Unusually

by Bloody Kaycee

Chapter 16: In a very unusual way, you've made me whole

A lone shadow passed through the dense forest on the outskirts of Konoha in the middle of the night. If it wasn't for the pace she's running on, one could tell that she was a mere civilian from her appearance. She decided not to wear her usual shinobi clothes as it will attract unnecessary attention, especially since the town she just came from was not a shinobi village. But being dressed in civilian clothing didn't mean that she wasn't prepared to intercept any enemy shinobi that will come her way.

Thankfully her thoughts didn't materialize and she has found herself safely inside her beloved village in just a few minutes. She waved cheerfully to the guards on duty and they waved back at her, although not as merrily as she did.

Telling herself that she can't possibly report about her trip to the Hokage at this time of night, she turned towards the direction of her home. She walked in a slow pace, taking in the surroundings that she missed so much during her absence.

The cool breeze of night engulfed her as she made her way towards her home. Silently, she let herself in, not at all bothered by the well-known presence already dwelling in the living room.

"Welcome home" said Itachi as he looked up from the scroll he was reading to land his gaze on her figure.

She smiled at the thought that those words are now directed to her when it was always the other way around.

"I'm home" she smiled heartwarmingly at her fiancé as she advanced towards him. He stood up in a split second and welcomed her embrace.

Sakura closed her tired eyes and took in his musky scent, the scent she has been longing for the past month. She has resisted all the urges to return to Konoha and went on in search for her long-forgotten family. She knew that she needed to find the answers to her questions, she needed to find closure before the wedding.

And she did.

Itachi slipped a stray lock of hair behind her ear as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. He had managed to get through this past month without her but he also knew that he couldn't stand to wait any longer. He had planned to fetch her himself should she not arrive by tomorrow.

He stared at her under his calculating onyx gaze. Her hair, which seemed to have grown a few inches over the month, was a little disheveled from leaping through the thick forest. Her tired eyes and slumped shoulders told him that she is more than ready to retire to her bed. As much as he wanted to know the details of her month-long journey, he knew that what she needed most right now is sleep.

Itachi slowly broke their contact, excused himself for the night and told her to do the same. He went up the stairs followed by Sakura who went to her own room.

Sakura looked around her bedroom, taking in the details she missed while she was on her journey. Everything was organized, just the way she left it. She changed into her night clothes and flopped down on her bed. Taking a sigh of relief, she relished feeling the soft material of her comfy mattress. She now appreciated her bed more than she did before. But somehow, something seems to be missing and it didn't take another minute for her to realize what it was. After taking a nice and refreshing shower to rid herself of the dirt, she silently made her way out of her room and knocked at the door to her left. Even though they have been together for a long time and were about to get married in a few months, she knew he loved his privacy and she respected that.

She slid the door open when she heard him call out. He stared at her, knowing all too well what she had in mind. He reached his hand out to her as invitation and she took it with a smile. He lied down on the bed with her with the light of the full moon hovering above them. His arm wrapped around her possessively and she did nothing to oppose it and instead leaned in to him more. She pressed her head on his chest, his steady heartbeat lulling her to sleep. But before she fully succumbed to sleep, she managed to utter a few words directed towards the man beside her.

"I love you, Itachi"

Itachi smiled down at his lover before coming up with a reply of his own.

"I love you too, Sakura"

She managed to smile back at him before letting herself drift off to sleep. Itachi closed his eyes happily, knowing that the young woman he has come to love is safe and sleeping soundly beside him.

Sakura stood in front of the Hokage in her office, having just finished telling her shishou about her month-long quest. Tsunade stared at her student, slightly happy for her that she has found closure to her issues. Her golden eyes then lingered on the Anbu Captain beside her, obviously to give his lover support.

With a sigh, she got herself together and stood up from her chair.

"I believe that you are now ready to take on missions" said the blonde woman as she eyed her student.

"Yes, Tsunade-shishou" answered Sakura with resolve. She knew that what she needed at this time was the adrenaline rush she always felt while doing missions. Before she left for her quest, she has found herself only doing hospital work and some petty B-ranked and C-ranked missions with her team and it was no fun at all. Even Naruto and Sasuke were starting to complain about their missions being too easy.

Tsunade then turned to the only man in the room and handed him a scroll. "Your mission brief. You will mobilize tomorrow morning"

Itachi took the scroll and nodded respectfully to the Hokage.

"If you don't have any more questions, then you're free to go. You too, Sakura" said Tsunade as she sat back in her chair, readying herself to face the pile of paper works again.

Without further ado, the couple turned around to leave with Itachi leading the way.

"Oh, and by the way" remarked Tsunade just as the two were about to leave the room.

"You'll need a medic for your mission tomorrow" she said as she gave a slight smirk to the Uchiha. Sakura was beaming with joy upon hearing what her shishou said and she and Itachi gave a final bow before finally leaving the room.

"What are you so happy about?" asked Itachi as he stared at Sakura happily skipping out of the Hokage Tower.

"Because I'm going on a mission tomorrow! And not just any other mission, but an Anbu mission!" she replied in a 'matter-of-fact' tone.

"With whom?" asked the Uchiha heir with a light smirk. Sakura responded by raising her eyebrow and crossing her arms over her chest.

Amused, Itachi decided to push her more. "I didn't hear the Hokage assign you to any mission"

Sakura just huffed in annoyance "Well, I'm still going with you and your team tomorrow and that's final!" then she stomped off, leaving Itachi with an almost unseen grin on his usually stoic face.

Itachi caught up with his fiancée and took her hand in his as they merrily made their way in to the busy streets of Konoha, her happiness spreading through him like a contagious disease.

Sakura stared at the glowing full moon from her window as she packed her things for tomorrow's mission. Itachi won't be sleeping here tonight as he is already at his home in the Uchiha Compound, no doubt preparing his things and strategizing for the mission tomorrow. Sakura told him that he should spend as much time as possible with his family as they will be moving in together in their own home after the marriage. It also gave her time to think about herself, especially after her pursuit of finding any members of her family.

She had a hard time finding the whereabouts of her family due to the insufficient information she held. The only things she knew were the names of her father, mother, brother and the small town they resided in when she was young. It took her a week and a half before she finally found someone who held all the answers to her questions regarding her family. It was her grandmother named Atsumi Murata, mother of Sayuri Shinkai, her mother. When Sakura introduced herself, Atsumi's wrinkled face lit up in joy and she poured her eyes out as she hugged her dearest granddaughter. She had never thought that Sakura was still alive after hearing the tragedy that happened to her family.

Although not in the best of health, she tried her best to tell her precious granddaughter the story of her family. It's the least she could do for her granddaughter after more than twenty years of not seeing her.

According to Atsumi, Sakura and her mother Sayuri looked really alike, except for the emerald eyes she got from her father. Her mother was a kind-hearted individual who always served the people selflessly as maker of herbal medicine. Shortly, her mother met Samuro Shinkai, a mere merchant, and got married to him a year after. She soon gave birth to Shinn, Sakura's older brother.

Even with limited resources, she was happily living her life with her husband and son. And in pursuit of making more herbal medicine, Sayuri developed a narcotic herbal drug that had similar effects as to opium. Samuro found out about it and in hopes of providing his family a better future, started selling it. Sayuri agreed to his plan at first, seeing as he is only looking out for his family.

Then after four years his underground business grew bigger and bigger and Sayuri was fed up with it. She was also pregnant at that time to their second child. But Samuro, who was blinded by greed, didn't agree with it and threatened to hurt her, and thus harming the unborn child inside of her. And so she was forced to supply large amounts of that narcotic drug, with a little beating here and there from her husband when they didn't met the demand. Sayuri tried running away with her son and the unborn baby but she didn't have the chance.

And then that fateful day came when Sakura was born. She brought happiness to her family when she came, even to her father who was slowly losing himself. But overworking while being pregnant took its toll on Sayuri and she was met with many complications after giving birth, which resulted to her untimely death just after a week since Sakura's birth.

Sayuri's death was a tragic loss and Samuro agreed for Atsumi to look after the four-year old Shinn and 1-week old Sakura for the mean time. But then he came back a year later and demanded to take the kids with him. Atsumi obviously didn't agree, how can he take care of his children when he can't even help himself? Despite Atsumi's continuous efforts to keep the children away from their father, Samuro won the battle and run away with his children. And that was the last day Atsumi ever saw her grandchildren and her son-in-law.

Sakura remembered how tearful her grandmother had been while telling the story. It must have been torture for her when she heard the news about the family's death. As she remembered from what the Third Hokage said, her father committed suicide right after realizing what he had done to his son and daughter.

Although it was sad to hear how her family died, Sakura relished the fact that all of the questions she had pertaining to her family were answered. Atsumi was the only family she had left as Sayuri was her only daughter and Samuro's whole family, who were mere civilians, got caught up and died in the Third Ninja War. Sakura spent the next two weeks with her grandmother, all the while knowing that she won't last long because of her age. They talked, laughed, cried, and did other things together. For Atsumi, those were the best days of her life.

But as Sakura had predicted, Atsumi passed away shortly, while rested in her bed with a calm smile on her face. She might have had regrets in her life but at least she departed knowing that her granddaughter will be okay. It was as if she was only waiting for Sakura so that she can finally have eternal rest.

Sakura lied down on her bed as she stared up at the full moon outside, feeling the heavy burden of not knowing about her family being lifted up from her shoulders.

She has finally set herself free.

Itachi sat on the porch of their house at the Uchiha Compound, the scent of weapon polish engulfing his sense of smell as the light of the full moon above shone down upon him. The sound of the crickets lingered around him as he stared back at his reflection on his katana, the katana which Sakura gave him two years ago for his birthday. Although it has been used many times in battle, it shone just like new.

He didn't really fancy swords and katanas. Perhaps, that was because he didn't grow up using them. Kunais and shurikens are more convenient as they can be easily carried, he had always thought. It was only when Sakura gave him that katana that he started having second thoughts. Although he was skilled with it, he trained for a whole week in order to master the use of the katana. Sakura gave it to him because she knew it will be useful someday.

And it did.

He has successfully done missions using the katana she gave him. And it was thanks to the katana that he has finally eliminated the source of his inconvenience for the past few years, the Akatsuki.

He still has yet to tell his fiancée that he, together with his Anbu team and another team from Suna, had killed the remaining members of the infamous group. While she was dealing with her issues about her family, he was dealing with his own issues with the group who had forcefully tried to enlist him into their organization. The Akatsuki is a very dangerous group, consisting of S-class criminals and missing nins. Because of the danger they pose both for the allied villages of Konoha and Suna, which have their own tailed beasts, Tsunade and Gaara each sent a team to help each other immobilize the infamous organization.

It didn't take long for them to reach the hideout and they were met with the last three members of the group. According to the gathered information, Akatsuki has been falling apart ever since the leader, Nagato, died. Apparently, it was due to an incurable disease the rinnegan had bestowed upon him in exchange for power.

The remaining members they faced were Hoshigake Kisame of the Mist, Deidara from Iwagakure and an unidentified shinobi called Zetsu. His eyes narrowed immediately at the memory of his last encounter against the blond missing nin. Genma and Shino had the same reaction as they regarded the clay artist. Personal grudge or not, Itachi decided to finish the feud between him and Deidara, leaving the other two opponents in his team's capable hands.

It was a long battle seeing as his opponent was as stubborn as his brother's blond teammate could be. But his fight with the artist soon ended when he used his Mangekyou Sharingan and eliminated him for sure. The group of sand shinobi they were with was indeed skillful and had managed to kill the Venus flytrap that was Zetsu. Genma and Shino teamed up and successfully killed the missing nin from the mist who had similar features as to sharks.

Relief flooded through him upon seeing the lifeless bodies of the last members of the Akatsuki. Psychotic as it may seem, it was the truth. He had told himself that he can't possibly settle down knowing that a group of criminals is after him. The last thing he wanted was for Sakura to be in harm's way because of him.

He swiftly lifted the katana up to have the light of the moon reflected on its smooth surface. He knew that the world of shinobi is anything but sure. But he finally felt peace of mind knowing that both his and Sakura's problems are now solved.

The pink-haired woman stared hard at the piece of paper in front of her. She told herself that she is an elite shinobi, an excellent kunoichi trained none other than the Fifth and present Hokage of Konoha herself and has done numerous missions, some of them as dangerous as S-ranked missions. She has dealt with much more difficult problems, this one shouldn't be giving her a hard time!

Sakura grunted in frustration as she slammed the paper down in her wooden dining table, thankful that it didn't break in the process. She'll have training with her team in the morning and an evening shift at the hospital tomorrow, this piece of paper should be the least of her worries!

The wedding planner they hired said that she'll do all the necessary preparations for the wedding as it was her job to begin with, the engaged couple just have to supply her with the necessary information. And it seemed like the most difficult thing to do right now. Itachi's absence in this matter did not do well for her either.

She eyed the paper once again, the bold letterings of 'Uchiha and Haruno Nuptials' distracting her from her problems. All of these seemed so surreal to her. Here she was, a few months to go before her marriage to the Uchiha clan's heir. Looking back, the question of what the clan saw in her for them to approve of her and Itachi's relationship still lingered in the depths of her mind. She was curious but not to the point where she was questioning her own abilities. But still, she was thankful to be with the one she wanted most.

Letting go of her previous thoughts, she stared at the contents of the paper. Although she was pretty sure that either Shisui or Sasuke would be Itachi's best man, it's better to leave him to decide on that. As for her bridesmaid, Ino was the most obvious answer as they have been the best of friends even before their genin days. And in a recent conversation with her, Ino stated that she will be Sakura's bridesmaid, no questions asked.

As for the ring bearer, Sakura was sure Misato, Asuma and Kurenai's son, can do the job. Clearing her head from her earlier frustration, she listed some more names on the list of their wedding entourage. She skipped a few for Itachi to fill up once he gets back from his mission. Then a question popped in her mind, who would escort her down the aisle?

She had asked herself the same question before she took off to find her origins and it still hasn't been answered. She has heard incidents about the father of the groom escorting the bride for the wedding but in their situation, it didn't look as easy as the story she heard. She wasn't particularly close to her future father-in-law, which is why she doubted having Fugaku escort her down the aisle. She has considered walking that path by herself but because of the Uchiha clan's reputation, she can't possibly do that. Countless people will be attending their wedding and it wouldn't sit well if there was no one to walk with her down that dreadful aisle.

She slowly felt the frustration coming back. Why can't they just have a simple wedding? Of course, she already knew the answer but she still can't help asking herself that question. Of course when she was still a child, she had fancied such grand weddings but never did she think that it would happen in the future.

She buried her head in her palms, willing the incoming headache to fade away. She told herself that she can't back down now. She knew what she was getting herself into when she agreed to marry the Uchha heir and she decided to accept it whole heartedly.

Because she loves him and he was worth it.

Her lips twitched upwards at that thought and faced her enemy (a.k.a the paper) once again with a new found confidence. In the middle of her inner brooding, a thought came to her. She remembered what Itachi told her when she felt upset a month ago.

"The people of Konoha are your family, Sakura. Though you may not be related to them by blood, they treat you as one of their own. You have many people on your side, Sakura. You just have to see through the darkness and open your eyes more"

It didn't take another second before Sakura found the answer to her earlier question. Swiftly, she ran through the door and up to the roofs of the village, eager to find a certain shinobi she has come to love as part of her family.

Kakashi stared bored at the Icha Icha Tactics he held at his hands, not discerning the words in the book. His inner turmoil was so distracting that he can't even focus on the words on his beloved novel. There's only one thought that was running through his mind: He's getting married tomorrow.

He was glad that the woman he is marrying is understanding and didn't demand anything grand for the wedding. They had agreed to a civil wedding, with a few friends as their witnesses. Leave those grand and expensive weddings to people who can afford it.

Speaking of grand and expensive weddings, his pink-haired student will be up for it in a few months' time. The thought of asking her if she agreed to that kind of wedding hasn't crossed his mind but either way, he felt a little pity for her. Lately, she has been complaining how hard it is to plan for her wedding without the clan taking it all on their hands. Borrowing one of Shikamaru's favorite words, he thought that weddings really are troublesome.

The loud knock on his door pulled him out of his thoughts. He sighed as he stood up from being seated at the window frame, made his way downstairs and opened the door unenthusiastically.

His visible eye took in the form of his fiancé, Hanare, standing in front of him. The dark-haired woman blushed when they made eye contact and took her gaze away from his eyes. Kakashi gestured for her to come in but she refused, saying that she won't be staying for long.

When she finally got herself together, Hanare looked up at the man she'll be marrying tomorrow with a genuine smile on her face.

"I'm really looking forward to our wedding tomorrow"

"Me too" answered Kakashi as he felt himself warm up to her actions.

And without further ado, Hanare stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his lips, well at least the general outline of his lips she could make out from behind his mask. And then she was gone in a puff of smoke.

Kakashi stood still for a couple more seconds before he closed the door and flopped down on his couch, flipping out Icha Icha Tactics he tucked in his pocket earlier. Well, that's just weird. He'll never be able to understand women at all, even though he'll be married tomorrow.

A few minutes passed and he heard another knock on the door. He sighed as he got up from his couch to open the door again. What does Hanare want to say this time?

Instead of dark hair, pink hair caught his attention as he opened the door.

"Good evening, Kakashi-sensei" she greeted as she flashed him her one of her usual smiles.

He just nodded at his student and gestured for her to come in, but just like Hanare she refused. Really? What's up with women this evening?

"So, I take it you want to tell me something?" he asked, his annoyance being covered by his mask.

Sakura just smiled sweetly at her sensei, a smile which told Kakashi that she was planning something maniacal or something like that. He didn't really know how to react as that smile was usually directed to either Sasuke or Naruto or both when they've gotten themselves into trouble.

"So…" he let his voice hang "what do you want to tell me?"

She then pointed her index finger at him "You better have a nice suit 'coz you're the one who'll be walking me down the aisle for my wedding"

And with that, she turned on her heel and disappeared to the rooftops, leaving her sensei standing by the door while digesting her words.

Once Kakashi grasped what she said, he closed the door and went to his bedroom to retire for the night.

It seems he really can't avoid grand and expensive weddings.

Itachi shifted his weight on the bed so that he held his fiancée closer to his body. It was the middle of the winter season and the chilly air it offered gave the engaged couple another reason to sleep beside each other, the warmth of their bodies helping to fight off the coldness.

He took in the silent sounds of her breathing as he brushed off a few strands of hair away from her face. After many discussions, they agreed for the wedding to take place early spring next year, a month and a half from now. The promise of new life that the spring season has to offer also marks as a new era to the Uchiha clan once he ascends as their new clan leader. He had grown up disliking some aspects of the clan, mostly politics, and vowed to make a change once his time comes.

The sound of soft murmuring brought his attention back to the woman he held in his arms. He was happy that she didn't have any issues on marrying into a clan, and a prestigious one at that. Although she might have a hard time dealing with the clan at first, he was sure she'll be able to handle it in a matter of time. And it's not like she'll be dealing with them on her own, he will be there and so will Sasuke and his parents.

Unconsciously, he breathed out a sigh of relief. The world they are living in is so dangerous he found it hard to believe to have peace of mind. And then his eyes lingered to the serene face of the angel sleeping beside him. Only she can make him feel like this, like the entire world has disappeared and there was only the two of them. He was indeed very fortunate to have a woman such as Sakura to be his wife. She had entrusted her whole self to him at the very beginning of their relationship, and he'll make sure to live up to his promise even at the cost of his life.

"What are you thinking about?"

Itachi looked down to see Sakura staring up at him with her bright emerald eyes which still had some tints of sleepiness. The thought of him not being able to tell when she woke up because he was too focused on his thoughts didn't bother him at all. He let a small smile escape from his lips.

Sakura, although still sleepy, managed to make out a smile of her own. Itachi rarely smiled and she knew the smile he had just shown was only for her eyes to see. His dark obsidian eyes glistened at the sight of her and she felt her insides tingling. Itachi's eyes are probably one of his best features as it can show a myriad of emotions with just one look.

She cupped his face with both of her hands and let her thumb brush against his cheek. Itachi leaned in to her touch, savoring the contact, and pressed a soft kiss on her forehead in response. Sakura smiled in satisfaction then laid her head on his chest, hearing the steady sound of his heartbeat.

"You still haven't answered my question" she asked softly as she stared up at his aristocratic face. The light of the moon shining through the window did nothing but make his appearance even more desirable.

It didn't take another second for Itachi to voice out his answer as the sides of his lips twitched upwards in a gentle smile "You."

Sakura smiled warmly in return as she lowered her head once again to his chest, the sleepiness coming back to her. While her lover is not like Rock Lee who always expressed his thoughts and feelings, he has his own way of showing her just how greatly he loves her. Whether it be as simple as holding her hand in public or as grand as the way he is now enclosing her in his protective embrace, she had learned to appreciate his gestures that told her of his exact feelings.

"Really? What am I doing in your thoughts?" she asked as she closed her eyes and took in his musky scent.

Without another thought, Itachi came up with his answer "Making me happy for the rest of my life"

"In what ways?"

A smile never left her face as Itachi went on and on about how she could make him happy in the near future. Sakura didn't really pay attention to what he was saying as his voice reached her ears like a soft lullaby gently sending her to the land of slumber. She always felt relaxed knowing that he's here and not anywhere else. Itachi knew how much she liked hearing him talk just about everything under the sun until she fell asleep. It made him relax too as he found that expressing his thoughts to her prove to be therapeutic.

"Are you asleep?" Itachi asked softly as he stared down at her fragile form.

"Yes" Sakura murmured, already half asleep which caused a smirk to appear on her beloved's face.

Itachi went on with his story, not minding the sounds of her steady breathing which indicated that she is now fully asleep. The way she was peacefully sleeping in his arms resembled the way he had carried her in his arms on that fateful day he and his team rescued her from her abusive father. She was so vulnerable back then that he wanted nothing more than to protect her. It was a weird feeling for him to want to protect someone who has no connection whatsoever to him. Hell, he hadn't even known her name at that time. It was such a weird feeling that even a shinobi as intelligent as himself couldn't come up with an answer. And then a warm smile made its way to his lips as a sudden realization hit him.

He had loved her the moment he laid his eyes on her.

His younger self couldn't comprehend that fact, but now that he's older and more mature it was as clear as the moon shining above Konoha and all of the Great Shinobi Nations. If someone were to tell him at that time that the girl he had rescued would turn out to be his future wife, he would tell that person to get himself checked at the nearest mental institution. It might have seemed surreal but he has nothing to complain about.

Never had he thought that the young girl he rescued years and years ago would end up saving him but in an incredibly different way. She had kept him sane in this crazy world of ninja. She was the one he always turned to when he just want to get away from the rest of the world. She always welcomed him with arms wide open. She never forced him to tell her what's wrong but instead always lent an ear to listen to his ramblings.

Yes, she was all of that and she was his.

His to love dearly.

His to protect with all of his being.

His to marry soon.

His to start a family of their own.

His to cherish deeply.

And his to spend the rest of his life with.

Uchiha Sakura.

Her heart skipped a beat everytime she was addressed that way. She still wasn't accustomed to her new name for the fact that she had just acquired that last name two days prior. It sent a warm feeling inside of her and she knew that it was just a matter of time before she got used to being addressed as such. She laughed mentally as she remembered fantasizing about being Mrs. Uchiha back in her academy and early genin days, but with a different Uchiha. But it was all in the past now and she was sure her husband wouldn't take it to heart.

A hand ran up and down her bare back in a slow, easy motion as she turned around and met the serene face of her husband.

"What are you thinking about?" Itachi asked with a soft voice, almost like a whisper.

Yes, what is she thinking about? Sakura asked herself mentally. There was so much going on in her head that she found that simple question hard to answer. Her thoughts were so rambled she didn't even know where to start.

"You" she managed to answer as she realized that all of her thoughts revolved around him.

Satisfied with his wife's answer, Itachi pulled her close, their bare chests connecting. Sakura cupped his face with her right hand, suddenly becoming aware of the new ring that decorated her finger. Itachi seemed to notice that as his arm snaked its way around her waist.

The wedding took place in a beautiful garden chosen by none other than the couple themselves. It was such a day to remember as the early spring breeze came upon them, with a promise of a bright future upon its wake. Itachi had chosen his cousin, Shisui, to be his best man, or rather Shisui guilt tripped his younger cousin for him to be the one beside him on his special day. Itachi didn't argue with him, knowing that it will be futile. And it's the least he can do to thank his older cousin for all of his help.

Sakura walked down the aisle, with a somewhat emotional Hatake Kakashi accompanying her, in a sleek and elegant red wedding dress. Itachi always said that red complimented her well and it was also a sign that she won't just be any regular Uchiha wife, she and Itachi had made that clear when they got engaged.

Their fairy tale-like wedding caught the attention of most of the people of Konoha. It's not everyday an ordinary woman marries the heir to a prestigious clan. But Itachi begged to disagree, Sakura is not just an ordinary woman. She has worked hard to be the kunoichi she is now and she deserves the recognition she was getting.

Sakura laughed as she remembered how Naruto was wailing right before the wedding took place, complaining about losing his 'Sakura-chan' to teme's older brother. She laughed at her teammate's sudden outburst and said comforting words to him. Tsunade, despite her duties as Hokage, took the time to attend her apprentice's wedding. She and Sakura had gotten really close, almost like mother and daughter. There was no way she'll be absent in one of the most special days in Sakura's life.

Tsunade also gave them a week off duty for their honeymoon, which is why they're staying in a hotel right now on the outskirts of fire country.

Sakura snuggled closer to her husband, she has never been this close to him before and that made her happy. She stayed true to her promise and saved herself for marriage. Although Itachi hasn't mentioned it, he was happy that she was willing to give him such a special part of her. And so she gave it to him, the day after the wedding which was last night. She was very happy to share such intimate things with him.

Itachi looked at her with desire radiating from his eyes. "Where did we stop last night?" he asked as he placed himself on top of her.

Not at all bothered by the sudden weight pushing her down the bed, Sakura chuckled and her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck. He pulled down and met her lips hungrily.

Oh, what a great way to start the morning!

Small waves splashed on the shore as the early morning sun settled on its rightful position, with a promise of a bright and sunny day ahead to all the inhabitants of the little town they were currently staying at. Two pairs of feet trudged through the sands of the shore, their steps in sync with each other. The little town where the newlyweds were staying at was famous for its beautiful white-sand beaches. They still have four days left of their honeymoon and they intend to maximize it.

Sakura smiled as she felt her husband's hand grip hers tightly. That little gesture was enough for Itachi to deliver his words to his wife as she leaned and rested her head on his shoulder in response. Today was a good day to just relax and be with the person they had promised to be with forever.

Even though they were not having a conversation, just their bodies pressed against each other were enough to make Sakura happy. Looking back, she regarded the footprints they made along the stretch of the shore. It made her think about the journey that led her to where she was. She couldn't actually say that the journey was a pleasant one, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

Her gaze then shifted to her husband, who was regarding her with a stare she has come to know as a stare of loving. She has never felt this happy before in her twenty three years of existence. Itachi completely washed away all the sufferings she has felt and filled in the missing pieces in her life. How she was able to fall for an enigmatic man such as her husband is beyond her knowledge but she knew fate brought them together and not even death itself could separate the two of them.

Opening her eyes, she stared at the length of the shore they haven't walked to yet. Their marriage signifies a new chapter in their lives and by walking together, hand in hand, they will surely get to their chosen destination.

"I love you" Itachi spoke softly as he stared at her the same way he was staring earlier.

Sakura sighed in utter relief as she managed to make out an "I love you too" to him. And without further ado, their lips met in a heated kiss full of passion. Her arms wrapped around his neck on instinct as his arms circled around her slender waist possessively. They only broke apart when the need for oxygen surfaced. Itachi then placed his forehead on his wife's own as a rare smile appeared on his lips. Sakura didn't know what exactly that was but she had an intuition that what her husband is feeling right now is similar to hers.

What they have for each other is beyond words. Nothing in this world could quite equate the way they are feeling for one another.

From savior and damsel in distress, to lovers and now an officially married couple, some might think that their love story is a typical one. But Sakura disagrees, the unusual circumstances they faced on the course of their relationship made it more worthwhile. If someone were to ask her, given the chance, if she would like to redo something in her past, she would gladly decline that offer. Although painful, those events lead her to be the person she is now and it also lead her to the man she loved with all her being.

Sakura then smiled as they took each other's hands once again and started walking along the shore, engraving their footprints in every step they took.

Yes, life has been cruel, it has always been especially to those living in the dangerous world of shinobi. But despite the cruelties life had bestowed upon her, Uchiha Sakura was happy and contented.

Because in a very unusual way, someone had made her whole.

And she's walking hand in hand with him, towards a bright future.

Author's Notes:

This is the last chapter of Unusually. Thank you very much for joining me in this wonderful journey. To those who reviewed, those who included Unusually to their favorites, those who subscribed to story and author alerts and especially to those who included me in their favorite authors, you have my sincerest gratitude. Especially those who gave their reviews, you guys kept me going and your reviews inspire me to write more.

For those of you who noticed, it took me more than two years to complete this story. I almost gave up on this at the time when I was still studying. But somehow, I knew that I can't just abandon this so I pushed through. I really love writing.

This story is inspired by the song "Unusual Way", a soundtrack from the movie "Nine". If you have time, do check it out.

I assure you that this won't be the last time I'll write. I guess the next project for me is continuing CrimsonSnowflake's "A Game of Seduction". I suggest you read it if you have time, it's a good read. But sadly, she can't continue it anymore so she left it in my care. I can't tell when I'm going to upload it but I'm starting on it as for now.

For the last time, thanks again for all the support, I greatly appreciate it. I hope you'll continue to support me in my future projects.

Please leave a review! It will be a great help!

As we say it in Filipino, paalam at sana magkita tayo muli!

Bloody Kaycee