Sunday, August 25th, 2013.

Effing tired and in pain, guys. I have to do a sport in high school, so I tried out for the girl's volleyball team.

I've never been on a sports team before.

Well, actually, I've done cheer leading once but that was different and not school-related.

Anyway, it was supposed to be like, 2 days of conditioning, and then find out on Friday (the next day). It was changed to 3 days of conditioning, and find out on the following Monday. I already know I'm not going to make the team, but that's no reason to postpone the suffering, Co-Coach.

Anyway, those 3 days, I did around 6 hours of conditioning with the other girls, and like a half hour yesterday on my own, and nothing today. Why nothing today? My arms hurt too effing much. I almost wanted to cry with how bad I was hurting myself at the end of practice Friday and on private yesterday.

One of the tests to get on the team was to be able to bump and/or set to yourself 10 times in a row. On Friday, I wouldn't let myself stop practicing until I bumped (b/c I can't set for shit, especially after bending my thumb back which took a bit to heal) 5 times in a row to myself for a minumum of three times. It took around 40 minutes.

It took much longer than it should have because I was in so much pain and too exhausted to move for the ball. Luckily, I finished right when we had to leave and stuff.

Saturday, I tried to do the same thing. Again, it took a while because I was in pain. My dad kept telling me to stop if it hurt that bad, but I wouldn't.

In the end, I was only able to bump 5 times twice. At least the first time I got 6, my record.

I didn't want to do anything to day so my arms wouldn't hurt as bad on Monday. The test.

Even though I'm kinda forced to do a sport and I know I won't make the team, I want to try. So yeah.

Enough of that.

Oh, I'm up to date on Silver Spoon.

I need to catch up on Under the Dome (not an anime) and finish Inuyasha: Final Act, though.

Dedication: Jasmine-.-Momo-chan, TehNicksterBoi, and sora girlfriend.

Fun Fact: I already said it up above, but I did a cheer leading thing when I was younger. Whoever says cheer leading's not a sport is an idiot because it's hard. My sis and I quit because it wasn't our thing. Most of my memories of it were not being flexible enough for anything, really (I never was), Mike&Ike's, and pompoms. That's about it. Oh, and the room we were in. One of those dancing rooms with a wall-length mirror but much smaller.

AotW: I answered that last week. I should've made a question I could answer, too. Or at least add another question.

Recommendations: The chapter's already 5k. The A/N makes it over 6.5k. No. Sorry, guys.

Disclaimer: IDNON.

Read on, loves! 5k words, just for you all!


Chapter 35: Thanksgiving Dinner Part 1


November 25th; Thanksgiving and Sai's birthday


Sasuke POV

"… so, yeah. That's what she wanted me to tell you guys. Be there at six, by the way." I finished saying as I decided to finish my ramen before it got cold. And before a certain someone tries to eat it.

I slapped Naruto's chopsticks away as they tried to near my bowl and steal my ramen.

He pushed his side against me, shoving me with his side.

Ticked, I shoved him back, almost pushing him off the end of the booth we were in.

(By the way, in case you didn't know, Ichiraku's has expanded to have sitting areas inside the restaurant. The stools in the front still remain, however.)

We shoved each other a couple more times when Sakura reached over and flicked Naruto on the forehead, pulling on my ear.

"Stop it, you idiots! I'm getting squished over here!"

I had forgotten she was sitting on my other side, against the wall.

Seating arrangement: Sakura Me Naruto.

On the other side: Sai against the wall Kakashi and our new assistant-sensei-guy, Yamato.

Yamato is training Naruto, as well, apparently. Ever since Naruto came back, he's been teaching Naruto how to control Kurama (the Kyuubi) when he gets rowdy or something, using the necklace-that-holds-more-mysteries-than-it-appears -to that he got from Tsunade.

Well, then again, it was originally her grandfather's, who was married to the first Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki.

Classified info. Only those in the loop know – the Konoha 13, Karin, and the Sand Sibs are part of that loop. For the most part, I guess.

Anyway, he introduced himself the day of the team dinner + Karin. Kakashi dragged the team to meet him at the training grounds after the dinner was over. They knew each other already.

And Sai: He came back yesterday. Enough said there.

Moving on.

"Sorry, Sakura/Sakura-chan." Naruto and I said in unison.

We glared at each other.

At Sakura's sigh, we broke apart. "I forgive you guys, just stop doing that in public. Or as long as I'm around to get caught up in it, okay?"

We nodded.

"So, Mrs. Uchiha wishes to invite us over for Thanksgiving?" Sai asked.

"And a celebration for your birthday as well." I said. "Us, the rest of the Konoha 13, our parents if they wish, Karin, the sensei(1) including Iruka if he wants, the Sand Siblings, and apparently two others –Mother won't tell me who they are—are coming as well. It'll be big." Unfortunately.

I turned to Sakura. "She said that if you wish to bring your parents, they're welcome, too. But she'd like to know soon so she can set up properly."

Sakura's face fell slightly, but quickly went back to her former expression. Now that I think about it, she never talks about her parents… she never explained why she moved out, either…

Clearly, I was suspicious.

And looking around, the others were, too.

"Uh, I don't think they'd come. So it's just me." Alright... we'll talk about it later, then.

"Okaa-san said you could bring your cat, too."

"… Really? Why?"

I shrugged. "I usually can never understand why my mother would do something, so don't ask me."

"Well, okay then. She's very fond of him anyway…"

"My birthday celebration?" Sai questioned.

"Yeah."

"But why?"

"Why not?" Naruto countered.

"I've never had my birthday celebrated before, though…"

"What?!" Naruto exclaimed.

Sai looked down, possibly embarrassed somehow. "In ROOT, we often know our birthdays, or eventually find out from Danzo-sama, but it's not like we do much that day. If we have a good record, we sometimes get extra, more private training with higher-ups and maybe a more flavorful meal, but other than that, nothing is done." I noticed he was always hesitant and careful, almost afraid, when saying Danzo's name now, with the seal gone. Maybe it's a habit he couldn't break or fear of Danzo attacking him or something…

"I'm aware normal people usually hold parties and such, but primarily because it's in our studies."

"What do you mean by 'studies'?" I asked.

Sai took a breath. "Studies about normal people so we can pretend to be one if a time arises. We even have simulation tests to practice for infiltration missions or something like that: there's a room set up, maybe with video games or books or the like, and we're supposed to occupy it like a teenager. Usually, we're given a stereotype, per say, to act out. Sometimes it's the 'silent reader'. Or the 'game geek'. Or the 'sports jock'." Sai explained. "There's more detailed roles to be played, especially between different cultures and countries, but those are just some that are normally done. But I've only done the 'silent reader types', and just a few times. I was more advanced than the others my age and instead went ahead in other types of training instead of that. I've never even fake-played, or really played a video game. Nor have I had an actual 'birthday party'."

No one spoke for a moment.

Note to self: teach this poor soul the wonder of video games.

You make me sound like such a geek.

It doesn't change the fact that video games are awesome.

"It's official." Naruto said, breaking the brief silence that had settled.

"What is?" Yamato asked.

"Three things. 1) We're doin' that party. 2) We're teaching him the wonder of video games," Naruto said. … He said the same thing I did.

Shit. Even if it's just you, my Inner, I don't want to sound like him.

I can understand that sentiment.

"And 3) ROOT's terrible."

Kakashi rolled his eyes. "Careful what you say, kiddo. You never know who's listening."

Naruto shrugged, not really caring.

I sighed. "So, any other questions? About the dinner? And party?"

"Yeah." Sakura piped. "Dress code?"

Naruto scoffed. "Women…" he said under his breath. He sounds like Shikamaru…, I thought.

"Mind kicking him for me?" Sakura whispered into my ear, hearing the blonde's comment.

"My pleasure." I whispered back lowly, rearing my foot back.

"Ow!" Naruto exclaimed when I kicked him. "What was that for?!"

I shrugged. I don't need a particular reason to hit him, really.

"'Cause you're an idiot, Naruto." Sakura explained.

"How is that a reason?!"

"Never said it was."

"Sakura-chan!"

"Anyway," I interjected. "I'd assume something a little dressy. Not real fancy or anything, though. This isn't a dinner with the Hokage or anything. You're among people you know. Does that help? I don't actually know – I'm just assuming." I really don't know, nor do I know how to describe dress codes properly.

I'm a teenage guy. What do you expect?

Sakura tilted her head in thought for a moment. Kinda cute…

Oute-

Shut. Up. Inner.

Poo. *pouts* fine.

"Okay, then." Sakura said after the moment was over, smiling. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

I nodded. "You're welcome."

I almost wanted to smile back, but then I remembered where I was. Idiots. I'm surrounded by the lot of them. Like I'm going to let them see something like that.

… Except Sakura, of course. She's no idiot. She's the only one with sense.

What about Yamato? He seems normal enough.

… I'd need more time to analyze him. But the others are all still morons, though.

Definitely.

You, too.

Hey!

"If we're all done, I think it's time we should go. Te-, Yamato, the tab's all your's-" Kakashi said, trying to scoot Yamato off the booth so he can get out, too.(2)

"Hell no! I'm not letting you make me take care of the bill again!" Yamato was glaring at Kakashi.

"I vote that Kakashi-sensei pays." Sakura said.

"Sakura! You're supposed to be on my side!"

"Says who?"

"Me!"

"Not enough."

"Who would've been enough?"

"Someone that mattered."

"Ouch! Snarky today, aren't ya?"

"I've got a bunch of influences."

"Who are…?"

"Karin, Sasuke-kun, and you, really. Well, there's also Shikamaru and Temari…"

"Shikamaru? What are you doing hanging out with him?" Naruto asked.

I nodded, wondering as well. Since when were they friends?

"What do you mean by that?" Sakura asked, confused.

"Well… it's just-… when did you guys become friends?"

"Well, we talked some in the academy, and since Ino's a constant influence in both of our lives, we ran into each other a lot through her. We ended up talking more, and decided to hang out more. Mostly, we play shogi. Not that I ever win, of course."

"… Really?" Naruto asked.

"Yeah. We smart ones gotta stick together, right? We can't last too long around dense idiots without an inside voice or emotionally-challenged people all the time. We need an intellectual equal. Well, close, at least. Shikamaru's on a whole other level than me… but I can at least talk intelligently with him…"

"You can talk intelligently with me!" Naruto said, pouting.

Everyone else at the table (but Sai) snorted. Yeah, Yamato did, too.

"Please, Dobe. I bet you can't even understand half the words they'd use." I responded.

"… So? You can?"

"Who was the one that graduated 1st in the Academy?"

"Ino was." Sakura said. I gave her a look.

She shrugged. "It's true."

I rolled my eyes. "Alright, 2nd." (3)

"… You." Naruto muttered.

"And who was last?"

"… What is this, Pick on Naruto Day?"

Sakura laughed. "Relax, Naruto. In a couple hours, you get to see Hinata."

"Well, that does make me feel better…" Naruto said. Hopeless, I swear.

You're one to talk.

What?

Exactly my point.

Suddenly I frowned. "I just remembered something…"

"What?" Sai asked.

"… When Mother invited Asuma, she made sure to tell him to bring his nephew and his team…"

"Who is…?" We gave Naruto a look.

"Konohamaru, dumbass. I remembered when Sakura mentioned Hinata, since her younger sister is friends with Konohamaru and his team." How did I know this? It's not that hard to find out honestly. I see them around town.

"You mean the Hanabi that he talks about all the time is…" Naruto trailed off.

"Yeah. Didn't you know?"

"Hanabi's a common name!" He calmed for a minute, then a mischievous smile came upon his face. "So Konohamaru's crushing on Hinata's little sister… Perfect!"

I suddenly felt a bit of pity for Neji. Hinata likes Naruto and then Hanabi likes his Mini Me… He may have to deal with two Naruto's… Then I frowned, the feeling of pity quickly disappearing. But I have to as well. And much more often. Screw Neji, I'd like a break.

You say that, but Naruto's still your best friend anyway.

I didn't reply.

"Oh!" Sakura said, planting her fist in her open palm that is the common symbol of remembering or finally understanding something.

Then, she facepalmed herself. "I'm so stupid. How could I not have figured out that the guy Hanabi liked was Konohamaru? I'm such an idiot."

"Forget that! Wanna set them up?" Naruto said leaning over the table and around me to look at Sakura better. She did the same. I pressed my back against the booth, uncomfortable.

Naruto wants to set somebody up?

"It'd be hilarious!" Oh. That's why.

"I was going for the cute and romantic aspect of it, but that works too! We can talk to Hinata about it – she wants to do this more than anyone. And we also have to do something about Moegi and Udon! Nothing big, though – they're all like, 10, after all."(4)

By the way, Sakura and Moegi have developed a sister-like relationship after Moegi wanted to try medical ninjutsu after hearing about it from Sakura. Sakura's her mentor, now.

Meanwhile, upon request, I train Udon a bit.

Don't think I've gone soft or anything! It's just because he kinda gives me an ego boost!(5)

You of all people don't need an ego boost. You just want to make the kid more confident in himself, admit it.

Maybe…

And for the record, you've already gone soft. A long time ago.

Right… Sakura… and my-…. Friends…

"Yeah! Text me or something!" I heard Sakura's voice say.

"Definitely!"

"Hey!" Kakashi interrupted.

"What?" They asked at the same time.

"Is Yamato going to pay the bill or what?"

Cue sweatdrop.

"You pay it, Kakashi/-sensei/-sempai!" The rest of us all chorused. All of us.

He pouted under his mask. "Jerks."

"Just do it." Yamato said, glaring at Kakashi.

He sighed. "Fine." He took out his wallet. "So how much was it again?"


Later, at the gathering.


Still Sasuke POV

"Shh, everyone, he's coming!" My mom hushed as the rest of the house quieted down.

The more excited and social guests hid behind objects in the house, while the others (mainly the male adults) just went to the dinner table, which could hardly be seen from the front door anyway.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday, Sai/Sai-kun!" Everyone shouted/said as the birthday boy entered the home.

He was as surprised as I'd ever seen him – eyes wide, and he actually froze for a moment, his mouth open slightly.

His girlfriend, Ino, ran up to him and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Happy birthday, Sai-kun!"

He nodded slowly, still taking everything in. "This must be what it's like to be on the receiving end of a 'surprise'... So this is a birthday surprise… I read about these."

Anyone who wasn't used to this by now was confused.

However, Sai continued. "But I liked it. Thank you," he finished, with a ghost of a smile on his face.

My mother smiled. "Come on then, let's head to the table and eat now."

Ino took Sai's hand and led him to the table. "I saved you a seat next to me!" she said.

Once everyone was seated, Mother asked everyone to introduce themselves, so we all knew each other.

It appeared the two mystery guests my mother had invited just so happened to be (or not) the ambiguous girl that Kiba had a crush on and her brother.

Obviously, Tsume planned this.

Everyone else at the party in this seating arrangement:

Mother and father at the head of the table Shisui Mura Me Sakura Karin Naruto Hinata Hanabi Neji Tenten Lee Konohamaru Udon Moegi Hana Kiba Mitsuki (the mystery girl) her brother Shino Chouji Ino Sai Shikamaru Temari Matsuri Gaara Kankuro Hiashi Ko, the Hyuuga sisters' caretaker Shikaku and his wife Chouza and his wife Inoichi and his wife Might Gai Asuma Kurenai Anko (I have no idea why Mother invited her) Tsume Iruka Kakashi Jiraiya (who apparently is the author of the porn books Kakashi reads) Tsunade (our new Hokage as of what, yesterday?) Father, and my mother again.

We added another table, by the way. So we could all fit.

In case you were wondering, with all those people…

Oh, and the pets had an area to eat near the table.

Everyone brought theirs. Including the Inuzukas.

Anyway.

After everyone introduced themselves and we collectively prayed for the food (regardless of who believed or not), Naruto being Naruto couldn't resist a comment about Kiba and Mitsuki.

"Hey, Kiba?" He started innocently enough, passing food around as everyone else did, stopping to put what he wanted on his plate.

"What, Naruto?" Kiba has known Naruto long enough to know that he's going to say something to piss him off.

"Geez, pis-, angry aren't you?" He replied, catching himself from cursing remembering there are refined adults and younger kids in the room. (Hiashi, Hanabi, and Konohamaru's team – the other adults don't give a shit if anyone curses, honestly. Aside from my Mother). "Anyway…"

"What?"

"What does she see in you? She's too damn cute for you. Why you? I'm way hotter– more talented! Cute girls should coincidentally be meeting me, not you, Dog Boy. You get lucky twice! TWICE! First, Hinata, and now her! Really?" We all knew that he was not interested in Mitsuki, and I'm sure she could tell, but he was making a point.

Mitsuki blushed, but laughed behind her hand. Her brother and many others at the table did as well. Many scoffed at some things Naruto said.

I was one of them.

"What?! I'm way more attractive than you! And 'talented' my as-, I mean, butt! You graduated at the bottom of the class! And failed three years in a row!"

"Months ago! But I've gotten stronger!"

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah, really! Just who was it that kicked your as- butt in the Chunin Exams, huh? Who was that? Oh, right. Me! And I'm way stronger now than I was then!"

"You won by the stupidest tactic ever! That shouldn't even count! It wasn't a real fight!"

"It was unplanned, but it worked! And you still lost!"

"I demand a rematch!" Kiba stood, banging his hands on the table.

"Oh? Then let's get one!" Naruto did the same.

"Sit. Down. Both of you." My mother's voice cut in. Her voice was stern, colder, and firm.

Quietly, Kiba and Naruto sat down and began eating again, barely hiding their fear. See? She's an Uchiha alright.

"Um…" Mitsuki started. "If it's alright, may I know what that 'unplanned tactic' in your guys' fight was? Kiba-kun has told me about the fight, but I don't know exactly what caused him to lose…"

Remembering what happened, a couple of us covered their laughs with other noises and by eating.

I however, didn't bother to disguise mine.

And neither did Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji, Temari, and Kankuro. Or Shino. Forgot he was there…

I did too, actually.

At the hurt look on her face, we stopped and Ino tried to reassure her. "No, no, no! We're not laughing at you! We're just laughing because what happened was really funny. And pretty stupid, actually."

"Now that I think about it, I don't know either." Tsume said.

"You don't?" Hana asked, confused. "I do."

"Wait, how do you know?" Kiba asked, ashamed she knew.

"Naruto boasted about it, and it eventually made its way through the Uchihas to me. Meaning, Shisui heard -probably from Sasuke- and told me."

Kiba glared at Naruto. "If it wasn't for that, I would've won," he growled.

"True." Sakura chimed. "But I have a strong feeling that if you fought him now, Naruto would beat you. Not that I'm trying to boost Naruto's ego or anything – Sasuke's is already big enough for the team." I gave her a look. She simply winked at me.

I rolled my eyes.

"Anyway, as I was saying – this is just from a mere analytical point of view. Naruto got stronger pretty fast since then."

Unable to argue, especially remembering that he was strong enough to beat Gaara, Kiba just growled and shoved food in his mouth.

"So….?" Mitsuki trailed off.

Ino jolted, remembering what started the conversation in the first place. She opened her mouth to tell her, but Kiba glared at her harshly. She shut her mouth.

Mitsuki turned to him, looking apologetic. "Kiba-kun, if it really means that much to you, I'll stop asking. Sorry for prying."

Her brother, however, glared at him. It was basically a "you-made-her-sad-you-asshole-you-deserve-to-die" stare.

I don't know if Kiba noticed, but he shook his head at her. "Nah, it's nothing like that! It's just-… embarrassing…"

He turned away from her, his face reddening.

"Oh…" Mitsuki said, understanding.

Ino perked up! "You know what? I have a brilliant idea!"

"What is i- wait!" Shisui interrupted. He stopped and took a bite of the (Western) cornbread on his plate.

He closed his eyes, observing the taste for a minute. "Mom… you didn't cook this, did you?"

"What?" I said, taking a bite myself.

He's right…

It tasted delicious, but it wasn't my mother's cooking.

Chouji took a bite, too. "You're right… I don't know your mother's cooking well, but this is different than the other stuff she cooked. It's not hers."

Well. I guess Chouji's got a sensitive pallet to go along with that huge appetite of his…

Apparently. It fits, I guess.

"It's not." My mother said, shaking her head.

Sakura perked up. "I know this cooking!"

She looked to Karin. "It's Tsubasa-san's!" they chorused together.

"That neighbor of yours?" Naruto asked confused. The girls nodded.

"Tsubasa-kun is in my cooking club. I asked if he could cook something Western for today and he gave me the cornbread. I didn't know he was your neighbor, though." She said with a smile. "What a small world!"(6)

Sakura and Karin nodded, and soon we broke off into our own little conversations with each other.

The adults talked about politics; Naruto, Kiba, and Kankuro argued about who was better-looking and stronger; Karin, Temari, and Shikamaru, surprisingly were talking about strategy. I couldn't hear what Mitsuki, Mura, and Hinata were talking about. Konohamaru, his team, and Hanabi were talking about some anime or whatever. Matsuri and Gaara were talking to each other. The rest of our agemates were talking to each other.

I talked to Sakura about food for whatever reason, and eventually we somehow got to strategic formations in fighting. We are ninja after all.

But the whole time, in the back of my mind, I remembered the talks I had with the other guys. That the girls, and Sai, it seemed, were hiding something big from us – related to the dreams we've all been having.

I've already told you mine.

And Sakura is pretty suspicious herself – probably more than I'd be willing to admit. With my feelings for her and all…

Ahem.

Over the past few days, I've seen her train alone (or with Sai since yesterday) when I passed by the Training Grounds. And she said she was training alone - but she hasn't mentioned Sai, nor what kind of things she'd be practicing.

She was using techniques I'd never seen before – or at least Sai was, from what I saw.

Sakura was more of a taijutsu person, and usually used genjutsu as opposed to ninjutsu more often. But what I saw was more advanced than Sakura should've been. Techniques I've never seen before.

The most shocking part? Her strength – she made the earth shake and crumple beneath her fist, foot, or whatever body part that made contact.

I mean, during the Invasion she fought better than I would've thought, but I just attributed to private practice. But I didn't expect this!

Judging by her/their (again, when Sai was around) dialogue, her (their) strength was "slowly returning and awakening again". What did that mean?

I have only one, maybe two, fuzzy images of Sakura's strength from my dreams, but she had a seal on her forehead then… much like Tsunade's.

I thought at first Tsunade's was some religious marking, birthmark, tattoo - anything but a seal of any kind.

But I was wrong. So now Sakura had one? And she's strong?

Those specific dreams seemed to be from the War that we keep seeing, so it's more… "recent", as we assume the War to be.

Shikamaru did some research on Tsunade (and Naruto told us what he knew) we learned that she is famous for being the best medic in the world, and her physical strength. Her status as the First's granddaughter hardly accounts to her individual fame.

The more we learn about Tsunade, the more similarities and parallels, we see between her and Sakura as time passes.

Tsunade has also taken her, Ino, Karin, and Hinata as her apprentices – but it's clear to everyone Sakura is the main apprentice. Not that the others seem to mind, honestly.

So, in conclusion, Sakura's suspicious. I don't want to think about the others.

But what I really wanted to know was… Why must she [they] keep it from us so diligently?

I was hurt, I'll admit, that she was keeping something like that from us. From me.

Back to the present…

Eventually, whilst talking and eating, the adults all ended up together at one end of the table, and us teens were all together as well, pre-occupied with each other.

It was fun – everyone joked with each other, got to know each other better, even with the adults.

Minus Hiashi – that guy just seems to be a genuine jerk.

Soon though, (it was actually a couple hours since the start of the dinner, but it felt shorter) it was time to celebrate Sai's birthday.

A cake -revealed to be made secretly by Ino, Matsuri,(7) Mother, and that Tsubasa guy- was brought out. Vanilla icing and vanilla-chocolate marble on the inside. (8) Less sugar than usual, too. Even small little cupcakes that were strictly vanilla with either vanilla or chocolate icing, or chocolate with vanilla or chocolate icing for those that couldn't stand Marble for whatever reason.(9)

One of those people is my mother: I knew she hated chocolate in wheat products like cake and cupcakes, even just marble. So made sure there was something she or anybody else could eat if they were like her. She'd feel bad if she couldn't eat Sai's birthday treats.

Anyway, Sai turned out to like the cake a lot, and his girlfriend fed him the first slice. Ugh, thank God it was by hand. I've seen it done by the mouth, and it's not something I'd like to witness between those two.

The rest of us enjoyed the cake and cupcakes as well.

Then, came the presents.

We decided -"we" as in the generation I'm a part of- to collectively give him presents. He was difficult to find gifts for, so we decided we were better off doing it together.

As a whole, we gave him quality, expensive, art canvases, chalks, pencils, paper, sketch books, paint, drawing charcoal, and other art supplies.

Even Inoichi got him something – he set him up a membership to the Konoha Art Studio that he could accept or terminate at any point in time, as well as a premium membership with a couple of the local art stores. Best part is - member information to both are completely private. Only the ones handling the memberships and the members themselves know. Not even the Hokage -unless in VERY special circumstances- could just look at the lists whenever they want. I don't know why it's this way -it's not like artists are famous violence victims, really- but it protects Sai from Danzo.

For a hasty gift, it was a great one. The poor guy didn't know it was his birthday until this morning, but he did well anyway.

Sai accepted them all. Quite eagerly, actually. He was as happy as I'd ever seen him; a child-like grin on his face, his eyes bright and shining, practically jumping in his seat on the couch (where we moved for present-opening) and seemingly unable to sit still.

"Wha-, what is this feeling?" He asked, still hyper. Never thought we'd connect Sai and "hyper" in the same sentence...

Neither did I.

"Excitement. Euphoria. Glee. You're happy, Sai-kun." Sakura explained with a warm smile on her face.

I would've felt jealous had I not known about Sakura's purely platonic feelings toward Sai. Not. A. Word, Inner.

… Fine.

"I've only felt like this with Beautiful, but that is different… but I like these feelings." His eyes brightened even more and he turned excitedly to where Ino, Sakura, and Mikoto were – those that were sweet, caring, and/or motherly to him.

Though my mother had scarcely known Sai, she treated him kindly and lovingly like he was her own son. She's just kind that way.

"May I feel like this more often?" Mikoto's eyes furrowed in confusion.(10)

"Why are you asking, Sai?"

Sai calmed down slightly. "In ROOT, there were scarcely happy times. Most of us were emotionally numb, so we couldn't feel euphoria anyway. I was lucky to have had someone like my brother… Days were just bland and routine there. A… 'splash' of color and something we could consider good that happened was incredibly rare, usually on a certain birthday or when we pass the final exam. They came only when we were acting perfectly, and when… Danzo-sama chose to reward us. It was by his, almost, permission that we felt something different…"

"So you're asking me almost out of habit, but still genuinely asking for my permission?" My mother asked sadly.

He nodded. "Feeling happy is something you have a say in now, Sai-kun. You can make yourself feel happy now…" Sakura said, saddening now, too.

It truly was sad how something so basic for humans, seeking happiness, was something so foreign to our friend.

"Happiness is more than a human right!" "It's something humans have to feel!" "What kind of organization…" were some things said by some of the others that didn't know as much about Sai.

The adults stared at him, analytically but also quite sadly.

But I'm sure we were all suddenly grateful for the emotions and brain synapses that we took for granted that people like Sai are only just discovering, if they ever did.

In the back of my mind, I wondered how the brains of ROOT members worked. Emotions are also synapses in the brain or something like that, right? So without those firing and feeling them, how would the brain function? It would be different, wouldn't it? Would something be "wrong" with it? Would they be more susceptible to tumors, brain damage, and heart attacks because the heart rate is also greatly connected to what we feel?

I would think that'd be a bad move to have emotionless soldiers, in one logical way. If all of my guesses were true, then their life expectancy would be much lower right? Sure, you may want soldiers that will do whatever you tell them, but what good would it be if they all died sooner?

If that's true, Danzo could just replace them easily… he has more than enough, I'm sure.

It's a sad thought.

I'm sure the lower-life-expectancy thing is wrong, but the fact that ROOT brains work slightly differently and could affect their health has to be at least partially right.

What would've happened to Sai if he had never met Sakura? And met everyone else through her?

I came back to the real world when my mother hugged Sai. "Humans seek happiness… it's just what we do, and want, and need. Everyone needs happiness… it balances out the bad parts and makes the life we live worth it. You have every right to seek it, too, Dear. Chase it to your heart's content. Please..."

My mother let tears trail down her face, and held onto Sai who hugged her back.

He was calm now, but he didn't have the blank expression it normally did. "Thank you… I've never had a mother before. Is this what it's like? So warm…"

The other women wrapped their arms around Sai as well, unable to bear not holding him any longer. Even a Anko put a hand to his head, rubbing it softly.

"Yeah." Temari said, choking. "That's what it's like." That's right… their mother died when Gaara was born. She's probably the only one that remembers her clearly...

"What it should be like." Sakura added, surprisingly in unison with Mitsuki. My gaze lingered on Sakura longer than Mitsuki, whose hand was encased by Kiba, the other by her brother.

Sakura?

"Should?" Sai was confused. "Do you mean…"

"Yes, 'hon. Some parents don't love their children," Mrs. Yamanaka forced out of her tightening throat.

The moment was obviously hard for the fathers and other adult males in the room.

They averted their eyes, unable to look for too long at the painfully, but sadly ignorant boy who just beginning to know love of all kinds.

… What? Did I just think that?!

Told you you could be poetic. Where do you think I get it?

... Anyway.

Similar to Sai in his ignorance of love, Gaara was dragged into the Circle of Love as well, albeit cautiously because we're not quite sure of his mental state.

He looked annoyed at first, but after a look from Matsuri and a hug from both her and his sister, he relented.

We couldn't bear the tenseness in the room anymore, so soon the mothers broke apart from two boys., we decided to finish up the Thanksgiving Dinner.

We went back to the dinner table.

"… So, seriously. How'd Kiba-kun lose the fight again?" Mitsuki asked, breaking the ice.

"Mitsu!" He whined. She giggled and stuck her tongue out at him. His face fell.

Almost everyone laughed, (you know, except us stoic people) the tension gone.


(1): The plural for "sensei" isn't "senseiS". It's still "sensei". This is Japanese, not English, so rules like that don't apply. I believe I've explained stuff like this before.
(2): As you may have noticed, Kakashi almost said Tenzo instead of Yamato. If you didn't know, in canon, the two have known each other for a while, from when Kakashi was in the ANBU Black Ops. Kakashi slips because he forgot Yamato's new name is Yamato, not Tenzo like it used to be.
(3): True. Sasuke had like, a C in "Cooperation" and something else in the Academy for obvious reasons. Because of that, Ino was graduated with the best grades instead of him.
(4): They should actually be about 9, but I wanted them just a bit older. And I said earlier in the story that Hanabi was "almost 10", too. Though that's wrong because it was the summer when I showed her and her birthday is the day before Sakura's. Seriously. Her birthday's a while away. So, the coming March, instead of turning 10, she's turning ELEVEN. Got it? Konohomaru's turning 11 as well this winter - his birthday's Christmas Eve, if I remember right.
(5):
If you remember, in Part 1, Udon idolized Sasuke because of his coolness. I took that and created what you read. I thought it'd be cute, and I couldn't leave Udon alone. You're welcome.
(6):
I thought it'd fit her and it was a super motherly thing to say. Can't you picture that?
(7):
If you remember, I think I kept it in here, Matsuri makes cookies for the Sand Sibs. So in this story, she's a writing-hopeless-romantic-that-also-bakes. Did you guys remember the stuff she's writing, too?
(8):
It's the cake with vanilla and chocolate swirls in it. If you still don't understand, look it up.
(9): I'm one of those people. I can't stand chocolate in wheat products - it's effing nasty. I only eat vanilla. I think I'm cool with red velvet, though... not sure...it up.
(10): That scene brought a couple tears to my eyes just WRITING it, and I had Suzanne Ciani's "Silver Ship" in the background (I had Pandora playing). That song didn't exactly change the mood and stop me from forming a tear or two. Just saying.

That Chouji-having-a-sensitive-sense-of-taste-thing is something I made up. I thought it'd be interesting.

I only added Gaara in that one scene when I edited it when posting. It's not even like that on my Word Document. I should change it there, too.

Don't forget the Christmas ideas!

QotW: What do you think of FMA and/or, FMAB? Have you seen them? Either of them? If you haven't, what do you think of them? Are you planning on watching either?

The question is mostly because I can always go on a FMAB clip spree and look for English clips of it... yet for some reason I can't finish FMA or do my homework. I'm terrible.

Love,

Cherry.