Line 11: Daises and Hydrangeas

" which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide .."

'I Carry Your Heart'

Line 9, Stanza 5

-EE Cummings

Until recently, Sakura hasn't given much thought to who Mikoto Uchiha is outside of being a name and cherished memory of her partner. A little stern, a little aloof, and a lot of mystery. With only Sasuke and Itachi to draw from, Sakura's assumptions fill in the gaps and Mikoto comes alive even before she can be properly introduced.

Alright, Uchiha-san, let's see what we have here.

Today the deceased mother is her company. Since the spring weather is favorable for outdoors excursions, Sakura settles down on the bench beneath the beech tree.

Some may find it strange that she finds peace in a place that memorializes death. But being near Sasuke is just as homey as her couch. The deep, heady scent of earth and grass, the whisper of a breeze, soft with sunshine that teases green leaves.

It's familiar and nice and Mikoto is a few steps away.

Not that I can see ghosts but maybe you can transform into a crow or something?

Sakura looks up at the canopy overhead, glittering with peaks of afternoon light, just in case a crow is hiding.

Feel free to give your input, Sasuke.

Pen in hand, Sakura braces herself for whatever Mikoto throws at her. If it is anything like the page on daffodils, the writing style will be straightforward.

Flower. Season. Usage.

As expected, Mikoto follows that convention just enough that taking notes is easy. Between writing, reading, and listening to the lazy drone of shifting leaves, Sakura relaxes into a rhythm. Her thermos of tea keeps her hands and belly warm when a mischievous puff of wind bites a bit too hard.

Occasionally something catches her eyes but Sakura tries to keep her focus on the most pertinent information. In many respects she is on a time crunch to learn as much as possible about a past she's never known from a woman she will never meet.

Mikoto makes it somewhat easy for her to read the important bits and skip over little asides and tangents. The writing formula is clear. It does follow the same convention. Being a student of studying for so long, Sakura knows how to bypass those things. Except when she doesn't because Mikoto's tangents are interesting for the sole fact that they exist at all.

A little arrow here. A cluster of dots there. Circled paragraph and underlined phrases. There's something very human about the way she writes. Sakura rolls her eyes because, well, what else would be other than human?

"I was expecting more structure but you sort of knocked that out of the window." she tells the headstone to her right. "This feels like I'm reading your diary…."

Biting her cheek, she holds down the page she's currently stuck on, rubbing her thumb over a rough sketch of a fern.

Girls doodle. She doodles occasionally. But Mikoto Uchiha?

Green eyes linger on the incoherent dots. She tries to place her...hesitation? Reservation?

"Is this an invasion of privacy?" Sakura twirls her pen. "Okay, yes, Itachi gave it to me to read but it feels wrong to study you like this...imagine if someone wanted to study me based on my journals?"

She gets butterflies and squeezes the pen. "If they read it when I was eleven or twelve. Oh my god the ridiculous things I put in there about your son. I mean they'd have an accurate picture of me even if it was incomplete. I had more going on than just chasing Sasuke."

Her smile comes slow as she looks across towards the headstone of her former teammate. It's just a rock but under there is someone quite dear. Memories come that she can relive without being completely washed in grief.

"Would you've followed any of this stuff if given the chance to?" Sakura asks the wind then wonders if she wants to know the answer.

Turning her attention back to the book and the doodle of the fern leaf that derailed her studies, she goes back a few pages to read it's lore.

Ferns are plants not flowers and somehow goes against what she thinks Uchiha courtship is based on. But Mikoto makes it clear that the plant is usually a standalone offering, giving as a promise to provide a home to the intended. The suitor's intent is shelter and safety, to physically provide a place to live and metaphorically a place to feel at home. But the meaning seems to be altered once they are married or at the very least it is for Mikoto.

" Most women plant these in their back gardens. Encourage your intended to plant them at the entrance so we know before entering the home that it's cared for."

"I see where they get the sass from." the medical ninja declares, trying to reconcile what she knows about Uchiha with what she's reading.

But the text is as plain as day, eerily familiar in it's underhanded insult. If Ino were not her friend, Sakura would have written off her 'advice' as nothing more than that. But it absolutely is not. Mikoto takes a shot at every woman who fails to keep the home their former suitor created in good working order. And really, Sakura is inclined to agree with her on this point. There's nothing quite like coming home to cleanliness that requires nothing from you other than to enjoy it. It should be a place where stress leaves not lives. If Sakura is interrupting the aside as correctly as she thinks she is, the Uchicha matriarch encourages her son to find someone who will do just that.

Tapping her pen on the paper, Sakura entertains her proclivities for a moment. "I'm guessing you set the prime example if you wrote it here?"

She looks obliquely at the headstone of Itachi's mother. Though Mikoto doesn't actually say anything, Sakura feels the urge to verify. Not because she thinks the woman will lie but more of a feeling to be proven right. As if to say, where else would you up them? Or what were you expecting?

Maybe she contrives it all in her head. Sakura will concede to that but what's the point in learning history if you can't see it. Mikoto's home is just a few miles away and if ferns do in fact belong at the entry of one's home, then that's where she should find them.

Decided, she leaves the rest of her things and takes the book with her.

"I just want to take a tiny peek." she tells her, "I'll be right back."

Her presence around there isn't necessarily foregin. Weasel tells her Itachi is in a meeting with the planners and it's all the same to her because she only needs to do one thing.

"I'll be quick," she tells Anbu with a smile.

Weasel waves her off, taking to the roof again and looking away.

Sakura makes a beeline towards her partner's former home. "I just wanna check that's all. For research."

There's no real importance to it other than to prove a theory. But for some reason Sakura wants to be right. She wants Mikoto to be a little more alive, a lot less stiff and a bit more human. As she closes in on the property, her impromptu trip rewards her with exactly what she is looking for.

Ferns and other greenery line the veranda around the house and clusters on the side of the steps at the entry. There are so many that one would be hard pressed not to believe Mikoto cared a great deal about her household. Flaunting it even . Having been inside the place, Sakura knows that Mikoto isn't merely bragging. Her house is well kept and feels welcoming (if one overlooks the obvious tragedy).

Satisfied ? The question comes to mind. Sakura wonders if she is questioning herself or the author behind the recommendation. The ferns are beautiful and eye-catching, serving as more than just a message only Uchiha knew. The fact that they have a dual purpose further cements Mikoto's command of courtship. She knows what she's talking about, even down to the aesthetics of it all. It is more than enough to endear her to Itachi's mother, and intrigue her to want to know more.

The doors to the Clan Head home are locked but Saskura walks up the stairs anyway. Placing a hand on the wooden panels, fingers trailing as she follows along the veranda. She walks around to the back of the house, stopping just short of the corner. Everywhere she goes there are ferns and other greenier that she hasn't learned the meaning to yet. Her heart sort of swells with a feeling she isn't quite sure of yet.

"I think it would've been beautiful to live here." she says to the spring air. Sakura stops to lean over one of the wooden rails, looking out at what appears to be a field not too far away. Studying in the cemetery seemed like the right idea at first but she feels a much closer connection with actually being near Mikoto's home. Removing the book from under her tucked arm, Sakura dares to go back to the beginning. She sits aside her desire to learn quickly in favor of learning thoroughly. Yes she absolutely wants to gather as much information as possible so as to help Itachi. But her curiosity about the woman who raised him becomes of equal priority.

Wedged between each explanation is an underlying cheekiness that's both intriguing and reassuring. As if being escorted through a world she never knew (which she doesn't), by a guide so familiar with the terrain she knows all of the secret pathways.

" For best results, arrange for pink camillas to be sent during missions so she knows she is missed. If she is not home once you return, may I advise paring with some blue hyacinth. If in dire straits, several hyacinth, multiple times a day, preferably, without asking what you did. We only beg when we have to."

She's read this page before, knew camellias were used to show longing and missing but completely skipped over the advice of what to pair it with in this situation.

I don't think Itachi would beg, flowers or not. She wonders then recalls their last major disagreement.

Yes, he came with apologizes but no pink camellias or blue hyacinth to behold. True to what she knows of him, Itachi did not beg her to come home. His reasoning for going to Ino's house really had nothing to do with her and everything to do with his medicine.

"Not such a momma's boy after all." she says then addresses the book that looks back at her. "Although I guess he didn't go about it the right way. What would you have done if he did that? Be upset? I can't picture her as the yelling type, maybe just giving him a disappointed look. I get the feeling she would have told him off somehow…"

That line of thinking is quickly shaken off, and Sakura rolls her eyes at herself. She and Itachi are not courting. There's no reason for Mikoto to have any type of response to their argument. Even if she did, it probably would have nothing to do with blue hyathica and continuous apologies.

"Enough of that," Sakura declares, patting her cheeks for good measure.

"Did you find what you came for"

She startles, nearly losing the book over the rail before catching it just in , she sees Itachi leaning casually on a support 's at least a few feet between them, a respectable enough distance for space but close enough to look over her shoulder.

Busted! Sakura grimances, watching him eye the book in her hands. "How long have you been here?"

"A few minutes maybe." Itachi answers.

"Didn't even sense you behind me!"

Itachi nods once. "I didn't want to disrupt whatever you were doing."

"Oh," Sakura nervously looks away and towards the field, feeling her pulse in her. I haven't done anything wrong! Other than say he's not a momma's boy which is a compliment!

"Sakura?"

Unsure of what else to do, other than apologize for possibly being inconsiderate, she clears her throat and offers an explanation.

"I was studying and happened to read something …"

"Weasel told me you came looking for something. Have you found it?" Itachi's tone is mostly even, giving away nothing.

"Yes." After several seconds and a desperate attempt to quell the sudden awkwardness she feels, Sakura confesses. "Your mom likes ferns."

Glancing at her partner through pink hair, she notices him looking down again, this time at the fern itself.

"You know the meaning of them?" he asks.

"A vow of shelter and home. Apparently meant to be in the front of the house."

"Mother was proud." Itachi states.

"At least she knew what she was talking about. It looks better when you can see them."

A trace of smirk tugs his lips upwards. "She would agree with you."

What was that for? Before she can ask he speaks up again.

"I'll be finished in a few hours if you have questions."

Sakura quickly stops him, moving away from the edge of the veranda towards him. "No it's fine. I should probably head back to, erm…"

Itachi turns without waiting for her to find her words. She knows without asking that he plans to walk her out. Tucking the book under her arm, she follows alongside him through the construction site and the several dozen people hard at work. She's actually quite appreciative of the noise as it fills the silence for them. It's hard to talk over others giving orders, dumpsters moving and heavy items begin tossed in metal bins. The awkwardness fades as people wave at her and nod to Itachi as they pass by. She focuses on the progress being made here, making their walk feel short. Sakura thanks her lucky stars when she notices Shikamaru at the gate talking to an older gentleman. The village planner she assumes. As they approach, she catches the end of their conversation, the man doing a brief bow towards Itachi.

"Uchiha-san and...Uchiha-san." he says with a kind smile then addresses Itachi directly. "If you could have those documents signed before leaving today, my apprentice will be around later to pick them up."

"I may not have time to look through all of them today." Itachi admits, "Could you spare one more day?"

The village planner frowns a little in thought. "I suppose. The sooner we can finalize the blueprints the better. People are inquiring…"

"Isn't the layout already done?" Sakura questions out of curiosity. "I thought you guys were just renovating the properties?"

The older gentleman regards her with the elation of one passionate about their job. He smiles again and nods quickly.

"Most of the properties will be renovated but village planning requires a little strategy, Uchiha-san. It's like a map-no-a puzzle even! You have to get the pieces just right and in the right place for everything to flow. This place flows well as its own unit true, true! Make it accessible to the public, t o Konoha . Do you understand?"

Sakura flinches at his enthusiasm, forcing a confused smile at his expectant face.

"I, um," she tries to find words but her hesitation must have registered as confusion for the wrong reasons.

The old man takes a step towards, taking her by the shoulders and turning her around to see the place. Her eyes quickly find Itachi's, and he nods and tilts his head for her to pay attention.

The village planner pulls her to his side by the shoulders, gesturing to the sea of buildings before her.

"Look at this, all of the homes and shops and buildings. It's like a bubble, you see. There's trees and places here and there and this gigantic wall keeping it all in. It's like a circle within a circle. If we take down the wall, it's still a circle. We need lines! Straight lines, two-ways that lead into the new District from the village and out of the District to the village. Konoha is a series of lines and squares that all connect together. We can't have a circle in the midst of a square! It wouldn't fit. Do you understand?"

Sakura quickly nods. "Yes.."
"In order to make this circle a square, we need to straighten the edges or create a new edge. That is for Uchiha-san to decide. If we create new edges, that will be new construction, a circle within a square within a square. Call a bit eccentric, neh? Or we can straighten edges, which is tearing down. It won't be a perfect square but will work just as well with the layout of the rest of the village. So, Uchiha-san, you see now why we need blueprints? New construction, tearing down, both are time and money."

"Got it." Sakura opines, earning herself a satisfactory squeeze of the shoulder and a charming laugh.

"You catch on quickly, just like Uchiha-san." the village planner lets her go, turning to Itachi. "Hopefully we can decide on circles or squares by this week."

"Of course," Itachi agrees. "I'll start reviewing them in a moment."

Much to her surprise, he moves closer to her side. His hand brushes her arm, then grabs and gently pulls her closer to him. Sakura holds her breath at goosebumps running all the way to her neck. She tries her best to ignore it, staying close despite herself. The old man huffs lightly, cheerfully and her old friend appears to ignore the subtle display of possessiveness. Looking up, Sakura expects a frown of some sort but Itachi's disposition is all business and not focused on her at all. Further selling the illusion that his actions were subconscious.

"Shikamaru, did you leave the documents in the Meeting Hall?" Itachi asks.

Shikamaru says something but she is too distracted to focus on their conversation. It's been a long time since she was this close to Itachi for reasons other than healing. By and large this is a good thing. The last time was when he was sick. The times before that... automatically her eyes drift to his lips.

Don't even!

Fighting down a blush and a fidget, she forces herself in the moment and stares at the side of his face.

He and Sasuke have the same jawline...

Elongated tear ducts aside, if she tilts her head just right the resemblance becomes clearer.

They look alike and also not alike at all. Itachi's face is long...narrower maybe? Maybe it's the hair or because he's older. Not as much baby fat I guess.

Sakura takes notice of angles and points, forgetting for the moment her discomfort at being so close.

He's not ugly so that's a plus. I don't think Uchiha can be anything but good looking.

Her mind starts working again, categorizing things that can be played to their advantage in finding him a partner. Nothing wrong with admitting he has a nice face...and voice. I'll add that to the list of qualities I'm going to have to sell to his potential bride.

Sakura pays attention to the richness and depth of his tone more than his words. It's much more settled than her former teammates, calmer and self assured. There was always an underlying urgency to Sasuke's actions, a restlessness that she can't remember if it translated into his voice.

Same, same but different. I wonder who they took after in looks? Either way, he's definitely a Uchiha for sure.

Itachi squeezes her arm a little, and pulls her from her musings in the process. When she looks up, he meets her gaze with a slanted but curious one of his own.

Busted twice in less than an hour!

His brow raises high enough in questioning that finding intelligent words to answer falls short. She opens her mouth, prepared to defend her unabashed ogling, but can't come up with one quick enough.

Say something!

Sakura does manage a guilty grin, which only draws Itachi's brows together. He blinks at her and she looks away to get her bearings.

"You'll meet me later?" Shikamaru questions.

Itachi doesn't turn his eyes away, speaking to her instead of answering the question, "Do you need me to walk you back to the hospital?"

No! Her mind screams, already over this moment and having no desire to let it go on any longer.

Sakura pulls back a bit and much to her gratitude, Itachi loosens his grip. "No, no, it's fine. You seem pretty busy here. I can manage."

"Hnn." almost as if the moment didn't exist, Itachi turns away from her again, letting her go completely. "We can walk together. Sakura,"

"Oh. Yes." She chuckles nervously, taking another step back and towards the gate. "I'll see you at home. It was good seeing you Shikamaru. Tell Temari we'll need to get together again sometime."

Her old friend nods. "She'll take you up on the offer, trust me."

The two men stand side by side. Sakura waves them off, then lingers near the gate watching them walk away, no doubt discussing the business for the day.

She smiles a little, rubs her arm then heads back to the cemetery. Mikoto, Sasuke and even Itachi's father are all there just waiting and watching her leftover things. Sakura packs up her study materials, then gathers her offerings to lay at each headstone.

Tomatoes for Sasuke and incense for the other two. She adds a prayer and bow when decorating Mikoto's grave. As a thank you, place two fruits there as well.

"Maybe I can't see ghosts like Itachi can but there is something about reading the personal thoughts of someone that makes them feel right there with you. Thank you for giving me a chance. I'll do my best to honor your legacy and make the right choice."

As she gets up from the ground, the wind picks up as well. Sakura holds her hair and closes her eyes against the gust. For the briefest second the sweetest scent passes by. Green eyes open. She looks at the incense and fruit, attributing the smell to their combined efforts before leaving for the day.

She'd given the journal a rest the next few days to focus on cures and patients. But her mind always drifted back to Mikoto and courtship and the journal and the much deeper conversation the Uchiha matriarch is trying to have with her children. While Sakura may not exactly be one of those children, she is learning from her nonetheless and excitedly doing so. Her primary teacher is busy with building plans, something Sakura is actually happy for. Itachi's mornings are filled with training and construction while his evenings are steeped in paperwork. Every now and then he checks in but for the most part Sakura is left with the journal. Despite her desire to work on other things, she carves out time to read and be taught no matter now late in the evening it gets.

Shifting her feet under covers on the sofa, Sakura pulls her legs closer, rereading the page she's on with a groan and a huff at the concept of Mikoto in her head.

How did they come up with all of this stuff, really? It must've taken years for them to get some many detail s. I might need more of your help than I thought, Mikoto. Do you have any more journals lying around about how to be a go-between?

Details are one thing but application? The pinkette struggles with some of the more...delicate topics.

Being born into this would certainly give you an advantage. He must have seen this stuff played out on a daily basis. I'll get it eventually or fake it until I make it.

Somehow she gets the feeling Mikoto approves of her efforts. Such behavior seems to be smiled upon by her, or at least that is the feeling that Sakura gets. A sense of morality underlines the pages, highlighting the fact that she is indeed the wife of a clan head. Honor and respect are just as important as home, family and pride. Thoughtlessness is discouraged but Mikoto encourages them to put effort into trying, to thinking things through. It's clear she means for Itachi and Sasuke to be this way and it doesn't escape Sakura's notice that the story of flowers is told from the courter's point of view. Each anecdote, though laced with a slight humor, offers help, with no subject being off limits.

Sakura blushes at some and nods in agreement at others. Laughing to herself in one instance then covering her mouth the next.

"Are you staying downstairs, Sakura?"

"Huh?" She jerks her head up, looking over at Itachi lingering by the end of the couch. "Oh. I'm just going to finish this little bit and I'll be upstairs soon."

"Okay." he stays a moment then adds. "I'm here if you have questions." Then goes about turning off lights.

Sakura gathers her covers from the ground, nestling the book in her lap until he finishes. It isn't until he goes upstairs that she turns her attention back to the page about orchids. Colorful and unique, Sakura always liked the playful way each bud leans away from its steam. It's one of the few plants she can easily recognize and would buy often to adore her windowsill in her old apartment. It's uniqueness clearly did not go unnoticed by the sharp eyes of Uchiha at all.

Quickly categorizing it as a flower of longing, she squirms at the sheer number of them that once sat in her living room. Although she could not have known the flower represented a man's...skill in certain areas, knowing it now doesn't make it any better.

"Talk about a mating call," she whispers and checks over her shoulder just to make sure Itachi is indeed upstairs. "How do you even give a flower like that without dying inside or being offensive?"

Orchids were not just a matter of sexual prowess but of lineage. As Mikoto puts it, orchids represent ability and results.

Children.

"Such a thing is hard to prove without first having tried, at which point flaunting your virility by fathering several children may backfire." She writes. "Consider giving the orchid as a vow of desire, not as one of skill. Your chances of being successful will increase if your intended also desires several children."

"Navigating with grace as always." leaning back against the cushions, Sakura pouts. "I don't know if I can give an orchid to another female with a straight face. By the way, this flower means Itachi wants to make lots and lots of babies with you. What do ya think?"

She cringes, folding her shoulders and covering her eyes with a groan. "Daffodils and cornflowers are easy. What the heck am I supposed to do when he wants to say something like that ? Why couldn't you write a journal for something like this? Something for me ? I can barely read this without my ears heating up let alone having your son talk to me about it. Help me, Mikoto!"

No answer is given. If one is, she may need to undergo the same observation by Tsuande as her partner. With a sign, she closes the book, having enough for one day. Bringing her cup to the kitchen, she cleans it then goes back to the livingroom to fill out the checklist on the end table her mentor left her.

Added to her duties as his watchmen, is a psychological diary of his behavior. So far Itachi seems to be taking this in stride. Sakura doesn't know if he is truly unbothered by it or is faking his calm but she checks only necessary boxes, leaving the majority blank.

Itachi is still awake by the time she gets in bed. Their bedtime updates come more frequently now that his schedule's shifted. But she doesn't expect to see him watching her when she rolls over.

"You've been up late a lot recently." he tells her in no certain tones.

Sakura pulls the covers up to her shoulders, getting comfortable. "It's really the only time I have to read through that book."

Itachi blinks and lowers his eyes a bit. "I assumed you would be finished by now."

"I was nearly there," she defends, "Then I started over. Your mom is an interesting lady. Have you read it all the way?"

"I remember bits and pieces." Itachi admits. "Perhaps I will review it as well."

She wrinkles her nose at him, scowling gently. "You gave me something to read that you didn't even remember?"

She sees him shrug a shoulder. "I never said I didn't remember the essence of it, only bits and pieces of exact content. I know the language."

"When am I getting my next training session?" Sakura asks.

"Hn." Itachi says, turning on his back to look at the ceiling.

After several seconds, he moves the covers and stands, walking over to a small stack of papers near the dresser. Sakura sits up on her elbows, watching him in the dim light across their bedroom.

His hair's gotten long too. It's nearly to his waist now. She thinks, sitting up fully to pull her knees to her chest under covers. Itachi comes back to her side of the bed with a paper in his hands. She scoots over to give him room to sit, curious about what he plans to do.

He turns on the lamp near her bedside table, he flips the paper so she can see the colored sketch on it.

Sakura looks closer when he points to a field of grass near a large body of water.

"What is this?" he asks her.

Sakura looks at him dubiously then at the alarm clock next to the lamp displaying the lateness of the hour. "Um. It's a lake."

Itachi pushes the paper towards her, forcing her to take it or let it fall on the bed.

"Look closer." he encourages.

She pulls the paper closer, yawning slightly while examining the specific bloom he's pointed at. Even with squinted eyes she can't quite tell what it is. There's so many clusters of different types of flowers. Plus, she hasn't really focused on flower details, only names and meanings.

I guess I should start doing that…

"Do you give up?" Itachi questions.

Sakura frowns. "I can't really see it. There's too many flowers around it."

He nods, taking the sketch back. "Bouquets will be arranged with clusters of many flowers. It isn't necessary to know all of them but it is helpful."

"Knowing and not knowing will affect the meaning of the bouquet. I should know all of them in case she has questions."

"Not always" Itachi assures. "You don't need to hear every word to catch the meaning of a conversation. Key phrases are enough. I don't have time to teach you everything, only what is needed to fulfill our purposes."

Sakura contemplates his words and in the process contemplates something else. She feels her hesitation in her chest and pulls the covers closer. Itachi is mid stand when she blurts out despite the uncertainties.

"Have you thought of anyone?" Dark brows raise. Sakura blushes at his gaze, nearly hidden by a wall of loose hair.

"For courtship?" he asks softly.

Sakura wraps her arms around her knees, casting her gaze on their bedsheets. "Yeah."

"I have considered some." Itachi pauses, then slowly raises a brow. "Have you?"

"No." she admits. "I'm mainly focused on how to do this whole thing. I haven't gotten that far."

"I will let you know when I've narrowed down my choices."

"You don't have to," she says quickly, looking to watch him replace the papers. "I mean, just tell me who she is and we can go from there."

"Your opinion is welcomed." he states while getting back undercovers. Sakura settles down as well, turning off her lamp light. "But there are more pressing matters to settle."

"Like what?"

She hears him chuckle and turn away. "You will see."

Itachi doesn't give her any more answers that night or the night after that or the night after that. Despite her asking what he means. Sakura is tempted to let the whole thing until the end of her lunch break at work yields everything.

Upon her arrival at the hospital the receptionist smiles and directs her attention to a vase full of daisies with Ino standing near them talking to Inojin. Sakura nearly stumbles in her tracks, mouth opening slightly with an inhale of shock.

Itachi sent me flowers.

White, yellow, orange, red, pink, the arrangement is just as playful as its meaning, teasing and mischievous.

Itachi sent me flowers?

Her heart skips as a hand folds over her chest. Itachi sent me flowers.

The arrangement, though beautiful, is clearly purposefully structured in an eye catching gradient. It screams Itachi… and something else. She blinks, then swallows, still unable to actually move. Okay, focus. Itachi sent me daisies.

Though she's been chanting that in her head for god knows how long now, it's in these few seconds she realizes what it is. Several seconds more Mikoto's words whisper in her ear.

'A versatile flower of reassure and intrigue. Having a secret is one thing, to share it with another garners greater intimacy. Endear her with the idea that this is something only you two know.'

Revelation comes slowly. Their conversation from that night comes back and she realizes this is the flower that he showed her on the sketch.

Sakura bites the inside of her cheek.

These are our secrets. Has there been so many if not more?

The vase holds at least twelve daisies, not counting the green embellishments.

"There you are!" the blonde exclaims, picking her son in the process. "Seems like everyone is acting out of character these days. I've never known you to be late for work."

Sakura's confusion is Ino's delight. Her best friend cocks her hip and nods to the arrangement. "Special delivery for Mrs Uchiha. I haven't done that since my father was alive. Then again, if Itachi Uchiha can meander around my shop buying more flowers in the last few weeks than he has in years, anything is possible."

The medic gets up closer to her package, inhales the delicately sweet and floral scent.

'Endear her with the idea that this is something only you two know.'

The words ring loud and Sakura's eyes widen for a different reason entirely. Before she can stop herself, she laughs.

"What?" Ino insist, stepping closer.

Sakura can only laugh more, shaking her head at her friend and her thoughts.

"Itachi is such a jerk."

She doesn't know whether to praise him for his genius or roll her eyes at the ironic humor of it all.

Ino tugs her arm to get her attention. "Did he do something wrong? Is he trying to apologize or something? Do I need to hit him with a vase?"

Sakura wipes at her eyes and holds her cheek to keep from smiling. "No, no, it's nothing bad like that. Besides, he would've gotten blue hyathica if that were the case. It's just a game we're playing that's all. Itachi is too clever for his own good."

Ino beams, then preens. "That explains the cryptic message! I tried asking him but he only said he would understand."

"A note?" Sakura gives the bouquet a double take, spotting the small card tucked between the white and yellow row of flowers. Plucking it from its clever hiding spot, she opens the small envelope.

"Perhaps this offers a better view. Denying is useless. How will you respond?"

"Now I know you're playing games." Sakura mutters half-heartedly.

Perhaps that is the playfulness of speaking in flowers. This isn't a game Itachi is new to, not like she is. But his cheekiness isn't lost on her. The whole of their mission is displayed in plain sight, carried by both the keeper of her secrets and distributor of others.

How would she respond indeed? Is Itachi daring her to deny what everyone knows about Ino? Deny that their secrets exist? Or deny his cleverness?

No doubt his intended will be faced with such dilemmas one day and Sakura will need to guide her through what Itachi is looking for versus what the appropriate responses are. A different way of teaching but one that has her raising to his challenge.

Alright, Uchiha, I'll play your game.

"Ino could you do me a favor?" Sakura asks sweetly. "Could you check if you have any lilies at the shop? If so, have one of the girls bring it to the Uchiha Compound?"

Her friend scuffs lightly. "First Itachi, now you? What am I getting from all this?"

"Erm...I'll pay you back as soon as I get off work?"

"With dinner?" Ino counters.

Sakura nods. "I can."

"Good," the blonde drawls and Sakura feels the clutches of a set-up. "Bring your husband. Sai is off work tonight."

Ino makes a hasty exit before she can refute the request. Sakura frowns, knowing where this conversation will go and hoping Ino will forget or Itachi will be busy. She looks back at the flowers, smiling to herself as she heads to her office.

"You guys can sit right here by the sun." Sakura declares and tucks the vase in the corner of a window seal, within her view.

She gathers paperwork from her desk, gives the flowers one last glance, then leaves for her lab to do more research before having to go into surgery later.

Across the village, Itachi watches with critical eyes as Daitan, his hostess, carefully puts the finishing touches on a new flavor of dango being served at his favorite teahouse. The additional sprinkle of sugar highlights the colors and somehow intensifies its desirability.

Across from him, Shikamaru mostly ignores this activity, choosing instead to finish his sudoku game.

Sitting the teacup aside, he reaches for the plate of food. The hanami dango he usually gets comes with a lightly flavored white ball. In this version, however, the white is tinted a light blue. His mouth waters and he glances at Daitan and then to the mysterious blue.

"Does this happen every ti-" Shikamaru tries but the hostess quickly shushes him.

Itachi holds back a smirk, taking his time with picking up the skewer that holds a lot of the new flavor.

"What exactly is happening here?"

"Shush!" Daitan emphasizes. "Let him concentrate."

Concentrate he does as he takes one big bite, pulling the sticky treat away from its brothers in order to dissect the flavors.

The coarse sugar on top crunches and mixes with the firm but chewy treat. Slightly tart, pleasantly sweet, incredibly sticky and delicious.

"What do you think it is?" she dares.

Itachi opens his eyes, unaware that he'd in fact closed them in the process of chewing.

"What flavor is this?" he asks

Daitan beams, flailing her hands and serving tray. "Do you like it? It's haskap berry! They grow at my grandmother's house and she sent us a ton of the stuff. It took awhile for me to get the syrup right but I think the flavor works."

Itachi unabashedly eats another. "It's delicious."

"Can I speak now?" Shikamaru interjects, "Am I missing something here?"

"A game of sorts," Itachi supplies. " Daitan-san is testing new flavors for dango recipes."

"And Itachi-san always volunteers to help out." Daitan says with a smile. "Probably because he gets free dango."

"The tea is also good." Itachi states and pours Shikamaru some.

"Daitan-chan!" the owner calls.

Daitan scurries off for a moment, grabbing an extra serving of dango then bringing it to their table. "Here's a little extra for your help, Itachi-san. Enjoy the tea and treats!"

Both men nod, waiting until Daitan leaves before picking up where they left off.

"Friendly staff they have here." Shikamaru drawls, "Is this why you chose this place to meet up?"

"Partially," Itachi states, already dividing the spoils between them. "Daitan is kind but I come for the dango. It is the best in Konoha."

Shikamaru gives an easygoing eye roll, moving the sudoku aside to pull his plate closer. "You're as bad as Naruto with ramen. I get the feeling that both of you would eat your favorite foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner if it ever came down to it."

Itachi chooses to take a bite of dango instead of answering, leaving his decision for Shikamaru to interpret. Though his lack of response only encourages his dining guest to push his original idea.

"I'm right aren't I?" the young man bemusedly inquires, poking at his own plate of dango.

The Uchiha offers a dignified raise of his brow, challenging the accusation. "I said no such thing."

"Sometimes what isn't said says a lot," he asserts.

"Presumption is a dangerous thing."

"I know it," Shikamaru states and slouches against the booth he's sitting at. Grabbing one dango by it's stick, he holds it up to the light before glancing around it towards Itachi. "But I know for a fact that you like sweet things, Temari told me as much. She also confirmed that dango is your weakness."

Itachi softly snorts, looking out of the window into the street. A comfortable silence settles between them as food and drink is passed and poured. He contemplates the busy street, seeing without seeing as people walk by.

Konoha is changing and I along with it.

He looks around the teahouse, seeing Daitan chatting with customers. Shikamaru continues his sudoku puzzle. The people outside just keep moving, walking, talking, jogging.

I am here but I am not. This is my home but this is not. What bonds bind me to this place?

He thinks of his dining partner and how Sakura insisted they do something other than play shogi. He thinks of Minami and her uncle and their fruit and vegetable stall. He thinks of Naruto and Hinata of Kakashi and Honoka.

He thinks of Sakura, sips tea then watches the crowd. The ebb and flow of activities mirrors the way his thoughts often go.

Past and present.

Present and future.

Threads for both keep him from moving in any given direction. My choices bring me closer to all of them. If I pull on any string, all of them move at once. If I pull nothing, it is the same. Either way I am trapped. Regardless of that, I need to decide.

"Wanting to go outside?" Shikamaru's breezy voice filters through Itachi's consciousness.

"What do you mean?" Itachi asks before taking a sip of tea.

"You're staring out of the window like I do when I want to cloud watch." the young man yawns though full of good will. "Either that on something on your mind."

Itachi offers a brief nod. "I am thinking,

A moment goes by before Shikamaru prompts for more. "About?"

"Decisions that need to be made," Itachi says with ease then turns his attention back to his lunch guest.

Shikamaru put his hands behind his head to cradle his neck. "More than just the ones at the Uchiha Compound? Seems like something with a little bit more weight than that. I'm not saying I can offer good advice, but I've been told I'm pretty good at listening."

"I've seen you do both."

"Yeah? Well I guess that's why I was put up to this. Not that I wouldn't have reached out on my own."

Itachi offers a non committal response which Shikamaru correctly interpretes means for him to continue.

"Temari is mostly to blame but I agreed so I guess I'm at fault." he looks towards the ceiling, "Sorry, I'm not trying to get involved in your life unnecessarily. Sakura wanted me to talk to you about taking breaks from work but Temari forced my hand long before your wife came along."

Itachi's brow furrow thoughtfully before offering his opinion. "Temari asked you to check on me."

"Because Sakura went to her looking for you that time you were sick," Shikamaru finishes. "Your cooking buddy thought that I was overworking you."

Itachi raises an incredulous brow and Shikamaru responds with a dry look. "Call it a female thing, I don't know. But I have two women whose personality doesn't fall too far from the same tree asking me to do something about you. Mind taking some of the pressure off?"

"I am on medical restrictions," Itachi offers, slightly smug, taking a short slip. "I can't do much."

His answer makes Shikamaru huff, but gainfully continues. "Maybe try not working yourself sick so I don't have to hear about it from two women that have the propensity to raise their voices. Or tell me about it so we could adjust the schedule."

"You survived." Itachi diplomatically replies.

"Barely. With as many years of practice as I've had, how could I not?" Shikamaru taunts.

Itachi nods before adjusting his tone slightly. "I hadn't intended to add extra stress to you. Or for Sakura to find you and order this arrangement."

Shikamaru huffy chuckle is refreshing to say the least. The man pulls himself up, moving the sudoku game back to the center of the table. "Don't worry about it. I have far more daunting tasks than having lunch. Besides, I can't disagree with the fact that the healthier you are the better it is for all of us. You're talking about a good number of homes and businesses being cleared and cleaned. That's not including renovations and updates. Even with two teams we won't be finished by the end of the year."

"I see," Itachi muses. "I am reluctant but would understand the need to increase the number of shinobi teams."

Shikamaru folds his arms knowingly and leans back in his seat. "It's your family's stuff, I get it. Things will move quicker if we get more people in there. I'll vett the genin and chunin myself if that helps."

"I would also like to take part in the selection process if possible." Itachi adds.

The brunet taps his fingers on his forearms. "I can't promise that. Kakashi's the ultimate decision maker with assigning missions. He's going to have to decide if you can choose."

"Of course."

Shikamaru makes a face and Itachi studies his slow change in expression carefully. He waits for him to voice his grievance but the young man mutters to himself before offering something else.

"Can I ask a question without sounding totally contradictory?"

The Uchiha tilts his head, encouraging him to continue.

"I'm not saying I don't trust you," Shikamaru starts with a straight face. "But I do struggle sometimes with reconciling your need to guard your family's things with what happened those years ago."

Itachi nods, unbothered by the confessions. My past and present are intersecting highways.

The reality he tried to paint years ago juxtaposed to what people see now will always conflict without context. I cannot clarify further for you, Shikamaru, but I will try.

"It's the things that we see versus those that we do not." he wagers."I had my reasons then and I have my reasons now."

Shikamaru looks off in the distance. "Would it be fair to say that death changed you?"

"In many ways, yes, but not in this one."

Shikamaru snorts a chuckle then rubs his hand through his hair and tugging at his ponytail. "How did I know that would be your answer?"

Intrigued, Itachi presses for clarification. "What do you mean?"

"Well" Shikamaru gives him a long look then offers a response. "I've always suspected there was more to the story than Sasuke let on. Maybe he didn't know. Maybe he didn't care to know. Who can say? But Naruto always vouches for you when I express doubts. Temari's got differing views about you too. She's pretty good at picking people apart. Take that how you will. Point is, no one really knows why but you. Naruto's got it in his head that you're a good guy. Temari might just be using you for your tastebuds but she likes you. I trust their judgement about people more than I trust Sasuke's point of view."

Recognizing the rare moment for what it is, Itachi nods once. "Then you understand that my reasons could have been honorable."

"Not really," Shikamaru concedes. "I wouldn't agree with you that it was honorable. You killed a clan in one night. Then there's Sasuke but I can't blame him on you directly. He's in charge of his own decisions. But if your reasons were justified, I can't say that it is good or bad."

"Fair enough." Itachi concludes, "I don't think shinobi can always think in terms of good or bad. There is necessary and unnecessary, reasonable and unreasonable."

Shikamaru nods. "It was necessary."

"Yes."

The Nara sighs and looks away again. "I understand that. Sometimes we make choices that are necessary even if a little bit unreasonable. There's a section of the Nara forest that no one is allowed to go in because I did something necessary even if some would say unreasonable."

"You have your reasons."

Shikamaru chuckles airly, shaking his head in the process. "Yeah, well, I was a bit excessive looking back now. But I needed that,"

His partner pauses, eyes afixed over his shoulder though Itachi already knows Ino is there. The man looks back to him and juts his chin. "Speaking of excessive, heads up. Ino only has that look when something's gone really right, which could mean something really wrong."

"Oh Itachi-san!" She sings across the teahouse and Shikamaru appears to fold in on himself.

"I apologize ahead of time." Shikamaru mutters.

Ino marches right up to their table, sitting a vase with a single lily. "Lucky for you, the Yamanaka own gardens just at the boundary of Konoha and Suna. Otherwise your wife's request couldn't have been met. She was very surprised with your bouquet from earlier."

Itachi eyes the bright pink stargazer lily. He'd meant to challenge Sakura's knowledge of courtship, his method was merely amusement. But Sakura's reply conjured more questions than answers. It's not the wrong response, more of an unorthodox one.

Whose friendship is she devoted to, ours or Ino's?

"I'm guessing by your grin her reply was good?" the blonde asks, leaning a hand on the table.

Shikamaru shakes his head. "Don't you think that's private information, Ino?"

"Hey, if I'm going to be hired as the messenger in this little game, I deserve to know."

True . Itachi thinks, even as Shikamaru rebuttals and the two teammates debate back and forth. In this scenario he's constructed, Ino is effectively acting as Sakura will be in the coming months. Traditionally speaking, the go between should know if the response is acceptable. Even if Itachi will address Sakura himself later, for his own sake, he follows through.

"Her response is telling but vague." Itachi concedes.

"I mean, sending flowers isn't the same as actually talking to you."

"Hnn." It's hard not to take pride at Ino's ignorance. Daisies are meant to invoke such a reaction from onlookers. In doing so, Ino serves two roles. A go between and an outsider. Both roles suit his interest and her reactions satisfy his theories.

What is Sakura's game?

Using a lily could be a declaration of devotion to her friend or acknowledgement that she knows why he chose her. Courtship isn't about the messenger and Sakura knows that.

But her answer to our secrets is devotion of friendship. Is she teasing or reaffirming?

"Are your answers always as vague as 'hmm's, 'ahh's' and grunts?" Ino inquires, dropping her elbows to the table she flashes a smile. "It's no wonder it took Sakura this long to take me up on my request."

Even without his Sharingan active, he reads beyond her smile and dancing eyes to something much more calculating.

"What request?" he intones and she pouts.

"Add monotone to the list. Anyways, don't get too full with Shika here. We have a double date at my place tonight!"

Shikamaru scuffs. "Are you still at that?"
Ino crosses her arm, meeting his gruffiness with smug charm. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Shika. Sakura is my friend too. By that divine right this is my due. I've been trying to get a double date for years."

"I don't blame Sakura for rebuffing you." the brunette grumbles.

Ino smacks her teeth and cocks her hips. "You wouldn't, Mr I'm going to use my wife to talk them into coming to my house!"

Shikamaru curls in on himself, slouching over the table. "I can't stop Temari anymore than I can you. I won't try, either."

"Good." the blonde turns her attention back to Itachi. "Anything in particular you want? I'm not good with spices like Temari but I make some great local cuisine."

Itachi watches them curiously, wondering if their occasional dinner dates were somehow a topic of conversation at one point. Why it is of so much interest is beyond him. Shrugging it off as friendly banter, Itachi answers Ino's questions.

"Make what you normally would for Sakura and I'll eat it."

The blonde's brow raises. "Nothing special for you?"

Itachi shrugs. "Dessert."

She grins at him. "Sweet tooth, eh?"

"Naruto ramen level sweet tooth."

The conversation turns to comparisons and Itachi lets it, seeing no need to confirm, deny or justify his taste in food. He is more curious about what his wife's best friend wants with them and why she's pushed so far for this. Several times he overheard whispers of a conversation about meeting up or Sakura told him with a bit of reluctance.

He doesn't fault Sakura for the latter. Yamanaka are known for their perceptiveness. He is sure Sakura worried about their abilities to convince Ino that their marriage is real. So the sudden change in opinion is interesting to say the least, notwithstanding the role Ino has in swaying Sakura's decision.

His curiosity rewards him though and it becomes apparent that their relationship is not at the center of Ino's skimming. Skimming because Sakura explains that she agrees to do anything for her friend to deliver the lily. Ino herself has been trying to ask him about joining Interrogation, not to interrogate them.

"I didn't expect you to go through such great lengths," he teases behind a cup of sake.

Ino folds her elbows on the table, looking him in the eyes. "How else was I supposed to get around the Sakura wall?"

"Hey!" Sakura accuses, "I told you from the start we have busy schedules. Don't make it seem like I deliberately kept you at bay."

"But didn't you?" Ino questions and leans into Sai's shoulders. "If only you'd gone on a double date sooner! Itachi-san may have been free to help us."

"My apologies again," Itachi offers.

Her husband reaches over and pats her head, making her sigh and reaching for her cup of sake. "Well, now that my plan is foiled, I guess I should just be grateful that we finally got to do this after almost five years. Now we can talk about marriage gossip."

Sakura rolls her eyes and drinks from her sake cup. "No thanks."

Despite Sakura's protest, the two best friends banter with each other about their significant others. Sai only smiles and Itachi merely watches with a drink of his own.

Ino and Sai are quite different from Shikamaru and Temari, interesting in their own right. The two women dominated the conversation as more drinks were passed. He and Sai share small talk between bathroom breaks and quieter topics. This date descends from Ino trying to add more to his work load, to two friends enjoying each other's company...in a combative way.

By the end of it, Itachi and Sai agree to end the night with both women properly inebriated. Unlike Ino, who leans more towards being affectionate, Sakura is a sleepy drunk. Like anyone in her situation, there is a level of vulnerability and impulsivity to her actions. With lowered guards she is less likely to fight back against his help. In fact, when he puts an arm around her to steady her stance at Ino's front door, Sakura only leans in.

"Take good care of her okay, Itachi-kun." Ino teases, also holding onto her husband's waist but for reasons he is sure are very different from his.

Itachi nods even as Sakura grumbles about her friend minding her own business. Sai opens the door for them, seemingly unbothered by the way his wife hangs on him.

"Thank you for coming, Uchiha-san." he says, offering a knowing smile. "We would love to have you at our house again."

"I will keep that in mind."

He bows as much as he can with Sakura so close then steps out into the night air with his partner close to his side. Itachi tries to coordinate his steps with hers, uneven as they are. Sakura doesn't push away from his hold so he doesn't let go just in case she needs it. Several short minutes into their walk, Sakura's trips over her own feet three times.

"Let me carry you." he says.

"S'okay" Sakura says, trying to stand straight.

Itachi sighs, attempting to steady her again. "We would reach home faster if you weren't leaning on me this way. Let me carry you so you can rest more comfortably."

Sakura's chakra sways with her steps but she hardly puts up a fight when he stops her in the middle of the road.

Hazy green eyes blink and narrow when he creates distance between them. "I can walk just fine."

"Even so," he wagers, "Let me carry you."

He sees the moment her resolve wavers, even as she takes a step back. "It will be over quickly."

Sakura rolls her eyes. "You sound like you're going to kill me,"

"Not in this lifetime," he assures, closing the distance, bending slightly to scoop her up by the knees.

Immediately her arms go to his neck and Itachi adjusts so she is perfectly balanced in his grip.

Sakura grumbles a bit but lays her head down against his shoulder. "This is weird."

"Bare with it for a few minutes," he says, preparing to run until she squeezes his collar.

"Don't do that. Nausea. Just walk fast. It'll still be faster."

He nods once, relaxing his stance before walking again. Several moments into their walk and her voice whispers towards his ear.

"What about the next?" she asks.

Itachi slides his gaze her way, noting her lidded eyes. She is hardly awake . "The next what?"

"Lifetime. Would you kill me?"

Itachi looks away and into the street. "I would not in any lifetime."

Sakura hums. "Hmm except this one. You tried."

"I pretended," he corrects.

"Then don't next time." she softly demands. "Pretending is confusing."

He blinks at her words, unsure of how to interpret the rambles of a sleepy drunk. They are also pretending for the same people. But he doesn't point this out. Instead Itachi waits for the moment sleep claims her, then tightens his hold to keep her close.

"I will try my best not to, Sakura."

A promise based on contingencies. Itachi has no intention to kill anyone. That doesn't mean he won't in the future. He has no reason now, wanting nothing more than peaceful resolutions for as long as such a thing can last.

I will hold on to this for as long as I can.

Itachi's pace slows. His grip tightens around the fragile body in his arms. The stillness of Sakura's chakra is a silent backdrop to the otherwise quiet streets. In the coolness of night, with no thoughts but his own, Itachi entertains the notion of a peaceful life. Of nighttime strolls, daytime duties, and midnight cries from ones too young to care for themselves. The closet he gets is the genjutsu used on Izumi. It's the only time his life remotely resubled anything akin to such a delusion. It's the best point of reference outside of his parent's marriage.

Instead of Izumi, a hazily figure stands in her place. Black brows narrow in concentration and frustration. Someone will need to fill that spot eventually.

There are a few women capable but eventually I will need to choose.

Itachi lingers on that thought for the rest of the night, well into the morning and the next day. Despite several days and a visit to his parents and brother, the answer is both clear and uncertain. He distracts himself by working in the Uchiha District and training early in the morning. Shikamaru even schedules a shogi match, an offer the Uchiha gladly takes. But nothing quite detracts from the inevitable. He will need to choose, sooner rather than later. Itachi is nothing if not tactical. He redirects his attention towards teaching Sakura courtship and makes another trip to the flower shop.

Ino is out on other business but the young women working there do their best to help him. He asks for hydrangeas. They offer to mix the bouquet with roses but he refuses as that is not the message he wishes to send. After reassuring them that four hydrangeas will do, the girls mix together two pale blue ones with two whites one and simply greenery for garnish.

It's later afternoon, well past the time for Sakura's earlier appointments. He checks in at the reception desk anyway then makes his way upstairs. The flowers draw attention that he ignores, whispers that are of no consequence.

Itachi only piques up at a familiar cheerful laugh then follows it down the hall he is going down. Turning a corner, he finds Honoka chatting away with a mother and child. All flaring hands and smiles, Honoka's cheerfulness is hard to compete with. It seems the mother doesn't even try, smiling softly and nodding at whatever is being said. The boy on the other hand seems more polite than actually interested in what's going on. He doesn't watch Honoka, focusing instead on the floor, then his hands, and everything else.

Interesting .

His mother keeps him close to her side, holding him by the shoulder. The boy leans into her, and perks up with Honoka crouches down to get a little lower than eye level. He nods several times at her questions, withholding much of his facial expressions despite Honoka's many many welcoming smiles.

Itachi thinks to leave them to it until a hospital door opens and Sakura walks out with a small vial.

Ah . He recognizes it as similar to his own and connects the dots of who the boy must be. Lingering at the edge of the hall, Itachi watches the exchange. Sakura seems to curb Honoka's enthusiasm but not by much. In fact, the brunette simply emphasises whatever is being said and his partner lets her. Sakura gives the mom the vial of medicine and he sees apprehension in the boy's eyes. But she gets down to his level much like Honoka did and tries to reason with him. He nods much like before but frowns as well, then looks up to his mother. For a brief second Sakura seems sad. Her chakra echoes her facial expression and he recognizes its pull. Maybe because he knows she means to help does he feel compelled to offer assistance.

There is not much I can do. Unless he is who I presume, then perhap I can provide reassurance.

There's the problem of the flowers in his hands and he doesn't want to cause a show. Itachi thinks it over the best course of action but Sakura makes the choice for him. Before he can move away she sees him. Even with his chakra concealed, he's sure she knows who is there. But Itachi moves back a step away, leaving against the opposite wall, waiting.

He hears her heels clicking down the hall, fast and determined but not angry. The closer she gets more can distinguish the buzzing in her chakra. Sakura is happy to see him. Excited even and he closes his eyes, feeling it's intensity as she draws closer. In the seconds it takes her to turn the corner, Itachi concludes that her chakra is absolutely fascinating.

"Your timing couldn't be more perfect!" grabbing his arm she pulls, sending static all the way to his shoulder. "You guys can finally meet."

It's not the same as when she heals him. That is chakra seeping out, physically touching him and creating sharp points. This is something under his skin, something deep and more of a knowing. Perhaps all of her patients feel it to some degree.

Does it tingle to them as well.

Dark eyes look down to where her hand tugs at his arms. Itachi stops her with resistance, keeping them rooted to the spot.

Sakura turns to him quizzically, chakra faltering in its display. "What is it?"

He can see it. But he can't. He feels it but he doesn't.

Excited. Hopeful. Unsure. Skeptical. Worried...

What is this connection?

"Itachi?"

He holds up the flowers between them so she can see. "I have these so perhaps you can tell me what it is." Itachi states.

"Can I go with really beautiful colors for right now?" she takes them from his hands. "I had to break the news to Kai that we hadn't set a day for you guys to train. He's not taking it well."

This time when she tugs, he moves enough to be seen by their audience of three. Itachi looks over Sakura's shoulder and into the wide, expecting eyes of not one but two people. Honoka all but bounces on her toes when seeing him. And Kai?

Hesitation and hope. He doesn't know what to feel.

He slows their pace and whispers at her back. "Remind me again of what this is for."

"Similar to what I used to do with you after your training sessions but on purpose." she explains. "I need to test if the medicine is working by putting him in a controlled stress inducing situation."

He understands her theory but the boy's fragility can't be ignored. "Why shinobi style training? Surely there are other ways."

Sakura stops and turns to him with a pout. "You're changing your mind?"

"I'm seeking more information." he corrects.

"I offered it because kids think shinobis are cool. Plus there's the added benefit of camaraderie. If he knows that someone like you with something he has can fight bad guys and jump trees, he'll be less self conscious."

"Ah," Itachi mutters, looking again at the young man waiting for him then back to Sakura. "My afternoons are quite busy. Is he willing to train in the early hours of the morning?"

Much to his surprise, she smacks her teeth and thumps him in the chest with the hydrangeas.

"Take an hour off for like one day! He's twelve, Itachi. He probably doesn't even know what early morning is."

Indignation. Sakura's chakra stings when she's upset. Not in a way that hurts more of a warning to him of her mood. He searches her faces for any indicating that she can feel their shared experience as well. But Sakura only gives him narrowed eyes and a partial frown, waiting for his agreement in her plan.

Maybe there needs to be physical connection.

Keeping a close eye on her face, he reaches for the hand holding the flowers. Sakura's expression shifts to shock, eyes widening ever so slightly. She looks down where he pulls her hand and the flowers away.

Why the shock? Can you feel it? Does it resonate with you?

"S-sorry," Sakura stammers, maneuvering out of his grip. "Didn't mean to ruin the flowers. Just go talk to him, please?"

She steps aside to let him continue and even gives him a little push to move forward. Itachi goes if only to get it over with so he can resume his investigation. He'd given her his word to train Kai, and by extension given the boy his word as well. Itachi cannot deny the almost immediate change in the boy's face after Honoka makes introductions.

Sakura comes to join the conversation and Kai's silence elation is enough for him to sit his partner's chakra aside for the moment.

"I know who you are," Kai quietly starts. "You're Uchiha, Itachi. You're a shinobi. You saved the Village five years ago after the war. Sakura-san said you saved the Village twice. The first time was before I was born though so I don't remember it."

Immediately Itachi looks to Sakura. He had not expected her to bring up the Massacre to such a young child. He wonders what details she gave but just as with Honoka, she gestures for him to keep going. He turns his attention back to the boy and smiles.

"You know a lot." Itachi states. "That means you are smart and perhaps very perceptive. Sakura told me you are in need of training. Is that true?"

Up until that moment, it seems Kai is holding back because his face lights up the moment those words are spoken. His eyes widen and he smiles a little more seems a bit more sure of himself.

"I need to test my strength." Kai declares, "I...we, Sakura-san said we have the same thing wrong with our bodies."

"That's true." Itachi agrees.

Kai nods several times, using his hands this time when he speaks. "I need to see if the medicine will help me stay better by testing it or if I get anymore flare ups and need to change it. She said I would really need to push myself. She said that you need to push yourself too and that we could help each other."

The Uchiha tilts his head a bit, watching intently. "You want to help me?"

"I like helping others." Kai proudly states but adds. "When I can."

To this Itachi softly smiles as a feeling of gratitude overshadows any doubt he has in Kai's resolve. A child's hope is far too fleeting and precious not to cultivate. Every time he comes across it, Itachi is reminded of what his life stands for and why his own misgivings are minor in comparison.

He fought for this. Died for this. Came back and fought again just so Kai can have a chance to help someone else.

"You have already helped me," Itachi declares. Kai looks confused as he continues. "I am in need of a training partner as well. I think you are perfectly suited for the job. Maybe next week?"

Kai's joy is almost tangible but nearly as physical as Sakura's. The buzz in her chakra is back, dancing around in all of it's radiance. Itachi watches her even as she goes over the fine details with Kai's mother, Hajin. She's almost as animated but with extra layers only he can interpret.

With added reassurance of safety precautions, Haijin agrees. Honoka offers to walk them to the reception desk and Itachi quietly follows Sakura to her office.

She's already placed the arrangement in a vase and is the process of watering them when he enters.

"A bold choice," Itachi says, stepping closer to her. The vase itself sits on the front corner of the desk in full view of both her and her patients. "People will wonder."

She rolls her eyes at him while moving the flowers around so they all fit. "Absolutely no one is going to 'wonder' about this. Most people will say 'your husband brought flowers'. They don't know anything else."

"That is what courtship does. It creates the atmosphere to wonder."

Sakura doesn't say anything to his statement. She holds the last blue hydrangea in her hand, twirling the steam a few times before turning to him with a smile then offering him the flower.

"Is this a reject?" Itachi raises a brow at her unconventional response.

"More subverting tradition for gratitude?" Sakura takes a small step forward. "Thank you for everything."

He delays taking her offering in favor of truth. "I've told you before that you have my full cooperation in everything. I haven't gone back on my word."

For a second, she looks away, contemplating and rocking on her heels. Itachi silently watches the shift in chakra. When she looks at him again, eyes alight with mischief.

"Is this a rejection?" she counters, quite correctly, which makes him smile.

Itachi takes the hydrangea from her, tucking it into the upper pocket of his cloak. "I would never."

"I wasn't thanking you for the mission. I was thanking you for everything you've contributed for Kai. None of this, the medicine, the research, the training, none of it would be possible without you. So thank you, really."

He watches her, her seemingly casual demeanor. But her chakra is pulled tight, indicating hesitation or reservation. Itachi thinks to ask what is behind her words but dismisses the thought. There exists a number of reasons why she would hesitate. Uncertainty of her actions or his response is the most immediate and plausible explanation. Broaching the subject of her vibrant chakra does not seem like the best use of his time at the moment. Haijin, Kai and Honoka are waiting for them. And such matters are delicate.

"You're welcome," he says instead, touching his upper pocket. "I will have to respond accordingly."

Sakura grunts airly, tucking hair behind her ear. "You don't need to go out and buy more flowers for that."

"I do," he states, "Or did you forget that I was teaching you?"

This time she snorts, reservation gone in place of certainty. "At this point, Mikoto's my real teacher. You've been more of a tutor in case I need help."

"It would be more appropriate to think of it as theory and practical application. Mother will teach you what flowers are for but she cannot teach you my preferences."

Sakura stops, watching him intently before looking at the hydrangeas. "This is a preference?"

"Showing gratitude and appreciation is important to me."

"And the daisies?"

"A noteworthy skill."

Her mouth opens then closes again. Sakura crosses her arms, skepticism in her gaze.

"So you weren't teasing me by sending Ino to parade our secrets around Konoha?"

Ah. She did notice.

Itachi doesn't confirm her accusation but emphasizes his point. " Several noteworthy skills with proof."

She raises a challenging brow. "Proof of what?"

Itachi meets her challenge with honesty. "Regardless of the situation, your secrets are safe with me. Our secrets are for only us."

Her demeanor loses steam almost immediately. She purses her lips and turns her head just enough for him to see the pinkening of her ear, leaving him to wonder which statement embarrassed her.

Sakura untucks her hands and walks by him, offering a tight smile. "That's actually kind of sweet."

"It's true." Itachi says, turning to watch her go towards the door. "Why did you respond with a lily?"

Hand already on the door, she looks at him over her shoulder. "Because Ino is my friend and I know, despite anything, she will always keep my secrets."

"Do you believe that I would as well?"

Sakura looks off again and then back to him. "You haven't proven otherwise. But I'm not the person you need to prove your noteworthy skills too."

She leaves the office, keeping the door open for him to follow.

But he doesn't.

Itachi stands, watching the exit, wondering why her answer was...unsatisfactory.

A/N: Four months and seven flower meanings later, here we are. Before you all disown me for taking nearly twice as long as I did before to post this chapter, know that I love you. And I blame COVID19 for the delay!

Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU! To everyone who faved and followed this story! We've crossed the 100 mark and my heart sings with joy! Now, if we can get the reviews to match the rest, I'd be over moon.

Until then, here is a purple hyacinth as my apology. Now, I know Mikoto hit us with a lot of lore in this chapter. The trouble with these things is getting the blooming season right. Some flowers bloom later in spring than others and I know that. However, in my defense, you can grow flowers literally anywhere under the right conditions. I imagine that Ino has all of the capabilities to do that at her flower shop. With that being said, I'll try to stay as true to the blooming season as possible. In the mean time, here is a list of flowers and meanings that you've learned so far. Don't worry, some of these will be flushed out later when...things happen. :D

Ferns-Home/shelter

Pink Camellias-I miss you

Blue Hyacinth- An unmovable bond between us

Daises- Secrets/we share a secret

Lilies- Everlasting friendship

Hydrangeas-Thank you/gratitude

Orchids- Lots of babies

Daffodils- I prefer you

Crocus- to be determined by Sakura

The next chapter Line 12: Sweet Pea, will be out soon (much sooner than this since I'm already halfway through it). Now take this knowledge and go express yourself through the language of flowers!

-CeCe ^^