~Art's Most Valuable Form~
~Act No. 7~
Drybrush
The Sun was descending down farther and farther when a knock emitted from Sasori's doors. Not wasting a beat, he strode over to the door. He knew that it had to be Deidara, and when the door opened it revealed a clump of clothing, wrapped in plastic wrap, aimed right for his head, he already knew. He caught it without himself looking like an idiot, obviously spoiling the surprise he was given. Inevitably it was just the man he thought it would be, Deidara. He stood there with that stupid grin plastered right on his face just like any other occasion.
"You want me to dress up?" Sasori inquired annoyedly, eyeing the clothes with disdain. He always did loath having to wear dress apparel, and didn't care to unless he was forced. Akatsuki Productions was one of those times.
"Umm, yeah, un!" Deidara answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Sasori's face soured. "Why?"
Deidara didn't reply, but closed the door behind himself, and jumped onto the couch in the living room. Only then did he speak, sounding less than enthusiastic, "Your leaving tonight aren't you, un?"
Sasori's tone turned softer, "After the outing."
"Your not gonna tell Sakura are you?" Deidara asked even though he already knew the reply.
Sasori shook his head. "No."
Deidara sighted on that note, "Of course you not, un. She's gonna be really hurt, you know."
Sasori started on his way to the bathroom to change. His voice turned the most somber that Deidara had ever heard from the redhead, "I know." The door closed, and Deidara sat there in a stunned silence. The emotion in Sasori's voice was without a doubt, it was there, it was real, it was...tangible.
.
.
.
Sakura who had accidentally fallen asleep was awakened by a loud pounding on her door. Still half asleep, she groaned, blinking a few times. She slowly made her way off the comfortable mattress. She rubbed her eyes as she started to walk to the entranceway of her hotel room. The sunlight of the afternoon hours was gone, leaving a rainbow of colors cascading everywhere across Vegas. The pounding only increased the closer she came to the entrance. Slowly she opened it.
"Sakura!" Konan yelled seemingly appalled that it took that long to get her to answer the door. "We need to get you ready!"
Suddenly feeling very awake, her face held horror at the sudden realization. She checked the clock. She only had thirty minutes until she had to be at the restaurant. She really should be there by now since she is the guess of honor, but alas she still had yet to even get dressed properly.
She took in Konan's appearance, and noted that the girl was already in her outfit. A tight satin emerald tube top that ended at her midriff, showing off a cherry blossom bellybutton piercing, and short skirt of the same design to match, along with green high-heels. Wait...Those were her colorings!
Konan seemed to see her confusion, as she suddenly smiled at her. "Everyone has a party to officially add them to the Akatsuki family, and the rest of the members have to wear that person's colors. We figured that you'd be green, pink, and maybe white."
"Am I suppose to wear the same thing then?" Sakura asked, as she let Konan inside, as Sakura now saw, she held five different dresses covered by plastic wrap.
As the door closed, Konan rushed inside to display the five different dresses onto her couch. They were all amazing, and obviously cost a lot of money. Each was different colors that she all loved, but there was one that really caught her eye. It certainly wasn't as bright as the others, but it was far more beautiful than the rest. Sakura's eyes remained on that one in particular.
Konan could see the one that the pinkette couldn't seem to take her eyes off of and smiled at her for it. "That," Konan pointed to the dress that caught Sakura's eye, "Is the dress that I wore to Sasori's acceptance party."
Sakura's mouth went agape as her eyes widened. It certainly was Sasori's colorings. A knee length red, black, and brown gown. It was actually a lot like the one that she wore last week for her first performance. The top was red satin with various sequences of the three main colors across it, while the bottom was poofy with light brown, the color of Sasori's eyes. A deep scarlet; Sasori's hair. Black; the perfection of shadows that Sasori seems to manipulate.
She watched as Konan uncovered the dress. Time seemed to slow, and Sakura could see Sasori there within those colors. There was no other dress that she was going to wear, that was obvious.
As Konan handed it to her, Sakura felt entranced. She passed her hands over the strands of different colors, the feeling of it like heaven. It was beautiful. She look up to Konan in pure gratefulness.
"Thank you Konan," Sakura whispered. "I owe you. Really I do."
Konan waved a dismissive hand. "Oh please, you can keep it if you want. I have so many dresses these days, I don't know what to do with them."
"Oh no!" Sakura cried. "I couldn't take this from you. It's yours Konan."
"Consider it a gift," Konan replied, trying to get Sakura agree with her. She wanted to give it to her. It wasn't that she didn't like the dress, but she seemed far more complete with it than herself. "And I won't take no for answer."
Before Sakura could retort, Konan quickly escorted her to the bathroom and closed the door for Sakura to change. Sakura sighed. Well, if someone was to give her something like this, she was certainly going to make sure that it was worth it. Konan seemed adamant about her keeping it anyway.
She wondered what Sasori would think of her wearing this dress. Obviously he would remember it, he had claimed more than once of his memory being far more vivid that people would imagine. She herself couldn't begin to understand just how precise the average object and person would seem afterwards. To remember everything that you've ever seen, she could only start to picture just how much he could recollect with such simplistic methods of thinking.
However, that could also be considered a terrible thing. It had become obvious to her that something had definitely happened to him. To remember everything, and relive it every second that it comes to mind. The pain and sadness that comes with it. She couldn't even begin to comprehend it. She simply couldn't.
Unknowingly, Sakura had sunk to the floor, the thoughts of empathy were deep in her at that point. She wanted to get to know him more, but it was as if there was a wall between them, at times. Others, there seemed to only be her and him; the only two in the world. There was a wall built up around him on most occasions, but it was as if it was slowly tumbling off of him. She wanted to tear it down to reveal the true Sasori. The question was now; how does she do that?
Sakura rubbed her forehead. Whatever happens, happens. She was friends with him, and she would help him. She was going to. She was going to get close to him, and she was going to force him to admit that he was clearly friends with her, whether he likes it or not. She was determined and unyielding on that. However, she was going to be patient on it, that is unless of course, she simply couldn't help herself anymore.
Her emeralds flashed to the gown that still remained in her grasp, seemingly untainted and perfect. She fisted her hands in the strands for a moment, before letting go and ascending to her feet once more.
Quickly she changed, not taking account what she looked like until she was nearly out the bathroom. She saw her refection out of the corner of her eye, and immediately she stopped, her eyes widening. She stared at herself in the mirror, dumbstruck at her reflection. She had never, not in her wildest fantasies, ever looked this good in a dress before. She turned and turned, checking herself over. Goodness gracious, Ino couldn't have picked her a better outfit to wear, and that was seriously saying something.
Finally over the fact that she was actually very pretty tonight, she slid the door open slowly. She could see Konan's facial change from bored one second, to astonished happiness a second later. She gave Sakura a once over.
"That," Konan sounded stunned, clearly not expecting her friend to look this amazing. "Is why you are keeping the dress."
Sakura gave a slight blush at the compliment, her cheeks tinting themselves lightly in bashfulness. She twirled around in a circle, letting her hands flow above her with the graceful movement. The dress scattered around her, flapping around her beautifully. Sakura looked like a professional Dancer with that basic spin.
They ended up putting large, yet graceful curls in her hair, the length practically cut five inches off her hair, from the largeness of the curls. The only thing left to change for Sakura was shoes, which worked perfectly well with a fashionable pair of white flats that Konan had brought along with her.
"I was actually expecting Sasori and Deidara to pick me up tonight," Sakura decided to admit, while they were exiting the hotel. Deidara himself had said that he was to pick her up, and she more than anticipated that Sasori would be there to accompany him. She had obviously been wrong.
Konan snorted. "Those two? Sasori maybe would have been able to help you find a dress in time, but Deidara? No way. If anything you'd be late even if Sasori had been there."
"Sasori?" Sakura questioned, clearly puzzled. "How would he be able to help me? Sure he's a genius in all, but how?"
Konan abruptly stopped in her tracks, and stared at Sakura incredulously. "Are you saying that you didn't know?"
"Know what?" Clearly she was missing something.
"Sasori had his own fashion design company a few years ago, when he was eighteen," Konan replied slowly. "I figured you would've known."
Sakura's eyes widened. "What? His own company? At eighteen?"
Konan nodded, and continued walking down the outside staircase. "Yeah, it was very popular, he ended up selling the company to someone else, he became even more wealthy after that. You would've been in high school at the time, I would think that you would've had something of his."
Oh the mysteries of Sasori Akasuna. There was another thing that she had no idea about. She probably did indeed have something from his company unknowingly. Ino had probably bought her something, it was certainly something that the blonde would do for her. Still, there was so much to uncover on Sasori. Gosh, she might as well search him on Wikipedia.
"I suppose I can check when I go back to Konoha," Sakura replied thoughtfully.
Konan frowned inwardly. The thought of Sakura leaving them was very saddening, especially since she was very well liked within the organization. She herself loved the girl, even if they barely knew each other.
The took a limo to the restaurant; the night falling quicker and faster as time went on, and soon the twilight was upon them. Sakura had rolled down the window letting the Arizona breeze brush past her as she thought over how colorful lights and buildings were. She could hear the voices of countless people, the sounds all mixing into one. The city was as hustle and bustle as ever, the streets lined with cabs, and different vehicles. Signs of major performances were scowered along the walls of buildings, as well as commercials. She saw Akatsuki Productions on a bill board, with her added next to Sasori with her signature signed across the bottom. They passed various landmarks, some of which she hadn't even thought of on her touring day with Deidara and Sasori, and she figured that neither would really mind another day like that if they all wanted to. Maybe they could even grab Hidan and Itachi or Kisame, or the rest of them if they weren't busy. She knew though however that it would definitely catch a lot of attention, being that they were all worldwide known faces and people. It would probably be more trouble than it was worth.
Konan and Sakura didn't talk on their way, but both sat in a comfortable silence. Sakura who seemed to be in a dream-like state, her eyes fluttering slowly, and her movements lagging considerably, even her breathing was steady, had forgotten about her companion. Konan was mostly mouthing the words to the songs that played softly from the radio, not really caring to wake Sakura from her trance, as she was comfortable with just the music playing to occupy the silence.
Inevitably, they arrived, and immediately Sakura was shaken, startled to find that the restaurant was now perfectly within her sight. Her heart started to pound, and the adrenaline rushed though her veins. Somehow she was nerve racked. What would she have to be nervous about? Was it that she was going to be looked upon by others in this dress that so obviously had Sasori's colorings? Was it Sasori himself? Was it simply the apprehension of being officially accepted finally? She didn't know.
Konan could practically feel the waves of nervousness that were emitted by Sakura. She almost felt like laughing at her reaction. It was rather unnecessary, but very much so Sakura.
As the limo drive opened the main door, Sakura was the first to be ushered out. People with the most fancy of clothes were everywhere in a long line to the front door. From ball gowns to tuxes to trousers to sequenced miniskirts. Everyone was elegant and extravagant in their formal wear, and clearly dressed to impress. Upon seeing all the people in such apparel she felt almost self-conscious of herself.
Konan could see her expression, and smiled softly at her. "Calm down, Sakura. If anything your the most beautiful person here."
Sakura looked away with a half smile, not completely reassured. Then she noticed just how extravagant the place was. A three leveled building with a large floor on the top with a large balcony that surrounded the landing with white railings. The second was covered with large windows with a dark setting with lights of various colors flashing, and people were either dancing among others or eating peacefully, obviously a family party of some sort. The bottom was the larges, with a small patio area that wrapped around the landing with a large staircase that led up to the main area, with ten modernized greek columns that symbolized the ten different beasts of the tails. The area that she stood at the street, a hundred meters from the building. The land was sectioned of into four separate spaces, each holding a water fountain with hedges and palm trees to separate them. There was also a cobblestone path with one large water fountain that was the front of the building. There was also a color changing lights on the front shingles, that lit up the night perfectly.
Sakura's breath caught in her throat. And the word 'Wow' was the only thing in her mind, until Konan walked up beside her.
"Time to show off," She whispered suddenly, before walking forward, her steps, a natural strut, showing off her curvaceous figure. Sakura, on the other hand, walked quickly to catch up, probably looking quite foolish compared to Konan. She admired the way she could be so calm and collected while also being very confident in herself. She wished she could be like that herself.
They both seemed to be catching the attention of onlookers, who were dying to get inside, as well as a few flashes from cameras. Sakura figured that it would be the paparazzi. Now she would probably see her face on the front of a magazine tomorrow morning, wonderful. Unlike most people, she would rather be amongst others instead of the outside. She didn't really care to have her face-as Sasori would've said-plastered on the front page of a magazine. It just wasn't very endearing for her. She enjoyed being apart of people, not characterized and seen by others as a statue or figurehead. She'd just rather not.
Slowly they made their way to the front, the lights dancing on and off her skin in random patterns. Sakura was captivated by the music that was being played, the sounds of a light yet soft tune was being playing masterfully by a pianist. If she hadn't known better, she would've probably thought it would be Itachi, but Itachi was far more methodic and rhythmic than anyone else in the world. People were crowded into booths and tables on this level, but she could hear the faint beats of a Super Bass from the floor above.
Konan was chatting with the Host quickly and with major superiority. The poor man was clearly overwhelmed, and briskly ushered the two towards an elevator. Sakura wasn't paying much attention to the other two in front of her, perhaps other than where their basic direction was. She was far too busy looking at people, observing the elegance they upheld with such ease. Maybe she would be at least a little like that someday.
After they ascended two floors, Konan brushed past the Host quickly, smiling at him icily as she passed him. Sakura walked past him slowly, offering a sheepish smile to calm him a little. He seemed rather grateful for it, as the anxiety was replaced with relief. Then the doors closed, and he was gone.
Ok, so maybe it wasn't a private room so much as one room filled large and long tables that held even larger spaces apart from one another. The tables could easily seat twenty if need be, as there was five of such tables all separated equally in the large room. The floors were a tile ivory that was polished slickly. The walls were white as well with golden designs that cascaded along the walls. The area was a large rectangle, with an open area near the balcony with an empty open piano. The room was tinted a light blue from the dimness of the room, as the ceilings were different paintings of centuries old works of famous artists, with a blue rim lighting to tint the room. There were a few columns in random areas, most meeting at the empty area where the piano lay. Large windows decorated that area with fine white drapes tied back with golden laced rope. Once again, Sakura felt out of place, but at this time overjoyed with amazement.
She could see the others, all in formal outfits, either in the colors of green, pink, or white or a mixture. They were all chatting amongst themselves casually at the table. She could see Sasori seated right next to the empty seat for the head of the table, with Deidara across from him. Hidan sat next to Deidara then Kakuzu, Zetsu, and Tobi. Next to Sasori sat Itachi, Kisame, Nagato, then Yahiko. Apparently she wouldn't even be seated close to Konan tonight.
She could see Sasori's eyes narrowed as he spoke annoyedly to a widely grinning Deidara, who was obviously speaking animatedly. They were both in long sleeved white dress shirts, but while Deidara's had a loose pink tie attached to his, Sasori's was open slightly, the ends of his cuffs flaring up in the color of a light pink. She blushed deeply at the sight of the redhead. He was... Godly handsome. She could only hope that the lighting was creating her complexion to seem its normal hue.
Just as she was a few feet from the table, the members stopped and stared at her in shock. This only caused her blush to increase, and she quickly sat down in her seat at the head of the table. She gave quick glances at a few of the members, but didn't dare look at Sasori. Deidara looked astonished, and immediately she threw her hands up to cover her face in her hands.
The moment Sasori even gazed at Sakura in that dress, that dress, that held his colorings he simply stopped and stared, his eyes going slightly wider in bewilderment. Next thing he knew, she had sat down right next to him and Deidara, hiding her face in her hands, the redness of her ears giving him enough information to understand that she was completely embarrassed about it. He almost started to speak, but Deidara beat him to it.
"Hey, un," Deidara said softly, trying to remove Sakura's hands from her face. "Let us at least see you."
Slowly she let them see her face, and Sasori knew right then and there that he had to start a new picture of her, anything that can catch that expression. She stared right at him, as if hoping that he would say something to her. It was as if she was thinking that he would reject her for wearing something like that. The opposite was true.
"Sasori!" Deidara snapped, at him in a whisper, gesturing to Sakura.
A calmness and tranquil overcame Sasori at that moment, as his eyes turned to a natural lazy and uncaring, but his voice remained with a hint of emotion, "You look fine."
The relief washed over Sakura, and a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding was released. She could feel the happiness that came with the relief. She was glad that Sasori accepted her in what she was wearing, being that it was probably a bit of a shock for everyone. The tension from the other members was also gone, replaced with the usual carefree mood that she was accustomed to.
"You look fucking amazing Blossom!" Hidan exclaimed from his spot next to Deidara. "Even if they are the bastard's colors!"
Sasori shot Hidan a cold glare, which didn't even faze the sliver haired man, instead he only grinned mischievously, clearly satisfied with the reaction.
Sakura nodded sheepishly, "Thank you?"
"You do look quite fine tonight, Sakura," Itachi added, his expression unreadable.
"Well, of course she does!" Deidara agreed, slamming hand down on the table to emphasis it. "She's Sakura, yeah."
"Yeah, they're all right for once!" Kisame said with a wide sharp-toothed grin. "You look great Pinky."
"Oh please!" Tobi slapped him across the face, causing Kisame to growl at him. "Blondie is right! It's Sakura! She's always pretty! Very, very, very pretty!"
"Tobi," Konan slapped her head in exasperation. "You know exactly what's going to happen now."
The masked man twitched in fear, forgetting that he had slapped Kisame pretty hard, as he was now glaring at him like he was about to tear him to shreds. He could see his teeth glinting, and he knew that it was not going to end well for himself.
Sakura stared at the two fearfully, and was about to call out to them, but Tobi had already started running frantically out of the area, screaming like a schoolgirl. He was being followed by a furious looking Kisame, who looked at Tobi like he was his prey. That was how they started off the evening.
Later, when things finally settled down and the two had come back-separately-they sat farther apart from one another. The meal had already arrived, and Sasori and Itachi were speaking about classic musicals, while Hidan, Sakura, and Deidara were chatting about Deidara's small dilemma.
"How the fuck do you not have a damn company name yet?" Hidan cursed. "It's been two years, damn it!"
"It is rather strange Deidara," Sakura added, despite herself.
Deidara sighed in defeat. "I just haven't had any good names to choose off of, un."
"There's gotta be something," Sakura said positively. "Like Sparks, with an X or something. Or Flying Fire. Theres always a good name for a company."
"That's what my workers think too, un," Deidara mumbled disdainfully.
Sakura then thought of something in her mind and she voiced it with mirth, "Then how about this? What's your favorite word Dei?"
"Fleeting, un," Deidara responded, curious to how this could turn out.
The moment Sasori even heard such a word spoken he left his conversation with Itachi for a moment to scoff at the word,"Fleeting? No true art can be something that's so easily forgotten."
The three snapped their heads toward the disgusted redhead, surprised that Sasori would even care. Sakura blinked a few times. Deidara scowled after the shock diminished. Hidan just gave him an annoyed glare.
"You don't think what Deidara does is art, Sasori?" Sakura asked confusedly. After all the different types of art he created, she figured that he would share her point of view on art and believe that everything-manmade or no-to be considered art. Another aspect of Sasori she had no idea about.
"Art," Sasori stated, with narrowed eyes, "In it's most true of form of art it is eternal, anything else can be beautiful or even graceful, but it cannot be considered art."
"Your just fucking jealous," Hidan declared.
At that, Sasori smirked. It was a dark smirk painted masterfully with arrogance. It was only something Sasori himself could create so perfectly, so vividly.
"Jealous?" Sasori tested with dark amusement. "Such an emotion is like any other to me, useless."
That portion of the table went silent, and Sakura felt horrified. She had never heard Sasori speak so darkly. It was like he was torturing a captive with, plain as day amusement. She knew though, she knew, she just knew, that wasn't what he meant by that. It just wasn't. There was an underlying meaning to it, covered by the cold exterior that was just a mask of a masterful actor. He was lying-no-he wasn't lying, but he certainly wasn't saying everything that he meant by it.
After that, he started speaking to Itachi again, who in turn, seemed to be covering himself with a mask of impassiveness, as if he was going along with the charade that Sasori presented. The other three simply turned to one another, all their faces portraying complete and utter shock.
"What the fucking hell was that?" Hidan whispered, completely confused.
"I don't know, un," Deidara mumbled.
Sakura remained silent, saddened by the words spoken so easily by Sasori. The Puppet Master. He can manipulate people so easily into believing him, but he doesn't control them. They react the way be wants, but it was as if he wanted them to hate him. Why would be want such a thing? To be hated would be so lonely, and not to mention terrible.
She ate the rest of her meal somberly, barely taking into consideration the conversation that Deidara and Hidan were talking about rather seriously. At times she would be asked something, but it wasn't much. It was only after they had finished their dinner that she was taken from her chair by a tap on her shoulder. She was taken by a white gloved hand, gracefully escorting her onto her feet. She took in Itachi's attire then, started to find that he was wearing an old fashioned white sparrow-tailed coat, with white trousers, a green undershirt, and a light pink ascot. He looked like a gentlemen from Victorian London. He held her at arms length. A small smirk played across his lips as he watched her take in his appearance.
"Would you like a song played?" He inquired softly.
Struggling for words she merely sputtered out, "S-sure." She had forgotten the grand piano that sat there in the dimness of the room, shining perfectly as to entice people to play it's magical keys.
He let his arm upward to silently ask her to take it, and take it, she did. They walked quietly towards the obsidian instrument, the comfortableness between them mutual. They had done things like this all the time in the past, but perhaps never so old fashioned before. It was interesting, she decided, it was as if she was a character from a novel, back in the olden days.
The broke apart as he sat down on the flat piano stool, flipping his swallow tail jacket behind him. She stood, leaning against the front side, watching as he stretched his hands over the ivory keys. She watched him fondly, a soft smile starting to from. Just like old times.
A tune from her childhood started to play, and she could feel herself escaping into a dreamlike world. The words that were sent from her lips flowed with the beautiful music that Itachi played. She tiptoed away, twirling slowly the movements in perfect sync with the song. She felt like Alice in Wonderland.
Itachi himself had created this song on her fifth birthday, back when she just started to be friends with Sasuke. He had been ten at the time, but now, a little more than sixteen years later the friendship between them had only grown to a loving brother and sister type of relationship. She had made lyrics when she was ten, after five years of thought of what to add to such a perfect song. Thing was though, she had completed the last part that he had left unsaid to do, she had created it to be his best song. The best he had ever created or performed, but he had never performed it live in front of a large audience, but only used it for special occasions for mostly themselves. Itachi had ensured her of all of this a few years ago.
She hadn't known that all the rest of the Akatsuki had all turned their chairs, watching them with smiles and grins, and one redhead rather blankly. He studied her movements with the artist eyes that he had, analyzing her every move, even though he had it already committed to memory flawlessly.
It was only as the song ended, and clapping started to sound that Sasori was shook from his gaze. He could see that Itachi had motioned to her instead of himself. She gave that bashful smile to all of them, searching their faces, until she was met with his. He could see the slight change in expression, as if the sight of him saddened her. She was obviously this way from how cold and dark he had spoken earlier, however he had done that for a reason.
It was at that time when Deidara suddenly sprung up from the table, and dashed out of the vicinity. They all watched him go, the grin on his face telling him all that he had something in store. Mere seconds had gone by, and thankfully they were the only party left in the grand room, because music started to play. It wasn't exactly fast pace, but it wasn't slow either, and of course, Sasori recognized it immediately. Time After Time by Quietdrive. One of Deidara's personal favorites. Then, the blonde came running back, his Iphone unlocked in his palm, before hastily placing it onto the table, and the album cover was the main picture in the screen. So he had hooked up the speakers to his phone, smart choice if he wanted to have music playing.
Then he saw that he had bowed before her, surprising her greatly. She then held her hand out to him, and he took it gratefully. They started to dance with one another as she placed a hand on his shoulder and in his hand, and he did the same, but placed another hand on her waist. They swayed, and he talked to her happily. Sasori could see the laughter that became so great that she actually buried her head in his chest because of it.
Sasori ignored the ache in his chest as he saw the two dance, trying to blame it on the food he had consumed earlier. He could hear footsteps from behind him, and soon he could see that Konan and Nagato had stepped onto the dance floor. The red strands that normally covered Nagato's face, were pulled back by a low ponytail, showing off his striking, yet strange purple and gray stripped irises. It was a rare occasion when anyone could even see the expression that Nagato had, and this time it showed slight satisfaction.
Most of the members started to stand, most leaning against the white columns that were even spaced in the front portion of the area. Sasori saw this as a good opportunity to get some fresh air. He strode over the glass doors, opening them without anyone seeming to have noticed, other than Itachi, who watched him skeptically.
The night air felt rather pleasant, the breeze swaying his bangs back and forth within it's wispy grasp. He leaned over the railing, looking over the land that lay below. He couldn't hear the footsteps but he knew they were there. The man of shadows, Itachi Uchiha. Of course it would be him.
"You know that you can't fool me," Sasori stated, turning around to face him.
Itachi's expression remained blank as he walked slowly. "Aa."
Sasori's eyes lowered annoyedly. "Your purpose?"
"Your leaving," Itachi said. "Tonight."
"You and Deidara seem to know me so well," Sasori commented dryly.
"She's going to be hurt."
Sasori refused to show the pain he felt in his chest on hearing that. He then added for recognition, "We're mere acquaintances."
"Hn," Itachi grunted. "Clearly, from the way you try to push her away."
"What's to push when theres nothing there?" Sasori demanded. He could feel the pain increasing after every word that reached his lips.
"You feel something for her," Itachi retorted. "Or you wouldn't have even gone this far. You wouldn't try to push her away if there was nothing there."
Sasori glared sharply, a frown marring the calmness that encased his features. There was no arguing with the truth at this point, not with Itachi of all people, who could read others with the ease that Gods could only possess. So instead of elaborating he simply stated, "Believe what you wish."
"I would normally leave you alone on this Sasori," Itachi admitted with an edge in his tone. "But, Sakura is the exception."
"It is her own fault if she gets hurt from attachment," Sasori argued truthfully. "Personal experience."
Itachi took a moment to reconsider his words. "She cares, so do you. So don't hurt her."
Sasori didn't reply, and a gust of wind followed. The words were almost lost to Sasori as Itachi spoke them while he started to depart from the area, "You should give her the last dance." The shadows formed around him, the night sky darker than any other night he's experienced, perhaps other than one that was the most dreadful of all.
.
.
.
Sakura danced and danced. Time seemed to flow faster than her thoughts, for by the time she checked the clock it was nearing midnight. At that moment in time she felt like Cinderella, not stopping to watch the time, but instead dancing the night away. Inevitably, she had danced with everyone other than the certain redhead she had come to enjoy spending time with.
Currently she was dancing with Itachi as her last dance of the night. He smirked at her when the song started to end, as if he knew something she didn't. She cocked a head in curiosity, but he didn't speak a word, and instead twirled her until she was out of his gasp. She spun for a second, her gown flapping around her, until she was met with someone grasping her. She smiled, and figured it be Deidara or Hidan, but no, it was Sasori! He gazed down at her through those lazy chocolate eyes, seemingly calm and composed as always, but she could still see traces of restlessness in them.
"Sasori," Sakura spoke incredulously.
"I'm hoping that you hadn't simply assumed that I cannot dance properly," He said, a slight quirk in his brow.
The shock receded, and happiness claimed her. She giggled at him, "No, I figured that you would be great at it actually, but I'm surprised that you wanted to be my last dance."
"Clearly, you have forgotten what your supposed to be getting tonight," Sasori drawled, changing the topic, as he twirled her when the last remaining measures of the last song played.
Her brows shot up in curiosity. "And what would that be?"
A new song began to erupt from the speak system, and Sasori almost stopped in his tracks. The steady melancholiness of the guitar telling him that it was his favorite song of all time, and with all the irony in the world it fit his predicament almost exactly. Let me go. You needn't care for me at all. Please, just let me go. His thoughts pleaded for her to stop even caring for him, and yet, he knew that she wouldn't.
After a moment of thoughts, be spoke, "Your Kanji."
"Like the rings that you all have?" Sakura asked. A nod in return.
A silence ensued, and they swayed to the hypnotic rhythm.
One more kiss could be the best thing
Or one more lie could be the worst
And all these thoughts are never resting
And you're not something I deserve
The pure irony created a deep knot in Sasori's chest. There were obviously parts that clearly didn't apply, but the common idea was the same. It was practically demoralizing for him as he danced with her to this song. His expression became one of somberness, as his jaw clenched.
Sakura had mixed feeling on Sasori at the moment. What he had said earlier to them was cruel, but it hadn't been the whole truth. She forgave him easily for it, for there was something she didn't know, something she couldn't understand at the moment. Now, she could see the sadness in his eyes.
Deciding to lighten the mood she smiled at him softly. "Do you like this song Sasori?"
"It's my favorite," He replied truthfully.
"Really?" Sakura asked brightly. "You like rock music? I suppose I can see that now." A curt nod.
Another measure followed, and the words that were forever burned into his mind even further were sung. The pain in his chest was increasing, as was the moderately dormant restlessness.
And you love me but you don't know who I am
I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand
And you love me but you don't know who I am
So let me go, let me go
"You know Sasori," Sakura said, her eyes uncertain to his response. "I do consider you a good friend."
The pain in his eyes became visible to Sakura, and immediately she questioned it. What was so wrong with that?
"I know," Sasori replied as softly as a whisper.
"Sasori," Sakura started, now very unsure of herself now, "Do you consider me one as well?"
He gazed into her eyes, watching as her expression changed to worry. No matter how much he could deny it, there was simply no point in lying to her at this point. He still didn't know exactly what she was to him, she may be a friend, but the thought of it made him question it. However, he only said, "Give me time."
At that, she became completely bewildered, and he could understand why. He almost felt like chuckling at her expression had it not been for his reputation. It was rather endearing to shock her like that simply for the entertainment factor in it for himself.
She shook herself, before she smiled at him sheepishly. "I will then. It's just rather shocking that you would ask me for more time."
"Understandable," He replied simply.
I dream ahead to what I hope for
And I turn my back on loving you
How can this love be a good thing?
And I know what I'm going through
Time seemed to pass slowly, as they talked more casually, and she actually giggled a few times, but while the last few measures of the song came into her ears, she rested her head in his chest. She could feel him tense as she did so, but soon calmed. She smiled as she could feel and hear the pounding that drummed from his heart. So much for always calm and composed, I see! She giggled, before she closed her eyes in perfect tranquility.
Sasori could feel guilt starting to plague him, and before he could stop himself, he spoke softly, perhaps so softly that she hadn't even heard him, "Ciao, Fiore di Ciliegio."
Sakura could've swore that he had said something to her, so she replied with a, "Hmm?" But there wasn't a reply, so she simply dismissed it from her mind.
And you love me but you don't know who I am
I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand
And you love me but you don't know who I am
So let me go, just let me go, let me go
Thing was though, she didn't want to let go.
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Deidara watched the scene unfold with a self-satisfied smile on his face. He sighed happily, now leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed a couple yards away from the dancing pair. As lyrics passed he could see their expressions change to somber, shocked, calmed, and then finally happy and peaceful. Well, his job was officially over for the night.
"Well done Deidara," Said Konan's voice, as she walked up to him. He turned, and his smile widened. "You actually got him to dance with her."
Deidara took a ragged breath at the less than delightful memory of a few minutes prior. "It wasn't easy, un."
She smirked. "It's Sasori, after all."
She stood next to him, and they watched the two chat with one another, but the more Konan watched, the more confused and shocked she became. She stared at the duo in complete and utter, abashment. Her eyes widened considerably, as her brows raised. It wasn't that she was horrified by any means, but this, what was going on was not something she ever expected to happen in this lifetime.
Then she saw Sakura settle comfortably in Sasori's chest. The startlement by Sasori, and the quick intake of breath he had taken, then the relief that followed quickly afterwards. She knew now what she hadn't before.
"Deidara," Konan sounded like she had just seen a ghost, as she slowly turned to him.
The look on Konan's face scared him. "What, un?"
Slowly, she spoke in a whisper, "Did you have any idea that Sasori was in love with Sakura?"
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The rest of the night went by quickly, and she hadn't seen Deidara or Konan much after Sasori and herself finished dancing. She was taken home by Itachi, who had told her that she would receive her acceptance Kanji ring in the morning from Sasori, who apparently had been the one to create them. So afterward, when she was left back at the Kage Hotel, half past one in the morning. She swept back into her normal arrival walk; It usual entailed her walking to the back of the grand hotel, as to not get extra paparazzi following her while she was surrounded by shadows.
By the time she had gotten back into her room, she dumped herself onto her bed, before taking out her phone and searching Itunes. She looked up all the songs that she had danced with the specific Akatsuki members, and decided that they would be her ringers if they ever called her. Two of the songs-strangely enough-were by Three Doors Down. Itachi's had been The Silence Remains, while Sasori's had been, Let Me Go. She hadn't heard much of either before, maybe once or twice on the radio, but she had never really given either much thought. Afterwards, she found herself far too tired to even think properly, but as she started to be dragged into the world of dreams she thought for a moment of Let Me Go; it reminded her of Sasori and herself.
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Sasori didn't take much time to quickly depart from the hotel room, for he knew that he would be back within the month or so. Still, the restlessness only became worse as he had parted from her. It was becoming vividly irritating to him. He briskly called up a footmen into his room, and rudely ordered him to grab his things and follow him. The last gaze he gave of that room was a mere glance at the blackened sky that seemed to be even more dark than any other night he's seen before, perhaps even darker than that one night,
He told the footman to wait by the entrance of the lobby, before leaving his side, and made his way down a few levels, until he reached the thirty-ninth floor. He found her room, before depositing a small box that fit perfectly under her door. Then, he stood there a moment, the restlessness overwhelming him greatly.
The drive to the airport wasn't any better, and he found that his irritation was reaching a breaking point. He drummed his hands along his legs impatiently, waiting to get to the airport.
When he finally did make it there, his own private plane stood in a separate area for other private planes of various companies and people were. The night air seemed to want him to stay, for the wind gusted past him harshly in the direction of the Kage Hotel.
As he ascended up the stairs of the plane, he gave a last glance in the direction of the hotel, then to where Akatsuki Productions lay. He gave a deep breath, before making his way up the final set of stairs.
When things became comfortable, he sat himself down in one of the leather seats while the engine started to rev to life. He buckled himself in, prepared for the twelve and a half hour plane ride. Most annoyedly, he would have to stay awake for the rest of the ride, for it would be eleven at night when he reached Rome. Thankfully, his apprentice would be there to get his things for him. He was rather glad that he had the boy around during his short stays in Rome.
When the plane was already high in the sky, Sasori became severely overwhelmed with the urge to draw, and soon enough he did just that. It was the first time he had drawn her in merely graphite, or more simply put, in pencil. The drawing was of her and himself, swaying softly to the sound of music. The picture Sasori looked identical to himself, but her's just wasn't correct.
Sasori sighed deeply, his exhaustion now in full force. The restlessness was replaced with deep guilt. She would be hurt, that much he knew, especially since he hadn't even told her of his departure. He was tired, but of what, he wasn't exactly sure.
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"Master Sasori," He smirked at his master, seemingly exhausted.
"Kankuro," Sasori droned. Kankuro could see the deep circles in his eyes, and smirked even larger. Then Sasori scowled. "Get my things, now."
Kankuro tsked, shaking his head. "Some things never change, do they?"
When his Master didn't reply, he walked to grab the luggage, and when he came back he didn't find him anywhere in sight, until he ventured outside the airport, and found the redhead. His elbow was perched on the edge of his red Ferrari, while his hand connected with his downcast cheek, effectively hiding his eyes with his bangs. Seeing the pose quite often on the return trips back to Rome, Kankuro already knew that his master was fast asleep.
The darkness outside created his master's hair to look even bloodier than thought possible, creating the image to be rather eerie. Sighing exasperatedly, he put the luggage in the backseat, before taking off down the familiar roads of Rome, Italy.
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Sakura awoke at the regular time, eight in the morning. She was still terribly exhausted from the night before, but decided not to keep Sasori waiting for their morning commute. They went to the cafe on the side of the hotel and always ate breakfast there. It was a good way to start off the morning, she supposed. Sasori seemed to like it as well, and for that, she was glad.
Then she noticed she was still in what she was last night. The gown lay scattered and thrown around her. It still seemed to remain untainted, and Sakura still thought of it as beautiful.
Sakura quickly showered and changed, pulling her wet hair into a large green clip. She was going pretty natural today, with jeans-shorts, and a red tank-top. She hadn't worn something so comfortable in a few days, and it felt more like herself to do so.
She was reaching the door to leave when she noticed the little purple box that was at her feet. She stared at it curiously after she plucked it from the ground. She studied it, before turning it around, seemingly blank. When she opened it though, a small white note fell from it, falling to the floor. She gazed at the object in the box first though, and her breath was taken away. A gold chain that circled a silver ring, while in the middle of that ring displayed a pink cover with black ink for the Kanji. The Kanji for blossom. Overjoyed, she quickly took it from the box and wrapped it around her neck. The sight of it on her exciting her to no end. She grasped it quickly, as she was drawn to the floor to pick up the note that had fallen.
The note was hand written, and with the most neat and perfect of handwriting. She could only think of it to be Sasori's own.
"Fiore di Ciliegio."
"Cherry Blossom."
Immediately, Sakura smiled, before running out of the room to find that Puppet Master. She ran nearly the whole way, a huge grin plastered all over her face. However, when she was in the lobby-their normal meeting spot-he wasn't there. Giving a half-smile she figured that he must not have wanted to wait for her today, so she quickly made her way to Cafe Lightning. She hummed, Let Me Go, on the way, the song stuck in her head from the previous night. When she noticed that he wasn't there, Sakura became puzzled. He was never late, and always showed up.
Not understanding, she reluctantly took a seat in the outside cafe. She waited patiently for awhile, before a wateriest a came up to her and asked what she wanted. She politely ordered her normal breakfast, and afterward the wateriest asked her where her partner was. She said that he was busy, and the lady didn't pry into it.
When her food came to her, Sakura pulled out her phone, and went to contacts. She pressed Sasori's name, and the call started. It dialed, and dialed and finally it went to voicemail. Okay, now she was now very puzzled by this. Sasori always answered his phone to her any hour of the day, or for anyone for that matter. It was very...Strange.
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Sakura actually had an off day, and since everyone else seemed to be particularly busy with things, she went up to the rooftop pool. It was large, and scowered across the entire roof. Sakura didn't exactly want to get in the pool until later, for after her breakfast she had engrossed herself in a new novel. She sat down under an umbrella table, the shade blocking out the intense heat.
Her eyes scouring over the pages of a book in the shaded area. She had read for at least an hour at this point, but the most recent book that she had been reading was something from too enticing to stop. She simply couldn't put it down! It was when a very big part of her book when her phone started to blare to life. She groaned at first, but when she heard the song, Let Me Go, by Three Doors Down as her ringtone, her eyes widened. Not even fast enough, she yanked her phone from the table in front of her, and pressed Talk, before she set it against her ear.
"Sasori!" Sakura yelled excitedly into the phone. "Where are you? I didn't get a chance to meet up with you this morning."
"Rome," He replied tonelessly. She could just imagine the bored look on his face as he said that.
Startled, her brows furrowed and confusion set in. Inwardly, she questioned, Rome? "Why?"
"There were no more artworks to complete while in Vegas," Sasori explained blankly. So that must be where he spends the majority of his time.
"So you just left?" Sakura asked incredulously. "Without consulting with anyone?"
She could imagine his eyes narrowing as he spoke, "Indeed."
Sakura was appalled at this. "But wh-"
"The reason is simple," Sasori interjected with an air of arrogance that shocked her. It was like last night when he said that emotions were useless.
"And why's that?" Sakura mumbled into the phone softly. She was shocked that Sasori was even speaking to her like this. She could never fully understand him at times. Usually he was aloof, but had a certain carefulness about him. Times like this though, it was as if he was portraying a character from a novel. She didn't understand. Why would he intentionally do that?
"I have no reason to stay."
Sakura's eyes grew wide in shock, and her body went ridged. The way he had spoked those words were like he was trying to rid of their bond with one another, as if these were they're parting from each other, forever. She didn't understand. She couldn't tell if what he was saying was the truth, a lie, or something in between, without the full truth.
"B-but Sasori," She stammered into the phone. "You have friends here."
She could hear him sigh, as if he was defeated emotionally. This only confused her further, as cold dread filled her to the core. She just didn't understand, no matter how much she wanted to. Just what happened to him? To them? They had a wonderful night last night. They danced, and seemed to get even closer than they had been before.
Then he uttered the last words with great resolution in his voice, "Ciao, Fiore di Ciliegio."
The line went dead, and Sakura's eyes filled with tears, her mouth agape in sorrow. Her lips started to tremble as she let the tears fall down her cheeks. She shook her head, in disbelief as she set her phone back onto the table. And the worst part of it all was how it all ended. She knew exactly what he had parted her with.
"Ciao, Fiore di Ciliegio."
"Goodbye, Cherry Blossom."
The first time he had said her name.
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Art's Most Valuable Form
Author's Note:
Updated: September 8, 2013
Ok, this is the longest chapter I've written for this story, and it took freaking forever to do! I loved writing it though. Really I did. This story is still in the very beginning stages, and there will be a major conflict within the later chapters. I know exactly how I'm going to end this one, but It's not going to be for a long time.
Any questions feel free to ask! As well as suggestions! Please review though!
I do not own any songs that were apart of this story, but I do adore all of them.
Let Me Go, by Three Doors Down is like my personal SasoSaku song for months, and I think It fits very well for them at times. I hope you listen to it, maybe you'll like it, and if you have, I hope you like it as much as I do.
Next chapter is of Sasori in Italy, but he'll be back by the end of that same chapter.
Ja-ne!
-Cassandra