12-26-12:
I just absolutely love you guys. Like, I just want to hug you to death. I'm going to start 2013 with a bang or, to put it simpler for me, just a fresh new start. Hopefully I can save enough money so I can buy a few clothes for my wardrobe and a flash drive. You don't know if suddenly your computer crashes and you need to save your fanfiction files. Yup.
45 favorites and 69 alerts - that just amazes me. You guys made my Christmas, so hope you enjoy this chapter. This chapter is dedicated to Luna, your review motivated me the most to keep writing.
Sakura and Sasuke plopped on the grassy hill, their chests heaving as they tried to regain their breathing. Itachi stood there calmly, slightly panting from the exertion. In the time span of them playing "Ninja," or as Sasuke puts it, "Catching Itachi and tackling him to death," the two five year olds managed to clutch onto the chunin twice.
The first time was from Sakura launching herself onto Itachi's back when he was preoccupied and the second time when Sakura pretended to be injured and started bawling. Immediately, the older boy kneeled down to console the pink-haired child only to be deceived. Sasuke took the opportunity to tackle Itachi by the side, resulting in the brothers rolling down the hill.
It was like a cardio workout for Sasuke and Sakura, but it was almost like a warm up for Itachi. Both glared at him from how he was barely exhausted like them, envying his large amount of stamina.
The sky was tinged with hues of pink and purple, merging together with the blue as the color faded. The days were soon becoming colder as winter approached. Leaves fluttered to the ground, decorating it with colors ranging from red to yellow. The trees were almost bare from the lack of leaves. Clouds floated by lazily resembling huge cotton balls.
Once their breathing calmed, Sasuke turned to the girl, who appeared to want to doze off. He pursed his lips together and sat up.
"Oi, wake up," he poked her side, which she swatted his hand, a giggle slipping past her lips.
"Don't do that," she attempted to scowl, but the corners of her mouth kept going up. "I'm ticklish."
"Oh, really?" he looked at her mischievously. "Blackmail!"
"I hate you," she pouted, causing him to laugh slightly.
"No, you don't," he pointed out, and then remembered something. "My mom wants you to come for dinner."
"Eh?" Sakura sat up in bewilderment. "Why?"
"She wants to meet you because I never had friends outside the clan."
"You have friends?" Sakura gasped mockingly, in which Sasuke scowled at her sarcasm.
"Anyways," Sasuke glared, "She wants to know if you'll come over tomorrow."
"I don't know," she stared at her hands that were in her lap, "If my mom will say yes."
"She insists," Itachi sat across from them, sitting cross legged, his voice soft, but confident.
"But," she tried to say before Sasuke interrupted her.
"Come on!" Sasuke said. "Me and Itachi will be there."
"Itachi and I," his older brother corrected.
"'Itachi and I'," Sasuke stuck his tongue out childishly.
Itachi reached forward and flicked his forward, resulting in Sasuke wincing at the pain. "Foolish otouto."
Sakura seemed to contemplate before deciding on her final decision. "Okay, but only if she says yes."
"Yes to what?"
Sakura whirled around to see her mother staring down at her in amusement. "Kaa-san!"
Akira twirled her daughter in a circle before setting her down. "So, yes to what?"
"Haruno-san," Itachi bowed and Sasuke followed suit. Akira exhaled heavily and she stared at the older Uchiha.
"What did I tell you Itachi-san," she raised her eyebrow, "Call me Akira instead."
"Hai, Akira-san," he nodded, but she still sighed in defeat.
"Akira-san," Sakura's mother turned to Sasuke, "can Sakura come to dinner tomorrow?"
"Oh, was that all?" she chuckled at how simple the request was. "Of course she can."
Sakura sighed in relief when her mother consented to the question. She really thought that her mother was going to deny and leave the Uchiha's disappointed.
A breeze flew through the air, sending shivers down Sakura's body. It was cold already, but not cold enough to start snowing since it was barely December. When December is close to its end, that's when the snow will come.
"Ah, it's getting late," Akira mentioned, "She'll see you guys tomorrow. Bye, Itachi-san, Sasuke-san."
With that, both mother and daughter walked back to their home, the child's chatter fading away.
"Come, Sasuke," Itachi started to walk, "Kaa-san is waiting."
"Hn," Sasuke grunted, walking alongside his brother.
Luckily for Sakura, her mother didn't have work today so they just cleaned and cooked all day. Haori was on a mission for the whole week, hopefully returning before Sunday. His last mission, he returned home with a gift for Sakura.
"What is it, Tou-san?" she barely held in her excitement, holding the wrapped present in awe.
"Now it wouldn't be a surprise if I just told you," he raised one of his eyebrows, amusement shining in his green eyes.
"True," she laughed, carefully ripping away the paper. "Oh!"
The fabric that she held in her hands was so silky and soft when she caressed it. It's white silk feeling like tangible water as she held it. Then she realized it was a kimono as she observed it closely. Pink cherry blossom seem to flow on the clothing as if it was flying in the wind. Inside the box were two red metallic chopsticks, an accessory for her long pastel pink locks.
"You're welcome," her father's voice broke her out of her reverie.
"Thank you, thank you!" she hugged him, successfully surprising him.
"Don't get it dirty, that thing was expensive," he coughed out in a gruff voice, smiling slightly as he wrapped his arms around her slowly.
"Yes, Tou-san," Sakura released the shinobi, gazing in awe at her gift.
Akira decided to dress her daughter in that kimono for tonight. She tied Sakura's pink hair in a bun, which was held by the two chopsticks. Her bangs were clipped to the side by a cherry blossom pin. All in all, she was an adorable sight.
"Sakura, be polite and respectful to the Uchihas," Akira lectured her daughter as they walked to the Uchiha household.
"I know, I know," she assured her as her wooden sandals clacked on the ground.
"Don't speak unless spoken too," Akira reminded her. "And don't talk back."
"Yes, Kaa-san."
When they entered the Uchiha compound, every person's eyes were on them. Sakura and Akira stuck out like a sore thumb with their pink and red hair. Whispers and mutters resounded in the air as they watched the duo walk. They strolled past dozens of black and dark brown hairs with even darker color eyes.
Asking one of them the directions to the head of the clan, they arrived in front of a house slightly larger than the rest. Sakura rang the bell and not a minute later, footsteps were heard.
"Hello, you must be Sakura-chan and her mother," a woman kindly greeted them. She had an apron on as she wiped her pale, delicate hands on a towel. Her raven black hair was neatly pulled back in a bun, but some strands were loose, framing her heart-shaped face.
The Uchiha's dark eyes shined with inquisitiveness and benevolence as she looked at them. She was petite and looked magnificent for a person that two children. She wore black kimono outlined with blue seams. From the genes of an Uchiha, the woman barely looked past her 30s.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you, Uchiha-san," Sakura said, bowing in respect while Akira bowed also.
"You don't need to be formal, Sakura-chan," the lady said, "Please call me Mikoto."
"Hai, Mikoto-san."
"And you must be?" Mikoto turned her attention to the older woman.
"Haruno Akira, Mikoto-san," Sakura's mother introduced herself. "It's a pleasure to meet the mother of your sons."
"Ah, I hope Sasuke is no trouble to your daughter," Mikoto said sheepishly.
"No, he's a great boy," Akira assured the mother, "Well, I must be off. I'll pick up Sakura when she is done."
"No, I can get Itachi to walk her home," the Uchiha lady said.
"Arigatou, Mikoto-san," she thanked her, and then turned to Sakura. "Have fun and be polite."
"Bye, Kaa-san!" Sakura bid her mother farewell.
"Come in, come in," Mikoto ushered the pink-haired child, "It must be chilly."
Sakura slipped out of her sandals as Mikoto led her to the dining area. The whole family was waiting for them as they sat patiently. A intimidating man sat at the head as he stared at her with a scrutiny gaze.
"Good evening, Uchiha-san," Sakura greeted the man, bowing deeper to show her amount of respect.
"The feeling is mutual," he nodded, "Sit."
He waved her to the seat to the left of him, setting her across from Mikoto and next to Itachi. She gracefully sat on the mat, folding the kimono beneath her.
"Sakura-san," Itachi greeted her, nodding similarly like Fugaku.
She smiled at him and turned to her food, waiting until the head had taken a bite first. Everyone followed after, their utensils scraping against their plates. She melted at the first bite, its flavor dancing in her mouth. Sakura had to restrain herself to not stuff her face with the food.
'That wouldn't make a first good imprison, no wait, impression,' she thought with an amused feeling. The table was decorated with different types of food, synchronizing together to make a delicious dinner. The food tasted so delicious that she mentally salivated.
Sasuke kept shooting glances, a small smile framing his face. Mikoto looked at her with a hopeful expression as she daintily chewed her food.
"Your food is delicious, Mikoto-san," Sakura complimented the woman's cooking. When the young girl said Mikoto's first name, Fugaku shot her an apprehensive look.
"Why thank you!" Mikoto grinned, "I didn't know what you liked so I made a variety of food."
"Oh, I'm not picky," Sakura assured her.
"So, Sakura," Fugaku interrupted the two females, gaining Sakura's attention immediately. "What is your relationship with Sasuke?"
"He's my friend," Sakura chose her words carefully around the intimidating figure.
"How did you become acquainted with him?" he asked, measuring her up with his eyes.
"We met at the park," she answered without missing a beat.
"You pushed him after he did the same."
"I acted before I thought of my rude behavior, I'm sorry."
"You should be. I hear that you are from a civilian family?"
"Yes," Sakura paused, and then continued, "but my father is a shinobi."
"I see," Fugaku nodded. "I guess I shouldn't beat around the bush: Are you using Sasuke to get to our money?"
Several chokes and sputters resounded around the table. Mikoto patted Sasuke's back to dislodge the clog in his throat. Sakura froze at the question, her eyes wide as she stared at Fugaku who remained unaffected. Her eyes blinked a few times while her mouth opened and closed repetitively as she attempted to come up with an answer.
"Well?" he demanded impatiently.
She exhaled quietly, her eyes closed to prevent the tears that would spill from her aggravation. She tried to calm her nerves, even attempting to count down from ten. When she opened her eyes, a flash of hurt appeared in the emerald gates before disappearing. She schooled her features into one of indifference.
Sasuke stared at her with worry marring his face, caring for his pink-haired friend. He knew his father would do something like this, but didn't think he would start it this early in the dinner. He subtly bit his lip nervously, his onyx eyes darting between his father and his friend.
Itachi was the one who remained calmed despite how blunt Fugaku demanded an answer from Sakura. The only way that represented how he was affected was when he stopped mid chew and slowly laid down his utensil. He stared in mute silence at the two as an uncomfortable silence took over.
Mikoto sighed mentally, running a hand down her face. Sometimes she wondered why she married that old fool. She wished for once that this was a normal dinner, but it seems as she would never receive it. She knew that her husband just wanted the best for his family and his clan, even if he favored Itachi a little more than Sasuke.
Fugaku waited, watching with interest to see what the young girl would do. He expected her to stammer and become intimidated by his presence, and then she would blurt out the truth of her intentions. He truly believed she would resort to that pitiful action.
But he didn't think what she was going to do next.
"Uchiha-san," she started, "I know you think I want your money- you're wrong. When I met Sasuke, I didn't know who the Uchiha's were. In fact, I still don't know who you guys are. All I can say is that you guys are just another clan, another clan that helps out Konoha.
"I'm friends with your son, not because of money, but just to be around him. I don't care about his and your surname, but for his personality."
"Hn," Fugaku smirked at her, his hand rubbing his chin's stubble. Everyone seemed as if they were holding their breath.
Sakura's heart was pounding erratically against her chest, her breath hitched in her throat. She was beating herself for what she said, even though other options seemed pointless. She crossed her fingers under the table, praying to Kami that she didn't anger the older man.
"Continue on being friends with Sasuke," Fugaku finally responded, causing everyone to release their breath that they unconsciously held.
"Uh, hai, Uchiha-san," she nodded, grinning cheekily. She barely restrained her giddiness that tried to claw its way out of her. He just told her to keep in contact with his younger son, and undirectly, Itachi too.
"And call me Fugaku," he said, causing her to nod happily.
Sasuke gasped silently, smiling of how his father accepted their friendship. He just wanted to dance around, but then that wouldn't do for an Uchiha. Uchiha's do not dance around at all. Itachi had tiniest bit of a smirk showing on his face, mentally congratulating the pink-haired girl.
Not only did she was allowed to stay acquainted with Sasuke, but she had also unintentionally gained the head of the clan's respect. And to add it all up, Fugaku had requested that she use his first name. That was also a hint for his respect for Sakura.
"Of course," Sakura said, and then added as an afterthought, "Fugaku-san."
"Hn," he nodded approvingly, continuing to eat.
Dinner continued in a more pleasant atmosphere, chatter idle as they enjoyed their food. Once everyone finished, Sakura assisted in lending a hand to Mikoto as the males walked to the living room.
"I appreciate your help, Sakura-chan," Mikoto smiled at her with gratitude.
"You're welcome, Mikoto-san," she said, handing her the dirty dishes.
"You made an impression on my husband, do you know that?" Mikoto asked as she washed the plates.
"A good one, I hope," she smiled, drying the plates handed to her.
"Oh you have no idea," Mikoto stated, a knowing look directed to the smaller girl. "I question myself if you're actually a five year old and not Itachi's age."
"Why?" Sakura looked at her briefly in confusion. Mikoto had to mentally stop herself from cooing about the girl's facial expression right now. She looked so adorable right now with some suds on her hair.
"You have an intelligent mind, Sakura-chan," Mikoto stated, "far ahead than your peers."
"Oh, um, thank you?" she blushed. No one had ever complimented her smartness, but would be the opposite.
"You're quite welcome."
Idle chatter continued as they finished cleaning up and the two females walked to where the living room was preoccupied. Sasuke sat fidgety on the couch across from his father, looking up with a bright look as he spotted Sakura. He wanted to appear as mature and stoic like Itachi and Fugaku, but his mind wouldn't allow it.
Itachi sat on the ground, a board game across from him. His elbow was propped on the little table the game was laid on, his hand cupping his chin. A thinking pose, if you would like to call it. Then, he moved one of the little objects to a different position.
He rotated the board so the opponent's side was closer to him, moving another figure to another location. He continued like this for several minutes, face devoid of any emotion. Sakura walked quietly to him, plopping herself down across from him.
"Is this like chess, Itachi-san?" she asked, cocking her head to the side in curiosity.
"Almost- it's Shogi," he looked up at her for a second then turned his attention back to his game.
"Oh," she nodded in understanding, watching him silently as he tried to play against himself. No side seemed to win.
"Would you like to learn?" Itachi asked, not looking up still.
"Eh?" an intelligent response came from her. "Oh, yes, I would love too."
For the rest of the night, Itachi was patient enough to teach Sakura the rules of Shogi and how to strategize against an opponent. She quickly caught on, but couldn't win against the chunin. He raised his left eyebrow in amusement from the frustrated look Sakura gave him.
"I think it's time for Sakura to return before it gets too dark, Itachi," Mikoto spoke, interrupting the peaceful silence.
Sakura looked at the time and gasped. It was almost 8 o'clock and she would have not noticed how dark it was. She was fully immersed in the game that she didn't pay attention to the time that flew by.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Fugaku-san, Mikoto-san," she bowed to a 90 degree angle once she smoothed the wrinkles down her kimono.
"It was nothing, Sakura-chan," Mikoto waved her off, laughing kindly.
"Come anytime you want," Fugaku nodded.
"Come, Sakura-san," Itachi held his arm out to her and she walked closer to him. He didn't heed the wince when she heard the san.
"Wait, aniki, I want to go to!" Sasuke pouted, jumping up from his spot. Itachi didn't rebuke, but let him come along.
There was a few children running around, but were soon called inside. The other clan members only glanced at the pink-haired girl between the two Uchiha brothers as they walked past them. The sun was gone in the horizon, creating a soft pinkish purple color to overtake the sky. Very few people bustled about as they set off toward their home for the day.
Small conversation was made between Sakura and Sasuke, Itachi joining in a few times. Soon enough they reached Sakura's home. As if sensing their presence, the door opened and Akira beamed at the three children.
"Thank you for walking her home, Itachi-san," the mother bowed in appreciation. "You enjoyed your time there right, Sakura?"
"Hai, the food was delicious," Sakura said and Akira smiled in delight.
"Bye, Itachi-san," Akira waved, "Thank you again."
"You're welcome, Akira-san," Itachi bowed slightly.
"See you, Sasuke!" Sakura waved frantically with happiness and Sasuke waved back, but not as energetic as the pink-haired girl.
Snow continuously fell, decorating the ground in a soft white blanket. Houses were decorated with Christmas lights, their yards with snowmen and inches of snow. The sky was a faded grey as cold winds breezed by. Fires in the chimney warmed the cozy houses as the family gathered around it, a cup of hot chocolate held in their hands.
Not many were outside for it was a bit chilly. Also, it was Christmas Eve so they decided to enjoy their time with their family. Everything and everyone was enveloped in the jolly atmosphere.
Sakura sat on the ground as she gazed intently at her father as he sat on the rocking chair. Her mother was knitting something on the sofa, calmly humming a tune. She was wearing a footsie, reindeers decorating it repetitively.
Haori brushed away a silver lock away from his eyes, but its unruly state caused it to do it again. His calloused hands pulled his hair into a small ponytail at the nape of his neck. He sat comfortably in civilian clothes as he retold his adventures to his daughter.
"Oh, and did I tell you how my teammate got stuck in a ditch when a princess kissed him as to thank him?" Haori asked, his eyes softening slightly as Sakura laughed at the ridiculous event.
"Really? He's a ninja though, Tou-san!" Sakura tried to stifle her giggles with her hand.
"Yeah, but he couldn't resist when he walked backwards. That's when he fell in and we had to help," he said, rolling his eyes at the memory. A lot of mud and slipping happened that day, but they finally managed to get him out.
"And you don't want to tell your daughter of when you walked directly in front of a pole when a pretty girl waved to you?" Akira butted in, her eyes still focused on knitting whatever was in front of her.
"No, I just thought she looked familiar," Haori defended himself, slightly turning red.
"Oh yes, and you had to think too long until you realized what you were going to hit," she nodded in agreement, sarcasm dripping from her voice jokingly.
"You know I only think about you," Haori almost pouted, huffing when his wife snickered.
"Yeah, but you're still affected by pretty girls," she pointed out.
Sakura watched from the background as her parents conversed, more like bicker. She giggled silently at their interactions. Although they argued and got frustrated at each other, you couldn't turn a blind eye away from the love they showed.
A weird way of showing love, but Akira always insisted that under that stern, stoic face was a mushy, soft marshmallow. Sakura just looked at her mother awkwardly at the description, not believing in the words she said. Akira just waved her off, saying that she doesn't pay enough attention.
"Sakura," her father called out and she turned to him in interest. "I found this on my last mission, here."
He gave her a wrapped box, its frilly bow looking twice as large as its container. When she held it, it was quite heavier than she expected. She untied the bow, carefully ripping away the paper. In the box was a book, a book of ninja stories. A fairytale ninja book, as you can say.
"Thank you, Tou-san," she peered at him with a genuine grin, her heart swelling in her chest as she held it to her bosom.
"Merry Christmas," he leaned back in his chair, casually drumming his fingers against the arm.
"Hey, don't forget your mother here," Akira pouted in a joking manner. Then she held whatever she knit up. It was a beautiful green scarf that would bring out the colors of her daughter's eyes. "Merry Christmas, darling."
"Thank you, Kaa-san!" she took it and held it in her small hands, caressing it in fascination. Its knitted seams interested her as it interlaced in an animal style pattern. It was just a shade darker than her viridian green eyes, making it pop out.
A few days ago when she was walking with her mother through the market place, Sakura saw an adorable wallet in a store's window. It was the shape of a frog and had a clasp to keep it closed. The frog was a murky green with pale yellow spots. She thought it would look great for Naruto.
Her mother saw this and went in to buy it. As they continued to walk, a blond blur knocked into Sakura.
"Hi, Sakura-chan!" Naruto greeted with a loud voice.
"Naruto, you could have made me fall!" Sakura lectured, but hugged her blonde friend tightly. "Look what I got you!"
"For me? Thank you, you're the best!" Naruto hugged her again, sincerity swimming in his cerulean eyes. He held the wallet preciously in his hand, scared to get it dirty. "But I didn't get you anything."
"It's okay, you can get me something later if you want," she assured him and he nodded, waving her goodbye saying he had to visit "Old gramps."
That day, Sakura got Itachi and Sasuke a gift for Christmas. She got a toy weasel for Itachi, just for his namesakes and a pillow the shape of a tomato. She hoped that the Uchiha brothers would really like it.
The next morning, Sakura woke up early to see her mother cooking breakfast. What was surprising was to see Itachi and Sasuke sitting at the kitchen table too talking to her father. Sasuke grinned at her and then looked at Haori.
"What are you guys doing here?" Sakura asked, settling in a chair next to Sasuke.
"Hello to you too," Sasuke mocked in sarcasm before she hit him lightly in the arm. He pretended to have been hurt by it, clutching his arm away from the girl.
"Good morning, Itachi-san," she smiled at the reserved Uchiha across from her who nodded with a slight smile.
"They came to give you a present, Sakura," Haori said, sipping his coffee in bliss.
"Arigatou," She nodded her head gratefully for she was already sitting down. "Might as well stay for breakfast, right?"
"We already ate breakfast, but thank you for the offer," Itachi said.
Akira entered the dining room, carrying stacks of pancakes covered in syrup, but what was odd was a plate of tomatoes, regular tomatoes. Sakura shot a look at Sasuke who just blatantly ignored her unnerving stare. He accepted the tomatoes happily, taking a bite in the juicy flesh.
After they ate their breakfast, they all gathered in the living room after Sakura helped Akira with cleaning up. Itachi and Sasuke sat next to each other holding their presents. Sakura gave them their presents, waiting for them to open it.
Itachi unwrapped his present and his eye unconsciously twitched until he smirked. He thanked her and placed the weasel next to him. Sasuke eagerly ripped the paper and stopped abruptly, his face frozen from shock.
Sakura snickered silently at Sasuke's reaction, which proved to be worth it.
"Arigatou, Sakura," Sasuke muttered, a blush on his face as he held the tomato shaped pillow in his lap.
"Honey, open yours," Sakura's mother said, pushing the presents towards her.
She decided to open Sasuke's first since it seemed he was still blushing over his present. She gasped in awe from the gems that sparkled from the fire's glow. They were green combs with red gems that looked pink in the light. They were combs for her pink hair and she absolutely loved it. She tackled the boy and thanked him endlessly.
"I know, I know," he growled out, "Now let me go."
"You know you liked it, chicken head," Sakura teased.
"My hair does not look like a chicken!" he retaliated.
"Oh, right, it looks like a duck's behind!" Sakura corrected herself.
"Just open Itachi's present," he huffed out, crossing his arms across his chest.
"Fine, party pooper," Sakura said, cautiously tearing away the tape.
Inside the box was another box. Sakura looked at the older Uchiha in confusion who smirked. She growled out and ripped away the paper to discover another box. Sasuke laughed at her misfortune, a gleeful smirk on his face. She threw the mess at Sasuke who glared while a bow lay on top of his head.
After countless of boxes in boxes, much to Sakura's misfortune and everyone else's humor, she finally opened a box to reveal a necklace. It was a simple silver chain, but what caught her attention were the pendants. There was a cherry blossom on it outlined by silver with another pendant the same size next to it. It was the Uchiha clan symbol with its red and white fan proudly displayed. To encase them together, a whitish gold circle surrounded it, molded together by metal.
"This is beautiful, Itachi-san," Sakura whispered, and then tackled him in glee. He fell backwards, holding her by her waist. She hugged him, her nose barely brushing against his chest. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, Sakura-san," he muttered, his voice soft and soothing. "Merry Christmas."
He hugged her slightly before releasing her, ignoring the cooing from Akira and the stern glare from Haori. Sasuke pretended to have a disgusted look from the sight before tackling them again.
"She's too close to boys," Haori muttered, a pout taking over his lips.
"Oh shush, you old coot," Akira swatted his shoulder.
"My hair is silver, not grey," he defended himself, holding his pained shoulder.
"They're like her brothers, siblings she never had," she said, staring at the sight with kind and pleased eyes.
"I hope it will stay like this too," he muttered, earning himself another slap. "Ow, you hit like a man."
"Haori, dear, you don't want me to show you who the real man in this house is," Akira smiled sweetly, sickly sweet might I add, a threat looming over his head.
"No, dear."
"Thought so."
12-28-12:
Is this okay? Yeah, Sakura's just a sweetheart. Thank you to all that reviewed, followed, favorited, etc. You guys inspire me to keep doing what I do. Happy New Years and start the year with a bang.