Sakura woke up earlier than usual on a weekend to make lunch. She figured Kiba might want something else to eat after staying at the hospital for so long.

Her food might not be the best but she know how hospital food taste like, after all she know how it feels like to eat the tasteless food everyday.

After she packed their lunch, she got ready to get out. She got out earlier than they have planned and arrived at the hospital.

She knocked on the door before entering to find Kiba awake and shirtless. "I-I'm sorry!" Sakura quickly turn around.

"It's alright now." Sakura turn a little to confirm that he is fully clothe before turning around completely. Kiba's face was slightly red as he clear his throat. "I just took a bath, so I was um…"

"I understand… and uh I brought food." Sakura tried to change the subject as she took out the packed lunch and handed it over to Kiba.

"You did?!" Kiba's eyes sparkle as he took the lunchbox. Sakura giggled at his reaction as she sat him down at the table.

"I thought you would be sick of the hospital food by now, but it might not be better than the hospital food…" Sakura open the lunchbox and waited for him to take the first bite.

"It's so good!" Kiba started taking the second bite as soon as he swallowed the first.

"Be careful or you're gonna choke." Sakura watch him swallow down his food before the three of them came in.

"Why does he always have to ruin everything." Kiba muttered softly, making sure Sakura couldn't hear him.

"Sakura! You're early!" Naruto jogged towards them with the rest of them in tow.

"Sakura!" Ino ran up to her and hugged her.

"Naruto, Ino, Hinata!" Sakura greeted them as the rest of them walk towards her. "I made you guys lunch too!" She took out the lunchboxes and handed it over to them.

"I'm not a great cook so I'm not sure if it will suit your taste."

"Don't be silly, your food is the best!" Ino hugged her again as she took her portion. "You guys are in for a treat."

"By the way, where is Sasuke?" Sakura looked towards the door, half expecting him to walk in since Naruto and him are always together.

"He said that he will be coming in later." Naruto spoke with his mouth full, Hinata at the side busily trying to get him to eat slower.

Sakura looked at them with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, they are a thing now." Ino added when she saw the way Sakura were looking at them. "Even I didn't know until today."

"They are a thing now?! You mean that Naruto?" Kiba pointed an accusing finger towards the two of them, not believing what he had heard.

"Yes idiot, they are. I didn't wanted to come, I wanted to follow Kabuto-sensei to the library." Sakura stared at her in disbelieve.

"You were stalking him?"

"No! He just happens to live close to me, I was about to leave with him when Hinata and the other idiot swoop in and dragged me here. I spend so hard to make him agree." Ino sighs as she took in another bite.

"You're impossible."

"How about you?"

"Huh?" Sakura got caught slightly off guard. "What do you mean?"

"Don't try to hide, I know you have been seeing someone." She wriggle her eyebrows at her and Sakura started to blush furiously.

"Haah… Everyone is abandoning me now that they have their special someone." Ino sigh out loudly and Sakura tried to shush her.

"Sakura you have a b-boyfriend?!" This was the first time she experience Hinata raising her voice, including everyone in the room. But Sakura having a boyfriend seems to be the more important topic.

"I thought you had something on with Kiba." Naruto look away from the sausage Hinata's feeding him.

"She don't, she's dating my brother."

Everyone turn towards the door to find Sasuke and Itachi coming in through the door. Sakura blinked at the sight, not know what is happening.

"Itachi! I haven't seen you for a long time!" Naruto got up and greeted him. Sometimes Sakura could easily forget that all her friends are rich, so it is no surprise that they know each other.

"Sakura you are dating Itachi?!" Ino exclaimed as Hinata and Ino both stared at her for an answer.

"Uh-uhm…" Sakura didn't know whether to confirm or deny and she took a peek at Itachi.

"I'll be taking her away." Itachi smiled as he walk towards her and took her things and her hand before they left the room.

"Uhm, where are we going?"

"I'm moving our date forward. I need you to attend a party with me."

"What kind of party..?"

"It's a casual party, your friends would be there too. I'm just bringing you to get something to wear."

They entered an expensive looking shop. Sakura look around the shop in awe, all the dresses looks exquisite.

"Uchiha-san, how may I help you?" A shop assistant came forward with a polite smile. It seems that Itachi is quite a regular customer.

"Can you get me something that will suit her?" Itachi pulled her towards the shop assistant. She look at Sakura for a while before her face brighten up again.

"I've got something perfect in mind. Follow me." The shop assistant pulled her by her hand eagerly to the dressing room.

After trying on countless beautiful dresses, the shop assistant was finally satisfied with her dress. It is a simple light green sleeveless dress with an open back, knee high, along with a matching colour heels.

"Indeed, green definitely compliment your eyes." The shop assistant admire her work before she usher he out.

Once she exited the dressing room with much difficulty due to the heels, she could feel Itachi's stare. It made her a little self conscious. "I will leave you guys alone." The shop assistant laughed and walked off.

"Does it look weird? I have never worn such a dress before so I think it doesn't suit me. I should know that these kind of dresses doesn't suite me. Maybe I should just take it off…" Sakura started blabbing away due to her nervousness as she turn around and tried to head to the dressing room.

Itachi stopped her by holding onto her waist and turn her around. "You should have more confidence in yourself, you look beautiful."

Sakura blushed when she heard the compliment from him.

"Now that the dress is done, let's get your hair done." He pulled her off once again to the next store.

Once they got to the salon, the hairdresser immediately worked on her hair professionally. They even gave her a makeover. After they were done, she could barely recognise herself.

She don't know what Itachi will think of her. She took in a deep breath and approach him. She was surprise to see that he had also changed. Even though he wears a suit everyday, there is something different about him today.

"I-Itachi." Itachi looked up from his magazine as he stare at her with slightly agape mouth. Sakura rub the side of her hand nervously.

Itachi stood up and walk towards her. "I don't want to show you to other men now. I'm actually trying to control myself in case I ruin your dress."

Sakura did everything she could to not drop everything and run away from embarrassment, at least not in those heels. She cleared her throat to change the subject.

"S-shall we go?" She turned around and hurriedly stumble out of the shop. Itachi couldn't help but laugh as she tries to make her way out.

Once they got to the venue, Sakura could feel her heart almost pounding out of her chest. Itachi offered his arm and Sakura took it as they enter the ballroom. The place is so huge and the decoration are expensive looking that Sakura feels like she didn't fit in.

There were already a few people at the party. It definitely does not seem like a casual party, the ladies are dress elegantly while the men are dressed smartly. She could feel everyone's eyes are on them.

"Do you want something to eat or drink?" Itachi asked her as they stopped at a table near the corner. She could tell that Itachi is looking out for her since she isn't used to this.

"Maybe something to drink…" Itachi nodded as he left her to get their drinks.

Sakura was left alone as she stood around awkwardly. She didn't know what to do as more people started to arrive. As she waits for Itachi, she could hear a group of ladies near her speaking.

"Who does she think she is? Just because Itachi is showing her a little attention, she is acting all mighty." The first lady spoke out in a not so concealed tone.

"I know, she thinks she could seduce the Uchiha heir? Ha!" The second lady snorted as she laughs.

"He will abandon her after he is sick of her, after that maybe I will stand a chance! He would definitely go for me since he even went for a nobody." The third lady exclaims.

Just then, a man approached her. "How much for a night?"

Sakura stared at him. "I'm sorry?"

"You heard me, don't act like you're innocent. You went with the Uchiha for money ain't it? Tell me how much and I will pay twice the amount." The man approach her with a lecherous smile as he grab onto her wrist.

"Let go of me..!" Sakura struggled to get away from his grip. Sakura look around desperately to try to get help but no one stepped forward. In the end she got pulled out to the balcony.

There were a few people at the balcony, when they saw them, they quickly made they way back into the ballroom. He finally lets go of her and she quickly took a few steps back.

"Don't! Come any closer." She yelled at him as he tries to walk closer to her. However, he flash her a grin as he corners her.

"Stay away!" Sakura push on him desperately as he came onto her, she could feel her tears welling.

"Why don't you submit to me quietly? I will make sure it is worth you time." He trapped her in the corner with no way out.

"Help..!"

Xx

Sasuke arrived to the party a little late, he wasn't looking forward to it at all. He has to put up with other people's fake façade and compliments.

The moment he entered, he could already feel gazes on him. He walked around the room to look for Naruto but he was nowhere to be found.

He could already feel that something bad is about to happen.

"Sasuke-kun!" Karin waved enthusiastically as she made her way towards him. Sasuke sighs as he thought about what is about to happen.

"You look as handsome as always!" Karin fawn over him as he continues to look for Naruto.

"I feel bad for Sasuke that he is engaged to her." One of the ladies giggled as she spoke to her friend.

"I know right, how can a lady be as loud as her?" Her friend giggled loudly.

"How dare you people!" Karin stormed up to them as they started to argue.

Sasuke sighs as he walks away from the crowd. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see Sakura getting dragged out by a man.

He sighs as he quickly made his way towards the balcony. But when he got there, he couldn't see them anymore.

"Why is this place so darn big?" He walk around and finally found them at a corner.

"Help..!"

"What are you doing?"

Sakura gasp as she felt the man getting pulled off of her and punch in the face. The man fell on the floor due to the impact.

"What the fu-" The man sat up from the floor and gasp when he saw who it was. Sasuke was glaring at him.

"You better watch your behaviour." Sasuke scowled at him which made her scurried inside.

Sakura could finally breathe a sigh of relief as her leg turns jelly, she slid down the wall. Sasuke crouched down near her.

"Are you okay?"

Sakura looked at him as she wipe her tears. "You always see me in my worse huh. I'm sorry and thank you."

Sasuke's hand itched to wipe the tears from her. "Don't cry, you will ruin your make up. Let's get back inside, where is Itachi anyways."

He offered her his hand and Sakura took it. They entered the ballroom and Sasuke could already hear the people around them talk.

"What a slut, now she is even seducing the youngest Uchiha?"

"How shameless."

Sasuke glared at them to shut them up, they quickly scurry away. "Don't listen to them." He tried to cheer her up but she had her attention elsewhere.

He followed her gaze to find that she is staring in the distance at Itachi. He was with their parents, Asami, and her parents, laughing.

Sasuke wanted to go up to them and yell at Itachi, he took a step forward but Sakura stopped him. He look at her, she shook her head as she held onto him with her trembling hands.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for making time out of your busy schedule to attend the official engagement party of our beloved Uchiha Itachi and Miyake Asami."

"What?" Sasuke look towards the stage before turning to look at his parents. "What is he thinking?"

"Sasuke! What is happening?" Naruto and the others ran towards them.

"Sakura, a-are you alright?" Ino and Hinata both tried to console her.

"What is that Itachi doing? I better give him a piece of my mind that son of a-" Naruto stopped Ino in time before she swore out loud and gave an apologetic smile to the people around them.

"Serves her right."

"I knew Itachi wouldn't go for someone like her."

"Shut up!" Ino yelled at them which made them jump.

"I-I'll leave first." Sakura turn and bolted for the door. Sasuke made an attempt to chase after her but Naruto stopped him.

"Let her be alone for now."

Xx

Sakura stumbled out of the venue with her heels. She accidentally tripped on her heels and fell. She yelled in frustration as she took off her heels.

"I made a fool of myself…" Snow started to fall. She rubbed her eyes and stare up at the sky as she wipe the lipstick with the back of her hand. "After all, we are from different backgrounds."

"Haruno-san? What a coincidence."

Sakura turn towards the voice to find Kabuto. "Kabuto-sensei?"

"Ah, you remembered me? I'm glad." He smiled as he sat beside her. "What are you doing out here in the cold with such little clothing?"

"I'm just out here to get some air." Sakura laughed awkwardly as she tries to warm herself.

"Are you feeling cold? Should we go somewhere warmer?" Sakura remembered about what Sasuke told her.

"I'm alright, my friends are waiting for me. I should go." Sakura stood up but she felt a sharp pain in her ankle, Kabuto stood up to hold her before she fell.

"I invented a new medicine that helps…" He slip his hand into his pocket and took out something before covering her mouth with it.

Sakura gasp and struggle against him. She tried to get her phone out to call but her vision black out first.

Xx

"Let raise the toast and congratulate them shall we?"

"What is the meaning of this father?" Itachi stared at him for an answer. "You didn't tell me about this at all."

"Haha!" Fugaku bellowed. "You are very humorous my dear son." Asami and her parents laughed along too.

"You called me here for this?" Itachi put down his glass and started to look around for Sakura. He caught a glimpse of her running out of the ballroom.

"Shit…"

"I have already told you not to bring her. Don't embarrass me in front of them." Fugaku whispered over to him as he continues smiling to them. "I will crush her life."

"And I will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening." Itachi glared at him and took of towards the exit.

He burst out through the door and felt the cold wind against his face. "Where did she go with such little clothing? It is snowing right now too…"

He look around for any sign of Sakura. As he continues to walk around to look for her, he spotted her heels on the pavement.

He quickly made his way towards her heels and picked it up, it seems that she only just left recently. He found the black cat phone strap on the floor, the string roughly torn apart.

"She's probably very angry…" He sighs as he hold onto the black cat, carefully wiping the snow away. He take out his phone and dialled her number.

He heard a familiar ringtone. He followed after the sound and found her phone in between the bush. He then noticed that there is another set footprint other than Sakura's, and it seems that she had been struggling.

"Father…" He grit down on his teeth and quickly made his way back towards the ballroom.

"Father."

Fugaku's face brighten up as he saw Itachi. "Itachi! We were just discussing about the date you will get married."

"We were thinking about during spring next year." Asami smiled as she held onto his arm.

Itachi shook her arm off and got closer to Fugaku. "What did you do to Sakura?"

Fugaku pales slightly as he pulled Itachi away from the crowd. "We will be right back."

They got to the balcony where there are lesser people. "What happened to her?"

"What happened fo her? You got someone to get rid of her and you ask me? If she is harmed in any way, I won't let you off." Itachi was very furious at his father and himself especially since he couldn't protect her better.

Itachi turn to leave but Fugaku stopped him. "Itachi, listen to me. Sakura might be in danger, you have to find her."

Itachi stop in his tracks, Fugaku doesn't sound like he is faking it. Itachi turn towards him to get an answer. "What do you mean?"

"The accident eleven years ago was not done by me… No matter how cruel I am, I will not kill my own friend." Fugaku sighs as he started to tell Itachi the story.

"He was my closest friend, we would do everything together." Fugaku smile as he reminisces about the past. "I know his deepest secret, and he knew mine too."

"We have been very close since Sakura and Sasuke are born in the same year." Fugaku took out an old photo of him and Sakura's father holding Sasuke and Sakura respectively.

"You mother and her mother even gave birth at the same hospital. Kizashi was especially excited since it was his first child, however Sakura was almost kidnapped by one of the doctors in charged of them."

Itachi looked at Fugaku questioningly. "Why would the doctor kidnap a child?"

"I was getting to that part. Apparently, they say that once every hundred years, a special child will be born. It is said that her blood cures all kinds of sickness, whether it is just a small cut or a terminal illness. So Sakura had always been targeted since birth."

Itachi look at the small Sakura in the photo with painful eyes. He never realise that her life has been equally as hard as his, or even worse.

"That day, they have to leave abruptly because there was this guy called Kabuto, he already knew about Sakura. Kizashi found out about it and quickly left, he apologised profusely that he got us involved. Who knew, he died in an accident anyway." Fugaku laugh painfully as he took back the photo.

"That idiot, he always keep others before him. He could have relied on me, I would have had the money to hire bodyguards to guard him. Till today, I have regretted not trying hard enough to stop him from leaving." His eyes were slightly shiny.

Itachi step on the pedal, hoping to get to Sakura as quickly as possible.

"I know where Sakura is, I will send you the address. I will notify to police, stop Kabuto from extracting her blood. If he give it to Orochimaru, I will not be able to stop it anymore."

He drove deeper into the mountains, since it is snowing and dark, the car is going slower than usual. He found the laboratory quite a distance away. He decided to park his car further away in case he was spotted.

"Kabuto wants her blood to revive Orochimaru. If Orochimaru comes back to life, Sakura will live her whole life as a test subject with no freedom."

Itachi walk around the area to plan an escape route in case things go south. As he walks around, he found a door left slightly open. He had to take his chances, even if it is a trap, he will get Sakura out no matter what.

"Promise me to be careful, Kabuto is very sly. He might already know your relationship with Sakura and that you will be coming to look for her."

He slipped in through the door, he could already smell all sorts of chemical. The hallway the door leads to seems very quiet. As he carefully searches from room to room, he still could not find Sakura.

Itachi continues to walk deeper in. He found a door that is slightly different from the others. He took in a deep breath and open the door slowly.

He half expected someone else to be on the other side of the door but it is empty like the others, only that this room contains many chemicals and books. That explains where the chemical smell came from.

He picked up a book from the table in the middle of the room and flip it open. Inside the books are writings on many kinds of experiment. As he flipped to a particular page, his heart dropped.

He heard footsteps from outside of the door, he quickly put down the book and hide behind a shelf. A man that he recognised from Sakura's kidnapping that day came through the door.

"That Kabuto, just because he is Orochimaru's favourite dog doesn't mean he could order me around. Now where is that stupid book of his?" He walked around the room looking for something. He was now waking towards Itachi's direction.

Itachi held his breath as prepare himself to strike him but he stopped and turn around. "There it is. I better get back before he starts barking again."

He exited the room and Itachi breathe a sigh of relief. There is his chance, he quickly got out from behind the shelf and followed after him.

He followed after him quietly, making sure he doesn't notice his presence. He watch as his entered another room into more hallways. Itachi followed after him as well, it seems that this part of the building is full of doors.

He walk past the rooms, each of the room labelled with names Itachi doesn't recognise. The man turn left towards another hallway, Itachi was about to follow after him when he heard voices coming towards him. With no way out, he decided to enter a room closest to him.

He closes the door behind him quietly and found himself in another hallway. He sighs at how big this place is and he decides to continue towards the end of the hallway in hopes to find Sakura.

As he walk past a room, he heard noises from the other side of a particular door. Itachi tried to go closer to listen to what they are taking about but the door open to reveal the same two men who kidnapped Sakura.

Before they could even make any noise, Itachi knocked them out in two swift motion. He dragged them into the room quickly to prevent anyone from finding them. He tied them up securely and could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

He then realise that he is in a testing room. It is full of hospital equipment, and on the operating table is Sakura. He quickly ran towards her, she was still in her dress and different kinds of needles are sticking into her body.

"Sakura, can you hear me? I'm going to get you out." He shook her gently and pulled the needles out of her. He sat her up gently but her body was lifeless as her head falls onto his chest. She was still breathing, it was as if she is in a deep sleep.

Itachi has to get them out before Kabuto comes back. He slip his hand under her legs and back before he pick her up and exited the room.

He got her out into the hallway that is full or doors again. He forgot how complicated this place is. He tried to go back to the exit according to his memory.

After turning endless corners and opening endless doors, he was back to where he came from. He was almost relief that all of this is coming to an end. He picked up his pace towards the door, hoping that it is still open, but things does not always end well so easily.

"I've noticed your presence since you first came in Itachi." He turn around to find Kabuto sneering at them. "Uchiha Fugaku, I trusted him to keep our secret but he never listens. I guess I will have to take your life to serve as a warning to your father, don't I?"

Itachi set Sakura down gently on the floor and hold her cheeks the last time. "I will protect you this time for sure." He whispered gently to her before he stood up and face Kabuto.

Xx

It's finally coming to an end! So what do you think will happen? Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the rest of your day~!