This was the line. This was the fence I'd not yet jumped off of onto either side, by Maaya's count at least.

If I did this I would finally have broken the mantra. I'd have definitely done something wrong if I said yes now.

I'd been 'good girl Sakura' my whole life and wasn't sure now if that was still what I wanted.

But then again, was I really going to thank Itachi for all he'd done for me and all he'd put aside, by betraying him? I knew I loved him but I was changing now in a way
that seemed so great even in comparison to my complete physical and powerful metamorphosis since I'd met him.

I looked at Sasuke. He'd retreated after kissing me. I supposed he'd known I would have to think about his offer of sorts. It was all in the timing. He'd been right in the
fact that for so long I'd wanted what he was freely giving me now.

He looked the way I remembered him. There was a nostalgic air to the moment as I considered his calm face, serious eyes, powerful shoulders and proud posture even
sitting there on the grass waiting peacefully. Did he expect me to do anything?

He looked over and, without smiling even, I felt his contented mood hit me. Life with Sasuke wouldn't be bad.

Maaya had never been so quiet. Letting me think for once? No response came.

"It's weird being here without Naruto."

I laughed. "The three of us were always together, weren't we?" A lot had changed. "I was always happy around you two... and Kakashi. Even when I was being
ignored it felt like family."

"I'm sorry you were treated that way Sakura. But I felt the same. I hope we all end up okay."

"I know we will." And I meant it.

I went home without deciding what to tell Sasuke. When I found Itachi missing I knew I wanted to see him.

I walked out into the afternoon sun and strode, smiling, down the road that lead to the academy where I hoped to find him.

"Iruka? Hey!"

"Hi Sakura-san. How are you and Uchiha-san?"

"I'm well. You haven't seen Itachi today?"

"No I thought he'd be training with you today."

"He had to meet with Anko for planning and stuff. He's not here though?"

"No. Try the arena. That's where the tests will be and maybe they're there."

"Thanks." I waved and started off again in search of my Itachi. I missed him when I wasn't with him. I'd become so used to being near him always.

Walking again I saw Ino in her mothers shop. She waved and I back. This was a day that seemed to continue sending me back to my younger days.

The arena was silent when I arrived.

Suddenly it was less lonely. I felt him approach the top of the stairs and saw his silhouette from where I stood in the middle of the battle ground.

"Happy to see me?"

"Should you be here?"

"So you're not?"

I ignored his question and waited for the deserved explanation.

"No, I suppose I shouldn't technically be here but I came to visit none the less. At any rate, I'm not scared. You and Itachi are the only worthy foes in this village."

"Hn. So what are you here for then? Surely not just to say hello."

"Yeah. You must be a genius. I've always said that." He stuck out his tongue and winked. The cheeky grin, unsuppressed, spread across his features, reaching right to
the blue eye of his, not covered by his blonde hair. "Came to check in. Leader wants an eye kept on you kids."

"Kids?"

"Yeah. Little girl and scary teenager."

I rolled my eyes. "You came to play then? You're the biggest kid of all."

He began his descent of the stairs and came to stand in front of me.

"Games are fun but I play dangerously."

"Ha. Yeah I've missed that Deidara. It's good to see you even if you shouldn't be here and I'll have to kick you out soon and report your presence to Itachi."

He moved closer till I was almost uncomfortable.

"It could be our little secret." He brought a hand up and I felt his fingers raise my chin.

I stepped back and laughed as he too let out a chuckle.

"Are you flirting with me? I don't keep secrets from Itachi, Dei-kun. Sorry." It was my turn to poke out my tongue.

He feigned hurt then. "That wasn't mutual? I thought for sure you wanted me then."

Is he making fun of me? He doesn't know about anything I've done... does he? "How long have you been in the village Deidara?"

"What yeah?"

"Have you been watching me?"

"No. Kami. You sound paranoid Sak. I have been checking on Itachi-san though. Tell me, you two don't have any secrets from one another?"

There was a pause in conversation as what Deidara had said lingered in the air.

What is he getting at? "No."
-

"So-"

"-I said no talking."

She heeded his warning and closed her mouth, giving up on conversing with him. It wasn't necessary anyway. She'd gotten what she wanted. She supposed that,
after Orochimaru, she'd never lost that taste for danger but for now she felt as though she'd won. No need to rub it in.

Itachi ignored her gaze and dressed calmly before walking elegantly to the door and exiting without so much as a glance in Anko's direction. He was an emotionless
killer. He refused to feel shame. He refused to feel guilt.

He could refuse it all he liked.