Title: Love Story

Chapter Two: Childhood Crush


Next day

"Naruko! You look just terrible! How can you meet Sasuke like that?" Sakura asked.

Iruka looked worriedly at Naruko-hime. It was obvious Naruko had been crying throughout the night, consciously or subconsciously; and the princess could not bear to smile.

"Were you crying all last night or something?" questioned Sakura.

"Naruko-hime sprained her ankle earlier this morning. It must have hurt."Iruka offered which Naruko nodded to.

Taking in a deep breath to clear her mind, Naruko spoke. "You're not wearing the dress you wore yesterday, Sakura? But today's dress is just as nice or even nicer! I really like your earrings."

Naruko smiled. She can't keep moping like this. "Iruka, we still have some time left. Would you please help me apply some make-up to my eyes?"

"Naruko-chan! You're eyes are perfect the way they are." Sakura commented.

Naruko smiled. "Thank you but I don't want father and mother to know that I was crying over a sprained ankle. I'll take my leave now. See you soon."

With that Iruka left with Naruko-hime.


"You'll be meeting with the eldest two daughters of the Yondaime. You are to make an impression, make sure you make a good impression on Sakura-hime. She is the daughter of the queen. The second oldest princess is Naruko-hime, pay attention to her too! But Sakura-hime is your goal. Your mother and I will propose marriage between you and Sakura-hime if everything works out."

"I don't see why Itachi-nii can't go in my place. Wouldn't he be the better choice being the elder son?" Sasuke questioned his father annoyed.

Sasuke wasn't in a good mood. Ever since he came back yesterday, Sasuke has been trying to pick a fight with everyone.

"Don't question my motives. Itachi is busy and is serving the Yondaime as we speak. Now hurry! We'll leave when you're mother is done." Fugaku, Sasuke's father ordered.

"I'm done. Just waiting for mother and you." Sasuke deadpanned.

Fugaku glared at his son but found his son to be telling the truth. His son looked dashing and ready but upset.

"Okay! Let's go. We can't possibly let the royal family wait!" Gushed Mikoto, Sasuke's mother.

"Sasuke, whatever is in your mind, erase it! We can't have you screwing this up."

"Yes, father." Sasuke replied.

Mikoto looked between the father and son, shaking her head. She walked towards Sasuke and kissed his forehead. "I love you."

"Hn." And Sasuke forced himself to smile.

He must let go.


"Yondaime, it has been far too long. How have you been?" Fugaku greeted.

At the present, Yondaima and his first two wives were greeting Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha; and on the sides were Sakura Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.

Upon seeing Uchiha Sasuke for the first time, Sakura knew she was done for! He was the one, the one for her. He was tall, dark, handsome and alluring with great confidence; why, she could go on forever!

However, Uchiha Sasuke upon spotting the other girl could sense the girl's intentions which he was not very happy about. Please don't let her be Sakura-hime. Where is the other hime?

"And where is the other charming princess?" Mikoto questioned good naturedly. "She isn't feeling unwell, is she?"

Please say, yes! Sasuke thought as he thought he couldn't possibly have the energy to handle two girls.

"Yes, where is Naruko-hime, Kushina?" Queen Haruno questioned Kushina at her side.

"Oh, I must apologize. That daughter of mine is usually very punctual; I don't know what could have happened to her." Kushina replied worriedly.

"Guards! Send someone to fetch Naruko-hime." Minato ordered.

"Hahaha, the princess must still be applying her make-up." Fugaku offered good naturedly. "Sakura-hime, thank you for being on time."

Sakura faced Fugaku and shyly smiled, "It's only common courtesy. I apologise for my sister, she lacks the respect for others."

King Minato and Kushina looked on worriedly wondering what could have kept Naruko-hime late but was glad that Sakura-hime was keeping the Uchiha family occupied. Sakura-hime and the Uchiha family got acquainted but their conversation was not deep as Sakura-hime could only talk about the weather and the jewellery Mikoto was wearing.

After a while, rushed footsteps could then be heard, as someone entered the scene.

"My deepest apologies! Father-sama, queen Haruno-sama, mother-sama, Uchiha-sama, Uchiha-san and Sakura-hime." Naruko spoke, keeping her head low as she bowed to a 45 degree angle to show her grief whilst trying to gain her breath back.

"I deeply apologize for our tardiness, your highness but…" Iruka too bowed and started to explain.

"It just so happened I sprained my ankle earlier this morning, so I had quite the trouble getting here. I must apologize again, please forgive me." Naruko interrupted Iruka and spoke.

"Yes, please forgive us." Iruka repeated.

"Naruko! You are forgiven, the Uchihas are good, forgiving people; I'm sure they'll overlook your tardiness but never again! You hear me. Now, rise my child. It has been too long; did you get the doctors to check that ankle?" Minato asked, glad to see Naruko.

"Father, thank you. Please don't worry, it's just a minor sprain. It'll be well in two days. If you want, I'll dance for you in two days time to prove it to you!" Naruko reassured Minato.

"I'll see you in two days time then."

Naruko nodded towards the king and turned around ready to greet the Uchihas.

"I really am sorry for my tardiness. My actions are beyond rude, especially to you, Uchiha Fugak-sama. You have done so much for this country, countless achievements and yet I have greatly disrespected you. You know what you should do? Next time, if there even is a next time, tell me the meeting time 5 hours before the actual meeting, so that I have to wait 5 hours; or more! That would put me in my place!" Naruko jested. I hope he doesn't take this seriousily...

Iruka looked at Naruko-hime with widened eyes. Naruko! This is no time to jest!

"Hahahaaa. That would be some punishment but I wouldn't dare make the princess wait. I'm sure you have learnt your lesson."

"I really have! I always did wanted to meet you in person! Since, I was small Iruka have told me countless stories about your quest around the countries, I would love to hear it from the first-hand point of view." Naruko offered one of her best smiles.

"Hahahaaa, trust me child; you'll be bored or grossed out within an hour!" Fugaku replied.

"Hahahaa, no you have to trust me Fugaku-sama. We'll be in need of tea and good sake, I'll hold onto very word; as I have done with Iruka-san." Naruko smiled.

"I'll prepare the tea then. It is rare to see a child, much less a female, to be interested in history and military strategies."

Naruko smiled and turned to Mikoto. "Uchiha Mikoto-sama, you are even more beautiful than rumoured, it is great to make your acquaintance." Naruko curtsied.

"Naruko-hime, please! You have to take it easy with your ankle." Mikoto helped Naruko up.

"And so kind! The rumours do not do you justice! Don't you worry, I'll set them straight!" Naruko jested and the adults laughed.

Finally, Naruko turned to greet the son, discreetly taking a deep breath but as she turned to face the boy, she didn't expect this.

"…You…" Naruko unexpectedly started but then she was speechless.

To the surprise to the Uchiha couple, Sasuke Uchiha smirked with a hint of a smile.

"Princess Naruko, it is an honour to meet you." Sasuke enticed as he took a hold of Naruko's right hand, raised it and placed his lips upon the hand for two seconds.

Naruko could feel her whole face go up in flames as she saw Sasuke smirk.

Sasuke released the hand and smiled. "Speechless, Naruko-hime?"

Naruko couldn't help but send a glare towards Sasuke. "No. Just quite surprised. I wasn't expecting you to be so forward."

"You shouldn't put so much trust in rumours." Sasuke chided.

But before, Naruko could retort; Sakura coughed.

"Have you met my lovely sister, Sakura-hime yet?" Naruko quickly changed the gears in her mind and faced the Uchiha family.

And conversation carried through. The Uchiha family got to meet the two princesses and came to the result that Sakura was the perfect princess in etiquette and appearance; and Naruko was a rough around the edges, easy-going princess.

After a while, Minato interrupted. "Us adults have a few things to discuss. You youngsters are dismissed but do try to get more acquainted, that is the reason for today's get together."

"Yes, we have plenty to discuss and we should let you younglings get to know each other more." Fugaku said eyeing Sasuke, as the adults moved towards the tea room.

"Sasuke, we'll see you at home. Be nice to the girls. It was nice meeting you, princesses." Mikoto bidded farewell.

"Sakura, make sure you behave and Naruko, no monkey business! Sasuke, I see a great future ahead of you, work hard my boy." And Minato left, gesturing for his wives to do the same.

Once they left, only four were left behind; Sasuke, Sakura, Naruko and Iruka.

"Why don't we head to Ichiraku's? We can sit and talk there." Iruka offered and went to Naruko's side.

"Ichiraku's?" Sakura and Sasuke mimicked.

With Sasuke thinking, isn't that the ramen place that is popular amongst the servants?

Whilst Sakura thought, we just said the same word at the same time! Sasuke and I are just meant to be!

"It's Naruko-hime's favourite eating spot!" Iruka stated.

"Hehehee, that may be true but I don't think the setting is quite right." Naruko couldn't believe she was rejecting Ichiraku's ramen, no matter, how indirectly.

"You think? Sasuke-kun should pick the place!" Sakura said, smiling brightly to Sasuke.

"Let's go to the Ichiraku place. It sounds interesting."

"You know, on second thoughts, I personally don't think Ichiraku is such a good idea." Naruto said, as she realized something.

Sakura catching onto the same wave-thought voiced, "Oh, Naruko-chan. You don't have to worry about Sasuke seeing you eat the amount as two pigs. I'm sure he doesn't mind. He shouldn't be surprised seeing your figure."

She just called me fat! But Naruko posed herself and smiled wearily, "Let's go then! I'm starving."

"Naruko-hime, should I come along too?" Iruka asked.

"Of course!" Naruko replied instantaneously and maybe a bit too enthusiastically.

"Yes, Iruka-san. You should join us, the more the merrier!" Sakura urged. That way, you can keep Naruko occupied and Sasuke and me can have some time alone!

With that, Sakura hooked her arm with that of Sasuke's and dragged him to Ichiraku's. Which left Naruko and Iruka to themselves.

"Iruka! That's him!" Naruko whispered for Iruka to hear.

"The boy who you have a crush on and saved your life is Uchiha Sasuke?" Iruka questioned.

Whack!

"Iruka! Not so loud!" Naruko hushed Iruka after hitting him for being so inconsiderate and bringing a blush to her face.

"My apologises, Naruko-hime but this changes the whole story!" Iruka hushed.

"I don't know… Sakura is in love with him and I do not wish to be on bad terms with her."

Iruka stared incredulously at Naruko-hime. It was true that going up against Sakura was not a good idea, it could pretty much bring a war within the castle walls. But this is Naruko-hime's first love, he almost destroyed it once…

"You have my support, Naruko-hime."

At this Naruko, nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Iruka. You always know what to say."

"Naruko-hime! Don't rush, you're ankle has not fully healed." Iruka said, seeing Naruko-hime trying to catch up to the other two.

"It's fine, Iruka. You know it was just an excuse. Walking is no problem. So let's hurry!"

Lunch amongst the four was interesting enough. Sasuke Uchiha found himself in the corner seat with Sakura-hime blocking his only escape route and Iruka conveniently forced Naruko-hime to sit directly opposite to the Uchiha.

Teuchi upon spotting his favourite customers, Naruko-hime and Iruka, immediately got up to serve their table.

"Naruko-hime, Sakura-hime, Iruka-san! Ah, you have brought a friend! Hello. Let me be your waiter today." Teuchi said, as he handed out the menu to Sakura and Sasuke.

"Teuchi-san, it has been too long. How are your wife and kids?" Sakura questioned, trying to act familiar with the chef.

"…."

"Teuchi-jii-chan! Yes, how is Ayame-nee chan? She was asking me about make-up, the last time we saw each other! I think you have a son-in-law coming! Ah...the power of Spring!" Naruko quickly covered Sakura's mistake. Teuchi's wife died from an illness that Teuchi could not afford to cure with his finance, it was a topic never to be spoken of especially by strangers.

"Please tell me you redirected her to Iruka; make-up and you don't exactly go together, if I remember correctly." Teuchi said, remembering the time when Naruko had tried on make-up herself.

"And how did that turn out?" Sasuke asked, fairly interested.

"Very well! With Iruka's supervision, of course, it went well!" Naruko answered.

"You looked like a miniature clown. It was cute…but a clown nonetheless! I didn't want to hurt your feelings, so I had to make sure no one from the nobles saw you!" Iruka confessed, shaking his head.

"Mou, Iruka! Teuchi-san!" Naruko groaned, as the people on the table laughed.

As the laughter died down Teuchi asked, "May I take your orders? Same as always, Naruko-hime, Iruka-san?"

"Eh…maybe…" Naruko started, she really didn't want to seem like a ramen-eating machine….

"Maybe?" Teuchi's eyes widen, he never expected today to come, "Are you feeling unwell?" But even when Naruko-hime was ill, she usually ate double the amount as usual.

Teuchi-san, if only you could read minds! "Hahaha, just kidding! You know the drill." Naruko said as she surrendered, not wanting to worry Teuchi.

"Same here." Iruka replied, snickering at Naruko.

"I'll have a small bowl of miso ramen, please." Sakura ordered, returning the menu.

"And what exactly is the norm for Naruko-hime and Iruka-san? It must be good to be the norm for you two." Sasuke commented.

"I'm having tonkatsu and miso ramen…Naruko-hime…ehe..well, you'll have to see! But I recommend the tonkatsu or the miso ramen." Iruka replied.

Naruko was so not looking forward to this.

"A tonkatsu ramen please, then." Sasuke ordered. So, she's a big eater?

Lunch went by quite normally with Sakura chatting/talking throughout the whole thing. Some might say she was bubbly, cheerful and very talkative but unfortunately no one thought so. Only Naruko reacted as though that was the case and commented here and there, so Sakura-hime was not talking to herself. Sasuke "Hn.", whenever he thought was convenient or very five minutes since he wasn't really listening but he did keep a close eye on the girl across from him. But no conversation was met by the two.

Soon the sun was about to set and the Uchiha wanting to stop the annoying rant beside him, interrupted, "It is getting late, I should escort you home."

"You are such a gentleman, Sasuke! It's okay for me to call you, Sasuke, right? You can call me, Sakura."

Sasuke's eyebrow twitched. It wasn't like he could refuse the princess, so he reluctantly, "Hn."

"Well, we'll be heading off first!" Sakura announced as she got up and tried to drag the Uchiha.

"Oh…" Naruko couldn't help saying.

"I meant, I'll escort the two of you home."

"But it'll be too much of a trouble! Plus, Naruko has Iruka-san with her to escort her home." Sakura replied.

Exasperated, Sasuke said, "I want to escort… the both of you home. I don't mind the trouble, let's just go. I'll escort you first Sakura-hime."

Hearing Sasuke, call her Sakura-hime, Sakura swooned and just nodded obediently.

"Thank you." Naruko said smiling at Sasuke.

"Hn." Sasuke replied getting his wallet out.

"Oh, don't worry about it, Iruka got it covered already." Naruko said, seeing Sasuke taking out his wallet.

"When?" Sasuke asked.

"Not telling." Naruko cheekily replied and hi-fived with Iruka.

Sasuke's brows furrowed, seeing Iruka and Naruko so close. He's only a servant!

After leaving Ichiraku, once again, Sakura-hime hooked her arm with Sasuke's and the two were walking a head of the other two.

But soon they were in front of Sakura's room and before Sakura could drag the boy into her room, Sasuke quickly dislodge his arm with Sakura's and walked quickly to the other two.

Once he was with the other two, he turned around to face Sakura-hime, "I bid you a good night." Nodding his head, "Good bye."

Sakura was left standing at her door. Oh, he must be the quiet-shy type! "Good night, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura-hime giggled and quickly returned to her room but not before blowing a kiss to the boy.

"Let's go." Sasuke rolled his eyes and turned in the direction of Naruko's home.

"Huh…It's actually just three buildings down this way, Uchiha-san." Iruka said, seeing the boy turn in the opposite direction.

"What was she on about then? I could have easily escorted the two of you." Sasuke said, not liking the idea of being made an idiot.

Naruko smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "Let's go."

And the three of them left for Naruko's chambers, Sasuke and Naruko-hime walking side by side with Iruka walking three steps behind the two, beside Naruoko's side.

"I can't believe you're a princess."

Naruko turned her head to face the Uchiha, "What's that suppose to mean? And I can't believe you're the son of the great general Fugaku Uchiha and the younger brother of the genius Itachi."

Unbeknownst to the two, both were mistaken to the meaning of what the other intended. Feeling offended, both were quiet and an awkward silence fell upon the group. Leaving Iruka not knowing what to do.

As the three reached upon Naruko's door, Iruka still not knowing what to do quickly nudged Naruko on the side.

Naruko wanted to apoligise for her statement, she had only said it in defense to what Sasuke said but comments like the one Sasuke made, she really took to the heart because she knew she didn't want to be a princess, she was only a princess in name and blood. She didn't want to leave it like this with the boy.

Sasuke not knowing the inner turmoil with the princess also took great offence to what Naruko said. But he too wanted to just apologize, he wanted to see the princess again.

It was a surprise to the two when Iruka suddenly went onto his knees, "Sasuke-san, please let me apologise. Naruko-hime meant no ill when she said what she said. It was because of me that after the first time she met you she thought you were a servant boy. Hence, she never imagined that the great Uchiha Sasuke was you."

"Iruka, please get up!" Naruko hurried to Iruka's side but Iruka shook his head and continued.

"But I wish for you to apologise to the hime, Naruko is always trying hard to become a princess even in her own way. Being a princess is not as easy as everyone thinks."

"Iruka that's enough. Please get up." Naruko urged.

"Iruka, thank you and please get up. I apologise for my comment." Sasuke went and helped Iruka up and faced Naruko-hime, after he realised the misunderstanding. "To be honest, I too; didn't fathom that you would be a princess, I thought you were a mere maid." Sasuke admitted embarrassingly.

As realisation then sunk into the Naruko and Iruka, they completely understood the mistake.

"Hahahahaa." The princess Naruko laughed clutching onto her stomach, "So, it was all just a silly misunderstanding." Naruko laughed as relief went through her body.

"It was all thanks to you, Iruka! Thank you." Naruko smiled up at Iruka.

Sasuke then suddenly felt something boiled within him, something which he didn't understand. "Hn." Agreeing with the princess but his thanks was not whole hearted. "I'll be taking my leave then." Sasuke said, not understand what he was feeling and wanting to leave.

"Sasuke!" Naruko shouted in a hurry, seeing Sasuke had already taken five steps away from them.

Sasuke hearing his name fall out of Naruko-hime's mouth, couldn't help but come to a halt and quickly turned around facing the princess, eyeing her. "Yes, Naruko-hime. What is it?"

Naruko's face fully flushed as she realized she had called the boy by his first name and much less with no suffix! "I'm so sorry! I didn't m-mean to…" Naruko spluttered.

"It is fine. You can call me Sasuke." The boy muttered, wanting the princess to use his first name from now on. "What did you want to say?"

"Oh…Oh! Can I see you again?" Naruko shouted without much thought.

"Naruko-hime! You need to think first! You're being too forward!" Iruka reprimanded, after choking on air when he heard the princess' request.

Sasuke's eyes too had widen, surprised at what the princess had said. He couldn't believe the princess actually asked that! He being the male should be the one requesting another audience with the princess, if he wanted which he did! Recollecting his thoughts Sasuke coughed and spoke.

"Tomorrow, 12 at the bench."

Naruko smiled and nodded vigorously. "Goodnight…S-Sasuke!"

Sasuke too smiled, "Goodnight, princess." And he turned and left.

Iruka smiled, thankful for the happy ending as he stood by Naruko-hime's side. Naruko stood smiling as she watched until Sasuke turned the corner before she opened her door to let her and Iruka in.

"Naruko-hime, please let me do your make-up and hair tomorrow." Iruka said as he sat Naruko down and started to brush her hair.

"Please do. I wouldn't want to look like a clown, now would I?" Naruko joked and they both laughed.

It was funny how things can change within a day.


Within a week, Princess Naruko and Sasuke had became close and considered each other as best friends. Naruko brought smiles upon Sasuke and Sasuke acknowledged the princess as an equal. And of course, it helps that both of them had a good feeling about each other.

"Sasuke, where have you been recently?" Fagaku questioned when Sasuke came out and sat down for dinner.

"You've changed a lot, Sasuke. I like it." Mikoto commented, smiling at her youngest son.

Both Mikoto and Fugaku had noticed that Sasuke was smiling more often; well Sasuke smiling was a feat itself considering that Sasuke didn't smile much at all in the past. Mikoto blamed the Uchiha heritage for this.

"I was with the princess." Sasuke replied sternly hoping to end the conversation at that.

"Which one?" Fugaku question and Mikoto could only watch helplessly.

Sasuke choose to put his chopsticks down and look at his father.

He could easily say princess Sakura, Naruko-hime would understand and it would please his family, his father.

"Naruko-hime, father. " Sasuke smiled. "These days I have been with Naruko-hime."

"..."

And Fugaku laughed. Which put relief into Mikoto's soul and only confused Sasuke more.

Fugaku can't believe how soon Sasuke has defied his wishes and it's for a valid reason too! And it's all because and for the Naruko-hime. Interesting.

"You're not upset father?" Sasuke questioned.

"Upset? I'm furious!" Fugaku shouted at Sasuke and brought his fist onto Sasuke's head.

Mikoto only shook her head at the father and son.

"The one I like is Naruko-hime! I will never like the pink-haired one." Sasuke sneered.

Fugaku once again brought his fist up, seeing this Sasuke cowered and lifted his arms into a defence stance. But Fugaku only laid his hand onto Sasuke's head gently, patting him.

"Don't lose her to anyone, son." Fugaku said sternly and picked up his chopsticks to continue dinner.

Sasuke looked at his father in awe. "What about your plans, father?" Sasuke enquired.

"I'll think of something. I think we've gained a lot from this as it is; now you only have to make the most of it, Sasuke." Fugaku voiced his thoughts.

"My son's happiness is more important than any plan, is what your father means." Mikoto interrupted and giggled.

"Hn."

"Thank you, father."

It has been a long time since the Uchiha family had a dinner that pleasant, smiles can be found on each person's face. However, when Fugaku was nearly done, he coughed signaling he was about to speak.

"You would have to work even harder, if you wish to take Naruko-hime's hand."

"Hn."

"Why is that, my dear?" Mikoto questioned.

"It doesn't matter. I want to be with Naruko-hime." Sasuke stated.

Mikoto could only smile, how romantic of his son!

"Sasuke, don't interrupt! Your mother was asking me." Fugaku reprimanded. His son was getting ahead of himself. "You have not fully grasped onto the situation. Naruko-hime is the king and ex-queen's favourte! Princesses aren't just betrothed to anyone but Naruko-hime, if my corrections are right and judging on the king's affection to Naruko-hime, you stand only on an equal or less ground against the other suitors."

"Other suitors?" Mikoto questioned, as Sasuke paid full attention to his father.

"You were with the two queens when this was being discussed. At first when I brought up the subject of marriage between you and one of the princesses, King Minato was very alarmed and asked if it was Naruko-hime's hand, we were seeking. However, King Minato had no qualms in permitting the marriage of Sakura-hime, seeing as she is the first child; her betrothed has to be from the Konoha kingdom preferably."

The faces on Mikoto and Sasuke's was close to grim.

"However, I'm sure the King is aware, if not his advisers will advise that having Naruko-hime in another kingdom is a horrible idea. In such cases, Sakura-hime is definitely the best choice."

"I can't see the logic in that! Is that your way of comforting me?" Sasuke bit out. If the other kingdom were to lay their eyes on Naruko-hime and Sakura-hime, the choice is not hard to make.

"Sasuke, let your father continue and don't interrupt." Mikoto said.

"As I was saying, having Naruko-hime outside the borders representing the Konoha Kingdom is not a good idea, seeing how unrefined she is, no offence meant. Kings or princes from other kingdoms want their betrothed princesses to know their place. King Minato knows well that Naruko-hime's personality will not do, she is too sentimental."

Sasuke nodded his head, seeing reason.

"Furthermore, the King and ex-Queen are very fond Naruko-hime that itself would make it unlikely that she'll marry to another kingdom. What you have to look out for are the extreme cases and possibly the Hyuuga household and Nara household.

Hyuuga Neji and Nara Shikamaru are one of the few people Sasuke even acknowledged. A fight between them, the ending cannot be possibly foretold because the Hyuuga's fame rivaled that of the Uchiha's; and Nara Shikamaru could possibly outsmart Uchiha Sasuke.

"Father, please teach me what you know, I need to better myself. I will not disappoint you; father, mother." Sasuke said, determinedly.


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