Life's Idiosyncrasies

Summary: Ever since her mother passed away, Sakura has always been focused on her education as well as helping her dad take care of her younger siblings. There was no time for love. So what happens when an unexpected meeting turns her life around?

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Sakura rhythm manga or any of the characters. They rightfully belong to their respective owners.

CHAPTER1:Snapshots

Sakura's POV

"Ohayou!" I greeted my best friends, Ino and Tenten, as I took my seat. Hmmm...Where was Hinata? I looked up and noticed Ino and Tenten to be excited about something. I glanced at them curiously as they greeted me good morning.

"I've got great news!" Ino exclaimed, sheer excitement evident on her cerulean eyes as she twirled her hair, a habit she developed when we were quite young. "Guess what? Hinata and Naruto are finally together!" She shrieked.

My eyes widened in surprise as Tenten grinned. Hinata, a lavender haired with pearl white eyes, is a soft spoken, timid girl who stutters when she's nervous. She's the type of girl who could never hurt a fly. We immediately became good friends when we met. Naruto, on the other hand, is a hyperactive, outgoing, ramen-loving blonde who mostly speaks before he thinks. He is...well, a complete opposite of Hinata. She's liked him for the longest time, ever since he saved her from those bullies. Naruto, knowing him, was just too dense to notice. I glanced at both them. He was animatedly talking to Hinata...probably about ramen. *sigh* Sometimes I wonder what she sees in him. Oh well, love is a mysterious thing indeed.

I looked back at Ino and Tenten. "It's about time." I said. "They look happy together, ne?" I smiled which immediately faded when I saw the mischievous glint in their eyes. Oh no... They're up to something. "What?" I asked afraid of what the answer maybe.

"Don't worry dear," Tenten patted my shoulder. "We'll set you up with someone. There's this guy in Neji's class-" she was unable to finish her sentence when Kakashi sensei arrived in class...late as usual.

I tried to concentrate in class, I really did, but my thoughts drifted to what Tenten was trying to say. Oh...right... Ino has Shikamaru, a lazy genius who spends most of his time watching the clouds (well that was before they got together). They were childhood friends and they've been going out for 3 years already. Tenten, a bun haired boyish girl, has been in a steady relationship with the stoic serious genius Neji, Hinata's cousin. They share the same pearl white eyes. He goes to an exclusive all boys private school near the cafe where I work. Now, Hinata has Naruto. Tsk...Tsk... Well, that leaves me alone. It's not like I'm looking for one right now. Aside from the fact that I don't have anyone that I like or that no one has ever confessed to me, it's just not my priority right now. Studying, working part time and taking care of my family has preoccupied most of my life.

Well, you see, I'm the eldest in a brood of 5. I have 3 younger brothers and a younger sister. (Tomo, 13 years old currently in middle school and the triplets Aki, Jun and Hana who were 4 years old.) Hana and I both have strawberry blonde hair and emerald green eyes, which we inherited from our mother, which is also a good thing. Well, can you imagine guys having pink hair? Now that's just weird. On the other hand, the boys had chestnut brown hair and eyes which were from my father's side of the family.

My mother passed away when she gave birth to the triplets, leaving my father alone. He manages a small bookstore which was in the family for years. Tomo helps out at the bookstore as well. It may not earn much but we manage to get by. With the help of our other relatives, I was able to get to high school under scholarship as well as a part time job in a cafe owned by my mother's cousin.

*sigh* It seemed I have said so much. Where am I again? Oh right...math class with Kakashi sensei...

"Class dismissed!" As soon as those words were said, everyone was hurrying out of the room.

"Sakura!" Ino called. "We're going shopping, want to join us?"

I smiled and sadly shake my head. How I want to join them but I just can't. "Nah... I have to pick up the triplets from daycare then off to work. They'll have a fit if I'm late." I laughed.

"Alright then," Ino replied as she rushed out of the room. "Take care of yourself dear." She waved goodbye.

I bid her goodbye and proceeded to pick up my siblings.

It took me a 15 min walk to the daycare. I immediately spotted the triplets playing tag with their playmates. I approached their sensei, thanking her for looking after the kids. I bowed then went the triplets, who has yet to notice me.

"Sakura-neechan!" Hana exclaimed as she rushed to give me a hug. Aki and Jun followed suit.

"Hey guys, how was your day?" I asked them as we bid farewell to the other kids.

"It was fun!" Jun said. "We had art day today and we drew lots of stuffs!" He and Aki were walking ahead of us, stopping by the park. They turned to face me inquiringly.

Hana tugged my hand. "Ne ne, oneechan. Can we play by the park?" She grinned at me with her emerald eyes twinkling. Awwww... I just couldn't say no.

"Ok," I grinned back as we sat by the bench. Besides I have a few minutes to spare before my shift starts. "Play where I can see you, ok?"

"Hai!"

*sigh* I feel rather tired. I took out my books and tried doing my homework. I occasionally looked at where they were playing. Kids have it easy, right... They are so innocent and carefree. *sigh* I got lost in my thoughts when I suddenly heard...

Click! Click! Click!

"Oi, oniichan! What are you doing?"

"What's that around your neck?"

"Can we see? Can we see?"

I looked around and saw them crowding around a young boy about my age who was busy taking pictures. He was wearing a uniform that was the same as Neji's. I approached the triplets. "Hey guys, stop bothering him. Anyway, time's up kids. We have to go home," I said as a chorus of groans were heard. I looked up and was at lost for words when I saw him. He was an epitome of perfection. He was probably the handsomest guy I've ever seen...not that I've seen lots though. With his silky raven hair, expressive onyx eyes that seem to stare right through your soul and his flawless alabaster skin...I could go on..."Uhm... I-I'm so sorry if they bo-bothered you. We- we'll be going then." Oh my God. I'm starting to sound like Hinata. I bowed apologetically and motioned the kids to follow me.

"Not at all, o-baa-san," he smirked. "I must say, you're quite young to be a mother of 3.

I stopped quickly. Oh no he didn't! He didn't just call me a mother and obaasan. I'm still wearing my uniform! Ok so I admit I may look quite tired and worn out but hey! That doesn't mean that I'm old! I slowly turned to face him, my eyebrows twitching. "Excuse me? I'm their older sister, you jerk!" I screeched.

He laughed with that deep voice of his. It was like music to my ears. "Relax. I was just teasing you," he said. "I'm-"

"Oniichan!" Aki interrupted tugging on his hand causing him to look down. "Can you take our picture?"

"Yeah!" "Please! Please!" Hana and Jun said in unison.

He smiled. I was taken aback. It was...ok this may sound cheesy...but it was really enchanting. I was drawn to it. I must've looked like an idiot gaping at him.

His response took me out of the trance. "Hai" he said glancing at me. The triplets were immediately by my side, coaxing me to crouch down. I smiled softly at them. "Ok"

"Ready?"

"Hai!" They said in unison.

"Ok. 1, 2, 3 smile guys." Click!

"Yay!" Hana exclaimed. "Thank you oniichan!"

"Thank you so much." I bowed and turned to leave. "Sorry we have to go. I'll be late for work." I smiled apologetically and left with the kids not waiting for his reply. It was only when I got home that I realized that I didn't ask for his name. Oh well.

"Tadaima!" I called out as we got home.

"Okaeri neechan," Tomo greeted as he continued doing his homework. He told me he's already finished the laundry.

As soon as we got inside, the kids ran towards the living room. "Oi, you guys should clean up first while I make dinner ok?" I glanced at the clock. It was already 530pm. Enough time. My shift starts at 7. I cooked stir fried vegetables and miso soup. I set aside a portion for otousan since he finishes at around 8pm.

We ate dinner while chatting as to how our days went. I began to remember the guy earlier. Nah who cares...we'll probably never see him again.

"Tomo!" I called out. "I'm leaving! Take care!"

I work as a part time waitress at a cafe near Neji's school. It was a 20 min walk from home. I passed by our bookstore and bid my otousan goodbye.

"Ah! Sakura-san!" Shizune greeted me. She was my mom's cousin and was the owner of the cafe. She was like an older sister I never had.

"Konbanwa Shizune-san," I greeted. "I'll be changing first."

"Hai. When you're done please attend to table 7." She smiled at me. "Thanks"

"Hai." I immediately dressed and went towards the said table. I was looking for my notepad as I greeted them. "Konbanwa! I'm Sakura. I'll be your waitress for the night. What can I ge-ah!" I screamed as I looked at them. He's here. The camera guy from the park. He's sitting right in front of me! "It's you again!" I exclaimed.

"Hn" he smirked. "O-baa-san!"

End of chapter 1

Author'sNotes: OMG! It has been a very, very long time since I've written a story. This was inspired by numerous shoujou mangas that I've recently read. I know Sasuke's a bit OOC. So? How was it? This is my first Naruto fanfic. I hope you guys liked it. Review please...and please, do be gentle. Suggestions and criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Oh by the way, I can't think of a better title? Suggestions? Thank you. God bless! Merry Christmas!:D