Chapter 6: Dreams Goodnight

A knock came on the library door, making Kabuto look up from his book. "Yakushi-sama, dinner is ready, and Lord Haruno and Young Lady Sakura would like you to join them," came the voice of Kiyami. He closed his book and took off his glasses to rub his aching eyes again, "I will be there in a few minutes. Thank you." He heard the footsteps disappear down the hall, and sighed as he placed his glasses back on. 'I guess this is great time for a longer break,' he thought, placing a marker in his book and getting up from his chair.

"Ah, thank you for joining us, Yakushi-sama."

"I should thank you for inviting me, Lord Haruno. But please, call me Kabuto or Kabuto-san. Yakushi-sama makes me feel so old."

"I see. Then, please sit down Kabuto-san."

Sakura smiled as he sat down between her and her father, happy to see the silver hair man joining them. "Kiyami, why don't you join us tonight as well?" Lord Haruno said to the young maid, who had a surprised look gracing her face. "Uh, very well Lord Haruno. Thank you," she said softly, taking her seat opposite of Kabuto.

"It's good to have a full table again, isn't it Sakura?"

"Yes, Father. Especially with friends," she replied, her eyes darting quickly to Kabuto before turning towards her father and Kiyami, "Could you please pass the potatoes, Kiyami?" Said woman nodded and passed her the bowl. Sakura took her share and held it out, "Would you like some, Kabuto?" "Oh, no, thank you. But I can't eat potatoes. A cursed allergy," he said with a regretful smile.

"Oh, I'm sorry!"

"It's all right. Lord Haruno, would you like some?"

"Ah, yes please. Thank you."

Dinner went like that for awhile until each person had their meal, and finally they settled down to eat, light conversation being made from bite to bite.

"How is the research going, Kabuto-san?"

"So far, I haven't been able to come up with the exact name of what it is, but I do know that the disease that my patient has is within the immune system. I do hope that it's not deadly."

"How old is your patient? You seem to be so very concerned over this."

"He is a ten-year-old boy. That is why I'm so desperate to figure out what's wrong. He is too young to have something to end his life that quickly."

The room became silent at that. No bites taken, no drinks sipped. Complete silence.

Until the sound of a tearful sniffle broke through. Three heads turned to the sound that was emitted from the woman sitting at the end of the table.

"You're…you're right…his life has barely begun. He still has a whole w-world to see," she whispered through her airy tears, each made in sadness. Lord Haruno's face fell and Kiyami stood up, going to her and wrapping her arms tightly around the woman's shoulders. "It's all right, Young Lady Sakura. Hush…hush, it's okay," she whispered softly, stroking a hand through Sakura's pink locks.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset."

"It's all right, Kabuto…it's just…death at a young age is so painful to hear and think about."

"Yes, it is. But Sakura, remember that this is dinner with company. Please keep yourself calm and the tears hidden."

Kiyami released her hold and Sakura sniffled one last time, "Yes Father. I'm very sorry for my action." Kiyami went to her seat, silently and sadly returning to her meal. Kabuto did the same, although his eyes would constantly lift up to look at the woman beside him.


A knock came on Sakura's bedroom door, causing her to look up.

"Who is it?"

"It's me."

"Oh. Come in, Father."

The door opened and Lord Haruno stepped in, dressed for bed. "I thought I would come and say good night. I decided to go to bed early; with the rain there's not much to do," he said. Sakura smiled, "I guess that is a good idea. I may knit some more before I go to sleep myself. Good night Father. I hope you have sweet dreams."

He nodded, a frown playing his lips. "I want to talk to you first though, love. May I?" he asked, motioning to her bed. Sakura nodded and moved over, leaving plenty of room for him to sit.

"What is it?"

"Sakura...I believe it's time for you to learn the truth."

"The truth about...what?"

"About your mother."

A thin brow was raise as her father pulled out a book from his sleeve. "This is your mother's diary. Read only one passage a night until it's finished. No more than that," he said, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead before standing up. "Good night, love. Sweet dreams for you as well," he said, leaving and closing the door behind him.

She stared at the door in surprise, then looked down at the book that was resting in her hands. 'Mother's diary...? Why...?' she thought, her questions unfinished and unanswered as she opened the book to the first page.

My dear diary,

Today was our anniversary. Of course, Darling gave me flowers, pulled from the garden (so unoriginal, but that is my husband after all), and a beautiful pair of earrings (although I didn't know why; he knows I let my ears close over years ago).

But today I received an extra special surprise. I learned today that I am pregnant! Doctor Yakushi-sama had confirmed it for me during a check-up my beloved "daughter" (she is like that to me, and she knows that) Kiyami had arranged for me. I almost laughed after I found out; it was funny how Kiyami knew this before I did! Ah...it feels so wonderful knowing that inside of me, a life is growing. I know Darling is wishing for a son, but...I want a daughter. A beautiful daughter that will be born in the spring and be just as adorable as the season itself.

I guess I will see in the coming months, shall I? I will dream about my beautiful daughter, and laugh at the knowledge that I know my beloved is dreaming of a handsome son.

-Shizune

'That's when she found out I was coming. Heh, I kind of figured Dad was going to want a song; the Haruno name had to continue on somehow. Although sadly that won't happen unless Father remarries and his new wife has a song, since I would be carrying on another man's name and not mine,' she thought, closing the book and hiding it under her bed. She turned towards her closet, 'I guess I'll get my nightgown and Kabuto's shirt out, then say good night to him before I come and stay in for the night.'


A knock came on the library door before a foot quietly stepped in through its opening crack. "Kabuto?" Sakura asked softly, almost a whisper in the quiet, candlelit room. "Hmm? Oh, good evening Sakura. Is something wrong?" he asked, a curious silver brow arched. "Oh no, nothing's wrong. I came to say good night. I decided to turn in early tonight. I hope you don't spend all night reading; it's not good for your eyes," she said, making him laugh and close his book. "Trying to sound like a doctor now, Sakura?" he asked jokingly, taking off his glasses.

Inwardly, Sakura tried to keep in a gasp. 'His eyes...they're so much more beautiful when they're not hiding behind those frames,' she thought, then mentally shook the thoughts out of her head as he smiled. "I believe going to bed is a good idea as well. I will continue my studies tomorrow," he said, replacing his glasses on his face, much to Sakura's inward dismay, and standing up with placing his book on the desk.

She smiled and walked out of the doorway as he blew out the candle and came out, closing the door behind him. She started her way down the hall, Kabuto following beside her. They were both silent for the few moments walk until Sakura stopped in front of her door.

It was then Kabuto noticed what Sakura was wearing over her gown. It was his shirt, the one he gave her to wear when they were younger. 'She still wears it?' he questioned in surprise, not expecting to see the white shirt over a violet-colored nightdress.

"Hmm? Is something the matter?"

"Oh, no, nothing. I'm just tired, that's all. Good night Sakura. Sweet dreams."

Sakura smiled, opening her door, "Sweet dreams goodnight, Kabuto."


Aww, how fluffy and sad!

So now that Sakura has her mother's diary, what other secrets will come out from years of hiding? And will Kabuto be able to find the answer he needs soon? Well, that's coming up soon. Until then, ja ne!