Kinu added shyly, "It takes me a little bit to get over my feelings."
"It will come with time," Mizuko ran a steady hand through Kinu's silver hair, "The longer we stay here the easier it will be to get over our past."
"But what about the nightmares?" Sakura asked looking at Mizuko, "Do you have any?"
"Every night," Ryuu answered with a soft growl, "I think many of us think a Kinu does, we're afraid to wake up and have all of this taken away from us."
The room paused as they listened to Ryuu's words. It never occurred to them that the strongest fighter among them was afraid.
"But…" she continued raising her flaming orange head to stare at Sakura, "The stronger I get the less those dreams frighten me. I'm beginning to feel more powerful and with that power comes peace."
The women all smiled at her statement each echoing the same feeling. Kaze tapped her on the shoulder indicating she had something to say.
"S-s-s-sometimes you hav-v-v-ve to just let it-t-t-t go," she stumbled taking a deep breath before continuing, "It's-s-s-s n-n-nice knowing th-th-th-th-that I have oth-th-thers look-k-k-king out for me."
Sakura smiled knowing that Kaze had a point. Her nightmares had been controlling her feelings and if her feelings were being controlled then so was her life. Sakura was naturally an emotional person and she had always prided herself on not being a stoic shinobi who didn't care one way or another if they hurt somebody. And Tetsu had known that. He knew that she operated on her emotions and that's exactly how he twisted her into a sense of loneliness and weakness. He manipulated her feelings and that was keeping her from being happy. But she wasn't alone…she had her sisters, she had her teammates, and she had Itachi. She could heal, all she has to do is let herself heal.
"Thanks Kaze," she smiled wiping tears from her green eyes, "That means lot."
The white haired woman nodded sagely. Sakura instantly perked up having enough of the heavy feelings weighing down on her.
"So since we are now the owners of three acres of property I think it's only wise if we draw up a type of building plan for the house or houses that will be on the property, don't you think?" She smiled brightly at her sisters.
Mizuko, following Sakura's train of thought, instantly agreed, "I think that would be a wise decision. However some of us have come up with ideas already. Would you like to hear them?"
Sakura nodded grabbing another rice ball while listening to their ideas.
Alright so...for starters school officially sucks. I'm sure a lot of you can relate. Anyways but it was my last semester of college WOOT WOOT and unfortunately it was a lot harder than i was anticipating, which caused me to halt in my writing until the semester finished. And i'm not a believer in adding a false chapter that only says hey i'm not dead blah blah blah. I just don't like doing that which is why i didn't. i know some of you PM-ed me asking which is totally cool and i'm happy that now that college is officially done i can get back to writing!
Also on a super happy note, halfway through the semester i found out that i was pregnant :) My husband and i are super excited and i find out what i'm having on monday! so look in my next chapter and i'll announce the sex for anyone who wishes to know :) The only think i dislike about being pregnant is the morning sickness that comes with it :( ugh sometimes it puts me down for an entire day and it's not cool but it's worth it once i finally get to hold my sweet little baby in my arms :) Oh i'm due on May 13th just an FYI.
Well there you go. That's basically it so please R&R and i'll see you soon!