AN: Hello guys! it has been a while hasn't it? That being said, I don't want to keep this long. I updated this story even though I still only have 2 chapters ahead. One isn't even done yet T_T See how much I love you guys? Consider this a belated Valentine's Day gift. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 28: The Night Of The Festival
"Is something wrong?" Sakura asked, a little tense from the sudden change of atmosphere.
"No. It's nothing like that" he smiled, "everything is fine. More than fine if I could say"
Relieved, she replied, "Okay. what is it?"
Well now that his pink-haired companion questioned, Hisashi didn't know where or how to start. So much has happened for him in such a short period of time it's kind of hard to explain things or make sense of it. But he has learned that things, no matter how small should not be left undone. Words of kindness be not left unspoken. And feelings, if possible, never be kept contained.
But despite that, strength and courage seemed to have momentarily left his body leaving him bare and defenseless. And in replaced a boyish nervousness.
But it's now or never.
"Sakura…" he began.
And as he said her name, it's like a replay of events and precious moments flashed through his mind giving him resolve and a sense of certainty and reassurance. These rerun of happenings reminded as to why it lead him to this very instant; to why he here with her tonight. Hopefully it will answer how long she could even stay because, honestly, Hisashi had prayed that she would. His gut feeling just kept telling him Sakura was someone special and being able to meet her was just pure luck if not fate. She had a sense of gentleness (with a tint of brutality) that places him at ease (and alertness at the same time) and he just feels warm when he is with her.
People may think, 'how can you be having these emotions when you hardly know this person?'. He can't even give a convincing answer, only that it's certainly what he is feeling. It's not like he hasn't been thinking about it. Every day he tried to confirm them just so he won't be doing something senseless. He asked himself what had brought this about. Was it her physical appearance? Truth be told, Sakura was not really someone he'd go head over heels for but she had her own kind of beauty. One he could not just brush aside unless he was a complete idiot. That being said, he knew it wasn't just physical attraction. Was it her attitude then? Probably. He liked people who are good, but not too good. If you keep on listening to your conscience, you will never have any fun –at least that's how he thinks. And he could see Sakura was that kind of person too. She wasn't one to bottle up her feelings. She was dynamic and he liked it like that. But anyway the list could go on and on if he continued to explain what caught his attention to this certain kunoichi. But the end result will always be the same.
From what little time he was able to be with her and despite the circumstances that they met it was already enough for him to be able to ascertain things and even himself. Yeah, he knew it might sound stupid or that he may just have been putting meanings to those minute things and mediocre days but he really didn't care. To him this was genuine. No sugar coatings, no ambiguous and confusing niceties. It was as real as what he is starting to feel for her.
"Sakura, I think I've fallen in love with you"
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Sasuke asked as he scanned the area. The place actually looked and felt different in this part of the village. It was so lively, music was on, and people had not a care in the world. It's like being in a genjustu for some reason. Not that he disliked it entirely, he just wasn't used to being in festivals anymore.
"Yes. I'll be fine on my own from here" Natsumi gave an apologetic look, "I'm sorry for letting Naruto put you up to this"
"It's fine" he replied coolly, "I decided to have a little look around anyway"
"I see"
"So if you're okay, I should be going then"
"Yes. Thank you again for accompanying me" she bowed grateful.
Sasuke replied with 'sure' and went on his way. He can't believe he made Naruto pull the strings on him today. What the hell is wrong with me? But he's here now regretting how soft his nose can easily be pulled by some blonde idiot's taunts.
Despite himself, his eyes began to wander and look for a pink-haired somebody. Part of him didn't want to see her but the other also did just to know what the heck she's doing. So taking the route back to the Hara's house he did insignificant scans around the area but also tried not to look too obvious. He saw food stands, some childish fish-scooping games, masks for sale and a whole bunch of nonsense; but no pink-haired kunoichi…And it displeased him.
"Aaah". An old woman's voice made Sasuke turn. "An Uchiha at last…"
It wouldn't have been a surprise for him if someone recognized the symbol since, not to brag, but most people distinguish what the red and white fan mean. What did perturb him, though, is that he wasn't wearing his usual clothes with his clan's emblem. Nothing about him right now gave away that he is an Uchiha - Unless she knew who he was to begin with, which he doubted. So how did this elderly know who he was?
Sakura was stunned. First because of Hisashi's confession and second because of how accurate the fortune teller was with her words. But she can't believe this is happening. Although she, herself, liked Hisashi and at some point probably got infatuated with him, she never thought he'd be so honest with his feelings or that he even liked her back!
A part of her was so blissful. She can't remember any one else who liked her aside from that idiot Naruto and Lee-san. Inner Sakura was just blushing and on heaven. "Aah! Finally! Someone has noticed my femininity"
Hisashi is the kind of guy a woman would undeniably like. For one he is good-looking ( and he doesn't even know that). Girls would be emanating floating hearts when he'd do so much as pass by them and he still wouldn't even notice. Two, he isn't arrogant. She could tell Hisashi was a talented shinobi but he is all calm and quiet about it. Come to think of it, he didn't even show any jutsus. But with the villagers respecting him so much and he being assigned to protect them, it was all that she needed to confirm it. Three, he is very patient and easy-going. Anybody would love him in an instant. Four, he likes her! She could picture a long clean, white sheet of paper that would say "The kind of guy I should fall in love with" and he'd have all his marks checked.
On the other hand, Sakura felt bad with this confession and not only because she knew about Natsumi but also because she knew what her answer would be. Just like what the fortune teller said. She knew it now, and she probably did all this time, she just kept denying it.
His confession brought her into such a weird mixture of emotions. He definitely knows how to fatten someone's heart. But Sakura has to keep her thoughts clear and not let herself be intoxicated with these emotions of elatedness. And now that she's able to get a hold of herself, it's like a gray cloud pushed aside her bright and sunny day.
If only she could say to him the right words, to let him understand how hard it is, even for her to utter the phrases that raced through her mind. It hurt. But the truth always will, and unfortunately, that's what he deserved right now.
"I…I'm not sure what to say" She stammered. This really caught her off-guard that she can barely trust her own mouth to say anything lest she speaks of anything irresponsible.
Shaking his head, Hisashi replied, "You don't have to say anything. At least not now. I'm sorry if you think I was being too fast". Taking his gaze away from her to check if the main highlight was about to start, he added, "I just thought now was the best time to let you know"
'Say it! Say it now Sakura before you miss the chance' Her inner self egged her on. And she was right, if she knew what her answer was going to be, then there is no need to prolong the inevitable truth. And there is definitely no need to keep his hopes up.
"I'm sorry. I thought I could get over him. I guess I haven't…" Although she knew those words are just the same as saying 'I can't love you back' she still hoped that it's not so painful to hear – but she still doubted it. She can't even look him in the eye. She, herself, knew how it felt like to be rejected and no matter how much a person tries to conceal it, pain always find its way up to the surface.
But then she also thought that this was Hisashi. Sakura has to take responsibility for the pain she knew she could inflict. It took every ounce of will power to stop her hand from reaching his face the moment her viridian orbs met with his. Who would've though looking somebody in the eye can be such a difficult task? He looked so wounded just hearing what she said and it made Sakura feel awful. Hisashi wasn't one to deserve something like this.
But finally, after a heart-wrenching moment, he spoke. "There you go again being sorry when you don't have to be" He managed a little smile, "I guess in the back of my head I knew you were already inlove with someone else. I just didn't want to believe it and so I took my chance"
Hearing his words, she didn't know how to respond. She felt pathetic as she tore her gaze away from him. For some reason, she can't bring her eyes to meet his anymore after her rejection. How could she really? He was so kind to her and this is how she repays him.
"Don't be sorry okay?" She could feel his strong and warm hands touch her cheek, and then his fingers under her chin, urging her to look at him. "I'm not. I was glad I get to feel like this for someone like you"
Viridian eyes searched cerulean ones. Why? This man in front of him has such a good heart, he was gentle to her, paid her attention, he was nice to everybody and did not have some silly revenge to drive him to his purpose and goals. More importantly he liked her and he made her feel important. His good looks was even a bonus. But why? Why can't she replace the feelings she had for a certain Uchiha - He who was the exact opposite of this person right in front of her; he who have hurt her numerous times. Hisashi offered her love while the other denied her of it. Everything on her 'checklist' Hisashi acquired. Everything except the very last one. He wasn't Sasuke.
Why can't I just fall for you instead?
Before she knew it, warm liquids began to fill her eyes, threatening to fall. "I'm just so stupid. Here you are right in front of me. You are the guy every girl could dream of but I can't even do anything about these past feelings. I tried letting them go but I just can't…"
"It flatters me that you think about me that way" he tried a smile as he wiped the tears that escaped her emerald spheres, trying to ease the situation. "Don't cry. Just be happy we are able to feel this kind of emotions even if they weren't mutual" He sighed after a short pause, "He's some lucky guy"
What he said made her laugh and shake her head, "He doesn't feel anything for me"
"Doesn't change the fact that you do for him" he smiled desolately "knowing this; it's probably the kind of pain that I can't just avoid and one I can never get used to". It hurt like hell knowing someone beat him with Sakura. He knew the moment he saw her she was special. The urge to protect her was immense. Some might say if you love someone, then fight for that love. He would've done the same but fighting a battle he knows he'll lose won't be the smartest move. She already said she tried to get over someone but wasn't able to. How can he compete with someone like that?
He'll just have to let her go.
Taking an inch closer at least he could share this one gesture with her even if it means it'll be his first and last. Kissing her was out of the question, he can't take advantage of her distraught feelings like that. An embrace will have to suffice. Being able to hold her should be enough…but really, it wasn't.
"I still wish you were mine…"
"Oi! Young lad!" A man with a bottle in his hand waved out to him. "Come over here"
Great. First that old lady and now this? Honestly, how many weird people does he need to come across tonight?
"What is it?" Sasuke replied a bit annoyed from being ordered around.
A second man seated next to him and much skinnier smacked the former on the head. "He's not going to be interested in your junk of a stall you know"
"Shut up, Baku! Everybody is interested with sake!"
"Not if their drunkards like you!"
"Baaah speak for yourself. Now be quiet before I lose my customer" Turning back to Sasuke who didn't move an inch to their booth, he continued, "Do you want to play? It's just target practice. All you have to do is hit the poles over there". He pointed to the back of their stand where five poles stuck out from a wooden box for elevation. "And depending on how many you hit you get a prize. If you hit one pole with 3 shurikens you'll get one free shot of my special sake. And it's only for 50 ryos!"
"I don't drink" he replied casually and headed to leave. What a waste of time.
"Wait! How about I lower the price to 20 ryos?"
"I'm not really interested"
"But…but…"
"Give up already Kousuke. Your stall just sucks. Who would want to play just to get drunk?"
"It's for the love of alcohol you bastard! You would never understand. If they would only try. Oooh alcohol can be a man's bestfriend!" Almost forgetting about Sasuke he called for him again. "Lad! Just try it. Since you'll be my first customer I'll even let you shoot how many times you want and all for free!"
"Be careful about your offer you idiot!" Baku cautioned. Kousuke can be really reckless. If he keeps this up he can never save money. Not that he's really complaining though.
"How about it huh?" kousuke motioned to Sasuke completely ignoring his companion but only to be turned down once again.
"I'll pass. Thanks"
Sasuke headed back, snubbing the drunkard's silent sobs and keeping an eye out for a certain somebody.
Where could she be? They couldn't have left the village from some stupid reason now could they? He began to think foolishly and got himself a mental smack. Since when have you concerned yourself about their whereabouts anyway? They village is small. They should just be here somewhere. Right. He tried to straighten himself. He had no business with Sakura and whatever she did was of no concern to him to begin with. Worrying about it is just a waste of time and not to mention pointless.
Walking just a little bit further from the alcohol-loving men, he went with the intention of going back to the Hara's house and forget about this little festival. It will only distract him.
And distract him it did as he passed by a little field of grass where a group of people huddled and sat on the ground and where the lights were dimmed. There he saw Sakura wrapped up in some bastard's arms. Hisashi's. What the fuck is he doing? Is he kissing her? The dimmed lights were not helping even the keenest of eyes…Well mostly because he's vision was fogged with anger.
Just thinking about his name brought him to a simmer. Slowly but surely, he could feel his face getting warmer. If exploding heads were possible, he'd be headless by now. With all the strength he could gather he willed his feet to stop moving forward towards their direction. He was hardly able to contain himself from thinking about ripping the guy off her. Sasuke forced himself to turn around. His racing mind taking control of his actions. And so he found himself back to the drunken men's booth.
"Oh you're back!" Kousuke said excitedly, "I told you I'd get through him Baku! Haha!"
Barely hearing what the two were conversing, he took all the shurikens that lined up in their table.
"oi be careful with those boy! Just one at a time!"
By now he was deaf to their voices, only the word 'idiot! Idiot! Idiot" rang in his ears. For some reason he wasn't just pissed...no, furious with what he saw but he was also livid with himself. What other things have they been doing that he didn't know?
And without a word he threw all shurikens with such force it cracked the helpless poles to near splintering. One wood with three stars each all forming such perfect lines and all fueled with agitation.
Baku and Kousuke just had their mouths hanging open in astonishment.
"D-Did you see that, Kousuke? S-sugoi!"
"I believe you told me they were free" Sasuke spoke, venom coated in every word.
Quivering both from apprehension and amazement, both men handed him five shots of alcohol. The clear liquid seemingly inviting to the Uchiha. One by one he gulped them all successively letting his eratic emotions be calmed by the crystalline water, it's alcoholic content burning his throat to relaxation.
Feeling a bit calm after venting his anger on five wooden objects, he headed straight back to the house blocking his thoughts and trying to forget what he had just seen.
The sight of the house brought him to a sense of ease. It was quitter now and much calmer. It'll help him think straight if he still can. He halted as he neared the door remembering a blonde idiot still remains inside. Changing course, he turned for the back and headed for the patio and sat down on his wooden floors exhausted (though not physically).
He didn't even realize he was already heaving. He didn't understand why he was acting so weird (or maybe he did, just didn't want to accept it). Seeing what he saw made his blood boil and his fist tighten. Numerous times he chided and told himself to calm down. There's no need to get so worked up about something like that…or is there?
Trying to make sense out of his unnatural behavior he began to think about his actions. Why was he so angry? He already told himself he never really liked Sakura but why is it that when he sees her with somebody else he can only think about tearing the guy to pieces. Okay well maybe not exactly that but it sure is close enough. On the other hand, it's not like he wants to keep her all to himself.
Frustrated, he ran his fingers to his hair. "what the hell is wrong with me?"
"better not start talking to yourself"
The unexpected mocking tone almost made him jump. But of course, being the Uchiha that he is, he's able to maintain his cool. How annoying of her to use the words he said to her before against him.
"Sakura" confusion written on his face, "What are you doing here?"
He wondered how in the world she got there so fast. Or was it because he was thinking so much and his mind was in disarray he didn't even notice how long he'd been sitting there.
"Well nice to be back too"
He frowned not finding her response one bit funny.
"Can I sit here with you?" Not waiting for a reply, she sat herself a few friendly inches away from him. Feeling content, she swayed her dangled feet back and forth.
Looking at her like she just came from another dimension, he scowled, "What are you so happy about?". He didn't know why he even bothered to ask when he even knew the answer himself.
"And I should probably ask you why you're such in a foul mood" Her smile even irritated him.
Of course she'd be smiling like a lunatic after what he just saw. She likes the damn guy.
"You know" she continued, not one bit concerned about her companions sourly attitude, "you and Naruto should've gone to the festival. It was really fun"
Sasuke remained silent.
"It's been a while since we've been on festivals, right? All of us should've gone. There weren't any ramen stands for Naruto but I bet he would enjoy the games there and oh, the takoyaki as well! I think even you might have found something fun there too, Sasuke. Hisashi-kun said…"
"Will you just shut up!"
Sakura was taken aback. All she wanted to do was let him know how fun it will be if he'd only try it. And if he will she could go back, accompany him and show him around if he'd like. But who was she kidding. She probably just got carried away after spending time with Hisashi. For a moment, she regretted turning him down but what's done is done. She'll just have to live up to the decision she made be it right or wrong, painful or not.
"I guess I'm not wanted here. I'm sorry I bothered you" Sakura stood, "I'll be leaving –"
Don't mess up again you idiot! Sasuke can't believe he's beginning to talk to himself more often and even scold himself for that matter. There really is something wrong with him now. And it's all because of this pink-haired kunoichi.
"No wait!" he grabbed her arm before she could walk away, "I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that. Stay with me"
She looked at him trying to read his actions and deliberated whether she should stay or not. But as usual, Sasuke is a bit difficult to comprehend so Sakura just did as she was told and sat back down. It's de ja vu once again.
"Did…did you enjoy yourself there?" the Uchiha began attempting to appease the situation glad that she gave a smile back.
"Yes. I did" And there it was again, the pain of knowing somebody else can make her smile like that. But he can't blame her. It was all his fault to begin with. He was the one who let her go. "It would even be more fun if you and Naruto were there. If you've seen the area I bet you would like it"
"I did see it"
"Eh? Really? I didn't see you".
Of course you wouldn't see me, you were so busy being wrapped up in some guy's arms, he thought begrudgingly.
"I didn't stay long. I just went to accompany Natsumi and then came back" Sasuke replied feeling a bit warm.
"Oh so she went?" Sakura almost half squealed in delight. "That's great! She'd probably meet with Hisashi-kun and watch the main highlight with him!"
"Why are you so happy?" Sasuke wondered why. If she likes Hisashi she shouldn't really be pleased if Natsumi is there with him. Well, not that he'll be complaining about it. It works out just fine for him anyway.
"No reason" she lied as she tried to contain herself. There is hope for those two after all. Sakura just can't help but smile with glee about the thought. "I hope they meet so they can watch it together. I heard it's really amazing"
"What is?"
"The main highlight. Nobody knows what it's going to be except for Ayato-san. He's the one who plans for it" she sighed, "too bad. I guess I won't be able to see his work"
"You shouldn't have left then" Sasuke tried to make sense of it. If he saw both of them kissing or whatever back in the festival, he couldn't understand why Saskura went back home on her own. "Why did you anyway?"
She just shook her head. "I just felt like I wasn't supposed to be there anymore"
He didn't really understand what she meant but what the heck. She's here with him now, and with his lightheadedness, he thought that's all that matters. It doesn't even have to make any sense.
"Good" he mumbled. "I'd rather you're here with me"
"What?" she asked. She didn't quite catch what he said. Sasuke never mumbles. Is this guy okay?
He only shook his head in reply, the simple gesture almost gave him a headache. Looking at him, Sakura tried to figure what was wrong with him 'cause for some reason he seemed a bit…off. But the slow illumination of light that began to form starting with his jet black hair distracted her. Following the source of brightness it lead her to look above into the dark skies. And what she saw took her breath away.
"So this is what Ayato-san wanted us to see" Sakura smiled amazed. "Sasuke are you seeing this?" She couldn't take her eyes off this spectacular show. Thousands and thousands of floating sky lanterns danced its way up into the heavens illuminating the area and giving life to the slumbering night like dancing fireflies. In her mind she hoped both Hisashi and Natsumi are watching this together. Just the thought gave her mirth.
"Yes. I 'am seeing them". And he did. He could see the number of floating lights that made her eyes sparkle as it reflected into her viridian orbs. Not that he was really focusing so much on the lanterns but rather on this person right next to him. Since when did Sakura change so much?
Grinning at the sight before her she said, "It's beautiful isn't it?"
"You are more beautiful than that…."
This time, Sakura did hear him clearly. Too stunned from the words that was said, she just had to look and make sure the person she's still with is Sasuke.
If the floating lanterns took her breath away, the fact that Sasuke's face was a mere inches away from hers made her hold them. As seconds ticked by, she could feel him getting closer, his breath began to tickle her cheek and his lips…
"S-Sasuke…"
And then a light thud as his forehead crashed into her shoulder the smell of alcohol definitely obvious.
"Sasuke are you drunk!?"
AN: Was it worth the wait? I hope it was, but lets talk more about that while you write me a review? LOL I wanna hear your thoughts :)
