Line 5: A Greater Cause
"I want no world
(for beautiful you are my world, my true)"
I Carry Your Heart
Line 6, Stanza 2
-By E.E. Cummings
"Here, take this." Ino says, handing Sakura a bundle of ribbon samples.
Carefully gathering the delicate fabric, Sakura folds the loose ends for greater manageability, then surveys the plethora of fabric piles before her.
"This is going to…?"
Ino twirls her pen in her hands then checks something off a paper. "The Mizukage. Next week, I think?"
With a nod, she lays them down on the far end of their assortment of fabrics then grabs the itenary Ino made for her days ago. She scans down the list of places and deliveries, looking for the one directed towards the Mist Village.
"Yeah, fabric and flower samples, " she informs, looking up to Ino who frowns at her own itinerary.
"That's three out of town meetings next week."
"And a meeting with Kumo at the end of this week."
The blonde blucks, glancing down and again at Sakura. Panic takes her for a few seconds before she looks back at the list and sighs. "No their florist is coming here. I mean, it's still gonna be a pain but at least I'm not going to be gone for a week just to discuss arrangements."
Sakura goes for a sweet bun, strategically placed away from the many fine silks and linens currently draped over Ino's living room table. For safe measure, she pushes back a bit towards the sofa. Green eyes flicker over the rainbow display of a collection, all of which were going to be presented to a different florist from a different hidden village. In honesty, most of them look the same. If not for different patterns, who could tell the difference?
Sakura would be the first to admit that when the furlough was presented, she doubted she'd have much to do but carry some stuff or break up dirt. Working at a flower shop seemed far too slowed down for the on the go medic. However, these last few days opened her eyes to all of the things her best friend does. While Sakura knew Ino's arrangement skills kept her in high demand, the extent to which such a skill was necessary never really revealed itself until now.
Taking a glancing survey of the orders for next week alone, the pinkette takes a tentative bite of her sweet bun in humble admiration.
I never knew there were so many types of silks. Add modal or viscose to the mix and I'd be completely lost without Ino.
The large shipment of fabrics didn't come cheap. Sakura realized that when she was asked to pick it up from the Yamanaka Shop and bring it home. Add that cost to labor Ino's been putting in and these people must be paying big bucks.
Who knew so much went into making things look pretty.
Ino exhales slowly and grabs her cup of tea. Sakura shifts her attention to her friend as the woman settles more comfortably on her backside than her knees.
"Okay so," Ino pauses to blow away steam before taking a sip. "This is how the rest of this week and next week will go since I won't be here. I'll work on the Kojima order..tomorrow? Yes, tomorrow, it's the biggest one we have and I'm almost finished."
Sakura stuffs the rest of her food in her mouth and takes out her own agenda binder to write down instructions. "I'm guessing I'm working the front again then?"
Ino nods sagely and watches the selling. "Sounds good. I'll have the other girls handle everything else so you just ring up customers and look pretty."
The pinkette smirks and writes that on her to do list. "Don't forget I'm counting your money too. I'm not just a cute ornament in your shop."
"You say it like that wasn't a compliment." Ino quips.
"Brains are just as much a compliment as beauty, you know."
The blonde waves a dismissive hand and sips more tea. "Trust me I already know that. Beauty doesn't always just come." she gestures at all of the material before them. "Someone has to be smart enough to make it happen."
Sakura rolls her eyes but smiles good-naturedly. Going to the subject she taps her pen against the paper. "So those Peace Garden meetings?'
"One this week," Ino reflexes. "A ton next week. Can you fold these ribbons and put them in labeled boxes for me?"
"Sure."
"I have to put the finishing touches on these flower portfolios before I leave. Combine that with the Kojima order and I won't see the sun for days."
"Be barely see the sun anyway…"
Ino sighs wistfully and slouches a bit. "Very true…"
Sakura ignores her friend a moment to regard her schedule. Betweening manning the flower shop and assisting Ino with getting things ready, she can hardly say she is bored.
Busy but not the same kind of busy.
There is still plenty of free time for her to do other duties. The thought almost made her frown. Weeks of avoiding and now a mandatory slow down means hiding is harder.
I'll have to see him eventually.
The medic shakes her head, removing thoughts and subsequent knots in her stomach.
I need to focus on now. Tomorrow is another day.
Forcing a smile, she pulls the ledger down towards her lap and grabs her cup of cool water. "No landscaping then?"
Ino shakes her head. "Nothing major will start until we get to work on our Peace Garden. The Hokage said they've already carved out a space, which reminds me I need to go see it. But he said they were still getting the land approved by whoever owns it. Once that's done and we get the flora and fauna in from the other villages, then the blowing things up starts."
"Basically nothing until you come back from these meetings."
"Basically. Save all that explosive chakra control for when we-"
At rustling sound near door pulls Ino's sentence to halt. Both ladies turn their attention in that direction, silence stretching before Ino starts speaking.
And moving.
"That was fast."
Sakura blinked, turning her attention back across the large table. "I thought Sai's mission was for two weeks?"
Ino takes her hair from its bun and brushes at flyaways. Shaking it free, she finger combs it to detangle knots that may have formed. If Sakura hadn't been just sitting here with her a few seconds ago, would have thought the light dusty pink in her cheeks was rouge.
"So did I. Guess he finished early." The blonde's voice shifts from business like to pitched, a change that makes Sakura's brows raise.
With a quick fluff, and final cautionary comb through, she promptly stands to the sounds of keys at the door and rushes towards the entrance. All of it translates to a noticeable childlike excitement that makes Sakura smiles behind a cup of water as her friend scurries off to meet her husband. It's cute. After years of marriage and a young child, Ino still tries to look her best for Sai. The thought warms her core and Sakura smiles genuinely for their happiness.
She goes for a sweet bun again, waiting patiently for the both of them to make an appearance. She doesn't rush them for obvious reasons. In the few days she's been camping out with her best friend, the unmistakable pauses and far off looks told of a longing Sakura's only experienced in small immature doses with one person. All of them are older now and she imagines Ino's found many more reasons to relish Sai's company compared to her youthful form of love.
Bittersweet memories come to mind. Sakura sips slow, allowing herself to remineces and even have hopes of her own. Nowadays, the closest she gets to this feeling is seeing Naruto after a long mission away.
It's not even close to the same. But one day maybe...
Her thoughts come to a pauses as muffled conversation seeps into her conscious. Someone said her name. Sakura looks up just before both parties appear in the archway, Ino in a casual side embrace and the slightest tint of red on her lips tell of much greater intimacies shared than a simple welcome home hug.
She really loves him.
Sakura offers her former teammate a greeting wave. He returns a brief nod before taking in the scene of papers, food and drink scattered about their living room. In a look she can only describe as 'classically Sai', his quizzical expression flickers between her and his wife before settling on Ino.
"I thought Sakura was on a furlough?" He questions.
All of the admiration she's built up for the couple comes crumbling down at the mention of her realty. Not that she isn't painfully aware of it but the fact that Saisomehowis also aware makes green eyes widen and narrow in disbelief. Sakura manages to look utterly mortified while Ino just laughs behind a hand.
"You've been gone for nearly two weeks!" the pinkette exclaims. " How the hell did you know that?"
Sai seemingly ignores her look of dread and ponders the ceiling.
"I heard rumors."
"Rumors?" Ino asks, an unnerving glint in her eyes. "How long have you been back?"
"Twenty minutes."
"Ugh." Sakura throws herself backwards, slouching against the bottom of the sofa behind her, "Is nothing sacred around here?"
"If it helps, there is debate as to why the furlough was ordered."
"Really?" Ino inquires, brow raised.
Sakura scowls and glares, letting her head lean back and rest against the sofa cushion. "Don't you start that again, Ino. We are supposed to be working on stuff for the flower shop right now, right. Sai?"
Much to Sakura's dismay, her supposed best friend dismisses her current concerns with a flick of her wrist. Ino leans beseechingly into Sai's embrace, earning a scowl from Sakura. The look goes unanswered but she proceeds undeterred.
"Sakura's been unhelpfully tight lipped about what's really going on."
"For good reason!" Sakura proclaims.
Sai pulls back from Ino a few centimeters. "I thought the rumors would have been you…?"
The medic stiffs a giggle as her friend glares at her husband. For one that used to be emotionally stunted, Sai seems to have pick up on her discontentment and pats her hand affectionately.
"Am I wrong?" he asks.
Sakura nearly chokes on her sweet bun. Apparently he hasn't learned everything.
"Yes! I wouldn't do that to Sakura, my best friend." Ino declares.
"But she's been here a few days. I thought maybe you'd know…"
Pulling a wiry looking Sai into the living room towards the low table, Ino forces him to sit. "No. No. That's different...personal girl stuff. This is public knowledge. So! Let's talk about those rumors."
She moves things out of the way to make room, giving Sakura a playful nudge to sit up. She does and gestures at the papers and planners around them to attempt to reel Ino back in.
"Now's not the time, Ino Pig." Sakura says through gritted teeth.
"Now's the perfect time don't you think?" Ino casually replies and cozies up to Sai.
Sakura gives her a flat look. "No."
"This is much more fun, Forehead."
Of course.
"We are gossiping?" Sai innocently inquires.
"Yes!" Ino exclaims
Sakura groans. Oh but he catches that!
"We, meaning Ino and I are working on the schedulefor the shop."
Ino hums and leans her legs against her husband. Sai adjusts, slipping an arm around her so she fits more comfortable against him. "But your personal life is so interesting. Everybody wants to know about the famous medic and her scandalous affair with her patient. Now the talk of the town is why you were forced to leave work. We're dying to know."
Sakura bulks. "They are not!"
"They are." Sai affirms.
Ino casually flips her hair. "My guess is that Itachi has something to do with it. Otherwise you wouldn't be camped out at my house."
Sakura rolls her eyes. "Why I came here and why I'm on a furlough are not mutually exclusive. You know my reasons for being here."
"Yes, yes, because you and Itachi had an argument, again. Sakura, I'm no love expert but the number of times you've been to my house because your husband stresses you out is a bit concerning. You gotta admit, the timing is suspect."
"Shouldn't you be investing your time into Sai and Inojin and not spying on my marriage? Better yet, can we get back to what we were doing literally five minutes ago?"
Sai sagely agrees. "Sakura has a point."
"Thank you, Sai."
Sakura crosses her arms in mild victory. A short lived one as the blonde grins and flicks her hair, giving her a look that promises something juicy will follow.
I should have known. The pinkette inwardly laments and braces herself for whatever curve Ino is about to throw.
"I'm not spying on your relationship, just your lover." Ino insists. " He's an avid grocery shopper."
"That's part of one of the rumors." Sai informs, affirming both women and taking no sides.
Sakura offers both of them a dry looking. She knows her question will feed the Ino flame but couldn't help it from stumbling out of her mouth.
"How and why is this relevant?"
Ino perks up, squeezing Sai's arm.. "Could it be that things have escalated? Did he kick you out of the house?"
"No!"
"He cheated on you didn't he? Then you drown yourself in work to forget the heartbreak?"
Sakura rolls her eyes, thinking of how routine her 'husband' is. "Ino you already knowwhy I'm here."
Ino taps her chin, "Is it the fruit lady?"
Eh. The pinkette blinks in surprise, "The...fruit lady?"
"Yeah…you've been juggling that full time wife and full time medic thing for four years now." Ino trails off. "With exception to buying the food, which your husband does a lot of."
"I'm pretty sure what you're doing is stalking…"
"Sounds like stalking," Sai offhandedly offers.
"Noticing," Ino corrects, "Itachi seems to be a creature of habit. Always the same days and times…for four years. With the same woman…"
Sakura can't hold back her annoyed sigh. She's well aware of the 'woman' Ino is talking about. Minami is such a nice gentle soul. Yes, Itachi does attract attention from the females but she highly doubts their relationship extends beyond that of friendship.
Probably the only friend he has aside from me, Honoka and Naruto and that's saying something.
"Minami and Itachi have a...profession relationship. Customer and producer, that's it."
"Hmm," Ino hums dismissively, regarding her nails.
"Hm." Sai repeats.
Sakura watches with growing trepidation as the two trade a private conversation of hums and looks.
"I'm serious!" Sakura insists.
Ino flicks at dirt. Sai grabs a sweet bun and starts eating, leaving Sakura to glare at being ignored. It occurs to her that, on some weird level, this is Ino's way of showing concern. As unconventional as it may be, her best friend has always been victim to whatever juicy story came hot off the Konoha rumor press. While Ino can sometimes be the starter of rumors, she is just as quick to end them once all the facts are gathered. To this, Sakura is glad to have her in her corner.
I just wish you weren't so persistent about it. It's bad enough I told you what I did…
Kakashi never said she couldn't seek counsel elsewhere. In a fit of desperation, Sakura turned to the one person who knows more about her and relationships than anyone. Ino gladly welcomed her into her home, tears and all. While her friend didn't pry then, Sakura couldn't exactly keep her distress to herself. What Ino knows is only half the truth, something that still leaves a sour taste in her mouth.
But Ino had been more of a help than she'd originally hoped. Apparently her friend debated the idea of kids with Sai as well. Though their situation was reversed. It was Sai who was unsure while Ino wanted as many as possible.
I never knew she wanted to be a mother so badly. Looking at them, how she loves him, I can see it. But Itachi and I...this is different on so many levels. We're not even married for real! It's more of a duty to the state than an act of love between man and wife. But I can hardly say that! Oh yeah, by the way Ino, remember that conversation we had about kids? Yeah. Kakashi-sensi was the one who ordered us to reproduce.
Sakura's brows furrow as she regards the table. She fiddles with her cup, tethering between giving them just a little bit more. After their conversation, she'd come to something.
Hardly a plan but it's worth a try.
Having Sai here, giving a man's perspective may offer just a bit more.
I can use all of the help I can get.Maybe I can't tell her everything. Just enough to get them off of my back and me some peace of mind with my resolve.
Sakura shivers at the thought, the mission still leaving a haughty dose of anger in the recesses of her mind..
"Maybe we should…" Sai ventures and is quickly quelled by Ino.
"Shhh! She's on the verge of a scandalous admission. Look at the lines in her forehead. That only happens when she's thinking."
"I can hear you, you know," Sakura says through gritted teeth.
"So tell us! What's happening?" Ino encourages. "In all seriousness, Sakura, we worry…"
Yeah I'm worried too.
The words hit her in the heart. Sakura squeezes her cup and sighs.
"Fine," Sakura relents then glares seriously, "But what's said here doesn't leave this house, got it?"
"Yes." The married couple say in unison.
"I better not hear a rumor…."
"Not a word, we swear!" Ino presses.
Alright, Sakura, now to say it without saying it…
Suppressing the drumming of her heart, Sakura sighs and rubs her forehead to get rid of the wrinkles that most definitely do not exist.
"You were almost right. I did start working a lot more because of a situation, more a conversation, that I...didn't like. Itachi and I have been discussing...kids."
She pauses, gauging their reaction. But the two hang on her every word, even if it was only a few. That thought makes her fidget, a ball of tightly coiled nerves.
Maybe I shouldn't go on.
She looks away, biting her lip and regarding the table.
I know I can seek counsel but why does this feel like an act of betrayal to the Leaf. If this ever got out...
A hand touches hers. Green eyes jerk up, meeting Ino's soften gaze.
"It's alright, Sakura." she assures. "We're here for you. Really."
Her friend gives her a gentle squeeze, fortifying reassure.
Sakura manages a wiry smile. Glancing away and then to Sai, who nods sagely.
With a healthy does of trepidation, she adds. "There was a conversation about us having kids with...someone else. The truth is there are expectations on us. To rebuild the Uchiha Clan. And to a point I can understand why. Sasuke wanted to do the same thing...But the conversation I had with...the other person really pushed me to the limit. That pressure. I just needed to get away from them and Itachi."
Much to her surprise, it is Sai who speaks first. "Does Uchiha-san want children?"
Sakura gathers herself up to her elbows .
"See that's the thing, I don't know! We'd never talked about kidsbefore. He never mentioned it and probably wouldn't have mentioned it if this...personhadn't said anything."
"Who is 'this person'?" Ino asks.
"Erm," Sakura deflated and flushes slightly, "I'd rather not say. But the point is, I felt he should have defended me and he didn't and I can't even stand to look at him right now."
"So wait," Ino says, "There was never any discussion about rebuilding the Clan or babies or anything until a couple weeks ago?"
The medical ninja shakes her head. Truthfully, the only conversation surrounding the future they've had is when the mission will end. There is nothing else. It's always been about the mission.
Itachi never seemed interested in...anything really that wasn't connected with the mission. How the hell would I know if kids is something he actually wants?
Sakura bites the inside of her cheek. "Itachi and I never really got around to that."
There was no reason too...until now.
Her best friend bits her lip, making Sakura sit up a bit more because Ino never gets this serious with gossip. "Sakura, do you want kids?"
Not with him!
She feels herself blush. Thinking of babies means other 'things' that she has yet to do. Yes, maybe she'd kissed Itachi a few times but that was different. That was for control. There was no love or even lust in those kisses. It was her doing stupid things because she felt she could, because it was one thing she could get the upper hand in.
But having babies meant having sex and sex can't happen without some kind of desire for the person.
Sakura grimences at the thought.
Desire and Itachi doesn't even fit in the same sentence.
"I," she pauses, struggling for words. "I don't know. Kids are a huge responsibility. It's kinda hard to fit them into my life right now..."
"May I-" Sai starts but comes up short with a knock at the door. "Hold on a moment…"
He excuses himself, leaving Sakura and Ino alone once again. Sakura looks blinks absently, looking at the half empty cup in her hands, thinking through the conversation. Namely, the question Sai posed to her earlier.
I never even considered the possibility that Itachi might actually want to restart everything…
She wasn't lying when she said they'd never discussed anything of the sort.
It's always been the mission and healing and Sasuke.
Slim fingers grip the cup tighter as guilt seeps in. She wonders for a moment what could have been going on in Itachi's mind during the meeting.
Here I am hiding from him, upset that he didn't stick up for me with Kakashi but maybe he didn't want to. Maybe, just maybe, he's wanted this all along? Sasuke always talked about rebuilding the clan, it's not that far fetched that Itachi does as well. But with me? And like this? I doubt it.
Words from years ago resurface. The resolve Sasuke used to have to that goal used to fill Sakura with a giddy happiness. Maybe she could be the one to help him. She's older now, wiser and more understanding of why it was so important to him. Instead of childish glee, the only thing there is...pity.
The makings of tears sting her eyes.
I can imagine he must be lonely having no family...
For all of the reasons she hated Itachi when they started this mission, she's found a few better reasons to at least show sympathy.
The soothing sensation of Ino's hand, draws Sakura's attention to it. She realizes, belatedly, that the blonde had been making gentle circles on her wrist. Sakura raises her head meeting Ino's soft smile.
"It's gonna be okay, Sakura." she whispers.
The pinkette attempts the same optimism. "Sorry I didn't tell you all this the other day. I was so out of it I barely wanted to talk."
Ino opens her mouth then closes it. Blue eyes flicker away. Ino's entire face changes, she pulls back, taking her hand with her.
Sakura blinks in confusion, turning her head to get a glimpse. "Ino what...is...it…"
The words die on her lips, replaced by a sudden lump in her throat.
Sai smiles kindly, one hand gesturing to Itachi, who stands slightly behind him. The other hand reaches forward, towards Ino.
"Let's go check on Inojin," he says, smiling more and even adding a head tilt for emphasis.
Whatever it's meant to communicate, Ino gets it. Standing immediately, she gives Sakura one more squeeze, her shoulder this time before hurrying to take Sai's hand.
"Itachi-san" Ino says politely but Sakura doesn't miss the subtle reservation in her tone and she doubts Itachi would either.
He doesn't show as much, not that Itachi shows much of anything at all. Nodding in her direction. "Ino-san."
Sakura looks away, stealing her features knowing what is to come. It's been almost three weeks since she last spoke to him. While she didn't expect him to physically come get her, Sakura is well aware that they would to talk eventually. With her current disposition, the words playing her mind don't exactly sing her praises.
Guess he finally got fed up...nothing I can't handle.
Her resolve doesn't stop the speed of her pulse or her nails from scrapping the clay cup. She doesn't look up when her friends leave. For a moment she thinks to sit and take it, whatever Itachi has to throw. But her inner self gets the better of her. Just as Itachi gets close enough, Sakura drops her hands to the table and pushes to a stand. Without meeting his gaze, she stalks past him with instructions.
"Let's talk outside." she says.
If he's gonna chew me out I'm damn well gonna get a chance to say what I wanna say. Not that I don't trust Ino but...it's just safer.
She has every expectation for him to follow, leaving the door open in her wake. Arms crossed, she posts up against the pillar near the stairs. A few seconds later, Itachi makes an appearance, closing the door behind him.
The cold of the afternoon gives her chills. She rubs her thin barely clad arms to pull some heat closer to her body. And perhaps for some added courage. Sakura gives her partner time to close the distance before saying the first thing that comes to mind.
"I wasn't expecting you to come get me."
"I did not come to get you." Itachi interrupts evenly, seeming more interested in the slight downpour than in her. "You can remain if you it pleases you to do so."
Sakura opens her mouth then closing it, not expecting such a quick, blunt response. Her thoughts stall a moment but she recovers a moment later.
"So what are you doing here?"
"I require your assistance." He informs.
Immediately her mind goes back to the meeting. Sakura frowns. "If this is about what we talked about with Kakashi-se-"
He interrupts her again, eyes glancing her way as he quietly states. "I have nothing to say about that."
She nearly reels at his comment. Whatever goodness she'd built up for him a moment ago disappears in the moment he reminded her of why she'd come to Ino's in the first place.
Sakura's finger flex with older anger at her 'partner'. Working hard to keep her composure, she tucks her balled fist behind folded arms.
"Then what do you want?" Her tone, however, gives away her displeasure.
Itachi tilts his head towards the sky, stoic and silent. Sakura waits, wondering if he would own up to anything or acknowledge more than the rain.
He says nothing.
Why was I even worried? He's the same as always.
She snorts, turning on her heels and heads towards the door. "I'm not going to stand here talking to myself."
"I'm sorry, Sakura."
What?
She stops short, looking over her shoulder and surprised to see Itachi watching her retreat.
"Why?" she challenges.
Itachi takes a step forward, "For whatever lead you here."
"For what lead-Itachi, you can't apologize for something when you don't even know what you're apologizing for."
"I'm apologizing for whatever lead you here." he repeats.
His words only serve to make her more frustrated. Sakura rolls her eyes.
"I heard you the first time," Sakura says, "That doesn't change the fact that you don't even know why I'm here in the first place."
"Enlighten me." Itachi answers without missing a beat.
"I shouldn't have to!" Sakura raises her voice "It's blaringly obvious and if you can't see what the hell is wrong than you're more dense and obtuse than your brother, and that's saying something."
Itachi manages at least a crease in his brow, which for Sakura is more effort than she's seen all day.
"The mission made you angry." Itachi hedges.
Sakura throws her hands up. "Congratulations, genius, you spotted the elephant in the room. The only question left unanswered is why the hell I'm the only one? Call me crazy but I half expected you to sympathize, a tall order, I know. But what did you do? You knocked me out!"
His brows narrow, as does his eyes. "You threatened to take down the entire Hokage Tower."
"And I should have for what Kakashi asked us to do. That mission is BS and you know it."
Itachi tsk at her, causing her to bristle but he speaks before she can challenge his attitude. "You are angry that did not wish to see others harmed over a mission that had nothing to do with them?"
"No." Sakura retorts. "I was upset then just like I'm upset now because you neverhave anything to say. The world could be coming to and end and you'd still be a silent impenetrable mask. Has it somehow escaped your awareness that Kakashi wants us to make babies? That the Consuel is effectively manipulating our lives? And you have absolutely nothing to say about that? Have you gone mad?"
"I am well aware of my situation." Itachi admits, owing up to something but showing nothing at all.
"Then act like it!" Sakura pleds.
Itachi raises a challenging brow at her. The look in his eyes suddenly put her more on edge and she instinctive takes a half step backwards.
"What do you want, Sakura?" Itachi challenges, "That I respond as volatile as you?"
"Volatile!" she nearly screeches. Against herself, Sakura turns and marches up to him, chin up and defiant. "Is that what we're calling expressing appropriate human emotions now?"
He blinks once and Sakura could have sworn he frowned, looking down his nose at her.
"The Hokage is well aware of my displeasure. I made my discontent known without blowing a hole in the Hokage's office while you were indisposed."
It takes the force of a thousand suns to still the sudden reflex itching to hit him right in his smug face. Instead, Sakura glares, letting him see the full brunt of her indignation and aggravation at him. Their reunion is a far cry from the loving scene witnessed between Ino and Sai. All of this just reminds her of what village wants her to give for its sake. Or give up for that matter.
Sakura grabs her hips, and meets his dark eyes with glowering green ones. "Fine, tell me about this 'displeasure' that I obviously missed no thanks toyou."
The Uchiha holds her gaze for only a second before looking behind her at the door. Instinctively Sakura turns, remembering where they are and whose house they are currently arguing in front of.
"Perhaps now is not the time for conversation." His words come soft, almost inaudible.
A deflection?Sakura wonders and swings her gaze back to him.
Itachi never deflections. He is more inclined to refuse an answer than verbally distract her. And physically.
Oh?
An outstretched hand creates much needed distance between them. Itachi stands, fist closed and waiting. Unsure of what else to do, she holds out her hand to receive whatever he is trying to give. The small vile serves as a proper distract from seconds ago. Her indignation cools enough to process just what this is.
Sakura pulls her hand close. Seconds later, she glances at Itachi, who looks off towards the road. If she thought him capable of ranges of emotion, she would have said he was looking longinglyat it.
Suddenly his earlier response makes more sense.
Feeling both foolish and relief, Sakura holds up the empty container and watches him between its clear walls.
"You finished it?" Sakura questions.
He nods. "I ran out last night. Honoka was unable to find the spare key to get more."
The shift in conversation from mission to medicine is enough to make her feel less awkward.
"Honoka? You've talked to Honoka? Did she tell you how Kai is doing? Is he stable?"
Black eyes shift her way. Itachi inclines his head in the barest of nods. "Kai is fine. Tsunade-sama sent him home under strict instruction to be monitored."
Her relief doubles, knowing her patient is doing well.
This would be easier if I could check him myself. I know he's in capable hands with Shisou though…
Sakura shifts, bring it down and slipping it into her pocket, mind wandering to other things until Itachi brings her back to the moment.
He turns slightly towards the stairs. "Honoka says you have a spare key to the lab."
Is that why he came?
The queasy feeling starts anew, this time as her medical oath replays in her mind. She may not be able to stand him at the moment but he is still very much her patient.
I should have known he was out of medicine even before he did. I dropped the ball, again.
Sighing, she folds in on herself, crossing her arms for comfort. "Yeah I do. It's in the top left drawer of my office desk. Wait!"
Itachi halts his descent down the stairs, back out into the rain. Sakura feels herself frowning, not sure why she even stopped him. Green eyes regard the floor, uncertain. Her jaw clenches at the way her mind fills in the blanks with information that isn't even there.
Apparently embarrassed but more confused, she teeters between apologizing for not getting him medicine sooner and demanding a straighter answer to her earlier question.
Even if I was upset, this is no way to treat a comrade.
"Sakura?"
"Let me check you at least," she nearly whispers.
Itachi offers her his shoulder in a half hearted turn. "The outline of your furlough states.."
"I know what it says!" she cuts in, frustration at herself more than him. "Just shut up and let me check you."
Sakura crosses the small expanse between them and stands half on the stairs as he is. Her hands glow green and she starts her inspection with or without his consent.
Itachi simply stands. Sakura doesn't know where he's looking at as her eyes stay glued to her hands, mouth firm and focused. This is easier than conversation. Medicine she knows. His body she knows. His sickness she...kinda knows but this mystery is much easier to deal with than the mind of the person it belongs to. She stops from fingers from trembling and steals her nerves and doubts.
Medic first.
No. I shouldn't feel bad. This mission is ridiculous and I stand by refusing it. Itachi and Kakashi can figure out the future of the Uchiha Clan themselves and leave me out of it. I'm not going to be a baby factory so there's nothing I can do for them.
Fingers catch against his damp cloak. Sakura's eyes widen slightly as it occurs to her the similarities between a future mission and her current one.
Maybe that's it! I can't and won't make babies but that doesn't mean I have to sit back and let some other poor girl be the victim. Who's to say I can't help Konoha and save myself and someone else too? If I can show Itachi that sacrifice doesn't mean killing those you love, then I damn sure can show Kakashi that preservation doesn't have to come like this. There has to be a better way to help protect the Village...
"Are you finished, Sakura?" Itachi voice cuts through her thoughts. She looks up at him, confused for a moment, then down at her hands that she belatedly realized clenched the fabric of his garment just as she made up her mind.
Sakura pulls back, done with her inspection and unsurprised that nothing was wrong. She takes a step back, fixing her eyes and lifting her chin as if to defy her own conscious.
"Tell Honoka that the medicine is under the desk in the mini fridge." Sakura instructions.
Itachi nods once. He lingers a few seconds before turning to take his leave. Belatedly and more for herself she supposes, Sakura shouts over the rain.
"And I'll be home tonight!"
Itachi only pauses his steps. Sakura holds her resolve as she watches him go. Seconds later, she clenches her fist.
This time I'm proving it to myself. I can do this!
When she goes back inside, Ino stands patiently on the last step. "How'd it go?" she asked.
Sakura stalks determined towards the table. "Let's get back to the schedule for the week."
Because saying'I feel outwitted'would have made it true.
I willfind a way.
Determination spurs her forward. If Ino has questions, she keeps them to herself. Which is just the same for Sakura, who throws her all into organizing the schedule while planning things in her mind around it.
If I time everything just right, I can make this work. I just need time and thankfully or stupidly, Kakashi gave me just enough to pull something together. I just need a little help from a certain someone.
The beginnings of a plan brews. A small smirk of victory graces her face. Once the planning is done she announces her departure, much to Ino's shock. True to her word, Sakura did return home that night but made a small detour to ensure a message was passed on.
Itachi doesn't stir, and it's just as well because Sakura has no intention of having another conversation. To make sure he doesn't try to start something, she chooses to sleep on the sofa.
Not until I get what I need.
Sleep comes slow. Most of the night is spent thinking and rethinking reasons and scenarios. Things she won't know until a few days from now.
I just have to be patient.
A couple of days later, her patience rewards her kindly.
Nearly alone in the cool of the morning, Sakura gazes languidly through the glass door of the Yamanaka Flower Shop. Every once in awhile, a man or woman or group walks passes the door. Green eyes lazily follow until they disappear beyond the range of her peripheral. Sakura lets them go, fixing her attention to the front door once more.
The other girl won't be in for another hour, which is about the same time customers start filing in to place orders. Thus forcing Sakura to man the shop alone, staring listlessly out of the glass door. Idle time leaves her mind to wander. Because she is not one to sit still, the absence of physical work only makes her mind switch to mental work. When too much time is taken, her mind reminds her of things most unpleasant.
She feels a cringe.
Bits her lip.
Glares at nothing and curses Kakashi to the ends of the earth.
A familiar figure comes into view.
Oh thank God.
Perking up as a hip pushes open the door. Sakura rushes from around the corner and helps Honoka by opening the door more so she can enter.
"Oh! It smells like spring in here!" Honoka coos and takes a long deep inhale. "So much better than sterile hospital rooms."
Sakura offers a kind smile, helping Honoka out of the large backpack. "I think it you don't get out of the hospital much these days?"
The young medical reaches up high, cracking her back as she stretches. "Not as much as I would like. I think I got everything you asked for."
Distractedly, Sakura takes to digging through. Removing some of the tomes from the top, she scans titles quickly before moving on to the books layered at the bottom.
This looks like everything. Yes!
Satisfied, she looks up, watching as Honoka meanders the rows of vases near the walls and scans the displays closer to the ceilings. She lets her get her fill choosing to repack the bag in that time. Her fingers smooths over books and tomes that she hasn't touched in days. Kakashi said that she was barred from her lab but never said anything about bringing the lab to her. There's something almost comforting in the weight of medical text that sets the kuniochi's heart aflutter with possibilities.
Something is bound to be in here that can help. Six months to decide on this mission means six months to come up with a solution.
The challenge makes her grin. You can bet your ass I'm going to find a way, kakashi-sensei!
"Did I miss anything?" the young woman asks.
The pinkette offers a genuine smile. "Nope, this is everything. Thank you, Honoka. Did you manage to get in and out without any hassle?"
"For the most part, yeah." Honoka assures. "An Anbu was posted at the door but I just told him I was getting some medical books to review."
"Are you sure you weren't followed?"
Sakura looks at the door, checking from stragglers.
"Positive." Honoka reassures. "Once I explained what I needed, he was glad to let me in and even helped me pack the stuff. I don't think anyone was suspicious."
"That's good. Did you tell lady Tsunade what I said?"
The young woman nods sagely. "I left a couple of the medicine in the fridge for her to get and gave her your update on Itachi's progress. She said she'll try it and see what happens. And she hinted at tweaking your dosage if necessary."
Green eyes roll playfully. "Of course, " Sakura deadpans."Thanks again for this, Honoka. I don't think you know how much you saved me."
"That's all in a medic's work right? Medicine is more than just chakra and not all patients are shinobi. The art of healing is much deeper than both of these."
The pinkett opens her mouth then closes. The air of the words sounding achingly familiar but not something the carefree young medic would spit out on her own.
"Right…" she hedges, trying to place the phrasing.
"I should probably get going," Honoka states, looking around herself, "Can't have them getting too suspicious. But can I maybe buy one of these premade arrangements for my tiny little office.
Sakura laughs and nods. "Take your pick while I brings these to the back."
Honoka goes off again to the storage fridge of premade arrangements . Sakura carries the bag to the backroom where Ino does the final touches of the flowers. Seconds later, she emerges with one of the books stored under her arm for casual reading.
"Ready?" Sakura asks.
Honoka weights to arrangements before settling on one filled with ume flowers from the furthest end of Fire Country. "I like the smell of these." she declares.
"A good choice," Sakura agrees, ringing it up and exchanging currency with her medical assistant and friend. "It's much warmer the closer you get to Suna. These flowers are sprouting up a lot there. The fields smell amazing!"
"Yeah they remind me of spring. Oh! That reminds me. " Honoka exclaims and reaches inside of her coat pocket. "I got a little extra gift for you. Don't open it until leave."
The burnette slides it across the table with a cheeky wink then snags her vase and waves goodbye. "Take care Sakura-san."
Waving back, she stiffs a chuckle and grabs the folded piece of paper. At first the numbers written on it confuses her. She reads and rereads before the meaning becomes clear. It's a schedule. Green eyes flicker to the clock, which matches the time Honoka came here.
This is her schedule. She's telling me the times she's free...and I can get stuff.
The news makes her grin, Sakura stuffs the itinerary into the first few pages of the book she's brought with her and takes to reading it.
Leave it Honoka to be so considerate.
Idily Sakura flips through the pages, waiting for the next customer to show up. A few minutes later, the chimes jingle once again. She looks up to see Ino drags herself inside with a sigh, brushing the hair from her face.
"How'd the meeting go?" Sakura asks.
"I swear these Peace Gardens are going to keep me busy for the next couple months." Ino laments. "Two meetings down and several more to go. Plus the help I'm offering Interrogation with setting up some of my dad's old methods. I swear, Forehead, your help couldn't have come at a better time."
Sakura pulls her eyes away to watch her friend. "I'll take that as an it went well?"
Ino leans against the opposite side of the counter and lays her head down. "Yeah. Yeah. Kumogakure is totally onboard with the idea. The problem is trying to find things that actuallygrow on mountains and look goodwhile simultaneously finding flora that could withstand Konoha's summers."
"Was a consensus made?"
Ino snorts and huffs hair from her face. "Barely. But we're going to have to meet again, me in Kumo this time."
"Sounds exciting," Sakura distractedly adds while combing through pages.
Ino flats her hand on the book and pulls herself up to get right in her face. "What's this?"
Sakura pulls back and grunts. "It's a book!"
"Looks like work to me." Ino practically sings,
"It's a flower book." Sakura stresses.
Ino takes a moment to glance down. The pinkette turns it for her to get a better view. "Herbs for medicinal uses are not flowers."
The medic waves a dismissive hand. "Semantics."
"You just couldn't stay away." Ino slides the book back across the counter. "Guess I should put you to work if you're bored enough to read."
Sakura calmly closes her book, buying time for when she can start her investigation fully. "What's on the agenda today, boss."
Just then chime of the front door rings again. Ino grins and juts her chin in that direction.
"You are ringing up customers and taking orders. I'm going to finish the final touches on this Peace Garden samples."
The pinkette playfully rolls her eyes, and slides the book under the counter and out of sight. "And the girls?"
Ino reaches for an apron, tying it around her waist before heading towards the stairs that lead to the basement. "Out on deliveries. They should be back in time to arrange any orders requested today."
"Hello?" the customer calls. Sakura nods to Ino and turns a bright smile to her customers.
Investigation can wait for another time.
Across town, under the afternoon sun, Itachi stares placidly at the decaying ruins of what was his former home. The large, imposing entrance remains structurally intact with a huge fading uchiwa fan splayed right above the large mahogany gate. Nature's reclaimed a lot of the land around it, with tall wild grass inching up the wall. Tree branches lean into and even over the stone entrance. There's some scattered graffiti here and there but, overall, it looks exactly how he left it.
It's been more than a decade since he's even come close to the Grounds, let alone ventured inside. Though he will not admit it outwardly, Itachi is quite glad to not be doing so alone.
Shikamaru rests his back and right foot casually against the wall near the gate. Arms folded, head down, he looks just as at ease as Itachi should be in this place. Judging by hair alone, the Nara looks almost natural in the environment. Itachi takes some comfort in this fact, though there is very little to be had.
Don't be so nervous.
His conscious sounds very much like Izumi. Itachi hums to himself and watches a hawk's trajectory across the sky. He is not nervous. But there are memories here for him that are both good and bad. He spared Konoha from being torn apart from the inside and lost his family by his own hands in the process. The place is more bittersweet than tragic, through tragedy is very much there.
The hawk disappears against the horizon so the Uchiha scans the skies. Seconds later he finds the pole that was his perch before it all ended. He'd watched as those he loved go throughout their day. He contemplated the best moment to strike. And when he did attack, he'd jumped from that post, onto the very wall that stands before him.
His heart skips a beat. Itachi closes his eyes against a breeze.
I cannot go back. Only forward.
Over the course of the next few months, this Compound will no longer be shrouded in sadness and mystery. It will be what it really was. A place of new beginnings, of new life, of a greater and better start for the village it stands in.
I will make this place a symbol of hope.
"It's been nearly an hour."
Or, this place will be all those things...as soon as Kakashi gets there.
Shikamaru gripes with a lazy groan. "You'd think he'd at least have sent a clone by now."
Itachi lets his gaze settled on the young man standing across from him,"You have been apprenticing under him for months. Is his lateness a new revelation to you?"
The Nara scratches at his chin and offers a weary sigh. "That's not an excuse. He's the Hokage." A long yawn follows. "If I can get up and make it on time, so can he. Once Naruto becomes Hokage, I'm going to make sure he does one or the other."
The older man withholds his chuckle. There have been plenty of times that Itachi wondered why Shikamaru chose to remain in an assistant role instead of aspiring to be Hokage for himself.
Itachi turns his head towards the road. "Are you attempting to rectify a current or future issue before Naruto has?"
"Both," Shikamaru offers.
Itachi nods. "I believe you might be surprised to know that Lord Kakashi has improved a lot from when he was my Taichou."
The barely audible gasp nearly makes the Uchiha preen. "The Hokage was your captain?"
"In Anbu."
"And this is an improvement?"
He nods once. "Not only was he late but also single-minded."
"Single-minded how?"
Itachi recalls the time he and Kakashi shared a tree. Without disclosing much at all, Itachi sought advice and Kakashi reminded him of what he fought for.
Turning his eyes towards the shifting wind in the trees, Itachi summarizes the event in the best way possible. "He taught me what it meant to keep a promise to a friend."
A sneeze breaks through their conversation. In a glorious rush of kicked up dust and smoke, Kakashi appears before them dressed down in traditional jouin garb.
"I thought I heard my name there for a moment." The Hokage jokes.
Of course.
A grin plays on Itachi's lips. He turns his back to the man and stalks towards the entrance. "You're late, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi waves a dismissive hand. "Official Hokage business. You know how these things go, right Shikamaru?"
The Nara rolls his eyes, pushing off the wall to meet Itachi at the door. "A little scheduling and backward planning might alleviate some that 'problem'. At least we're all here. Now we can get down to business."
"Do you have the plans?" Kakashi asks.
Shikamaru reaches into a sachal and unfolds several pieces of paper.
"Good." Kakashi's eye crinkles in a smile. "Shall we begin the tour, Itachi?"
"Hnn."
The first step through the gate is like stepping back into time. Chipping paint, decrepit buildings, overgrown grass and a distinct sense of desertion hangs over the place like a cloud. The entire Compound exudes fantastical imagery conjured by the intertwining of manmade things and nature's own handiwork. Itachi takes the lead in navigating the abandoned as he familiarizes himself with the cracked and worn dirty path. They only get several feet inside before his mind fills in blanks, replacing what he sees with what he knows. Imagines of childhood and happiness and heartbreak and grief flash together in quick succession. The row of abandoned shops, covered in dust and falling part were once a vibrant part of his childhood, brightly colored and brimming with life.
I remember this…
His feet wander as does his thoughts, traveling innately towards a building that used to be sweet shop. He can almost taste the creamy bean paste stuffed bread he'd buy on the way home. The phantom smell of yeast and cinnamon cloud his mind. Fingers brush the glass, removing only a thin layer of dust and grime.
Kaname-ojisan. Tamoyo-obasan.
The old man was boxing up the last of unsold goods when Itachi struck. She'd already made it home to their cats and met her end in their bedroom.
Eriko was here. Five more around the corner.
Mentally retracing his warpath through the sector, Itachi can see it all and everyone. How he'd killed them, where they lay when he left their bodies.
Jin and his family two shops down.
At one point he'd tried to fix them into a dignified position but it was far too much and there were far too many.
Sute, Kagome, Hoji...and four more fell here.
Itachi hadn't realized that he'd started walking again until a hand catches him by the shoulders. He blinks, seeing for the first time in minutes as a firm but brief squeezes brings him back to the present.
"Maybe we should go to the designated spot first," An eye crinkle and a telling smile. "After that, I think a good stroll to get a better feel of the place would be good. Don't you agree?"
Itachi glances over his shoulder at his former captain then flickers his eyes to Shikamru, who stands a ways off looking in the opposite direction. Once again, the Uchiha is appreciative of the company.
He gives a non committal acknowledgement, grateful to have been pulled back. He walks out of Kakashi's hold and towards Shikamaru. With a brief nod for assurance, the young man starts down their original route again. Itachi follows, leaving memories and ghost behind as they travel a little ways to an open area where a makeshift pavilion has been set up.
Shikamaru lays out the blueprints, holding them down with weights on the table between them. "The contractor in charge of this project won't be free until next week. Today we're just taking a survey of the grounds and seeing what buildings should or shouldn't be demolished, based on what you want Itachi-san."
"Me?" Itachi raises a curious brow at the revelation.
"This was your home," Kakashi supplies. "There may be somewhere you deem off limits or you want to preserve as is for sentimental reasons."
"I appreciate the consideration, Hokage-sama, Nara-san. But my home is wherever my wife is now. This place has not been my home for awhile."
"You don't say…" Kakashi muses then smiles behind his mask. "Then I guess you two wouldn't mind staying close?"
"I will consider it," Itachi response.
"Well now. Since Itachi's made us all look like fools with that sudden show or romanticism, shall we get down to business?"
Shikamaru rubs his neck at the base and points in the direction or where they'd just come. "The wall is going to be the most costly part of this whole thing. We don't want people to feel trapped inside so the plan is to open up most of it with arches. They'll be restaurants and shops, here, here and here."
"Who will man theses businesses?" Itachi inquires.
"Different vendors," Kakashi says. "This part won't really be your responsibility. They will be independently owned but it's an option for you to charge them land fees. Afterall, the Village is only asking for the land and houses public exhibitions sit on. Everything else is yours."
"That is to say, what becomes of these buildings is also my decision?"
The Hokage tilts his head curiously. "Ideally...yes. You have the option to reject our suggestions and remodel the area however you choose."
"Think of them more as recommendations. " Shikamaru supplies, then points the blueprints and follows the line north and then east. "We can't build up everything now, but the objective is to renovates those old shops we just passed and have them lead the people to the museum. Several other buildings will be restored for the number of clans represented. The rest will be demolished."
Itachi watches the map with expert eyes, knowing almost all of those who lived in that area. He shakes his head of memories no longer needed for this time and focuses. Mentally reviewing information, Itachi scans the map objectively before pointing to a specific spot.
"What is the plans for here?"
"The Clan Head's home?" Kakashi chimes in. "That will be the spot of the museum itself. There will be addition buildings added to the surrounding area. The point is to maintain the feel of what life was like through time. Your former home will house most of the artifacts."
"And how are other clans dealing with this?" Itachi questions. "Will they willingly donate what could amount to sacred history?"
Kakashi regards the sky. "We've gotten some donations. Others are the village's to give. Honestly...we haven't asked them yet"
Itachi raises a brow. "Do you think that's something that should be done sooner rather than later?"
"To be fair, we were waiting for you to give us the green light. It wouldn't matter if we had no place to put the stuff. Right?"
Shikamaru clears his throat and continues. "Shall we take a walk towards the lake? The plan is to have a Peace Garden put in that area but from my understanding, there may be buildings there?"
A garden?
"Peace Garden?" the Uchiha asks, turning his gaze to Kakashi curiously.
"An idea pioneered by the Kazekage. It will be a garden with flowers, trees and ornaments from different villages planted together to commemorate the Fourth Shinobi War, or the time when we all came together against a common enemy."
A mischievous glint dances in the older man's eyes. "Ino Yamanaka is heading that protect and I believe Sakura is working on the landscaping with her for it. So if timed correctly...the last week or so of her furlough means you two would be work together."
Kakashi waged his brows at him and Itachi ignored it, standing and following Shikamaru towards one of his childhood pastimes.
The walk to the lake takes them a few minutes. When they get to its shores, the cool breeze makes the area much colder than the land they previously came from. Itachi holds memories with his father and brother here close to his chest and tunes into Shikamaru's explanation of how the Peace Gardens might be structured. The more details he gets, the more something stands out to him as an unnecessary expense.
"Shikamaru-san, is there any reason why we are demolishing the rest of the homes?" he asks.
Shikamaru pauses, then looks to Kakashi for assistance. The Hokage struggles a moment with an answer, gazing intently at the lake before offering an exaggerated sigh, dropping his shoulders dramatically.
"I guess we don't really have a reason. Any thoughts, Itachi?"
"Why not open all of it?" Itachi ventures. "These homes are perfectly built and mostly preserved. There is no reason why they can't be lived in."
"Hold on," Shikamaru interjects, stepping around to close the circle. "You want to have people live in homes where others have died?"
Itachi withholds a grimace to present a greater point. "Many have died from the Fourth Shinobi War and yet we are still here. You said it yourself, Shikamaru. The village will expand. People will need places to live. These homes are available and suitable."
Shikamaru opens his mouth then closes it, looking off to digest the information while Kakashi perks up considerable.
"I think it's a great idea." the Hokage announces.
"You would!" Shikamaru accuses.
Kakashi throws his arm across the young man's shoulders and amicably declares. "Think like a village planner, Shikamaru! This place could be a district of its own."
The Nara tries pulling away but only manages to get his face a few inches away. "I gathered that…"
"It would also ensure visitors to the Museum and surrounding businesses." Itachi chimes in. "A residential area, close to the cultural area will attract the kind of people who will want to live near such a place."
"And weirdos who might get a kick out of staying in a possibly 'haunted house'. No offense, Itachi."
"The more the merrier!" Kakashi says.
Itachi smothers a grin at the two. "I understand your point, Shikamaru. But as the Hokage is right."
After a few tugs, Shikamaru finally navigates out of Kakashi's neck hold. "That'll mean the wall will have to come down complete for room to expand."
Kakashi nods. "The village planners will figure out the logistics. I personally think having an Uchiha District will only highlight what it's supposed to be."
Sighing, the Nara folds the adjust in his hands. "I'll bring it up. Right now I have to meet up with Naruto in a few minutes. Should I leave the plans with you, Hokage-sama?"
"Give them to Itachi, "Kakashi informs. "He knows the place better than anyone. Since he's come up with this brilliant idea, I think he should take more of a leader in the organization."
"Fair enough."
Shikamaru carefully rolls the blueprints and hands them off. With a halfhearted wave, he leaves the two in a few jumps across rooftops.
"Any thoughts so far?" Kakashi questions.
Itachi looks out over the expanse of blue waters. "I think this is an extensive project but worth the cost."
"I'm glad you've come around to this." Kakashi adds. "I trust that your other mission will also have favorable results?"
"You say it as if the decision is mine alone to make." Itachi challenges.
"Well," the other drawls, "I trust that the two of you will come up with the best possible solution, whatever that looks like."
Itachi remains quiet, staring ahead while taking in information.
Kakashi stretches arms above his head and takes a step back. "I'll leave you to think it over. Don't spend too long in this place than you have to."
Itachi looks over at him after the warning. "Hnn."
When Kakashi leaves, Itachi settles on the grass. One legs bends at the knee, an arm carefully draped over it. In his mind's eye he can see his younger self practicing his fireball jutsu. He sees himself an Izumi sharing dango on the deck. He seems him, Sasuke and his mother having a hastily put together picnic.
Closing his eyes, he rolls all of those pleasant memories into one. Soon, very soon, more people will have such memories and he will gladly give it to them.
Will I also be able to give memories like my father gave me?
Kakashi's question comes to mind. He and Sakura have only had one conversation about the mission since it was given. In that time, Sakura's opinion hadn't changed from that day in the Hokage Tower.
I would not force her. We must reach a conclusion together.
Tilting his chin towards the sky, Itachi goes through scenarios. What would he do if Sakura still refused? Was his feelings the same as hers? The makings of a frown tugged at his lips.
I am not so wholeheartedly opposed to the idea as her. Should I be?
Sakura accused him of not responding appropriately. At the time, his indignation was more so for her than himself. Taking a wide view, he did not truly consider himself in that moment. The fact that his partner insisted he should reforces what Izumi whispered to him days ago. Had he does something to make this choice himself?
I would not say that I am being selfish. It was the Elders who inquired. I only have on reason to disagree and that reason is Sakura.
It is a big enough reason considering she was chosen to carry out the mission with him. Kakashi had mentioned time and Itachi understood the specifics of his thinking. His reasoning precluded Itachi's ability to choose. If he was to be the progenitor of a Clan that could protect the village in the future, then all possible resources must be considered.
Be it Sakura or another, restoring the Clan is something I would be willing to do for the Village's sake. I would love them regardless. I would give them all the things I had and more.
Itachi stays in him thoughts a moment longer before letting it all go. As he'd said before, the decision is not his alone. Sakura has a choice as well.
Pulling himself up, he takes his leave, closing and locking the gate before heading home.
It's late into the night when Itachi hears the low strain of the front door opening followed by the soft click of it closing.
Sakura is home.
His hand stops. The brush catches midway through the descent down his hair. Itachi holds perfectly still as he listens for movement. The events early today brought one half of his new life into some perspective. Would tonight also grant him kindness?
If she will not avoid me.
A chuckle seeps through dark in its overtones, laced with disbelief and the helplessness that fate brings. There is no getting Sakura to do anything. Either she will or she won't. As of the last few weeks, her answer to the mission Kakashi proposed was a resounding no. So the outcome of this mission rests solely on him.
In some weird sense, he's back where he left his former life. Back at the crosses of Village and Clan. Tradition and duty. What needs to be done for the good of the Konoha or what needs to be done for Sakura's sake.
Dark eyes close at thoughts that's pressured him in the days following their meeting with Kakashi. Itachi resumes his hair brushing as he ruminates. The duality of task gives him focus, for he is on the brink of making a different choice now. A choice he knows will yield unfavor consequences in the form of Sakura's wrath and uncooperation. But he will weather it in favor of answers. Her answers will give him more information and that information will give some clue as to how he should proceed in this whole mess.
Two weeks, in his opinion, is long enough to wait.
Debating momentarily if it would be better to meet her downstairs or wait until she comes up. As it stands, Sakura hasn't even made it to the stairs, leading Itachi to believe she is either stalling or has decided to sleep on the sofa again.
The Uchiha leans towards the latter for a moment or two before his wife proves him wrong.
Steady footsteps approach, aggravating the wooden stairs causing them to creak slightly. Dark eyes slide open to watch the bedroom door impassively but not unmoved. Sakura's ascent promises an encounter though the outcome is up for debate.
Her steps slow, coming seconds apart before stopping completely. There's an audible pause.
The squeak of the bathroom door catches his ear.
A muffled noise follows.
Itachi hums, looking away from the door back towards the mirror. It would seem his partner is aware that he is not asleep.
What will you do now, Sakura?
The bathroom door closes. Walking cease. The house goes silent once more.
Itachi grunts in disapproval.
His disappointment shows in a prominent frown.
The night is already off to a terrible start and they have yet to have a conversation. If her current actions are any indication, not only will it be a terrible one but also extremely long.
Itachi resumes his bedtime routine, facing the mirror standing catty corner in the room. He runs a brush through his freshly washed hair several more times, detangling any knots that may have formed in the bath. When he is sure his hair is tangle-free and dry enough where it won't drip, Itachi goes to sit on his side of the bed.
Placing his feet flat on the floor, hands rest on his knees. Itachi straightens, closes his eyes and settles into his seat. It's not his normal practice to mediate this close to bedtime. But there is no harm in counting breaths while he waits for his hair to dry. No harm in making Sakura believe she can waste time until he is sleeping.
Itachi inhales, familiarizes himself with the noises of his bedroom. Waits for a long as she allows until the sound of the bathroom door makes his ears twitch. Seconds after, the bedroom door opens as well.
Thump! Thud!
Sakura's bags toss to the ground. She says nothing as she moves about the room. Itachi keeps his eyes closed, listening to the way the dresser drawers slide open. The barely restrained tension in how she closes them. The forcefulness in her steps as she exits the room once more only to return a minute later, in what he assumes is a change of clothes. Surprising, as Itachi though she would have showered but her rush to get ready for bed only signals one thing:
Don't talk to me.
He's picked up the signs, read her signals. Sakura starts to fiddle with her hair, pulling her long pink locks upward from the sound of it. If he has to guess, her face is probably fixed into a concentrated stare, one intently trying to avoid him.
I will do this the hard way, if you make me.He thinks.
It would not be the first time he's forced a confrontation. In the years since this mission, Itachi has forced plenty. So he is prepared for her retaliation but Sakura also seems to think things will change and that he will give in.
That never happens
"Sakura."
Itachi's voice breaks the audible silence, slicing the tension, cutting through the mental roadblocks she's tried to set with warning signals.
Because Itachi needs answers now and he's given her space to do whatever she felt needed to be done to come to terms with this mission.
His wife says nothing. Does nothing from what he can tell. Itachi knows she can hear him. He also knows that she knows that he can do much better with silence than she can.
"Sakura," he calls again, this time turning his head to watch her hurriedly ball up her hair at the top of her head.
Sakura pulls open a small drawer, retrieving a hair tie and attempts to secure the mess in one place.
The hair tie pops with a loud smack against her wrist.
She goes for another, rummage through the drawer once again.
Itachi stands, withholding an eye roll at the unnecessary force with which she flings and flicks things around in the drawer. He starts his approach. Sakura's shoulders tense but she doesn't turn around.
It's going to pop as well.He thinks once she finds another.
Sure enough, the moment Sakura tries to pull it around her pile of hair, the rubber accessory gives under her strength.
"Damn it!" Sakura exclaimed, letting her hair drop to its natural state just passed her shoulders.
Itachi watches as she sidesteps him, going for a taller container next to the dresser with more hair products. His eyes watch the pink mess, noting that it was probably still dirty. A stark difference to his currently cleaned a freshly brushed locks.
He'd heard rumors from civilians and shinobi alike that, prior to becoming a chunin, Sakura had a strict hair care regimen and lush, long flowy locks that sweep almost to her lower back. Apparently this was all done to impress Sasuke.
Itachi resists another grin at the way she handles her hair with such reckless abandon. What other sign would fate highlight to laugh at him?
She has no desire to impress me.
Not that he is asking her or wanting it. The fact is, everything Sakura is and is not reminds him of his brother in ways he thought he'd conquered. Itachi has no shadow of doubt that Sakura would not twist her hair as she is doing now or and yank it up like that if Sasuke were around to see it.
But he is not. Now is not the time to reminisce.
Itachi moves into her peripheral, on the side nearest to the door in case he needs to block an escape. Prepared for the worse, he states his objectives for being awake.
"We need to talk, Sakura."
Sakura furrows her brows, frowning as she finds a red band of cloth to wrap around her hair. She says nothing, still, the only indication that she can hear him is the even more pronounced frown. Itachi is nothing if not persistent and he slides hands into his pocket, non threatening and continues.
Voice even, he says what he is after. "I want to know your thoughts on the mission Kakashi presented to us."
Immediately Sakura turns to, glaring fiercely as she finishes her hair tie. Itachi is sure she will not answer, but Sakura has always been full of surprises.
Sarcastically she counters, "You want to talk now? This late at night, you want to talk?"
"Shikamaru, Kakashi and I went to the Uchiha Compound today." he supplies. "This was the first time I've been back since returning to the village. It has me thinking of many things."
His words seem to crack her armor. Sakura looks away from him a moment then sighs. Turning to him fully on to him, she leans against the vanity and crosses her arms. "Thinking about things like what?"
Itachi takes the invitation for dialogue. "Tell me your thoughts on the mission."
"You know how I feel, Itachi. The only person withholding information here is you."
Here words weren't false. Itachi did not disclose his inner turmoil to her. "There were many things to consider, Sakura. As I've said, there are positives on both sides."
The pinkette regards the ground steadily. Itachi gives her time to think. Seconds later, she bites her lip and looks at a neighboring wall. "What side have you chosen then?"
He half shrugs. "I am not opposed to the idea of restoring the Clan."
An airy chuckle escapes her. Sakura pushes off the table and walks towards the door where he loiters near.
"Then restore the Clan, Itachi." she tells him. "But do it on your own terms. You don't need a mission to have a life."
Itachi keeps his gaze ahead, looking at the parallel wall in the room even though Sakura stands right next to him facing the opposite direction.
"This is your choice?"
"My choice is no. But we are partners right?" her head tilts his way and he nods. "Then that's cause enough for me to find a way hat we can both be happy with."
Her answer is more unexpected than he anticipated, leaving him with a small hope for cooperation. Because, up until this point, Sakura has only said no. But it seems the time away has given her a different perspective.
"Your choice it to help...in your own way." he assumes.
Sakura inhales deeply and when she speaks her voice is determined. "I haven't found a solution yet, Itachi, but I will! And when I do, I'll give hope to everyone. The village. Me. And you...if that's what you want."
For the moment, Itachi allows himself to believe her.
"I do." Itachi admits.
She turns her face to him and he lets his eyes rest on her. They hold that way for several seconds before she looks off down the hallway.
"Did you need anything else?" she asks.
"No, Sakura. I have everything that I need now."
Sakura gives a curt nod. Itachi lets her go, knowing that one can't make Sakura do or not do something. But if she has determined herself to get it done…
Then there is hope.
A/N:
Holy Cannoli that was long! However, it did not take me two months to finish this one! I hope you all like the chapter. Let me know your thoughts on Sakura and Itachi's...life and resolutions and causes lol.
I look foward to hearing from you as I am sure you look forward to the same from me!
Word Count: 13,129
Musical Inspiration: "Grow As We Go.'- Ben Platt, 'Flightless Bird, American Mouth'- Iron and Wine, 'Run' and 'No Plan'- Hoizer
-CeCe ^^