I can't help myself

I spend the afternoons

Thinking about you

Honey I'm twisted

I got a question

Do you think about me too?

Tell me if you do

-Majid Jordan "You"

"What did you say teme?!"

"You heard me dobe."

"Say it again you bastard!"

"Enough!"

Sakura sighed and massaged her forehead, knowing that a headache would appear any second now. It was half past five o'clock in the morning. The sun was not out yet. It was cold. Konoha was still covered in snow – more snow was expected me to fall later in the day. Her two boys were bickering. And their sensei was late.

"But Sakura-chan, teme started it."

Even with her eyes closed, she could sense her blonde-haired teammate pout and the annoyed Uchiha cross his arms. At least they were not bickering now. The three young members of team seven were waiting for their sensei to arrive at their customary bridge meeting spot. A shiver ran down Sakura's spine. It was too cold. The Fire Country was usually spoiled with moderate winters but not this year.

The three Jonin had received a message from Kakashi for a meeting early in the morning. It was rather rare for their silver haired sensei to call an impromptu meeting early in the morning after the three students were no longer chunin. Even though team seven was one of the few teams that stayed together after becoming Jonin, it was becoming less frequent the teammates would spend time together going on missions or training.

Sakura looked at her two teammates with a faint smile. Sasuke had come back from a solo mission a couple days ago – completely confidential and he refused to divulge information, partly to annoy Naruto. Naruto was traveling to Suna later in the week for a diplomatic mission – he was to discuss Konoha's plan the coming chunin exams since he had strong a strong relationship with Gaara. Sakura herself was busy managing the hospital and teaching courses at the medical school as well as assisting as a medic-nin on various teams when necessary.

"Yo."

"You're late!" both Naruto and Sakura yelled in unison while pointing accusingly as Sasuke tried to conceal his irritation but failed miserably.

"So accusing," Kakashi muttered as he waived his hands in defeat.

"What's you excuse this time?" Naruto asked with his arms crossed, waiting for an absurd excuse.

"I have recommended you three for ANBU."

"Huh?" Naruto nearly lost his stepping at the straight forth answer and looked dumbfounded at Kakashi.

Sakura gasped. "What?" She did not know what to be more stunned by – Kakashi-sensei not making up an excuse or his actual answer. "I don't understand Kakashi-sensei." She was expecting another colorful excuse or even a mission request. To be formally recommended for ANBU was the last thing on Sakura's mind.

"I have recommended the three of you for ANBU," Kakashi repeated. Kakashi gazed at his three former students who were clearly taken aback. He smiled through his mask. "I thought I would get happier reactions from the three of you. Maybe I should rescind my recommendation."

"What? NO way!" A huge smile crept up on Naruto's face. He quickly turned to face his other two teammates "Did you hear that? We're going to be ANBU!" He beamed at Sakura and Sasuke.

"We haven't even formally applied dobe."

"Don't be so negative teme!" Naruto now pointed an accusing finger at Sasuke, who tried hard to be nonchalant but specks of elation slipped through his faint smirk.

"Hn."

The ex-ANBU member smiled at his three students. Somehow they made it – through their bickering and mishaps, lessons and missions. He was proud of each member of the team. Naruto had learned to think before he acted. He was glue that kept the team together with his Will of Fire. Sasuke had learned to value the meaning of teamwork. He appreciated the meaning of being a teammate probably more so than his other two teammates. Sakura had learned to be independent. She learned to walk on her own two feet and not accept defeat. He was proud to watch them grow into strong shinobi. He was proud to be their sensei.

"I have recommended you three as a team. Sakura, you have also been formally requested to join another ANBU team. If you decide to accept the invitation to apply to ANBU and get accepted, you will have to decide which team to join, granted if all three of you get accepted."

Team seven's mini celebration came to a halt. "What do you mean another team? Sakura-chan's our teammate."

All eyes fell on Sakura who blinked with confusion. Requested on another team? Who would request her… it must be Itachi's team eleven. Although she occasionally was requested by other ANBU teams on missions, she spent most of her time on Itachi's team. Itachi did not mention that he officially requested her on his team. Was he even allowed to? Sakura pondered on the technicalities. Joining ANBU was rather mysterious process. She knew that all potential recruits had to be recommended by current or past ANBU members to even be considered.

"You're not going to really join another team, right Sakura-chan?"

Naruto's question broke Sakura out of her chain of thoughts. "Of course not! I'm part of team seven." Her answer satisfied Naruto's concern as a smile broke out on his face again. She looked at Kakashi. "Kakashi-sensei, are you planning on returning to the ANBU?"

Pairs of cerulean, onyx, and emerald eyes fell upon the silver haired man. "Astute as ever Sakura-chan," Kakashi beamed as he scuffled Sakura's hair. "No I do not plan on rejoining ANBU. If you three are to be accepted, you would have another team captain."

It was hard to conceal team seven's disappoint on Kakashi's statement. "But Kakashi-sensei, how cool would it be if team seven officially came together as ANBU." Naruto pouted. He had been hoping to for team seven to officially reassemble and saw this as the perfect opportunity. "You better not be taking another genin team," Naruto warned.

"Don't worry Naruto, I am not taking another genin team." Kakashi sighed dramatically. "My last genin team ended up being a big disappointment."

"What! We're the best thing that ever happened to you!" Naruto countered.

"I have to get back to the Uchiha compound," Sasuke stated as he nodded goodbye to his teammates and sensei.

On cue, Kakashi puffed out of sight as Sakura headed to the hospital. Naruto continued pouting as his team disappeared just as they got together.

Sakura made her way to the hospital. Her thoughts wandered back to the meeting with team seven on the bridge. When Naruto, Sasuke, and her were chunin they would always exclaim that the three would make their way up to ANBU together. It was rare for a team to stay together from genin to jonin let alone to ANBU but the team seven was determined. Team Guy had done it, there was no reason that team seven could not do it. She should be feeling more excited. But her excitement was partly concealed by faint feeling of gloom.

She was sure that it was Itachi who had recommended her to his team. She would ultimately have to choose between his team and team seven. Sakura internally chided herself. She would only have to choose if she was accepted as an official ANBU member. She was getting ahead of herself. She did not even know what would happen after being recommended to join to elite task force. The whole process was so secretive – and for good reason. The ANBU only accepted the best shinobi.

Her thoughts went back to team eleven. Missions with them were brutal for good reason. They were arguably one of the top performing teams in Konoha, it was only normal for them to only be assigned the most difficult missions. Even though Sakura knew there was a talent gap between her and the rest of the members, team eleven had accepted her as a teammate. She learned from each of the members and rather grew fond of them. But she knew, at the end of the day, she would not be able to choose team eleven. She would always choose team seven over any other team. Naruto and Sasuke were her family since the creation of team seven.

And then there was Tsunade's recommendation to join hunter-nin. She had not even mentioned becoming a hunter-nin to anyone other than Itachi, who, to her surprise, looked rather displeased when she did inquire about the group. She would have to talk to Tsunade later about hunter-nin. She knew as much about this organization as she did ANBU's application process.

Sakura huffed in confusion, as she found herself in front of the hospital. She quickly made her way to her office and plopped down on her chair. Maybe she should ask Itachi about ANBU. He had been in the organization for years. Something in her chest tightened at the thought of the dark-haired shinobi. She had not seen him for a couple of days. Unbeknownst to her, a small frown graced her face.

The last time she saw him was during their 'date' at Iro's. At least, the medic-nin saw it as a date. He was the perfect blend of warm and cold, gentle and strong, intense and indifferent. Butterflies roamed her stomach and a small blush spread across her cheeks as thought of his body pressed against hers that night. She could still feel all his muscles. He was well sculpted after years of training and battle. Itachi was a creature sent from Kami to taunt her.

The idea of being physically wrapped around a dangerous shinobi sent a wave of excitement through her body. Ironically, she never felt more protected in her life than when she was in his arms - the same arms that killed hundreds of people. His hands which were responsible for death were gently running her hair until her fell asleep. His usual passive demeanor was gentle and caring. It was a side of Itachi that Sakura had rarely seen. If only they were wearing a little less clothing and doing a little more than sleeping.

"Sakura."

A deep voice broke her out of her train of thoughts. The same dark eyes from her thoughts pierced through her emerald eyes. The same wave of excitement ripped through her body again. The lightness his eyes displayed a few days ago when they fell asleep together were nowhere to be found.

"Itachi."

Sakura hoped her voice sounded sure and commanding but only came out as a whisper. She was too hypnotized by the Uchiha to mentally scold herself for sounding uncharacteristically unsure.

His dark eyes did not reveal anything. His face did not reveal anything. Itachi looked like the perfect shinobi. He stood across the room by her window. His stance was firm and assertive. He looked like a vulture ready to pounce on its prey. She would willingly be his prey. Heat raised to her cheeks at the thought.

"I am leaving for a mission." He did not further explain.

His cool tone broke Sakura from her thoughts, bringing her a second of brief relief before her betraying eyes trailed down his form. He was wearing the typical ANBU gear with a cloak. Dangerous. He looked menacing. His look lived up to his feared reputation. Her eyes trailed further south. His right hand was peeking through his cloak. Emerald eyes focused on a dark, freshly looking bruise.

"Your hand is bruised."

Without a second thought, Sakura appeared in front of Itachi and grasped his hand and started healing it. Her eyes did not leave the soft green glow of her healing chakra. If she looked at him, Sakura knew that she would lose all concentration. She could feel Itachi's gaze on her. She refused to look unnerved. She was focused. At least she hoped looked focused.

Sakura could smell the familiar scent of rainwater and her earlier thoughts of his body wrapped around hers filled her mind again. She hoped Itachi did not notice her green chakra falter. Sakura internally slapped her forehead. Of course he noticed, he was Itachi after all. Since when did Itachi have such influence over her.

This was her first mistake. She closed the distance between them. Sakura was close enough to feel his body heat through his parted cloak. Normally, she would be two steps away from any patient she was healing but her body suddenly decided to react differently around Uchiha heir. She did not notice the bruise on his hand disappear, and continued to pump healing chakra for another minute. Itachi did not stop her.

"There, your hand's perfect," Sakura beamed as if she came first place in a race.

Her eyes locked with Itachi's eyes. His face continued to reveal nothing. This was her second mistake. His Sharingan was activated and the tomoes' were spinning lazily in circles, recording her every move. When did he activate it. Did he notice how her heart was beating erratically. Dis his Sharingan pick up on her hitched breathing. With some miracle, Sakura manage to notice his activated eyes gaze down to her lips before slowing making their way back to her eyes. Sakura subconsciously bit her lower lip, this time completely oblivious to how red eyes settled on her lips again.

She opened her mouth but quickly closed it. The small act did not pass Itachi's watch as he remained in place. A small smile crept on Sakura face. "Be safe."

He nodded, clearly unconvinced Sakura relied her whole message. His eyes warmed for a brief second before disappearing in sight, leaving Sakura to release the breath she did not know she was holding in. She let her body lean against the wall for support as she felt her treacherous knees suddenly lose their strength.

Sakura huffed. She wanted Itachi in front of her again, wanting to feel his body heat again. She wanted him to wrap his arms around her again and make her feel safe. She wanted to him to twirling her pink locks through his fingers. And now, she wanted his arms to push her against a wall or a bed or a table and fulfill her other desires that were suddenly awakening. She wanted him to pull her hair and make her scream his –

Sakura groaned as she hid her face in her hands at the direction of her thoughts.

Sakura wanted him.

A small blush formed across her cheeks again.

The rest of the week went painfully slow. Sakura went in and out of her growing hot thoughts about dark-haired nin. He did not say how long his mission was but doubt he would tell her even if she had asked. Genma was still in the hospital.

She had spent most of her time with team seven and at the hospital. Naruto was beaming at the prospects of becoming ANBU. Sasuke on the other hand, although who was proud, seemed hesitant. Years of knowing the brooding Uchiha, Sakura could tell when something was off with her dark-haired teammate. She had brushed it off as normal Sasuke mood swings but something did not feel right about his behavior.

Sakura walked into a patient room to find her silver-haired sensei. A smile naturally formed. "Kakashi-sensei," Sakura beamed.

"Sakura-chan." Sakura could see his smile through his mask and the wrinkles in the corners of his eyes. "You see I was helping Pakkun –"

"Don't even try to explain." Sakura huffed at Kakashi's attempt for an excuse. She had stopped asking for explanations two years ago. It continued to amaze her at her sensei creative ability to come up with new excuses. He should become a writer. Maybe he should join Jiraiya's – Sakura stopped her thoughts. There was no way she would let her sensei co-author those inappropriate books.

"Kakashi-sensei, I have a question about ANBU."

"I'm not your sensei anymore Sakura-chan."

Sakura ignored her sensei's statement. "How does the ANBU application process work. They never taught us about it in the Academy and no one really talks about it. Is it like the chunin exams? Or do you just get promoted like jonin?"

Kakashi smiled at his pink-haired former student. She was always the smartest. "After you get recommended, the ANBU will reach out to you."

Sakura tilted her head. "They haven't reached out to me yet." Did the ANBU forget about her and just flat out rejected her.

"It is different for each candidate."

That made sense. Genin's were expected to train across all areas – genjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu. As they raised through the ranks, many shinobi started specializing in an area, usually their strengths. Ino started focusing on interrogation after being promoted to chunin due to her family's mind control techniques. Ino's skill sets were different from hers. It made sense that ANBU would approach each candidate differently.

Sakura narrowed her eyes at her sensei. "That reveals nothing."

Kakashi shrugged his shoulders. Sakura was smart, would the ANBU test her intelligence through a paper exam. Probably not. Maybe they would go easy on her. She had assisted on multiple ANBU missions before. The organization knew who she was and what her capabilities consisted of. She clearly remembered Tsunade stating that ANBU were short on medic-nin. That did give her a better chance of being accepted.

Suddenly in a serious tone, Kakashi's voice brought Sakura's attention back to him. "You should not be on a team with someone you are seeing."

"What does that mean?"

Kakashi remained silent. Sakura knew what he meant. He was warning her that she should not be on the same team with Itachi. What did he know about her and Itachi. Sakura sighed. Kakashi always knew everything.

But Sakura poached her sensei into giving an answer anyway. "I don't understand."

"Relationships between teammates is highly frowned upon in the ANBU," Kakashi explained.

"I'm not in a relationship," Sakura countered as she crossed her arms. It was the truth after all. She was single as the number one.

A faint smile was seen through Kakashi's mask. "I know Sakura-chan." He scuffled her hair like she was still twelve. "You plan on dying single. I remember you saying that last month."

"What?!" Sakura pouted at her sensei's teasing. He was using her own words against her. "I do not plan on dying single!"

His customary eye wrinkle appeared. "Whatever you say Sakura-chan."

Sakura's eye twitched. She should stop healing her sensei. She was clearly single. A part of her, however, did not want to be single. Her thoughts of a certain Uchiha clearly proved she was done being a single. Thoughts that would haunt her in the most inappropriate places, which included OR rooms and meetings with the hokage.

Relationships were generally frowned between genin and chunin teammates but not officially prohibited. Sakura continued to ponder. Being in a relationship with Itachi could possibly jeopardize her chances of joining the elite organization or affect Itachi's place within the organization. That was the last things Sakura wanted for Itachi and herself.

"Would it negatively affect my application?" Sakura asked. Not caring about denying the possibility of a relationship.

Kakashi paused before answering. "It might."

Sakura averted her eyes downward at his honesty. This was the answer she did not know she was dreading. "But there are many ANBU who date each other."

"Really?" Sakura's could not control how fast her face brightened.

"It does make it easier for the individuals. They understand the line of work."

Dating as a shinobi was hard. Many of the shinobi she knew dated each other. Ino and Shikamaru were a perfect example of. Although, Sakura did know a few shinobi and civilian relationships. They were rare and infrequent, but were possible. Itachi was not a civilian though. She understood that he was shinobi and served the village. She knew that the village was always his first priority. She learned that through his numerous missions and their interactions. He put the village before he put his own health and wellbeing. His love and sense of duty to Konoha was one of the many things that Sakura found attractive. And his hands of course. Those hands that were capable of doing many things.

Kakashi broke her train of thought again, his voice serious again. "It is not his place within ANBU that you should be concerned about."

Sakura tilted her head in confusion again. His serious expression was quickly replaced with a cheery disposition.

"You're a smart girl Sakura-chan. I know you will be careful and make the best choice for you." Kakashi scuffled her haired again as Sakura protested with another pout. This was probably Kakashi's way of avoiding responsibility if he gave her the wrong advice. Kakashi never gave bad advice, but then again, his advice was often vague and not straight forward.

It was almost two weeks since Itachi left for his mission. Genma just got released from the hospital. His injuries were still severe and had a long way to go before he could move around freely. Tsunade had enough of his complaining and only released him because Shizune agreed to personally take care of Genma. Sakura sighed. From a medical perspective, Genma would no longer be able to function at hundred percent. His injuries from his battle with Hidan were so severe it permanently altered his chakra system.

He would not be happy. Any shinobi would not be happy if they were in his shoes. Sakura was doubtful he would be able to return to ANBU. It was a message that she hoped she did not have to deliver, but prayed that his coming physical therapy would be able to prevent him from leaving the organization.

Sakura plopped down on a stool at Ichiraku, waiting for her two boys to show up. Naruto had returned from Suna earlier in the day and demanded that team seven go get ramen.

"Sakura-chan!" A cheerful voice broke the silence.

Naruto walked in with Sasuke right behind his trail. His tan skin was proof of his journey to the Sand Nation. She felt drastically pale compared to the boisterous blonde. Maybe she should request a mission to Suna. She smiled at her teammates. Naruto sat right to her and Sasuke sat on Naruto's other side. Their ramen was instantly brought out. Teuchi had team seven's orders memorized.

"Did you receive a scroll from ANBU? I got one last night." Naruto started chattering. Naruto's infectiousness chatter always brought a smile to Sakura's face. It was too hard to remain solemn around his genuine brightness. Naruto could get away with anything with his charming personality, well, almost anything.

"Remember to chew Naruto!" Sakura chided as Naruto slurped the remaining contents in his bowl before demanding another bowl.

Throughout their conversation, Sakura noticed Sasuke's quiet demeanor. Sasuke was not the most talkative individual but he usually was more animated than his current self. He played around with his ramen bowl and did not argue back and forth with the loud blonde. Something was off. Something had been off for a while.

"So Sakura-chan, you're not going to join Itachi-teme's team right?"

Sakura blinked as the conversation directed towards her. Two pairs of eyes waited for her answer.

"Of course not! Plus, I don't even know if it was Itachi that requested me. It would be arrogant for me to assume he did."

Her answer did not satiate her two teammates. They continued to bore their eyes into hers, probing for a better answer.

"I want us to join ANBU together, as team seven," Sakura insisted. That was the truth. "It was our goal when we were younger, remember?" Sakura flashed a smile. Even though team seven struggled in the beginning, their bond as teammates only grew stronger throughout the years. They were probably the closest team on Konoha's roster.

Her answer was enough for Naruto who smiled back at her and turned his attention back to his ramen. Sasuke, however, did not seem content. He probed for a better answer before bringing his attention back to his food.

"Good. You can't join that Uchiha's team."

"Don't insult my brother dobe."

"Whatever you say teme."

After another hour of Naruto's incessant chatter, the team dispersed. Sakura however followed Sasuke. She wanted to make sure everything was ok.

"Sasuke! Wait up!" Sakura caught up with Sasuke.

She wondered when Sasuke became so tall. It felt like just yesterday that she was the tallest member of team seven not including Kakashi-sensei. Sasuke halted his steps and looked over his shoulder. His hands were in his pockets and his nonchalant demeanor oozed of the calmness that every Uchiha seemed to possess.

"Is everything ok Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked with concerned filled eyes. She was determined to find out what was wrong.

Sasuke closed his eyes and continued walking. "Hn."

"That's not an answer Sasuke!" Sakura exclaimed as she continued following after him. She knew that if she pestered him enough, he would relent. Consistency. That was the secret about Sasuke. You had to consistently bother him to get him to do something. Sasuke was a man of low patience, and enough pestering would eventually get him to act.

The two engaged in a silent walk. Sakura following Sasuke inattentively and Sasuke ignoring Sakura presence. She did not focus on anything but keeping up with his long strides. There was no way that he would out walk her. Her strides were shorter but her will was stronger. She would follow Sasuke right to edge of world if that's what it took.

"The clan is demanding more responsibility."

Sakura blinked at Sasuke's sudden answer. She did not expect that answer.

"Of you? Why didn't you just say that Sasuke," Sakura babbled. "I thought something was seriously wrong. You really had me scared for a moment. You were acting all distant and moody again. I want you to be able to tell me anything, even if it's clan stuff. I might not totally understand all of your clan's responsibility but I'm–"

"Not of me, Sakura, of Itachi," Sasuke interjected before Sakura could continue. "The clan is demanding more from him."

His answer was enough to make Sakura shut her mouth and stop walking. She knew Itachi had a lot of responsibility, from ANBU to his clan to the Sandaime himself. Hearing the words from Sasuke made her reconsider how much weight was actually on Itachi's shoulders. Seeing how it affected Sasuke's mood made her heart clench. Even though Sasuke was no longer the five-year-old who ran after his older brother and verbally exclaimed he was the coolest shinobi in the world, Sasuke's love for Itachi was obvious.

"Is it that bad?" Sakura asked quietly as the two teammates continued walking.

"He goes on missions to avoid clan meetings." Sasuke's clenched his fist. "The elders are getting more restless."

Sasuke rarely talked about his clan's politics. If he did, he rarely said anything negative or anything that could be considered as frustration. He usually brushed off his tasks for his clan as trivial. It was normal for him to have clan responsibilities – he was the second son of the head family of this Uchiha clan. Sakura's heart almost melted at Sasuke's protectiveness of Itachi and vice versa. The two brothers' bond with each other almost made her jealous that she was an only child.

"He can't keep going on like this," Sasuke muttered.

Sakura looked downcast. That was exactly what she told Ino months ago when she was trying to convince the Yamanaka to fail Itachi's psyche exam. She agreed with Sasuke. Itachi could not go on like this. His health was taking a turn for the worst and he would never ask for a break. Sasuke had noticed this as well and by the sound of his voice, was displeased with the way his aniki pushed himself.

"What is your relationship with him?"

The sudden question made Sakura stop in her track again. Sasuke was not man of subtleties. In fact, he was probably the most straight forward person she knew. This was a question that plagued her mind for the past two weeks. She had no idea what their relationship was. He was her taichou, her best friend's aniki, and a fellow comrade. Kakashi's subtle warning about a relationship with Itachi replayed in Sakura's mind.

"I have no idea."

Although not pleased with her answer, Sasuke seemed to accept it and did not further investigate for better explanation. He knew Sakura and he knew his aniki. He trusted them both. But curiosity got the better of him.

"Do you want a relationship with him?"

Sakura stopped in her tracks for the third time. A relationship with Itachi? She was attracted to the older Uchiha – there was no doubt about that. She was extremely attracted to the older Uchiha. But an actual relationship. It would be dishonest to say that the thought never crossed her mind. She wondered what it would be like to call Itachi her boyfriend, to hold his hand when walking down the street, to wake up to him every morning.

She never had a boyfriend before. Sure, she went on dates occasionally, often when Ino set her up on a blind date. But never did she have any feelings for those guys. Sasuke was probably the last guy she had a crush on and her feelings towards her teammate evolved to a sibling-like relationship. Itachi was the first person with the ability to bring butterflies in her stomach with one look. Sakura wondered where Itachi was right now on his mission. For all she knew he was half way across the world engaged in some battle.

"I don't know," Sakura answered honestly again. She knew the answer was not enough for Sasuke but she could not offer more insight until she got her feelings in order. She was attracted to Itachi, but the thought of an actual relationship was getting way to ahead of herself. She was not even sure Itachi felt the same way.

Her apartment came into view. She did not realize that Sasuke was leading the way to her home. She smiled up at him. "Thanks for walking me home, Sasuke." He nodded goodbye as Sakura made her way inside her apartment. She took in everything Sasuke said, but stopped herself from over thinking. She had a long day at the hospital and several important meetings tomorrow.

This was the first time that Sakura sat in on meeting with the Sandaime and other high ranked officials without Tsunade present. Tsunade and Shizune were currently on a medical diplomatic mission. It was no secret Konoha was had one of the best if not the best medical facilities in the world. Tsunade, and Sakura after garnering a reputation of her own, would occasionally be sent to other nations and hidden villages to strengthen ties and increase Konoha's stature. It was one of the more successful ways Konoha built relationships with other nations.

Sakura looked around the room. Everyone was standing in the hokage's office. The Sandaime was staring out the large window, his back turned to everyone in the room. There were heads of departments. Some Sakura knew, others Sakura never met before. Notably absent from the room were the three Konoha council members. Sakura wondered if that was on purpose.

They were discussing the coming chunin exams which were taking place in Kirigakure in the coming five weeks. Initially, there were many protests concerning the exams taking place in Kiri, as many still referred Kiri as the Village of the Bloody Mist. Feelings of distrust against Kiri were still strong among many shinobis within Konoha. Kiri had sided against Konoha during the Third Shinobi Wars and many older Konoha nin had not forgiven Kiri. The Third Shinobi War had completely destroyed the village and Konoha had been hesitant to help Kiri rebuild.

The fifth Mizukage had drastically turned the village around since their bloody days. They had refused to participate in the chunin exams when Sakura partook it several years ago citing that they still had more things to reform. This was their first time hosting the exams. Even though many were dubious at first, the Mizukage had convinced the other kages and officials for Kiri to host. It was their initiation back into the shinobi world after years of turmoil and unrest.

Sakura had not gone back to Kiri since team seven's first mission. Images of Zabuza Monochi and Haku were still strong in Sakura's head. Her first mission outside of Konoha, a simple C-ranked escort mission, had turned into a A-ranked mission. Sakura suffered from Tsunade's rotten luck before she even met the Sannin. It was not every day that genin participated in A-ranked missions. She was rather proud that team seven had successfully completed the mission. The pinkette vaguely remembered bragging to the irked Ino about it.

The five Kages were set meet during the chunin exams. This was the first Kage summit in over a decade to take place. To say this was an important meeting would be an understatement. The success of this summit would have lasting effects on the generation. Sakura understood the gravity of the meeting. She, however, underestimated the amount of planning that was taking place. Everything from security to food to living arrangements had to be planned out and approved ahead of time.

The Sandaime decided that in order to strengthen ties between Kiri and Konoha, they would bring their very best medics and help contribute to Kiri's growing medical presence. This was a token of good faith from Konoha. They had not helped out Kiri's reconstruction after the Third Shinobi War, and the Sandaime wanted to prove that Konoha was serious about reestablishing an alliance between the two hidden villages. Because of this, the Sandaime wanted to make sure that the medic team had everything it needed.

Tsunade was in charge of coordinating with Kiri on this front. With Tsunade out of the village, everything rested on Sakura's shoulders. Sakura had stared at Tsunade in disbelief when her shishou had informed her that she and Shizune would be leaving the village for a mission for several weeks. Tsunade had a knack for disappearing and leaving Sakura in charge of the hospital and other important medical assignments when the assignments became time-consuming. Sakura often pondered if Tsunade was ready to retire and travel the world.

"Sakura-san, can you please update us on the Kiri-Konoha Joint Medical Coalition?"

Sakura stepped forward and hoped her voice did not quiver with nervousness. She was only presenting for Konoha's top officials.

"I will be leaving Konoha two weeks prior to the start of the chunin exams. Tsunade-sama and Shizune-san will arrive one week before the start of the exams, allowing her the opportunity to decide on temporary leadership replacements for Konoha Hospital," Sakura explained. "A total of seven other medics, three medic-nin and four medical staff, will be joining us in the Kiri-Konoha Joint Medical Coalition. Upon my arrival, I will conduct a thorough assessment on Kiri's medical state. I will then share my evaluation with Tsunade-sama prior to her arrival so we can formulate a plan to strengthen Kiri's medical state."

Sakura paused as she took a quick glance around the room. Her prior nervousness was replaced with assurance.

"We will be bringing extra medical supplies. Sunagakure has agreed to help us on this coalition by sending medical supplies. Kumogakure has shown interest in providing medical supplies as well. We are in current talks with the medical staffs of Suna's and Kumo's in this effort to coordinate everything."

Sakura paused again. She could go in more detail about the medical coalition, however, she would be using medical terminology which she knew for sure would put the members in the room to sleep. "Everything is going according to plan. Kiri is showing great appreciation to our efforts on medical side."

Her update satisfied the members in the room, as the topic quickly changed to the travel itinerary. The meeting went on for another two hours. Each component of the coming trip to Kiri was discussed in detail. Suddenly Sakura did not blame Tsunade for leaving the village. These meetings were long and tedious. The members would reconvene in two weeks' time for another update on the travel procedures. Tsunade should be back by then Sakura mused.

"Good work Sakura," a slightly raspy voice broke her from her thoughts. "It has been an honor to watch you grow into a medic nin."

Sakura's eyes shot up to the Sandaime. She mirrored his smile. "Thank you hokage-sama." Sakura made her way out the room and to her office in the hospital with a wide grin on her face. The Sandaime had noticed her growth. It was nice to know that the hokage, who had grand responsibilities, would notice her evolution into a kunoichi.

With ample time on her hands, Sakura decided to continue working on the medical plans. She opened the scroll in front of her.

Sakura was still waiting for Kiri to send in their updated medical report and staff directory. The first part of Sakura assessment was to make sure Kiri had the right personnel. If they did not have right medical staff, furthering planning would be fruitless. She had to know the medical expertise and skills of every medical personnel.

The next part of her assessment would be a thorough inspection of Kiri's medical facilities and supplies. The Mizukage had done a fantastic job in the past few years on rebuilding Kiri's establishments, which of course included the hospital. Kiri had a relatively new hospital – which meant Sakura would not have to focus much on the facilities and rather on the personnel.

Knowing that medical training would most likely be her top priority, Sakura began to outline potential training courses. She knew she and Shizune would most likely be teaching the courses, as Tsunade would probably focus on the overall medical improvements.

Sakura was so deep in her task that she did not notice a foreign scroll that was placed on her desk. Only an hour later after resting her head on her table did she notice the strange scroll. Sakura quickly grabbed it and proceed to open it. She's seen scrolls like this. She would receive one whenever she assisted on ANBU missions.

'Haruno, Sakura. You have been accepted to move forth of the ANBU application. You will receive more information soon.'

Sakura squinted her eyes suspiciously. So vague. For a creature of detail, Sakura found the lack of information unnerving. She quickly burned the scroll – it was customary for all ANBU scrolls.

Glancing at the clock, Sakura decided to call it a day and go home. It was a rather mundane day filled with early morning rounds and meetings and tons of paperwork. She sighed. Maybe she should join Tsunade on her world travels. A nice vacation could be well-deserving for the young kunoichi. She grabbed her cloak, put on her gloves, and headed out.

It was snowing lightly. Weather experts believed this was going to be the last snow of the season. Sakura was always wary of the so-called weather experts. It was the one career where one could lie frequently and get away with it. The lanterns were illuminating the dark streets. Surprisingly, the streets were quite busy. There were grumpy genin assigned to clean the snow-covered streets. Sakura smiled at them. She once too was a genin assigned such tedious and boring tasks. There were a few street vendors selling hot foods and goodies. Couples walked down the streets with their hands intertwined.

Sakura smiled at the people. Sometimes she forgot how much she loved –

A cold pain engulfed Sakura's face as she fell backwards right on her butt. It took a few seconds for her to fully comprehend what happened.

"Oh lady! You were in the way!" an annoying voice called to her. Sakura's eyes immediately landed on a boy who looked no older than seven. He vaguely reminded her of a younger Naruto. The brat threw a snow ball at her head. And it was laced with chakra. No wonder it hurt so much. Pink eyebrows clenched together.

"You brat!" Sakura exclaimed. Before she could fully get up and show the kid how sorry she really was, he disappeared in crowd with his friends. Those kids were a danger to the public. She huffed in annoyance. Not only did her face hurt, but also her backside hurt.

Ready to stomp all the way to her apartment, Sakura stopped mid-stomp-a-tion and gazed to her right. His chakra. She felt his chakra.

Itachi was home.

Her eyes immediately found his. Her heart skipped two beats.

Itachi watched the whole scene play out in front of him. A distracted Sakura lost in her own thoughts was taken down by a snowfall. In her defense, it was laced with chakra. Itachi remembered Sasuke and Naruto throwing around chakra-laced snowballs when they were younger. They probably still engaged in such childish activities.

It was almost comical to watch her shock turn into confusion which turned into anger. Did she realize how expressive she was. His eyes trailed down to her legs which were peaking from her cloak. She was wearing that damn skirt again. His eyes turned extra dark as he felt heat rise in his chest. Itachi spiked his chakra a little, hoping that she would discover him. It took her a minute to realize that he was there.

She stopped in the middle of her stomping and immediately faced him. Her eyes were instantly on him. Itachi's dark eyes fell on her agape lips. A small smile crept onto her face as she rushed over to him. It always amazed him how his presence could make someone smile like that.

"Itachi." Her voice was melodic. "You're back."

She radiated warmth. "Did you just get back?" He nodded.

Her expert eyes trailed his body, looking for injuries. She was a true healer at heart. Her eyebrows clenched together with slight frustration. His cloak was covering most of his body, blinding her eyes from any injuries. He did not have many injuries, just a few bruises and cuts. If anything, he was suffering from slight chakra depletion. He had been traveling for the better part of the day with no breaks.

Sakura opened her mouth to complain no doubt but Itachi grabbed her body and quickly teleported them away from the cold. The sudden change of scenery brought the pinkette by surprise.

Itachi let Sakura go and he moved to take his cloak off. He placed it on the hook and removed his shoes. He observed Sakura looking around curiously before her eyes stopped on him.

"My apartment," Itachi smoothly explained.

Surprise filled her face again. "You have an apartment?"

"For several years."

She nodded in understanding. Sakura removed her cloak and boots and placed them beside Itachi's cloak and shoes. She was wearing a standard dark navy, long sleeve top with the fire symbol on the sleeve. And that skirt. Itachi clenched his jaw. At least she was wearing socks that came up to her knees.

"How come I don't know about your apartment?" Sakura asked she followed him into another room.

It was a simple apartment relatively close to all of Konoha's main buildings but still located in a rather quiet neighbor. He had bought this apartment when he became a ANBU captain. As tensions grew within the clan, and as Itachi decided to that avoidance was the best solution, he concluded that an apartment was necessary. He seldom stayed here. Mostly after coming back from missions at ungodly hours or rarely when he did not want to reside within the Uchiha compound.

"You are the first person I brought to this apartment."

It was true. Sakura was the first person he brought to this apartment. Although, at the very moment he did not know why he brought the pink-haired kunoichi. Shisui was the only other person who knew that he had an apartment, but Shisui did not know where it was located. It would not be difficult for his cousin to find it if Shisui was curious enough. Shisui, gratefully, respected Itachi's need for privacy.

"Oh." Itachi observed her surprised look. She looked to the side, breaking their eye contact. She was thinking again. Itachi did not like when she would vocalize her thoughts.

After a few seconds which seemed to last forever, emerald eyes made their way back to his dark ones. Sakura started walking towards him. Itachi thought of the last time she walked towards him in her office two weeks ago. "Let me see your injuries."

"I do not have any injuries."

She clearly did not believe him. She crossed her arms and pouted. Itachi knew that she would not move until she got what she wanted. He relented. Somewhere in the back on his mind, he scolded himself to how quickly he gave into her commands. Itachi took a step back and removed his vest and haphazardly threw it behind him. He lifted his shirt over his chest and dropped it to the ground. He was bare chested.

He noticed Sakura's breath hitch for a second before she closed the gap between them and brought her glowing green hands to his chest. A cool relief flowed throughout his torso. He felt her chakra run up to his neck and slowly down his arms. He would never admit how much he enjoyed this feeling. He saw his small bruises and cuts slowly disappear.

Sakura lifted her head looked up to him. Itachi stared down at her. She came up to his shoulders, as she was rather petite. Her healing chakra stopped flowing from her hands and they rested on his chest now. Even though she was wearing gloves, her touch sent fire down his system. Her emerald eyes were expressive as ever but showed an emotion that he had not seen in them before.

Desire.

Her lips parted again. She was playing with his self-control again as if it were her favorite pastime. He could take her right there. He wanted to. He wanted to for a while now.

"Sakura."

It was all he could manage to say without fearing what he would do to her next.

"Itachi." Her voice was slightly lower and filled with that damn word. Desire.

He took a step back. This would not be how he claimed her. If he ever got the chance. He made his way out of the living room and into his bedroom. Her presence was suffocating his senses. He had to remove himself from her presence. The medic-nin was clouding his judgement. His iron-clad self-restrain was in danger ever since Genma's Halloween party. Sakura was walking on the thin line that separated his sanity and insanity.

Itachi did not expect for Sakura to follow him into his bedroom.

Against his better judgement, he turned around and looked at the kunoichi. Sakura was breathtaking.

Her big expressive eyes were jaded with another foreign emotion. He watched her take a gulp of air and watched her chest heave up and down. A feeling of heat pooled in his stomach. She was in his bedroom, looking at him like she wanted him to push her against the wall and have his way with her. Did Sakura know what she was implying when walking into his bedroom. He doubted she did. She walked in on pure impulse.

He took a couple of steps backwards towards the bathroom in his room. He had just come back from a mission and after briefing the Sandaime on the mission outcome, Itachi planned on going back to his apartment for a shower. He had no intentions of going to back to the Uchiha compound this night.

"Join me."

Words were out of his mouth before his brain had a chance to interfere. It was him that was acting on impulse, disregarding any warning signs his logic was sending him. Itachi knew whatever relationship Sakura and he currently had would change in this very moment, regardless of what would happen. There was no going back, the words were already out.

Itachi was fully prepared for Sakura to deny him and quickly leave the apartment. He did not break their eye contact. He was studying Sakura form, looking for any signs of hesitation or change in mood. Her emerald eyes looked behind him, trying to understand what he meant. She paused for a long moment. She was going to turn around and leave. But to Itachi's surprise, Sakura took a step forward towards him. And then another step. Before either of them knew it, Sakura was right in front of the ANBU captain, their chests almost touching.

Emerald sinless eyes peaked up at him. With no hesitancy, Itachi closed the gap between their lips. Her lips were softer than he imagined. He moved his lips slow, continuing to give her many opportunities to pull back and leave. But slowly, her lips moved against his. She responded slowly, almost as if she was asking him for permission to continue.

He separated himself from her lips to take in her face. Sakura's cheeks were covered in a slight pink tone. Her eyes slowly opened. Their eye contact was heavy. A few moments passed, before Sakura closed the gap between them. This time, there was more conviction. She was not asking. She was answering. This kiss was not as light. This kiss demanded more. Itachi gave her more.

Itachi grabbed her waist. Sakura moaned at the sudden physical contact. He took this opportunity to slide his tongue inside her mouth. She tasted sweet. Perhaps too sweet. Sakura quickly responded with her own tongue, mirroring his growing urgency. Another moan escaped her mouth. Itachi's grasp on her waist tightened. That sound would be the end of him.

Their minimal physical contact was broken as two legs quickly wrapped around his waist. Itachi's breath hitched at the abrupt contact. He could almost feel all of her pressing against him. Her deceivingly dainty arms wrapped around his neck. He could clearly feel the outline of her breasts against his chest. Itachi pushed his head back, as Sakura's head was slightly above his. This gave Sakura the chance to take charge. Their kiss deepened. Their once soft, hesitant kisses turned heavy and feral.

The Uchiha prodigy started taking steps backwards towards the bathroom without breaking lip contact. He rested the kunoichi on top of his bathroom sink. Her legs somehow tightened harder around his waist. One of his arms were around Sakura's waist pulling her closer into him, while the other gripped the edge of the sink for balance.

His body was acting on its own. He slowly tugged at the hem of her top. Sakura unwrapped her arms from his neck and allowed him to remove her top. She was sitting on top of sink, legs wrapped around his waist, in a flimsy light pink lace bra. He blinked at the garment. Her breasts heaved up and down. Two hard buds stuck through the see-through lace.

He dived first for delicate neck, leaving butterfly kisses along her nape to the middle of her chest. He moved his way to her right breast, gently sucking on the hardened bud through the lace fabric. An instant moan filled the bathroom and he felt Sakura tighten her legs around him. He continued his ministrations until her raspy voice broke him from his concentration.

"Itachi."

There she was – sitting almost naked in his bathroom. Her swollen lips an indication of their earlier insatiable urges. Small red marks started forming along her fragile looking neck. Did she realized how easily he could snap her neck or how easily he could end her right here. He was the dark and hardened shinobi, and she was the innocent medic. He had decided several weeks ago to slowly step away from the kunoichi. He could not give her what she deserved. But in this moment, his decision went blind to his urges.

In one swift move, Itachi ripped her panties off, gaining a soft gasp from the kunoichi. Sakura's eyes widened at the sudden move. He pushed against her, making her feel his hardened member against her. Sakura threw her head back at the touch. Itachi's lips were instantly attached to her neck. Itachi let out a small growl as Sakura grinded against him. He growled again as Sakura continued her movements. He felt her nails dig into his shoulder. Oddly, it felt good.

He used his hand to slowly escape from Sakura's legs. A small pout clearly formed on her lips. He looked down at her. He brought his lips back to hers and placed a gentle peck, a complete contract from their heated movement from just seconds ago. Itachi needed to make sure that this was what Sakura wanted. He was giving her another opportunity to walk away before they reached the point of no return. She blinked up at him, knowing instantly what he was trying to convey. A faint smile formed on Sakura's lip. Itachi watched her reach up to him and place a soft peck on the corner of his mouth. She was sure. She was giving him permission to continue.

Itachi decided that if they were going to succumb to their urges, they were going to do it right. He was going to do it right for Sakura. He gently lifted her off his sink so she was standing in front of him. He tugged her skirt down until it fell to her feet and unclasped her bra. Itachi glanced at the naked kunoichi, plus her socks, in front of him. She shyly tried to cover her chest with her arms.

He tilted his head at her action. "Don't." She looked up at him and stopped. "Let me see you."

Breathtaking. She was utterly breathtaking. She was perfect. He had seen her bare chest before and hardened buds on a few more occasions – all accidental occurrences of course. A small blush covered her cheeks again. How could she feel shy after all they just did. His eyes ran down to her toned stomach to the small pink bush between her legs to her deceivingly long legs.

"Your Sharingan," Sakura whispered. Itachi did not noticed his Sharingan had been activated.

Itachi dropped down and lifted one of her legs off the ground and took off her sock. He felt Sakura place a hand on his shoulder for balance. He did the same with her other leg. Using his speed, he was out of his pants and into the shower with Sakura against pressed against the tiled wall and the water running. He could not feel the cold water splashing on his back but merely feel the heat radiating from kunoichi in front of him.

He left no room for Sakura to gasp as he once again claimed her lips. She wrapped one leg around his waist. He could feel the heat of her entrance against his upper thigh. With the little control he had left, he slowly inserted a finger inside her. Both nin's groaned in unison. His finger was surrounded by instant heat. She was too tight. The Uchiha heir had to take a deep breath in to control his impulses. He slowly started moving his finger in and out.

Sakura dug her nails into his arms. "More Itachi." His Sharingan captured her words leaving her lips in between moans. He quickened his pace. Her moan of pleasure was music to his ears.

Both bodies were soaked from the warm water. Having her hair cling onto her skin only made Sakura look more desirable. "Ah!" she gasped as Itachi inserted another finger. He could feel her walls tighten around his fingers. With a few more pumps, her walls convulsed around his two digits as her knees buckled. If it were not for Itachi locking her between the shower walls and him, she would have fell to the ground. Her hazy eyes locked in with his dark ones. It was him. He brought her this pleasure.

Itachi continued to pump his fingers inside Sakura, giving her no time to recuperate. He felt Sakura grab his member and give him a small pump. He pushed his body against Sakura's in response. It was his turn to succumb to her touches.

Before he could make another move, Itachi felt a chakra presence in his bedroom. He could not identify the individual by their chakra – the nin was most likely ANBU. He waited a few more seconds, hoping they would go away, but the nin did not leave. He internally groaned. On the few occasions when he would stay at his apartment, ANBU nin would should up in his apartment with messages. Every nin had the ability to find whoever they wanted by tracking their target's chakra signal.

Usually the nin would leave a scroll behind and disappear as quickly as he or she appeared but sometimes they would have a verbal message and remain in the area until the message was successfully delivered.

Itachi's brows clenched at the timing. He had a naked Sakura pressed against him. His fingers deep inside her making her beg him for more. Her hand around his member making him beg her for more. If there ever was a bad time, now would be the perfect example. Itachi found what little control he had and removed himself from the moaning kunoichi which brought immediate protests from her as she tried to pull him back to her.

He placed a peck on her lips. "There is someone outside." His answer seemed to quiet her objections.

Itachi stepped outside of his shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. The heat in his stomach was replaced by clear vexation. He was correct. There was an ANBU nin standing by his window. Itachi walked towards them with irritation on his face. He had never felt so disturbed in his entire life. He if were any other shinobi, he would forcibly remove the ANBU from his apartment. Konoha must be under attack – that would be the only reason that would pacify his mood.

"The Sandaime has been murdered."

Or the hokage has been killed.

That would also suffice as another reason.

Didn't want to lead you on

Fucked up I was wrong

Thought about you all along

- Curtismith Ft. Jess Connelly "No Ways"

Surprise! Surprise! Hello again everyone after several years. I do not have an excuse other than I got lost on the path of life.

To be completely honest, I had to reread this story twice to fully remember what it was actually about. I know! I'm horrible! I lost the outline of the original plot and recently redid the outline with new ideas.

I know the earlier chapters were lighthearted and not really action packed, but I will tell you this, action is coming soon in the future chapters (at least that is what I put on the outline!). I hope this chapter proved that things are intensifying. I know I said earlier that I am debating between a happy and sad ending, and I am still debating which way to go.

Please enjoy this chapter and pray that the sudden clearing of my writer's block means continued writing. I am aiming for monthly updates, but no promises! I am definitely motivated to finish this fic though! I apologize if the writing is different from the previous chapters. Please let me know if there are any disparities of information of this chapter from other chapters. It truly has been a long time and I want to make sure all the information is consistent.

Thank you for your support and reviews. Let me know what your reactions and thoughts are for this chapter as well as what you guys think will happen next especially with the cliff hanger! I remember in my original outline the Sandaime was supposed to die during the Chunin exams in an epic battle but decided to go against my original idea.

Thank you for your patience.

Until next time!