Chapter Fifteen

It was a hot, sunny day. One of the last few before Autumn went into full swing. Outside, birds soared over the village while the resounding rumble of construction echoed all around. It was the same sounds that had filled the village since Danzo's attack the week before, only today there was another noise mixed in with the hammering and drilling: childish laughter.

From the highest window of the hospital, Sakura followed the sound down to a street below where a group of children were kicking a ball around. They played without a care in the world, shouting and giggling as they chased each other and fought for the rubber toy. Sakura just watched them quietly, a faint smile on her lips.

It was good to see things returning to the way they were before. There was still so much work to do, but the village was making progress. For Sakura, things in the hospital were slowing down as well - proven by the fact that she got to take her first break before noon. One that didn't include eating a granola bar as quickly as possible or resting her aching feet for a minute before she was pulled away yet again. It was nice to just pause and enjoy something small.

Sakura watched the little game below a moment longer before she turned her back to the window to gaze about her office. It had once been Tsunade's, the one she seldom used after her duties as Hokage began taking up so much of her time. Shizune had mentioned before that she had wanted to relocated their office to the larger, more spacious room but they had never bothered to find the time. The day of Shizune and Genma's funeral, Sakura had made the decision to move. She liked her old office and while it had always felt cramped, now it was just a little too...empty.

With Sakura now supervising the entire hospital, it only made sense she would move into the essentially abandoned room. Though, she had always imagined she and Shizune would do it together once Tsunade officially stepped down as Head of the Hospital. Sakura was both proud and wistful to be standing in such an important office.

But with her new position came new responsibilities. She was hardly surprised when a knock sounded on her door a few minutes later. "Come in."

Shikamaru slipped inside, his hands in his pockets and his expression typically bored. "Hokage-sama is wondering if you have those reports he requested ready?"

Nodding, Sakura turned towards the large desk beside her. "I do," she said. She shuffled through some files as she briefly shot Shikamaru a smirk. "You know he hates being called that, right?"

He just shrugged, not really caring one way or another.

Sakura smiled to herself and continued searching through the documents until she found the ones she was looking for. She held them out towards Shikamaru only for the male to shake his head. "I was told he wants them directly from you."

"From me?" Sakura repeated.

When he nodded, her brow furrowed in confusion. Well that was strange. But it was an excuse to get out of the hospital and she wouldn't pass up the opportunity.

After alerting the department heads that she would be stepping out for a bit, Sakura headed out into the village. The sun beat down on her shoulders and warmed her skin. She had been stuck inside so much lately that she nearly forgot how pleasant the gentle heat was and unconsciously her pace slowed.

The banging of construction still rang through the street but it was quieter now as most of those working took a break and waited for the hottest part of the day to pass. Just over the top of the shorter buildings, the structural frame for the new Hokage's Tower could be seen, a skeleton against the blue sky. The clean-up of the old building had taken a few days. At least that's what Sakura had heard. She had steered clear of the area, the ruins only a painful memory, but the progress that was already being made gave her hope. Hope that the village and everyone inside could move on.

For now, Kakashi had continued to work out of ANBU Headquarters. Sakura made her way there now and climbed the staircase she was quickly becoming familiar with to the large office on the top floor. Surprisingly there were no guards outside the doors but she quickly understood why after she knocked and entered. Two of Kakashi's ninken were inside the office. They laid on either side of the door, seemingly asleep but they both cracked an eye open to gaze at her before dozing off again.

"Budget cuts?" Sakura asked.

Kakashi chuckled faintly. "I sent the guards out to help with the rebuild efforts. Plus, my ninken are better company. And I like keeping people on their toes."

"Uh huh…" she said disbelievingly. She reached down to scratch the closest dog behind the ear, causing his tail to thump happily.

Sakura had met her old teacher's summons a few times. They were as dangerous as any other trained summon but as far as appearances go, they definitely fell towards the more adorable end of the spectrum.

"I have the reports you asked for," Sakura said, straightening again. "I've listed out all the supplies we need in order of urgency as well as a request for more funding for medical training. I've already contacted Suna and they're more than willing to lend us a few medics, which should take a lot of strain off of our staff."

Kakashi accepted her files and shuffled through them, briefly reading the information enclosed. "And you trust the knowledge and capabilities of these medics?"

She nodded. "I trained most of them myself."

He silently thumbed through the documents a little longer before he stacked them together again and set them down on top of his desk. "I'll be sure you get what you need," he told her. Then he sat back in his chair and fixed her with his full attention. "I also wanted to talk to you about your request to head out to Suna. I know it's important, but I don't think I can spare you yet. The village is still recovering and at this point, things are still too chaotic for the hospital to go without you for that long. Are you alright waiting another week or two?"

A disappointed frown passed Sakura's face. Kakashi's question was less a request and more an order, even if he hadn't worded it that way. To be honest, she hadn't expected him to approve the mission. Sakura knew she couldn't leave the hospital right now. She had made the request for selfish reasons. Just wanted to get away from the responsibility that had been forced upon her and the eyes of pity that seemed to follow her everywhere she went. Kakashi's answer wasn't what she wanted, but she supposed it was better than a straight out 'no'.

"No, that's fine. I can wait," Sakura said nonchalantly. But her tone was just a little too cheerful to be believable. "Was there anything else you needed?"

She knew Kakashi could see right through her but he fortunately didn't press. "Actually, yes," he said, sitting forward again. "As you know, I am officially addressing the village today. I've already made a public announcement clearing the Uchiha of any wrongdoing, but today I have plans of making a more formal speech to address the events of the attack. I want you with me when I do."

Her brows furrowed in confusion. "Why?"

"Because I want to officially award you for your services to the village. You risked everything for the safety of this village and you deserve to be recognized for your efforts."

Shocked, Sakura stood frozen with her mouth half-opened. She wasn't entirely sure how to react and her mind was slow to catch up. She said the first thing that came to mind: "No."

Kakashi blinked. "No?"

"No, I don't want it," she repeated, steeling her answer. "Every shinobi risked their lives. They all did what they could for the village. If there is an award, it should be to the Uchiha Heads. They were the ones who put their lives on the line to protect Lady Tsunade. They are who should be honored for their actions."

The interim Hokage nodded. "They did and they will be acknowledged for their sacrifice. But you did your part as well. And the village should know that-."

"No, Kakashi," she told him firmly. "If you want this to work, you can't split the focus. The attention needs to be all on the Uchiha Heads."

Sakura knew an award wouldn't completely reverse the prejudices against the Uchiha Clan but it was a start. They were an incredibly proud and incredibly strong clan, but all they ever wanted was to be accepted as a part of the village they cherished and protected so fiercely. And Sakura hoped that would do this for them.

Kakashi didn't answer as he observed her intensely. He considered her for a long time before he eventually released a long sigh. "Out of all of my students, you were always the most stubborn."

Sakura just snorted. "You obviously haven't met Naruto and Sasuke."

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest before he gestured towards the door, silently dismissing her. She cast him one last smile before she left, bending down to scratch the other dog before she silently closed the door behind her.

Her smile lingered as she descended the stairs, her mind half-elsewhere. Her conversation with Kakashi hadn't gone exactly as she had wanted but her old teacher always had a way of lifting her spirits. She didn't doubt he would continue to be the leader they all needed.

The approach of footsteps made Sakura look up again, and her smile warmed when she spotted Itachi with his father beside him. Fugaku was looking in much better health than when he had been brought to the hospital. Sakura's medics told her he was still undergoing therapy and while he was making progress, there was a long way to go. Even now, she could see his ascent up the stairs was slow. His arm was still in a sling and recovering from his significant injuries, but he radiated a strength befitting of the Uchiha Head. Even if he were in pain, Sakura doubted he would ever show it.

Itachi, on the other hand, appeared to be in perfect health. One would never have guessed he had ever been rushed into the emergency room less than a week earlier. Sakura wanted to do a quick check up on him soon, but it seemed the medication she had prescribed was doing what it was supposed to. She had never seen such a healthy flush to his skin. He was more handsome than Sakura had ever seen him. Though she could be being biased.

Sakura stopped when they met on the stairs and she bowed her head with a polite smile to the Uchiha Head. "Uchiha-sama."

The powerful man paused beside her and inclined his head briefly. "Haruno-san," he greeted. He then cast a subtle but meaningful glance at his son before he continued past her, his footsteps echoing faintly against the stone walls.

Stunned, Sakura half turned to watch Fugaku's retreating form. He had never addressed her by name, at least never so respectfully. And that look he sent Itachi...Did he know about them? Did he approve? She supposed Fugaku wouldn't have addressed her in such a polite manner if he didn't, but her mind was still churning uncertainly when she turned to Itachi.

He was watching her in that way that made her stomach burst into butterflies. That single look instantly eased her concerns and reminded her of that morning she had awoken in the hospital, securely wrapped in his arms. It was the best night's sleep she had gotten in...well, in since she could remember. At least since before that fateful night when Itachi had unintentionally used his Sharingan against her. No one could have foreseen that this is where they would be months later.

"How's he doing?" Sakura asked, focusing on the present. She could replay that morning over and over if given the chance.

"Well," Itachi told her. "As I know you're aware, there is a long way to go but my mother is ensuring he continues his therapy and treatments. She is refusing to let him sit idly."

That hardly surprised her. Sakura could just see Mikoto prodding him to do his stretches and exercises, never once allowing him to take it easy. The mere image made Sakura laugh. "That definitely sounds like your mother. I'm sure your dad will be the fastest recovering patient I've ever seen."

Itachi chuckled softly, sharing her amusement, before he fell silent again. This time, there was a quiet somberness about him. "I still have not thanked you."

"For what?" she asked, not understanding.

"For saving my father. I am certain if it wasn't for you, he would not have survived his injuries," he told her.

A little bewildered, Sakura blinked. Then she shook her head. "It's my staff you should be thanking," she said. When he stared at her in confusion, she admitted quietly, "When your father was brought to the hospital, I was already out of chakra. My medics were the ones to perform his surgery."

"But they did so under your direction."

She nodded slowly. "I suppose…"

"You did your part," Itachi insisted. "So thank you, Sakura."

His sincerity made her own lips curve into a smile. He always made her feel so giddy with affection, even when he wasn't trying. She wondered if she did the same for him.

But the moment was short-lived when Itachi glanced up in the direction his father had left. "I need to join my father."

"Of course," Sakura nodded. She needed to return to the hospital herself, but she couldn't quite bring herself to move yet. "Will you…" she began slowly. "Will you come find me tonight?"

Itachi stared at her. And an instant later she understood why. It was the first time she had ever shown any outright, spoken desire to spend time with him. She suddenly felt nervous but she didn't shy away from him as she waited for his answer.

Without a word, Itachi reached out and traced his fingers along her jaw tenderly, his touch featherlight. There was a small smile on his face but it paled in comparison to what reflected back at her in his obsidian gaze. The emotion warmed her to her very soul.

"I will," he promised.

They stayed like that a moment longer before they parted ways. When Sakura returned to the hospital, she was still lost in her own bubble of quiet contentment, excited for when she would next see Itachi. She was so distracted that it took her a minute to realize that up in the Recovery Ward there was a shift in the air, a quiet anticipation like everyone was holding their breath and were waiting for...something.

Confused, Sakura eyed the nurses gathered in groups. When she realized they were all glancing towards Tsunade's room, the breath left her body and she all but ran towards her mentor's ward, nearly crashing into Oyone as the head nurse was exiting the room.

"What happened? Is Tsunade okay?" Sakura asked, her impending fear evident in her voice.

Oyone blinked before a wide smile spread across her face. "Yes, she's fine, Sakura-san. She's...well perhaps you should see her for yourself."

Sakura didn't know what she meant by that. And she didn't bother asking. Instead, Sakura pushed past her nurse and threw the curtain aside to find Tsunade was still laying in bed. She looked exactly the same as when Sakura had last seen her. Her breathing was slow but steady, and her eyes were closed but they slowly opened upon the commotion.

Tsunade raised a weak hand towards her. "Sakura," she murmured.

Sakura's heart stopped. And then it exploded in her chest. Her fingers were trembling when she stepped forward and took her mentor's hand in hers. "Shishou…" she said through her tears. "you're finally awake."

##

That evening Sakura found herself up late. It was the first night since the attack she had spent at home and not at the hospital, and one of the quietest evenings she could remember having. There was no sense of impending doom or any immediate worry pressing on her mind. It was just her, her mug of tea and the cheesy romance novel she had plucked from her bookcase.

The air outside was just as still as inside, which was why she knew the instant she was no longer alone. Sakura didn't immediately react, but the corner of her mouth lifted in a small smile when she recognized Itachi's chakra signature. She hadn't expected him to arrive so late, but she supposed he had to be just as busy as her - if not more so - with his clan and reorganizing black ops.

Sakura finished reading her paragraph and waited until Itachi had dropped his shoes in her entryway before she peered at him over her novel. "You're late," she told him.

Itachi crossed the small living space silently, his bare feet silent against her plush rug. "I apologize. Something within the clan came up unexpectedly and I was delayed longer than I anticipated."

All mirth vanished and she lowered her book to regard him seriously. "There wasn't another fight, was there?" she asked.

There had been a few incidents immediately following the attack and even though Kakashi had cleared the Uchiha name, Sasuke had told her that tensions were still thick within certain neighborhoods. She had hoped Kakashi's second announcement today would have cleared any lingering suspicion.

"No, there was no altercation. It was more of a…celebration," Itachi told her with a faint smile. "The leaders of the other Clans stopped by to thank my parents for their sacrifice during the war and to check in on my father."

A wide smile immediately broke out across Sakura's face. "That's great! I'm so happy to hear that. So, what happens now? Will you be taking over as Uchiha Head until your father heals?" she asked.

Itachi shook his head. "My mother has elected to do that duty, but she will need help so I will be in the village more often."

That news relieved her. More than she thought it would. With him in the village, she would be able to better track his health without concern of his progress worsening. That and she would be able to see him more on a more personal basis. However, that thought quickly faded when she saw Itachi was studying her from the foot of the coffee table with something akin to a frown.

"What is it?" she asked.

"You weren't at Kakashi's address today."

How he knew that, Sakura didn't know and she didn't immediately answer, her mood sobering. She suspected where this conversation was heading. "No, I wasn't there," she admitted.

He frowned minutely. "Kakashi informed me that you blatantly refused his award for your services to the village."

"I did."

"Why?" he asked.

Sakura set her book aside with a heavy sigh before she turned on the couch to face him fully. "Because your parents deserve it more than me."

The frown tugging on the corners of his mouth lessened but didn't vanish completely as he silently closed the space between them to sit beside her. "Sakura, you do not need to keep doing this," he said softly. He reached up to tuck a loose hair behind her ear before his fingers lingered on her jaw. "My clan will be fine. You do not need to keep putting everyone before yourself."

She looked away but with his hand holding her jaw, she was unable to shy away from him completely. "I just want the village to see your family the way I do," she told him so quietly her voice was barely a whisper.

When she met Itachi's gaze again, the breath nearly left her. There was so much raw emotion in his black eyes they were smoldering like hot pieces of coal. He didn't say anything. He simply cupped her face and kissed her, putting all those unsaid words into that single action. It wasn't nearly as heated as their first kiss but it was full of more feeling and more passion. Her head spun.

Sakura rested her hands on his chest, both grounding herself and enjoying his firmness under her fingertips. He kissed her slowly but fully, his attentions so thorough that her body began to respond. She tugged him closer, wanting to feel him closer, but before things could begin to go too far, Itachi pulled back, dipping his head a time or two to leave short kisses to the corners of her mouth.

His affections made her laugh breathlessly and she was grinned when Itachi finally pulled away. He twisted his fingers into the ends of her hair and tugged on the tresses lightly as he simply gazed at her.

When he finally spoke, his voice was soft. "These last few months have not been easy. We have both been under a great deal of strain and endured so much, but it has also allowed me the opportunity to get to know you. You are smart and fearless and so incredibly beautiful," he told her softly as his thumb brushed over her cheekbone. "You have become someone so incredibly important to me and if you agree, I would like the chance to spend more time with you. I would like the opportunity to get to know you better."

His words were so sincere, so heartfelt that Sakura momentarily lost the ability to speak. That same warm fullness was filling her chest again. It was all so sweet and yet so…strange. After everything that had happened, after all they had been through recently, his request seemed so odd. So simple. Like they were nothing more than a boy and a girl who liked each other. And she supposed in a way that's exactly what they were.

For so long, Sakura had only been seen as the Hokage's apprentice. She hardly even had her own name – just a titled. Just like Itachi. It was hard to believe that she once only saw him as the Uchiha Heir, as Konoha's deadliest shinobi with a heart made of ice. It seemed so far off from what he truly was. There was a depth to him that not many people were even aware of. Sakura knew she had hardly even scratched the surface.

Once upon a time, she never would have imagined Itachi could have a softer side. That he could make her feel so adored and cared for. For as bold and confident as Sakura made herself out to be, when it came to affection she was admittedly shy and hesitant. Allowing someone else to see her vulnerable and exposed was not something she did willingly. But Itachi had seen her at her worst and he had only ever been supportive. She knew she could trust him not only with her life, but her emotions. And her heart.

Sitting here like this with him was so comfortable, something she never thought she would be. But now that they were, she couldn't imagine it any other way. She was nearly blinking back tears when she found her voice again. "I'm heading to Suna in a few weeks for a mission," she told him with a smile. "If you're able to step away from you clan for a week or so, I'd like it if you came with me."

A smile, small but pure and genuine, crossed Itachi's face and he nodded readily. "I would love to accompany you." Then he pulled her in for another kiss.

In the wake of the attack, there was still much to do, but for tonight, they weren't Sakura and Itachi. They were simply a boy and a girl. And they were happy.

end

After a year and a half and almost discontinuing this story completely, we are finally at the end. I am admittedly a little sad to see this finish but also so relieved. This has been the ultimate story that I love to hate, but it is my story and I'm proud of the finished product.

Thank you everyone who sent in detailed, wonderful reviews. You really helped me push through this. I hope to see you all in the next story.

Until then!