Dinner
Itachi thought his working schedule would make the other players kick him out of the game. To his surprise, the ones who didn't have enough free time were Sakura and Ino. Then again, it was expected. Both being medical ninja, they were doing the opposite shifts at the hospital and they were rarely at home at the same time. Even when they were, one of the brothers wasn't free to play cards for a few hours. In addition, Ino occasionally worked at the family flower shop, while Sakura was in charge of many demanding missions. They were hard-working girls and their crowded schedule was actually a good thing; they could afford to pay the rent for their flat where they were meeting again tonight.
After a few days spent on calculating and coordinating all of their duties, tonight was the night for the second round, almost three weeks after the first one. It was a well-known fact; if you are busy, days were passing by much faster than at the time you were bored. The exact same thing happened to four passionate card game players - it passed almost three weeks before the day all of them could spend while together.
Concerned he would be late, Itachi got to the girls' neighbourhood a lot earlier than dinner time. He also planned to meet up with Sasuke on the street, so he wouldn't repeat the last time's awkward situation.
Itachi would hate to make Sasuke mad again because, Itachi supposed, he couldn't help it-he stood out. Tonight he would do his best to fit in! It would be hard because he wasn't a cheerful teenage girl like Sasuke's friends. Itachi would have lied about some duty today as well, to get ready for Sasuke's unfriendly treatment, only he couldn't forget how much fun he had last time! Maybe because Ino and Sakura were raised to be open-minded and unrestrained, they spoke their mind and they were easy-going, joking and laughing most of the time! Itachi couldn't miss that. He was actually craving for it.
That was why he arrived a lot earlier and was impatient to start playing, to think about cards, not his profession. It was a perfect getaway for him. And this dinner! Maybe he should have brought a present, like flowers or candy, to express gratitude for the girls' hospitality. He still had time to stop by the store, only then Sasuke might arrive and not find him here.
When he talked to his brother about today's appointment, he didn't seem enthusiastic. He simply informed Itachi that both Sakura and Ino were off duty tonight. Itachi didn't talk about the game itself to neither of them ever since the first round, so he didn't know their opinion about it.
Maybe the rest of the players didn't feel the same? Maybe they planned to leave him out on purpose at some point? Maybe they lied about tonight's night and soon Sasuke would get here and tell Itachi the second round would be postponed? Maybe Ino and Sakura didn't like Itachi? Or they changed the plans and forgot to tell him about it? Or they didn't tell him on purpose, because they were unable to turn him down politely?
''Itachi-san!''
A cheerful and familiar voice interrupted his thoughts about being unwanted.
He turned to the voice's direction and saw a blonde-haired girl waving at him.
''Ino-san,'' he greeted her when she approached.
''What are you doing here?'' she asked.
He knew it. They cancelled tonight's game and nobody told him.
''Why didn't you go in?''
Oh. So he was invited; Ino wondered why he was waiting on the street.
''I am waiting for Sasuke,'' Itachi explained.
''You can do it in our flat too,'' Ino chuckled. ''Sakura doesn't bite.''
He had to smile to that, at least a bit. Not only he was invited, his partner was trying to make him laugh.
''And what are you doing here? I thought you would be busy with cooking.''
That was a wrong thing to say because Ino stopped smiling.
''I don't cook,'' she said flatly.
''Sorry, I didn't mean as if you should, but you invited us and-''
''Sakura did, not me,'' Ino interrupted his stammering.
''You didn't want us to come for dinner?'' Itachi asked warily.
''Honestly, I didn't.''
''Oh.''
Itachi must have sighed pretty loudly because Ino smiled warmly.
''Last time's round lasted quite long,'' she explained. ''I want us to be relaxed while playing, not worry about the time! I would hate if one of us has to get up early in the morning and can't enjoy the game!''
''Oh.''
That sounded cheerful enough and Ino finally chuckled again.
''What did you think? That I hate guests because of a few plates more to wash?''
Ino was friendly and everything, but Itachi definitely wasn't ready to share his real fears with his brother's friend.
''Let's go check up on how Sakura's doing!'' Ino suggested and Itachi followed her.
She was climbing the stairs and also glancing over her shoulder to see where he was.
''Are you looking forward to the game?'' she asked.
''Kind of,'' Itachi lied. This evening was supposed to be the highlight of his week. Maybe even of an entire month.
''I will let us in,'' Ino said and unlocked the door.
There was no trace of Sakura in the living room, but the table was ready. Napkins and flowers were neatly arranged and Itachi was cursing himself for not bringing anything. Maybe Sasuke could save the day, he hoped.
''Eek, hot, hot, hot!''
Sakura's short screams were coming from the kitchen. Ino looked at motionless Itachi and shrugged.
''Wait here,'' she whispered and Itachi nodded obediently.
''I am home!'' Ino yelled to announce she arrived.
''Quick, come here!'' Sakura pleaded.
''What is that smell?'' Ino asked when she entered the kitchen.
''I should have listened to you, this is a total mess, it won't be on time!''
''Calm down, Sakura! Nobody's here yet! You will make a nice meal.''
''You are here and Sasuke-kun will be any minute now!''
''I just stopped by to check if you need something from the store because I do.''
''I need more time!''
''You can't buy that. Come on, take a deep breath and everything will be fine. If nothing, I will eat it all.''
''Of course you will. Pig.''
They both chuckled.
''See you!'' Ino said and left the kitchen. She also had a finger planted over her lips to give Itachi a sign to remain silent. He nodded as he understood and pointed at the door. Ino smiled at him and nodded.
''And don't forget the salt!'' Ino yelled on their way out.
Itachi let her lead and that meant rush downstairs to give Sakura more time.
''What do you need from the store?'' he said, still being quiet. ''I mean, I can go with you and help carry it!''
''Thanks for you offer, but I don't need anything.''
Itachi didn't understand because they started walking away from the flat as if they were heading to the store near by.
''You see,'' Ino chuckled, as if she knew what he was thinking, ''Sakura can't do her best if others supervise her or give her instructions. She will prepare a delicious dinner for us, if only she had peace and quiet to concentrate.''
''That's very thoughtful of you,'' he commended.
''She is my best friend,'' Ino shrugged.
''And you are hers too?''
''I am,'' Ino replied. By the look on her face Itachi knew she didn't understand the point of his question. He had to ask more to make it clear.
''Why do you let her call you Pig?''
''It's just a friendly nickname,'' she explained. ''I mean, I call her Forehead sometimes.''
''Forehead?'' he repeated, not having a clue why that would be Sakura's nickname.
''Didn't you see that billboard brow?''
''I didn't,'' he admitted.
''Of course, everybody sees her pink hair. I keep telling her that, but she refuses to listen. Anyway, I don't get offended when she addresses me as Pig. I mean, yes, it's ugly and rude and I would get mad at anybody else, but that kind of nickname coming from a best friend is a proof of closeness.''
''I see.''
''Don't you and Sasuke-kun have rude names for each other?'' Ino asked hopefully.
''We don't,'' Itachi said simply, grateful Ino didn't ask why they didn't, so they could continue their little stroll in silence that wasn't too awkward.
''What is Sasuke-kun doing at the moment?'' Ino asked suddenly.
''I am not sure,'' Itachi replied. ''Why is that important to you?''
Maybe she had a crush on Sasuke as well. It was common that best friends liked same things, including boys.
''Because if we know where he is, we don't need to worry he will go by and not notice us. Since you are supposed to meet each other, we should keep walking around the block, just in case.''
This girl was definitely smart. And considerate. First she left her friend alone not to disturb her and now she was interested in Sasuke because of Itachi's meeting with him. And she didn't seem as if she was having a bad time while alone with him.
Her blonde hair waved as she walked and Itachi had a strange feeling another person who resembled Ino was around. And he wasn't wrong.
''Isn't that man over there your father?'' Itachi asked, pointing his head to the tall man who wore his hair same like Ino.
''He is,'' Ino said quietly. ''Stay still and don't worry, I will handle this.''
When Inoichi spotted them, Ino waved at him and he waved back. Itachi did nothing, as he's been ordered.
''Hi, dad,'' Ino greeted when they got closer. ''What's up?''
''Nothing much,'' Inoichi replied.
''Yamanaka-san,'' Itachi greeted politely Ino's father.
Inoichi gave them a quizzical look and Ino realised he was surprised to see Itachi with her.
''Oh,'' she chuckled, ''Uchiha-san only needed a medical advice on a medication prescribed to him and I ran into him on my way here and he was on his way to the hospital.''
''Oh. I understand,'' Inoichi said simply.
Questions that followed were typical; Ino asked about her mother and shifts at the flower shop, while Inoichi asked about Ino's flat and expenses; just usual conversation a parent has with a daughter who lived by herself for awhile.
They said goodbyes and Itachi was intrigued with that white lie about his so-called accidental meeting with Ino. In his opinion, she didn't have a reason to tell a lie, a card game was allowed. Or Ino's father thought differently and Ino knew that. Itachi wanted to find out, only he waited until they walked away far enough.
''Why did you lie to your father?''
Ino shrugged.
''Because if he had heard I was addressing you by your first name, he would have demanded an explanation sooner or later. He might misunderstand, especially if I tell him I will spend three more evenings with you, don't you think? And he doesn't need to know details about something as plain as a card game you and your brother play with me and Sakura.''
''I agree.''
What was even more surprising, Itachi would have done the same if they had ran into his father. Although he was denying it, Fugaku was a gossip.
''Speaking of a tonight's night,'' Ino interrupted his train of thoughts, ''we should head back. We have a whole dinner to eat before playing!''
Ino thought of everything; dinner, Sakura's cooking and Sasuke's arrival. Too bad the worst case came true - Sasuke took another path to reach the girls' flat.
He assumed Itachi would be late and headed straight to the door. He couldn't hear the noise from the inside and he took it as a good sign. Maybe Ino and Sakura were done with the dinner. Or they split the housework; Sakura was cooking and Ino was cleaning. Or the other way around. Or they were simply too busy to argue over nothing. That encouraged Sasuke to ring the bell and find out what was behind that unusual peace and quiet.
Someone's fast steps were approaching the door.
''Thank goodness you are here!''
Sakura only opened the door to let him in; she didn't even look at him, her mind set on the kitchen, where she returned immediately, holding a cloth and wearing an apron.
''You will help me out and-''
''Sakura.''
''Sasuke-kun!''
She peeked with her head in the living room, as if she wanted to make sure she didn't imagine his voice. She didn't look glad to see him.
''Who were you expecting?'' Sasuke asked, trying hard not to seem disappointed.
''Ino,'' Sakura shrugged. ''She said she would come back soon.''
''Come back from where?''
''She said she needed something from the store.''
''So I am the first one who arrived to the dinner,'' Sasuke concluded.
''You are!'' Sakura smiled. ''You get the privilege to pick your seat.''
''That's kind of you, but I will wait for others to come,'' he said.
''Suit yourself,'' Sakura shrugged and disappeared in the kitchen once again.
Alone in the living room, Sasuke had the time to observe his friends' flat better. It was unexpectedly neat and he turned down Sakura's offer to pick the seat at the table because it didn't make any difference; all four seats were equally decorated and he liked it. The only sound was rattling of the dishes coming from the kitchen.
''Itachi didn't come?''
Sasuke already knew the answer, but he was feeling like an idiot, walking around the room in silence.
''He didn't,'' Sakura replied from the kitchen.
A second later, she strolled into the living room, as if she thought better of Sasuke's question.
''You did tell him about tonight, didn't you?'' she frowned.
''I did!'' Sasuke defended himself.
''Then why do you think he won't come?'' his friend asked pointedly.
Sasuke sighed; of course Sakura knew everything about the brothers' rivalry.
''Because I said some things to him last time and I regret it now,'' he admitted.
''Sasuke-kun,'' Sakura shook her head, ''you can't be mad at your brother for winning. It was expected because you didn't read the rules.''
She knew him so well. He didn't have to explain anything and she was supportive and full of understanding.
''It's just a game,'' Sakura added when she returned to the kitchen.
''I know,'' Sasuke muttered.
He shouldn't have asked anything. And where was Itachi? They were supposed to meet earlier. Could it be that he didn't want to turn down Sasuke's friends, so he simply planned not to show up tonight? That didn't seem like him. Then again, playing cards with two girls wasn't his thing either.
''Have you seen Naruto lately?''
That was certainly the most unexpected question.
''I haven't,'' Sasuke replied loudly. ''Why do you ask?''
''No reason!'' Sakura shouted.
Was it possible Sakura and Ino were looking for a substitute in case one of the brothers gave up? Or they already had the whole new game on their mind?
Sasuke couldn't think about the real reason behind Sakura's question because she had a new task for him.
''Sasuke-kun, can you come in here for a second?''
Naturally, Sasuke went to the kitchen.
Now there was a slightly different picture than the one from the neat living room. Pieces of different vegetables practically everywhere, even on the floor, food steins on the oven and all kinds of smells coming from the cooking pots. Then again, mess in the kitchen was usual, especially if the cook was a creative person. Or so he thought.
''What's the matter?''
''Can you taste this?'' Sakura asked hopefully, holding a wooden spoon in front of him.
He hesitated to reply and Sakura frowned.
''You think it won't be any good, don't you?''
She knew him too well and he was too rude to her sometimes. He was a sucky friend.
''That's not it!'' he protested. ''I didn't want to spoil my appetite by eating too much in advance.''
''Just a bite!'' she persisted. ''That way you can tell if something's missing!''
''Fine, just one small bite,'' he agreed reluctantly.
That made Sakura way too overjoyed, and Sasuke only hoped he would be able to swallow the damn thing without making a disgusted expression.
What Sasuke couldn't anticipate were the rest of the players at the front door who couldn't ignore voices of two former team mates.
''Oh no,'' Itachi muttered. ''Sasuke is already here!''
''So what?'' Ino asked.
''We were supposed to meet in the street and arrive together,'' Itachi reminded her.
''How is it your fault then? He is the one who entered without you,'' Ino explained.
That was perfectly logical. And Sasuke got mad at Itachi for winning the last time. It was pretty hard to lose when his partner was actually thinking ahead most of the time.
''Come on, I will make something up if Sasuke-kun gives you the hard time!'' Ino offered to cheer up her partner.
''Thank you, Ino-san,'' Itachi replied gratefully.
Unlike the first time, Ino didn't prepare a key to unlock the door. She was looking at the doorbell instead.
''You will ring a bell?'' Itachi asked.
''It's better for the bell to interrupt them than us,'' Ino chuckled.
And so it did, at the same moment Sasuke was about to try Sakura's meal.
''Your brother is here!'' Sakura exclaimed and forgot about Sasuke tasting the dinner. ''Can you let him in?''
''Sure.''
Sakura definitely overreacted. Did she want to see Itachi that badly? Ignoring Sakura's excitement, Sasuke opened the door.
''Hi, Sasuke-kun!''
Next to a cheerful Ino, there was Itachi, and for the second time that day, somebody gave them a strange look.
''You were together?'' Sasuke asked.
''That's allowed, isn't it?'' Ino replied playfully. Itachi only shrugged as an answer.
All that noise got to the kitchen and Sakura greeted the guests, who surprised her also by coming together.
''What were you doing together?''
''We did nothing!'' Ino rolled her eyes. ''It's not strange we ran into each other since we were heading to the same place!''
Sasuke eyed Itachi, trying to figure out whether Ino was telling the truth, but Itachi was serious as always.
''Boys, sit down while I help Sakura with the food!'' Ino ordered and Sakura followed her in the kitchen.
Brothers did as they have been told, remaining silent. Neither of them wanted to complicate about seating order, so each of them sat down at one side of the table. Ino got back, carrying bowls and cutlery. She also sat down, taking the side closer to Itachi, and then she leaned forward to speak quietly to both of them.
''If you need salt or pepper, let me know. And be discreet!''
That was all the conversation before Sakura came with the huge bowl, having the widest smile ever.
''I am starving,'' Ino said when Sakura sat down. ''Hurry and fill your plates!''
Sakura, being the good hostess served the food to everyone, depending on their wishes, of course, and somehow, despite two men at the table, Ino's portion was the biggest.
''What?'' she asked when she noticed three pairs of eyes on her. ''I didn't eat the whole day and this meal is much healthier than snacks I could have bought along the way. That is why I am grateful for this meal.''
That also marked the beginning of the dinner.
Sasuke looked down at his plate. The main course was including something like red and brown sauce with little pieces of something in it. He also took a piece of a side dish, happy to recognize onigiri. Only the stuffing was unfamiliar.
Maybe Ino could tell him, only she was too busy with chewing. It was strange that she, constantly dieting and worrying about her weight, liked this meal so much. It was probably something containing zero calories. Maybe dust and air mixed with some water.
Itachi was more determined out of two brothers to try the food.
''It's really delicious,'' Itachi said when he swallowed his first bite.
Itachi never asked about the meal itself, considering it impolite towards the cook, so he ate quietly, having nothing to say.
That wasn't surprising at all to Sasuke. Itachi would praise a poison to leave a good impression. Then there was Sakura, watching him hopefully. Sasuke was feeling like the biggest jerk in the world. His friend made a dinner and he didn't have decency to pretend he liked it.
Maybe it would be better if he stopped breathing, so he wouldn't feel the real taste. Or he should close his eyes. Or swallow as much as possible.
Since everybody was almost half way through, obviously waiting for Sasuke to start eating, he took one half full spoon and munched its content.
It was far from bad. It was tasty. And Sasuke definitely wanted more of it.
''Very good, Sakura,'' he commended.
''You know, you can say if you don't like it,'' she shrugged.
''Don't be so doubtful about yourself!'' Ino said. ''It's a great dinner!''
''She is right, Sakura,'' Sasuke said seriously. ''You are a kunoichi and a medic, not a professional cook! For an amateur, it was quite brave to make a dinner for four people. I wouldn't eat it if it wasn't good!''
''Thank you, Sasuke-kun,'' the cook smiled shyly, now only playing with her food, looking down and probably blushing.
Luckily, she had Ino to draw all the attention.
''Don't be shy and don't even try to lie you are saving yourselves for dessert! There will be no dessert because we have a game to play!''
She offered more sauce to the guests and they couldn't decline even if they wanted to. The bowl was emptied and Sakura was prouder than ever.
''I was afraid I won't put enough salt or pepper,'' she admitted. ''I hate spicy food. I don't even know the basic ratio of spices and so I have to take a chance every time.''
That was the reason she asked for Sasuke's opinion. And he was so close to refuse. She wasn't about to brag to him, only make sure she did a good job.
''I am so glad you liked it,'' she smiled. ''And ate all of it!'' she added in surprise.
The brothers smirked and Ino chuckled, knowing she made them do it.
''And now,'' Ino stood up and gathered everyone's plates, ''Sakura cooked, so I am doing the dishes!''
She went to the kitchen twice, to pick up all bowls and plates, and closed the door to do the washing up in peace. Too bad that peace was very uncomfortable while Itachi and Sasuke sat at the table with Sakura. Then they all noticed how much Ino talked while they were eating, how much they laughed at her hilarious retelling of the day at the flower shop last week and how much she wanted to know about everybody's occupation for the next couple of days.
Now Sasuke couldn't think of any subject. It was fine before, when Ino picked the topic. Now each one seemed inappropriate. Talking about the game was out of the question; Itachi was the opponent. His work was incomparable to Itachi's and Sakura's and his friendship was based on their work, so it wasn't relevant or a good subject to discuss at the moment. Sasuke decided it was the best to keep quiet and hope somebody else would change the atmosphere.
Itachi also disliked the silence and he had a strange feeling he was causing it. So he did the unimaginable: he left the living room!
''I'll go check if Ino-san needs help,'' he said and escaped from the unpleasant quiet, hoping Ino would let him to help her.
Sasuke was grateful for Itachi's idea; suddenly the whole tension vanished. And he didn't even know why.
''So, should I get the cards now, when your brother isn't here to listen in on our great strategy?'' Sakura frowned at her friend.
''That's not it!''
''Then what?'' Sakura hissed. ''Your fight was so serious you can't even talk to one another?''
''It wasn't a fight,'' Sasuke said sharply, having no intention to explain himself. ''You can get the cards.''
Sakura rolled her eyes at him, but got up to get the cards anyway.
''You know,'' she said when she sat down again, ''Itachi-san is the best opponent you could have.''
Now Sasuke frowned much more than before.
''What do you mean?''
''You will try harder knowing he can win easily,'' Sakura shrugged. ''It will be challenging for you and you will give your best.''
Sasuke sighed in annoyance. Why were everybody around him so smart all of a sudden?
''And it's not forbidden to ask questions, you know,'' Sakura spread a few cards on the table. ''We are still learning how to play.''
Easier said than done. Like he would ask advice from his brother. Unless Sakura thought of another smart person. Herself.
''What is crucial?'' Sasuke asked, picking a card from the table. ''I mean, what were my mistakes from the last time?''
''The main goal is to get rid of cards from your hand.''
Sasuke nodded, as he understood that.
''At the same time, you have to make as many points as possible, but as the game approaches to its end, it's risky to collect Ino's cards, what you did the last time. That way your hands were full of cards again.''
He did want more points. Too bad too many of them weren't used the way he'd planned.
''How am I supposed to meld the rest of my cards?'' he asked again.
''Maybe you can't,'' Sakura shrugged. ''Sometimes it's better to wait and let others close the game.''
''I can't do that!'' Sasuke frowned. ''Itachi will win again!''
''I am not saying you have to, but there will be situations the waiting is the only way,'' Sakura explained calmly. ''If you think you can't get rid of all cards, you collect those that will get you less penalty points.''
''Sounds like a wise strategy.''
''I think so too,'' Sakura smiled. ''Keep in mind it's not the most important to finish first, but to make as much melds as possible. It would be preferable if those melds were clean ones.''
''The ones without the joker?'' Sasuke asked warily.
''That's right. And joker shouldn't be in your hands for too long in case someone closes the game. It would be a shame not to turn it into points.''
''And it has the highest penalty points.''
''Unfortunately.''
While Sakura and Sasuke were concentrated on the game strategy, Ino and Itachi were occupied with doing the dishes, more or less.
Ino had nothing against Itachi hanging out with her in the kitchen and she didn't seem surprised he joined her. Itachi didn't get the chance to offer his help because Ino had her own opinion why he was interested in the housework.
''First you didn't want to be alone with Sakura, and now you don't want to be around her with your brother,'' she said as soon as he closed the door behind him. ''What's the problem?''
''I wanted to help you with the dishes!''
''To have an excuse to leave their company,'' Ino said calmly.
''Fine,'' Itachi sighed, what made perceptive blonde smile.
She dried her soapy hands and redirected her attention to him.
''Who makes you feel uncomfortable?'' she asked in a friendly tone. ''Sakura, Sasuke-kun or the two of them together?''
''This whole situation,'' he admitted whispering. ''Only because we won the last round, it doesn't make Sasuke incompetent or me a genius. It's only a game.''
''So Sasuke-kun is angry with you?''
''A bit.''
''I think that's normal,'' Ino shrugged. ''You are his older brother, respected jounin and a clan's heir. If Sasuke-kun can prove he's better than you in something as irrelevant as this card game, he will do his best not to lose against you.''
These weren't compliments, only observations. And Itachi had to agree.
''I know.''
Now when she found out everything she wanted to know, Ino returned to her dishes. She also remembered she still had company.
''Still want to help?'' she asked. ''I hate drying the dishes.''
Itachi nodded enthusiastically and she handed him a cloth so he could dry the plates while she was doing the washing up.
Naturally, it didn't mean they would stop talking.
''And you?'' Itachi asked.
''What about me?''
''Do you want to beat your friend no matter what?''
''We are playing cards; it is supposed to entertain us and help us relax, not deepen our rivalry.''
''I was just curious because your telepathic communication might be useful and-''
''Oh relax, will you?'' she interrupted his idea about mind reading. ''If I wanted to be a kunoichi 24/7, I would train for fun. Since I don't, I want to forget about my job while we are playing cards.''
''Very well.''
Itachi was silent for whole ten seconds. After all, there were many things he wanted to find out and he didn't want to cross the line.
''May I ask a question?''
''Of course,'' Ino chuckled, dedicated to the washing.
''For how long does Sakura-san want to charm my brother?''
Ino dropped the sponge and it fell in the sink. Then she looked Itachi straight in the eyes, shocked.
''You gave me permission to ask,'' he reminded her quietly.
''I know I did,'' she said quickly, ''it's just, you saw Sakura once! How do you know? Did Sasuke-kun tell you?''
''It's obvious. She was ecstatic after his compliment about the meal she had made by herself.''
Ino smiled, probably relieved she didn't give her friend's intentions away.
''And the bell before,'' Itachi added quietly.
Ino frowned slightly, as if she wasn't pleased she was also responsible for revealing Sakura's secret.
''There is no need to be angry with yourself, Ino-san. You were considerate about your friend for her sake. It was kind and generous of you.''
''I couldn't help it,'' Ino admitted. ''Sakura cares for real and everybody knows. I think Sasuke-kun is the only one who doesn't.''
''I believe he does; he just doesn't know how to appreciate it yet.''
''Can you share a piece of advice?'' Ino asked hopefully. ''Sakura is really great!''
''I also have a feeling she would be good for my brother, but I am not the person he opens up to when it comes to a private matter.''
''Oh.''
''I wish I was more helpful.''
''Don't worry, at least you are on Sakura's side,'' Ino smiled. ''And you are so easy to talk to!''
''You thought I wouldn't be?''
''Usually 25-year-old guys treat me as if I am a little girl, not an adult.''
''Maybe because I am not a 25-year-old yet.''
''S-sorry, I didn't mean it as if you looked older, I mean, you are so serious all the time and you are older than Sasuke-kun and-''
''Ino-san, stop apologizing. I am not offended.''
''I am sorry anyway.''
''I am not one of those people who care much about their looks. Or age. Or both.''
''Like Konoha's Sannin,'' Ino concluded.
''Exactly.''
''Besides, sometimes it's better to look older, everybody obeys you and-''
''Ino-san.''
''What?'' she muttered.
''Stop apologizing,'' he repeated. ''I didn't take it as an insult and yes, I am serious and definitely not mad at you.''
''Okay,'' she gave him a small smile.
There. It was so much better to see her smiling than worried over nothing.
''This is the last plate,'' she said, handing him a wet dish. ''Thank you for your help.''
Itachi dried it quickly and put next to other washed bowls and plates.
''You are welcome,'' he said.
Ino gave a quick look at the door and then shrugged.
''We can't do better but to interrupt them this time!''
Itachi found that comment quite funny and they were both still chuckling while sitting down at the table.
''I had no idea doing dishes was so hilarious,'' Sakura said, staring at her friend who was in inexplicably good mood.
''Me neither,'' Ino chuckled, but revealed nothing more.
''Are you ready to play?'' Sakura asked and all the players nodded. ''I suggest we take our seats for the game then.''
They all stood up, so they could sit like partners in a game, just like the last time; Ino across from Itachi and Sakura across from Sasuke.
Only Sasuke had a different idea.
''Can we switch places?''
''Sasuke-kun, we went through the sitting order last time.''
''Not with you, Ino, but with Sakura.''
''Why?'' Sakura asked.
''Because that way your turn will be after Ino discards a card, and mine after Itachi does it.''
''I have nothing against it,'' Itachi said.
''Go ahead, I am not superstitious,'' Ino shrugged.
''If that makes you happy, sure,'' Sakura smiled.
The sitting order was still the same, only the order of playing got different. Sasuke asked for a change because Ino was constantly asking questions and he was impatient to play his turn, so now Sakura would be the one waiting for slow Ino and he would play right after his brother.
''Itachi, here are the cards for you to shuffle,'' Sasuke said. ''I did it the last time.''
''And we won!'' Ino teased.
''So maybe we won this time,'' Sakura said.
''Maybe,'' Itachi shrugged, shuffling the cards.
''As the rules say, this round is supposed to last longer since in order to close the game, we need one additional combination of cards,'' Sakura said and put the rules on the table beside her.
''But there is a possibility to finish it faster?'' Ino asked.
''Those are cards and the game is unpredictable. Nothing's impossible,'' Itachi explained to his partner.
''Pick the cards for me then!'' Ino ordered to Sakura and they all laughed.
After dealing the cards, Sakura was the first one to make fun of Ino.
''So Ino, are you sure you don't need help with arranging cards? This time there is one more to hold!''
Sasuke understood Sakura's intention and looked at Itachi.
''Ino-san learned to hold cards properly,'' Itachi said in Ino's defense.
''Exactly!'' Ino smiled. ''We'll see if you learned anything, Sasuke-kun!''
And the game was on, much more competitive than the last round.
Sasuke took Ino's challenge seriously. Damn right he would be a better opponent this time! Right from the start, he was doing everything Sakura told him. Unfortunately, it wasn't so easy in reality because neither Ino or Itachi were naive players. It was hard to read their faces, what Sakura stressed as important. Itachi was dead serious as always, glimpsing occasionally at Sakura and Ino. He would pay a look to Sasuke only to let him know he was done with discarding. Ino was totally opposite; she was smiling politely, trying to pull a funny comment about the game and make it less silent. For some reason, Sakura was awfully quiet.
''Come on, come on, give me something I can use!'' Ino chuckled while waiting for Sasuke to pick a card he didn't find useful.
Itachi didn't react in any way and Sakura sighed, aware she would wait for Ino to finish her turn.
''Oh,'' Ino frowned, looking at the top card. ''This one doesn't work for me.''
''That's the point,'' Sasuke said and drew his cards to end his turn.
At the first sight, it was a simple game of patience; you shouldn't reveal your cards to the opponent unless you are sure they don't have the cards that might be useful to you. Being careful about the cards other players had discarded was also important. All of it Sakura pointed out as crucial. Back then, during the first round, Sasuke was only trying to get rid of the cards and rush to the end. He learned the end of the game didn't necessarily depend on number of the cards in a player's hand; that way Itachi closed the game last time. Older Uchiha succeeded to use eight cards in total and finish the round. Nobody expected it because everybody else had less cards than him. And he was looking so smug! And proud of himself while Sakura was counting the score which brought her and Sasuke their first defeat. There was no way Sasuke would let that happen again.
''Ha! You didn't get anything, but you served me a great card!''
Sakura's loud exclamation got Itachi's attention. He seemed worried and checked his team's melds. Then Sakura showed him hers.
''We are almost done,'' she chuckled victoriously, putting down new meld of cards.
''How bad are we?'' Ino asked.
''We are far behind,'' Itachi replied.
Sasuke couldn't stop smiling. It was going so smoothly from the start and now they were so close to meet the criteria to close the game. Now every move was of a great importance, a single card could change the course of events. If Sasuke was feeling adrenaline rush at the beginning, now it was ten times stronger.
Itachi ended his turn as always and Sasuke was checking out the cards in his hand and the discarded ones. And he couldn't believe it. At the top five cards, there were three of them he could use and make that final necessary meld.
It was probably written all over his face because Ino wailed: ''Oh no!''
''Finally!''
Sakura even screamed a bit when Sasuke put the newest meld aside.
''Now what?'' Sasuke asked.
''Now you or Sakura-san need to free your hands from cards.''
For somebody who was about to lose, Itachi was perfectly calm. And Sasuke just had to know if it was possible to add the icing on the cake.
''But we can still meld cards, to get even more points?''
Itachi simply nodded and Ino let out a frustrated sigh.
The masks fell off; Sakura was smiling widely, Ino was pretty depressed and Itachi was struggling to keep calm and think straight. After all, it was his card that gave Sasuke so much wanted advantage.
Expectedly, the tension rose and Ino, the next in the line to play, was very nervous.
''Don't worry, Ino-san. You were playing well all along,'' Itachi encouraged her.
It didn't help because she couldn't decide which card to discard. She also made another meld, but it was irrelevant. The victory was so close Sasuke could practically smell it. And it was all over when Sasuke's next turn came up. It was a mere luck; the cards on the top of the pile were perfect for the cards in his hands and he closed the game without delay.
Sakura was happily adding the numbers to get the final score. It was obvious they won, only she had to add all the melds to have in written the points they scored.
Also an important lesson Sasuke learned today was how to take a defeat with dignity. Itachi was actually helping Sakura to get the score right and Ino put the cards in their place. If they had been closer, Itachi would have probably consoled Ino. Now they were simply silent, hurrying to left the gaming table.
''I've been up since dawn,'' Ino said when she got up from the table. ''Unless you want me to fall asleep at the table, I have to retire. Good night everybody!''
All the players were full of understanding. Despite tiredness, Ino was the most chatty one and just because she was tired, she refused to postpone the game for some other time.
''Good night, Ino-san,'' Itachi wished to his partner and she waved at everyone before closing the door of her room.
Just like Ino left before to do the washing up, the room was dead quiet. And again, Itachi was the one who spoke first.
''I should head home, I have stuff to do. I hope we meet soon, Sakura-san.''
''Me too.''
''I meant, to play the game.''
''Me too.''
''I will catch you up,'' Sasuke said to his brother. ''I have something to discuss with Sakura.''
''Take your time,'' he said simply. ''I will let myself out. Good night, Sakura-san.''
Itachi muttered a clumsy goodbye and strode out.
Sasuke and Sakura, who were all alone again, were feeling exactly the same.
''I can't go home yet, I am not sleepy at all!'' Sasuke said, now free to speak his mind. ''And I will probably dream about the cards!''
''Have you seen Ino's face? She seemed a bit disappointed. Will your brother be as mad as you were?''
''I hope so.''
''You are the worst!''
They both laughed.
''That first round doesn't seem so bad right now, does it?'' Sakura asked.
''It doesn't,'' he agreed. ''It actually looks great, because we have more points overall,'' he pointed at the score sheet.
''That was expected,'' Sakura said.
''How so?''
''This round required extra piles and means more points in the end. We had so many melds, I think we would have won even if we hadn't been the ones ending the round.''
''That is possible?''
''Of course.''
''I have a feeling this game will grow on me.''
''Me too!'' Sakura chuckled.
''And it's all because of you, you were a patient teacher.''
''I am not, but you are a stubborn learner.''
''It was a good game. And a nice evening. Not to mention your dinner!''
''Sasuke-kun,'' she frowned playfully, ''you don't have to turn into a liar because of me.''
''And you should accept a compliment when I pay you one.''
''Sorry. Thanks.''
''And relax more. You don't have to be so uptight when my brother is not here. And don't worry, he likes you.''
''Oh. Okay.''
Sasuke was sure Sakura wasn't as confident as usual because of his brother around, but now she seemed even more anxious. Maybe because she was still doubting herself for no reason.
''Thank you, Sakura. For everything.''
Sakura knew well Sasuke would leave soon and there was no better moment than this one to confess this game was arranged so they could get closer again and then, who knows!
Or maybe it was for the best to save that for the last round and see if Sasuke would miss her company too.
''Until the next round,'' she smiled and Sasuke left with a simple good night.
All the way to their house, Itachi was at ease. The night went perfectly. He had a good time, Sasuke didn't get mad at him, now after two rounds it became even more interesting and he was getting excited while thinking about the next round and-
''No yelling tonight?''
Uchiha Mikoto, standing in her bathrobe in the hallway, wasn't something Itachi expected to see. Her question was equally unpleasant.
''What do you mean?''
''Don't play dumb. Where is your brother?'' Mikoto asked sharply.
''Out,'' Itachi muttered.
''And were you with him until now, just like the last time?''
Itachi sighed. Much worse than Sasuke yelling at him the last time was their mother who obviously heard all of it and was waiting for the right moment to bring it up.
''I'll take your silence as a positive answer. Also, I thought you were smart enough not to compete with your brother about something so childish.''
How did she know about the cards? Did she find decks in his room?
''Don't worry, Sasuke will get the same as soon as he gets home. If that fickle girl let him come home.''
Now Mikoto intrigued Itachi.
''A fickle girl?'' he repeated.
''I wasn't born yesterday, my son. Weren't you with Sasuke that time he accused you for showing off?''
''I was.''
''And just like that time, tonight your gear was neatly folded, meaning you didn't have a practice match, nobody has seen neither of you anywhere and you got home late.''
''It's not that late,'' he said, staring at the floor.
Now Mikoto sighed, as if she wasn't glad for this lecture.
''Out of all wonderful girls in Konoha, I really can't believe you fell for the same one.''
''It's not about the girl,'' Itachi persisted.
''Then why was Sasuke so upset and where is he now? Does your early arrival mean she chose him?''
It was no use. Itachi could tell his mother the whole truth, she wouldn't believe it. In her head, everything seemed logical. Sasuke accused Itachi for trying to impress a girl Sasuke liked first and now, when they spent the night at the same place with that imaginary girl, she must have picked Sasuke if Itachi was at home. Involving the actual girls, Ino and Sakura, with whom they spent two evenings would only complicate things. And dinner! Mikoto would never forgive them they had dinner somewhere else, while they were both at home and free of duty at dinner time. Her intention was actually good, only she was completely wrong.
''If she is giving you mixed signals, she is only playing with you,'' Mikoto explained. ''And if you were unintentionally too polite to Sakura-chan, no wonder Sasuke overreacted.''
''I don't understand.''
''She is Sasuke's best friend and he won't let you be better from him. Not in front of her.''
Finally something that made sense.
''Go to sleep now. I will talk to Sasuke in the morning. And if I hear you arguing like that one more time, I am telling your father.''
Of course that was the worst scenario for a worried mother-her two boys becoming enemies in a battle for a girl's attention. And after tonight's victory, Sasuke would be overwhelmed with excitement for days what was making denying pointless. Mikoto would scold Itachi again and also do her best to investigate who that special girl was. Sighing deeply, Itachi went to his room.
''Good night, mom.''
And Itachi foolishly thought nothing bad could happen. The last thing he needed was his mother convinced he was working on getting himself a girlfriend while he was only having the same hobby as two of them. And telling his father! That would mean hearing again, for the millionth time, how his duty of an heir wasn't to have the most attractive girl, but the most suitable. And meaningless relationships were out of the question. Maybe Itachi would fall into a peaceful slumber after the third round. Maybe.
