Abused, But Never Used

Ch 24: Surprises in Seven

"Are you sure you're okay to walk Sasuke? Maybe sasori should check you out before you start walking around again. You chidoried your nerves extensively remember?" Itachi told his brother gently trying his best not to spook him as Sasuke tried to get out of the bed. Itachi didn't want to be to forceful with his brother as he did notice Sasuke seemed more withdrawn after Naruto had left the room in search of pain and a fresh change of clothes but on the other hand Itachi didn't want his brother hurting himself further.

In response Sasuke rolled his eyes and shook his head mutedly. He pointed to himself then gave a thumbs up signaling that he was okay and felt fine.

Itachi smiled weakly down at his little brother. Sasuke always was good at masking his pain from him. He had just been to blind before to notice it. How many times had he suffered in his shadow and not complained a word to him? How many years did Sasuke go by without having a friend? Well he did have Naruto but they were more rivals than friends at the start of their friendship. Sasuke deserves a better brother but unfortunately he is all Sasuke has left.

"Sasuke I really think you should just rest." Itachi said in an attempt to push his brother back down. Was Sasuke always this persistent? He wished for his mother at times like these. Sasuke was a stubborn little ass when he wanted to be.

Sasuke scowled and swatted Itachi's hand away but as he did it he didn't actually touch him. As if he thought Itachi would somehow burn him if he had.

'So he must be Saha right now' Itachi thought to himself as he noted his brother was only doing hand motions and gestures. But why would Sasuke choose to let Saha be in control? Was it Sasuke's twisted way of giving him the silent treatment? Out of all the personalities Itachi had been mentally preparing to interact with Saha was not one of them. That persona had been at the bottom of Naruto's self help guide.

Sasuke got up out of bed and walked out the door without a word to his elder brother. The Uchiha was restless and needed to move. He hated lying down and doing nothing. Even his Nara-like personality despised laziness. He needed to train, to prepare, do something to keep his mind off of other things. Itachi followed worriedly behind him. He still didn't think Sasuke should be walking around but he decided to drop the matter. He didn't want Sasuke to have yet another reason to think he didn't love him. Itachi would talk to him soon. Perhaps after he's done a few things to prove it to Sasuke. His brother had no reason to believe any of his words anymore.

"Sasuke! Your okay!" Sakura screamed running up to him full sprint almost tackling him to the ground as she came to an abrupt halt in front of him. She took the Uchiha's hands in her own squeezing them making sure that he was real and it was really him in front of her. The two standing in the open space of the Akatsuki's living room and dining room area.

"Sasuke I'm so glad you alright. I was soo worried and they wouldn't let me in to see you. I-I thought I would never get to see you again" Sakura said teary eyed reluctantly turning away. Trying to hide whatever weakness she was feeling from the Uchiha.

Sasuke smiled softly at her and wiped her tear with his index finger. Then brushed under her eye with his thumb. His hand travelled to rest on her shoulder and he squeezed it gently in assurance making her head snap upwards in shock her mouth forming a little oh. That was a silent confirmation from the Uchiha. He had missed her too.

Sakura closed the gap between them latching onto the Uchiha as tightly as she could without using her chakra. Sasuke was frozen. His eyes were wide with shock. He wasn't expecting a hug. When was the last time Sakura had let him hug her without claiming she was a hideous freak? Or an idiot? Sasuke couldn't remember. What had happened? Did something happen while he was out? Sasuke wasn't sure but he was sure that he wasn't about to screw up yet another relationship. It was bad enough Itachi hated him now. He didn't need Sakura to as well.