Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Ino is staring at Sasuke.
Sakura really wants to punch Ino for wearing that much make up. Hasn't anyone taught her less is more?
Sasuke looks incredibly uncomfortable and Sakura knows that it's not only because Ino's staring at him but because they gave him anmitsu and—
Sasuke hates sweets.
Sakura wants to roll her eyes at the obliviousness of this family.
Which is ironic because, honestly? Aren't they supposed to be some of the most vigilant in the village?
"So, Akiko-san what is it that you do?" Ino's mother asks as she helps herself to some leftover dango.
"What do you doYamanaka-san?" Sakura asks, jutting out her jaw.
Naruto tugs on the end of her ponytail but Sakura ignores him.
She won't let this privileged family look down on them for doing the best they can at surviving.
"I run a flower shop, Sakura-chan." Ino's mother answers politely, taking a sip of tepid tea.
Her brown eyes settle back onto Akiko-sama and Sakura really wants her to leave her Lady alone.
Akiko-sama smiles softly and tucks a loose strand of chestnut hair behind her ear. "I am an entertainer."
The table is silent for a moment and Sakura's nails are digging into her palms and she can feel Ino's judging stare from across the table and she really wants to punch her nose again.
Maybe this time she would break it and Ino would be ugly forever.
"So like a who—"Ino starts.
"Akiko-sama is a lady." Sakura bites out and Sasuke gives her a concerned (as much as face will let him) look, "So if you would respect her, that would please me greatly."
Ino looks a bit disgruntled but at Sakura's fierce glare, she backs down.
"Which Okiya do you work at?" Inoichi asks politely, smiling at Akiko.
"The one near the Moving Market."
Sakura winces at the oppressive silence and she knows it's because Akiko has named the worst Okiya to ever visit. Everyone knows how sometimes the girls just…disappear or come out wearing scores of bruises every now and then.
Sakura bows her head as well—she's seen Akiko-sama's scars when a customer gets too…rough.
"What type of flowers do you sell?"
Sakura looks over to Sasuke who is clenching his fists and a constipated expression overtakes his face at the question he asks but—
In this moment, Sakura has never been more grateful to him.
Ino brightens up and begins babbling about sunflowers and lilacs and cosmos.
Sakura slides her hand under the table and grips Sasuke's ice-cold fingers.
"Thank you." She whispers.
"Aa."
And she knows it means anytime.
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