~Sakura's POV~

Ugh, I hate gym.....I've never been good at sports, so gym has always been a hassle for me. I think that explains why I'm not in the gym, and currently wedged between a vending machine and soft serve ice cream machine. Since I'm so skinny, I can fit in the cramped space, which is nice because I can skip class.

I rip open the candy bar I bought and start nibbling on it. I sigh as I let my thoughts wander. My birthday was coming up...

"I bet the guys will get us amazing gifts!" Inner says, hearts in her eyes."

"...What guys?"

"Kiba-kun, Neji-kun, Sasuke-kun, Sasori-kun, Naru-kun, Itachi-senpai, and Gaara-kun, of course! You know, you're really dense."

"They won't even know when my birthday is....besides, I don't want anything," I say, blushing.

I finish up my candy bar and hug my knees to my chest

"Um...Sakura, what are you doing in there?" A voice asks.

I jump slightly and spot Itachi with two ice cream cones in his hands.

"Oh...um...I'm definitely not skipping class if that's what you're thinking..." I say nervously. Crap! He's on to me!

He gives me an amused look.

"Well, if you're not busy, would you accompany me outside?" Itachi asks, nodding his head towards the door.

Immediately I crawl out of the tiny space.

"Sure! Anything is better than sitting alone by the vending machine....now that I say that out loud, it makes me sound really sad..."

"Here," Itachi says, offering me the chocolate ice cream cone. I almost start drooling at the frozen treat.

"Really?! You're so sweet!" I say, grabbing the cone. He blushes slightly but hides it by walking towards the door outside.

"Truthfully, I gave it to you because I'm not a big fan of chocolate," Itachi says, licking his vanilla ice cream cone.

We walk until we get to a bench underneath a cherry blossom tree.  At first, it was quiet, and I desperately tried to think of a conversation starter.

"So, Sakura...I heard from Sasori about your father," Itachi started. I instantly feel my expression darken. It's been a while since I've  thought about him. I've just been so happy lately...I never knew life could be this amazing. My life had always revolved around survival, I never had enough clothes, food, or water. I learned to save myself when my father would hurt me, to scavenge for food, to drink dirty water. But there's more to life than survival. You have to live. Now I know what it's like to have friends, to have a family.

"Yeah..." I say, not sure what to say.

"And I just wanted you to know, I will always be there if you need me," Itachi finished, giving me one of his rare, genuine smiles.

"That means a lot to me Itachi. I grew up alone, stuck with an abusive father. It just got worse after I got to high school, where the bullying started. I'm glad all of you came into my life. You're kind of like my knights in shining armor," I say giggling at the corniness of what I said.

"Hn." Itachi smiled softly.

"We should go get Dango sometime, just us," Itachi says, not looking at me.

"You like Dango too?! It's like my favorite food," I exclaim. Yay! We could go eat at the Dango shop and talk about different books!

"Yes...it's quite good," Itachi mumbled out shyly.

"I would love to go with you." I smile to myself.

Abruptly, a person interrupts our time alone.

"Sakura?" What are you doing with Itachi?!" Sasuke yells, glaring at his brother.

Itachi sighs, before standing up.

"I'm spending time with Sakura, little brother. Run along," Itachi says, poking Sasuke on the forehead.

Sasuke rubs his forehead angrily, glaring daggers at his older brother.

"I'm not a little kid anymore!" Sasuke growls.

Itachi just ignores him and sits beside me again.

"So...Sasuke are you skipping class?" I ask, smiling mischievously.

"Yes," Sasuke answered. He has no shame.....

"Wow Sasuke, I never expected an Uchiha to do something so irresponsible," I chide, laughing at his annoyed expression.

"I can do what I want. Plus, you skipped class too," Sasuke points out.

"Did not." Sasuke sighs.

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did too."

"Did not."

"This isn't worth it," Sasuke says rubbing his temples. I cackle evilly and start running back to the entrance to the school.

"Bye Itachi, bye Duckass!" I yell, running back inside.

To be continued.....