Unusually

Chapter 7: In a very unusual way, this is love

"Happy Birthday, Sakura!" greeted Ino as Sakura entered her home after a 2-day mission with Team Kakashi.

Sakura just stared at her in a confused manner

"Where's everyone, Ino?"

"Get dressed, forehead! Everyone's waiting for you at the club!" said Ino excitedly as she pushed Sakura to her bedroom and locked the door behind her. She then handed Sakura a bag full of dresses, dresses which were far too revealing for her liking.

"Ino! You know I won't wear these dresses!" Sakura protested as she picked up a black tube dress which she assumed to reach just inches below her derriere.

"Of course you will! I picked those especially for you!" retorted Ino as she picked up a black leather spaghetti-strapped dress.

"You won't let this slip, won't you?" asked Sakura as she raised a brow at her female bestfriend

"Of course!" replied Ino as she nudged Sakura to the bathroom connected to her bedroom "Now go clean yourself up and let's see which of these lovely dresses best fits you!"

"Thank you for your concern, mother, but I think I'm old enough to choose for myself"

Ino just chuckled as she continued to look at the dresses she brought.

Sakura emerged from the bathroom after twenty minutes, free from all the dirt and sweat she got from her previous mission. She just stood there, wrapped in her bath robe, as she stared at the dresses laid on her bed.

"Don't just stand there, Sakura! I already sorted out these dresses, you just need to choose" said Ino exuberantly

Sakura stared disbelievingly as Ino showed the clothes she brought for her. There's no way she'll wear those! All of the dresses were too revealing for her liking.

Finally, after countless rejections of Ino's suggestions, Sakura finally found a dress to wear. It wasn't like the seductive dresses Ino suggested earlier. It was more on the conservative side but it still shows the perfectly-curved body she worked so hard to achieve.

"Now let's show those guys how we rock!" yelled Ino as they stepped out of Sakura's house and made their way to the club.


"Hey guys!" Ino shouted as she entered the club and automatically all eyes turned to her. They had rented out a small portion of the club, one that was built to host private parties.

"I present to you our birthday girl, Sakura!" Ino then stepped aside to make for Sakura.

Eyes widen as Sakura entered, wearing a red halter dress which reached her mid thighs. Her hair was let down, barely grazing her shoulders, with a beaded headband accessorizing it. She had a pair of red dangling earrings with matching necklace and bracelet, something she got from her foster mother. She wore three-inch pointed red stilletos and Ino helped her apply her make up.

Sakura's smile widen as she saw her friends and colleagues there. Some of them even took a day off just for this day, she couldn't be happier.

Then the greetings and gifts came. The gifts didn't really matter to her, what's important is that everyone she holds dear is here with her to celebrate her birthday.

She sat at the stool next to the bar as she watched familiar faces dancing their lights out at the dance floor. Sai and Ino were dancing sweetly, Kiba and Lee were having a showdown to see who's the better dancer while a crowd was forming around them.

She just laughed as she sipped on her apple martini. No matter how many years have passed, some things just never change.

She felt slight fidgeting at her side and she turned her head to see Sasuke sitting on the stool beside her. She smiled at him in greeting, he simply nodded in response and handed her a box.

"What's this?" she asked as she stared at the box curiously

"A present from Mother. She said she's sorry she won't be able to attend your party, she has clan business to attend to with Father"

"That's okay" she smiled at the thought of Uchiha Mikoto. Aside from her shishou, the Uchiha Mistress has been like a mother figure, not just for her but also for Naruto. She always invited them over for lunch or dinner, despite Sasuke's disagreement

"Anyway, where's your brother?" she asked as she looked around in search for Itachi

"Well, we just got back a few hours ago. I didn't see him when I went home earlier" replied Sasuke, also wondering where his brother is. It has always been his brother's principle to be prompt, so where could he be?

Sakura's worry started to grow. What if he encountered one of those Akatsuki again? They were lucky enough to escape from those Akatsuki without fatal injuries and they weren't even intent on fighting them, they were just there to deliver a message. Then an image of a bloody Itachi on the brink of death appeared in her mind. What would she do if the image in her mind became a reality? How will she deal with it?

Suddenly a warm hand rested on top of hers and she looked up to see Sasuke staring at her. He must have sensed her worry.

"Stop that, Sakura. He's Uchiha Itachi, remember? He won't easily be subdued" he said then stood up, leaving Sakura to herself.

Yes, he's the Uchiha Itachi. He's didn't became Anbu Captain at the age of 13 for nothing. He's not the pride of the Uchiha clan for nothing. She scolded herself for belittling her bestfriend. She is his bestfriend, she should've known what he's capable of.

With that thought in mind, she left the bar and on to the dance floor with her friends.


Meanwhile…

Itachi stood impatiently as he waited for the cashier to ring up the item he bought. The Godaime suddenly gave him a solo mission last night. As much as he hated to be away on Sakura's birthday, he had no choice. But he finished the mission as fast as he could and is now making his way back to Konoha. He assumed that he'll arrive there before midnight. He just hoped that Sakura will understand since she's a shinobi too, but sometimes she's just too stubborn.

"Here you go, sir" said the cashier as she smiled at him in a flirtatious manner. Itachi just shrugged it off, took the paper bag and then walked away. He knew exactly what that smile meant and it didn't please him one bit.

Shrugging those thoughts aside, he sped up towards the direction of Konoha. Sakura's female bestfriend, Ino, spoke to him yesterday about Sakura's surprise party. Instead of the usual place, which is Sakura's house, they rented out a small portion of the club for a private party.

The mention of the club sickened him slightly. It's a place where vices grow. As much as possible, he wants to keep her away from those things, his overprotective side taking over. But then again she's 19 now, she should be aware of the adult world. He shouldn't keep her naïve from reality.

He just hoped that Sakura won't be too curious. Especially now that he acknowledged the fact that he's attracted to her. He wants to keep her to himself as much as possible. He is the person who will stop at nothing to get what he wants and right now all he wants is Sakura.

Possessive as it may sound, but that's the truth.

Then the gift he bought for her came to his mind. He specifically had it made by their family's jeweler. Sakura is special to him, it's only right to give her something special for her birthday.

He smiled inwardly as he thought of what Sakura's response would be.


Sakura took a seat at the stool next to the bar. She had danced the night away, effectively disregarding her worry for Itachi. It surprised her that she can have the stamina to dance like that for hours right after coming back from a mission. It felt good to release all your worries and problems by dancing. She was grateful that she's with her friends or else she wouldn't dance like that at all.

"Here" she turned to her side and saw her sensei Yamato, offering her a glass of water with a smile.

She thanked him and gulped down the contents of the glass.

"By the way, where's Itachi? I haven't seen him at all"

Sakura's face suddenly became gloom at the mention of his name. Where could he be? If he's playing a prank on her, it's not funny. He couldn't have forgotten, could he? She's starting to be disappointed in him. How could he not be here?

"Well, he's not here" she replied with a sad smile.

"I'm sure he has his reasons" he said as he ruffled her hair. She smiled at him in return, glad for his concern.

"BEER DRINKING CONTEST! BEER DRINKING CONTEST!" Ino's loud voice was heard throughout the whole club.

"I'm in!" she called back, bowed politely to her sensei then made her way towards Ino. This will probably keep her away from thinking of him.


Itachi opened the large doors of the club. It's still an hour before midnight and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Most of the adults already left, leaving their students to themselves. He scanned the room, searching for the pink-haired birthday girl.

"I *hic* WIN!"

Itachi turned to the direction of the voice and found an unpleasant sight. Kiba and Naruto were slumped down on the counter, each holding a half-empty glass of beer. While Sakura was swinging her empty glass of beer wildly, cheeks flushed red.

"I WON!" she yelled as she slammed the glass to the counter, breaking the glass apart and leaving a large dent on the counter. Then she stood up, with great difficulty, and was about to take a step when she lost her balance.

Itachi caught her just in time and stared at her unfocused eyes. From the looks of it, she's been drinking for a couple of hours already.

She stared at him through bleary vision for a couple of seconds before she finally realized who it was.

"Itachi! You're finally *hic* here!" she said as she fling her arms around his neck. He was surprised for a moment then his senses picked up and assumed that she's already drunk judging by the way she smell and her appearance.

"You're drunk" he stated in an irritated tone

"Really?" she asked with a grin on her face as Itachi helped her stand up.

"I'll take you home"

"Okay!"


"So, where have you been?" asked a very drunk Sakura on his back as they made their way towards her house.

Itachi just disregarded her and tightened his grip on her knees. They won't get anywhere with Sakura walking in every direction.

"I was waiting for you, you know. The party is incomplete without you, you know why?"

Itachi paused for a second then resumed walking again.

"Because I'm in love with you, you damn Uchiha! I just realized it a couple of days ago!" she then erupted in a hysterical laugh.

Itachi stopped completely after hearing that. She's in love with him? It only makes sense since he's attracted to her in the same way. What does this mean?

Then he growled inwardly. Sakura is drunk. She probably said that without thinking, drunken people tend to do that.

He needs to have a decent talk with Sakura soon.


Sakura sighed for the hundredth time that day.

The morning after the party, she found herself in her bed. She still remembered Itachi taking her home in his back but she couldn't remember what she was saying. Luckily, she found him down at the kitchen, preparing breakfast. She really wanted to have a conversation with him, ask him why he came late at the party and try to understand his reasons as best as she could. But no matter how she try, Itachi kept on ignoring her. He must be mad at her for drinking too much last night. He's the type of person who will keep on ignoring you until you realize what you've done and do the necessary things to make up to it. Perhaps he wants her to apologize for last night and explain herself.

But what about what he did last night? He just showed up to pick her and that's it? He didn't even greet her or explain why he's late in the first place. And now he's the one who's mad?

"If he wants an apology then he must be the one to apologize first" Sakura as a smirk appeared on her lips then she felt her smirk go down in a sad smile. It's been a week now since Itachi started ignoring her and she really misses him.

"Sakura, are you okay?" asked Shizune as she took notice of Sakura's sad expression.

"Sakura, what's wrong? You can always tell me and Shizune" said the Godaime, concern apparently showing through her voice.

Sakura took another sigh then proceeded to tell them what happened between her and Itachi. Luckily, Tsunade didn't reprimand her for drinking too much during her birthday (since she drinks a lot too) and told her that she's already an adult.

"Well, you should apologize to him. It will make things much easier if you ask me" commented Shizune as she patted Tonton on the head.

"I remember giving him a solo mission the night before your birthday. It was an emergency and he was the only one available for the job" said Tsunade

Then realization dawned upon Sakura "WAIT! You mean Itachi didn't miss my birthday on purpose?"

"Of course, silly. Why would he do that?" said Shizune as she gave a light chuckle.

"Then I'll go right away and apologize!" she then turned towards the door and was about to leave when she heard her shishou's voice

"Sakura, don't forget about the festival tomorrow"

"Of course I won't!" she then left through the door into the Uchiha Compound, leaving her shishou and her senpai dumbfounded.

"Ah… Young love!" exclaimed Tsunade before going back to signing more paperwork.


Sakura sprinted through the rooftops of various houses leading to the Uchiha Compound. She was so foolish to even think that Itachi missed her party on purpose! She was so blinded by her pride that she didn't even thought of the possible reasons for his absence.

But enough of the mental scolding, she must apologize to Itachi right now. A week has passed since she had a talk with him and she really missed him. This solves the mystery as to why she felt so empty this past week. Only Itachi can fill up that emptiness.

And before she knew it, she was standing in front of Itachi's house in the Uchiha Compound. She knocked loudly on the door, eager to see him quickly.

She suppressed a bright smile when someone went to open the door.

"Sakura"

"Sasuke?" she threw him a confused look, expecting the older Uchiha to open the door

"I live in here, Sakura. What's the matter?" he asked, obviously annoyed

"Where's Itachi?"

"He's away on a mission"

Then her bright smile turned into a sad smile

"Is that so?" she asked as she bowed her head down, staring at her feet as to avoid eye contact with him.

"Did you two have a misunderstanding or something?" he asked, slight concern evident in his voice

Sakura just nodded her head shyly, averting his eyes

Sasuke just stared at his female teammate. Only one man can make her feel like that, and that's his older brother. But somehow, this seems to be on a higher level. What they have for each other, is it mere friendship or something deeper than that?

"Well, do you want to talk about it?" he asked as he stared at her. Well, he just can't leave a mentally disturbed teammate like that, can he?

Sakura agreed after a few moments, knowing that Sasuke will enlighten her on the situation.


The next day…

Sakura stared at herself in the mirror as she straightened her yukata. Today is the Konoha Summer Fireworks Festival and she'll be spending it with her team. She guessed that Itachi is still away on his mission, it's a pity that he'll never get to watch the fireworks this year. They made it a point to always spend the said festival together.

She stared again at her reflection on the mirror as she adjusted her obi. The pink yukata she's wearing is given to her by Mikoto, Itachi and Sasuke's mother. It belonged to her when she was still in her teens and gave it to her since she won't be using it anymore. Mikoto always gives her gifts even when there's no occasion. Sakura still doesn't know why the woman is so nice to her, perhaps since she's teammates with Itachi and Sasuke. She always treats her like her own child.

Well, if Itachi decides to propose to her someday then there will be no problem, right? Everyone will be happy and-WHAT!

She shrugged the thoughts aside quickly, not wanting dwell on that anymore. It's best not to assume things like that because in the end, if it just won't work out, then she'll be greatly affected.

The sudden banging of the front door told her that Naruto is already there. With one last glance at the mirror, she picked up her pouch and left the house with Naruto.

"LOOK! There's also a takoyaki stall!" Naruto yelled exuberantly as he made his way to the stall, not even waiting for his teammates.

"Wait up, Dobe!" called out Sasuke as he followed after his blonde teammate

Sakura just followed them gingerly with a thoughtful face, even if she's with her teammates now she still can't help but feel empty. Sure, the conversation she had with Sasuke helped her feel better but it just wasn't enough without Itachi. It's strange but his presence alone makes her feel contented.

Maybe Ino was right all along…

It might sound foolish but maybe she really is in love with him, more than what she thinks…

"Oi! Sakura-chan, are you just gonna stand there?" asked Naruto as he waved at her, breaking her train of thoughts.

"Wait for me!"


Itachi emerged from the bathroom clad in nothing but his bathrobe. He just got back from a mission with his team an hour ago. And even though his body is still tired, he just can't leave the matter with Sakura neglected. He has been ignoring her for the past week for her to realize what she's done and how it will affect those around her. He knows that she is an intelligent kunoichi so it won't be hard for to realize her mistake on her own.

Then he saw his mother while making his way to his room

"Are you going to the Fireworks Festival?" she asked with a smile on her face

"Yes" he promised Sakura when she was 12 that he'll make it a point to always be available on the day of the Fireworks Festival so that they can watch the fireworks together.

"Go ahead then. Your brother is already there with his team" she said, her smile not wavering even just a bit. It seems that she has foreseen what will happen tonight.

"Are you not going, mother?"

"Your father and I will stay and watch the fireworks from here. You kids go ahead and have fun, okay?" she said then turned to leave

"Oh, and good luck with Sakura-chan" and with that she began to walk away

Itachi just stared at his mother's retreating back. Somehow, she always has this ability to foresee things, especially when it comes to her children. He's just glad that she's like that, always looking for his wellbeing.

He then went to his bedroom and got dressed for the festival.


Sakura made her way through the crowd holding a stick of cotton candy. It may seem childish but she really likes it. She already left her teammates. For them (especially Naruto) every festival is all about the food. Luckily, Sasuke decided to join him, just in case the blonde gets in to trouble. Those two always had a brother-like bond with each other even though they argue a lot. They really are bestfriends.

Then Sakura suppressed another sigh. It really is too bad that Itachi won't be here to see the fireworks with her. Watching the fireworks is not the same without him. She might as well go home than to see the fireworks and be reminded of him again.

She was walking through the small bridge under the river when she saw someone ascend from the trees. Sakura's sad smile brightened enthusiastically as she realized who it was. Even though the darkness made it hard for her to see his face, his presence alone identified who he was.

"Itachi!" she exclaimed as she threw her arms around him and enveloped him in a tight hug.

"Sakura" he called back as he stroked her head. Joy overwhelmed him just by seeing her. She looked so beautiful. The color of the yukata fits her perfectly, her shoulder-length pink hair is tied in a bun and her emerald eyes with shining with utmost joy.

She closed her eyes and took in his scent. God knows how much she missed him, even though it was just one week. It's really nice to know that a certain person can make you feel complete just by being there.

They let go after a moment, finding it inappropriate for someone to see them in that position. Sakura just stared at him with her cheeks reddened. He looked so gorgeous especially with that grey yukata. She guessed that he looks just as gorgeous with any type of clothing, especially with an appearance like that. Then she stared at his face illuminated by the moonlit sky. There's just something about him that makes him stand out. Especially his eyes, those deep obsidian pools which always seem to shine most when they're together.

Itachi cleared his throat, effectively distracting her from her inner musings. Sakura then straightened up, an apology is all that is needed for them to return to normal and she'll gladly do it.

She then stared at him straight in the eyes, sincerity showing through her them.

"Itachi, I'm sorry for what happened that night. I was just really sad that you couldn't come so I distracted myself and let myself loose on the alcohol. I'm so sorry for acting inappropriately"

Itachi nodded in response, telling her that her apology is accepted. "I apologize too for not informing you about the reason of my absence that night. I was-" he was cut off when Sakura placed a finger on his lips

"You don't have to explain to me, shishou told me about it" she said as a warm smile appeared on her face

Itachi nodded again in response. Then he pulled a small box from his sleeve. He forgot to give it to her on her birthday.

Sakura eyed the small box curiously as Itachi handed it to her. She glanced at Itachi, as if asking if it's okay to open it. He just gave her a curt nod.

Sakura slowly opened the box and was really delighted. It was a silver necklace with a sparkling cherry flower pendant. The craftsmanship was excellent, she supposed it was done by an expert.

"Happy Birthday" then he showed her one of his rarest smiles. Then he took the necklace and put it around her neck.

"Thank you so much, Itachi!" she said as she threw her arms around his neck again.

They were now face to face with each other, their breaths cascading on each other's skin.

Then Itachi asked himself, should he or should he not close the distance between them?

Suddenly fireworks erupted in the sky, illuminating the night sky with its sparkling colors and giving Itachi the answer to his question.

He's really in love with her

This is love

And without further ado, he captured her lips in a tender, passionate kiss with the fireworks playing in the background.


Author's Notes: Hi there! Hope you liked this chapter! I was really happy while writing this chapter, I'm really inspired hehehe…

Anyway, I've just noticed that there are no lines or anything signifies that it's another situation in the previous chapters. I always have those when I'm writing but when I upload them here, they disappear. I'm sorry for not taking notice of that until now...

School is coming soon but I promise that I won't neglect my duties as an author. I'm in third year college now and I can only hope for things to go well.

Thanks again to all who reviewed and gave their suggestions. I really appreciate it! And I apologize if failed to reply to your reviews, but I'm trying my best. Also, thanks to those who included Unusually in their favorite stories and subscribed to alerts. And a big hug goes to all those who included me in their favorite authors!

Please review!

Keep safe!

(*^o^*) Peace out! (*^o^*)

Kaycee