Summary: She had given up on the idea of being anything more than a friend to him, concentrating more on her training than him. During the course of her training, he had begun to realize that what he felt about her was past peripheral vision. Sasuke/Sakura.
Pairings: Sasuke/Sakura
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, at all. All the characters belong to Kishimoto Masashi-sensei. The only thing in this story that is mine will be the OCs and the plot itself.
Past Peripheral Vision
Chapter Ten – Konoha Matsuri
Her green eyes looked around in relief, although she was still slightly unused to seeing all of the village. Today, it was the Konoha Matsuri. The festival was set in honor of the founding day of Konoha, brought about by the Shodaime and Nidaime Hokage. Though she didn't know the exact date, she could assume that it was around twenty years older than the Sandaime himself! Had he lived from the Sound's attack, he would be in his seventies or eighties. Cautiously, she walked over to a familiar blonde head. She was still wearing her ninja garb but her hitai-ate was serving its normal purpose for her, as a headband. On days like this, Tsunade said that everyone deserved a well-earned break. The festival was important to everyone in the village after all, ninja or civilian. When she was behind the blonde female, a soft girlish giggle escaped her lips as she covered the female's eyes.
"Shikamaru, if that's you, it's not very funny," muttered the blonde female as she tightened her grip on the piece of tissue she was holding. As if on cue, the aforementioned male came out of a stall, mumbling that he was inside the shop all the while. How could he be the one shielding her vision? Craning his neck, he looked behind the blonde to see who it was. The rosette haired female made signs for the lazy Nin to keep quiet, which he promptly followed. "Well, it isn't Chouji. Chouji's busy helping his family set up their stall," she said in a matter-of-factly tone, "And I would smell the scent of Asuma-sensei's cancer sticks if it were him! Besides, isn't he on a date with some Jounin?" She continued to talk as if everything was normal. Shikamaru nodded slowly, even though she couldn't see, as she continued to prattle out names. With a sigh, the green eyed female removed her hands, the blonde looking backwards to see who it was. "Forehead girl! It's you!" gasped the blonde excitedly, hugging the other Chuunin, "And I can see your eyes!"
"Yes, Ino-pig, it's me," said Sakura with a laugh as she returned the friendly embrace. Shikamaru nodded his acknowledgement as he shoved his hands further into his pockets. Shopping with Ino was too troublesome for him. What did she need him for if she was hunting around some of the set up stalls for the perfect hair ornament? Her hair was fine the way it always was! He didn't understand the vanities of a regular female, nor did he want to. "Tsunade-shishou let me remove it for today but tomorrow, it's back to being blindfolded," said the Medical Specialist, a sheepish grin on her face. Ino nodded, silently assuring the girl that everything was fine. "It's been a while, hasn't it," murmured Sakura as she let the wind caress her face, "Since I started my training two months ago, very few people have seen my eyes since then. I think most people even forgot that they were green!"
"Care to explain, Sakura?" asked Ino as she chained her arm around Sakura's own, leading the pink haired girl to wherever her feet would bring them. Shikamaru decided to leave the two alone, giving them time to catch up on things. The pink haired girl threw an apologetic look at the blonde, silently saying she wouldn't. "Why not?" pouted the blonde as she looked at Sakura suspiciously, "It doesn't have anything to do with Sasuke-kun, does it?" Sakura let out a forced negation. Ino accepted her answer, though clearly warily. Having renounced, so to speak, her feelings for the Uchiha, the blonde female finally took time to notice the other men around her. Surprisingly, she took special notice of the lazy genius they were with earlier. Ino, instead, however became the hawk-eyed best friend, ready to maul, maim, kill and destroy any male who wished to court her within a two-mile radius of Medical Specialist. "What's the bag for?" asked Ino, eyeing the suede carrying case strapped against Sakura's body.
"How have you and Shikamaru been holding up?" asked Sakura, expertly changing the topic, a skill almost every girl knew by heart. Sakura didn't want to talk about the bag strapped to her, a somewhat secret. Ino blanched at the topic and started babbling unintelligible words. A soft giggle escaped her lips as they continued walking slowly around the village. "Fine, I take it you don't want to talk about it, Ino," said Sakura good-naturedly, a simple grin on her face. Ino nodded vigorously, sending mental daggers towards the pink haired Chuunin. "It's been such a long time since I've last went to the Konoha Matsuri, to any festival for that matter! For some reason, I've always been out on a mission and arrived a day before or on the day of the festival, making me much too tired to enjoy any of the festivities," said Sakura ruefully, scratching the back of her head.
"But this year, you're here to enjoy it," said Ino firmly aws she squeezed her best friend's hand in encouragement. Sakura nodded with a grin. How she missed the days when she could just talk to Ino about absolutely anything. When she had broken off their friendship, as they were rivals for Sasuke's attention, nothing was ever the same. Even now, when they were no longer rivals for his love, she still couldn't talk to her about every single detail. She would probably try to maul, maim, kill and destroy Sasuke if she ever heard of him breaking Sakura's already fragile heart. Suddenly, the pink haired Chuunin stopped. "Sakura, what's wrong?" asked Ino, confused. At the back of Ino's mind, vague memories began pulsing strongly, the place so familiar but so distant at the same time. The pink haired Chuunin merely smiled and gave a wave of goodbye.
"It was nice talking to you for a while, Ino! Thanks for unconsciously accompanying me here," said Sakura as she turned away and crossed the small bridge. Ino kept her gaze at her best friend, still confused about what was going on. "I just didn't want to physically walk here all by myself. I'm still somewhat afraid of doing so," explained Sakura, a sheepish look on her face, "Funny how a sixteen year old girl is afraid of simply walking to a large house." The fragmented memories started piecing itself together like a puzzle in the blonde's mind. Ino asked her what kind of house this was, the memories still vague but offered bigger chunks of information to the blonde Chuunin. "You ought to know Ino. After all, how many times have you camped out near this place just to be the first one to see him, all those years ago," reminded Sakura as she turned around and began to half-run into the huge compound. Ino's cerulean eyes widened at the realization of where they were. They were near his house, his compound, his legacy.
Inside the Compoud
"No! I said no!" he shouted angrily at the door, locking himself in the room. Her voice penetrated through the wooden frame, pleading with him to change his mind. "It's such a frivolous thing! Why should I spend time in some dumb festival when I could be training for the Jounin Exams?" he retaliated as he remained in a fighting stance, alert if in case she decided to just break down the door using her chakra. She very well could. He knew of her impulses with these things just because she had more than one chance in breaking down the door to find Naruto. He had been unwillingly dragged just so he could help her find the blonde boy and bring him towards the Godaime for whatever she needed him to do. Her answer to his question almost gave him a heart attack. "What did you say!" he shouted as he had been duped in opening the door, his face burning with fury. At his expression, she began to laugh.
"I can't believe you fell for it!" she accused, her laughter beginning to settle down. His face was burning a furious red, more out of anger than embarrassment though hints of the latter remained on his face. Turning his face away, he crossed his arms and averted his gaze from her somewhat laughing and cheerful face. It took her about a couple of minutes to fully settle down, her face red from all the laughter. He, on the other hand, was just leaning against the door frame, waiting for her to settle down so she could speak clearly. "The great Uchiha Sasuke, terrified when I said the reason why he could be spending time in the Konoha Matsuri, to spend time with me, a simple kunoichi known as Haruno Sakura," she said with a slight giggle. Sasuke snorted at her statement.
"If that's all you have to say, Sakura, I'd appreciate it if you'd go elsewhere for the rest of the day," said Sasuke, his voice stinging and cold as he began making his way away from the pink haired Chuunin. Sakura remained insistent and followed him. "Why should I go to the festival? Really. Give me a valid reason this time," he muttered as he shoved his hands into the pocket of his shorts. He'd always have haunting and distant memories of festivals. The very last one he had been to was some time before his family had died at the hands of his brother. When he had looked up at his brother with a silly grin, he swore he could have seen a sad, distant and almost demonic smile light up the older Uchiha's features, absolutely no regret nor remorse on his face. "I'm sure you'd have more fun in the festival if you went with Kakashi, that dobe, your family or your friends," he said pointedly.
"Well, what's wrong with wanting to go with you?" asked Sakura as she clung onto his arm, more of an action to stop him from moving any further over anything else. The Uchiha sent a glare towards her. The female didn't flinch at that act. "You deserve to have some fun every once in a while," she said softly, her jade eyes darkening slightly. Sasuke felt an unwanted pang of guilt course through every vein in his body. He shouldn't be feeling guilty, especially for her! He wasn't supposed to feel anything for that matter anyway! "All work and no play makes Sasuke-kun a dull boy," she added as she began dragging him outside. He was putting his weight heavily on the floor, hoping to stop her from moving him any further. Sakura paid his act no mind. "I hope you have a yukata!" she said in enthusiasm as she dragged him to his room. The minute she was there, she had opened his closet and began looking around for a yukata.
Sasuke stared at her, annoyed, though somewhat touched by her display of affection. At least, he hoped the affection was just friendly. His internal beliefs were currently struggling with his feelings for her. He had become unnaturally observant as Sakura continued moving the clothes he had, a disgruntled pout on her face. Of course he had a yukata in there and it fit him. Every year, in the solitude of his home, he'd try on the yukata and the happi coat, making sure they fit. If they didn't, he'd fold the articles neatly and bring them to the storage room, searching around for a yukata and a happi coat that would fit him. Such was the mannerism of an Uchiha when it came to festivals. If he remembered correctly, the yukata inside the closet was a dark blue, waves printed in various dizzying blues on the bottom of the cloth. The obi there was black, thin lines of blue going around the cloth. The happi coat was black and at the back, the prominent Uchiha symbol was printed. The female let out a satisfied smile as she pulled out the articles she was thinking off.
"Uchiha Sasuke-kun, you're going to the Konoha Matsuri whether you like it or not!" she said with a triumphant look. In her hand was a hanger, the yukata hanging neatly on the plastic. Inside, the obi was hanging on the plastic rod that connected one end of the hanger to the other. The happi coat was hanging on top of the yukata, like a jacket. Sasuke's face darkened considerably at her words with him trying to weasel his way out of actually having to go. "Come on, it'll be fun! Don't you want to spend even just a single day like a civilian here in Konoha?" asked Sakura as she continued standing in front of him. He shook his head at her query. Another pout found its way towards Sakura's face as she crept closer to him, her face, most especially her lips, dangerously close to his own. The Uchiha managed to suppress a blush from spreading over his cheeks.
"I really don't want to go, Sakura," he muttered as he fell on his back, landing on his bed. It was the only option he could go for to avoid any more brushing of lips with the girl in front of him. It had happened a couple of times and he didn't want to remember them. Sakura's pout deepened as she continued pestering him about going. Images of his family when they used to go out in festivals started flashing in his mind, the feelings pulsing strongly in his blood. Her words fell to deaf ears as he continued remembering everything that happened. He'd ask his mother for some money to buy candy. He'd stare at the pond of goldfish with utmost intensity to try and catch one, only to break the flimsy net he was using. He was absolutely sure he could do it with ease now but he hadn't bothered to try. The more enjoyable memories started surfacing. Family dinners, Itachi actually being a brother and carrying Sasuke on piggy back when the younger was fast asleep, his parents throwing fond smiles at the way of the siblings. "Fine..." he muttered in defeat as he sat up straight, "I'll go just to stop you from pestering me even more." The true reason was different, extremely, however.
"Hooray!" squeeled Sakura as she hugged him, kissing him and forgetting the fact that she had vowed to release her feelings towards him. The Uchiha was stunned, though unconsciously wrapping his arms around her smaller frame. The minute Sakura had initiated that contact, all sources of self-control were blocked. His mind was reeling in sheer lust as he managed to lift her top up slightly, his calloused fingers caressing the bare skin of her back. A moan escaped her lips when they parted slightly for air, their minds shouting at the way their bodies were acting and reacting. Their bodies refused to listen, shutting out all rational thought. Her hands snaked around him, pulling her closer towards him as his hands began to rise, exploring the bare skin of her back. His fingers arrived at a strap of cloth, binding her chest as he felt around for the latch. Suddenly, her eyes widened in realization at what they were doing. "Sasuke-kun!" she managed to say urgently before succumbing to her want. He had realized it too, the minute his fingers felt the switch that when pressed, there would be no coming back.
"S-sorry," he muttered lamely as he averted his gaze from the burning red face of Sakura. The female Chuunin stammered that it was alright, smoothing her top down. "Maybe, you'd like to go home and prepare your clothes?" he offered as he stood up, still unable to look at the Chuunin in the eye. Sakura let out a shaky laugh as she said it was alright, saying she had prepared her things already in the bag that she brought. Looking up at her, he expressed his confusion. The Chuunin tucked a stray strand of her pink hair as she pointed to the bag that lay near his closet. "Aa," he said, announcing that he had understood already. He didn't notice the bag she was carrying earlier. "Have you had breakfast yet?" he asked dumbly, trying to make the atmosphere between them normal again. Sakura shook her head, her stomach rumbling slightly, emphasizing her hunger. Her face reddened in embarrassment. "I hope you don't mind onigiri with salted tomatoes," he said as he began to make his way to the kitchen. Her jade eyes widened when she heard him offering her some breakfast.
During the Festival
The many girls who still had shallow proclamations of undying love for the sole Uchiha glared at Sakura, irritated at the fact that she was spotted with probably the most wanted bachelor in the entire village. He even made a few married women swoon and forget that they were already committed! A disgruntled look remained on his face but it didn't affect the pink haired girl in front of him. In fact, it wasn't as disgruntled as it was meant to be as he remained transfixed on the female Chuunin. Her yukata was a stark contrast compared to his, plum colored. Printed around the lower half of the yukata was a flowering branch of a cherry blossom tree, her namesake. A few stray flowers were printed on either side of her sleeves. A pale pink obi was wrapped around her waist, a thin burgundy cord on top.
"Look, Sasuke-kun, it's the goldfish!" she gushed out, instinctively clinging onto his arm. For once, he didn't mind. Looking over to the direction she was pointing at, Sasuke's onyx eyes looked at the number of children trying to catch a goldfish with the flimsy net. He silently motioned for her to follow him as he made his way towards the stall. Pulling out some money, he paid for a net and knelt down. Everyone nearby was staring. They probably would never have imagined the stoic Uchiha Sasuke to be lining up to try and catch a fish. They probably never would have imagined he was in the festival in the first place! A warm smile found its way to Sakura's face as she watched him, a childlike concentration on his face. Quick as a flash, his hand darted out. On top of the flimsy net, a goldfish lay squirming, trying to jump back into the water.
Sakura greeted warmly, extending her congratulations, as he walked back to her, a plastic bag filled with water and the goldfish that he had caught clutched in his hand. Luckily for Sasuke, unluckily for the female on the other hand, they didn't see very many people that they knew. An occasional Chuunin or Jounin who worked at the Hokage Tower saw them, greeting the Medical Specialist warmly, a couple even calling her 'Sakura-sama'. That caused Sasuke to raise his eyebrow in confusion and the pink haired girl to blush heavily. Otherwise, they had met no one they really knew. As they passed by a food stall, Sakura scrunched up her nose, a nauseating smell reaching her senses. "Anything wrong?" asked Sasuke uncharacteristically. In truth, he had done so many things uncharacteristically today that asking the female how she felt was no longer such a big of a deal.
"I'm fine," said Sakura, waving off Sasuke's slight concern for her, "I just smell something nauseating." It was a good thing the shopkeepers couldn't hear her, the noise coming from the small crowd drowning out her voice. Looking towards the shops, she smiled a sad smile. "I just hope the food is okay, I mean, if the ingredients are rotten, we're going to have ourselves an epidemic of food poisoning tomorrow. By the smell of it, the food has rotted that much," explained Sakura, raking her fingers through her rose colored tresses. The Uchiha nodded, understanding the consequences if there was going to be a food poisoning epidemic. Most ninjas would be put into the hospital. The entire village would be thrown into chaos. The Medical Specialists, more especially the elite ones, would have their hands full. It was something like an internal war. "But maybe I'm just hallucinating," said Sakura optimistcally as she began walking away. Sasuke nodded slowly. "At least I hope I am," she added.
Hours passed by and even if the Uchiha hated to admit it, he had fun. In fact, if he weren't how he normally was, then he would have seized the pink haired girl in a hug and thanked her for the chance of having fun during the Konoha Matsuri. However, if he did that, he assumed Sakura would probably try to beat him up and shout in his ear 'Who the hell are you and where is Uchiha Sasuke-kun!' He shuddered at the thought. He was, however, content at the fact that Sakura wasn't being annoying nor was she being nosy. Looking at the female, he shifted his weight from one foot to another. His mannerism required him to make sure she arrived at her house safely.
"So, I'll be seeing you tomorrow?" asked Sasuke, somewhat uncomfortable at the situation he was in. Sakura replied that she may or mayn't see him as she was going back to her training schedule. "Hn," he mumbled and said no more. With a wave, he began walking his way back to his house. Sakura said goodbye as she remained standing near the door, watching as the Uchiha began making his way back to his home, the fan on his back even prominent in the darkness. The minute he took a left, Sasuke frowned at the way Sakura was acting. She had been unusually quieter after they had walked past the food stalls, worry constantly etched on her features. However, the Chuunin made up her mind to not let it bother her and to enjoy the rest of the festival. For once, he had the urge to hug her and tell her everything was alright but because he was who he was, he didn't. He had to be content enough to just speak her name without her hearing it. "Sakura, what's wrong with you," he murmured into the night, the wheels of his mind still turning constantly.
Tsuzuku...
I know. You might accuse me of Sasuke being OOC in this chapter, at least I think he is, but please bear with the fact that this was in a festival. So, I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me.
Anyway, like last chapter, it's time for me to answer some reviews!
Only Secret: Yes, yes she does. It's just in certain occasions she doesn't. In chapter nine she did, except when she performed the Kanashibari no Jutsu. That particular Jutsu requires one to be able to see, as the chakra is emitted from the eyes, a Dou Jutsu. Orochimaru did that to Sasuke when they were in the Forest of Death for their Chuunin Exams. I'll be sure to mention it when she removes her hitai-ate.
fallendreamer: This fanfic is called Past Peripheral Vision because Sakura is trying to see beyond what her eyes can see. Peripheral vision is anything your eyes see. Trying to see past that? Well, obviously past peripheral vison.
PrincessChii: Thank you for saying the chapter didn't go rushed! I tend to belittle myself many times about how my chapters turn out. There are very few times I am particularly pleased with a chapter.
Phoe-chan: No worries! You can always join the LJ community and just post every now and then. You don't need to post every single day. I don't for that matter XD And yes, normally, for Filipinos, with their really close friends, we often tend to forget that when we slip into our own language, we forget that they can't understand us.
Far-Fetched-Imagineer: Yes, I'm a true-blooded pinoy all the way! Thank you for your compliments. Compliments always help me work faster!
And that's my take on the reviews for chapter nine! Keep 'em coming -hinthint-!
I created a Livejournal Community called springpaperfan which is an archive of Sasuke/Sakura fanfics. Please join and add your own Sasuke/Sakura fanfics!
Hope you enjoyed this week's installment. Stay tuned for next week's installment!
Next Chapter: Chapter Eleven - Her Strength
Chapter Preview: Sakura's heart pounded violently against her ribcage as she raced through the streets of Konoha, on her way to the hospital. The sun had yet to rise and already everyone was awake, adrenalin pumping her to move faster. Her vision blurred slightly as she was still somewhat tired, the objects in front of her sometimes merging into each other then separating. She could feel her legs getting heavier and heavier with each step, her breathing becoming short and ragged. She couldn't think straight. She was far too worried to do so. Her feelings the night before were right! She should have done something about it but didn't, opting to just enjoy the remainder of the festival with him. Bumping into something, someone to be more exact, she felt her knees buckle and gravity pull her down. Expecting to meet the cold and wet pavement, the rain still falling gently, she felt herself pulled up. Opening her eyes, her cheeks reddened. "Sasuke-kun," she murmured, her breath visible in the cold air.