"Long day?" Sakura asked, looking up from where she was sprawled on the couch.

Itachi simply nodded, kicking off his shoes impatiently before he flopped down next to her. The movement took the weight off his feet and he sighed, relishing the peace and quiet of the apartment. It was small and cosy; comforting in that he could sense no one but Sakura, and her very presence was a balm to his nerves.

Sakura made a sympathetic noise before she tugged lightly on his arm, patting the cushion on her lap invitingly. He obliged easily and lay down, a grateful smile tugging at the corners of his lips even as he ignored the fact that the couch was too short for him. Sakura smiled in return, one of her hands brushing against his cheek in a tender gesture that made his breath catch in his throat.

Then she slowly, delicately, threaded her fingers through his hair, combing gently through the long strands until she reached the ends. Itachi nearly melted when she repeated the movement, fingertips grazing his scalp before she worked his ponytail free from beneath him. He sighed quietly when she pulled the hair tie free, enjoying the sensation of unbound hair. No doubt it was messy and tangled from his mission, but Sakura was patient as she tugged softly at the numerous knots, her hands feather-light as she brushed stray strands away from his face.

Itachi let his eyes flutter shut at her careful attention, He was only vaguely aware of the way her fingers twined through his hair – pulling and twisting and stroking and lulling him to sleep – but he was content to lose himself in the sound of her soft, even breathing and the familiar scent of her skin.

Sakura, he realised, would always be home for him.

"Move out," Itachi ordered, pulling his mask on swiftly.

"Hai, taichou," his teammates murmured, bowing slightly as Itachi turned away. His hair whipped around with the motion, and there was the slightest pause, in which the other three ANBU operatives glanced at each other, at their captain and then back to each other in silent agreement. ANBU Cat inclined her head a fraction, and then they were off.

None of them mentioned the neat braid behind Itachi's right ear.

keeping things short and sweet and fluffy - hence the title "fairy floss" (aka cotton candy)

updates will be sporadic but I hope you enjoy reading :)