Sakura watched Itachi with pleading eyes, begging him to answer her. Itachi waited contemplating on how he would answer her. He had never thought of him actually physically hurting her, no he would never. But emotional pain was something Sakura had endured most of her life. He had no idea how to avoid hurting her feelings, she did wear her emotions on her sleeve.
"I will do everything I can to make sure you are safe and happy. I would never lay a hand on you if that's what you are thinking." Itachi stated. Finally looking at the pink haired girl, Itachi noticed her head drooping more. She was exhausted, but as stubborn as she was he knew she would try to hide it. Itachi let the silence fill around them like a blanket. He activated his blood line to observe the area. It appeared the others were settling down to eat. They knew that they didn't need to look for them, Itachi was highly skilled and could protect Sakura.
He continued to look across the water, luckily at the moment there was no threat. He was in no rush to return back to camp anyway. He would go back when Sakura was ready. Itachi was a gentleman and no gentlemen would let a young lady walk by herself at night. Bringing him out of his thought he noticed Sakura leaning against his arm. He hadn't realized that she moved closer to him.
Pink hair was thrown on his shoulder. He could hear the soft snores coming from her mouth. The silence in the night slowly ticked by as Itachi stared at the girl in awe. She must have tired herself out trying to keep up with the rest of their team. He thought back to seeing Sakura today. She was incredibly smart and bright. She could do anything with her life so why did she choose to be a ninja. Sure she could use several things to her advantage. First Sakura was small considering her age; this is both good and bad. She was small enough to hide in unseen places and if she was caught for some reason she could always use the innocent act.
Itachi concluded his thought looking across the river. The sky was orange with purple and blue streaking the horizon. Sakura snuggled into his arm, he realized she was cold and was seeking His body heat. Slowly not to disturb the sleeping beauty, he put one arm behind her shoulders and the other under her knees swooping her up from the chilly ground. Said girl sighed in contentment hugging Itachi closer to her body. Itachi gradually walked back to their camp. Luckily all the tents were set up, so he wouldn't have to lay her on the ground since he and Kakashi already set everything up.
Kakashi looked up happily, well as happy as he could that two had arrived back safely "Itachi I was just about to send my dogs to look for you. You left without telling us who would take the first watch."
Itachi thought the copy ninja would have already assigned the watch since he was left second in command. "Sasuke and Genma will take the first. You, Naruto, and Shisui will take the second. Sakura and I will take the third. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to put her to bed and go to sleep myself. I suggest the rest of you do the same." Itachi instructed walking past them ignoring their questioning eyes.
"Sasuke what the hell is your brother doing with Sakura?" Naruto bellowed out into the night air.
"Dobe she probably fell asleep from keeping up with us all day" Sasuke answered walking away trying to put some distance between himself and his blond teammate.
"Wait teme! What do you mean, Sakura always keeps up with us!"
"What my little cousin is trying to say it that she used her charka to increase her speed and keep up with the team. Your team doesn't usually travel that fast do they?" Shisui asked looking at Kakashi.
"No and to tell you the truth, she did hide if very well. Now you two," he said looking at Sasuke and Genma, "Start your watch and the rest of us need to get some sleep." Kakashi ordered ending the conversation, not wanting to answer any more questions about Itachi and Sakura.
Itachi was pleased to see that their bedrolls were already set out for them. He gently pulled back the blanket and laid Sakura underneath. She had warmed up from Itachi keeping her close and blocking the cold during his travel back to camp. Itachi gazed at the lovely girl as he covered her up; her soft looking lips were slightly parted. Her eyes shut softly meaning she was sleeping peacefully.
"Itachi, thank you" Sakura murmured drifting back to sleep. Seeing her peaceful like this bought a small smile to his lips. He laid down remembering the vow he had made long ago. He would always keep her safe and ensure her happiness no matter who tried to stand in his way.
Itachi woke with a start, using his sharingan to survey his surroundings. Naruto was by the fire, but Shisui and Kakahsi were in the tress away from their camp. What had woken him? Looking around the tent he noticed Sakura was crying.
"No please don't hurt me. No stay away from me!" She whimpered, her eyes tightly sealed. More tears spilled down her rose colored cheeks. "No, no get away from me!"
Itachi gently nudged her trying to wake her, but she continued crying. "Sakura," nothing. Itachi tried again with more force this time, "Sakura! Sakura, everything is fine. Wake up, Sakura you need to wake up." She finally opened her eyes when Itachi raised his voice. Sakura franticly looked around, taking in the backdrop. Turning her heads she observed Itachi staring intently at her.
"Sakura, are you alright?" Itachi's voice was laced with concern for his pink haired angel. Sakura didn't answer she continued to watch him. "Sakura are you alright?" Itachi tried again. Finally after a long moment of scilence she turned her eyes away from him and in a deathly calm voice said, "NO."
Itachi stared at her questioningly. No? What did that mean? Did she think she was still dreaming, was she ill? "Sakura tell me what's wrong?" Itachi pleaded. She shook her head trying to clear her thought,
"It's him" was all she replied coverning her eyes with her small hands.
"Sakura what is it? Who is he? It was only a dream everything is fine," Itachi spoke trying to get her to open up to him. That was the only way he could help her; he couldn't keep playing guessing games all night.
Quivering Sakura removed her hands and put them in her lap grabbing tightly to the blanket, "It's him. The one with the yellow eyes. He's coming for me."
Sorry it has taking so long to update. I have had health problems that need to be treated and classes have started back. I am going to try and do an update more often. Which would you prefer a weekly update with small chapters or every two weeks with longer chapters. Thanks for the reviews!