Emerald Orbs , Lavender Clouds
Chapter 3
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Midnight. Darkness had spread its wings and engulfed the roads of the run down refugee camp. Most its inhabitants were fast asleep after yet another long hard day. The small stores were already closed or about to. Those who weren't home were heading there. Everyone was ready to retire for the day. Everyone, except for a few guys at the camp's only place of entertainment, a little populist restaurant where everyone gathered every evening to relax, talk, preform , sing, take it easy and forget all their troubles.
Inside the restaurant was Gai seated at a table doing nothing. A middle aged man whose name was Baki was seated at a table near the restaurant's entrance. Jirobu, a fat guy who was the owner and at the same time worked as a waiter at his own retaurant, stood behind the counter drying some glasses with an old cloth. A man with thick and long white hair sat at the counter, sipping a cold liquid from a rather small cup, his cheeks were rosy and he was looking a little drunk. The place would've been quiet if not for Kin, who sat behind the piano, her fingers playing a calm melody.
They remained like that for a while, with no sounds but the quiet music and glasses clapping on the table.
Footsteps approached and the restaurant's door opened.
Gai was the only one to title his head and indicate the newcomers.He flashed a smile at them.
"Kabuto-san! Long time no see! "
Kabuto smiled at Gai and waved freindly. Behind him was a little girl with long dark hair and lavender eyes. She held a bright red bag which seemed out of character as her features were cold and emotionless. Kabuto seated himself infront of Gai while the girl stood behind him.
"Yes, it had been quite a while.. I hope you're doing well, Gai-san?"
"You sure took your time.. What were you doing? Sightseeing in the city or something?"
Kabuto laughed meekly and scratched his cheek. "I wasn't planning to stay more than two months, but Anko-san was with me and insisted to stay longer.. She said she was waiting for the 'Discount Week'.."
"'Discount Week?' "
"Yes.." Kabuto began. "It's a week when her favourite used items' store offers a discount on its goods.. "
Baki quietly stood and exited.
Gai seemed serious then broke into a light laughter."That's just like Anko.."
Kabuto smiled."It's a good thing we were short on money when the 'Discount Week' came.. She would've bought the whole store.."
"She often talked about opening a store herself, if she had the money.."
"That would be nice if it were true.. I wonder where she could store all the goods, though?"
Gai eyes were sharp before hesmiling widely.
"That deserted old house south of town.. You know, next to Zabuza's? A little run down, but would make a good place for storing anything.."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "I suppose that would do.. Although, it's no use talking since I can't imagine Anko-san being able to save money.."
Gai laughed loudly while Kabuto resumed his smiling. Jiraya took a sip before placing his glass on the counter causing a rather loud 'clap'. Kin stopped playing, an amused smirk on her face and she walked her way out of the place.
Jirobu eyed Jiraya from the corner of his eyes. The white haired man was staring quietly at the liquid in his glass, his cheeks still rosy though he seemed sober. Jirobu placed the glass he was drying on the counter and held a trey before heading towards Kabuto and Gai.
"Can I get you something, Kabuto-sensei? "
"Ah, no thank you.. I have to go now, it's past Hanabi-chan's bed time."
Gai watched the young man and little girl leave, then sighed. He eyed Jiraya's back seriously. Jiraya was quiet for moments before nodding slightly.
Gai nodded back. He stood, nodded at Jirobu freindly and exited. Jirobu went back to drying the glasses, while Jiraya sipped the remains of his drink.
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The brooding boy walked angrily in the hallway of that fancy mansion. His arms were crossed as he marched his way towards one of the rooms. He didn't bother to even knock as he opened the door of the room rather violently. The room was expensive looking yet simple and almost empty. There was a big bed which sheets and blanket were tidily arranged. the walls were painted a slight shade of dark blue, the curtains were of the same colour, giving the room a sad dark aura even though it was well lightened. There was a big brownish cupboard standing idlyby the entrance of an inner room. The boy's eyes wandered through the room for a second. He scowled when he saw it was empty andthen steped into the inner room. In there, sitting at a desk behind a laptop, was an older boy with long dark hair which he tied in a high pony tail. His hands were typing busily at the key board, and his lavender eyes didn't look up from the screen as he spoke,
"I would have thought you had the simple decency of knocking, Sasuke."
Sasuke eyed him angrily. "We've already began the family dinner and you still didn't come. Itachi wants you downstairs."
"I said I'm not in the mood to bear these so called 'family dinners', so leave."
"It isn't like I wanted to come here.. I couldn't care less about you and your spoiled child's act, Neji."
Neji smirked at that. "Spoiled child's act? I believe that would be more fitting to describe your ways of behavior."
"I'm not the one locking himself in his room all day because he couldn't bear being told the simple word 'no'."
"You don't know what your talking about.."
"Oh, but I think I do." Sasuke said hotly.
"You wanted to go to our cottage up north, but Itachi didn't allow you to. And now you're all sulky like some little spoiled rich boy who has been spanked for the first time in his life."
Neji's lavender eyes darted quickly to glare at the younger boy only to find him glaring back. Their glares were locked on each other for sometime and they would have remained like that all night if not for the boy who came into the room.He brushed strands of his long black hair behind his ear and stepped closer. "Sasuke-kun! What's taking you so long? We're all waiting for you and Neji-kun.."
"His highness doesn't want to come down." Sasuke said, his glare still fixed on Neji as he refused to be the one to break the glare. Neji was the first one to avert his eyes. He looked back at the screen of his laptop and started typing again. "I have no time to waste with you, get out." he stated coldly.
"I have no intention of wasting my time either." Sasuke announced as he turned and left. The boy with long black hair watched Sasuke disapear out of the room before turning to face Neji.
"Neji-kun.. You have to get down and eat something..! You've been like this for three days,now.. This isn't healthy.."
"Haku, I'm busy right now, you can continue your nonesense later."
Haku smiled patiently at the harsh words. "Won't you reconsider?"
"Shut the door behind you."
Haku brushed more strands behind his ear as he skillfuly hid his hurt look and smiled kindly. "I'll leave you then.."
"Good."
Haku closed the door gently, he then gestured to a maid who was standing nearby.
"Please ready a meal for Neji-kun, he'll be having dinner in his room." The maid nodded and bowed curtly before leaving. Haku gazed at the closed door for a moment then went downstairs.
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The dining room of that mansion was huge. It was filled with expensive antiques and portraits. A large table was placed in the middle of the room. The table was covered with silver plates and treys with delicate looking food.
At the right side of the table, there were two girls. One was a strong looking blonde, her -not very soft- hair fell a little before her shoulders. She was chatting with the other girl, whose body frame was softer and more slender than the blonde. She had dark brown hair which she tied in two buns.
at the left side was Sasuke who had just seated himself and was looking as broody as ever. At one of the heads of the table sat an older imitation of Sasuke yet this man looked frightingly calm. His eyes were blood red and he had two thin lines on his hansome yet emotionless face.
The man turned his head slightly to indicate Haku who had just entered the room. Haku nodded at the man respetively before seating himself next to Sasuke.
"Where is Neji?" the man asked. Sasuke eyed his empty plate and Haku smiled nervously."He'll be having dinner in his room, Itachi-san..". Itachi's features didn't change as he spoke again.
"And why is that?"
"He's.. Neji-kun isn't feeling very well..". Haku lied. Sasuke smirked under his breath. Itachi stared at Haku who was smiling sweetly at him. The blonde girl leaned slightly towards the brown haired one. "It's a wonder how Haku can lie so odviously and still keep an innocent smile, ne, Tenten?" she whispered. Tenten giggled quietly. "I must agree with you, Temari.. Haku sure is talented..."
Itachi eyed Haku for another moment before turning his gaze away. "'Isn't feeling well', huh..? Well, never mind.. We will start our dinner."
"But Kakashi and Tsunade-sama aren't here yet." Tenten pointed out.
"We hold our family dinner every Monday at 8 p.m , Those who can't be something as trivial as punctual will be left out." Itachi announced.
"My, my..! How cruel.. Itachi-kun is being mean.."
They all turned their heads to see the silver haired Kakashi waving at them. He seated himself right of Itachi.
"You're late, Kakashi." Itachi said, his voice steady. Kakashi rolled his eyes.
"Sorry,sorry.. I got distracted.."
"That's not an excuse."
"Come on, Don't be like that Itachi-kun..! Tsunade-sama isn't here yet, so I'm not all tht late..!" Kakashi whined. Itachi eyed him with no emotion showing on his face. Tenten, Temari and Haku were giggling quietly, while Sasuke muttered something about stupid grown ups acting like children.
Itachi decided to let it go as he signaled to the servants who started serving dinner. They were about to start eating when a blonde woman with a rather big chest stormed into the room, followed by a black haired woman.
"Tsunade-sama! When will you ever learn! You lost that much in a couple of hours!!"
"Enough, Shizune..! I was just out of luck today."
"You're always out of luck, Tsunade-sama!"
Tsunade threw her self on the unoccupied seat at the other head of the table. Shizune seated herself at the blonde's left.
"Tsunade-sama. It isn't suitable for the head of the family to be late." Itachi began.
"Yeah, yeah.. I see you've already started.. So, where's Neji?"
"It seems he refuses to come down." Itachi replied while calmly sipping a spoonfull of his reddish soup. Haku froze for a moment before resuming his meal.
"Phht! Whatever.." Tsunade then grabbed her fork and quickly squashed a peice of fatty meat Shizune was just about to claim. Shizune frowned at Tsunade and pouted while the blonde ignored her and chewed the peice of meat. Tsunade stared at Temari thoughtfully for a while, failing to notice Shizune's fork snatching her steak.
"Say, Temari, when is that lazy fiance of yours coming?"
Temari didn't raise her head from her dish as she answered with a muffled voice.
"After tomorrow.."
"The engagement party will be held at night in that same day, right?"
"Yeah.."
"Why the haste?"
Temari swallowed a large chunk of food. "So he won't have the chance of changing his mind..".
Tenten giggled. Tsunade seemed amused, her features then turned to a troubled frown."Then I must get a new dress for the occasion.. Oh, brother.."
"I didn't prepare anything, too..". Tenten stated.
"I was planning on going on a shopping spree tomorrow morning with a friend of mine.."
The women's eyes turned to indicate Haku.
Shizune clasped her hands happily."Really?! I have an idea! Why don't we all go on a shopping spree tomorrow? Together!"
The women's eyes plus Haku's turned to indicate Shizune.
Tenten smiled in agreement."That sounds like fun!" She exclaimed. Tsunade glared at Shizune."You sure don't waste any chance, do you?" She scowled. Shizune extended her tounge and lightly hit her head with her fist sheepisly. Tsunade then rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Although, I must admit it's not such a bad idea.."
Kakashi suddenly stood."Thanks for the meal! I'll be off now! ". He then quickly sprung out of the room. Tsunade looked at Kakashi's retreating figure and shrugged.
"The idea of a shopping spree does seem like a good idea.. I've already shopped before, but I'll come with you, anyway.. " Temari stated.
"Yeah, it'll really be fun, ne, Haku?" Tenten happily said.
Haku seemed uncertain. "Uh.. Yeah.. Ano.. even though we're all going together, my friend can still come, right?"
Tsunade waved her hand. "Of course, of course..". Haku sighed in relief. He would've hated to ditch Sakura.
"I'll have to decline.. I have some important business to attend to and can't afford to waste my time shopping.." Itachi said.
Tsunade looked at him oddly. "Who ever said you can come in the first place?"
Tha girls and Haku giggled and even Sasuke secretly smiled in amusement. Itachi was unfazed as he continued his meal.
"It's decided then, tomorrow we're going on a shopping spree! "
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"Are you sure it's alright, Haku? They're all family members, right? I don't want to intrude.." Sakura stated for the twentieth time.
"They're the ones who're intruding, Sakura.. You were invited first, they all decided to tag along on their own.." Haku assured her. They were sitting in the back seats of Haku's personal car on their way to the mall. It was decided that everyone would meet up at the mall's entrance at nine in the morning.
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"Come on, Neji.. It can't bethat bad.." Tenten groaned at a pissed looking Neji. Neji ignored her. Tenten sighed. Shizune was playing with Tsunade's piglet pet, Tonton.
"Why didn't you want to come, anyway? What fun is being copped inside your room all the time?" Tsunade asked. Neji only glared at her and said nothing. Tsunade winced. "What's with the dirty looks, too? Sheesh.."
"He's mad because Tsunade-sama dragged him here.. like a bad little boy.. and he's not the only one.." Temari taunted as she indicated an even more pissed off Sasuke. Tsunade eyed him and sighed in annoyance.
"These brats are gonna ruin the day.." She muttered.
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Sakura played with the fabric of the plain, long sleeved, sugary coloured dress she wore which went a little past her knees.
" I admit I feel a bit excited at the thought of finally meeting the members of your family. Haku-kun knows all about my family, friends and life while if you think about it, I know very little about Haku-kun's life.."
Haku laughed. "Was I being so secretive? Gomen, Sakura-chan.. I didn't really give it much thought..". Sakura shook her head."No, I'm not upset or anything.. I'm really excited!". Haku smiled at her."Well, I guess we're here." He said.
The car stopped at the entrance of the mall. standing there was a mob of people. "There they are, brace yourself .." Haku joked. Sakura smiled and the two got closer.
"Haku, you're late!" Temari said loudly. "No way, you're early." Haku answered smiling. Temari snorted."Is that your friend?" Tenten inquired. Haku nodded. "Everyone, please meet Sakura."
Sakura spoke nervously."Hello, I'm Haruno Sakura! Nice to meet you all!". She then bowed.
Sasuke looked at her plain dress and somewhat worn out sport's shoes.
"What is this? An emigrant? Your friend's an emigrant?" Sasuke asked harshly, the slightest hints of scorn in his voice.
Sakura blinked, confused at the sudden harshness. Shizune tensed as she looked hurt. She then felt Tsunade's assuring hand on her shoulder.She looked back at Tsunade who nodded at her in an understanding motion. Haku was taken aback with Sasuke, after regaining himself, he frowned and was about to say something but Tsunade beat him to it. "Haruno Sakura, huh? Where do you live?"
Sakura looked at her, puzzeled. "Uh..I-In the refugee camp numder 7.."
"Do you know a man named Jiraya?"
"Y-Yes, everyone at the camp knows Jiraya-sama..!"
"Send him my regards, then.. Me and him are good friends.."
Sakura's confused look disapeared as she forgot about Sasuke's words. Her face brightened and she nodded happily. "I will!". Tsunade nodded and Shizune smiled. Sasuke looked away as Haku smiled at Sakura in relief.
"Alright, we ought to introduce our selves now.. I am Tsunade, you may address me as Tsunade-sama!" Tsunade annouced formaly. She then winked at Sakura. "This is Shizune." She said as she gestured towards the dark headed woman. Shizune bowed."How do you do?"
"And this here is Temari."
Temari gave a wide smile. "Hi there, cutie!"
Sakura blushed slightly her attention then was averted to a giggling Tenten."Temari, you sure have no shame.". She then eyed Sakura. "I'm Tenten, nice to meet you."
"And this broody guy is Sasuke." Tsunade said. Sasuke looked away a bit embaressed but nodded slightly in acknowledgement. Sakura gave an uncertain smile.
"And this pissed off guy is Neji.."
Sakura turned to indicate Neji. Her eyes widened in shock. As her emerald orbs caught glimpse of two angry lavender eyes, in her mind flashed a living memory of a cold and stern stare.. She felt a shiver of mixed feelings go down her spine.. Feelings of fear, anticipation, confusion, anger and a new feeling she never experienced before.. Sakura's stare was locked on the boy infront of her.. Little did she Know that this encounter would be the conclusion of her childhood'sinnocence and a life of purity..
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To be continued..
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Next chapter:
An incidentat the mall and the second encounter between emerald and lavender eyes, a clearing look into thesuspicious conversation between Gai and Kabuto and a simple suggestion from Haku that would play a major role in the beginning of a different life.