Post it Notes
Chapter 14 Reminiscing
"Sasuke, I'm off to Deidara's okay? Mother's downstairs cooking and father's in the living room if you need anyone," Itachi informed him, looking through the door frame to where Sasuke was finally doing some homework. On the way back from the airport, three days ago, his mother had told him about the numerous overdue pieces of homework Sasuke had. Despite that being slightly worrying, Itachi knew Sasuke would catch up. He'd even offered to help, yet Sasuke had batted him away with a pillow. Itachi was relieved he had, he wanted to go see his blond.
"What do you take me for, Itachi? I'll be fine, I am a big boy," Sasuke replied, swivelling round in his office chair. His brows were furrowed, Itachi could sense the oncoming headache from a mile away and his slumped posture told Itachi that he was stuck.
Chuckling, Itachi walked further into the room, pushing the office chair round and tucking it under the office. His younger brother grunted, placing his hands on the desk to steady himself, slightly pushing back so he didn't suffocate. A few papers skittered, yet remained on the desk. The desk itself was littered, odd ends of papers stuck out, the notebooks were once again collapsed and in a heap by the desk, post its littered the shelves, which had odd little phrases on and equations.
Itachi sighed before leaning over and analysing the work Sasuke was doing, his eyebrow rising in question. He was writing it on paper and from what he was gathering, it was an essay. Wouldn't Sasuke rather type it on his computer, it would take less time. Reading thoroughly over the work, Itachi noticed silly mistakes littering the otherwise flawless essay, so he pointed them out.
"This here's wrong, along here you don't want to mention that, where was it? Ah, this is spelled incorrectly, it has a u and finally your conclusion looks a bit sheepish in my opinion." Itachi clarified, standing up properly.
"Okay, okay, fine," Sasuke hastily drew a line through what he didn't need. Then crossed the misspelt word out and wrote it correctly. Reading through the rest of his work, where Itachi had pointed out the errors, he growled, complaining "That means I have to change these two paragraphs," he gestured to the two rather large ones.
Itachi merely rolled his eyes, gesturing over to the laptop on the floor. "You have a perfectly working laptop, type it up on that. It'll take less time and you'll notice if you've written anything wrong. The essay is flawless, so just take out what I've told you, alright?"
"Where are you off to, anyway?" Sasuke asked, pinching the bridge of his nose. Itachi was all dressed up, a pair of black skinny jeans and a plain white t-shirt. It was simple but on Itachi anything looked flawless. You could probably stick overalls on him and he'd work it like he was on a cat walk.
"If you'd been listening, otouto, I'm going over to Deidara's, possibly staying the night," he reminded him, bending over and picking up the laptop.
Sasuke, seeing what he was doing shifted around papers, managing to pile some and put them to the side, in order for Itachi to put the laptop down. When the laptop snuggly fit, Itachi wiped the thin layer of dust on it and furrowed his eyebrows. Had Sasuke not used this for other pieces of homework?
"Why haven't you been using it?" he asked, whilst lifting the lid and pressing the on button. As the computer whirred to life, the lights flickering and the familiar blue screen appeared with a request for a password, Sasuke looked down at his lap. He hadn't used it for one specific reason.
Reluctantly, he typed in the password and, with hesitance, pressed Enter. As soon as he felt the button press down, he pulled his hand away as if it was a live wire. Closing his eyes, he let out a shaky breath, which didn't go unnoticed by Itachi, who merely raised a brow. As the screen flickered, the familiar Welcome sign on and the little circle whirling round like the tea and cup saucers at a fair, the screen flashed once again and the home screen appeared.
Itachi's eyes widened.
The familiar Word Document, Google Chrome and iTunes icons appeared with others, some appearing blank as they loaded. Yet Itachi paid little heed to them. Yes, he ignored them, his eyes capturing what caught his attention.
It was a photo. Two people were standing in what looked to be their attic, Itachi noted. There was a younger Sasuke, his arm raised as the girl, grinning in delight, twirled around on her tip toes. She was wearing a simple white dress, which fluttered as she'd moved. A baby blue belt was around her waist, complementing the otherwise simple outfit. Sasuke was smiling; his eyes in a trance as he'd watched her spin. The moment had been captured perfectly, Itachi had to admit, and they were lost in one another, just as they'd always been.
Sasuke let out a shaky breath, his clammy hands grasping one another tightly. He could recall that day as if it were yesterday. He closed his eyes, the memory overtaking him, he didn't fight it this time…
"Are you sure we're allowed up here?"
Hissing as his head hit the hatchet, he glanced down into blue eyes and replied "Of course, now be quiet, moron. I need to open this."
Carefully, he lifted the hatchet with little noise and moved it to the side, onto the floor. Coughing as dust hit the back of his throat, he wafted his hand in front of his face to clear the air. Glancing around he could make out a window, half covered up with a torn bed sheet. A shaft of light was filtering in through the hole, creating a decent amount of light and dust-motes filtered in, dancing amongst one another. The attic was a decent size, a bunch of boxes with old toys, books and whatever else was packed away in a corner, a chest was to one side and an old music player sat in the corner with a worn, battered sofa.
Shifting lightly, Sasuke glanced back down through the hatchet, saying "I'm going to climb up and then I'll help you up, okay?"
Receiving a nod, Sasuke nimbly lifted himself up into the attic. Grimacing at the thick layer of dust which coated his hands, he hastily wiped them on a bed sheet lying around. Kneeling down besides the hatchet, Sasuke let his hand dangle through as he told her "Okay, now give me your hand."
Grasping her tanned frail hand, he pulled her up, grabbing her around the waist to pull her the rest of the way through. Pulling with too much strength he sent himself reeling onto his back, her following pursuit. Wheezing as more dust hit the back of his throat, he cradled her head as he croaked "Are you okay?"
Grinning, she nodded her head as she softly replied "I think so,"
Sitting up, he rubbed the back of his head. He'd landed a bit awkwardly and banged his head against the wood, luckily it wasn't that bad.
"Idiot,"
"Huh?" Sasuke asked, frowning as he looked at her.
She was grinning brightly, her eyes squinting as she looked at him, her blonde hair cascading around her face. Her tanned arms propped herself up as she let out a laugh, bringing a hand up to his head.
Startled, Sasuke felt his cheeks grow warm as her soft hands combed his hair.
"Don't touch your face," she told him, "you've got dust all over them."
Studying her face, the way her lips curved slightly as she smiled, the slight way her eyes would narrow in concentration, the cute way she'd wrinkle her nose as dust tickled it and the three scars on either side of her face which contributed to her appearance, Sasuke couldn't help but smile.
"You're smiling," she said, removing her hand from his hair as she eyed him suspiciously.
"So?" Sasuke asked, raising an eyebrow.
"What have I done? Is there something on me, do I have dust on my face?" scratching her cheek, her eyes frantically darted to her clothes, a white dress and small baby blue belt, before rubbing her face.
Chuckling, Sasuke grabbed her hands, staring into her eyes as he told her "You look fine,"
It was her turn to blush now as she glanced away, tugging her dress as she asked unsurely "Really? I wasn't too sure-"
Giving her a peck on the lips, he replied "I promise you look great."
Grasping her hand he pulled her up as he got up, smiling as she bumped into his chest. Wrinkling her nose, her mouth twisting and turning, before she sneezed as her eyes scrunched up and her right hand covered her nose, letting out a cute noise.
"Dobe,"
Looking up at him, her eyes narrowing at the nickname, she pouted "Teme!"
Smirking, Sasuke held her hand as he reached up to pull away the torn bed sheet. As the bed sheet tore away, they were encased in bright sunlight. Raising their free hands to shelter their eyes, they waited for them to adjust before glancing out the window. The window was fairly clean compared to everything else, so Sasuke grabbed the handle, lifting it and pushing it forcefully. With a crack, the window opened. Swinging the handle back and forth, allowing the hinges to get used to the action, Sasuke placed the handle on the second hole, leaving the attic to get some air.
"Oh wow!"
Turning, Sasuke looked over to see her going through the chest, pulling out a long blue gown.
"Naruto, what're you doing?"
Laughing, Naruto held the gown to her body, lifting it slightly as she twirled round and round. Stopping she replied "This chest is full of old clothes, mostly dresses and cardigans. Do you think they belonged to your mum? The dresses are really pretty."
Grunting, Sasuke walked over and picked up another, this one a soft green. Looking it over, he lifted it to the light to see it better. The dress was one that touched the floor; it had no sleeves leaving the neck area bare.
"I think that's a great choice, it suits your complexion completely." Naruto replied, cheekily.
"Oh really?" Sasuke asked, smirking as he carefully placed the dress back.
"Definitely, the green matches your pale complexion, your jerk face and dark hair completely." Naruto remarked, holding her blue one up to the light.
Chuckling, Sasuke dug around in the box and held another one up. It was a dark red; the texture was velvet and had two simple straps as sleeves.
Glancing at one another, they simultaneously said "Itachi,"
Looking it over, Sasuke nodded, muttering "Without a doubt,"
"It's written all over it," Naruto added, grinning.
Smirking, Sasuke placed the dress back in, Naruto doing the same.
"So, tell me, Sasuke. Why exactly did you bring me up here for?" Naruto inquired, staring up at him.
Swallowing thickly, Sasuke glanced down at his feet. Why the hell was he acting shy now? It was only Naruto, the Naruto he'd known since the start of high school. The only girl whose opinion actually mattered. She wasn't the type to laugh in your face though; he supposed that was why he trusted her so much.
Taking a deep breath, he asked "Do you know how to dance?"
Blushing, Naruto gazed at her shoes as she mumbled "What kind of question is that?"
"Well," Sasuke swallowed thickly, licking his suddenly dry lips as he replied "Spring prom is coming up..."
Eyes widening, Naruto gazed up into his diverted gaze as she replied with a grin "Uchiha Sasuke, are you trying to ask me to prom?"
With the tomato blush that tinted his face, Naruto knew he wasn't kidding. She couldn't really believe it; he was actually attempting to ask. All throughout the week Ino and the girls pestered her with the question as to whether she was going with him; she'd even had boys ask her to go with them. She'd turned them down in the nicest possible way, promising them a dance if there was an opportunity. So, with his not so immaculate timing Naruto couldn't believe he'd left it until now. She was still surprised with him even asking, he'd always told her he hated the girls who chased after him, the prom just being another event for them to hound him.
"So, what exactly are we doing in an attic, Sasuke?" she questioned, turning around to look around the spacious area.
Tentatively, Sasuke softly grasped her hand as he whispered "To teach you how to dance,"
Twirling around, Naruto pouted as she defiantly replied "What if I can already dance?"
Raising his eyebrows in surprise, he asked "Can you?"
Shrugging, Naruto tilted her hand slightly, her right arm resting on his raised arm as she replied "My dad used to twirl me around in the living room, on his tip toes. So I kind of know the basics, but not the complex stuff, y'know?"
Sasuke nodded, before walking over to an ancient stereo which was plugged in. Skimming through the songs as the stereo crackled, Naruto jumping at the noise, he fiddled with the sound before a piano began and then the song 'When you taught me how to dance' came on by Katie Melua. It was a soft beat, which Naruto was slowly falling in love with.
Nodding to himself, Sasuke got into position, his arm wrapping around her waist and his right hand interlocking gently with her left.
"Follow me, okay?"
Nodding softly, Naruto watched as he stepped backwards, then forwards, her feet stumbling to keep up with him. It was a lot easier standing on her dad's toes, she had to admit. The hand from her waist was removed, grasping her chin instead and redirecting her gaze to his eyes.
"Don't look down, just feel, okay? I'm your guide,"
Biting her lip, she looked away uncertainly, his enigmatic eyes staring softly into hers. Could she really nail this dance when prom was only three days away? It was beginning to look impossible...
"Hey," Sasuke whispered, holding her hand and squeezing it reassuringly.
Glancing shyly up at him, she bit her lip, replying "I can't-
"Yes you can, it just takes time. Now, look at me." Sasuke told her firmly, gazing into her eyes.
Meeting his gaze, Naruto sighed, squeezing his hand.
Smiling, Sasuke caressed her left cheek before leaning down and kissing her, his eyes closing. Naruto wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss as her eyes closed. Lifting her gently, Sasuke placed her feet on his. Pulling away, Sasuke said against her lips "You'll get this, I promise."
"W-What're you doing?"
"Taking it back a step," Sasuke replied, moving his right foot backwards, her foot following.
"Just look at me and concentrate, okay?" Sasuke asked, resting his forehead on hers as he whispered "Let the music guide you."
Softly, Naruto nodded, replying "Okay..."
They'd continued to dance well into the evening, Katie Melua encouraging them as they became one, the moon lighting their way through the window they'd opened. As they'd twirled, their fingers intertwined, nothing else mattered. It was them, their eyes never leaving one another as soft smiles lingered on their faces the music wrapping them in a spell that neither wanted to break…
"Sasuke, Sasuke? Hey, Sasuke!"
Jolting as if he'd been woken from a dream, he reminded himself that he had been. Sighing, Sasuke looked up at Itachi, whose brows were furrowed and his lips were pulled to the side as if he knew what he'd been thinking. It had been painful remembering that, how he wanted to have her here now.
"Are you-
"I'm fine," Sasuke interrupted, reminding Itachi "aren't you supposed to be round Deidara's right now?"
Itachi analysed his brother, noticing the slumped posture and the slight off tone in his voice, as if he weren't really there. As Itachi narrowed his eyes, he noted the slight dazed look in his little brother's eyes. It had to have been a painful memory…and Itachi had opened the wound up once again. Raking his hand through his hair, it falling around his face, Itachi leant forward and opened up a new Word Document. Typing the date, title of the essay and who it was written by, Itachi listened carefully. Sasuke was breathing a little too heavily. Closing his eyes, Itachi took a deep breath, he was about to do something he never really did.
Standing properly, he turned the chair to face him. Sasuke stared with wide eyes, a hint of fear in them, as if he were going to be told off. Itachi wasn't going to do that. No, he understood the pain his little brother was going through, the horrid pain that never truly left. Taking a deep breath, he leant forward and awkwardly wrapped his arms around his brother, rubbing his back as he rested his chin on his shoulder. He felt rather then heard Sasuke gasp, his arms staying in his lap as he wasn't entirely sure what to do. Itachi didn't mind, he simply closed his eyes and whispered "If you ever need to talk, you can talk to me, 'kay? I may not always show it but I care for you Sasuke and I know what you're going through."
The raven nodded rigidly, not completely understanding exactly what was happening. They stayed in that position for another moment, before his brother let him go and awkwardly coughed. A light tint was dusting his otherwise alabaster skin, Sasuke watched in a daze. Had, had that really just happened? What was going on? Where, what? Huh?
Before Sasuke could question his brother's morals and where the real Itachi was, the said weasel strode out of the room and down the hallway. Sasuke simply slumped back in his seat. What the hell was going on? He didn't know, not anymore anyway. He'd given up with time; he just waited for the next day.
It was half past six when something odd happened. Sasuke had finally finished typing up his essay, the quiet beat of Young Volcanoes by Fall Out Boy playing. The music had suddenly paused, the distinct sound of something going 'ping!' Sasuke jumped at the sound, not having heard it in a while. Glancing to the right of his screen a pop up appeared, the words saying,
New Email from PIN
Sasuke's brows furrowed. What the hell? He hadn't shared this email address with anyone but her, so how had this email come through? Unless it was junk mail, then again his computer wouldn't have warned him about that, unless he'd accidently clicked on the button saying 'Notify of all emails'. Clicking on the pop up note, he watched the familiar layout of his emails appear. At the very top was the note, saying 'New Email from PIN'. Tapping the keys in thought, Sasuke clicked on the email hesitantly.
The email was bare apart from three words. Three words which froze Sasuke's heart, dread dropping down to the pit of his stomach.
It was simple words; they shouldn't have affected him like they did.
Yet they rocked his very core.
How's Project PIN?
A/N: With all honesty, I was overjoyed by the lovely reviews I received. Therefore, I decided to reward you guys with this chapter. So, what did you guys think? Good right? I love the scene between Sasuke and Naruto, it's so sweet. This chapter was a bit short to the usual lengths I write too, yet I feel this was right. Look at me go, though, three chapters in one weekend! This is mostly because I'll be revising like hell for the duration of next week and the weekend as I have a big exam in ten days. Goodie!
As always, a review is appreciated on what your thoughts are and thank you so much for the reviews I received, in particular chibi monsta, professionalVamp and enRei. All your reviews mean so much to me and I love you guys for it!
Well, I wish you guys a happy Sunday. I'm off for a dog walk with my cousins, brother and uncle. Oh the joys!
Next time on Post it Notes:
When Sasuke tries to find the email again it's mysteriously vanished.
However, he knows he's seen the words PIN before, but where? Will he be able to remember?
What happens when emotions get the better of him? Especially when he finds a phone, not belonging to him or Kiba, which rings with the caller ID PIN
Will he answer?
Stay tuned,
Honey-Emily98