I apologize for the choppiness of the chapter. Read AN below if you want a reason.
"Well Sakura," Tsunade swung her stethoscope around her neck, "Seems all your internal organs are functioning just fine. Your muscular system is steadily increasing a little more rapidly than normal, probably due to the bijuu chakra now in your system. I'd say in two weeks you'll be as fit as you were prior to this event."
"Thanks shishou," Sakura nodded with a small smile.
"You will still have regular physical therapy sessions with Dr. Fu every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until he clears you. But until he does give you medical clearance no shinobi training is that understood?"
"Hai."
Tsunade nodded before signing her release forms, "Since the Haruno women have not built their residence yet I assume we can reach you at your home?"
She nodded, "They wanted to wait until I was out of the hospital before we made those kinds of plans. Since I'm out now I'll probably start packing my stuff up since I'll be moving in with them. The house should sell for a decent price."
Tsunade nodded again, "Well here are your crutches that you will use until Dr. Fu decides to take them away. No short cuts and do not use any excess chakra trying to heal yourself you need to conserve as much as you can while your body is still recovering."
"I understand."
"Good, Ino brought some clothes go ahead and change then Itachi will walk you home."
With those final instructions Tsunade exited Sakura's hospital room and closed the door behind her. Sakura turned to the pile of clothes that lay folded at the foot of her bed then stood slowly. Her legs were slightly shaky, not yet used to bearing the full brunt of her weight. Using the bed for support Sakura glided over to the edge and sat back down with an annoyed huff. Reaching over she grabbed the black bra and snapped it on quickly followed by her underwear then reached for her shirt and smiled seeing that Ino brought her typical red zip up shirt. Sakura reached up and untied the knot that held the very unattractive hospital gown on her body and cast it aside. Unzipping the front Sakura slowly slung the shirt over her shoulders and was pleased that it still fit her body. Reaching down she tried to put the two pieces of the zipper back together but the stubborn contraption decided that it didn't want to be zipped. Sakura cursed her fine motor skills but was determined to get the thing zipped so she didn't walk out of the hospital with her bra clad chest on display.
The door slid open breaking her concentration and she looked up to see Itachi closing it behind him.
"I apologize I should have knocked," he said quietly while taking in her barely dressed appearance. Her body, while not as sunken as usual, still held a small semblance of malnourishment. Her muscle tone was nonexistent making her petite form look frail.
Sakura smiled slightly but shrugged his apology off, "It's ok. I'm glad it was just you since I don't have enough strength to do anything but yell any other pervert who would walk in here."
Itachi nodded and walked up to her watching silently as she continued to struggle putting her zipper together. Finally after another minute of failure she growled in annoyance then looked up at him with shameful eyes.
"Can you help me?"
Itachi kissed her forehead then knelt in front of her gently taking the two zipper portions and hooked them easily together. Pulling the shirt closed Sakura waited until she was zipped before smoothing her shirt down as was her habit.
She sighed again, "Damn…I had hoped that I would have gained a little more weight while I was in here." The shirt hung loosely around her figure making it look as though she was wearing a shirt that was a couple sizes too big.
"You lost most of your muscle mass," Itachi explained reaching for her pants, "Once you gain it back the shirt will fit again."
She nodded, "I suppose you're right."
"Would you like help?" he offered holding up her pants.
She nodded again and placed her hands on his shoulders before standing up slowly. Itachi bunched the pant legs down by her feet then indicated for her to slid one foot in followed by the other. With supreme gentleness he dressed her then tied the string firmly, but not uncomfortably, around her hips. She sat back down at his gentle prod then slipped on some flat shinobi sandals that hooked easily around her ankles.
"Thank you," she smiled at him.
"You're welcome," he smiled lightly back at her before inching his way closer to her and kissing her lips lightly.
Sakura welcomed the affection. After the talk with her clansmen she was resolved to trying to forget about the past. She figured that if she pretended for the most part that her one month torture didn't happen and focused solely on him then things could easily go back to normal and she and Itachi could pick up where they left off…albeit at a slower pace.
She ended the kiss slowly before reaching out asking for assistance in standing. He obliged and grabbed her crutches hooking the cups to the back of her arms while she gripped the handles.
"Is it cold outside?" she asked situating herself.
"Not today, it's been rather warm," he answered smoothly.
"Good, I didn't want to wear a jacket."
With slow and steady steps Sakura walked out of her hospital room. Many of the nurses in the halls stopped and waved at their director wishing her to speedy recovery. She would smile in response but mainly remained focused on standing and walking so that she wouldn't fall. The glass automatic doors opened and Sakura was all too eager to get out into the bright sunshine. Two weeks in the hospital without the opportunity to go outside was tough on her spirit. She loved being out in the meadows and trees, feeling her skin soaking in the sun's warm rays. Sakura concluded that this would probably be the only time she would ever be happy to actually leave her precious hospital.
A soft breeze blew and she paused her walking, lifting her face up and taking a deep cleansing breath. Konoha was so beautiful this time of year. The weather was perfect, even slightly warmer today than it should be but Sakura didn't care.
"Where is everyone?" she asked with her eyes still closed.
"Probably at the training grounds. As per their daily routine they should be starting shinobi training after lunch."
"I want to watch can you take me to them?"
He nodded once, "They're at training ground twelve."
Metal clashed together sending a sharp ring through the trees. Sakura smiled happy that they were getting close and that she would be able to rest again. The walk was significantly longer than she ever thought mostly due to her snail pace and the fact that she was literally lugging her body around. Itachi had offered to carry her but she refused wanting to keep walking until they reached the training grounds.
She stopped just short of the open field and observed the various lessons being taught. One section had practice dummies set up for target practice. Another group sat in a circle as two people sparred using taijutsu. Another section was reserved for ninjutsu training; Sakura spied a variety of seals on the ground preventing the ninjutsu from interrupting the other groups. The last group was small with Kurenai-sensei and Ino at the head. She guessed they were going over genjutsu and its effects on the brain.
"Where are all the children?" Sakura asked slightly out of breath.
"Everyone under the age of twelve is receiving their training at the Academy. The Hokage thought it best that Genin age and up should not be among the younger students," he answered easily.
She nodded remembering Ino mentioning this training while she was still in the hospital; then with another huff walked through the foliage and entered the clearing. Itachi directed her to the shade under a large tree when she was spotted by Naruto.
"SAKURA-CHAN! YOU'RE OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!" he yelled getting everyone's attention.
"Sakura!"
"Nee-chan!"
"Sakura nee-chan!"
"Sakura-san!"
She smiled as her clansmen immediately dropped their training to come see her. Itachi kept a steady arm around her waist while she greeted everyone with small hugs.
"Alright let her breathe," Mizuko ordered walking slowly up to the large group. Kakashi was just a couple steps behind her, "Sakura how are you feeling?"
"Better now that I'm out of the hospital," she replied leaning against Itachi for added support.
"That's rich coming from you Sakura-chan," Naruto snickered.
Sakura rolled her eyes and along with Sasuke whispered, "Baka." "Dobe."
"Working in the hospital and being admitted to the hospital are two different things Naruto," Sakura chided with a small smile.
"Sit, you need to regain your energy," Itachi whispered then helped her to the ground.
She nodded and held her hands out to steady herself while Itachi lowered her to the ground. Hinata stepped forward to unlatch the crutches from Sakura's arms. With her hands extended the soft green grass from the meadow tickled her fingers until they made contact with the earth where she was overcome with a myriad of sensations. Gone were the people before her and they were replaced by ethereal forms in a dark landscape. She gasped when her chakra involuntarily expanded to the surrounding forest and she instantly picked up on the wildlife for miles around.
Muffled voices filled her clogged ears and Sakura could feel her body being maneuvered. The next instant the world was back in color and her hands were being held by Itachi and Naruto. Her chest heaved rapidly as emerald eyes blinked trying to clear her head.
"Sakura-chan, what happened?" Naruto asked rather loudly by her ear.
"I…" she cleared her throat, "I have no idea."
"It's a strange feeling isn't it?"
Sakura looked up seeing Mizuko watching her seriously.
"What is?" the pinkette asked tentatively.
"Feeling your element all around you," she continued placing a hand under her large stomach.
"As if y-y-y-you can't c-control it," Kaze interjected watching her seriously.
"Place your hands on the ground again and focus. Don't let the earth control you; you control it," Mizuko advised.
Sakura nodded taking both of her hands from the men and replaced them on the ground. Her world changed again from bright colors to darkness and she tried focusing this uncontrollable power. Sakura decided to only look at the group and keep her attention fixed on their immediate surroundings. She could see everyone, their obsidian eyes staring at where her body was located. Once Sakura was sure she could see everyone in the group she refocused on the meadow. She could see the small insects underneath the ground carrying out their daily duties to provide for their living. Channeling a small amount of chakra up a tree she was on the two birds sitting comfortingly on the branches. She was amazed by everything she could see, there wasn't anything that was hidden from her eyes. Anything that touched the earth she could see…and even feel. The pigeons were blissfully ignorant to the large bird of prey three trees away from them. The insects underneath the ground were oblivious to the shinobi inadvertently stepping on their brethren while training. They were a single minded entity, only concerned with completing their tasks before the day was done and they were to rest. Wanting to test her control even further, as well as the responses the insects were bound to have, she sent a small tremor through the ground and collapsed myriad of tunnels extinguishing many of the lives.
Sakura smiled inwardly the easiness of her success.
Already abusing my power are you? The Gobi's voice echoed in her head.
Sakura blinked before answering, Abuse? I'm just learning.
By destroying innocent sentient beings doing nothing but going through their daily routines, Gobi scoffed, And here I was actually developing a decent opinion about you.
…I'm sorry…
Sorry enough to realize exactly what it means to be connected to the earth?
Sakura didn't respond.
A word of caution kunoichi, everything is connected to the earth and with a temper like yours…you could inadvertently hurt those who are innocent, he sneered before withdrawing his consciousness from hers.
I understand.
Withdrawing from her concentration Sakura lifted her hands and placed them solemnly in her lap.
"Sakura…are you alright?" Kaminari asked kneeling near her.
She hesitated for a moment before looking up, "We need…" she cleared her throat, "We need to fix my seal."
"What do you mean?" Mizuko asked.
"This much power, I don't want to have it at my fingertips," she explained, "I would rather have it at the Gobi's consent."
"The Hokage is already working on it," Itachi informed her.
Sakura nodded, "I know it's just…maybe between my sisters and Konoha's seal team we can figure out something faster and more effective."
"So he's still the same as you've described before then?" Naruto looked at her.
"Hai…and I've tried everything I could myself. Healings don't work so I figured I have to alter the seal in order to bring him any peace."
"Altering this seal will be very painful for you," Mizuko cautioned.
"I don't care, besides, it can't be any worse than what I've already been through right?"
Ryuu snorted, "She has a point."
"Even so, with the stress of seal alteration Sakura needs to be at full physical health before we can even attempt the procedure. If we try to prematurely then the results could be very bad for you Sakura," Mizuko clarified.
The pink haired kunoichi nodded, "I understand. All the more reason for me to get better faster, right?"
Mizuko smiled at her, "Right, ok girls back to training."
A collective groan echoed around as the Haruno's all stood to go back to their trainings. Ryuu scolded the complainers and threatened them with extra laps with Lee before they moved on without complaint. Mizuko opted to remain by Sakura and with Kakashi's help sat next to her on the ground.
"Arigato," Mizuko smiled up at him.
"Ah, it's not a problem," Kakashi replied before casually strolling back to the ninjutsu group.
Sakura watched the interaction between her sensei and her new sister and her eyes narrowed at what she observed. Kaka-sensei…is acting…odd.
Odd and is that attraction I smell? Her Inner chimed in.
I wouldn't be surprised. But even so him acting as such…I haven't seen him like this since that lady from Key was captured.
Hmmm, you're right…well at least we know his type now.
Sakura grinned inwardly, Indeed…he like brunettes; tall, soft spoken, but authoritative brunettes.
Inner chuckled, He's still a pervert though.
"So Mizuko…what was that about?" Sakura asked teasingly.
"What was what?" the brunette woman asked curiously.
"That interaction with you and Kakashi?"
Catching onto Sakura's train of thought Mizuko smiled lightly, "He's a very sweet man and has been very kind to me."
"I noticed."
They both chuckled but Mizuko didn't elaborate. Sakura's curiosity though was not going to stop.
"I should warn you though…he has an unhealthy addiction to porn."
Mizuo's giggle turned instantly into long drawn out laughter. She recovered her steady breathing to answer her pink haired sister's comment, "At least he's confident about it."
Sakura's eyebrow twitched amusedly at her comment. Huh…who-da thought?
Indeed.
Breathe, focus, feel.
Sakura chanted in her head while she leapt through an intricate obstacle course. Her two weeks recovery was up and with Dr. Fu's permission she began training again. She specially designed this course for the medical academy students when the school first opened. All the exercises were designed for the students to concentrate on their chakra control rather than natural strength. She'll admit that Shikamaru had a pretty big hand in helping her create this course. While his ideas were top notch Sakura's favorite exercise was her own creation. Simple and hard as hell.
Flipping through a couple of large hoops Sakura landed in front of her next obstacle. New medical students always failed this test and even after years of finely honed chakra training they either still failed or passed by the skin of their teeth. The fifty foot wooden pole pierced the bright blue sky and Sakura looked up with a smug smirk. She ascended the steps and stood at its base. The objective of this obstacle was to use chakra to grip the thick bark and climb all the way to the top…using your hands only. It's easy enough to walk to the top and back down, but having to lift your entire body weight up with your hands was a whole new story. One slip in chakra control could send you tumbling down to the earth. Students have to focus on their chakra output to make sure they aren't using excess where it's not needed and they have to focus on maintaining constant contact with the wooden surface. This obstacle was also placed in the middle of the course for the sole reason to keeps the student's levels in check. If they used too much chakra beforehand then they will fail in making it up the pole and back down.
Tightening the gloves on her hands Sakura prepared herself. She took a couple steps back then performed a hand stand with her belly facing the pole. She had tried giving this hint to others but nobody ever believed her that pushing your body up was easier than pulling. Engaging her core muscles, that she developed last week, to keep her back straight Sakura lit her hands with chakra and began her ascent. She kept an even tempo and steadily passed twenty feet before the sweat started. This was another reason why she went upside down; she didn't have to worry about her sweat dripping into her eyes thereby making visibility problematic and risk letting go of the pole in order to clear your eyes.
Forty feet down, ten more to go.
She kept her eyes focused on the wooden pole directly in front of her face, if she were to look down she would probably be subjected to a bout of vertigo and lose her concentration. A couple seconds later she reached the top and gripped the leather wrapped handle. Her body added an extra 5'5" to the top of the pole as she kept her body pointed straight into the air. Then ever so slowly Sakura changed position. Lowering her head toward the top of the pole Sakura slowly brought her body into the horizontal position. She raised her head and took in her surroundings from her perch when she spotted someone watching her. Squinting against the bright sun she could barely make out Itachi's form waving at her to come down.
Hmmmm, now to get down.
Shall we show off a little bit?
Oh yes, let's.
Smiling to herself Sakura slowly maneuvered into a standing position with her chakra concentrated to her feet. Her hands were spread out to maintain her balance before her slowly leaned backward. Pushing her flexibility to the max Sakura performed a perfect back bend and gripping the wooden pole with chakra fused hands. She continued her descent switching her chakra on and off between her hands and feet. In record time Sakura reached the bottom landing crouched and her hands still gripping the wooden pole. She sensed Itachi standing directly behind her as she stood and dusted her hands off.
"Impressive if slightly…terrifying."
Sakura chuckled and looked up at him, "My own idea. This is one obstacle that takes absolute chakra precision and control in order to achieve."
"Ah," he smirked at her, "Both you have trained to perfection."
Sakura smiled then pulled him into a sweet kiss. Itachi lightly traced her lips with his tongue and she opened to accommodate him. Their tongues swirled together sweetly tasting one another with gentle exploration. Sakura's hands gripped the front of his shirt while Itachi's hands gripped her body closer to his own. His kisses were addicting, he tasted so damned sweet even when passion wasn't a priority. If she wanted to be honest with herself Sakura would admit that she preferred these kisses to others. They told her that he simply wanted to kiss her because he could, with no ulterior motives hanging in the air. Perhaps her recent experiences were the reason she felt this way or perhaps not. She wasn't quite sure. All she knew was whenever Itachi wanted to kiss her she definitely wasn't going to say no. He could kiss her whenever he damn well pleased.
When he pulled away Sakura whined and pulled him back to her lips. Itachi chuckled lightly against her lips but easily gave in to her demand to keep going. It pleased him that her confidence in their intimacy was getting stronger. The faster she recovered her physical strength the easier her emotional strength returned. She now sought his attention again and even accepted his soft touches without cringing, albeit with clothing and not around any of her more sensitive areas. But still progress was progress and he was willing to take things extra slow in order for her not to confuse him with her demons.
This time she broke the kiss with one last swirl of her tongue, "Was there a reason you came here?"
"There was."
"Aaaaaand…" she asked twisting a lock of his silky raven hair around her finger.
"We're leaving in a couple days for the Kage Summit. Hokage-sama wanted me to inform you."
"I see…why is she only telling me now?"
"She wanted you to focus on your recovery at a natural pace rather than hang the meeting over your head. She would have postponed the meeting if your recovery rate would have been slower."
She nodded, "I see. I take it we're not fixing my seal before we go then?"
He shook his head, "The Alliance is getting impatient and after your seal is altered you could be weakened for an indeterminate amount of time."
She sighed this time and leaned against his chest holding him tight, "I guess I'll have to be extra careful a while longer."
Mizuko, Kaminari, Kaze, and Ryuu had started training with her to control her element. But Sakura always made sure her flesh never touch the earth directly or else she would be pulled into a dizzying ether world where she sensed anything and everything. During that time she made it a point to spend a few hours every day in meditation. While meditating she would spend time talking with the Gobi, trying to develop a bond with the bijuu. After a few days of persuasion the Gobi finally consented to teach her about the earth so that she would not misuse his power.
"You are no more powerful than the smallest ant roaming the earth," Gobi instructed her one afternoon.
"How so?" Sakura asked sitting cross legged near the large red gate holding the bijuu.
He grumbled, "Because you exist for different reasons. You are a kunoichi, born and raised to protect and serve your village against others. All mammals exist for a different purpose. Your duty resides above the ground while the ant's resides beneath it."
"Your philosophical teaching is already beginning to hurt my head," her Inner complained.
Gobi growled at her attitude, "This basic teaching is important. It can apply easily to your situation. While you are connected to the earth you become one with it. My power lies in being able to conform to the earth and my surroundings. If I were to try and take advantage of other beings in order to ease my own comfort then I would be putting this world out of balance. Each being here has a purpose. It is your duty to make sure that nothing interrupts or destroys this balance. It is why I abhor the thought of being placed inside a jinchurikki. Because of my power, in essence, can control every single life on this planet."
"That's impossible," her Inner protested, "Just because we will be able to sense basically everyone and everything doesn't mean we have control over them."
"That is because you are not focusing!"
"Yes we are!"
"Stop it the both of you!" Sakura shouted before rubbing her temples, "Can you please explain what you mean Gobi?"
"No I will not," he growled to himself, "Figure it out for yourself."
Itachi kissed her head bringing her out of her memory, "Do not worry."
Sakura smiled holding him close, "Come on I'm tired and I'll need to get ready for the Summit."
"All you have to do is explain what happened."
"I know but…I just don't know what to say. How am I supposed to explain everything?"
"You don't. All you have to talk about is the situation you were forced into. Everything else is 'need to know'."
Sakura smiled at his reassurance. They slowly walked out of the training area heading straight towards her home. While recovering from her injuries Sakura decided that she better start packing up the house so she can get it ready to sell. The Haruno's had enlisted the help of Tenzou in helping to build their permanent home. Mizuko had worked out the seal needed to channel Tenzou's chakra and create the design they had drawn up. If they were to hire out outside help and build the compound by hand it would take three months. The Haruno's were impatient to start their new life and this was the fastest way to get there. Tenzou easily agreed once he found out he didn't have to do anything except sit and focus on channeling his wood style chakra into the seal. Sakura would sell her house with most of the furniture. She was not too inclined in keeping some of the furniture that would remind her of her dead mother. She too wanted a fresh start.
"Stay with me tonight?" Sakura looked up and asked.
Itachi looked down and smirked, "As you wish."
Giggling to herself Sakura fished out her keys and opened the door. Boxes were stacked in the small sitting room. They were filled with items that Sakura would be taking with her to the Haruno Compound and then ultimately to the Uchiha Compound…that is whenever Itachi got around to asking her. She knew she told him to make it special considering the whole village assumed they were already betrothed. But since then she hadn't asked him about it and Itachi hasn't given any hint as to what he would do.
They ate a light and rather odd dinner considering Sakura was cleaning out the place of food. Upstairs they readied for bed, Sakura sat at her vanity brushing her hair.
"Have there been any sightings of the Haruno men?" she asked.
"No," he answered pulling his shirt over his head. Sakura eyed his sculpted chest partially concealed under his mesh shirt, "We've theorized that there was another hideout somewhere that we didn't come across before. Hokage-sama has called off an official search, if they wish to confront us they will have to come to Konoha."
"Makes sense. Who all is going to the Summit?"
"Ryuu and Kaminari. Mizuko's due date is too soon and the Hokage doesn't want her traveling. Other Haruno women will be going as well. I think ten in total."
"And they are coming to verify my story?"
He nodded making her sigh, "If they've asked for us then there has to be an ulterior motive. Why ten women when only two will do."
"Hokage-sama believes they will want accounts of their upbringing. After all an entire clan has been unearthed and settling in Konoha. Fairness is probably playing a factor."
Sakura snorted, "Pompous idiots. They are staying here."
Itachi smirked at her. Sakura stood and turned the overhead light off then opened her window and pulled the sheer curtains in front to keep a semblance of privacy. Itachi opened the covers inviting her in. She snuggled up close resting her head on the crook of his arm. He held her close, his natural possessiveness claiming her as his. But he knew this didn't bother her considering her recent trauma. If he acted at all distant Sakura would second guess herself thinking she was no longer important to him when in fact…she was his precious jewel.
His long fingers lightly traced her delicate cheek as she closed her eyes with a small smile. Her stomach fluttered lightly but she didn't move. He traced her cheek then down to her jaw and over her rosy lips. Unable to contain himself any longer the Uchiha bent his head down and kissed her. He moved slowly so as not to startle her. The arm that held her head moved allowing his finger to weave through her hair. Sakura's delicate fingers slowly eased their way up his chest and cupped his neck lovingly. She moaned lightly and inserted her tongue into his mouth. Itachi reciprocated eagerly his other hand slowly massaged her hips in slow circles.
Sakura cleared her mind of everything except Itachi's lips on hers. If she didn't then her traitorous body would shy away from his tender touch. Granted it grew easier for her to rewire her brain to intimacy but there were times where she had to consciously think about it. And she was grateful that Itachi understood. After his initial touch in the hospital weeks ago he learned only to give her more when she signaled him to. She wanted to recondition herself to respond to his touch and his alone. And considering she was going to marry the man Sakura wanted her wedding night to everything she had always imagined it to be. So she had to practice.
She broke the kiss steadying her uneven breathing, "Touch me."
"Where?" he asked softly.
"My side," she whispered rubbing his neck, "my stomach…maybe my legs."
Kissing her forehead Itachi slowly pushed her so that Sakura was lying on her back. She started to lower her hands from his neck.
"No," he whispered grabbing one and returning it to him, "Touch me while I touch you."
Sakura smiled, her emerald eyes softening at his light command. This was one way to show that they were equals she would touch him while he explored her. Her fingers prodded him forward and their lips met once again. The kiss was still gentle yet surprisingly passionate. He knew Sakura was making herself very vulnerable to him so everything he did had to be done with extreme tenderness. The moment he became hungry or harsh with her was the moment she would react negatively to him.
His right hand started at her face and traced the delicate line of her cheek. Steering clear of her chest, which he did not yet have permission to touch, he traced the contour of her other arm then lifted her left hand to his neck. Sakura smiled and resumed her previous attentions by running her fingers through his silky raven hair. Picking up where he left off Itachi traced small, slow circles on her hip before moving his hand upward. The large shirt she was wearing followed his hand up and down with his slow movements. The moment there was any skin exposed he would stop, pull her shirt back down, and then continue. When he gripped her slightly Sakura gasped and broke the kiss in order to get her uneven breathing under control. Itachi soothed her placing small delicate kisses to her forehead and nose.
"Don't stop," she whispered.
His fingers traced over towards her stomach with feather light touches. His eyes followed his hands making sure he stayed in the zone so he wouldn't wander too high or too low.
"How does this feel?"
"Not too bad."
Encouraged by her response he laid his hand flat across her stomach and started to rub and grip her.
"And this?"
Her heart started to accelerate and her breathing became more ragged.
"Sakura?" he asked again looking up at her face demanding an answer.
"D-don't stop," she replied taking deeps breaths.
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
She shook her head, "Please Itachi…I want this."
He sighed, his hand slipping back to her side to help calm her. Once her breathing slowed Sakura opened her eyes and stared into his soft dark ones. She smiled shyly at him which prompted his own small smile.
"Why do we only do this while in bed together?" he asked.
"Because," she traced her finger over his lips, "This is where I want to be most comfortable with you."
His brows furrowed, "You are not comfortable with me in other places?"
"That's not what I meant. I'm going to be your wife, whenever you get around to asking me," she explained, "and I want to be able to be everything I wife should be."
"Sakura…if you're not comfortable…"
"Hush," she chided stroking his cheeks with her thumbs, "If I can accept your touch in the privacy of our bedroom then it won't be a problem when we are in public together. I don't want you always standing near me and not touching me because my reaction is to flinch. I hate that. I never want that to happen with you again."
"It won't," he promised resting his forehead against hers.
"Then continue…please."
Shifting himself he pulled her closer. He never fully mounted her as she was not ready for full contact so the Uchiha would lie on his side and lean over her slender form. Sakura stilled for a moment then relaxed under his gentle coaxing. His hand started tracing up and down her side again easing her into the next area. Sakura held his neck a little tighter as he drifted lower and lower passing her hips and touching her leg. She clenched her jaw as her skin met the skin of his fingers. He stopped watching her face attentively looking for any sign that he should stop. At her small nod he moved his hand up and down on the outer part of her thigh. He knew, from spending long hours in his office rewatching the videos Tetsu sent and analyzing the molestation, that Sakura was used to having his hands slide either from her stomach down to her womanhood, or Tetsu would rub her hips around to her inner thigh and then up. Itachi made sure to never mimic any of the movements the foul fiend used on her. He would not do anything that would accidentally remind her of her captivity. Even before her kidnapping Itachi knew her inner thighs were very sensitive and thus were a part of the "forbidden" areas until she gave him expressed permission. And even without touching her inner thighs he could see the struggle she was putting up to allow him to touch her legs.
"Sakura…"
She shook her head.
"Just say stop."
"I know."
He sighed imperceptibly then turned his head. His hand wandered the entire length of her leg and back up again. She was so soft and her muscle tone was beautiful and perfect. She had achieved the same body she had prior to her ordeal and that made him smile. He traced her calf muscle following the line up to her knee. He swirled his thumb around her kneecap then followed the line back down her shin. He loved how smooth she was, how evenly toned her body could be. Perfection, beauty, and power all rolled into one woman. Kami how he loved her.
So lost in his thoughts he didn't realize his hand had moved farther than it should until Sakura immediately closed her legs on his hand. Onyx eyes widened in alarm as he immediately removed his hand from her inner thighs just above her knees.
"Sakura," his whispered urgently cupping her grimacing face, "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to push you."
"No…don't apologize," she opened her eyes happy that she held back tears, "It's nice to know you still find me attractive. I honestly didn't think I could still distract you like that."
He smiled slightly, but his eyes radiating sadness, "You are beautiful Sakura. Your legs are just one of the physical aspects I love about you."
"What's your favorite?" she asked sheepishly.
Onyx eyes warmed, "Your eyes. The deep shade of green, they light on fire when you get angry. The way they dance when you're happy."
"Stop…you're going to make me blush."
"Good," his lips met hers once more briefly, "We should sleep now."
As many of you know i was pregnant from my last posting in December. I lost my baby boy the end of January at 25 weeks. Between healing and the depression i haven't been able to write anything that wasn't completely depressing and as such i didn't want my mood swings to interrupt the flow of this story. But i'm finally getting over it. I feel ok about this chapter it's not my best so i'm sorry for that. i just wanted to get something up for you guys.
On a plus note, i've written a decently depressing SasuSaku one shot that may actually turn into a fic which i'll be posting sometime after i get around to finishing and editing it.
Other than that, basically i'm back :)