Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters in it.

XIV.

The whole week was a downright torment. Jakushi spent most of her time in the hospital and often returned home only to spend the night there. There was a sharp rise in the patients lately as well as insufficiency of the staff. Many of her colleagues took days off because of the upcoming Rinne Festival.

Due to the fact that her family stopped celebrating all kinds of holidays since her mother died, she decided it was best that she helped at the hospital instead of wasting her time. Her long-time and flawlessly working cure for storming thoughts was to work without rest. It truly did work, in a way. But even if it distracted, she couldn't escape Itachi's words. He was absolutely right, of course.

After she stopped paying attention and angering herself over the fact that everyone else around her displayed their affections freely and for her, there was a restriction, she realized that to be pointed at and to be doubted in just because she was near him was going to be tough.

If it had to be seen realistically, she barely knew him. All that she had was an idea, a concept, gathered together fragments of tales, memories and a bit of a personal experience. Which was not much. And that compassion, seeping through her heart grew bigger with every thought she had of him. She couldn't even recognize her feelings anymore. Compassion didn't look that way, did it?

What she had in her heart was far too strong, too warm and it maddened her like nothing else she had felt before. His presence strangely reminded her of the excitement one received when reading a favorite book or being in a favorite place. It was that childish, unexplainable joy that warmed you up like a hot chocolate in winter.

Caught in the subject, her mind wandered for hours, searching for a logical fact that cleared up the mess in her head but she found none. The real challenge had not begun yet. No answer, no hint came to her for the right decision. Did she have to listen to him? Surely. Did she want to? Not quite.

How was she to refuse that feeling he gave her when they were close? It was like the whole world stopped. The light thrill. The pressure. The fast beating of their hearts. It didn't feel like a game, it was a battlefield. And everything lit up just from just a single touch. Truth was, she wasn't sure if she missed him or the wholesome transformation of her body and soul he triggered within her.

Only one week passed and all these thoughts already drove her crazy.

Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto finally returned, at the end of the week and just when the shift was at its end too, Sakura dashed in the locker-room, her expression suggesting she had a tiresome search for her friend through the whole hospital.

"Jakushi, you come with me."

"What am I supposed to answer to that?" Jakushi raised a brow, still putting off her white overall.

"Don't answer. Get your things and follow me. We have to buy presents and decorations. And food. And umeboshi." Sakura was so determined that it was comical.

Jakushi shook her head.

They left the hospital and started buying the needed things Sakura had on a list, one by one. She had everything written, including the presents. Except for one present in particular. When it came to that, her enthusiasm mysteriously vanished and she drooped as quickly as she became happy at Jakushi's... cooperation.

"Please, help me." Sakura moaned.

"How do you expect me to help you when you're the only person he ever talks to?" Jakushi narrowed eyes, barely hiding her amusement. "Don't ask me for advice. I'm not as good with the presents as you think."

"Help." Sakura continued as if she hadn't heard her.

"Why don't you give him something personal?"

"Personal?" Sakura blushed right away.

Jakushi sighed with exasperation.

"Sakura, please."

"Fine.."

Sakura wrinkled, her eyes pinned on the ground.

"Tell me something only you know about him." Jakushi took pity on her and kept on with the conversation, whereat Sakura raised her eyes to her.

"I don't know. Only I..." Sakura pondered for a moment and then smiled. "It doesn't help me, though. Actually, I've got another idea. Won't be much but it works for me."

Jakushi looked at her in expectancy.

"Thank you for trying to help me. I've handled the situation." Sakura announced, proud of herself.

"Won't you tell me what ran through your mind just now?" Jakushi had always known that curiosity will kill her one day but she couldn't just leave that subtle smile on Sakura's face.

"Tell you what ran through my mind? Nothing." Sakura assured her absently.

"Sakura."

"Alright. Good. If I tell you, will you leave me alone?" Sakura's cheeks were in a darker shade of pink again.

Jakushi acquired her most innocent look.

"Sasuke is left-handed," Sakura spoke quietly. "I wouldn't have known if he didn't mention a few curses in Naruto's way. Remember when they almost killed each other?"

Jakushi nodded.

"Well... Rasengan and Chidori in their full glory. Both have used their strong hands, both lost them in pure madness."

"Interesting. I had no idea about this." Jakushi gave a half-smile. "He's always been equally strong with both hands."

"Whatever." Sakura sighed. "By the way, he's against that party."

Jakushi laughed.

"Itachi said he'll make him have fun." She shook her head. "I really don't see that happening since they're both a tragedy."

"They were silent the whole morning today because yesterday Itachi stated that he wants no presents. And Sasuke refused to listen. I think they're mad at each other now. I think they'll actually be mad at each other until the end of the year. And you don't know how scary it is to be between two angered individuals who have a genetic affinity for fire natured chakra."

"I'm almost sure they're not mad at each other already. Itachi can be in no way mad at his brother more than an hour." Jakushi bit her lip, remembering the rather different relationship between her and her brother.

The girls stopped for a moment in front of Yamanaka's shop. Sakura had the habit of visiting Ino's mother often and make her company whenever she could. After Inoichi's death, Ino's mother spent most of her hours in the flower shop instead of home and Sakura wished to cheer her up somehow by bringing her something small or just greeting her.

Sakura waved at her through the glass with a wide smile.

"Just a second."

She entered quickly and after a minute left with another smile and a small flowerpot in her hand.

"That's a Winter Jasmine. Mother wanted to have one in the garden for so long." Sakura cast a final glance through the glass. "And she looked so lonely in that empty shop. Wonder if her home's reminding her of Inoichi too much."

"It probably does."

"Ino said they were doing fine but I know her well enough. They both suffer, Ino's just better at hiding it than her mother. At least she's got Sai to distract her now."

"And flowers are not on the market during the winter." Jakushi sighed. "Her mother definitely needs some cheer up."

Buying presents was and has always been a slow and painful process. What a relief, Jakushi thought, that she already bought some small things for her father and brother. But she didn't get anything for Itachi. It was only going to anger him more. Perhaps it truly was better to not give him anything in particular. At least nothing in a material form.

"Have you talked with him?" Sakura asked nonchalantly after the long pause between them but Jakushi felt that the question had other purposes except continuing the conversation.

"With whom?"

"You know who."

Jakushi took a breath slowly. Sakura's tone was extremely measured.

"Yes, why?"

"Isn't it better for us to, uh... stay away from him, for now?" Sakura tried to twist the question in a way that would not hurt but it was too late.

"Away? What's the matter with all of you?" Jakushi murmured.

"Don't trust him. Even Sasuke doesn't. At least not fully. We still aren't sure what's happening."

Sakura's face was heavy with worry.

"Are we done with everything?" Jakushi glanced at the shopping bag her friend carried. "I need to go back to the hospital."

Sakura remained silent for a moment and looked at the things they've bought.

"We're done."

"Great. I'll go then." Jakushi escaped Sakura's gaze and quickly turned the other way around.

"Come in the morning. So we can have more time." Sakura reminded, her tone louder.

"I'll come, relax." Jakushi raised her hand without turning back.

Uchiha's house truly had an aristocratic atmosphere. It was a veritable museum, frozen in time, among the modern architecture that took the place of the previous houses, burned down during an event in particular. An event Jakushi forbid herself from bringing up in fear that she'd bring back unwanted memories to the hosts.

At the very moment, she walked slowly through the alley, after Sakura. The latter previously opened the front door with a thunderous expression. Apparently, the owners of the house had refused to help her open the door for some reason and she had to do it in the end, despite the fact she's currently cooking.

"Sasuke acts like a baby and doesn't talk to me because he wants no guests in his house and Itachi went out early in the morning without saying a thing," Sakura muttered under her breath. "These two are gonna tire me out... and it's only ten o'clock. "

Jakushi smirked but her thoughts were focused on the beautiful architecture and the garden that was sure to be breathtaking during the spring. A tinge of envy stung her when she imagined what kind of a life one would have in a place of such scale. She could almost call it a palace.

The rooms and corridors were wide and the kitchen was incredibly bright due to the large windows. Along with Sakura, Jakushi set to make onigiri, tsukemono, and gyoza, as planned. The deserts could wait. Sakura shared her ideas of how she saw the order of the dishes so that it was simultaneously beautiful and easy to reach out for. It wasn't an easy task, though, since they were going to be a rather large group.

"I think we're gonna be about fourteen people. Not if someone doesn't show up, of course. Or if Sasuke doesn't kick someone out." Sakura glanced at Jakushi who was silent through the last hour, covering the vegetables in thin sheets. "You alright?"

Jakushi raised her eyes and smiled.

"I'm alright. Just thinking."

"After we're done with these we'll have a lunch because if I have to wait till six, I'll die of hunger. Also, you'll have to run back to your house and take some things since you're staying here for a few days."

Jakushi was that close of dropping the floral plate she held in her hands.

"Excuse me?"

Sakura laughed out loud.

"Come on, when was the last time you had the chance of sleeping in an imperial castle? Sasuke said you can stay. He has nothing against you. Which is quite the thing, knowing he doesn't like people much."

"What an honor..." Jakushi raised a brow. "Is Sasuke the Emperor here?"

Sakura met her eyes but didn't haste to answer.

"Itachi doesn't include himself in any of our conversations anyway. It's like that since he's back. So, yeah... Sasuke is the Emperor." Sakura chuckled.

"Of course..." Jakushi shook her head.

He didn't accept gratitude, what was left of taking decisions about the house.

"Are you gonna stay?" Sakura became truly innocent in her appearance, taking Jakushi by the hand. "Please."

"I can't."

"There's enough place, you're going to have a room. No need to talk with anyone." Sakura assured her quickly.

Jakushi glanced at her for a moment. Her friend still thought she's intimidated by Itachi. That was not the issue, though. The issue was how was she going to think straight being under the same roof with him.

"This is madness. I don't want to intrude." Jakushi pushed her aside lightly, continuing with her work.

"Please..." Sakura saddened. "You're gonna make so happy and forever obliged if you don't leave me all alone with these two."

Jakushi left the plate on the table slowly, without looking at her friend. Then started arranging the rice balls one by one. Reaching the fifth in the row already, Sakura still hadn't made a single move.

"Should I wear a traditional outfit in His Majesty's presence?"

"I knew you were going to give in sooner or later." Sakura clapped with hands, not being able to hide her happiness.

Jakushi sighed. He did mention they're not allowed to meet in public, right? The prohibition didn't apply if the place is private... and his property. She hoped he wasn't going to lose his miraculous and long-kept composure because of her after all.

Sasuke didn't show up until the late afternoon when Sakura not-so-discreetly forced him to be present and assist with the arranging of the table. He seemed to be, as expected, in a rather foul mood. But after the harsh words Sakura sent his way didn't help, her methods changed. Apparently having him hear the same request but quieter, softer and with her face inches away from him ensured some sort of a cool agreement from his side. And an awkward hug from Sakura.

Jakushi was on the verge of laughing with the scene enacted in front of her. Sakura was so mercilessly imperative and cute at the same and Jakushi felt like Sasuke agreed on her weird ideas with the only reason of not angering her. It was probably fear that drove him to consent most of the time. Just that he was too prideful to admit it.

Sakura was the happiest of them all, was her friend's conclusion at the end. Jakushi knew she had always loved holidays.

Firstly arrived Naruto with Hinata and it momentarily became noisier in the house. Hinata gifted Sakura and Jakushi with pale lilac bracelets and joined their struggle to decorate in time. Her quiet apology for being late was ceased by Sakura fast enough.

Quarter an hour passed to the coming of Shikamaru and Temari, along with Ino and Sai, with the first two drastically differing from the second two. Ino and Sai were off a fashion magazine once again, both with matching dichromatic outfits.

A tight black dress from her and chick black trousers - white shirt from him. They were unbelievable, Jakushi thought, as everyone nearly rolled their eyes simultaneously at the sight of them crossing the threshold, Sai's hand on Ino's waist. The word classic was probably invented for them.

At the expense of Sai and Ino's glamor, Shikamaru and Temari were casually perfect. Temari surprised pleasantly, showing up with a loose hair. The gold nuance added more softness to her usual serious physiognomy. She looked distracted enough, though, of Shikamaru's gaze minutely seeking her. The fact he thought he's fooling everyone that he's not fascinated by her appearance was charming enough and brought a barely noticeable smile on Temari's face every time. Their bond was uniquely unostentatious.

"Where is Chōji?" Sakura asked Ino when they finally closed the door and started taking off their coats.

Ino waved with hand.

"He's ill. Karui stayed with him. She wasn't in a mood for a party anyway. I think they were both happy to have some time together."

"We'll have to set apart some food for him. He must be sorry he didn't get to taste my specialties." Sakura chuckled.

"Thoughtful. We thought he'd be sorry too." Shikamaru showed her the two empty boxes, probably planned to eliminate Chōji's regrets.

"Kiba and Shino are out of the village, so they won't be able to come." Hinata cleared up too after Sakura started wondering if they're going to come.

Jakushi helped them with the clothes, ordering Sakura to push everyone directly to the tables because they're obviously freezing and hungry. Sakura agreed on the suggestion and soon all of the guests were moved to the wide dining-room, where Sasuke and Naruto were, fortunately, verbally fighting over the places. The presents were exchanged soon after.

Jakushi was just about to join them, making sure the clothes were on the hanger when the front door opened once again.

Itachi saw her with the very opening but didn't show it. The noise of the voices in the next room deafened the sliding sound of the shōji. Jakushi stepped ahead, standing in his way. She couldn't help but notice, every time someone neared him more than he was comfortable with, he tensed in a defensive position. It was a reflex, she knew that he didn't mean it. But it made her sad.

Other than that, he was so different from the others. There were no amplitudes in him, contradictory to his appearance. As much as he appeared young, his demeanor suggested decades of polishing and perfecting. The joy of youth she saw minutes ago in the others was just missing in him. He had positively buried it somewhere deep, as something of no use or importance.

"The coat." She reminded and after a second her fingers started unbuttoning.

He let her do it, observing her without any objection. There was something about her slow, light movements and a focused expression that he apparently found worthy of his patience.

"Will you come for dinner?" Jakushi asked, her eyes raised up to his for a moment.

"I'll ruin the party." Came his even answer.

"You won't." She furrowed. "Why do you think you'll ruin it?"

"Because everyone's here to have fun. I'm connected with things they want to forget. I better stay away."

Jakushi finished with the last button and looked at him. Even he used that phrase. Stay away from what? She could bet even he didn't know exactly what. The words seem to have stained on everyone's mind, tagging him as a danger. And he was terrifyingly content with that tag.

"What if I ask you to come?"

He took off his coat and hung it next to the others.

"Do you truly want it?"

"You are part of the family." She gave a faint smile. "Not to mention you're the host."

"I'm neither. Not really." Itachi spoke without looking at her.

His reticence terribly reminded his brother's but while Sasuke's mood could be rapidly changed, Itachi's never seemed to falter. He gave the impression of someone that's never been a victim of doubt or a vice of any kind. And of someone that was so crushed with the weight of his burden that a single distraction could very well lead to a collapse. Perhaps that's what he feared the most. A collapse.

Jakushi was about to reach for his hand but he passed by her with what she felt as a reminder. She forgot; he was right to remind her. Forgot that they had guests and she had to pretend they have nothing in common. Somehow that hurt her more than any other pain she ever felt.

If they had nothing in common... why did she burn with the strong desire to alleviate that suffering of his? And why did she not see danger, as much as she wanted to? Of course, every attendant had the freedom of... just being. Everyone but her. She was a prisoner once again.

Jakushi sighed and hurried to join the company.

At least he was going to dine with them.

A/N: Thank you very much for reading! You guys are so awesome. Love you all. Hope you liked this one.

You can tell there isn't a ship that I don't care about, I love every single one of them. Sorry that I didn't include any NaruHina moments (for the NaruHina fans) but I have one in the next chapter. If I have to be honest, chapter 15 is my favorite of them all. ^^

Have a great day. See you next time!