Chapter 7
Otou-san picked us up. Once we were buckled at the back seat, otou-san looked at us and smiled. "Something good happened at my work today. I got promoted. That means that I've been doing a very good job and they rewarded me for it." He then closed the door, making me and Sasuke look at each other. We shared a smile as my father got in the front seat. "How about we go for some ice cream before we head home, you two?"
I remember immediately feeling excited. I looked over at Sasuke and he seemed happy about that idea too. He was his usual silent self but I could tell that he was as excited as I was.
In no time, we were at Mount Scoops. My father asked us what we wanted and we both said we wanted strawberry and vanilla on a wafer cone. Otou-san gave the order to a lady. I vaguely remember him telling her that it was a special day. I was talking to Sasuke at that time.
Before we knew it, both Sasuke and my eyes grew big. Right in front of us was a huge strawberry and vanilla float with waffles cut into designs. It depicted Mt. Fuji. Those waffles look like houses and trees. I don't think that either Sasuke or I were able to utter a word. How they were able to make all that with simple strawberry, vanilla and waffles was something our five-year-old minds couldn't grasp? All we cared about was that they achieved it.
Amazing! That pretty much summarized both our reactions. We could hear my father laugh from a distance, urging us to start eating or it might melt up on us. I got two spoons and handed on to Sasuke.
"You take the first bite, Sakura. Aniki said that I should always let girls go first."
I simply smiled and took a bite, not really caring what flavor or if I got a lot. All I cared about was sharing this special treat with my best friend. I mean, he did stand up and got into trouble for me earlier. It was the least I could do. My young heart swelled with happiness that until this day I would never forget.
XxXxXx
"I think it is a great opportunity for me. I'm already looking for a job opening now. I'd like to take that offer." Kakashi commented as he and Neji were cleaning the dishes after dinner.
Neji looked up from where he was drying and offered Kakashi a grin and a nod. "That's great, Kakashi-san. I'm sure Chouji would be excited when I tell him that you are on board." Came Hinata's voice from behind them.
"If that's the case, 'nii-san, why don't you stay here with me at this apartment? We can half the rent if it will make you feel better. Just don't forget to tell me if you do decide to have some company."
Neji snickered and Hinata blushed a little at Sakura's insinuation. Kakashi smirked and replied, "Yeah, yeah. But I expect the same, Sakura-chan." He didn't have to turn to know that Sakura had turned bright red. "Or, should I tell your boy friend here?" Sakura turned a deeper shade while Neji sported a blush of his own and sent a glare towards Kakashi.
"Shut up, 'nii-san!" Sakura exclaimed. Kakashi simply laughed it off. Sakura sighed and stood. "I'm heading to my room for awhile. I better start working. Oh! Neji, walk me through the layout of the place later. I want to make sure the dimensions are right."
"Sure, Sakura. I'll be there as soon as I finish helping this ass."
Hinata couldn't help but chuckle. Once Sakura was out of earshot, she said, "I heard from Ino that Uchiha Itachi came by their shop after lunch."
Kakashi stopped for a moment as did Neji. Both turned to face Hinata. "Uchiha Itachi? As in the new CEO of Uchiha Corps.?"
"The one and only." Hinata leaned against the table and settled her chin in her hand. "He specifically went there to see Sakura."
"What did he want?" Kakashi couldn't help but ask. Neji had to admit that that question also burned his tongue.
"From what I gathered, he personally went there to apologize. I don't know the rest but the next thing Ino told me was that they, Sakura and Ino, got a business deal by the end of the day."
Silence enveloped the kitchen. Kakashi wasn't sure he liked this new development after what happened the last time with the Uchiha. Neji was more concerned towards Sakura. He knew that she was really close with Itachi's brother and he knew that she still felt his loss. Hinata wanted to support her friends in their business project but wasn't really sure about the emotional repercussions that this project could bring.
Surprisingly, it was Neji that broke the tension as he finished drying the last plate. "I believe we are all on the same stand point. We are all concerned about how this is going to turn out since Uchiha Itachi is Sasuke's brother, not to mention we all are aware what happened when they met a few days ago. But I will trust Sakura to know what she is doing."
"Well Sakura has done projects for Sasuke and Itachi's father. Mikoto-san is also a frequent visitor at the shop. I don't think that it would be that bad now that she's working with Itachi. I mean, I'd like to think that…" Hinata commented.
Kakashi took a moment to organize his thoughts. "I've heard that Uchiha Itachi is somewhat cold, a very stoic man. His looks, money and power make him a force to be dealt with. Plus, it is what attracts women who are more…ruthless compared to Sakura. My only concern is that Sakura might not come out of this unscathed."
"Hold on. We are a little ahead of ourselves." Hinata immediately commented.
Neji sighed. "We can all agree that we are worried about Sakura. It has become a habit for us through the years but this is Sakura's decision. She is the sort of person who separates work from personal relationships. She can look out for herself. We can't hide the fact that she is independent. All we can do for her right now is support her and look out from the sidelines. That doesn't mean though that we cannot intervene when necessary."
Hinata nodded. Kakashi also gave a nod but then grinned. "So?" He directed at Neji. "When are you planning to make it official and court my lovely cousin?"
"Shut up, Hatake." Neji replied and glared. "I'm going to help Sakura with the project." Without another word, Neji headed to Sakura's room.
"He's whipped. He doesn't even know it." Kakashi commented as he took a seat in front of Hinata.
Hinata couldn't help but laugh. "Neji nii-san isn't exactly vocal or talkative, well, unless it has anything to do with family or Sakura."
Kakashi smiled and leaned back. He didn't mind Neji dating his cousin. He knew that the man was not going to hurt his cousin intentionally. Through the years, he had witnessed Neji watching over Sakura. While he was gone, every now and then Neji's name popped up whenever he and Sakura would talk over the phone. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Neji can take care and love Sakura just the way that she deserved.
XxXxXx
Onyx eyes opened and blinked. Itachi was disoriented for awhile. As he sat up, he remembered his emotional breakdown. He must have fallen asleep due to the years of strain. He got up and headed towards the kitchen. Itachi opened up the fridge. There were hardly any food left. He gave out an exasperated sigh. He shouldn't have been that surprised. He was rarely at home enough to fix himself a decent meal. For the past weeks he would arrive home late and simply crash in bed after freshening up due to exhaustion.
Itachi took a quick glance at the wall clock nearby. It seemed that he would have to order out as it was too late to do some grocery shopping. He made a mental note to stop by tomorrow as he padded towards the phone and dialed. As he took a quick shower, Itachi realized that somehow he had felt lighter. Although he disliked the idea of people finding out that he had an emotional breakdown, Itachi knew that it had been therapeutic. It had been unhealthy to keep his grief at the back burner all these years.
He dressed in comfortable sweats while a towel draped over his shoulder as he attempted to dry his long hair. Itachi had only but squeezed the excess water from his hair when the doorbell rang. Having paid the delivery boy, Itachi decided to settle at the living room to eat while watching the news.
There wasn't really much on that grabbed Itachi's interest. He wasn't into celebrity gossip. He could care less what happened to their day –to-day lives. As for local and international news, there weren't really new things happening. Wars and conflicts here and there. Hunger, famine, political debate, business updates. Itachi cared about what happened like any other person but he chose to store the knowledge in the good-to-know category and not do an in-depth analysis.
After cleaning up, Itachi decided to review some work files he brought home. He could feel his body was tired but his mind was very much active. Itachi opened a file. It read, Uzumaki Naruto.
XxXxXx
As Itachi was browsing through the lanes of the grocery store, someone suddenly bumped into him. Itachi took a breath and turned only to be greeted with a head of pink. He blinked and raised an eyebrow. He then glanced at the person's face. "Haruno-san?" He said before he was even aware of it.
Itachi saw Sakura stilled and looked up at him. "Uchiha-san? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bump into you."
He looked lower, trying to spot Aki but the dog was nowhere in sight. Sakura seemed to sense what he was thinking so she said, "The store doesn't allow any pets. Even if I need Aki, they wouldn't make an exception." She then gestured to the store worker who was assigned to assist her in place of her dog. "They told him to help me do the groceries since it's my first time here. The one I usually go to is closed."
Itachi looked at the man who was supposed to help Sakura. He glared at the worker, making him shrink in his place. In a steel voice, Itachi addressed the man, "Leave. I will take it from here." The man didn't think twice to hand over the grocery list and scamper away.
"You didn't have to do that, Uchiha-san. We are almost through anyway."
"No," Itachi took the basket from Sakura's hand and placed the contents of his, he had barely started as it was anyway, on it. He carried it in one hand and took Sakura's hand in the other. "He was doing a very lousy job. Yes, he was assisting you but it was not enough to make sure you do not bump into other people. It might not have been me next time, nor, would it be a person."
Sakura was stunned to say the least. She honestly didn't expect that from Itachi. "Thank you, Uchiha-san."
"Itachi," He replied. He looked back at her and saw her tilt her head to the side in question. "My name is Itachi. You are my brother's best friend and it seems a long-time family friend. You don't have to be so formal with me always."
A smile spread across Sakura's face. "Very well, Itachi-san. Are you sure though that this is alright? If you are also here, it means you are also doing some groceries."
"Do not concern yourself much about it, Sakura. It is no trouble at all." Although his voice was of his usual stoic, unemotional self, Sakura could detect this slight respect and acceptance of some sort from the way he still held her hand. "If I am correct, the only thing you will be needing is some oyster sauce."
Sakura nodded as she followed the direction he was leading her to. He still haven't let go of her hand but she didn't really mind. She knew that the chances of her losing him was higher if it weren't that way. After getting Sakura's desired oyster sauce brand, she immediately asked him, "Do you mind if I tagged along while you shop? I'd like to memorize the layout of the store at the very least just in case I find myself here again."
Itachi led her to the front. "I will be exchanging the basket for a cart then. We are going to the front, almost by the entrance." He saw her nod in response.
Once there, Sakura let go of his hand to allow him to do what he must. As Itachi was transferring the items to the cart, he noted that Aki was there by the door, looking in. "Your dog is by the door, looking inside, perhaps towards you."
Sakura smile and commented, "Perhaps. Aki is always the best guide I could ask for. He looks out for me whenever I reach my blind spots."
"I hope you do not mind me asking but why did you come here alone?"
"I am not. Aki is there. Although, I must admit that I was mildly surprised when they wouldn't allow him in." Itachi took her hand and hooked it on his elbow as he started to guide her towards the fresh vegetables section. "There are always ways to get around my disability. Case and point, the store attendant you shooed away."
Itachi scuffed. His voiced turned a little cold, "He wasn't entirely fit to assist you. Perhaps he was helping you get the things you needed but he didn't keep you from bumping into me. I was not even walking."
Sakura let out an exasperated sigh. "These are the moments that I wish I had Aki instead. He wouldn't have let me crash into anybody and I wouldn't have to bother you."
Itachi couldn't help but give a sigh. "I believe I have already told you, Sakura, that it is no trouble at all. I would not have offered otherwise." He started to slow when he noticed that they were almost by the vegetable area.
"The vegetable area?" Sakura commented. It surprised Itachi that she would know where he led her without him telling her. "These produce are really fresh. It smells sweeter than how they usually present it in common grocery stores."
"How can you tell?" Itachi started to look for the freshest cabbage.
Without any hesitation, Sakura reached over near where Itachi was leaning over slightly and took out a cabbage and handed it to him. Itachi raised an eyebrow. "This is the freshest." She said. He inspected the vegetable and noticed that its leaves were all green.
"How can you tell without see it?"
"It's smell, Itachi-san. My mother was a chef and my elder cousin is a chef. Even if I grew up with my eye sight I would have known how to tell. But since my sense is compromised, Kakashi-nii taught me how to tell just with the smell. Here," She motioned for Itachi to lift his hand towards his nose. "Smell it."
Itachi did as he was told out of curiosity. "It smells fresh."
Sakura smiled. "Exactly. But it isn't enough. You can also touch the leaves to check for consistency of the quality of the leaf. I've just been doing this for years so the practice helps me narrow down the choices to what I think is the best."
Itachi looked over at Sakura with a new found respect. As they went through his grocery list, Sakura offered her assistance whenever she could. By the end of the shopping trip, Itachi was a wiser shopper than he was before. He never realized that there were so much more into the menial domestic task that he always took for granted.
When it was their turn at the counter, Sakura was about to bring out her wallet to pay for her part but Itachi placed a hand on top of hers. "I'll take care of it. It is the least I could do for everything that you taught me today."
"But-"
"I insist, Sakura." She conceded with a nod. Itachi then turned his attention to their purchases.
Upon witnessing the scene in front of them, the elderly couple that were following them were somewhat touched. "They are such a sweet, young couple, don't you think, anata?" The wife told her husband.
The elderly man smiled and replied, "Yes. I think so too, my dear."
Itachi acted as if he didn't hear the comments while Sakura couldn't help but blush a little bit. The next thing she knew, Itachi was holding her hand and leading her outside. Once they were out the door, Aki pressed against Sakura's leg and got an affectionate pat on its head. Aki then nuzzled Itachi's leg, a short of thank you for looking out for his master. Itachi patted its head and said, "Come on. I'm taking you to my car. I'll bring you home after we get some lunch."
"Lunch? Itachi-san-"
"I am not taking no for an answer. There is a restaurant across the street. We can eat outside so you do not have to worry about Aki."
"How about I make us something to eat?" Itachi stopped at his tracks and looked at Sakura. "Honestly, I don't feel comfortable letting you pay for my meal after you have paid for my groceries. I don't want to take advantage of you."
Itachi contemplated on the current situation. From what he already knew of Sakura, she could be stubborn with what she wants. He could tell that she would be fighting for him about lunch. "How about we compromise then?"
"It depends on the compromise."
"I live two blocks from here. I can take you to my apartment. I will make dessert and you are free to cook whatever you want."
Sakura seemed to contemplate on the offer. "Okay,"
XxXxXx
It wasn't long before they arrived at Itachi's penthouse. "Welcome to my home. May I assist you with your coat?" Itachi said.
Sakura smiled and nodded while Itachi got behind her and removed her coat for her. "You seem to have a lovely home. From what I could tell, it is very spacious."
Itachi smirked a bit. "Come. It is warmer inside. There is a heater by the veranda door if Aki would like to get warm. The kitchen floor is cold if he wishes to stay there."
"Thank you, Itachi-san." Sakura replied as she motioned for Aki to follow Itachi. Aki's ears twitched when they reached the living room. "It's alright, Aki. You can take a nap. Itachi and I will be cooking. I'll get you something to eat later." Aki laid by the heater and closed his eyes. He knew that the man his master was with wasn't going to let anything happen to her. It was in moments like that that he liked being just a simple dog and laze around.
Itachi then led Sakura to the kitchen counter stool. "I will get the groceries. Then I will orient you around the kitchen."
"I'm sorry if I can't help you with fixing your groceries." She replied sheepishly.
He gave out a sigh. "I won't be long."
Sakura waited patiently. She was tossing recipes around her head. She wasn't sure what Itachi would like. She hadn't even cooked for his parents in all the years of knowing them. She had been so preoccupied that she didn't even notice Itachi walk over to her until his hand brushed hers.
"I did not mean to startle you. I apologize," came Itachi's immediate response.
"Oh! It's nothing. I was just thinking on what you would like to eat. Would you like to have some baked cod with ginger and spring onions?" Sakura replied as she got down from the stool and followed him. She then felt the door of the refrigerator and noticed a lot of papers. She guessed that most of it were from take-out establishments. "I'll even marinate some chicken and you can roast it later for dinner. It will be roasted tandoori chicken. It's really, really good, one of my comfort foods actually."
"That would be nice, Sakura. For dessert, I hope you do not mind some dango."
He was surprised when Sakura chuckled. "I'm sorry. It's just…I shouldn't have been surprised with how Mikoto-san has the best dango recipe ever." She then gave out a few more giggles.
For a moment, Itachi watched her navigate around his kitchen. Looking at her work, you would never expect that she was working in another's kitchen. Sakura retained in memory everything he oriented her to. In that particular moment, Itachi felt something short of the feeling of endearment.
They worked in a comfortable silence. But after awhile, a burning question has Sakura finally break it. "May I ask you something?"
"Hn,"
Sakura couldn't help but smile. That expression reminded of very much of Sasuke. "That girl…"
Itachi put down the spatula he was using and gave Sakura his full attention. Sakura could feel his gaze on her. "You know that one that works for you that I sort of had an argument with?" She was greeted by silence. She knew that he was waiting for her to finish what she was saying. "I truly hope that we won't have much problems. She doesn't seem to like me based on what happened the last time. I honestly don't care about her as long as the work gets done but Ino is about ready to kill her, against basing it from last time. I guess what I'm saying…there isn't something we should be worried about working with her, is there?"
He approached her and laid his hands on her shoulder to guide her to face him. "You need not worry about anything."
XxXxXx
When Itachi took his first bite of the fish Sakura prepared for lunch, he was stunned. It was filled with this delicate, intense taste and the fish just melts in your mouth. It was unlike anything he had ever tasted before. "This is amazing." He commented.
Sakura blushed and shyly smiled. "Thank you. Mikoto-san and Fugaku-san loved it too. Your mother asked for the recipe."
"Do you mind if I asked for it too? When I have the time, I do cook for myself."
"Of course, that wouldn't be a problem. Although, you might have to write it down or I could send it to your personal mail."
"I will write it down. Mother is coming over tomorrow evening. It would be nice if I could offer her something not ordered." Sakura couldn't help but laugh and nod. "I hope you do not mind me asking, Sakura, but how is it that you are able to create the art that you do without seeing?"
Sakura's eyes warmed. She placed down her chopsticks and dabbed her mouth with the napkin. "I have always loved color, Itachi. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved anything to do with colors. I was always inclined to art." She giggled as she continued, "In preschool, I would always share my crayons with Sasuke-kun. I must admit that I got him to draw with more than blue and black."
Itachi smirked at this. He then noticed how her smile decreased. "After the accident and I woke up in this world of darkness, I was devastated. Not only did I lose two people I loved, I was confined in a world without color. Even if it happened years ago, I can remember every detail my life back then because those memories are the only things that constantly keep me rooted in color."
"Eventually," Sakura closed her eyes, "My cousin encouraged me to pursue art again. I thought it was impossible but then he suggested I go with glass. I was terrified. It was glass that took my sight and he asked me to use it as a medium. Long story short, he gave me the confidence to pursue it. I was determined to conquer my fear and also pay homage to the brilliance of life. It was then that I honed my senses. Do you know the physics of sound waves, Itachi-san?"
"Yes, I am familiar with it."
Sakura nodded. "It is through sound that I am given the sight I have lost. You see, sound waves bounce of glass easily. Every color gives of a different sound. It is hard, almost impossible at first but I learned how to. I wasn't going to accept failure. Eventually, I started to create sculptures that people were interested in paying good money for. At that time, I was already in business with Ino doing flower arrangements, being simple florists. When the time came that I mastered this skill you are asking about, it was then that Ino and I decided to expand our business to what it is now. Business has been good. People can see that it is indeed I who make them through the see-through glass of my workshop. By word of mouth, I have established a name for myself. In the end, though, I can do what I can without my eyes through other means. Seeing isn't with the eyes alone, Itachi-san. It is with that realization, the passion, and the fear that make me able to create art without actually seeing."
It was in that moment that Itachi saw Sakura for who she really was. He saw what made her his little brother's best friend. He now understood why Sasuke was drawn to protect her all those years ago. She was a unique soul, a pure one that broke boundaries that life threw at her. Itachi also understood why his parents had reprimanded him for his hasty behavior during their initial meeting.
Later that evening, as he partook in the meal that Sakura had prepared for him, he couldn't help but smile. The deliciously prepared meal became somewhat a reminder to him that life was good and it wasn't what it seemed.
XxXxXx
Monday morning came. A folder was open upon Itachi's desk. He sat at his chair, waiting for the man he had called up. A knock came to the door and in came said man. Itachi's face was as stoic as ever, nothing was betrayed. The blond haired man inwardly gulped. He was inwardly asking himself if he had done something wrong.
"Uzumaki Naruto," Came Itachi's cool voice. "Please have a seat."
(to be continued...)
