Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Warning: Hyuga Hiashi is very OOC...mostly on purpose!
Sasuke laid in his bed and rolled around. He couldn't sleep. He was so mad, just so angry. He knew Sakura was right, but it wasn't her place to judge him like that. She was supposed to be there for him. Now she was pushing him to face his darkest memory. What a bitch.
Sasuke sat up. She was right though. He couldn't avoid it anymore. He couldn't have her drag him there anymore. He needed to do this. He needed to do this on his own. Damn he hated when she was right.
Sasuke climbed out of his bed and ran for his car keys. He was out of his house and on the road in record time. First he had to sneak back into Sakura's house and get those flowers, and then he had to face his parents.
"Sasuke?" Sasuke jumped at the sound of his name. He turned to see his pink haired classmate standing there. "What are you doing here?" She asked.
They were both standing in Konoha's cemetery.
"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked instead.
"Visiting my grandma." Sakura shrugged awkwardly as she held up a bouquet of white lilies. She looked at him expectantly.
"I'm just…here." Sasuke muttered as he looked down.
"…Oh." Sakura mumbled. "Do you want to come with me? I mean if you are just here?"
Sasuke blinked. "I wouldn't want to intrude."
"You wouldn't." Sakura smiled despite being here for a deceased relative. "She likes company." Sakura grabbed Sasuke's hand and dragged him along.
She pulled him to a normal looking tomb stone and sat down in front of it. She patted the space next to him and she joined her. "Hi Grandma! This is Sasuke; he is a classmate of mine."
"Sakura what are you-"
"He is kind of quiet like grandpa but not nearly as funny. Actually, he is an Uchiha so they are all kind of snotty; at least that's the rumors. I think you'd like him though, he is nice enough."
"Nice enough? Saku-"
"Sometimes, he gets really angry if you're annoying enough. I usually am, but that's okay with me. Being annoying is almost a compliment at this point! Anyways, Mom and Dad are fine. They are still arguing but only about stupid small stuff. Ino is fine. Still annoying and preppy. You probably would have had 'the talk' with her again. Hinata hasn't gained any confidence but she is working on it. Tenten is still a brute but you liked that about her."
And the conversation went on and on as Sakura just talked to her grandmother and Sasuke listened. He didn't know why she did it but she seemed to be happy. An hour later, he knew all about her week and the two of them were walking back.
"So why are you really here?" Sakura asked shyly.
Sasuke looked at her and stopped. "My parents are buried here."
Sakura's eyes widened. "I'm sorry! I completely forgot! I wasn't thinking." Sakura looked down ashamed. Sasuke was about to say something to make her feel better but she spoke. "Do you want to go and visit them?"
"I, uh, well-" Sasuke mumbled. He had been avoiding it for so long. He would get to the cemetery but never their graves. It was too much for him.
"If you want," Sakura cut him off softly. "I could go with you."
Sasuke blinked and then slowly nodded his head. Together the two of them walked toward the grave. Sakura introduced herself and together, mostly with Sakura's insistence, the two talked to his parents.
Afterwards Sakura said nothing about the matter but every now and then, the two would go together. Sasuke wouldn't go near the graves unless Sakura was there because as much as he hated to admit it, she made the pain sufficiently less.
Sasuke pulled up at the cemetery. It was the middle of the night and it was dark. It reminded Sasuke too much of that night and he had half the mind to go home and try again tomorrow. But if he did that, he wouldn't return. He would find another reason not to. That was why he climbed out of the car and walked toward the grave.
He kneeled in front of the two tombstones and sighed.
"Hello Mother, hello Father." He whispered, just like he would when Sakura was here. "I know you probably are upset that I haven't ever come here by myself but the truth was I couldn't. I was too…scared. Facing this on my own was too much but I…I have grown now. I'm not the helpless crying kid anymore who watched his brother kill his family then get hauled off to prison. No, I've grown." Sasuke let out a shaky sigh, before continuing. It felt weird saying all this out loud.
"I'm sorry it had taken so long but there is a lot that had happened. Just a lot." Sasuke smiled grimly as he told his parents what he has gone through and the happenings of his everyday life since their death. He spent two hours, sitting there just spilling everything he had to them.
It was nearing the end of the second hour when Sasuke bit his lip. "Mother, remember in elementary school when you made me those peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? I never ate them. I always traded with this girl in another class. You would have liked her. She is a lot like you, granted she is more wild and loud but she is caring and sweet like you were.
"Mother, Father, I think I might really…like her." Sasuke admitted and cursed inwardly about how pathetic he must have sounded. He really did hate it, but he would do anything for Sakura at this point. "She makes me happy, well at least as happy as I can be." He sighed. "She is…just Sakura. She used to come here with me, remember? She is special and I wanted to let you know how much she means to me."
Sasuke stood up with an awkward cough. "I love you Mother, Father, and I promise to visit again. Sakura might be with me but I will come alone again soon. I…I love you."
Sasuke set the two lilies Sakura had reserved for them and picked up an envelope with his name that rested in between the two stones. He walked back to his car, clutching it in his hand.
Sasuke,
If you are reading this, that means you followed my advice and probably don't hate me as much as I thought you would. I'm sorry but I hope that you feel better. I know it must have been hard to do this alone and I'm grateful you did. I hope that you faced your fear.
Now, clue ten (last one, you are full of surprises): See attached.
Remember Sasuke, I still love-like you and if you're mad at me, just know I did this for you. Seeing your parents had to be done and I would have made you do it on your own one way or another. I'm just glad you did it.
No pictures are necessary, if anything just a simple, 'Clue Nine Done' is enough.
Good luck and I hope you forgive me and we see each other soon.
Sakura
Sasuke pulled out his phone and rapidly punched the keys.
To: MASTERMIND
From: Sasuke
Sakura,
'Clue Nine Done'
I don't hate you. I was angry, but not now.
I'm glad you made me do it and I'm…
happy I did. See you tomorrow.
We have a lot to discuss face to face.
Sasuke
To: Sasuke
From: MASTERMIND
Sasuke,
I hope to see you soon. I'm again sorry
about our fight…it scared me. I glad you
did this though. I will make it up
to you, just wait…well you still
have one more clue to go. Good
luck. NO MORE TEXT UCHIHA
Sakura…we do have a lot to talk about
To: MASTERMIND
From: Sasuke
Sakura,
You will see me soon. Just wait.
And you will make it up to me.
I have a lot of ideas. Be prepared.
I made it this far, one more clue
shouldn't be so bad. Get ready
Haruno, you have a lot of
making up to do.
Sasuke
Sasuke smirked. He reached into the envelope for the attached note that gave him the last clue. He ended up pulled a thin little slip and froze as he read the words. Damn her.
Naruto finally made it out of the Hyuga house and made a mad dash as quickly as he could to Iruka's apartment which was a floor above his own apartment. He at only two more clues left and to find MASTERMIND before he was with Hinata!
Naruto sat in his guardian/teacher's apartment and frowned. "Where are you going?"
"On a date." Iruka rolled his brown eyes. "I made you a pot of ramen, it's on the stove. Try not to eat it all."
"But I don't get it!" Naruto whined.
"It's fairly simple. You eat a few bowls and save a few bowls for the next day." Iruka explained to the seven year old.
"No, I meant the date." Naruto crossed his arms. "There is no such thing as left over ramen, by the way."
"It's just one night. I'll be back in three hours and Asuma is next door if you need anything." Iruka patted the blonde boy's head. "And yes there is, for normal people, by the way."
Naruto knocked on the door and waited impatiently. He heard Iruka shuffle inside and curse after a loud thump, probably him hitting a piece of furniture. The door opened and Iruka glared.
"I thought you'd take longer and wait until a reasonably hour. It's one in the morning." Iruka 'greeted' before letting Naruto inside.
"You knew I was coming?" Naruto asked confused.
"Yeah," Iruka sighed. "Miss Haruno and Miss Hyuga came a few nights ago. They said you might come and tell me something?"
"Oh, yeah." Naruto blushed. "I…I…I like…Hinata."
Iruka's eyes widened. "Really? Not Sakura?"
Naruto shook his head. "Not anymore."
"I see." Iruka said thoughtfully. "Well Hinata is quiet a lovely girl."
Naruto looked up at Iruka. "More then you know."
"More then I'd like to know." Iruka corrected. "She is sweet, treat her well Naruto."
Naruto nodded his head firmly. "I will make her ramen every night!"
"…right." Iruka quickly handing Naruto an envelope. "They left this for you."
Naruto grabbed it and opened the envelope up relieved that his conversation with Iruka was practically nothing. He turned back to see Iruka passed out on the couch. Great.
Naruto,
I can imagine that you are ecstatic because YOU. GOT. ONE. CLUE. LEFT! Ah, and the crowd roars! You admitted you liked Hinata to your parent (?) and you are just one step away from reclaiming your date…that I stole…oops.
Are you ready, because I thinks you is! Clue Ten: See attached.
Pictures to MASTERMIND! You know the drill baka.
Good luck and (hopefully) see you soon!
Sakura
Naruto grinned. He was almost done! He reached into the envelope and pulled out at small slip. He unfolded it and read. His heart stopped. Why were they torturing him?
Shikamaru sighed as he entered his house. As he expected, his mother and father were in the sitting room waiting for him. Inoichi probably called and complained about Shikamaru's breaking and entering.
That was the least of his problems. Now he had to tell his mother he liked Ino.
"Ino is a nice girl." Nara Yoshino admired.
"She is alright." Shikamaru yawned as he ate his cold breakfast.
"She is awfully beautiful too huh?" His mother continued.
"I guess."
"Pretty smart I hear."
"I suppose your right."
"Damn it, Shikamaru!" His mother bashed her hand on the table.
Shikamaru jumped. "What?"
"Nothing, you just can't take a hint can you?"
"Probably not." Shikamaru shrugged and stood up. "Choji is waiting for me."
Yoshino just stared at her son and shook her head. "Be back soon."
Shikamaru's mother on many occasions tried to push him toward Ino. He always acted oblivious to her antics or ignored it, but he was well aware and mostly agreed with her comments. The only reason he didn't want to say anything was because the bossy woman would make a big deal about it. It's wasn't. It was just Ino.
Shikamaru walked into the living room and coughed to gain their attention. Both of his parents turned and looked at him.
"Yo." Shikamaru waved, mimicking how he addressed Inoichi not even an hour ago.
"Inoichi called me." Shikaku spoke. "I wasn't aware you were interested in pursuing a career as a ninja."
Yoshino looked confused at her husband. "Ninja?"
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "That isn't important."
"Then what is?" Shikaku asked curious.
Shikamaru gulped and looked down embarrassed. Oh the pink head freak is going to get it. "I-I…"
"Finally!" Yoshino jumped up and embraced her son before he could get the words out. Of course the annoying woman knew already. "I'll have to call Ino's mom and-"
"Yoshino, let's not do that now." Shikaku interpreted his wife. "Why don't we just let them have their fun for now?"
Yoshino blinked then slowly nodded her head. "Right, of course." She looked at Shikamaru beaming. "Just let us know if you need anything!"
Shikamaru nodded his head and quickly ascended the stairs. Once in his room did he finally let out a tired sigh. One more clue to go.
Of course, sitting on his bed was yet another envelope. They must have dropped it off somehow today, because it wasn't there when he woke up.
Shikamaru opened it and read.
Shikamaru,
Are the moms (Yours and Ino's) planning the wedding yet? If so, tell them I want to be the wedding planner! I have plenty of ideas that would make your wedding the bomb!
Well the point is you confessed to your parents. Now I know you are wondering how I know that, since your letter was in your room while you were talking to your parents…let's just say MASTERMIND also has some minions that are giving us a little help with that one.
Now clue number 10(and then you're done!): See attached.
I know anticlimactic right?
Picture to MASTERMIND let's just hurry this up.
Good luck and have fun with your last clue *insert wink*
Sakura
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. Of course this MASTERMIND had friends, now just who the hell was he? Shikamaru shook his head as he reached for the attached paper but got a small fortune cookie like note back.
He uncurled it and read. Shikamaru's usual bored expression went to one of confusion and surprise. Well he should have expected this one. Haruno really was ballsy.
Neji pulled up into his driveway and sighed. After being chased by Tenten's crazy landlord with a gun, he wanted nothing more than to pass out and forget about this stupid challenge.
Sadly he couldn't do that because he had to confront his uncle about him and…fuck.
"Come." Neji instructed as he led a confused Tenten through his house.
"Where are we going?" She asked with a frown.
"My room before my family finds you." Neji hissed.
Unfortunately as they turned the corner, they ran into the very person they were avoiding; Hyuga Hiashi.
"Neji." Hiashi spoke calmly as he eyed his nephew and Tenten. "Who is this?"
"Tenten." Neji gritted his teeth.
Hiashi raised his eyebrows and Tenten gave a small wave in greeting.
"I see." Hiashi passed them both and continued to walk away. Neji assumed they were clear until Hiashi turned around, "You should really pick someone with a better class Neji."
Neji didn't even respond as he pulled Tenten away. "What did he mean?" She asked concerned.
"Nothing, ignore him. I always do." Neji murmured.
Neji wasn't looking forward to this. Not at all.
Neji walked toward the kitchen, intending to get something to eat before he found his uncle, but the universe hated Neji. In the kitchen was his uncle, eating a pop-tart?
"Neji, you are home late." Hiashi observed as he took a bite out of his cookies and cream pop-tart.
"Yes…sorry." Neji coughed. Hiashi raised his eyebrows, seeing nothing wrong with anything, including the pop-tart.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I just wanted to tell you something." Hiashi nodded his head, indicating Neji to proceed. "I have a cru-I like a girl."
Hiashi nodded his head gravely. "Good, I was worried you were interested in other genders."
Neji blinked. Not the reaction he was expecting. "Yes, well…"
"Oh no, it's not the pink haired girl is it? Please not her." Hiashi set down his pop-tart and rested his hand on his face. "I don't think we could have either of you in the family if that's the case."
"It's not Sakura." Neji cut him off.
Hiashi looked up relieved. "Oh good, wait. It's not the blonde one, is it? The Yamanaka?"
"No." Neji sighed. This wasn't going where he thought it was.
"Thank heavens, I can't stand Inoichi and I'd have to be related to him. Well who is it?"
"…Tenten." Neji coughed and looked away.
"…I see." Hiashi took a bit out of his pop-tart. "Well, good for you."
Neji looked up confused. "What about class?"
Hiashi chuckled. "That was a test, and you passed."
"What the-"
"You were willing to put houses and classes aside for her." Hiashi nodded his head. "She is a very nice girl and she gave me a box of these delicious rectangles."
"I see." Neji was still trying to wrap his mind around this fucked up conversation and why his uncle was referring to pop-tarts are rectangles…the name was on the damn box!
"Well, is there anything else?" Hiashi asked. Neji shook his head. "Good! Have a rectangle!" Hiashi handed Neji a pop-tart then shooed him away.
Neji walked out of the kitchen, pop-tart in hand and wondered what the hell was wrong with his uncle. Neji shrugged and went to his room. He opened it and sighed.
"Hi!" Hanabi yelped excitedly from his bed.
"What do you want?" He asked the devil's spawn.
Hanabi gave him an evil smile. "I have a letter for you."
"Then give it to me." Neji rolled his eyes.
"Give me the pop-tart." Hanabi ordered.
Neji frowned but gave it to her anyways. She gave him the letter in return. "Why didn't you just get one from the kitchen?"
Hanabi gave Neji a dark look. "Dad won't give me any. He says they are from his new favorite daughter." Hanabi stalked out of Neji's room where his face returned from the pink shade it had adopted.
He looked at the letter. One more clue to go.
Neji,
Wow, that must have been one tough COOKIE! I was worried you wouldn't make it this far. But of course, it was a piece of CAKE for you. I CRUST that this next clue will be ICINGon the CUPCAKE (I know that one was stupid…I already used cake once though! Deal Hyuga!)
Now on to clue ten: See attached!
PICTURES TO MASTERMIND pretty please! With a CHERRY on top…oh I am sooo good.
Good luck and I bet you'll be the CREAM OF THE CROP- what am I doing with my life?
Sakura
Neji sighed as he reached for the next piece of paper. Haruno was pain…Uchiha deserved her. He pulled out a slip of paper and narrowed his eyes. He didn't like this. He opened it and read. Dread filled his soul. He took it back; no one deserved the torture of Haruno.
MASTERMIND's phone buzzed and he sighed. Another message from Uchiha, of course. He got up and went to the guess room. Sakura was passed out but she wanted him to wake her up if he texted and MASTERMIND wasn't one to stray from orders.
He gently woke her up and thrust the phone into her hands. Without hesitation she opened the message and read. A large, but cute smile broke out on her face and she rapidly typed a message. A few seconds later, Uchiha sent another text. Sakura read it and closed the message.
"Thanks." She murmured.
MASTERMIND shrugged. "No problem." He awkwardly hugged her gently and tucked his phone away. "I told you it would go okay in the end."
Where I begged and confessed everything I had, and it still didn't matter to you. -Sakura
Where I finally stood up for myself, for you, and you didn't understand why. -Hinata
Where I laid out my vulnerability and took down my walls, but you simply didn't care. -Ino
Where I tried to differentiate our relationship between friends or more and you just ignore it. -Tenten
Only three more chapters until the Quest is over! MASTERMIND will be revealed in the very last chapter so get your guesses in! Also, any more guesses as to what will happen? Thank you for reading (even you silent guys out there) and please review (yeah I'm talking about you)! Keep a look out for more of my stuff, including Theft of Fire! (Coming out soon!)
Thanks again! Until next time!