Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto.
Title: Landing Amongst the Stars
Genre: Romance/Drama/Angst
LANDING AMONGST THE STARS
Chapter One: Shoot for the Moon
A collaboration by Winter Psyche and tornupleather
~Sakura's POV~
He left when I was nine. There isn't a lot I remember about him. I remember he was tall, because I'd always have to crane my neck up when we talked. I remember he had eyes the color of burnt cedar, which cause my heart to skip every time they lit up. I remember his voice, soft, intense…
But most of all the mixed feelings the day he left. Scared…excited, anxious for him. I remember the way I felt when he got into that black van. I was terrified.
Terrified that he'd never come back—that I would never see those beautiful eyes ever again.
It would be nine years before I saw him again.
"Oh, mom. Don't cry." I pleaded, "We're in public."
You'll make me cry.
"I'm not crying," Mom snapped tearfully, dabbing watery eyes with a napkin, "I'm just so happy for you. Both of you."
"We're just so proud you've deciding to pursue your dreams… we're going to miss you girls." Ino's stepmother, Mikoto added, wiping below her cheek roughly.
"Mom c'mon. It's not like we're moving permanently across the world," Ino smiled as she rolled her eyes affectionately, "And don't worry Ms. Haruno, I'll take good care of Sakura."
"I know…just make sure you call me—"
"You girls better be on your best behavior—"
"Yes, we know."
"We promise."
"Passengers departing on flight A26, please make your way to gate 34B. Passengers departing on flight A26, please make your way to gate 34B."
"I guess…that's us." I said softly, turning to Ino almost reluctantly. I wasn't surprised to see my expression mirrored in hers.
And it suddenly hit me. What if what we were doing was the wrong thing? What if leaving home was a mistake?
I exhaled violently, a dangerous fear stirring in my gut. The realization was almost too much to handle. We were leaving our world, our comfort zone for a new, foreign world—a world we had no clue about.
"Sakura…shoot for the moon." Mom breathed, touching my cheek.
I felt a lump rise at the base of my throat at the familiar saying. It had been something my mother had been preaching to me all my life.
Even if I miss it…I'll land amongst the stars.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our descent to Haneda Airport, Tokyo. We will be arriving in approximately thirty minutes."
"Ino, get up, we're almost here." I hissed, and swatted at my best friend half-heartedly.
"Mmmmfffrhh." She groaned, turned her head, and shifted away from me. A headphone dropped from one ear.
"Sleepy head." I sighed, looking out the window. My stomach flipped nervously; we were almost there…
The plane ride had been quiet and long. It had been my second time taking the plane, however I deemed myself a natural flyer. At least compared to Ino. I was more or less relieved she had found time to sleep on the plane—it was better than throwing up her lunch.
"Fine, I'll just find myself another source of entertainment." I muttered eyeing the screen in front of me and plugged in a set of headphones. I scanned the choices of television and immediately picked 'Tokyo's Top 40'.
I wonder what kind of music they listen to.
Instantly, a band came onto the screen. The screen zeroed onto the singer, a girl with frizzy bright blue hair down to her shoulders. She was wearing a ripped up t-shirt and leather shorts and she was banging her head to the music. She looked fierce and gorgeous—definitely not someone I'd want to mess with. Once she opened her mouth to sing, I found myself surprised to hear a voice that was hard, rugged and husky.
Then the screen zoomed into the rest of band, equally as hard-core and extreme. The next shot was of their crimson-haired drummer, his whole body moving to the music. He wore a black oversized t-shirt, cut up jeans, and dangling from his neck was a silver chain. I smiled a little when I realized his eyes were closed; his hair was plastered to sides of his face with sweat. There was something enthralling about the drummer—something I couldn't place. I nodded my head rhythmically—I could get used to music like this.
The keyboardist was a cute blonde who sang along with the singer as he played. His hair was tied into a half ponytail while his bangs covered a large portion of his forehead and right eye. He wore a simple leather jacket and grey jeans. There was something about his expression that made him seem like the least intimidating one of them all.
The last shot was of the guitarists. There were two, one on either side of the lead singer. The guitarist on the right was jamming on his guitar, bobbing a head of orange hair with the music like everyone else.
But it was the guitarist on the left side that I was unable to tear my gaze away from. I felt a sickening thud in my stomach and for a moment I was unable to draw air. There was nothing that stood out from the guitarist in particular. He was singing along with the rest of the band, he was wearing the same grunge-type clothing, playing his guitar with equal emotion.
It's just—the moment he stared into the camera I felt the blood drain from my face and my heart slammed painfully against my chest. My breath came out in broken pants as I felt tears collecting in the corner of my eyes.
No…those eyes…
No it can't be…
"F-Fuck." I whispered, bringing a hand on top of my mouth. Without looking away from the screen, my hand flew to Ino's arm.
"I-Ino…Ino, wake up." I stammered, my voice on edge of hysteria.
"Mmmm…are we here?" Ino grumbled, slowly sliding her eyes open.
"Ino. It's…look…I—" My words spilled incoherently.
"What? What is it?" Ino yawned, leaning over.
I couldn't reply anymore due to the closing up of my throat.
"Sakura? What…what's wrong?" Ino asked, sitting up straighter. Sleep was wafting out of her eyes as she turned to face me. There was a panicked look on her face as I frantically pointed to what I couldn't rip my gaze away from.
She turned to the screen.
And then she screamed.
-Ino's POV-
I couldn't control the horrified screech emitting from my throat.
"Shhh!" The passengers around us hushed.
"Sorry…" Sakura mumbled on my behalf, but still didn't look away from the small screen.
"How…" I didn't understand—he left us, all of us for…that.
Unexpectedly, the camera zoomed in on him—capturing his dark hair and matching eyes. He disgusted me, but I still wanted to take in every image of him. I wanted to take in what we've been missing for nine whole years.
"—and thank you for choosing Japan Airlines."
Like a zombie, I grabbed my purse and lead Sakura out of the aircraft. She seemed dazed as well, barely even walking straight. Once we claimed our luggage and checked into our hotel, we both decided to shower.
I unpacked while she went ahead first. His face on that tiny screen still haunted me. He looked the same, but something definitely wasn't right. It bothered me that I couldn't quite place my finger one it.
Flashback:
"Promise to call us." My stepmother smoothed his hair down and kissed the top of his head.
"I will." Was his curt reply.
"Don't get into too much trouble." He ruffled his younger brother's hair, and then turned towards me.
"Never…" I stared at the ground, "…never forget us."
I thought of Sakura, father, my stepmother, and Sasuke.
He knelt down to reach my eye level, "I won't."
"Promise?" I looked up at him with determination. I was determined to make him swear that he'd come home, keep in touch.
He paused, "I promise."
And because I was only nine—that's all it took for me to let him go.
"Earth to Ino…" My pink-haired best friend waved a hand in front of me. She wore a pair of denim shorts and a loose, gray, V-neck top.
"Hm?" I focused my attention on her and shoved away the memories.
"You alright?" Concern crossed her emerald orbs.
"I'm fine, just need a shower." I picked up my clothes and made my way to the bathroom. Once the water was streaming down, hot water hitting my skin—I finally let my tears fall.
About twenty minutes later, I stepped out and got dressed in ripped, denim shorts and a black off-shoulder top. As I walked out, I noticed Sakura staring blankly at the TV.
"I'm sorry," She whispers in disbelief, "but I hate him."
I sat on the edge of the bed next to her, my gaze locked onto the large screen as well. It was the same music video and he was just as unfamiliar to me as the last time I saw this. And maybe for that, I sort of hated him too.
Sakura and I decided to walk around Tokyo, become more comfortable with the area. We squealed at shops and almost drooled at the smell that wafted from ramen stands. This was what we'd been waiting for; this was it.
We stopped in out tracks simultaneously.
"Is that…?" I tried not to gape.
The image of that band was plastered on a giant billboard. The female had a hand on her hip and stared into the camera lens dominantly. He was on her left, a guitar strapped onto him. The other three were posed as well, but I didn't care to even spare even a glance at them.
"EEEEEEEEEK!"
Sakura yelped once the shrill scream reached our ears.
"What the fuck was that?" I looked in all directions, then back to Sakura.
Her eyes looked wild, "I don't know! What the hell! Did you hear a gunshot? What if we—"
I ignored her exaggerated theories and continued searching for the source of the noise. Then my vision narrowed down on a clump of girls. I grabbed Sakura's hand and ran across the street towards them. Soon though, I realized it wasn't just a clump, not even a mob, more like an army of girls were screaming and waving posters frantically.
"What's going on?" Sakura tapped someone on the shoulder before I could even fully take in the scene.
"…You don't know?" We both winced at the small girl's passionate yelling.
She wore black-framed glasses with a head of brick red hair and was wearing a black shirt with Itachi's band printed on it. I looked away quickly.
"Sorry…?" We responded.
The girl gawked at us, "You're joking."
"Um…" Sakura voiced, avoiding eye contact with her as much as possible.
The little one sighed, "There's a surprise concert tonight. Only Akatsuki's real fans would know."
"Aka—what?" I blatantly demanded, pretty much stealing the words out of my best friend's mouth.
I winced at the horrid expression that passed across the redheaded girl's face.
"Okay…it's not funny anymore." The tiny girl brought both hands on her hips, "Everyone knows who Akatsuki is."
"We…don't." Sakura blushed, biting her lip nervously.
Something wasn't right; people were looking at us like we were aliens.
"Akatsuki: Konan, Sasori, Deidara, Pein, and Itachi?" She recited to us matter-of-factly.
"Did you just say…Itachi?" I breathed out.
"He's your favorite too?" She squealed…in my face, "God, Itachi Uchiha is the hottest…!"
"Uchiha? His name is Yamanaka." Sakura cocked her head to the side in confusion. I didn't get it either. There was no doubt about it—he was the same Itachi I had lived with for eight years. I could recognize those eyes anywhere. He would never change his name…no, that would be stupid.
"Huh? No…it's Uchiha." She replied slowly, as if she were talking to a pair of five-year-olds.
"Uh, she would know—this is his step-sister." Sakura placed a hand on her hip and pointed at me with her thumb.
A hysterical laugh escaped the fan-girl's mouth, "Yeah and I'm his girlfriend!"
But there was something in her eye, a twinkle of competition that sparked across her features in a menacing way. Her face darkened and observed us through wild eyes.
Fan girls are…scary.
I raised an eyebrow, trying not to roll my eyes. But this was starting to confuse me. And I really wasn't appreciating the sarcasm at the moment. If Itachi were famous, people would at least know about his background. What was going on?
"You obviously don't know who the Akatsuki are, so maybe you should leave." She snapped, her eyes narrowing.
I didn't want to talk to the girl anymore. She was confusing me, I didn't like her hair, and this whole conversation shook me.
My legs moved in some direction I didn't even know, and I felt Sakura follow me suite.
"That girl was…weird. Insane." The rosette shook her head.
I agreed quickly, "Yeah, I need to see him."
"You actually want to see him?" She asked, incredulous. But the vulnerable expression that crossed her face dulled the cynicism in her voice.
I shrugged, "I'm here now anyways…"
A short silence passed and Sakura stared hard at the ground, probably trying to tune out the screaming fans.
"Okay, I don't really want to see him." She sighed, raking her fingers through her long pink hair, "I'll go to the library or something for half an hour."
I shot her a skeptical look, "You're going to wander off in a totally different place?"
Ever since I knew Sakura there had been one thing (well, two) she really had trouble with: Direction and Navigation.
I fought the urge to smile at her indignant expression.
"We looked one up yesterday remember? I think I remember how to get there! Plus, I have my cell it'll be totally fine."
I nodded reluctantly, "Don't get lost, idiot."
"Psh, me—lost? C'mon." She grinned and waved me off.
"Sakura!" I shouted for her.
She turned to look at me, "What?"
My finger lifted to point in the opposite direction she was headed, "Wrong way!"
She pouted and stormed in the other direction stubbornly. I laughed openly at her child-like expression. Realizing I probably didn't have a lot of time, I pushed my way viciously past the large group of screaming fans. When I finally was able to pass through, a hand gripped me.
"I'm sorry, no fans are allowed in the building." A bodyguard growled, pushing me back.
"I need to speak with Itachi." I snapped impatiently.
"No fans in the building." He repeated sternly.
"But I really need to see him." I hissed, feeling very annoyed.
Did this man not see I wasn't a screaming fan like the hundreds around me?
"I'm sorry. You'll just have to wait until the Akatsuki come out." He snipped but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes, and I felt my body burn with rage.
"Look, I'm not a fan. Itachi knows who I am."
The security guard chuckled, and I fought the urge to kick him.
"Fine, you need proof? Call him and tell him Ino, his step-sister, is here."
"What?" The bodyguard yelled, trying to hear over the noise of the crowd.
I repeated my words…on the verge of screaming.
"That's—"
"Just. Fucking. Call. Him." I snarled, taking a step forward.
I watched intently as the guard punched something into his phone with exasperation.
"Hey. It's me. Yeah…I've got this crazy fan claiming she's Itachi Uchiha's step-sister…No…she's determined…I just thought it would be faster to…yes. Ino. Or something. Kay bye."
The guard sighed.
"What? What did he say?" I demanded, crossing my arms.
"Clearly he doesn't know you so please just leave me—"
He was cut off by the sound of his phone. Sighing again and mumbling something along the lines of 'I'm going to be fired', he picked up his phone.
"What?" His eyes widened, "Let her in? ...Itachi said that? Uh. Okay…sure."
I couldn't help smile triumphantly at the sudden sheepish look I got from the guard.
"Uhm, yeah you can go in."
I entered the large building, but not before shooting him a smirk.
There was another bodyguard standing in front of the receptionist who greeted me, "Hi, how can I help you?"
"I'm here to see Itachi Yama—I mean, Uchiha. Itachi Uchiha."
~Sakura's POV~
I waited for him for as long as I could. I always hoped he'd come home. I wished on every star to see him again—if only for a short while. I could see how much pain his absence had caused for his family. Still…I trusted he would come back to us.
But he never did. And it hadn't been long before I lost all hope.
Five years I waited, I believed in him.
I guess the next four years I stopped.
Shit…am I lost?
I had to admit, I was starting to feel slightly overwhelmed by just how huge Tokyo was. And map reading wasn't really a particular talent for me.
I'd never been great at navigating my way around places and I blame it on my love for living and being in the moment—though Ino would just call it an excuse.
I sighed, turning my head from side to side. I was almost glad Ino wasn't with me because I knew she would be smirking or sighing—one of the other just about now.
Someone called in the distance.
I sighed, debating whether to call Ino.
You can't call her, she'll yell at you! She's going to—
"Hey! Miss!"
She'll call you airheaded again…then she'll—
"Miss! Hello? Lady!"
She'd never let you live it down…like all those other times—
"Miss! Get off the street!"
I abruptly turned my head in annoyance.
Would the 'Miss' or whoever just answer already?
"You! Pink-hair girl! You're in the middle of the road!"
I turned, and widened my eyes in surprise.
There was a honking car coming at me. Honking.
"Oh shit!" I shouted, lunging in the other direction, barely missing the car.
Instantly there was a hand on my arm, but I ignored it to catch my breath.
"Are you okay?" A concerned but disbelieving voice rang. A strong hand steadied me as I slowly faced the owner of the voice.
"Yeah! I'm fine, thanks!" I grinned, reddening with chagrin.
"What were you doing? You almost got killed!" The stranger, a boy around my age croaked. He was just taller than me, and had shaggy brown hair. He was dressed in a plain green shirt, with black denim. There was a black guitar case strapped on his back, hanging loosely. He had big brown eyes—eyes that reminded me of a puppy and I smiled subconsciously.
I tried to ignore the fact that right now those eyes were looking at me like I was some special needs case.
"…Are you…"
"Huh? Oh yes! Don't worry I was just thinking—I was, yes…"
What the hell am I saying?
"I'm totally fine." I finished at last, shooting him, what I hoped looked like, a normal smile.
"Well, that's good." The boy replied, unsure.
"Thank you for, uhm, snapping me out of my reverie. I tend to live in my own little world…" I trailed off when I realized I was really starting sound like a head case.
"No problem…you're new around here, aren't you?" he asked, scratching the back of his head nervously.
"Yeah, this is my first time in Tokyo." I laughed, tucking a wayward strand of pink hair behind my ear.
"You look like a newbie." He nodded, "I'm Kiba by the way," he held out a hand.
I shook it and beamed at him, "Sakura."
"You going to be okay, Sakura?" Kiba smiled, gesturing to the road.
"Oh yeah. Don't worry." I reassured. I wasn't about to go tell him I needed help finding the library after that embarrassment.
"Okay…well, it was—" He replied, stepping backwards.
"I guess I—" I started.
There was an awkward pause.
"I guess I better be going." I smiled, trying not to die on spot, "I owe you one."
He only nodded. There was a mildly serious expression on his face, as if he were contemplating something.
I turned around and began walking quickly as possible.
Well that was certainly very awkward and I hope Ino never finds out—
I had only made it a few meters away when I felt a hand grab my arm.
"Uh—"
"Hey, I feel kinda bad just leaving you. Since you're outsider and all…" Kiba said, running a hand self-consciously through his hair, "You wanna grab a coffee or something?"
"Oh no…that's not necessary, really. I mean, you probably have somewhere to be." I stammered, feeling a threatening blush creep up my neck.
"I have time, c'mon you owe me, remember?" He teased, though his eyes flicked side to side in an anxious gesture.
I smiled despite myself and rolled my eyes humorously. I flicked a glance down at my phone. I still had time. Maybe making friends with people here wasn't such a bad idea. In fact, maybe this was a sign that I needed to socialize in Tokyo. One coffee wouldn't be so bad, would it?
"Oh alright, if you insist."
"So you're with your best friend, huh?" Kiba squinted his eyes, a thoughtful expression crossing his features.
"Yeah her names Ino. We moved here to, well, pursue our dreams." I answered happily.
"Oh yeah?" Kiba leaned back into his chair, taking a sip of his coffee, "And what's your dream?"
"Uhm." I looked down.
I heard him chuckle, "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."
At that, I perked up genuinely interested, "Fine. I want to be a writer."
He raised an eyebrow, "Cool, like a journalist?"
"Something like that." I replied, "What about you?" I leaned in and rested my chin on my laced fingers.
It was his turn to blush, "I like to play the guitar." He pointed to the black case placed under his feet.
"So you're a guitarist." I grinned, "That's awesome."
He's a guitarist too.
I felt my smile evaporate.
"Yeah, I guess." Kiba replied, staring out the window beside us.
I scrambled to place a mask on top of my face.
"So are you in a band or something?" I forced a smile.
"Something like that." he mimicked playfully, taking another swig.
I stuck my tongue out, eliciting a chuckle from him.
"I bet you're good." I crossed my arms, leaning back.
Watching him squirm, I had to admit, was entertaining.
"Maybe." He played with his cup.
"Do you have a favorite type of music?"
"Rock, mostly." He said smirking, "So you planning on applying for any jobs here?"
"Yeah, a few. I have one tomorrow actually. But…I'm not entirely sure what exactly I want to do." I sighed, picking up my cup.
I looked up when Kiba didn't reply.
I was surprised when I met his intent gaze.
"I'm sure you'll be great. Whatever is it you do."
My phone rang before I could reply.
Distracted, I grabbed my white blackberry from my pocket and stared at the screen.
"Take it." Kiba urged, the strange atmosphere gone.
"Thanks," I replied gratefully, bringing the phone to my ear, "Ino?"
"Sakura…I need to talk…it didn't go well…" Ino's frantic sobbing blasted through the phone and I instantly stiffened.
"Ino? Ino. Calm down. What happened?"
"He's…he doesn't care! He doesn't fucking care! He never did…I hate him, I hate him!"
Sudden and abrupt anger fired into my system as my hands tightened on my phone. Across from me, I saw Kiba mouth, "Is everything okay?"
I shook my head, biting my lip.
"Ino. Okay where are you? …I'll be right there. Don't move." I grounded out, hanging up.
"I'm sorry, something's come up." I panted, standing up.
"Is there anything I can do?" Kiba asked, cocking his head to side. His eyebrows were knit together, as he got up from his seat.
"No, don't worry. I just have to meet Ino. Thank you for everything, Kiba. You've been so kind. I wish I could repay you…" I trailed off, pushing the chair back into the table.
"Wait, Sakura—" Kiba started.
"Here's my number…let me pay you back sometime…" I trailed off, jotting my number down on a napkin.
I saw Kiba's shoulders slump in defeat, "Alright, I hope everything goes okay."
"Yeah." I smiled weakly, "Me too."
Then I exited the café and began to run.
A/N: Hey everyone! This is the first chapter of a collaboration story with tornupleather. She'll be writing Ino's perspective and I'll be writing Sakura's part. :) This plot bunny came up when we were busy daydreaming about going to Tokyo in the summer. Couldn't wait so we decided to write a little something. (We're praying for everyone in Japan!) Anyways, tell us what you think!
P.S. Ino's father remarried Mikoto, the mother of Itachi and Sasuke. So that would make Itachi and Sasuke Ino's step-brothers. (Weird, yes, we know.)
Reviews appreciated! ^_^