Daydrinks In Paris

An xxKaaat Original

Chapter Fourteen

It had been exactly two weeks since Sasori declared his feelings for Sakura. The pair found themselves together daily, exploring the city and each other. They had opened up about their families, and friends. Everything except Kaito. She'd mentioned her here and there, small mentionings of a sister who resulted from a one night stand. However, talking about her family made her homesick. She missed Temari, and she missed her mother. Most of all, she missed Kaito. For the first time, Sakura actually thought of Kaito as a daughter. She imagined her future alongside Sasori. She smiled the most at the thought of Kaito having a father around. A real figure of authority, real parents. She'd be a real mother.

Although Sasori spent most of his nights at Sakura's, she refused any sexual contact. He understood of course. He knew how hard it had been for Sakura to even accept their relationship when Kureani was still in the picture. However, both individuals knew where they stood with one another. Sasori was more than content just being able to hold Sakura.

Sakura had been honest with Itachi, and he had been extremely understanding. They didn't tell Sasori about their chat that day in the cafe, but they didn't need to. Both of them knew the circumstances, and Itachi knew how much Sakura cared for Sasori and he'd never be able to compare. All in all he was happy for her. She had become a bright ray of sunshine in his life, and he refused to let their relationship falter because of that.

Things were good. There was no awkward tension, there was only love and happiness surrounding them all. Itachi and Sasori had begun spending more and more time at the studio, and Deidara enjoyed the positive atmosphere. However, none of them had head from Pein in weeks. He hadn't called, and he no longer answered his phone. They all figured that he was spending time finalizing a song list and other logistics of the tour. The trio accomplished a lot through their practices without Pein. They'd all agreed on instrumentals for small change ups and who'd be doing what during their acoustic sets.

Kureani had completely cut all communication with Sasori. He had attempted to reach out to her a few times, but she never answered. She'd posted photos here and there on her social media. Most of her photos were professional shoots where she posed completely nude, only covering herself with jewels or fragrance bottles. He knew it shouldn't, but it bothered him. She'd never even given an explanation, she'd just left him to rot. When alone, the thought sometimes haunted him. How could someone give so much time and love to just give it all up. When he thought about it, he'd remember those lonely nights he'd spent at that house. All the phone calls that were never answered, and all the time she'd give him only a few seconds a day. He wondered how he'd gotten through it before Sakura.

He stood peering through the curtain of the side stage. Today was the interview he, Itachi and Sakura had been invited for. Upon the blonde's viewing of Hinata's music video, she had insisted the trio join her on her show. The event would promote the band's tour as well as Sakura's dance studio and Hinata's new album. The studio was crammed tight with people, and they'd even provided a few extra rows of seats in front of the stage. Ino had gone all out for their interview.

"I am so excited to have you guys." Sasori turned from the curtain, and spotted Ino walking toward him. Sakura and Itachi were at her side. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a fishtail braid. She wore a black blazer that sat over a short white dress. Her feet were covered in black booties, with heels at least four inches high. She stood a solid three inches over Sakura. "Almost ready Sasori?" She beamed at him.

He nodded, smiling at the group. He couldn't help but stare at Sakura who wore a dark blue hi-low dress covered in a pink floral print. The dress hung off her shoulders, and fell just above her knee in the front, and pooled at her feet behind her. She wore pink heels that matched the pink flowers perfectly. Her hair fell in large curls down her back, and her eyes were lined beautiful in deep blue, black and visible silver glitter. She looked beautiful.

"Great." Ino turned and walked backwards, making sure the group followed. "So I'm going to start out with Itachi and Sasori and we're gonna talk about the album and the internet drama, and then we're gonna bring you out!" Ino smiled at Sakura. "I love that dress by the way, it's gorgeous on you!"

"Thank you!" Sakura giggled. "Bringing up finding the mystery woman?" She winked.

"Duh, my viewers love some drama." She stuck her tongue out and motioned to three recliners just off stage. "You guys can chill here before I introduce you all." She motioned to brunette woman who held a clipboard and wore a headset. "That's Tenten, she'll give you direction about when to come on out. Also if you need anything don't hesitate to ask her. She's great." The blonde turned to her and smiled. "Alright, make yourselves comfortable I have to get ready!" With that she turned on her heels and made her way toward Tenten who pointed out toward the audience. The two woman walked away as they continued talking.

"I'm really anxious." Sakura rubbed her arm. The sentence caught both men off guard.

"Why?" Itachi asked from the couch. She still stood, looking toward the bit of audience that she could see.

"I-I uh." She stammered and quickly sat down. "I think this means that I really am famous or something because I've only ever watched talk shows, not been on them. And it's really weird and there's a ton of people." She leaned back and sighed. "On tv this place looks way smaller than it really is."

Sasori chuckled. "Oh I know. Their camera work is insane because this studio actually sits about nine hundred, and it looks like there's maybe like two hundred at most."

Sakura turned to him and punched his arm. He yelped. "That is not helping at all."

Itachi smiled. "Just look right at Ino, or right at one of us. It helps you forget there's so many people here."

The pinkette smiled, taking a deep breath. "Thank you."

Suddenly Ino was back and the group found themselves surrounded by the backstage crew. The lights dimmed slightly, music began playing and Ino walked onto stage with enough confidence that even Sakura felt better. The entire audience began cheering and the room rumbled with their excitement. She stood in the middle of the stage and smiled as the crowd carried on cheering.

Sakura couldn't help but smile at the way these people reacted for Ino. She didn't understand how the blonde woman was so humble and kind when these people loved her. Not to mention, she was stunning. From her perfect blonde hair to her voluptuous body. In the back of her mind she compared herself with the blonde, and wondered if Sasori had ever thought about her like this. Her mind calmed when she felt a hand atop hers, and she looked to Sasori who smiled, watching the stage. She calmed, absorbing his touch.

"Good morning Goldenrod!" Ino's voice boomed through the audience hall and once again the screaming began. The pinkette figured that she must be wearing a microphone over her ear because suddenly she spoke louder than the audience. "I SAID GOOOOOOD MORNING GOLDENROD!" She stuck her arms up and waved as the audience erupted once again.

"She's got so much stage presence, they're eating her up." Itachi's voice was barely audible over the rest of the noise. Sakura watched him as he stared at her. He was in complete awe.

"Alright, now I have got a super awesome show lined up for you guys today. In fact, I think you're going to be completely star struck when you see who is joining us today." She paused, basking in the light. "Now, these last few months have been one heck of a ride for one of our local up and coming bands. In fact, there's been a mystery woman. There's been matching tattoos. There's been some dancing. There's a new album in the works, and there's a tour next month." The crowd cheered and collectively gasped. "I'd like you to all help me give a huge Goldenrod welcome to Itachi and Sasori of Akatsuki!" She began clapping.

"You're both up!" Tenten gave a thumbs up and smiled. One by one Sasori and Itachi stood up and made their way out onto the stage. The crowd went wild for them. There were screams and cheers and Sakura couldn't help but smile. These two were so in their element and she could tell by their body language as they both walked onto that stage and one by one embrace Ino.

As the crowd continued cheering, the group made their way toward the central platform where Ino's chair and a small couch stood. Altogether they sat, and slowly the crowd quieted. "Thanks guys for coming, as you can tell you're both crowd favorites." Whistles came from the audience and Itachi winked. "How are you both?" She leaned forward and place her elbows on her knees.

Sasori looked to Itachi. The raven haired man started. "Well, what can I say? I'm great. Things are really going well for not only myself but the band as well."

Sasori nodded. "Same here. We've been working so hard to perfect everything for this tour. It's just under a month away and we're getting really excited. We're all putting so much time and effort in and it's so rewarding."

Ino smiled. "Now I know all the songs aren't out yet, but can you tell us your favorites?"

Sasori chuckled. "That's easy. My favorite is a song that I wrote called You've Haunted Me All My Life. It's really slow and haunting and it still gives me chills when I stop and listen to it."

"Are you the lead vocalist on this track?"

"Yes." He smiled.

"Mine is definitely Gold Rush. It's another one where Sasori sings the lead, but it's really upbeat and most of the time the more upbeat songs are out of his comfort zones. But when he wrote this song, Ino I swear he ran into the studio and was like, 'guys, I got it. I wrote a fun one that I actually love' and he is always so skeptical of his skills."

The crowd cooed. Ino smiled, "You guys have the best bromance it's so sweet."

Sasori chuckled. "Well, I grew up with Pein so it was always me and him but these last few years he's always working with his dad on the business aspects so he's not around as much. It's really given us a chance to bond."

Ino sat back. "So, fast forward to after the tour. What are your plans? Will there be another new album?"

The redhead sighed. "Well, we've all talked about it and we've come to an agreement to take some time to step back and enjoy. The last few years have really been go go go and with us constantly in the spotlight it gets to be really exhausting. So I think we're all gonna take some time to live and be with our families."

Itachi nodded. "Especially when it's been album after album. We've really got to take some time to develop before we can even think about producing more. Not to mention, I think our fans will really appreciate new music that's not forced you know?"

Ino smiled. "I completely understand. You know, I think something that people often forget is that even though you're famous, you're still a person. We still have lives that revolve around something completely different than just our day jobs. It really is an ongoing issue. But I think that taking a step back and having time to yourselves is also really healthy and a good move for your futures." The crowd cheered in agreeance. "Now, I hear that you've both taken up dancing?" She laughed. "How did that happen?"

Sasori blushed, and Itachi chuckled. "Well, I actually did dance when I was younger. I did it all the time actually. My dream was to grow up and be a professional dancer."

Sasori bit his lip. "Well uh, after my last time on this show there was an internet search I guess, to find the," He used air quotations with his fingers, "mystery woman. Well, we've since reconnected."

Ino turned toward the audience and smiled. "Can you please help me bring out our third and final guest, Sakura Haruno?"

At the mention of her name, the entire audience screamed. Tenten gave her the thumbs up and slowly the pinkette walked out onto the stage. At the sight of her, the screams were almost as loud as when Ino came out. She couldn't help but smile brightly and wave. She felt an overwhelming rush of joy and adrenaline.

Slowly Ino made her way to Sakura, and together the two shared a laugh. The blonde whispered into her ear, out of range of the mic, "They love you." Upon that, Sakura turned and caught the woman in an embrace. They shared a moment before walking toward the platform side by side.

Sasori and Itachi both made room for Sakura, by letting her take the middle. She sat and smiled. Ino sat back down. "Thank you for joining us today Sakura. As you heard, you have plenty of fans here." Ino motioned toward the crowd and once again they began screaming.

The pinkette smiled. "It's really an honor. Thank you to all of you, and thank you Ino for having me."

Ino smiled, nodding. "Thank you for coming! You've been in the city for awhile now, what all have you been doing?"

She sat back and relaxed slightly. "Well, it's been almost five months and I've made money teaching dance classes. I'm completely booked for the next two and a half months. All the spots in each session are completely filled. I've been renting a townhouse, and it's become my own little home away from home." She looked toward Sasori, then at Itachi. "Plus I've made a ton of friends and it's been really awesome how accepting everyone is."

"How did you decide to start holding classes?"

Sakura smiled, continuing with ease. "Well, in order to stay I needed some type of income, and it was really the easiest thing I could think of. With the dance studio back home we're pretty set off, so I borrowed some money from my mom and I put a security deposit down on the first place I could find, and then I started looking into local studios. When I found the hall, I was really shocked when they offered to let me have classes for free. The owner Anko has been really supportive. My being there brought in a lot of talent and she recruited people for her dance studio really easily. I've been able to pay my mom back and I've even helped Anko with renovations in the studio. All in all it's really been an incredible experience and I'm so blessed to have been brought here."

Ino smiled, she was intrigued by her story. "What made you decide to stay in the first place?"

"Hinata asked me to dance for her, for one of her music videos." In the back of her mind she knew what Ino was pushing for.

The blonde smiled and turned toward her audience. "Of course you've all seen the video right? It's pure perfection." The crowd cheered. "If you'll all take a second to look under your chairs…" She paused and watched as every single person reached down. "You'll find your own autographed copy of Hinata's new album!" Once again everyone cheered. When they died down, Ino sat back again. "So tell me about the video. How did it happen?"

"Funny story." Itachi laughed, causing Sasori to smile and Sakura to giggle. "So Hinata recruited both me and Sakura. I'd gone to school for dance when I was younger. It happened really suddenly actually. She invited me and Sakura over, and she played a song and we danced and there was instant chemistry. I was really impressed with myself because dancing with someone who's been doing it as long as Sakura has was pretty intimidating, but I was able to keep up with her and I knew right then and there we were gonna do this."

Sasori cut in, "Then during their first run he tripped over a cord and dropped." He and Sakura began to burst with laughter. "He thought he broke his ankle and they had to take him to the hospital.

Itachi slapped his knee, laughing. "Turns out it was only a sprain."

Sakura wiped a small tear from her eyes. She was still giggling. "I had to teach the entire routine to Sasori in like four hours and it was insane."

"To be fair, she dumbed down the choreography a lot for me!" He smiled. "It still looked great for how minimal my part was, but she still did great in the time we had."

By the look on Ino's face, Sakura could tell she enjoyed seeing them together. She smiled deeply, watching the trio continue to laugh. "Sakura, I wanted to ask… what was the most difficult part of being here?"

Slowly the group stopped laughing. The pinkette took a large breath and sighed. "The hardest part would have to be leaving my mom. She's really been my rock and I made a promise to her when I left that I'd call or video chat everyday, but sometimes my sessions run late and I don't get to talk to her every day. Especially with her running the studio back home. I mean this is the first time in a long time that I haven't gotten to see her and talk to her daily and it's really taken a toll on me."

Ino's smile softened. "What would you tell her if she was here right now?"

"I'd thank her." Sakura choked slightly. Sasori placed a hand on her back. "I didn't know what I would be like on my own, but I think to think that I've done pretty decently here and I never knew how much watching her had effected me. She taught me to be strong, and I just am so thankful for her."

"Well, I think she'd really appreciate that." She turned toward the audience, and a spotlight shined in the back corner of the room where a blonde woman sat. "What do you think Tsunade?"

Sakura froze and her eyes widened. There in the spotlight stood her mother, who wore a black pantsuit. Her hair was down and her makeup done. Slowly she made her way out of the isle and down the steps. Instantly Sakura was on her feet running toward her mother. Just at the edge of the stage the two embraced and the crowd went wild once again. The pinkette pulled away slightly, "Mom what are you doing here?"

Tsunade sniffled as she wiped Sakura's eyes. "Sasori invited me to come out. He said he thought you needed some mom time." Once again the women embraced.

"Alright folks, we're going to take a commercial break and we'll be back with a new visitor afterward. Make sure to stay tuned to see Sakura and Itachi perform a dance routine to a song off the new album, never before released!" The with that the lights brightened, and the crew quickly made their way onto the stage.

Authors Note - hope you all enjoyed this chapter. currently re-evaluating my life after the backlash of last chapter. xoxo ~