Engawa
Requested by CC
Mistakes are all mine - Unedited.
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The sun glows radiantly with vibrant orange and pink hues, burnt with the end of day, indicating the cool morning that will come upon sunrise. The trees and newly built homes obscure the horizon, but it is beautiful all the same.
The Uchiha Compound is a peaceful place that is empty for now, but very soon it will be bustling with life. It is certainly a surprise that Sasuke would consider renting out the empty homes of his estate. However, his actions indicate how mature he has become, the type of clan leader he will be.
The little cottages that sit along the Uchiha main street have not been furnished yet, but the small fences and traditional entranceway's will soon be filled with evidence of residents. Gardens will be laid, decorations hung and the sound of life will fill the streets once more.
Of course, in time the houses will be filled with Uchiha, and Sasuke will pass the torch on to his son and his son after that. He does not want to erase the blood stained past of this land though, because that would be too easy. No, the Uchiha Massacre will be forever noted in history as a tragic event and will aid the teachings of unity and loyalty to one's home. Especially with the Police Force that he plans to build from the ground up.
The Uchiha main house sits amongst the cottages, in the center of the main street. There is no fence yet, but Sasuke wants to build a shingled stone wall that will be covered with his family crest. (As per tradition.) The wooden style home is set above the ground with steps leading to the engawa. Proud pillars sit either side of the front door that opens into the genkan, to reveal brilliant wooden flooring - A picture of traditionality.
The garden can be seen from the polished decking where Japanese maple regally mix with the Sakura trees in a harmonious partnership of burnt red and pink. Green grass spans the entirety of the enormous yard leading all the way to the cobblestone street, and large round stepping stones originate from the side steps to a small bench next to a bird bath.
Although it cannot be seen, the training area around the back will be the most used section of the house and has been equipped accordingly. Inside is very reminiscent of times passed with polished floors, tatami mats, low set tables and beautifully ornate shoji screens. There is minimal furniture for now, but Sasuke will require a woman's touch for that part.
Thankfully he is not alone in this endeavour. Two shinobi sit side by side upon the engawa, looking out at the small garden and the setting sun. The Japanese maple contrast with the sky almost ethereally and the moon can be seen over yonder. It has taken a long time, but today it all came to a close. 12 long months of toiling away and Uchiha Sasuke can honestly say that it has all been worth it. This estate is his legacy and he is beyond proud.
"You did well Sasuke-kun." Sakura says softly at his side. She is dirty and sweaty just like him, and her red jacket sits to the side. The girl leans back on her hands and enjoys the breeze rolling over her form as she lets out a relaxed breath. Pink hair hangs and billows with each gust while her head lolls back to reveal a long sloping neck.
"We did well." The nin replies, tearing his gaze from his fiancé to the land in front of them. Initially he didn't want help with this, but Sakura always has brought down his defences. Thank Kami too, because her input was invaluable. If Sasuke were to tell his 17 year old self that at 22 years of age he would have rebuilt the Uchiha Compound and found a woman to love, a career that he is satisfied with, the teenager would scoff in his face. But it is true, and it is almost unbelievable.
Silence befalls the couple as each muse in silence. Sakura sits up and places her hand over his own that sits upon the wooden deck and he moves to weave their fingers easily.
Soon the sun will have set and they will make their very first meal in this new home, their home.
"So what comes next?" Sakura questions casually, leaning her head against her lovers shoulder and marvelling at the clear sky, where stars begin to linger.
Looking down at their entwined fingers against the wood, Sasuke brings them to sit upon his thigh, squeezing just once.
"Now, we get married." He says simply.
Now, the next chapter begins…