DISCLAIMER:
I do not own Naruto. Only the setting, situations and other atrocities of this fic. So kiddies, no suing!
Thanks to the reviewers:
Majia, Jennjennr, Drackial, Itachi's poison, Krazee-reader, Monkei-man, Noji, XxaoshixX, Inya's wife, EnV, ninjaxbunny,blonde hurricane, Leiral, sakura13pisces, silver fox trot, despoina, freesia and an anonymous reviewer who forgot to leave a name
The final pairing is about to be decided. Kindly leave your votes. Options are:
Neji Hyuuga
Sasuke Uchiha
A third character in the series that I refuse to name yet (nope, not kiba)(meaning you don't want Sakura to end up with either Neji or Sasuke)
I cant promise that whomever has the most votes will end up with Saku-chan however, I may be swayed by the votes and I just want to hear who (as if the other reviewers aren't practically shouting Neji! in my ear…) you guys want with her.
Something Wonderful
ACT 1
"Proceed…"
A man was sitting on a maroon leather chair, back resting on the seat while his hands shuffled the papers in front of him, silver eyes scanning each page with quick darting movements.
"Her name is Sakura Haruno, eighteen years of age and works for the theater performance troupe, Eros et Thanatos as the belladonna or lead female actress/singer. Most of the haute ton knows this information already. Also the fact that she used to be Captain Kiba Inuzuka's favored female companion and some go as far to say that she was his mistress."
A nod was the only sign of affirmation the investigator received and if he was not so used to his behavior, he would have considered that the aristocrat wasn't listening.
"However, he has left her for another woman, Baron Inoshi's only child, Lady Ino. It was found out that through his lordship's influence on the government as well as the other aristocrats, the Captain was promised a position of a high government official should he agree to marry the heiress. The Baron is old and the only way he can ensure that the family fortune does not pass on to one of his distant relatives is if Lady Ino marries."
An almost non-existent scowl appeared on the duke's face, disgust over the fact that a man would go such an extent to achieve political power.
"How about her background?"
Shikamaru Nara, one of the most renowned private investigators opened his attaché case and took out a folder which he handed to the duke.
"She was born in the country of Kiri to Takenori Haruno, a wealthy businessman who owns vineyards and plantations in the west of Kiri and Nadeshico Kaji."
An eyebrow was raised at the statement.
"Nadeshico Kaji, the disowned daughter of Count Keisuke Kaji. That will explain why Miss Sakura is living in the apartment of the governess, Lady Tsunade Kaji, who actually happens to be her grandmother."
"And her finances."
"As you have expected my lord, all to your advantage."
A small amused smirk was on his lordship's face and the investigator couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in reply. He took out a pen and proceeded to sign three papers, after which he handed to the man in front of him.
"Neji, are you sure about this. Frankly, I think it would be nothing but a pain and you know how women are, troublesome.."
Now that the business transaction was over, he was finally able to drop the act of speaking to a monarch. Normally, anyone who dared to use the duke's given name without the proper respect that his lofty title demanded was treated as if he committed a serious act of blasphemy. However, a few select people were able to do so, his family and some of his few friends which included Shikamaru.
"You're married, Shikamaru. Besides, it will be worth it, I'm sure.."
Shikamaru placed his chin on his palm, thinking of how to dissuade his friend's plan.
"I don't think she'll agree to it, I've met her and while others probably don't notice, she isn't the submissive type. And I don't think she'll appreciate what you did either.."
A smirk of pure unconcealed male smugness appeared on Neji's face, like a man who was already sure of a victory.
"The little hellion will submit to me. After all, Shikamaru, she doesn't have a choice."
It was two weeks since she had met the haughty aristocrat, and ever since then he had made himself scarce, not even showing his shadow to her. Not that she cared; she really couldn't care less if she never saw her again. There were more pressing matters at hand.
In her hand lay a crumpled piece of parchment, the ink stained due to the sweat of her palms but most of the smudges could be attributed to the large drops of salty tears which plopped onto the paper as she read a while ago. Tears of frustration, anger, disappointment, hopelessness, she couldn't decipher which was the most potent. And now, of all times, when she was so damn near accomplishing her goal.
Damn it all.
She could lock herself in her apartment and entertain herself with the dozens of wine bottles her grandmother haphazardly left lying around. However, she already had a commitment for today and not holding onto her promise left a bitter taste at her mouth.
After taking a deep relaxing breath she stood up, and headed towards the bed where her ensemble for today was waiting. An actress shall never break down. A false smile graced her lips and she proceeded to prepare herself for the day's activity.
After a few hours, she had found herself magically at the balcony of one of the largest churches in Konoha. All of her co-performers were already there, going over the voicing of the song they were supposed to sing. She heard someone sigh when she allowed herself to be sighted.
"I almost thought you would not show up. Is there something amiss, dear? You haven't been yourself lately."
Tenten looked at her in worry; somehow she was able to sense her disarray for the past few days. She was nearly as keen as she was and the fact that they had known each other since she was fifteen wasn't making her deception easier.
"If you weren't feeling all right, lovely cherry blossom, I shall be happy to escort you home, that I swear in the name of the light of the undying flame of my youth. Well that is if Tenten agrees, but she will I'm sure! Her kind-"
"Stop it Lee, you're going to scare the guests."
Tenten glared at the man clad in a green suit, from the coat he wore, the bow tie, the pants and even the shirt he wore. If it weren't fall season, he'd be mistaken for a tree who forgot to shed its leaves like the others. A tree with a shiny mop of hair. But he meant well, and remained a loyal friend to the belladonna even if she did not reciprocate his feelings. The fact that Tenten captured his heart was also worth mentioning.
A soft smile that reached emerald eyes diminished their worries. It seems like Sakura was indeed worthy of her position as the lead, for she can even mask her emotions in front of her co-actors who knew her for the last three years.
"Do not worry yourselves over me. I'm just awfully tired, that's all. Is she here yet?"
"I haven't seen her yet but the lord chancellor, Sir Asuma has been fidgeting since the previous hour."
And sure enough she saw the man, looking calm at the surface but destroying the image by clutching the edge of his coat rather nervously. She grinned to herself when she imagined what the woman they were anticipating for would do when she finds out how the man has been behaving. There was no doubt who had the reins in their relationship, unusual as it may sound, for women not only in Konoha but in the whole world had only two purposes, as others have bluntly put it. To entertain and to obey.
The conversations in the hall soon dropped into whispers and then were reduced to silence. Below the balcony, a man raised his hand to signal to the pianist, none other than Lee. With a quick nod to the singers who went to their proper places with Sakura taking the place of soprano and Shino taking the place of tenor.
The pink haired woman closed her eyes and stilled the rapid breathing of her heart. She looked the other members of the troupe and at the man standing opposite her. The doors opened and with dexterous fingers, Lee started playing the piano, the soft haunting notes bouncing on the walls of the church.
'Show time..'
After taking a deep breath, pink lips parted and began her melodious song..
I pray you'll be alright
and watch us where we go
and tell us to be right
in times when we don't know
let this be our prayer
as we go our way
lead us to a place
guide us with your grace
to our place where we'll be safe
A woman dressed in a snowy white gown, with long ebony hair kept together by two pearl clips while the rest flowed freely to her back was making her way slowly towards the altar. A white translucent veil covered her face making her look demure and more feminine, but did not conceal the pure look of bliss she had on her scarlet eyes and the heartfelt smile that was upon her thin lips. The audience was captivated by her beauty, some had tears in their eyes and the other women sighed dreamily.
The former belladonna of the renowned troupe, Eros et Thanatos was getting married.
Kurenai Yuuhi.
Sakura felt sincerely happy for the first time since morning and couldn't help but smile as she sung each note with fervor. Her older sister, as she had called her, was getting married to her first and last beau of five years. Even if her dream of a lovely wedding such as this did not come true and probably won't come true in the foreseeable future, she was genuinely happy for Kurenai. That being the case, she couldn't refuse when she asked her to sing during the wedding. Even if she knew a certain someone was going to show up.
'Probably with the bimbo too.. Speaking of the devil..'
Her eyes came to rest at a pair of deep brown, gazing at her intensely and a pair of cobalt blue eyes which looked at her in their familiar taunting manner. She swallowed down the feelings that threatened to rise to the surface.
I pray we'll find your light
And hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night
Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day
'Don't even think of them! Think of Miss Kurenai, she'd be disappointed if you fail her! Concentrate!'
A masculine voice joined hers and blended so harmoniously it seemed that there was only a sole person singing. The other members of the troupe hummed and some sang the second voice of the song. All in all the effect was like a choir of angels serenading and rejoicing at the blessed union of two mortals.
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace so we'll be safe
'What if you were the one down there, with Kiba by your side?'
We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find another soul to love
'Not happening Sakura.. Not happening at all..'
She noticed that the blushing bride was near the altar, near the waiting hand of her groom. Soft sighs of admiration and awe filled the church as she raised her hand to lay on top of his.
Let this be our prayer, just like every child
Who needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
And as the last notes vibrated, the couple joined hands and faced the priest, to speak their vows and be bound together for eternity, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, and till death do them part.
"Excellent job as always, Cerise.."
Just like at the party, she wasn't able to hear Tenten's words of praise as she was hypnotized by the pair of pearl eyes that were locked with her own orbs.
It was his grace.
He smirked at her and nodded in mock salute. She blushed but covered her mistake with a raised eyebrow and the frown that was etched on her face. She broke their contact and ignored him for the rest of the ceremony.
'No use avoiding me Cerise. Later, you'll be mine later…'
The wedding banquet was held in the garden of the home of the lord chancellor. Food and wine was abundant and the guests rejoiced, talking loudly to one another. The bride and groom made their way in the crowd, greeting their guests and thanking them for attending the ceremony.
"Sakura!"
The lively bride headed for the cotton candy haired woman who sat in the same table with her co-performers. She stood up and met the former belladonna halfway, spreading her arms for an embrace.
"I heard you were not feeling well dear! It's a good thing you still sang for the wedding, I wouldn't know what to do without you!"
"It was nothing, Madame Kurenai, nothing on earth could have stopped me from attending your wedding!"
'Even if my dream was destroyed moments ago, I still would have come. I owe it to you..'
Sakura beamed at Kurenai who had her husband in tow. He nodded at her and she returned it with a smile.
"There is someone looking for you, Sakura."
Asuma's eyes became serious and before he could say anything, a figure appeared beside Sakura.
"Congratulations on your wedding, Sarutobi, Madame Kurenai..."
All eyes turned toward the speaker and Sakura felt her heart nearly stop. He didn't even bother to look at her and instead shook hands with Asuma who looked every bit serious.
"Thank you your grace. I believe I should congratulate you as well, I have heard you've made the most profits in this term, topping even Uchiha's."
An unmistakable smirk now graced his features as he was obviously pleased by the remark. He turned his head towards the woman beside him who hadn't spoken a word since his appearance.
"I believe I have introduced you to my wife before, Lord Neji. The woman beside you is Miss Sakura Haruno, but I think you've heard of her, she's the new lead of their troupe."
The smirk was still there and even grew wider when he took her cold hand in his and softly bestowed a kiss at the back of her hand, his eyes staying locked on hers.
"We've already met. Haven't we, Sakura."
Whatever surprise she would have shown, she hid it and smiled politely in return. She looked at their joined hands and he seemed not to get the hint and still held on to it.
'How dare he address me like that! We're not even friends!'
'Yes, but you almost let him kiss you remember!'
"I believe you said you were not feeling well. I will be happy to give you a ride home, for it is on the way of a business meeting I have to attend. I'm terribly sorry I cannot stay long enough, Sarutobi."
'What the hell does he think he's doing! Remember his proposal! You need it now more than ever! You might even get everything back! For mother's sake, you have to do this!'
All eyes turned to her in confusion and she gave them an apologetic smile.
"His grace is right, I have been feeling a bit dizzy since this morning and maybe a nice rest at home will remedy it. Forgive me, Madame Kurenai.."
"Oh dear, as much as I want to accompany you I cannot. Just take care of yourself. Thank you very much for helping her, your grace."
She gave Sakura a soft kiss on the cheek but her scarlet eyes twinkled with something the pink haired woman couldn't grasp at all.
"I will come visit you, Madame Kurenai, Lord Sarutobi. I wish you well.."
"Take care of yourself, Sakura. Good day to you, your grace."
After exchanging her goodbyes with an even more worried Tenten and an over theatrical Lee, the couple managed to get out of the estate. They were seated facing each other on the duke's coach, neither speaking a word.
"What is it that you wish to propose, my lord?"
Voice devoid of any emotion, smooth, without inflection.
He looked at her like a predator would do to its prey, looking like he knew something she didn't.
'I don't like that look! This is stupid, Sakura! What if he decides to do something.. something, terrible!'
'Get your mind out of the gutter Sakura! He's a duke, he wouldn't do that to someone like us! Get a hold of yourself!'
She showed no signs of her inner conflict, no emotions were visible on her face. And she almost did, when a deep husky baritone voice spoke.
"You'll know soon enough, my dear cherry blossom.."
"Oi, Sarutobi, where is she? I saw her a while ago, where did she go?"
A hyperactive blonde man was pouting like he had been a little boy refused to be given sweets. Beside him was his shy wife, smiling apologetically at the lord chancellor and a man who wasn't paying attention to the cacophony in front of him.
"She was feeling ill, Lord Uzumaki. His grace took her home."
An ebony brow rose, interest aroused by the situation.
"His grace?"
"Yes my lord. His grace, Neji Hyuuga took her home."
"Neji? As in cousin of Hinata, rake who refuses to get seriously involved with a girl willingly took a girl home because she's sick?"
"Er.."
Sarutobi couldn't answer the blonde's question without offending anyone and his wife's voice calling him was an excellent and graceful excuse to get himself out of the situation. He gave an apologetic nod before disappearing in the sea of guests.
"Bah! I haven't even started doing anything and boom! It's all up in smoke! She was really pretty and nice too, bastard. Oh well, we can still look for another woman for you.."
Sunshine spilled on ebony hair locks of the tall handsome man. He was smirking to himself, seemingly interested in something which was rare. Only two things in this world could rouse his interest.
"Oi, Sasuke are you even listening?"
One look at the smirk plastered on the porcelain man's face was all it took for him to understand what the other is planning.
"Don't tell me you're planning to.. Come on Sasuke, we're turning twenty eight next year, can't you and Neji just let it go? We aren't little kids anymore."
He was whining now but still he was being ignored.
"What was her name again?"
Hinata, noticing that her husband will not answer spoke softly.
"Her name is Sakura. Sakura Haruno."
'Hmph.. we'll see Neji.. we'll see..'
To be continued..
Author's notes:
Hahaha, another chapter done! This story is my first priority now! So how was it?
Was it good? Bad? Needs improvement? Personally I wasn't super happy about the chapter but well, this is what I could come up with, blame the clinical instructors, the stupid reports and the whole curriculum.
I'm trying not to reveal too much about he plot yet, so I'm giving everything in bits and pieces. And I really do not want to rush things..
Spelling, grammar and other bloopers? Tell me!
Review ne?
PREVIEW
NEXT CHAPTER..
"Even if I have not given you the details, do you remember what I have proposed to you at the night of Uzumaki's birthday?"
"You mean our first meeting? To quote you, your grace, unless you want to continue with your career I highly suggest you consider what I will propose ?"
"Your memory is not as bad, as I have first thought. Although, it was not the first time we've met."
"I beg you pardon? It was, my lord. I do not recall ever meeting you before."
"Perhaps we shall talk about that later. For now, we proceed with business. Listen carefully…"
