A/N This was suppose to be a one-shot, but nope! The idea was continuously in my mind and then finally I created a story with it... So enjoy. It took me at least four days to finally get the inspiration to finish this, so please enjoy! I also apologize for any errors or misspellings, I hope there is not that much. :(
It was finally the day! That special event that happens only once a year in Konoha. Something everyone happily awaits for throughout the year and prepares for once its come on the horizon. This festival was one-of-kind. It is called 'Sakura no Kiyoshi Festival'. Briefly translated to 'Pure Cherry blossom Festival'. Meaning to the citizens of Konoha, a new start in the spring.
Yes, this festival took place in the beginning of spring, a new start to everything.
This festival was also one of Sakura Haruno's favorite events. A kuniochi like herself loved to feel the peaceful atmosphere of the village and the pure safety she felt when surrounded by her loved ones and fellow Konoha citizens. Much better than the deadly ways of a shinobi. Being announced a jounin now, along with her other teammates and friends, she has been on much harder missions.
But now was the time to relish in the happiness of just one festival. Maybe something could happen in her life new... Maybe her current boyfriend would do something, who knows what he would do. And Yes, Sakura is taken. Taken by someone she has known and loved ever since she laid eyes on him. The famous Uchiha Sasuke. Her well-known teammate and friend.
They started this relationship about three months ago when they were talking and out of the blue, and out of her love drunk will, Sakura confessed her true feelings to him. She has already done it multiple times but for once and oddly, he accepted it and they went on a date, her first real date. It was the best moment of her life. Finally winning Sasuke and having him hopefully fall for her. She did notice him become a tad protective of her but that was the only difference. Oh, and he always held his arm around now, that was also a nice change too. It also made her blush profusely and gawk at him.
Yet Sakura wanted more from him. Probably something can or would happen tonight.
"Aah, Forehead. Hurry up!" A feminine voice yelled outside of her room. "The sun is already setting. I'm sure there waiting for us by now." The voice continued with a hint of annoyance in it.
"I'm hurrying! Can you help me with the obi, Ino? I can't... tie it properly." Sakura yelled right back at her friend. The two of them were getting ready at Sakura's small, actually very small, apartment. It was almost past the time they were suppose to meet their group of friends and Sakura was beginning to feel bad, since she did not like making people wait. Especially she felt bad that she wouldn't make in time to see the welcoming presentation at the festival.
"'lright... Wait a second, I'm coming." Her friend Ino murmured as Sakura distinctly heard the springs of the couch screech and the shifting of feet coming towards her. And as she guessed, Ino walked in. The pale blonde-headed woman was wearing a kimono that fitted her perfectly. White with a purple gradient at the bottom and the end of the long sleeves, shades of dark purple and pink also decorated the bottom and sleeves. And to finish the outfit, a navy-blue obi and a small bouquet of cosmo flowers rested at the beginning of her high-ponytail, almost like a small crown. Ino looked stunning.
Once Ino came in the room, a huge smile and a twinkle in her eyes met Sakura. She walked faster towards her and Sakura seemed to notice that she didn't stumble at all, even with the tight kimono.
"Oh, Sakura. That kimono is so pretty! Your mother has amazing taste." Ino complimented as she helped rearrange the crimson obi. "It suits your hair and eyes perfectly! If only you knew how to assemble these kind of things."
"Oh shut it." Sakura retorted as she straightened her back for the blonde to tie it together properly. "But I am surprised with myself." Ino let out a small huff of approval as she tied the dull pink obi jime into a tight, trusting knot. Setting her hands on her hips, Ino asked why.
"Usually it's you, Pig, that I have to wait on, but today it's me." Sakura admitted with a mocking laugh. In response the blonde just laughed a sarcastic tone and started fixing the pink strands of Sakura's long hair. The pinkette took this time to examine herself in the mirror in front of her. A ghost of a smile traced her lips as she examined the outfit and her appearance. Wearing a kimono that was a pale yellow and had a gradient of lush pink at the bottom, the top and the bottom of her sleeves, and a red obi tied it in the middle. Multiple colored flowers were spread out all over the kimono and it also had white edgings. It wasn't too much or not that much at all, Sakura thought it was perfect. With her long, pale-pink hair flowing off her shoulders and on her back, it all tied together and she was proud of it. Thanking Ino and her mother silently for arranging this outift.
Ino patted her back to tell her she was done and moved her way to the front of her pink best friend. After checking for any more mistakes she could have missed, Ino grabbed her hand and started out of her room without a word.
"We best be going now Sakura. It's getting late... thanks to you." She said with a smirk as Sakura snorted, almost stumbling forward with the wrap of the kimono being so tight. They continued outside and already saw the lights from the festival. Despite the sun just beginning to set, the lights were a nice contrast. The pink and red lanterns hung everywhere on an also lit string that went everywhere in the village. The two girls also noted that civilians were walking past them, towards the center of the village, which is where it is taking place at the very moment.
A sense of nostalgia hit Sakura when she remembered the first time she witnessed the festival as a girl. It had a similar feeling as of now.
Then the two girls followed the crowd towards the direction of the lights and were a little faster since they were meeting people and past the due time and plus their excitement was as well heating up. Dodging small children running around the streets and multiple others, Ino and Sakura finally saw the familiar faces of their friends. The group was standing at the side of the road ,apparently all chatting and excited. They all wore kimonos as well, the girls wearing much more colorful ones while the boys, besides Naruto Uzumaki, who wore a bright orange one with the sleeves rolled up to his biceps, wore dark, navy ones. The two girls then walked towards in a fast pace.
"Sorry we're late!" Ino yelled and caught all their attention, all heads turning towards. With everyone facing them, Sakura couldn't help the small blush forming onto her face. She never wore fancy outfits to the festival, besides just plain yukatas and wearing her hair up, but this year was different. Just because she wanted to impress Sasuke with her sense of style, even though he had seen the plain, old yukatas past the years. She kept telling herself she was overdressing, but it was for a good cause. "Sakura took too long." Ino continued with a laugh, making Sakura unwillingly scoff and softly punch her friend in the shoulder.
"Aa, Sakura-chan! You look awesome." Said girl turned towards the familiar voice and saw Naruto erupt from the back of the group, who now swept her up into a bear hug. Sakura let out a small squeak when her feet slightly rose from the ground. When did he get so tall? Naruto put her down, holding her shoulders as she readjusted to the flat earth and grinned.
"Yes Sakura. You look very youthful this evening!" She heard Rock Lee say as he also came out from the back and then stood next to Naruto, a huge grin also erupting from his lips. The two looked identical as they stood in front of Sakura with unnerving grins, thus making the petite a little uncomfortable and honestly creeped out in the bit.
"..U-Uh, Thanks." Sakura said as her hands fidgeted with the hem of her long sleeve. "We should... go to the festival now. It's getting late." And that's what they did. After hearing that, the group started towards the center of the village. all walking cozily together like they always did. Sakura's eyes scanned around her friends, hopeful to find the familiar raven-hair and yet she could not find Sasuke. A hint of sadness hit her as she remembered him saying he'd meet them there. He did not lie to her did she? So, she turned to Naruto, who was walking next to her casually.
"Naruto..." Sakura begun quietly. Naruto inclined his blonde head to hers.
"Huh? What's wrong?" Said boy asked as they continued walking with the group.
"Where's Sasuke?" Sakura felt her voice lower as she frowned. Naruto stared at her briefly with curious, yet worried blue eyes. Once his two teammates started 'dating', he never really knew of their... romantic part of the relationship. Or have seen it, at all. They rarely ever showed that much romance besides Sasuke's arm always hovering over Sakura, but that was it and Naruto, himself also did that to Sakura in a friendly, brotherly manner. No kisses, no embracing, hugging, nothing really. It would've surprised anyone who didn't know if they were told the two we're dating, it looked nothing like it. He just concluded that was the way Sasuke gave his feelings out. Just not in the open, maybe.
Naruto then smiled reassuringly, hoping to lighten up his best friend's visible downcast mood and snaked his arm around Sakura's neck.
"Sakura-chan, don't worry. It's just a small change of plans. He told me that he was going to meet us in the center of the village and that's where we're going right now, right?" Sakura stared at him with a still unconvinced stare and slowly nodded. She still wanted to see him... but she could wait.
"...Yeah." She murmured. Then she realized she should not be so depressed. It was selfish to lower her mood and silently ask for the condolences of friends. And on such a nice night too when everyone was enjoying themselves. Now, she did not want to be a joy kill, did she? Plus, Naruto never lied to her. That was a fact. Brightening up drastically with a small smile and quirking her eyebrow in a playful manner, Sakura continued, "Hey... How come you're not with Hinata right now?"
She held down a chuckle as Naruto visibly blushed and lowered his arm from Sakura to his side. His deep blue eyes looked straight forward as they continued walking. "I...She- Hinata wanted to talk to TenTen, so... she's ...mmh ...talking to TenTen." Naruto murmured awkwardly as he looked over his shoulder at the Hyuuga Heir. Sakura followed his gaze and saw Hinata walking with the brunette woman in question. Beautiful as always, Hinata clad in a somewhat glowing white kimono that had sleeves draping down around her thigh. Just pale blue contrasted from the white as the blue flowers erupted at all the edges and the obi. Her hair was in it's usual style, down and to her back. But it didn't matter much, it still looked stunning. She didn't wear much, but she really did stand out.
The two teammates of Team seven didn't realize they were staring at her until her pearly eyes met their own, and immediately her pale face turned a hue of pink as she looked away. Just like Hinata, the pinkette thought to herself. Sakura sighed and smiled as she turned back around. Naruto still held his gaze briefly then followed Sakura in suit, turning back around towards the dirt path.
Naruto and Hinata have been together for a month now and Sakura pitied that they've barely had time together, just because of their shy behaviors. Both being shy around each other was harsh. Yes, Hinata was marked as the shy one, everyone knew that, but Naruto always blushing around her was a very odd change, but oddly adorable in Sakura's opinion. It was just weird to see such a loud, somewhat annoying boy quiet down in presence of his loved one. Sakura has always tried to push them together but it always turned out the same.
It was somewhat frustrating, but maybe soon enough they would set their sheepish feelings aside, they could officially and really be together.
Sakura's emerald eyes slightly squinted when a bright light hit her eye, wiping her away from her thoughts, but they finally made it. The smell of multiple goods filled her nose, the excited chatter and laughter wafted around and the red and pinks lights lit brightly everywhere. The hue of pink and red was also reflecting off the stands, herself and practically everywhere. It looked and felt beautiful, a sigh escaped her throat. Feeling her feet start to pick up it's speed, Sakura felt excited to set off and she was also nervous seeing Sasuke. Would he like her outfit? That's why she wore it in the first place. To get his opinion.
Hopefully... a good opinion, she thought to herself timidly.
Unwillingly, her head turned in all directions to see if he was around once they got to the center of a intersected pathways, but with the growing crowd of citizens, it was hard to find him or to even pinpoint a certain somebody actually. That was until Naruto tugged at her silky, pale yellow sleeve, making her turn towards him in question. Naruto was pointing straight ahead. Her eyes followed his fingers direction and the smile on her face slowly started tugging at her lips. She could the Uchiha clan symbol brightly on his back, there he is!
"There he is..., " Naruto somehow repated from her thoughts as he chuckled under his breath. He knew Sakura was getting excited due to her smile. And he was right. Sakura then grinned and was getting ready to fast-walk towards the Uchiha, thanking Naruto under her breath that he found him for her. She could hardly see him, but she knew it was him. From this distance, she noted his black kimono and spiked, dark-blue hair and still the fan-like symbol on his pack that indicated him art of the Uchiha. A rush of excitement filled her once downcast mood as her smile seemed to grow too big. He did come! But she was stopped from running towards him with open arms when Naruto murmured under his breath and his words caused her to stop briefly in confusion, " ...wait, who's that?"
Looking to the person she did not notice before standing next to Sasuke, Sakura then and now noticed him too.
A taller figure stood next to Sasuke, both of them had pensive expressions on. Identical actually. This man was wearing a black-kimono with dark blue gradient just at the bottom, the bright blue edges ending at his lower-calf, revealing the usual shinobi shoes everyone wore on a casual day. She concluded he was not going to stay long once seeing that. His dark hair, which was a lighter shade of black than Sasuke's, was tied in a low-ponytail and draped over his shoulder in a casual manner. Sakura recognized him from the little times she had ever seen him. And those times could be counted with her fingers and she would still have leftover to count with. This man was very busy apparantly due to the times she has ever seen him. Mostly in his Anbu uniform at the Hokage Tower or around the village. It was odd seeing him in a yukata; well actually just seeing him, period. This was Sasuke's older brother, Uchiha Itachi.
The famous Uchiha prodigy, ANBU Captain and the man Sasuke talked looked up to his whole life. Sakura has heard so much about him from Sasuke and alot of others, yet she rarely sees him. Only a glimpse of him, like one time she's been to Sasuke's house with Naruto, or at the Hokage tower like said earlier and other times that didn't seem so important or referable. He had an intimidating aura as well, yet he looked so passive with that blank emotion he held. The identical version of Sasuke's expression. It must run in the family.
But that didn't stop Sakura from gleefully walking over to Sasuke, she left Naruto to watch as she childishly trotted to the two. A small sigh left his lips as he saw her stumble slightly, then he turned back to the group and continued their conversations while keeping a slight watch on his friend from his shoulder. He would come visit in a moment.
Still trying to be graceful at the same time and trying not accidentally tripping on the hem of her kimono in the process, Sakura walked towards her boyfriend and his brother with excited eyes. Now she would just die of embarrassment if that even happened. Tripping in front of the two would cause her to run away, run far away from them due to tremendous embarrassment, and probably not to show her face around them for a period of time. Successfully making her way towards the two Uchiha brothers, she sighed in deep relief and smiled big at Sasuke, who looked utterly bored...
"Good evening Sasuke." The raven-haired boy briefly stared at the pinkette for a moment, his eyes still held no amount of visible emotion. That slightly bother Sakura as she continued politely smiling at him. Sasuke was always a confusing individual. He replied and spoke no more than a couple of sentences and she would never, ever know what he was thinking. Just very complicated in all ways, yet she dealt with it.
The smile on her face grew when she conjured up the idea he must be getting ready to compliment her outfit. Fidgeting slightly, a blush lingered warmly onto her face as he inclined his head away from her in a almost-too casual of a manner, cutting off eye contact in the process.
"Hn."
That struck her hard in the heart, but she concealed her feelings. Deep disappointment and regret filled her once ecstatic mood, was it a mistake to come then? She would've frowned harshly at his lack of response, but the fact that he was even here helped her cheer up slightly. Even though he did come every year, he only stayed a small amount of time, such as thrity minutes and he would only come to receive some treats from stands. He would greet his friends casually, then continue on his way home then. Actually, he did not really stay with his team in the first place, much to Sakura's dismay... but today-! Today he came in full yukata outfit and came hopefully to fulfill his promise on coming with her. So, the smile still lingered brightly on her pink lips when she turned to his older brother and bowed slightly in respect for him being a much higher rank than herself and in greeting.
It was rare to him here as well. In all of the years of attending this festival, she had never seen him at the festival. Not at all.
"Good evening, Uchiha-san." Cringing inwardly that she greeted him almost too enthusiastically, Sakura stood back up. Nothing really could ruin her mood right now, so all was fine.
He nodded simply at her in response.
"Good evening, Sakura-san." She met eyes with Itachi, he was staring right back at her, so intensely too and she felt a blush erupt on her cheeks as she looked away quickly. It was as if he was looking through her very expressive eyes and reading all of her thoughts with just a small glance. Her smile deflated slightly skittishly. His eyes held that deep intensity, she couldn't even keep eye contact with him, thus breaking it away. It was weird. Suddenly feeling awkward since the two brothers were just looking at her, unwillingly she started fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve once more, a habit she concluded she now developed and looked down at it with a deeper blush than before.
It was just silence lingering and the first thing that was on her mind spit out in a fast manner, eager to cut the silence out. No talk was never really Sakura's thing. To some people she knew, silence was comforting but she thought it awkward and uncomfortable at times. Like right now.
"Eh-Ehm... not to be rude Uchiha-san...but how come you're here with Sasuke?" She stuttered in a her small voice.
That sounded horribly rude to ask in her ears and she immediately regretted even thinking of it, but now that it was out there... she wanted to know. She was planning on spending this evening with Sasuke, and just Sasuke. Yes,it sounded odd but that was what she felt... and wanted. Not with even Naruto with them. Her plan tonight was to have something change in her nine-teen years of life, with Sasuke hopefully and nothing could ruin it. So, somehow she had to shoo Itachi away and not be so rude about it at the same time. And she hoped she did not sound rude at all when that question spilled out.
Sakura cringed inwardly, it sounded horribly rude!
Itachi briefly glanced to his side at the multiple food stands, then returned his intense gaze back to her. Still looking passive as he blinked.
"I am just waiting with him until I find my own girlfriend." He informed her casually.
Girlfriend?
Itachi has a girlfriend?
Sakura stared at him with a now partly open mouth. Since when?
What?
Well... it should not be a surprise really. The older Uchiha was stunningly handsome and mannerly at the same time, Sakura had to admit that even if she did not want to. And also Itachi is the heir of the Uchiha clan and the heir of one of the most powerful clans in Konoha and in the countries... If any question should be asked it should be 'how could he not have a girlfriend?' He has to have one, unless he cannot pass down family traditions and clan traditions. Thus thinking of this, surprise drained from Sakura's face and understanding replaced it. It made senses then.
Plus, she knew nothing about him. Nothing, but his power and how famous he was around the village. And that was it, so it should not really come off a surprise, period. How was she suppose to know?
"...I'm sorry. I can just go off on my own if that's what you wish, Sakura-san."
He suggested as he continued his hard stare on her. Sakura's eye open drastically as she straightened up and waved both her hands in front of her, realizing she had not answered him for a bit due to her so deep in thought. Hearing that made her fell ten times more guilty than before and how he asked so politely made it even worse. And so easily and simple too! Her inner-self would have said 'yes' on the spot, but that would be so crudely rude. So she did the opposite.
"N-No! You can wait with us, I was ju-just wondering why!" She frantically, and almost yelled in his face as she shook her head, pink hair flying onto her shoulders in the progress. Sputtering a small apology as she calmed down and felt completely guilty still, Sakura shook her head and her long hair curtained her face as she looked down. This evening was not going as well as she wanted. Worse unfortunately.
Itachi just watched with calm, onyx eyes, almost amused by the girl's apologetic, coy nature and just nodded in reply. Just then, Sakura and Sasuke's group of friends were behind her, confused with why Sakura looked suddenly downcast and Naruto, who Itachi recognized as the loud one, Sasuke's friend, stood next to Sakura. Pointing a finger at him almost in accusation, Naruto raised a blonde eyebrow at him.
"...hey. You're Sasuke's brother right? We've met like... maybe five times?" Naruto asked. Itachi, once again, nodded in simple reply. Maybe it was best if he did just go off on his own, he thought to himself as he watched Naruto knit his eyebrows together and cross his arms in an intimidating matter, not that it had no effect. The blonde look Itachi straight in the eye and frowned.
"Aa, whatever. What'd you do to Sakura-chan?" The blonde asked as he noticed Sakura blushing profusely at his side. Odd.
"Nothing of the matter. We should all get going if we want to attend to the festival." Itachi said as he turned around, completely ignoring Naruto as he was getting ready to let his loud side free and yell at Sasuke's older brother. Effectively quieting him down just by turning around. Sasuke sighed lowly under his breath and walked behind his brother after shooting Naruto a greeting glance. The group soon followed after them, still in confusion. Naruto still puzzled as he walked alongside Sakura. The blonde boy leaned towards Sakura as he kept his hard glare at the back of the Uchiha brothers, almost accusing them for something he did not even know.
"Hey... why's he even here?" He asked lowly under his breath to his teammate. Sakura looked at him and inwardly sighed. She must have embarrassed herself in front of him, and what else was that Sasuke practically ignored her, shooing her off with a grunt of an answer. The complete opposite of what she wanted him to say. Her chest felt heavy in deep disappointment as she averted her eyes to the road in front of here, looking very downcast as she glowered at the street.
"...He's waiting with us until he finds his girlfriend." The pinkette answered robotically as she held in the urge to frown. Naruto just mumbled something, probably about Itachi and Sasuke, under his breath then stood back up in his original stance. Leaving Sakura to wallow in her own insults from herself.
Did he not like her, maybe? It didn't seem like it... or feel like it. Maybe he didn't like her like that... The glance he sent her when she went up to the two was just like a passive, nonchalant acknowledgement he would give any other random person who came to greet him. Almost looking annoyed if she really thought about it. Another invisible punch in the heart from herself.
Sakura's head hung over slightly in dread as she continued the onslaught of her mind. It was like there was no relationship between them besides friends and teammates, and sometimes Sasuke never really treated Naruto and her like friends. It was odd, and she hated to even admit it, but Sasuke showed huge arrogance and held a smug aura around him. Always taking over a mission by himself was a another thing he did, to much of Sakura's chagrin, she brushed off that thought and continued her deep stare at the back of her 'boyfriend'.
The Uchiha symbol slightly crunched and creased due to his walking and it was somewhat making her go into to a daze, but she shook her head and looked down again. Maybe the Uchiha clan did that to him, because she remembered back in the genin days, Sasuke was much nicer than in the present. Yes, still somewhat arrogant, but so was Naruto and herself since they've been through some harsh missions together and accomplished. They were just proud of their accomplishments, so they shared their experiences too much. But now it was just immature and she thought arrogance was one of the many traits of an asshole.
Yes, an asshole.
Pardon her language, but she may be calling her boyfriend that, an asshole. Slightly feeling guilty about admitting this about him, she felt this night was just going to do down the drain soon enough. Maybe she should go home sooner than she thought she would. That'd be the best probably, because it was already painful enough to think about his reply to her greeting him.
They continued through the heavily lit pathway of the festival. Her childish side, which was the side of her that begged to check out every stand and game in sight, was slowly fading away and adult-like depression was filling it. How can she enjoy the festival now when she knew nothing was going to happen between Sasuke and herself? Nothing was going to change and she knew it for a fact.
Suddenly all of her thoughts poofed away when a voice yelled her name. From the familiarity of the shriek of her own name, Sakura concluded it was Ino. Her head shot up and turned towards the direction of her friend's voice and just as a very big crowd of dancers and civilians were blocking the path they were on and going straight towards her without warning. Sakura noticed the path was cleared, except just for her standing in the middle of the dancers path. Just like a deer getting ready to be hit with a kunai.
Eyes widening slightly, she looked to her side and saw her friends getting pushed back, all in separate little groups, into different paths by the crowd of civilians clogging the multiple paths of the village. Oh no... things have gotten worse. They were all getting separated, and she was alone!
Sakura started fast-walking to one of the pathways, but her damned kimono made her stumble and she was getting ready to fall forward onto the hard, dirty ground-
When suddenly a hand grabbed her wrist, holding her in place as she adjusted her feet unconsciously to a firm stance and she flinched slightly, looking towards the owner of the big hand.
Her eyes widened in confusion and shock.
Itachi? Getting pulled by Uchiha Itachi?
Sakura blinked just barely before she realized he actually dragged her surprised form away from the upcoming crowd, effectively taking her through the closest pathway and through the clogged crowd of civilians. Turning over her shoulder on the way, she did not see any of her friends... or mostly Sasuke.
Then she turned back around when she felt them stop somewhere and when the feel of multiple people around her ceased, he was pushing her towards the back of the crowd, which were she was now... alone with Itachi Uchiha in a more secluded area of the festival, only a couple of people in sight besides the huge crowd behind them.
Turning to the older Uchiha, Sakura immediately made dreaded eye contact with him once again. His hand still latched around her wrist in a tight, but gentle grip. They stared at each other briefly before Sakura blinked and regained her ability to speak again.
"...Thank you." She thanked timidly, almost sounding embarrassed. The familiar warmth of a slight blush creeping onto her face. Damn her feelings.
Itachi kept his gaze on her for another brief moment before letting go of her wrist slowly, then nodded.
They stood in the middle of the path, staring at each other as Sakura finally came back into reality after the huge event of people crowding all around her and pushing. She was never the type for crowds. Only if it was small crowds, she could live with it. But that indeed, was not a small crowd at all. Not even close.
"Uhm..." Sakura murmured awkwardly as she glanced downwards at her feet and his own were in her line of sight surprisingly. He was standing quite close to her when she noted how close his toes were to her own. Then looking back up towards his pale face, she spoke in a more serious tone, "We should go find the others."
Then Itachi shook his head in answer, much to her surprise. No explanation besides him turning around and walking down the pathway he brought them too, towards the more empty part of the festival. The pinkette stared at him with a confused stare or even glare, maybe. This was odd, and she felt somewhat foolish for just standing there. Sakura looked behind her shoulder and inwardly groaned, the crowd was still blocking the exit of this pathway and she could see some dancers in front of the crowd going down the dirt road she was on before Itachi saved her from getting run over. It's what a child would do, but who could blame her for just standing the? Then the Uchiha heir turned around, stopping abruptly and raised an eyebrow in her direction.
"Where are you going?" She inquired with full and true curiousty behind the question.
"We will not be able to find my brother or your friends for a while. The crowd is still there. And they must be doing the same as us."
The kuniochi raised her pale eyebrow. "What are we doing?"
So, to summarize her current situation... she was stuck with Itachi Uchiha at the festival while she hoped to be with Sasuke presently. How'd it come to this?! And with all people... the person she seriously knew nothing about but just that he is her boyfriend's brother and very powerful in the village.
However, the older Uchiha nodded.
"We are going to enjoy the festival, while we look for them. It'd be a waste of time to do so and search for them." He explained casually. "Now come."
Sakura stared dumbfounded at him. In the back of her piggish mind, she wondered... Can this be considered... a date? Sakura would've punched herself in the head if she could for thinking that... But, any girl who was in the search for a mate, and at her age, would think being alone with a boy... and at this festival was a date anyhow. And especially Sakura Haruno, the lovesick girl. But at the same time, the lovesick girl was also smart. Her expressive emerald eyes softened as she nodded and walked towards him, thoughts and questions running through her head like earlier before.
He did have a point though.
If they did nothing but try to meet up with everyone, it would be a waste coming to the festival in the first place.
Now walking besides one of the most powerful men she knew, Sakura couldn't help but feel a bit awkward in his presence. She didn't know what to say... what to do... But somehow the peace and silence between them seemed comfortable for him. His onyx eyes looking straight forward, a soft, calm glint in them as he treaded easily at her side. But with all this silence, it gave her time to think as they walked through the more silent part of town and then a delightful idea popped into her mind.
"...Hey, Uchiha-san." She said as she looked at the stands she passed. Especially the one with multiple, vivid masks hanging everywhere and children running out of the small store with said masks on. A small smile lit her lips. A smile of remembering the first mask she ever got and a smile of the idea that came to her recently. A very smart one if she can say so herself.
"Hm?" He murmured.
"Maybe... we should look for your girlfriend? You know, since were looking for everyone... why not look for her too?" Sakura asked almost too timidly. It still somewhat sounded like she was trying to shoo him off, but in all honesty she thought it would be pretty helpful for him since that is why he said he was even here. Her green eyes turned to him when he failed to answer, which was not exactly a surprise and she saw that he was still staring forward with a stotic expression as they continued walking casually down the dirt pavement.
Suddenly, he nodded.
"That would be smart." He spoke in his deep, silky voice. It seemed everything about him was... perfect. Sakura immediately regretted even thinking that and stifled down an awkward cough as she nodded in response. Good thing he is cooperating now.
"Okay. So, where do you think she'd be?" The pink female asked.
He was quiet for brief moment, then he stopped walking. Sakura was a little further from him since he just stopped so randomly, and she turned to him with an arched pale brow in confusion. He sure did like surprising people, she concluded quietly as she fully turned towards him.
Itachi looked at her and then inclined his head to the right, which she followed his gaze unconsciously. He was looking down another dirt path that was much more crowded than the one they were on presently and she could only guess that was were his girlfriend was at.
"She told me she was going to be near her family's shop with some friends. The shop is just somewhere down there." He informed easily as he started walking down the path. Sakura stared at his retreating back in mild confusion. He was an... interesting man. Then she started following him suit, slowly trotting behind him as she lifted her kimono slightly to walk easier.
But the only she was glad about was how comfortable he seemed around her... well from her point of view. He did not trip over his words, or purposely try to avoid her. Actually, he was helping her and talking to her. If he was uncomfortable with her, he would have heeded to her request on looking for her friends on her own and left her, but instead insisted on helping her. A ghostly smile lingered onto her face, he was a nice man too. Hopefully, she could be somewhat friends with him as they spent this time together.
Just maybe.
Sakura walked slightly faster towards him, taking the spot she had earlier next to him and looked around as civilians started crowding around. Now it was getting crowded, much to the pinkette's chagrin. Some people bumped into her shoulder, causing her to sometimes brush against his arm accidentally and soon enough, her natural temper was slowly rising to the surface as she continued making harsh, unnecessary contact with her side. Could they not watch where they were going? And not even apologizing in the process. A low scoff was made from her as she glared around.
Once again she brushed against Itachi's arm with her own, but this time she almost ran into him. A loud, strained gasp left her mouth as Itachi gently grabbed onto her shoulder for her own leverage and balanced her. Her jade eyes looked up to him in surprise, clashing with his pensive onyx ones as the natural intensity radiating from him surprised her. Did he even know that he could make mostly anyone feel uneasy with just a measly glance from himself?
"Aah... uhm... Thank you, Uchiha-san." She thanked once more again as she finally recomposed her balance and stood in front of him. Now stopped in the middle of a growing pathway, Itachi looked around. His eyes looking around the lit stands lining the sides of the dirt path. Sakura followed his gaze when he stopped on a certain shop, a small, but slightly crowded one. An old-fashioned tea shop to be more detailed.
Itachi let his hand fall from her shoulder as he looked back at her.
"Come, let's take a small break before we continue." He said as he was beginning to turn around and started, but Sakura stopped him before he could do a simple bee-line to the small shop.
"Wait!" She squeaked. "Sh-Shouldn't we still look for your girlfriend...? What if the crowd gets bigger?" She suggested pathetically with a slight pink hue on her pale face. Looking down almost shamefully, she felt him staring at her in silent question. Yes, she just wanted to go off on her own now. Slightly feeling like a burden for him just because she wanted to find her friends.
She didn't know it and probably won't even know, but he enjoyed her company a lot. That was rare for him, too.
Sakura dared to look back up and see him maybe even offended by her offer, but instead he was staring down at her with that familiar stotic gaze. Maybe the light was just making her vision flicker, but she could've sworn that a ghost of a smile or maybe a smirk was on his lips... Nah, it was just the lights.
"We can wait it out in the shop. We should enjoy the festival at any time," He turned around fully and looked over his shoulder while she stared at him. "... So, let us go."
Sakura stifled down a sigh, but instead huffed childishly and smiled at him. "I guess you're right..."
It was true though. They could spend the whole time looking for her friends and probably only find them when the festival was at it's ending peak. And who knew, but what if his girlfriend had went off with her friends? Thinking that, she nodded and continued with him to the small shop he had chosen out.
The shop was very open. The 'windows' were just open spaces in the wall, allowing the customers to look out from their spot at the small, wooden tables. In the back was a normal cashier stand with a door in the back that was a kitchen, a very small kitchen probably. Steam was rolling out from the open door and plates of multiple sweets continued coming out.
Sakura could feel her heart skip a beat in excitement. Pure, fresh sweets? It was perfect! And with the cozy atmosphere of only around three couples occupying the tables around them made her want to just live in the shop. How come she's never heard of it? Sweet foods were her favorite, and her sweet tooth sometimes had a mind of its own.
The two quietly walked to an empty table and just as soon as they sat down in the wooden chairs, a waiter scurried to them with a plate of dangos and a tray with two, empty old-fashioned glasses and a tea-pot. The steam coming out of it was easily wafting out and from the smell of it, Sakura declared it was simple green tea. She was thankful for such fast service, but they did not even order yet and honestly, she wanted some anko dumplings instead of the simple dango.
Once the waiter sat it down in the middle of their table and smiled politely at the two of them, she raised an elegant brow in confusion.
"Thank you, but we did not-"
"Oh, this is on the house!" He interrupted and then averted his eyes to Itachi. "It's for Uchiha-sama from the owner."
Sakura looked at Itachi immediately in confusion. Itachi avoided her stare and simply thanked the waiter and sent the owner, who was currently at the cashier stand counting money, a small, but thankful smile. Once the waiter left, Itachi poured himself some green tea and looked so calm as he watched the steam of its hot temperature cloud around as it cooled down.
Sakura cut off her gaze and as well, poured herself a cup of tea and waited for it to cool down in front of her. She grabbed for a stick of the dango, and once she picked one up, then excitedly, immediately brought it to her mouth and took a small bite from the top. An inward sigh of content from her as she swallowed it.
"If you're wondering... I helped the owner of this shop." Itachi said suddenly as he also took a stick of the dango and brought it to his own mouth. "They asked for me to help them pay for making this shop possible and opening it. I did, because they are family friends of mine." He finished simply as he took off half of the dough, sugary ball contentedly.
Sakura was confused at first but then she realized he was explaining the whole free food ordeal, then nodded simply. That's very nice of him, she thought fondly. No wonder she has heard many things about him from civilians and shop-owners, many nice things. She finished off her first stick of dango and gracefully sat down the small stick back onto the plate, along with Itachi.
"That's very nice of you, Uchiha-san." Sakura said with an admiring tone. It really was.
Itachi nodded, then looked her straight in the eye as he paused.
"You can call me Itachi."
"Hm?" Sakura mumbled as she took another bite of her new stick of dango, swallowing it as she looked at him in confusion.
"Okay... Itachi." His name rolled around Sakura's mouth as she realized it had a nice tone to it. She had never, well rarely had ever said his name. And the only time she had was not even to his face. But wait, did that mean he was going to call her by her own name now?
"...You can call me Sakura then." Sakura spoke in a much more comfortable tone now, a small smile now on her face. Itachi nodded, just like had many times this night and finally picked up his mildly steaming cup of tea and brought it to his lips. Sakura watched as he took small sips then sat it back down. Then the silence was back now, making Sakura fidget uncomfortably in her seat. She was always like this, and she hated it. The silence was suppose to be comforting, but it never was with her. Especially around him!
Then she spit out whatever she had in her mind, like she had awhile back.
"... So, what is... you're girlfriend like, Itachi?" She said slowly, immediately regretting it. She was regretting many things now that she had thought of it, and many things were getting added onto the list. Why was she even thinking about his girlfriend in the first place? It was none of her business, and she did not know him enough to ask. A stifled and quiet groan of regret left her lips as she looked down and picked up her tea cup. Still slightly hot against her fingers. She did not want to look at him after asking him that, surely he didn't want to answer. He did not have to either.
Itachi stared down at her flustered form and could have almost chuckled in amusement.
She was just so child-like, so much that it was refreshing to be around her. He was silently charmed when he had met her in beginning and was glad to have pulled her out of the group before anyone else could have. He was charmed by her personality. Sakura seemed to have her heart sewn onto her sleeve. She truly let her feelings and thoughts loose even if she visibly regretted saying something out loud.
It was... nice.
Then he replayed her very blunt question around in his mind. Not feeling offended at all, he took another sip of his tea before answering her. She was still slightly flustered because behind the curtain of her long bangs, she was blushing profusely and he was confused on why she was even that much embarrassed in the first place.
"She's very..." He paused briefly, and was quietly amused to see her look up with slightly widened eyes. "...affectionate." He finished quietly, setting down his now empty cup of green tea back onto the tray.
Sakura felt very relieved when he answered. Okay, he did not seem surprised nor offended! That was a start, and she nodded hesitantly. Her small hand reached for the plate as she spoke in a now more confident and softer voice.
"That's nice." She commented about the woman he claimed his girlfriend, while picking up the last stick of the sweet food. "Do you want the last piece?"
Sakura said as she realized it was the last one, stretching her hand towards him with the food in hand. It would be rude not to offer since they gotten it free because of him. Itachi shook his head and leaned slightly into his chair now that he was done with his share of the meal, watching Sakura intently as she nodded and retreated the dango back and to her mouth immediately. Silently, he watched her. Very intently if I must say.
Watching how her soft mouth brushed firstly onto the dough before she bit into the dough ball. The small smile that ghostly returned to those plump, full lips as she swallowed the last of it. Also, gazing at her hand as she reached in for her cup of tea. Taking note that her nails were not painted and still shining at the same time. Returning back to her soft face, he enjoyed seeing her eyes sparkle just a little when the tea warmed up into her hand and how they somewhat narrowed as she took a sip of the probably perfectly warm tea. Carefully taking in the very quiet sigh when she sat down the empty cup onto the tray and folded her hands back into her lap. Her pink lips slightly curled at the corners as he concluded she had finished her own share of the meal.
Itachi just wondered what it would be brushing his own lips against her own-
Wait... what?
What?
He thought only that one word when he averted his eyes quickly to the opening in the walls that looked out towards the street. Why was he thinking... that? Why was he thinking like that?
"Aah, thank you for the meal, Itachi. We should continue searching now." He heard Sakura say from the other side of the table. Quickly turning back to her, and soon enough still remembering his somewhat exotic thoughts and nodded as he got up from his seat. For the first time in awhile, Itachi Uchiha felt flustered. She followed in a slightly slower pace and with a word of thanks to the shop owners in the back, they left the shop in an odd hurry and were now back, side-by-side like before, on the less crowded street than before, road.
Sakura was taken back slightly to see him get up so quickly and rush out of the restraunt. What's gotten into him? She expected for him to get up and leave in his usual calm manner and pace, but he literally shook the table as he got up. He must be in a hurry to get to his lover, for she noticed how he looked out towards the open window in the wall with a glint of urgency in his eyes. She considered that very sweet of him to be in such a hurry to meet whoever she is and well, it makes sense too.
It made her smile softly as she glanced at Itachi from his side.
They were now making easy bee-lines around the walking citizens and children, barely bumping into anyone as Itachi lead them to what Sakura supposed his girlfriend's shop. And they stayed by each other's side the entire time, even when Sakura almost got pushed back by a group of visibly drunk men and women.
And just as if someone heard her thoughts from earlier about Itachi's girlfriend, they quickly reached a much more secluded shopping area and small shop when a high-pitched squeal -or maybe shriek?- erupted from behind them. A very loud shriek at it too. The two both turned around in the direction of where it came from and they saw a hand waving up in the air frantically. Sakura could not see the owner of the hand because they were swallowed up within the crowd and she saw the hand slowly make its way to them as whoever they were, pushed through the multiple people.
"Here she is." Itachi announced under his breath to Sakura. She briefly glanced at him in acknowledgment then looked back to what she supposed now is his girlfriend. The girl they've been looking for, and Sakura couldn't help but be excited to see her. The one girl who wooed Itachi Uchiha, now that was something to proud of from what she pinkette heard from some friends gossiping about the most desirable men of Konoha and of course, Itachi came up... and it included Sasuke, but anyways, she heard Itachi had a heart of stone, quiet and seemed to be uninterested in woman at the present time. But not anymore though, Sakura thought slightly amused.
But, wait... would she get suspicious to see Itachi with herself?
That thought hit Sakura hard as she felt nervous then, a frown replacing her soft smile as she slowly realized it. Crap. She didn't want Itachi to get in trouble with his girlfriend! Just because she was with him, too. No! If that ever came up, she would defend him immediately, she declared innerly and fiercely as they still awaited for her to come up to them.
"Itachi-kun!" The high-pitched voice yelled as a woman practically erupted from the crowd. Sakura couldn't help but stifle down an amused chuckle when the woman stumbled slightly when she got fully out of the crowd, tripping on the hem of her long kimono.
As she walked over to them with a huge smile, Sakura was admiring her kimono. It was a bright red and had many ornaments hanging from the obi. The designs were all golden and just little flowers were erupting from the bottom of the bottom edges. Her hair was a dark, navy blue and in two identical buns atop of her head. Her seemingly long bangs were pinned to the right with two clips, showing off her pale and narrow face.
Sakura smiled politely as she made her way in front of them. She almost cringed when the woman's brown eyes slightly narrowed seeing her. Oh no...
"Good evening, Itachi-kun!" She greeted enthusiastically as she turned back to Itachi. From what Sakura can see is that these two were completely different! She was a thousand times louder than Itachi and she was very... vivid in her clothing choices, Sakura concluded when she saw multiple hanging ornaments hanging from the two buns on her head, effectively catching her attention.
"I was scared that you weren't going to come! It's a very nice surprise to see that you've kept my promise on coming." The ravenette spoke in a giggling manner, then the cheerful glint in her eyes deceased as she turned to Sakura. The younger pinkette suddenly felt very nervous when the woman visibly narrowed her eyes.
"...Who's your little friend, Itachi-kun?" She asked, sounding almost strained as she continued her suspicious stare towards Sakura. The pinkette frowned and immediately, her hands shot up and waved to defend Itachi as she felt a small bead of seat form on her brow.
"Oh, No! No, no... Itachi is just-"
"I'm just helping her find her friends, including my little brother too, Yuuka." Itachi stated calmly. The woman, who is apparently named Yuuka, slowly lost her accusing glare, smiled and nodded as she grabbed onto Sakura's shoulders. Sakura squeaked quietly, surprised and slightly confused as she pulled her into a tight hug. She changed her mood so easily that it hurt Sakura's head to even think about it... a small giggle was heard from Yuuka as she tightened her hug slightly.
"Aah, you're Sasuke-kun's girlfriend? I've heard about you a couple of times, it's nice to meet you! We can be sister-in-laws one day." She spoke loudly into Sakura's hair, another giggle escaping her. Sister-in-laws? She meant... that Sakura was going to marry Sasuke, while she married Itachi?! That's just too much to think about right now, not with how he acted earlier...
Sakura blushed harshly and tensed under her grip.
Yuuka slowly let her go than looked to Itachi with a big, somewhat cheesy smile.
"Okay Itachi-kun. You can still help her if you want to..." Then she moved towards his arm and hugged him tightly. Sakura watched as Itachi's expression didn't change one bit, but for some reason... she couldn't help but stare at him and she felt her chest... tighten? Why? "But maybe you should stay here with me?"
Yuuki's idea did not waver as Itachi declined it politely while merely glancing down at her. It looked like he did not even care... Sakura's eye widened a fraction. He was just like Sasuke! He didn't show any romantic side of himself... just like his little brother. Sakura frowned slightly upon thinking that. What was with these two? She knew Sasuke was like this, but Itachi... it was what Sakura thought he'd be like, but just odd. Wouldn't he be just a little romantic, more mature about it? And she couldn't explain why she would think of Itachi as a 'loving' person and someone who shows their emotions openly. It was
Her green eyes returned back to Itachi and Yuuka, and they slightly widened once again when the woman clung tightly to his arm stood up onto her toes and clasped her hands onto either side of his face, now catching his full attention. Sakura watched with intent eyes as she whispered something to him, she couldn't quite hear it since the noise of everyone around them was louder and her eyes widened completely when she pushed lips onto his in a deep kiss.
Sakura watched with something burning in her chest. Why was she feeling like this? She didn't even know Itachi and she was... jealous about him being kissed by girlfriend! His girlfriend. It's natural and she was jealous. She couldn't admit it but it bothered her that Itachi didn't pull back whatsoever... maybe she was just mad because Sasuke had never done things like this with her.
Yeah, that was it.
Quickly, the pinkette averted her eyes away from the two towards the ground and waited. Still, she was confused why see felt like this, and in the back of her mind, she knew it wasn't because of Sasuke not kissing her like Itachi was to Yuuka... But there's no way to admit herself to that and she stuck with her story.
She couldn't be jealous of them!
"...Well, I wish you would stay with me. I'll see you tomorrow, ne?" Yuuka's voice took Sakura out of her odd trance, and she perked back up to see Yuuka a smaller distance away from Itachi, who was just staring down at her passively. That's what confused Sakura. It seemed he did not even like her as much as she liked him. Odd.
Itachi nodded, and with a final peck to his cheek, Yuuka ran off back into the crowd and disappeared. Sakura watched as Itachi turned to her and nodded. Something sparking in his eyes, something Sakura could not quite name.
"...Well. Let's continue." Sakura hesitantly nodded and they went off. Turning into a more quiet and less crowded path, under Itachi's directions, the older Uchiha continued walking with her on his side much more slowly than last time. It seemed the lights hanging around this area were much more dim and Sakura couldn't help but notice only a few people were walking down this road. Why'd he choose such a remote area to look for their friends in? It's almost like he ...didn't want to find them.
That theory kept tugging on her and now she was bluntly curious.
"Itachi... How come we're looking for them around here? I highly doubt that they'd be here." She said in a quiet tone and just as she finished her statement, Itachi stopped and looked straight at her.
What is with him?
Sakura turned around to face him, her green eyes clearly expressing how she felt to Itachi. Confused.
"What is it?" Sakura probed as she took a closer step to him. He had surprised her multiple times this night, but this was just weird of him. She felt a weird feeling hit her soon enough as she moved in front of him. Starting to become worried. Was he mad that he had to finish helping her and couldn't stay with Yuuka? She would be glad enough to let him go with her. Almost too happy to let him go in a matter of fact.
He was acting stranger than usual, and that was enough to say something. His eyes were staring deeply into her eyes, boring into her own emerald orbs. She was starting to become slowly uncomfortable.
"...Well." She muttered as she looked down at the ground. "...We should get going."
Sakura murmured as she was beginning to turn around and continue walking down the dim path. Then a small squeak escaped her throat as the path in front of her slowly blurred out and she was tugged away somewhere by a strong hand. With her eyes shut, she just felt her back make harsh contact with a hard wall. Her eyes busted open and she almost shrieked when she only saw Itachi's features in front of her. He was so close to her that she felt his breath fanning onto her.
"It-Itachi...! What are you..." She slowly trailed off when he stared deeply into her, the intense aura coming from him made her lose the ability to talk. What is wrong with him?! Sakura timidly looked around saw that were in between two fences, almost like an alleyway and the only she could make out besides Itachi pressing her down onto what she guessed was the fence, was just the dim path they were on before he pulled her in here.
"You were jealous." Itachi said lowly as he pressed her harder into the fence, a soft grunt escaped her lips as she made eye contact with him once more. This... This escalated too quickly for Sakura to even think about. Then his direct accusation, or actually the way he said it sounded like a fact, made her look at him in shock and utter confusion.
"What?"
Itachi held her both hands down with his own and he slightly pressed himself into her, causing her to start a panic.
"Wh-What are you doing?!" She asked loudly and Itachi softened his gaze as he took ahold of both of her hands with just one of his own, while his now free hand made its way to her face. Much to her panic and shock, he gripped onto her chin gently with his index and thumb and held her up to look straight at him. She slightly calmed down but was starting to become utterly nervous... and even scared.
His thumb reassuringly rubbed the top of her chin as she felt his sigh. Her green eyes soon just bored into his own, like he had done to her and she just wanted to know... why in the world was he doing this and what did he mean she was jealous? Due to his closeness, she felt her cheeks practically catch on fire as she cut off her daring eye contact away from and looked down at his his hand, which was currently holding her pale face up.
"What do yo-you mean?" She muttered quietly. Sakura briefly heard him sigh again, but it was so quiet, she was slightly proud of herself for even detecting it, not that it mattered.
"You..." He started slowly as he continuously rubbed her chin, so softly too. "... were jealous of Yuuka."
Sakura scoffed and immediately frowned at his words. The blush on her face still lingered as she narrowed her eyes defensively, yet she felt as if she was lying to herself. She would never admit it though or even know it, but she was. She had always told herself this because she had felt like it times around... but the feelings for him had slowly and suddenly died down to just a measly spark. And she did not even know what happened.
"I'm in love with your brother, Itachi!"
Sakura spat out as she glared at him. How dare he say that to her face and in such a position too. How would he even know? He didn't know, nor did she know him.
"Why..." She murmured as Itachi seemed to be getting closer to her, but that wouldn't stop her. "... are you saying that-"
A stifled and strained gasp erupted from her lips suddenly, cutting off her question when Itachi breathed hotly down her neck, his lips brushing against the column of her throat in the progress. Her blush grew bigger, intensely hot as she tried to move her hand away from his grip. Of course, her efforts were useless and her hands went limp slightly as she glared at him.
His black eyes stared down at her passively, but they were still lit with... something. She learned she could never read his emotions or anything about him and that frustrated her to no depths, especially right now. Then another strained gasp echoed off the wall when he pressed his lips against the side of her neck.
"Itachi! Yo-You have a girlfriend!" Sakura yelled out as he slightly sucked onto her bare skin, her eyes becoming glassy as she tried to push him away with her knee. Useless just like last time. A supple sigh leaving her quivering lips in defeat as she stared wearily at him, why in the world- what is wrong with him?!. That was the only question she could decipher from her clouding mind.
He kissed the side of her neck softly once more before he stood up slightly, now hovering in front of her face now.
Itachi hummed lowly as his free hand moved to her cheek, brushing gently against her nose and lips before doing so. She looked back up at him once more for any explanation, any words from him at all. Just anything.
"Sakura..." The male said her name slowly, as if it was his first word ever spoken, something foreign to him .He looked her softly in the eyes, reassuringly actually but it didn't calm her down one bit. His onyx ones glimmered in a soft haze as he removed his hand from her cheek and replaced the spot with his lips, marking her skin with a sudden wet, soft kiss. His ears keenly picked up on the gasp she emitted as he made contact.
With his hot breath fanning her ear and down her neck, he only spoke softly and lowly to her. So gently too that it confused her.
"You're not in love with my little brother." He said harshly, but it came out in a soft whisper against her skin. Goosebumps trickled all over her body. What? ...And-
"...How do you know?" Unconsciously she whispered out, finishing her thought out in the open as he leaned deeper against her softly with his body, the grip on her hands still fierce and protective.
Yet, the sad part of this all was that she did not even know the answer to her own question.
"Because, Sakura..." He stated ever so slowly and he lifted his head so that his eyes were staring directly into her own with such an intensity her breath hitched. "...You and I, both, know for a fact he does not love you back."
Sakura felt the weight of his words suffocate her.
What?
She knew he loved her back.
Or did he? No. He did.
But if he does, why was this bothering her so much if she knew it?
What if he didn't?
Itachi let his grip on her loose and her hands limply fell to her side as her cupped her cheek once more. Unconsciously, she leaned into his hand and felt the sudden urge to cry. The warmth from his palm was almost reassuring if it wasn't for the words he just spoke to her.
He was right.
"...He doesn't love..." Sakura muttered in a cracked, weak voice. Her eyes narrowing as she looked forward but only saw the blurred figure of Itachi. It all made sense... now. But why was he playing with her and saying he was her boyfriend and she was his girlfriend, her trusted friend? She felt so boneless, that if Itachi wasn't holding her, she would for sure slip down the fence, onto the floor and just sit there.
"He... do-doesn't..." She trailed off once more when she felt her eyes start to prickle and her breath slowly begin to hitch and catch in her throat. Teeth clenching, she looked up and saw Itachi staring down at her with a soft gaze, a consoling stare but it was completely ineffective.
"...love me."
And why was he doing this?
"Sakura..." The two hands that cupped her face slowly let go and moved to her hips as he leaned his forehead against hers. The pricking in her eyes deceased.
Why was Itachi, of all people, the only man she literally knew nothing personally of, comforting her?
His hands soon smoothed over her womanly curves and back to her face, returning to its spot on her cheeks. Her eyes were narrowed slightly as her cloudy mind reeled from their short, but strong conversation.
Then he surprised her. Such a surprise should not even be allowed as she regained her senses and her eyes widened in surprise so big that it strained her.
His lips were pushed against hers in a deep, warm kiss and his hands held her face up, to which she was glad because with all of this unnecessary contact from him, she was sure to collapse but she did not. Suddenly, he tilted his head to kiss her even harder and she was completely surprised with herself. She was not pushing away, fighting back, anything.
But instead, she wanted his contact. Want him to help her. Wanted more.
So to pursue her needs, desperate needs, she slightly pressed back, but just as she did, he let go of her face and took his lips off of hers. Sakura looked at him in confusion, like she had multiple times that night and suddenly felt... lonely. Itachi looked at her through half-lidded eyes and picked up her chin once again with his thumb and index. Staring deeply into her eyes, her breath hitched.
Suddenly, she felt guilty. Maybe she was just gullible for falling to his words. What if Sasuke did love her but just had a hard time showing it? What if all of this was a big misunderstanding? She could just forget this ever happened and pretend it never did, hopefully Itachi would do the same... but she couldn't. She knew he didn't love her.
She just knew it.
Yet, she was still doubting herself.
Itachi softly kissed the top of her forehead and left his lips there as he whispered words quietly to her. Sakura could feel her cheeks start to warm again as he clasped onto her right hand with his free one. Holding it up to his chest, she felt warmth suddenly burst onto her cheeks and ears.
"Sakura." He repeated her name once again, but in a much more calm, fond tone. Still... she did not know why he was acting like this. Again, she didn't answer him. Still in too much of shock and confusion.
"Come to my house." He whispered so slowly that it made the hairs on her neck stand.
"Wha-"
"Make your choice." Itachi interrupted as he brushed his lips against her forehead once more. Sakura could only watch with wide eyes as Itachi lifted himself from her and smiled at her. Actually smiled at her, a genuine curve of his lips that made Sakura freeze in reaction, her head spinning as his words once again echoed in her stormy mind.
What did he mean make her choice...?
Before she could even speak, Itachi preformed hand signs, at insane speed, and disappeared with a cloud of smoke in his spot. Leaving Sakura to gawk at the now empty space in front of her, the fence that was in front of her. Just... what?
Finally losing the strength in her legs, they gave out and she slid down the wall and onto the dirt floor, still staring forward the whole way. What? Did he mean by... choosing Sasuke or him? For kami's sake, he has a girlfriend! Sakura even witnessed them kiss! Oh kami, the way her head was spinning made her want to throw up, curl into a ball and pretend she did not exsist. Was he playing with her?
...But the way he... kissed her was so nice that it made her look down in confusion, towards the smoke cloud he left with his jutsu. It was her first kiss too. Sasuke had never tried or even talked about kissing, or even making romantic contact with her. Her heart cringed as she bit her lip.
It made her feel different.
Well, the choice is hers, but the choices were just so... confusing. Sasuke, who is her best friend and... boyfriend, has been at her side since they were genins and in the Konoha Academy. She knew him more than most of her friends, besides Naruto, and he knew her as well. While, Itachi... well, it was the complete opposite for him.
She is just an acquaintance of his, and he is of hers. She had literally, really met him for the first time tonight and they know nothing of each other besides their connections with Sasuke. That was all.
She made of her mind then.
Finally getting the strength back, Sakura stood back up and her eyes hardened with a new outlook as she turned and walked out of the ally she been had dragged her into. Heading towards the more crowded part of the festival, she was going to find her friends now and enjoy this festival now, forget all about Itachi.
Itachi.
She stopped in her tracks in the dim pathway, nobody was walking in it so she had this time all to herself, all alone. Enough time to process this situation.
Oh Kami... why was she even in this situation?
Itachi is...
a complete opposite of Sasuke.
He is much more loving, even though it never seems like it. Just the way he kissed her, she looked down thinking of it, the way it seemed that she was all he saw made her feel... loved. Cherished, deserved... Just like Sasuke never made her feel like.
Maybe she was being rational, gullible, stupid... her heart had taken over.
Sakura looked up to see the lights hanging above her, the candles lit inside slowly were giving out as she turned around and really made her choice. Surprising herself entirely, yet not even thinking more of it and in her desperate stage, she walked in an increasingly faster pace, not once stumbling on her kimono as she walked out from the dark path.
Sakura choose Itachi.
Yes. They knew nothing of each other, but she was listening to her instincts now and they never failed her.
Yes. They just practically met tonight.
But, she knew what she was doing.
Remembering one time when Sasuke, Naruto and herself were walking, Sasuke pointed out a house atop of a short hill, a big, old-fashioned house that was by itself and the first time she saw it, she concluded that someone powerful, big must reside in it and was curious to why Sasuke pointed it out. Same with Naruto.
So, he told them that was Itachi's home and for some odd reason, Sakura remembered where it was. She must have due to its big structure and its magnificent features, but something else told her that she remembered it because it had bothered her ever since.
And she was headed there now.
Stopping abruptly in the middle of the crowded road, children's laughs and citizen's chatter filled the air, the smell of treats, foods wafted around, and the feeling of comfort were back. Just like in the beginning and Sakura looked down. Green eyes wide as she rethought her choice.
...She had chosen Itachi.
A/N- ...And The End...
Just kidding! Okay, so in the next chapter... things will happen.
This was suppose to include stuff... but it was going to be way too long to fit it in, so here you go! I'm trying to write the next chapter presently, so I hoped you enjoyed this really long chapter~
I wrote this because I always have thought of Itachi and Sakura having a forbidden love, I think it makes thing interesting. Okay, and I hoped I didn't make everything go too fast, because it felt like I did... but you know Sakura, she is a lovesick girl (well in this story) and Itachi wasn't going to rape her or anything, No, no, no! He's just being loving in his special way... and junk. He, just in the weirdest way, is trying to help her because-
and you'll find out the details next chapter!
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