Thank you to those who have viewed my story, faved it and/or reviewed it. It is very much appreciated. Please enjoy this newest chapter. Sakura and Hinata's journey only begins here.
-Yamari
Watashi no Yume
Chapter Two
Sakura stood in the bathroom of Prince Naruto and Prince Sasuke's day room. She looked at her reflection and sighed deeply. Had she even had the faintest idea that Sasuke would've chosen her, she'd had woken up so early that morning to make herself beautiful that no one else in the entire castle would've been awake but her. In reality, Sakura was more worried about Sasuke himself rather than her appearance. Why in his right (or wrong) mind made him decide to choose her to serve him today? He had a smile on his face when she had accepted his hand and he seemed to be a lot more talkative and accepting. It felt like his whole demeanor had changed overnight and since it was so dramatic, Sakura felt as if she was meeting the real Sasuke for the first time.
The young maid flattened her skirt and fixed her shirt. Even if she wasn't as beautiful as she wanted to be, she could still serve her prince with dignity and respect. Sakura was pretty sure that Kamiya hadn't ever treated him that way, probably always staring at him and giving him the creeps. It wouldn't have surprised Sakura in any way. Sakura could still see Kamiya's steaming face as she had walked away with Sasuke just minutes before. Sakura had finally won the fight; it was now time to win the war.
She headed out of the bathroom, turning off the light. As soon as she stepped out, she wished she hadn't. Prince Naruto and Hinata were nowhere to be seen, but Prince Sasuke was standing there at the foot of his daybed. He wasn't wearing a shirt, but had black slacks on. That was it. Sakura knew from the heat she felt on her face that she was blushing madly. He was so attractive it was hard not to feel that way. Sakura's eyes followed his body up to his face which was lucky not facing toward her. Sakura fought hard to take the blush off her face, but it was harder than she thought.
Sasuke turned to look at her and smiled. It was faint and little, but it was there. "It's okay. Kamiya usually acts in the same manner, but it appears that you have more control than she does." He didn't seem boastful in his statement and Sakura knew it was true anyway. Kamiya was Prince Sasuke's biggest fangirl. She had given herself the label. "So…are you ready to help me dress? I have a lunch party to go today and my mother told me to dress appropriately."
"You want me to choose what you're going to wear to a formal party?" Sakura said, looking over at the closed closet door. "I haven't the foggiest idea what someone in royalty wears to a party. I've never been to one."
"Exactly." Sasuke turned completely around and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I want you to have your experience through me." After several seconds of silence, he chuckled and Sakura raised an eyebrow. "It's amazing how much you and Kamiya are different. I told her this same thing just yesterday whenever I was meeting with an ambassador from another village. She jumped at the chance and didn't even give me a chance to explain anything. I was more of a ragdoll than a prince at that point." He stood up and walked toward the closet. "It's okay if you don't want to. I'll just ask your opinion on what I choose. Will that work?"
Sakura nodded, even though she knew anything he wore would make him look amazing. She didn't sit, but sat her cleaning items on the floor next to her. He walked into the closet and came out about a second later with new clothing. For his first outfit, Prince Sasuke wore a blue navy silk over top with a purple shirt under it. A gold trim outlined the purple shirt and he was still wearing the black slacks from before. He looked even more like a prince to Sakura now.
"So…what do you think?" Sasuke asked, turning a 360. "This is what Kushi- I mean, this is what my mother wants me to wear."
Sakura shrugged. "I think it's very beautiful clothing, but why stop at the first thing you try on? Why don't you try some different ones and maybe you'll find something you like personally."
Sasuke smiled again and Sakura melted where she was standing. "That's a good idea. I'll be right back." He walked back into the closet and Sakura breathed a sigh of relief. Not being his presence made it a lot easier to breathe.
Something about him had made her uneasy. He had almost referred to his mother by her name. That was just a little strange. Why would he even subconsciously do that? Kushina-sama wasn't an easy person to forget and even if he…
Wait.
Why was she being so suspicious of Prince Sasuke in the first place? He had done nothing to make her feel apprehensive other than act the exact opposite than he had in public before. He seemed like a completely different person. It made Sakura wonder what else he hid from everyone.
"Alright, how about this one?" Sasuke's voice came from the slight opening in the closet. He stepped out and Sakura almost forgot to breathe.
Sasuke was dressed in a dark navy blue shirt with a high collar. The collar was outlined with yellow border, as were the shoulders. Under his neck was a white fluff of his shirt. The dark navy shirt was buttoned up with gold buttons and it extended down to just below his waist. Light blue slacks covered his legs and he wore black dress shoes to complete the look. Sakura hadn't ever seen clothing like it before, but Prince Sasuke looked absolutely amazing in the outfit. Sakura couldn't think of anything else that would've made him look anymore dashing or more authoritative.
"…uh…well, I…um." Sakura stammered and she looked down. She really hated her emotions. "I…I really like that one, sir."
Sasuke looked at his reflection in the mirror connected to the closet. "Really? This one's kinda old-fashioned, but it fits really well." He turned to her. "And don't be so formal. Just call me by my name. It's why I have one, you know."
Sakura looked up at him and smiled. "Okay. Sasuke-sama."
"Much better." Sasuke grinned. "I guess I'll stay in these clothes then. My mother won't be pleased, but she'll have to accept it, right?"
"I guess she will, if that's what you wish, Sasuke-sama." Sakura replied, smiling. "I'll clean up your closet now while you rest, okay?"
"Since it's your duty." Sasuke replied simply. "I'll go freshen up in the bathroom while you're doing that." He walked gracefully across the room and into the bathroom. The door clicked shut and Sakura heard it latch before she headed into the closet.
She picked up the clothing and realized Sasuke had tried on a lot more clothes than just the two outfits she saw. There were so many clothes from different time periods that Sakura thought she had stepped into a time warp. She wondered why Sasuke hadn't shown her everything and only what he thought she would like on him. Why would her opinion, a maid's opinion no less, matter? Sakura was just a girl who lived in the castle to help support herself and live with the people who made living possible. That was all. Or was it that Sasuke was trying to figure out why Sakura was so much different than Kamiya? That was a possibility.
After finishing with the closet, Sakura headed back out to the room. Standing in Sasuke's day room was not only a dream come true since the first time she had cleaned it, but having him in the same room was amazing. He was a prince, after all and royalty didn't always associate with common folk. This was special and very lucky. Across the room, Sasuke came out of the bathroom with his hair styled and he appeared to have makeup on his face, from what Sakura could see. But the makeup did nothing but enhance the beauty he already possessed.
"All done then?" Sasuke asked and Sakura nodded. "Good." He walked over toward the balcony and turned back to her. He motioned for her to follow and like any good puppy, she followed. He sat down on the couch next to the railing and padded the seat next to him. "Come sit down, Sakura."
Sakura looked at the empty seat and hesitated. Would this be okay? She was only his maid, not even royalty of any kind. He padded the seat again and she finally obliged, sitting down stiffly with her hands in-between her legs. He sat comfortably with his legs crossed. Sasuke balanced his chin on his hand as he looked out over the balcony.
"So…Sakura. Tell me about yourself." Sasuke asked and Sakura raised an eyebrow. Why did he want to know about her for? "Why are you a servant in the castle instead of living on the outside with your family?"
Sakura took a deep breath. She was afraid of the consequences if she chose not to answer. "I live here because I have no family. When I was young, my parents were killed by bandits just outside the village perimeters. Just before I was about to killed, His Majesty's guards arrived to defend me. They rescued me and returned me to my empty home." She explained. "After that, I was completely dedicated to the King and Queen. They had saved me even though I was but a lowly peasant living in the village. I decided that when I grew up, I would serve them in the castle any way I could so I might someday be able to return the favor." She stopped and looked at Sasuke. His face was surprised, but Sakura couldn't tell what other emotion he was expressing. "Sorry. I rambled."
"No, it's okay. I asked you the question." Sasuke said. "Have you ever thought about doing anything else with your life? What's your dream?"
"Well…" Sakura decided to just reveal everything to him. This was probably the only time she was going to see him, so she might as well put forth everything on a silver platter. "My dream was to serve King Minato and Queen Kushina and since I've achieved that dream, I guess I don't really have much else. Not to mention, I've finally served you, Sasuke-sama. That was my next dream and it's already achieved too." She smiled. "What else is there?"
Sasuke sighed and smiled. "If that is what you believe. So…other than losing your family by bandits, do you remember them?"
Sakura shook her head. "No, not really. I have one picture of them with me, but my emotions for them are mixed. I know they were my parents, but I don't love them like I should…like a child should love their parents." Sakura tried to hold the tears back, but it was futile. They rolled down her face against her will. "I probably sound horrible, don't I? The poor orphan who can't even love the parents that are dead because they probably protected her." She reached to wipe the tears from her face, but Sasuke's hand was already there. "Sasuke-sama…?"
"You sound like a girl who wishes she knew her family more to give them the love they so deserve. You don't sound horrible." Sasuke wiped her tears away and grinned. It took Sakura a minute to see that his grin was not happy, it was sad. "Sometimes Sakura...it's better not to remember. Trust me."
Sakura was taken aback. "I don't understand. Your parents are still alive and you have your brother, Prince Naruto, too." She looked into his eyes and realized there was something he hadn't told anyone. A secret. "What do you mean, Sasuke-sama?"
Abruptly, Sasuke stood up and walked back to the doorway. He turned to look at Sakura with the same melancholy expression on his face. Her heart ached to heal his. "It's something I'm not allowed to talk about. Maybe next time I can tell you." He looked inside and then back at her. "It's almost time for the lunch party. Would you like to attend with me?" He stretched his hand out toward her.
Sakura stood up and took Sasuke's hand. She had trusted in him about her past, and because of that, Sakura would always take his hand because she knew he trusted her too.
- - - -
Inside the day library was Hinata and Prince Naruto. She was standing over him as he explained the legend that Sasuke had told him just the day before – the legend of the nine-tailed fox. Hinata remembered all to well about that legend. In her heart, she knew it wasn't just a legend. It had occurred only fifteen years ago, and her family had been taken in the struggle. The only ones left behind were Hinata herself and her older cousin, Neji. Of course, the townsfolk and her neighbors were convinced that their family simply left them. Now the two were just orphans; both living in the castle as servants to support themselves. The Kyuubi was real, but only to those whose family members were taken in the fight. Everyone else wrote it off as fantasy. Hinata showed interest in the story, just so Naruto didn't think anything less of her.
"Hinata-chan?" Naruto suddenly asked, looking at her. Hinata's gaze turned from the book to his face only to see a sad expression. "Is something wrong? You look sad."
Hinata quickly shook her head. "No, Naruto-sama. I'm f-fine." She stammered. Hinata hated to lie to the person she loved. He was concerned for her even though she was a lowly maid. "I'm just thinking about all of the people who lost their family to the Kyuubi. It must be sad to lose those you love."
Naruto's gaze turned to the floor. "Yeah, that's true. I never really thought about it. It's the same with the wars that happen now. People needlessly taking lives. It's so pointless but there's no way to stop it."
"But, there is, Naruto-sama!" Hinata suddenly said in an outburst. She calmed down and backed away from him. "Sorry."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What way is there, Hinata-chan? Please tell me." He stood up from the floor and sat down in an armchair in the seating area. He pointed to the couch across from him. "Sit down, okay?"
Hinata reluctantly sat down and played with her fingers as she spoke. "Well, whenever you assume the throne, wouldn't it be your choice if Konohagakure went to war? Couldn't you stop all the pointless fighting yourself?" She paused and looked up to Naruto. "You could be a King that solved problems diplomatically instead of shedding innocent blood. You…you could be the King that avenges those family members lost!" Hinata raised her voice, images of her own father and mother coming into her mind. Her younger sister's smile past her memories as well. If Naruto did become a King like that, her family's soul could finally rest.
Naruto smiled softly. "Yes. Being that kind of King would be perfect for this world, wouldn't it? Bad thing is, Hinata-chan…no matter what I wish, if other countries threaten my people, I have no choice but to stop them." Hinata looked at Naruto with wide eyes. "Sometimes, fighting is inevitable to protect those you care about."
In that sentence, Hinata remembered her father's words. "I will do anything to protect you, Hinata. For you, I would give my life, my soul…I would risk everything to shield you. I'm sure your mother feels the same way." Suddenly, Hinata felt hot tears falling down her face. It all made sense. Her father and mother gave their lives to protect her from the Kyuubi and no matter what anyone said, they did protect her from danger.
"Uh, Hinata-chan? Did I say something wrong?" Naruto asked, standing up and sitting down next to her. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings; I'm sorry."
Hinata shook her head no and a smile appeared on her face. "No, Naruto-sama…I'm happy. See…my parents and little sister died when the Kyuubi attacked this village fifteen years ago. When you said some fighting has to happen to protect those you love…it reminded me of what my father said. He said he'd always protect me, no matter who he had to fight. My parents didn't die in vain – they died keeping their promise to me." She wiped the tears from her face and stood up. "T-Thank you, Naruto-sama. You've made me see the anger toward the Kyuubi was wrong. Sure, it did ravage our homes and kill many people, but those people were fighting to protect those they love. They didn't regret dying and we should remember them with love, not with anger to the ones that killed them."
Naruto stood up and held her hands. Her face flushed at his touch and she looked in his eyes. "I should be thanking you, Hinata-chan. You've shown me that just maybe I can change this world to a world with no war, no violence or loss of those we love. I appreciate it." He looked to the wall clock and gasped. "Oh, crap! Hinata-chan, that lunch party is about to start! Hurry, clean whatever you're supposed to before we both get in trouble!" He dashed across the room into his closet, giving her a smile before closing the door.
Hinata looked at her hands and held them close to her heart. Naruto appreciated her and he had even trusted in her about his future. She grabbed her cleaning supplies and headed to the bathroom. She would make him proud to have trusted in her.
As she finished the bathroom up, along with straightening up the main room, Naruto came out of the closet dressed. He was wearing a tan jacket over a white shirt. The jacket was outlined with red, including the collar. A gold chain connected from his shoulder to his left breast pocket. A black belt was around his waist, but the shirt continued under it. His pants were also tan and continued uniformly down his legs until his black dress shoes appeared from under the flare of the trousers. He fixed his hair in the mirror and turned to Hinata. She blushed.
"What do you think, Hinata-chan? My father said these clothes were from a past time and would be good for me to wear to the party today." Naruto asked of her, turning around to give her a complete look.
Hinata hoped her face wasn't as red as it felt. "I-i-i-it looks v-v-very nice, N-Naruto-sama." She looked to the clock again. Twenty minutes had already past. "S-Shouldn't we b-be heading to the dining room?"
Naruto grinned. He walked over to her and held out his hand. "Would you like to join me at this party, Hinata-chan?" Hinata froze, but placed her hand in his gently. "Great, let's go!"
The blonde pulled his maid out of the room, all the while the girl trying not to pass out from embarrassment.
- - - -
Hinata stood in the lunch party room feeling very out of place. Prince Naruto had been, reluctantly, taken by higher subordinates of the King and Queen. He had to be announced when he came into the room, so he had been taken to the back of the room. She stood behind his chair, as a representative of his. She was to serve him food and drink during the party. She looked around, trying to see if Sakura had arrived yet. Sakura had to come with Prince Sasuke, so she had to be around somewhere.
Hinata looked to the only entrance to the room to see Prince Sasuke walk in with Sakura right behind him. It took her a second to realize that the two of them had been holding hands. She saw everyone else talking and walking around so she left the safety of Naruto's seat and ran to Sakura. By the time she arrived next to Sakura, Sasuke had already been taken by the same subordinates who had taken Naruto beforehand.
"Sakura-san!" Hinata called out. Sakura smiled at her friend appearance, but stayed silent. Hinata arrived next to her companion. "Sakura-san, were you and Sasuke-sama holding hands?"
Sakura shook her head. "No. I had gone down a wrong hallway on the way to the kitchen, so he had grabbed my hand before I went too far. We arrived in the room shortly after and he hadn't ever let go." Sakura explained. She hated lying to her best friend, but what else could she say? She couldn't risk Kamiya or any of the other girls finding out about her and Sasuke.
"Oh, okay." Hinata turned to the large dinner table. "Naruto-sama's seat is over there. According to one of the guards, Sasuke-sama sits right next to him." She walked back to Naruto's seat and Sakura followed her. Sure enough, a plate was in front of the dishes on the table that read, 'Prince Sasuke of Konohagakure.'
Sakura took her place behind Sasuke's chair and waited. She had done this before when she had served Naruto and it wasn't all too nerving. Now that she was waiting for Sasuke to show himself, she was very nervous. She missed his presence already. His aura had disappeared from the room completely and she didn't know what to make of her emotions. She loved Sasuke more than anything else and it had nothing to do with his money, fame or royal status. Sakura loved Sasuke for the person that he was.
Soon, the voices around them quieted and the village's guests entered the room. Sakura and Hinata clapped at the appropriate times for the people in question. Eventually, they were all seated and it was Konohagakure's turn to introduce their royal family. First and foremost was King Minato and Queen Kushina Namikaze. It was only the second time that Sakura had ever seen them and they were amazing as usual. King Minato was as handsome as ever and Naruto appeared to be the spitting image of his father. Kushina's long red hair had been put up in a bun and her face was as bright as a sun. Her light blue eyes looked out at the people below with respect. Sakura realized that it was from his mother where Naruto got his baby blue eyes.
Suddenly, Sasuke's voice came back to her.
'It's something I'm not allowed to talk about.'
She realized he looked nothing like Minato or Kushina. They were his parents, but he had no qualities of them at all. His hair was a pure black and his eyes matched. He was very thin boned and almost looked like he wasn't related to Minato, Kushina or even Naruto at all. Just as she was thinking this, Sasuke was introduced and he appeared to be looking right at her.
Just who was Prince Sasuke?
- - - -
I hope this chapter was to your liking. It seems 'Prince' Sasuke's secret is coming out to Sakura sooner than expected, and what's this about Hinata's family being killed by the Kyuubi? Hmm. Interesting, right? Well, I hope you stick around for more from me. Thank you.
And there's a shoutout to one of my favorite anime series in this chapter. If you can figure out, you might be rewarded. Good luck!
-Yamari
