"Who… are you?" Sakura was certain that she had heard this voice before but can't remember who.
"Are you really Sakura Ha-" It was suddenly cut off. Bringing her phone away from her ears, she realised that the battery is flat.
She then heard a thunder. Cursing inwardly, she stuff the cheque in her bag before leaving the restaurant.
She was hurrying towards the apartment when it started pouring. Since the apartment is near, Sakura decided to run for it.
While she was in a hurry, she tripped on something and fell scraping her knees in the process. "Ow…" She glare at the offending empty can. She picked herself up and continue on to the apartment.
She was drenched when she got to the apartment building. She pressed on the lift button impatiently while trying to warm herself.
The lift door opened to reveal a surprised Itachi. He looked at her tattered form before stepping aside to allow her to enter.
"Are you not going somewhere?" Sakura asked him while she entered the lift. However she didn't get a reply. She took a peek at Itachi, wondering if she had angered him.
Sensing that he will not engage in a conversation with her, she kept quiet and waited patiently until they reached.
They got into the apartment and Sakura started sniffing and sneezing. She saw Itachi disappeared back into his room before coming out with a towel and a first aid kit.
He passed the towel to Sakura and headed towards the living room. She took the towel and wrapped herself before following Itachi to the living room.
"Sit." He pointed at the sofa. "But I will dirty it…" Sakura pointed at her skirt that is full of mud. However his firm look made her complied.
She sat on the edge of the sofa so as to not dirty it as much. Itachi opened the first aid kit and look into the contents. He was staring at the box for an unusually long time which made Sakura concern.
"Is everything okay?" She peered into his face to see if anything is wrong. However she noticed a faint tint of red on his cheeks.
Everything then clicked inside Sakura's head. "You don't know how to use the first aid kit?" His deepened blush confirmed her suspicion which made Sakura burst out laughing.
His glare made Sakura stifle her laughter. "S-sorry, you can give it to me, I will do it instead." She stretched out her hand towards him.
He handed her the kit and Sakura started to patch herself up. "I can teach you how to use it if you like." Sakura closed the kit when she finished and passed it back to him.
"You should rest first." Was his reply. "It's fine! Since there is no school tomorrow I can teach you, just hang on a moment okay?" She did not give him time to reply and she quickly got into her room.
She twisted the knob to the bathroom and stepped inside. Looking into the mirror, she realised that her hair was dirty and she has mud in her face.
She blushed when she realised Itachi has been looking at her messed up form. She messed her hair even more and groaned. I must have looked like an idiot…
Turning away from the mirror, she turned on the shower and stripped before stepping under the running hot water.
Xx
Itachi placed the first aid kit down and stood up to make some coffee. He wanted to ask what has happened and where have she been but the questions were lost when he looked at her smile.
He threw in a sugar cube into each cup respectively and brought it out to the living room.
The door to Sakura's room opened and a freshened up Sakura appeared in a white tee-shirt and shorts that revealed her long creamy legs.
He broke out from his trance and realised Sakura has made her way towards the coffee table and sat in front of it. "You made coffee! Thank you." Grabbing one of the mug, she started sipping on it.
He walked towards her and sat on the opposite. "Is something on my face?" Sakura started to touch her face when she noticed that Itachi is staring at her.
Getting right to the point, he replied. "What were you doing for you to get so messed up?"
"Ah… I fell when I was rushing back after shopping with my friends." Sakura decided to keep her meeting with Asami a secret. Itachi gave a doubtful look while Sakura averted her gaze.
"A-anyways, weren't you trying to leave just now?" Sakura quickly changed the topic. Itachi turn away and look into his coffee cup. Well it's not like he can say that he was worried that's why he left to look for her.
"You don't have to worry about it since it is settled." Itachi took a sip from the coffee and put it back down.
Placing a hand on her head, he pet her softly. "Go take some rest." He stood up and took his cup and entered his room.
Xx
Sakura wondered if he is angry with her. She felt a little guilty for not telling him everything. She was also scared if he will really abandon her once he got bored like what Asami said.
Let me tell you, if you think your relationship with Itachi will last you are very wrong. After he got what he wants, he will abandon you.
Even though they are not exactly in a relationship, she is still afraid. There are a lot of what ifs floating around her head. What if he starts hating me? What if I'm abandoned once again? What if..?
Shaking her thoughts away, she slowly stood up with her cold coffee and left the living room.
Sakura couldn't sleep. She toss and turn on her bed. She remembered how Itachi wasn't able to use the first aid kit and started giggling a little.
After he got what he wants, he will abandon you. Her smile turn into a frown and she felt a dull pain in her chest. She knew that Itachi is someone out of her league, since he is rich and even have a fiancee.
She know that someone like her won't get the interest of him. He helped her due to sympathy. She wiped away the sudden tears and buried her face in the pillow. "I should stop before it's too late…"
Sakura sat up on bed and rubbed her eyes groggily. Looking at the clock on the bedside table, she realised it was already noon. Since there is no school today, it didn't really matter.
She got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. She almost had a shocked when she looked into the mirror. Her eyes are puffy from crying, since she cried herself to sleep.
She quickly washed up when she heard the rumbling of her stomach. Slowly making her way to the kitchen, Sakura peeked into the kitchen but it was empty, looking into the living room she realise that he wasn't there either. "Maybe he's still sleeping?"
She opened the door slightly and peeked into it but it is also empty. Sakura got curious about his room and decided to enter. "Sorry for intruding…"
Itachi's room is slightly bigger than hers. She looked at his bed but there is no sign of him sleeping on it. Right at the end of the room is his table, which is currently full of books. Walking towards the table, she realised behind those mountain of books is Itachi.
He seemed to have fallen asleep with his glasses on. She was captivated by his long lashes and angled jawline. Her hand moved towards his face and she brushed back his bangs with the back of her hand.
She gently lifted his head and took off his glasses and gently lifted it back down. Itachi stirred a little which made Sakura freeze with her hand still on his head.
She heard him murmur in his sleep but couldn't quite make out what he said. Curious about what he said, she moved closer to him. "Sakura…" She suddenly felt her face heat up.
She calmed down and decided to get a blanket for him. She moved away her hand gently and turn around to leave but was suddenly embraced from behind.
She gasped when she felt a hand wrapping around her waist and turn around to find Itachi still asleep. Sakura started to panic about what to do when she got pulled into his lap.
"I-Itachi..!" Sakura tried to pry his hand away but he did not even budge. Instead, his arm tightened even more and he rested his head on Sakura's shoulder. His faint scent of cologne reached her nose and she felt her breath hitched a little.
Sakura wasn't sure on what to do since she is in an awkward position. She is straddling on Itachi's laps with both her hands on his shoulder while Itachi's hands are still wrapped around her waist.
The edge of the table is digging into her back which made her uncomfortable. She tried to shift herself a little which made Itachi's sigh on her neck her and she shivered at his hot breath.
While trying to get off of Itachi, Sakura suddenly felt something slick on her neck which made her suck in her breath and tighten her hold on Itachi's shoulder.
"Nn..! Itachi!" When she felt a little pain on her neck, she decided to wake him up forcefully. Shaking his shoulders, Itachi finally opened his eyes.
Sakura felt his arms loosening and she quickly jumped off from his laps. Itachi stared at Sakura, while she moved uncomfortably under his gaze.
"Um…" Sakura tried to break the silence but Itachi beat her to it. "What happened there..?"
"Eh?" Her hand move towards her neck and she felt that it is a little damped. When she realised what it was, she started to blush furiously.
Itachi however, looked a little lost. "You mean you don't remember?" Sakura's embarrassment suddenly changed into anger. Itachi looked even more lost.
"Argh, I don't care anymore!" Yelling at him, she turn on her back and headed for the door. She was grabbed by her wrist and pulled towards Itachi.
"Why are you angry suddenly?" He stared at her straight in her eyes. Instead of replying, she pursed her lips and looked at him.
"Look, I don't know what made you so angry but if it's something that I've done I apologise." He looked at her worryingly.
Sakura sighed when she realised that she was being childish. "It was my fault for coming in without permission…" she mumbled. "Forget it." Sakura told him.
Itachi frowned at her response but said nothing. "It's late, let's go get lunch." He let go of her wrist and stood up. Sakura had totally forgotten that she is hungry. She nodded and went to change in her room.
When she got into the living room, Itachi was already there. Instead of his usual suit, he was wearing casual clothes. Sakura thought it was unfair that he looks good in whichever clothes he wore.
"Let's go." His deep voice broke her out of her thoughts and she hurriedly followed him out of the house.
Xx
It wasn't surprising that there are a lot of people since it is the weekend. What surprise Sakura is that the street is full of couples.
Sakura tried to follow Itachi closely since she might get separated from him in the crowd. Just as she thought that, she couldn't find Itachi. "Eh..?"
She looked around frantically for him. "Oh no…" Since this is the first time she has been to this area, she wasn't familiar with the place. Should I stay put or look for him?
There are a lot of people walking by and due to her small form, she was knocked down by a passer-by. "Ah!" She landed on her rear and was apologised briefly by the offender.
"Are you okay?" She looked at the hand in front of her and tilt her head up to find Kiba looking down at her.
"Kiba?" She got up with the help of him and she thanked him. "What are you doing here?" She noticed that he was dressed nicely in a suit and his hair was done neatly.
"I… was doing something around this area. Anyways what about you?" Kiba answered vaguely before changing the topic.
"Ah!" Sakura remembered about Itachi and started to look around again. "I've lost my companion and I'm not too familiar with this place."
"Let's go look for your companion then." He held out a hand towards her. Sakura looked at him confused. "In case you get lost again." He smiled at her kindly.
Accepting his hand, they went on to look for Itachi. They went through different shops but there is still no sign of Itachi.
As they were passing by another shop, they were stopped by a shopkeeper. "The couple there! You look so great together! Come on in and check out this promotion we are having for couples specially."
The enthusiastic shopkeeper ushered them into the shop. "W-wait!" Sakura tried to protest while Kiba said nothing. However they were still forced into the shop.
While Sakura started to panic about what to do, she was pulled into someone's arms. "She's with me." She recognise the familiar deep voice and look up to find Itachi.
Kiba looked on curiously while the shopkeeper was bewildered. "Oh my gosh! Are you Itachi! The famous Uchiha Itachi!" Uchiha?
Now that she thought about it, she never knew about his last name. But for him to be an Uchiha, her heart froze.
Xx
Itachi felt Sakura stiffen in his arms. Even though he tried to keep the truth from her, it was still out in the end. He had meant to tell her but not so soon.
He felt tears trickling down his arms and turn Sakura around to find her crying. "Sakura…" He tried to wipe her tears away but she shook off his arms and glared at him.
"So it was all a lie." Breaking free from his arms, she ran out of the shop. He tried to go after her but was stopped by the dog like guy Sakura was with.
"Can't you tell that the last person she wants to see is you?" Leaving him with those words, he left the shop too. Itachi punched the wall out of frustration.
He pushed in the code of his apartment and stumbled in with the help of Shisui. After placing Itachi on his couch, he sat down next to him heavily.
"Remind me not to let you drink ever again." Shisui rotate his sore shoulder and told the drunken Itachi. "Sakura…" Shisui look at Itachi.
"I've never seen you like that before." He sighed. "You might actually be serious about her."
"Sorry… I'm so sorry…" He held onto Shisui with a pained look before passing out on his shoulder. Sighing again, Shisui decided that he has to do something about this before Itachi actually die of heartache.
Xx
Sakura ran out without thinking much and now she is lost in the busy street. She has ran with all her might and ended up in a desert alley. She pant and slid down from the wall, crying.
I am destined to be alone anyways… She wiped the tears that doesn't stop while sniffing, and it attracted unwanted attention.
"Why are ya cryin? Do ya *hic* want me ta cheeer ya up?" Sakura turn to her right to find a drunk man stumbling towards her. He grinned at her with his crooked teeth and Sakura shivered at the unpleasant sight.
She tried to get up and leave immediately but she was trapped by the drunk man. "L-let go of me!" She tried to pull her hands away.
"Don't be shy! Come'er." His grip on her tightened. Sakura didn't like the sinister look on his face.
Itachi!
The drunk man was knocked back and Sakura was encased in someone's arms. "Didn't she say to let go?" The person who saved her growled dangerously.
When the drunken man left hurriedly her saviour immediately checked if she was alright. It was then she realised that it's Kiba.
Sakura was mad at herself for calling out to Itachi unconsciously. What was I even thinking?
"It's the third time you have saved me, Kiba." Sakura laughed a little. Kiba looked at her sadly, "You don't have to force yourself you know?"
"Huh?"
"Your expression is not very great right now. I don't know what happen but if you want to talk to someone, I'm here." Sakura thanked him and forced a smile.
"I will take you home now. Let's go." Kiba ruffled Sakura's hair to comfort her.
"Um, about that…" Sakura decided to tell Kiba about the condition of her home and how she is living with Itachi.
Kiba thought about it for a little before deciding on something. "Come with me for a bit." Holding onto her hand gently, he pulled her with him. Sakura was a little hesitant at first but decided to follow him anyways.
After a short walk, they arrived in front of a small two storey apartment. "This is not a very big house but feel free to stay here." Kiba unlocked the door and stepped into the apartment.
Sakura followed after him and looked around. Even though it is small compared to Itachi's apartment, but it still looks comfortable enough. "But is it really okay if I stay here?"
"Don't worry. The owner is my friend and he's currently overseas so no one will be using this apartment for at least another two years." Kiba explained to Sakura and he hands her the key.
"Thank you…"
"Alright, now that this is settled let's get something to eat." Kiba took out his phone and started to order pizza while Sakura decided to explore the room.
The living room consists of a white sofa, big enough to fit two people, a small coffee table, and a small television.
Right next to the living room is the kitchen that come with a black counter the separate the living room and kitchen.
The first door leads to the room, it consists of a single sized bed, a small table by the corner and a closet. The second door leads to the toilet.
After exploring, she returned back to where Kiba is to find him still on the phone. "…Yes, I understand." Once Kiba ended his phone call, he gave Sakura a big grin and set her down on the sofa.
"So do you like it?" He plopped himself down on the carpeted floor and look at Sakura.
"It's a nice house, I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you." Sakura smiled when she noticed how Kiba looks like a little puppy waiting to get a compliment for something he had done.
They started to chat about random things over the pizza and Sakura enjoyed his company. When Kiba finally left, Sakura was all alone again. Her mind started to wonder about how Itachi is doing.
Xx
Itachi woke up with a very bad headache. The first thing he noticed is the strong smell of alcohol. He rubbed his eyes and look around to find himself on his sofa. He groaned and slowly got up.
He look out of the window to find that the sky is starting to turn dark. He stood up and headed for the kitchen to get a drink. He let out a sigh and sat on the chair.
He ruffled his hair and buried his face in his hands. "Fuck…" He slammed his hand on the table so hard it made the glass fall and spill its content. Even though the content is spilling on him, he made no attempt to move away.
It was when the doorbell ring that he got up immediately and headed towards the door. Thinking that it could be Sakura, he opened the door without checking who it is.
The door open to reveal a startled Asami who quickly replaced it with a smile. "Itachi! Were you drinking? I guess you can't go out for dinner then." Pushing past him to enter the apartment, she spot the mess in the kitchen.
Itachi is too tired to entertain her so he watch as she entered the kitchen. Sighing and closing the door, he followed her into the kitchen and sat opposite of her.
"Are you hungry? Want to order takeout? I know of this great restaurant…" Asami stopped talking when she realised that Itachi isn't paying attention. She then realised what might have happened.
Internally smirking to herself, she started to speak again. "I will skip to the point. Your father has arranged for us to have dinner two days from now and you are to come whether you like it or not."
Itachi finally focus his gaze on her. Asami gave him a smile, "I'm just giving you a heads up, you will be informed either way by tomorrow."
Making sure that she still has his attention, she continued. "Just make sure that you will be there if you don't want to anger your father and, my father."
She flipped her hair dramatically, "Anyways, you shouldn't spoil your body like that. Give me five minutes and we can go to this restaurant nearby."
Putting her bag down, she headed towards the toilet in Itachi's room. Itachi was frowned at what Asami had just said when he felt the table vibrating.
Looking towards the source, he found Asami's phone on the table. Carefully picking it up, he noticed that it's a message:
'The preparation are mostly done, just say the word and I will do it. But don't harm her.'
Feeling suspicious, Itachi quickly took down the number before putting the phone back down. Asami's voice then broke the silence. "Let's go!" Grabbing her purse and phone, she pulled Itachi by his arm and dragged him out.
Xx
Sakura blinked twice at the person at the door. She opened her mouth to try to say something but she found herself in an embrace.
She was shocked but when she found her composure, she quickly pushed herself away. "W-wait, who are you?"
"Ehehe, you were so cute that I couldn't resist hugging!" The blonde exclaimed. "But what are you doing in my house?"
"Eh?" Sakura looked down to see a luggage beside him. The sudden realisation hit her. "Ah… So you're Kiba's friend…"
"You know Kiba? So you're that idiot's girlfriend… So why did that idiot have to use my house?!" He looked disappointed at first but his expression suddenly changed into an angry one.
"Naruto!" Both of them turned towards the voice to find Kiba puffing for air. "Didn't you say you will stay for another two years?"
"Kiba!" Naruto lunged at him for a hug. "I missed you too!" Kiba looks stunned for a moment before pushing Naruto away. "W-what are you doing?"
Sakura noticed that Kiba is blushing a little and let out a stifled giggle at the two of them. "You sure are close to each other."
"A-anyways," Kiba spoke to hide his embarrassment. "Naruto, come live with me for awhile while Sakura live here."
"Whaaat, but why? I can live with Sakura." Naruto started to whine while trying to reach for Sakura. However Kiba stood in front of her and started to drag him away.
"Don't worry about him and live here comfortably until your house is fine Sakura." Saying so, they both disappear leaving Sakura alone.
Staring at their retreating figure, Sakura started to feel bad about intruding on them.
The next day, Sakura was just preparing breakfast when she heard a knock on the door. When she opened the door, Naruto and Kiba are standing on the other side. "Sakura!" The next thing she knew was that she is in someone's embrace.
"Stop hugging Sakura whenever you see her." Kiba plucked Naruto off of Sakura and knocked his head. Naruto rubbed his head and pouted while glaring at Kiba.
"Anyways, we haven't introduced each other properly yet. My name is Naruto Uzumaki." He held out his hand with a broad grin. Sakura took it and smiled back at him. "Sakura Haruno."
"I was just making breakfast, would you guys like some?" Sakura stepped aside to let them in.
"Yes! I'm so hungry!" Naruto immediately took off towards the kitchen. "Kiba's house had nothing in his fridge at all, I was starving the whole way here."
Sakura set breakfast in front of Naruto who was waiting impatiently. Swallowing down the breakfast, he asked for seconds. Kiba stared in disgust while Sakura just laughed.
After finishing their breakfast, they decided to go to the amusement park partly to celebrate Naruto's return and mainly for a change of pace for Sakura.
"Let's do it again!" Naruto jumped around while pointing at the rollercoaster zooming past. Kiba stared at him in disbelief while Sakura tried to stop herself from vomiting.
"You guys go on ahead, I will wait here." Sakura sat on the bench and beckon them to go ahead.
"Aw, okay then. Let's go Kiba!" Naruto dragged away the protesting Kiba. Sakura laughed at the scene and sat there to wait for them.
While they were away, Sakura looked around to find many families together. There was a certain family which caught her eyes. It is a pair of fraternal twins where one of them looks like their mom and the other looks like their dad.
Sakura wondered whether she looks like her mom or dad. Sakura smiled sadly and looked down at her feet. It was when another feet came into sight that Sakura looked up.
Standing in front of her is a familiar looking guy, with black short hair. "Um, may I help you?" Sakura spoke out timidly.
"My name's Shisui, you might have seen me with Itachi before." Sakura remembered who he is now. She started looking around worriedly to see if Itachi is around.
"Don't worry, Itachi's not here." Sakura's surprised that he could read her thoughts. "Do you have time? I need to speak with you."
"I'm waiting for my companions, so I won't be able to follow you…" Even though she wasn't lying, this is not the main reason. Sakura knew that she is escaping from her problems but she really don't want to face Itachi.
"I will wait for you at the park around here tomorrow. It's your choice to meet me but you can't run away from your problems forever." Leaving her with those words, Shisui left.
Sakura sighed heavily and thought about it. It is true that she can't run away from her problems forever, but she still feels afraid to face it. After all it is the Uchiha that eliminated her whole family.
"Aw man, let's play one more round!" Sakura heard Naruto's whining getting closer.
"That is the 17th time we are riding that thing over and over again, so no!"
"Meanie! I'll play it myself then." Naruto pout and turn to leave for the ride again. Kiba plopped down on the bench heavily and sighed, "I swear Naruto has unlimited amount of energy."
Sakura laughed when she saw how tired Kiba looks. "Whatever, let's just leave without him." Saying so, Kiba stood up while holding onto Sakura's hand and pulled her along with him.
"Wait, are you sure about that?" Sakura look back worriedly. "It's okay, he can find his way back. In the meantime, let's grab something to eat."
After dinner, Sakura found herself walking alongside Kiba in a park. "That was fulfilling!" Kiba stretched out his arm and continued talking.
Sakura however is preoccupied in thinking about the meeting tomorrow. It was when Kiba pulled Sakura back that she realised she almost walk into the pond.
"Woah, you alright? Do you want to go home and get some rest?" Kiba looked at her worriedly. "Well I mean we kind of did force you out with us and all…"
"Ah, no I was just thinking about something. I should apologise for not paying attention…" Sakura started to trail off when she noticed something happening behind Kiba.
Xx
"That restaurant wasn't as nice as I thought it would be. I was expecting more since I heard good things about it. Well but being with you make thing better…" Asami stopped in her tracks and look up at Itachi.
Her green eyes reminded Itachi of Sakura, whom he cannot stop thinking of. Her face started inching closer towards him. "Itachi…" She called out sultrily.
The next moment, he felt her lips crashing into his. He didn't feel the same excitement when he was kissing Sakura, it didn't feel… right.
Letting Asami taking the lead, when he unintentionally look over her shoulder, he spotted the person who he wanted to see the most.
Pushing Asami off, he started to go towards her. However, Sakura was backing off and turning around to escape. Not wanting to let her go for the second time, he started to chase after her.
"Wait, what are you doing?" Asami grabbed onto Itachi who was about to take off, but Itachi shook it off easily.
Finally catching up to her, he grabbed onto her waist and pulled her close. Sakura thrashed around in his arms but Itachi kept his grip firm. "Sakura, listen to me." Itachi felt his throat going hoarse.
It was only when Sakura stopped moving that he realised that they are in a secluded part of the park. "Let go of me, I won't run away." Itachi noticed that her voice is slightly shaky.
Losing his hand slowly, he let go of Sakura who stood with her back to him. "I'm sorry for hiding it from you." He wanted to reach out to her badly, but he knew that if he do that it will only push Sakura further away.
A light breeze passed by, making Sakura's hair sway to reveal her side profile. Her brows are knitted down and her eyes are shiny.
Itachi's fingers itched to tuck her hair behind her ears and it took a lot of self control to not do so. "What is your purpose in getting close to me?" Her voice sounded cold, unlike her usual cheerful self.
"What have we ever done to deserve this? I'm sorry if we ever offended you in any way, but can you please leave me alone now? Is killing my parents not enough for you?" Sakura was now looking straight at Itachi.
Itachi felt his heart clenched tightly. He looked at Sakura sadly. "I don't need your sympathy. Look for someone else to play your pretend lover!" Saying so, she started to run away.
"Wait!" Itachi started chasing after Sakura. Due to her small petite form, Itachi lost sight of her while chasing her towards the road.
Itachi completely lost sight of her amongst the crowd. When he ran towards the crossroad, his heart stopped.
xxxx
Sorry for not posting for so long! Well there are reasons for that you see… I have school and all and it has been reaaaly hectic. Anyways! To make up for my looong absence, here is a longer chapter. Well I can't guarantee that I will be able to post on time from now on but don't worry, I will definitely finish this. Thank you for your patience and support! 3~