I know the LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG awaited chapter. So this will be brief. Here's a youtube clip for the dance near the end www. youtube watch?v= WaBBc EvNdxE obviously you need to take out the spaces for it to work. R&R please!
Sakura had good days and bad days just like everybody else in the world. After arriving home from Iron and helping deliver baby Reina, her days were usually good. When she wasn't busy at the hospital or over at the Academy, Sakura spent her time at the newly constructed Haruno Compound helping the women settle in. Luckily her three jobs paid relatively well, she cleaned out the majority of her savings to buy furniture, kitchenware, linens, and other essentials that were going to be needed. Others citizens helped as well by giving the women donations of money or in Mizuko's case, a small nursery.
The Harunos were very grateful for Konoha's generosity and hospitality. And it strengthened their resolve to become active kunoichi's and fight for this village, defending it with their lives.
But unfortunately for today…Sakura's day was about to hit an all-time low. Or so she thought…actually she really didn't know how to feel about this entire situation. If anything it felt strangely familiar…almost like déjà vu.
She was standing on Tsunade's right in a dark upper room that overlooked a typical ANBU interrogation room. In the center of the room was the man she hated most in the world…the man that almost took everything away from her that she held dear. Haruno Tetsu. But she wasn't only one staring at his bloodied form. Inside the room were Itachi, Ibiki, Anko, Ryuu, Kaze, Kaminari, and her team. More wanted to come but with the size of the room they were prohibited. Mizuko opted to stay home with her small baby, she trusted the other girls to give her a detailed description later.
With a long sigh Sakura reached into her pocket and retrieved a scroll, wordlessly handing it to her master. Tsunade took and stuck it up her sleeve, she would read it later, besides she already knew what was on it. Sakura had come and petitioned her to use this jutsu against Tetsu stating that this fate would be worse than death for that man. The Hokage had to agree. Tetsu loved power, he liked feeling on top, and with this jutsu it would strip all of that away. Secretly she was excited to see this jutsu in use, such power and ability would be truly frightening and convenient to have at their disposal.
Sakura turned after handing the scroll to Tsunade and met Itachi's gaze. Her eyes were hardened but that was only to mask the fear that was bubbling underneath. She was going to face her demon, the man that haunted her nightmares, and she was afraid that she wasn't strong enough. Itachi could see her silent plea but he knew that she had to do this. If Sakura was ever going to be at peace she needed to put this man out of her head. And he hoped that by doing this she would finally break free of her fear of intimacy. He still wouldn't push her but maybe they could finally let go of the twisted past and move on to find peace together.
She hugged him tightly not allowing her arms to shake. He returned it and added a small kiss to the top of her head before opening the door and letting her out of the observation room.
Like last time the walls seemed to be closing in on her, her steps echoed against the cold stone floor.
Breathe…just breathe…
We've been waiting for this. This is the justice that not only we deserve, but also our sisters.
Justice or revenge?
It's justice. Revenge would be taking his life and ridding the world of this demented bastard. But what we're doing if giving him a taste of his own medicine. He tormented us to make us feel weak and vulnerable. Then he played on that vulnerability to make us dependent. He loves power and he loves being strong. We're taking that away and we're making him weak, just as he did to us.
She arrived at the door but made no move to open it. She needed to steady her nerves and calm her breathing. He couldn't hurt her, he was tied and bound, and has little to no chakra to even perform a substitution, let alone keep his eyes silver.
He's already weak…I'm just going to make it permanent.
A loud creak sounded as she twisted the handle and pushed the heavy door open. He hadn't moved, still slumped over head bowed in the center of the room. She pushed the door closed a resounding thud holding the door in place. Then she walked slowly and casually up to her intended victim. Another sense of déjà vu hit her as she tried to push back the similarity of this situation.
"I knew you couldn't stay away from me for long little blossom. It's nice to see I'm proven right."
Sakura's stony gaze hardened further, "Trust me you bastard this is not a social visit."
"Not a conjugal one either I presume?" He asked cheekily head still bowed.
Sakura didn't respond to that statement. If anything she learned from the last time that if she gave into her anger over the inappropriate comments then they would just keep coming making her more and more angry. So she opted not to speak at all that way she could keep a firm check on her emotions.
"Frankly I'm a little disappointed," he lifted his head up to grin at her, "I thought you'd be here much sooner. Better late than never I suppose."
"Just feel lucky that you've lived as long as you had. Had I wished it the Hokage would have executed you long ago," Sakura had her arms folded as she tried not to flinch under his gaze. Even bound and utterly helpless…he still had the ability to frighten her.
"Aww, so you wanted to keep me around. I'm touched, perhaps you could undo these bindings and I can show you how happy I am at your decision?"
"Afraid I cannot do that," she started walking around his bound form while she continued speaking, "That would take away from the effect that I'm trying to make."
"Oh…and what effect is that?"
"This," she tapped a spot on his shoulder causing him to flinch involuntarily, "The feeling of utter helplessness while someone more powerful than yourself completely defiles you."
He grinned wickedly, "I like where this conversation is going."
Another tap on his arm made him jerk, the grin faltered for a bit.
"I'm going to strip away your dignity bit by bit until all that it left is a sad and pathetic shell. I'm going to do to you what you did to me and countless other women under your twisted rule. And Tetsu," she touched him again, "I will enjoy every moment of it."
He chuckled at the final statement, "Do your worst little blossom. I've been to hell and back, this can't get much worse."
"That is where you are wrong." His leg lurched as she hit it three different spots with perfect precision, "Men like you always have one weakness. And you want to know something funny? You told me exactly what it was. What kind of stupid man are you to reveal your weakness to your enemy. Even if you had decided to kill me or keep me contained forever you still confessed it." She tapped his body a few more times taking immense joy in watching him twitch.
Only a few more points to go and then we can start the jutsu.
You ready to do your part?
She grinned evilly, more than ready.
Give them a good show upstairs, Sakura chuckled.
"Something amusing little blossom?"
"Only anticipating the next part. It will bring me great pleasure to see you squeal like a little girl."
"What makes you think I'll give you the satisfaction?"
Sakura stopped her pacing and stood in front of him, "Because you will have no choice. You see there's this jutsu that my dad gave me," his grin left instantly and his eyes hardened, "I'm pretty sure you know exactly what it does. Obviously with a more powerful brother you had to devise your own jutsu to try and rival it nei? You were twins, except one of you was more exceptional than the other. But you, Tetsu, were born first. Naturally that gave you rights as clan head. But with your brother more powerful than you what kind of clan wants to be ruled by someone who was weak. Hence your poison…you can't even call that a proper jutsu can you?"
He growled at her and jerked against his restraints, she hit the nail right on the head.
"When my father ran off with my mother you hardly felt betrayed didn't you? You secretly rejoiced, because now the clan was rightfully yours. And it also gave you an excuse to kill him. Really Tetsu your evil knows no bounds. But I'm not surprised considering the terrible conditions in which you were born under. If one really wanted to, we could claim your sociopathic nature as a result of your upbringing. You were taught one way to live and not seeing anything else to contradict it you wholeheartedly believed it."
"Shut up."
"Ah ah ah," she waved a patronizing finger at him, "You are not in control of this situation and that must royally piss you off. When you say you've been through hell and back, I believe it. But that doesn't give you the right to put others through it. That is where you went wrong. You took out all of your anger, fear, and hatred on us…kunoichis. You wanted others to feel your pain. Well guess what you bastard, you succeeded! And with that success you felt more powerful and you realized the more people you hurt the more powerful you became. And that lead to delusions of grandeur. But now…now I'm going to take all of that back, just like Itachi took your hands so you could not touch another woman in your life…I'm going to take your peace of mind. I'm taking your power."
Her eyes flickered silver and she formed the first sign. Tetsu immediately recognized what was happening and began to struggle against his bindings. Only he could barely move.
"It's useless, I've disconnected all of your chakra points in your system. It will make the process go faster without the resistance," she looked at him quizzically, "What did you think I was doing? Making you twitch for the hell of it?"
"You fucking bitch!" He yelled his struggling increasing tenfold. It made little difference the small amount of chakra he could access would not respond to him.
She finished the last hand sign then held her hands palms flat against each other in a prayer position. Chakra began seeping from her body as it formed a large white chakra ring spinning rapidly around the two of them. Sakura had to be careful to keep it perfectly controlled since she couldn't have it blasting around the interrogation room like she did at the Uchiha Compound.
"The barrier is complete Inner…you can come out now," Sakura spoke tightly focusing everything on holding the jutsu.
"With pleasure," A bone chilling voice echoed around the chamber.
Everyone's eyes widened as they watched two silvery-white hands rise out of Sakura's shoulders.
"Oh Kami-sama…" Naruto whispered, "We're gonna see her aren't we?"
Sasuke could only nod as his lips parted slightly in shock.
"It sounds just like her too," Tsunade commented as the upper body lifted out of Sakura's body. It was similar to watching someone crawl out of a pool and onto the deck.
Itachi remained as impassive as ever but he couldn't deny the small bout of excitement that he felt bubbling in him. This jutsu, this ability in general, of calling forth one's inner spirit to leave the body was exhilarating and frightening at the same time. He figured that the roll of the chakra ring was for protection. He knew firsthand the destructive power of the ring that meant Sakura was focusing intently on making sure such a thing would not spiral out of control. And he knew it would be foolhardy to try and bypass such condensed chakra spinning at rapid speeds.
Now she was completely out of her body. They observed that Sakura's Inner looked exactly like her. Not that it was all too surprising considering they were the same person. Ino had also confirmed that Sakura's Inner was a perfect carbon copy, just a whole lot feistier. But every person in that room would agree that the most frightening part of that ethereal form were the obsidian eyes that reflected nothing. They were just two deep pits with no beginning and no end.
Inner popped her neck dramatically, "Well, well, well, what do we have here?"
Tetsu didn't respond only continued to try and break out of his restraints.
"Ah, ah, ah," she wiggled an ethereal finger at him, "Play nice now or this will be no fun for me."
"Don't come near me," he growled, fear evident in his gaze.
Inner chuckled menacingly as her eyes narrowed, "Oh you poor baby. I'm gonna do more than come near you. I'm going to rip you apart from the inside out! I'm going to inflict all the pain and anguish that I had to witness and feel first hand in only a few minutes! And I'm going to bathe in it! You don't know how long I've waited so hurt you, to squeeze the very essence out of you. You are at my mercy until I decide I'm done playing with you." She took slow deliberate steps towards him reveling in the intense fear radiating off of him, "That's it big boy. Get scared! I want you to have nightmares about me for the rest of you miserable life! I want to bathe in your agony and drown in your fear! Now scream!"
Without warning her ethereal hands shot forward and sunk into both of Tetsu's shoulders. He bit his lip and groaned but fought the scream.
"SCREAM!" Inner shouted in his face as she squeezed his insides harder.
Blood fell from his lips but still no scream. Inner's obsidian eyes narrowed as she slowly began pulling. Tetsu finally let go of his lip a loud pained yelp echoed around the room. Inner smirked as she let go.
"There it is," she trilled lifting his face to look him in the eye, "You can withstand physical pain exceptionally well. But spiritual pain, like when I pull on your chakra coils, now that's a whole new kind of hurt isn't it?"
Tetsu didn't answer and tried to turn his head away but Inner turned it right back yanking on the muscles around his neck.
"Not that easy you sick bastard. You're going to look me in the eyes as I make you beg for mercy!"
Quickly inserting her hands again she pulled on the chakra network making the man in front of her scream and wail, like a banshee. Her smirk turned into fierce grin as she watched his body thrash about and trying to dislodge her small hands. She let go, sweat covered his face and his breathing was heavy and labored.
"Don't get tired on me Tetsu we've got a long ways to go."
"Go fuck yourself," he bit out tiredly.
Inner chuckled, "Nah I think I'll wait for Itachi to do that. It's more fun with a partner than by yourself now ain't it?"
Sakura rolled her eyes at her Inner's comments. She had hoped her Inner would keep those comments to herself. Oh well, the boys would definitely be shocked and it would be funny to see their faces. She didn't think any of them knew exactly what went through her head sometimes but now they all knew.
"Three minutes," she intoned. While she had perfect chakra control this jutsu was very draining and they had a job to do.
"Hai, I can feel that," Inner turned and smirked at her physical body, "Can't rush art now can you?"
"Whatever."
Inner chuckled lightly then turned back towards her victim, "The fun part is about to begin. Are you ready for me to completely strip your humanity from you?" One small finger traced his cheek in mock tenderness, "I'm going to destroy and crush everything that you value about yourself. I want to know, are you prepared?"
Tetsu didn't answer.
"Stubborn right until the very end. I can admire that in a man," Inner stroked his blonde hair, "You used false intimacy quite well during our torment. If you had made the gestures reach your eyes you might have actually won."
That caused Tetsu to slowly look up at the Inner and he cringed. Instead of a softened face that he was somewhat expecting, especially since the tone of voice had been kind and tender, instead obsidian black pits managed to hold a type of hellish cruelty that involuntarily made him shiver.
"We could see it every time we looked at you," Inner continued, "The way you would stroke our face and speak was oh so convincing. Then we'd look into your eyes and see hell. So Tetsu, how does it feel to look into my black pitted eyes and see nothing but hell?"
Tetsu grimaced but didn't look away.
"I now have two minutes until this jutsu is finished so I might as well get this over with. Tetsu I claim your inner soul as retribution for all the pain, suffering, and heartache that you bestowed on me and my sisters. You will continue to live and be reminded of how you became the weakest man in the world. Enjoy your hell."
Without another word Inner shot forward and disappeared into Tetsu's body. The shrieking and wailing that followed could not be described by any man. Even Ibiki would admit later that no man or woman under his strictest of interrogations had ever produced such a sound of suffering as did that man. It was a sound only a person could make when they were literally having their soul forcibly ripped from their body. And it was also obvious that Sakura's Inner was taking her damn sweet time, making sure that man felt everything.
Naruto chanced a glance at the others in the room and wasn't very surprised to find most people keeping a stoic visage. Ryuu was smirked wickedly as if she found great personal joy seeing him in complete and utter pain. Kaminari almost looked sick while Kaze looked like that majority of the people…stoic. His eyes then flew up to Tsunade's to see her watching the entire ordeal with clinical interest. He turned his eyes back to continue watching as a silver form started to retreat from Tetsu's body.
Inner Sakura emerged first, walking backwards out of the body and in her ethereal hands was another spirit. Her hands were around the neck of the second spirit holding the limp form tightly. Once the second spirit was disconnected Tetsu's body stilled and he slumped in his chair. Inner smirked at his posture but didn't waste time commenting. She had other things to do. Turning around she faced her physical self and walked forward dragging the limp spirit with her.
"That was easy," she commented before shaking the spirit, "He didn't even put up any resistance."
"Good it made your job easier."
Inner pouted, "But that was no fun. I wanted a little bit of a fight."
"Finish up, or else we'll have a free floating spirit," Sakura ordered staring straight into obsidian eyes.
Inner growled but complied. She reached for Sakura's left pocket and retrieved a medium sized scroll. Opening it easily she set it on the ground and placed the spirit on its back. A few quick hand seals later and the spirit was safely contained inside. Inner smirked then offered a salute up to the observation room then proceeded to walk back into Sakura's body. Once she felt her spirit merge back with her body Sakura ended the jutsu. She swayed for a second before bending over her hands on her knees.
Taking a few deeps breaths she steadied her breathing and heartbeat then stood straight running a tired hand through her hair.
"I'll kill you…I swear on everything that I am…you will die by my hand."
Sakura looked over at her tormentor. She hadn't expected him to speak, to be honest she hadn't expected him to even be conscious.
"Your threat holds to value anymore. I and the other women are now free from your oppression. Enjoy prison, you will never see me again."
Was she impressed that he still managed to threaten her after the extraction? Not really, he just spoke in favor of his stubborn, bullheaded nature to never been seen as weak. If he could still instill fear in her then he was still more powerful than she. And she refused to acknowledge what didn't exist anymore. Without bothering to look back Sakura slowly and steadily walked out of the interrogation room.
She stopped just outside the doors and waited for them to close before letting out a breath that she hadn't realized she had been holding. One hand went to her forehead while the other she clutched to her chest, her body sagged against the nearby wall for support.
It's…over…
Officially over.
I'm…never going to see him again. He won't bother me. He can't get near me.
We're free.
Rosy lips flitted into a small smile at that last thought. The heavy weight that had been present on her shoulders finally lifted. She could feel it leave, she could see a small light shimmering around her shoulders if she closed her eyes, then it and the oppressive weight disappeared. It was beautiful.
Her thoughts were broken when a door opened. She looked up to see Itachi striding towards her and instantly leapt up into his arms. He held her tightly burying his nose into her hair giving her every comfort she needed. She held him equally as tight reveling in his quiet strength and protective embrace. Nobody disturbed them they waited patiently for them to finish.
She didn't know how long she stood there cradled in his arms, but one thing was for certain she didn't want to let go. She was happy, relieved, and everything else under the sun and Sakura hoped that Itachi could feel it in her embrace. She wanted to move on, wanted to put everything behind her, and now she finally felt like she could.
Tilting her head ever so slightly Itachi brought his lips down next to her ear, "I'm proud of you."
A breathy laugh escaped her as she tightened her grip.
"Hey Sakura-chan?"
Responding with Kakashi-like laziness she moved her head away from Itachi's comfortable chest and looked at Naruto, who had a cheeky grin on his face.
"Your Inner Sakura is totally bad ass."
She couldn't help herself, especially after Sasuke smacked her upside the head for his ridiculous comment, she started laughing. And within a few minutes the whole group was chuckling at Naruto's comment. It was probably the best and only way to diffuse the tension with their group.
And she couldn't be more grateful.
"Me next! Me next! Me next!"
"Alright Yukari, just wait your turn," Ino smiled at the exuberant young girl.
Tonight was the night that almost every woman in the Haruno clan was excited about. It was New Year's Eve and every woman and child was getting ready for the festival. Tsunade fortunately donated a partial sum of money for each woman to purchase one formal kimono for the evening. Ino, Hinata, Tenten, and even Kurenai-sensei with her one year old dropped by to help anyone that needed assistance to get ready. Tonight they were going to show them all the fun things that their great city had to offer and then at the end of the night they would get to watch fireworks.
"There, all done Mitsu," Ino helped the small child off the stool, "Yukari your turn and bring your matching hair pins!"
Sakura walked into the scene with a large smile on her face. The past two weeks had been almost a dream come true for the clan. They were officially recognized and instated as a new clan in Konoha. Sakura had accompanied Mizuko who had taken the position of Clan Head, as voted by everyone in the clan, to all the council meetings she would be a part of. Of course she took her baby along with her which gave her extra brownie points with some of the Clan Heads. Mizuko was also happy to see that she wasn't the only female member and Inuzuka Tsume was delighted to have another leveled headed woman running a clan. Needless to say they became fast friends.
Sakura had since sold her old house with most of the furnishings in it. She had no need to stay there now that the Haruno Compound was built. She moved into one of the smaller spare rooms considering she had the feeling that she wouldn't be living there long anyway. They designed their compound similar to the Hyuuga. They liked the idea of having one larger house with separate wings rather than a group of individual houses like the Uchiha.
During the period of the move Tsunade ordered all women to have a typical kunoichi physical exam at the hospital, which Sakura performed for each of them. They also included a blood test for each woman and child. That way they could test for any diseases as well as compare blood so they knew who were sisters, mothers, cousins, etc. With the new information they could split the girls into the different wings according to family. Everyone was overly excited the day all the blood results came back. They were even able to identify some of the fathers of the women who turned out to be high ranking missing nin from different countries.
Since they were now officially a recognized clan it was only fitting to have a meeting hall. So on the northern section of the Compound, Yamato erected a large building. Above the door they carved the traditional perfect circle but decided to add at the center, the kanji for equality. During their first meeting they allowed all of their sisters to attend and laid down many of the new laws and rules for their new clan. They would be seal masters first and foremost. Just as the Uchiha's had the sharingan and the Inuzuka's had their dogs, their specialty will be seals. They also formed their own council consisting of all the older women in the clan. And while Mizuko would be the clan head to the village, there would be no distinction of rank during their meetings. They purchased large pillows for the council women to sit on and they would sit in a large circle in no particular order in accordance with their new code which included equality. Together they would decide what was best for the clan then Mizuko, as clan head, would enforce said ruling. After that first meeting no child under the age of twelve would be present due to any sensitive matters that were discussed. Other chairs and pillows would be provided to those who wished to sit in on the meeting even though they weren't part of the council. And if they wished to register an opinion they would have to let a member of the council know so that the representative could express said opinion. They didn't want a dictatorship anymore, they were a family, a clan, and this was how they were going to show it. And they weren't going to let men lead anymore. From that day forward the Haruno Clan was a Matriarchy.
"Sakura-nee-chan! They're here! They're here!"
Sakura turned her attention away from the group towards where one of her small sisters was pointing. True enough their escorts had arrived with a small entourage. Smoothing out her kimono Sakura walked steadily to the front door of the large compound to greet their escorts.
Itachi was in front dressed in a stunning royal blue kimono that was lined with the Uchiha emblem and on the back was a beautifully stitched red dragon.
"Uchiha Itachi," she smirked lightly blatantly letting her eyes travel up and down his body, "You clean up mighty fine."
Itachi smirked back, "I could say the same for you, my jewel."
"You like?" she asked innocently while turning to give him a proper look at her kimono. She wore red with a large cherry blossom tree printed into the fabric. The print depicted the tree blowing in a soft breeze as the petals wove around the entire kimono. Around her waist, tied in a traditional butterfly knot, was a soft pink obi with silver pleats etched into the fabric.
"Very much so," he answered while ascending the steps to the porch. As he got closer he spied the necklace he gave her around her neck resting just above where the fabric covered her chest. She pulled her hair up into a loose bun which was secured with dark brown hair pins with small sakura blossoms and rhinestones on the ends. Her bangs were swept to the side and he noticed she was wearing slightly heavier make up than was typical for her, but he didn't mind. She was still beautiful to him.
"Alright break it up," Shisui said lightly, "I can practically smell the tension between you two."
Sakura broke away from her almost fiancé's gaze to glare at him, "Well, Shisui-san at least some of us are getting some type of attention."
"Oh that hurts Sakura-chan."
She chuckled at his fake expression while he clutched at his heart.
"Oi Sakura-chan are they ready yet?" Naruto asked walking up beside her and Itachi.
"Almost, some of the girls are still getting their hair done," she took a moment to admire his clothing, "Well I'd usually say that you need to find another color but…that orange really looks good on you."
Naruto gave her an award winning smile, "Thanks Sakura-chan!"
She hadn't been lying to him with that compliment; the burnt orange kimono shaded with black pinstripes looked stellar. But then again, Naruto was the only person she knew who could pull off such an odd color and still look amazing in it.
"Hurry up ladies!" Naruto stood at the door and yelled, "The festival is about to start!"
High pitches squeals had a few people covering their ears as most of the younger girls barreled through the door. Naruto easily side stepped them all.
"Oi!" Ryuu called out as she exited behind them, "No more running you don't want to rip your new clothes."
Shisui's breath momentarily stalled before a wide genuine grin spread across his normally teasing face, "Ryuu-san you look absolutely stunning tonight."
Ryuu eyes him with her typical 'I hate the world' glare before subconsciously smoothing her kimono. She had picked a dark gold color that shimmered naturally with no added embellishments. Her obi was a dark maroon tied securely around her waist. She had forgone any heavy make-up and only put on the bare minimum at Mizuko's insistence. Her hair was drawn up in a simple pony tail with small jewel crusted silver ribbons in her hair. "None of that tonight. I feel like a fool."
"You don't look it. In fact you look like anything but a fool."
She huffed and decided it was better to make sure her little sisters weren't ruining their expensive clothes rather than engage that annoying Uchiha. He just wouldn't leave her alone!
The rest of the women filed out and greeted everyone present and then they all made their way to the center of the city for the festival. Sakura loved the New Year's Festival. It was the one that just seemed livelier than the others. Perhaps because it signified the New Year that was coming, which meant new beginnings for everyone.
They wove through the various stalls and the children were beyond excited. All the bright lights, the toys stands, and especially the sparklers captured their attention to the maximum. They would stop and watch all the traveling performers and minstrels before heading to the next act. They even stopped and watched as a large dance floor was marked off and many of the citizens participated in various traditional dances.
"Dance with me?"
Itachi looked down at his date and with the excited look in her eyes he knew he couldn't refuse her. They entered the dance area as the last song finished and waited for the next one to start. Sakura expertly retrieved her fan from her kimono sleeve and held it up to her face. She had to wait for the next song to start before she knew which position she needed to start in. Then the band began to play.
"Senya," she whispered glancing at the musicians, "My favorite."
Itachi smiled lightly, "Mine as well."
Sakura smiled as she waited for the intro to finish. She loved the morose feel of the song, she felt it allowed her to dance more expressively than some of the other traditional songs. And more importantly, it was a couple's dance. The waltz started then and she took the first steps. Her fan was held out away from her body with her left hand holding the sleeve back. Itachi perfectly mimicked her movements except without the arm flourish. Their steps lead them closer together where Sakura whipped open her fan to hide her face while their left hands touched. They took slow and careful steps keeping in perfect time with the music. Then they broke apart and she turned away from him. Sakura then performed a few fan flourishes while Itachi kept perfect rhythm and circled in front of her. Sakura took a small dip flipping her fan from one hand to the other before their hands met again. Only this time Itachi pulled her closer, their bodies almost touching. Her left hand was kept in a firm but light grip as they continued to move together. Once he released her Sakura's soft touch kept him rooted in one spot while she gracefully waltz around him. Her fan was now closed as it trailed softly over his shoulders before she whipped it back open and strode away from him. Itachi trailed slowly after her and stopped right behind her barely touching the back of her obi. With careful movements he gripped both wrists, the left placed high on her waist while her right followed his careful movements. Opening her fan again he lead her through a series of movements her hand and body perfectly following his every move. He closed the fan then and trailed over her left arm and across her chest then down before extending her arm forward. It was a blatant sensual move for this dance but one that she found she didn't mind. He let go of her then and backed slowly away as she turned to follow him. Dancing again in a circular pattern they crept closer and closer to one another.
The tension between kept getting more intense. She had danced this dance on numerous occasions with different partners but none of them had ever produced the same amount of tension they were creating. Maybe it was during the hold. Other partners had only done simple things like wave her arm holding the fan or maybe even dip but to deliberately draw it across her, well she was lucky the makeup covered up the pink that stained her cheeks. He was always a man to push the boundaries but the best thing was she always welcomed it. Even his small tease just now, she couldn't help but smile at the small tingles that shot through her body. He was driving her crazy, a good kind of crazy.
The song finished with Sakura's fan up by her face, her eyes barely peaking over the rim. He extended his right hand towards her which she took as he escorted her off the floor. They didn't stop or pause at their group but he continued to lead her away from the festivities and into the more sedate part of the village. Sakura didn't mind. Since her moving in with the Haruno's and getting them all settled in, along with her other three village duties their time together had been rather sparse. She missed him and she knew he felt the same.
They kept walking until they reached the secluded part in the eastern side of the village. Many of the houses were dark indicating everyone was off to the festival leaving them in relative privacy. He steered her easily into a large alleyway where he easily spun her around and pressed his lips into hers. Sakura wasn't completely taken by surprise because for the past couple of weeks she had seen very little of her Uchiha. Between her three jobs, getting her clan established including all the village meetings, and adamantly persuading her boyfriend that she wanted to spend Christmas with her clan considering it was the Haruno's first ever Christmas celebration, needless to say she had missed him terribly.
"If I didn't know any better I would think you were avoiding me," he whispered.
Sakura giggled, "If I didn't know any better I'd say you were jealous."
"And if I am?"
Sakura kissed him again briefly, "Then I'd say you have nothing to worry about. I promised that this Christmas was the last one I spent without you, didn't I?"
He pulled her closer, "You did."
They remained silent enjoying the comfort that they gave one another. They could hear the distant frivolity of the festival but paid it no mind. All they wanted was some time alone together.
"My mother has been asking about you?"
Sakura nuzzled his chin, "Has she?"
"She's get anxious about you coming to visit."
Her hands slid from his shoulders to his chest, "I guess I'll have to visit her after the New Year. Am I even invited into the Compound or does your father still have a grudge against me?"
He took her hands and kissed them, "He has seen that he was in the wrong. The new council that has been established is much more…with the current times."
"And they no doubt were put into power by you," she kissed him lightly on the lips.
"They were, along with my father."
Sakura slowly lead him out of the alleyway where they walked leisurely along the quiet street. It was peaceful just the two of them. For now it seemed as if they were the only two alive.
"I do not wish to ruin this beautiful evening but…how are you doing with handling everything?"
Sakura lifted her head and took a deep breath of the night air, "I'm getting better. Small things are coming easily now like this." She stopped their walk, placed her hands on his neck and kissed him softly. "It feels like I can finally put all of those bad memories behind me so I can get back to the way I was before it all happened."
Looking into her beautifully painted eyes he smiled softly at her, "I do not wish to push you…"
"Itachi…" she sighed her arms pulling him close into a hug, "I appreciate everything you've done for me." Her voice broke slightly, "If there's one thing I want, it's to get back what we lost. This thing has put a giant crack in us that I've always wondered if it's irreparable."
"Stop," he commanded tipping her chin up. Her eyes were glossy as she prevented her tears from ruining her make up, "He did not ruin us. Do you understand me?"
"But-"
Her protest was interrupted with his kiss. He held her still waiting for her to relent. When she finally did he softened the pressure to a gentle caress.
"Nothing about what happened to you could ever make me think differently towards you. I love you, and that will never change."
Sakura held him tight and buried her head in the crook of his neck, "I love you Itachi. I'm sorry I just…I can't help but think-"
"Sakura."
She snapped her lips closed as she stared into his beautiful onyx eyes. She knew she was a silly girl for always doubting herself and her feelings. She was definitely a foolish girl for doubting Itachi's feelings for her. But what could she say; she was a woman who had just been through a traumatic experience that changed her. It was natural to have doubts, even when those who loved you repeated assured you that nothing changed. It's still there in the back of her mind that yes some things have changed. And she wasn't sure what it would take for those feelings to completely go away.
They spent the next couple of hours holding each other exchanging occasional kisses. When the mood hit they would sway slowly with the night's music basking in each other's presence and in their shared love. It was bliss for those long moments.
Until a certain loud blonde clone ran up to them.
"Hey Sakura-chan! Fireworks are starting soon everyone wants you to come!" he called to them.
Sakura lifted her head from its comfortable position on Itachi's chest, "We'll be there Naruto. Save us a spot with the group."
He saluted, "Hai! Will do!"
She returned to her comfortable position, "We should head over. I did promise to watch fireworks with them."
"Hmmm, sounds like we should start walking."
"Yeah…we should."
Neither of them moved as they continued to sway with the gentle breeze.
"It's a good thing we're high level shinobi," she commented lightly.
"Is that so?"
"Hai, that way we don't have to move until the last minute."
Itachi smirked at her meaning but he couldn't disagree with her logic.
"Hold on tight," he warned.
A second later they both stood amongst the Haruno clan who had spread out large blankets for everyone to sit on and enjoy the coming fireworks. Many of the younger girls were bouncing around in anticipation for the awesome display that Naruto, no doubt, talked up.
Itachi led her to a small spot near the rear of the group and helped her kneel down gracefully onto the blanket. He followed sitting behind her.
Sakura glanced over her should giving him a sly smile, "What would your father say if he saw you sitting so…casually in your formal kimono?"
He smirked in response, "He wouldn't say a word only look at me with disapproval and save the reprimand for my mother to issue the following day."
Sakura giggled, "Mama's boy." Without warning Sakura was roughly pulled back against his chest effectively ruining her perfect kimono kneel.
"Now I'm not the only one sitting casually in a formal kimono."
Sakura's witty response was cut off with a loud boom as the first fireworks launched into the sky. Her grin widened as her little sisters all squealed with glee at seeing the display for the first time in their lives. She took the chance to glance around and wasn't the least bit surprised to see "pairs". The obvious pair was Kakashi and Mizuko sitting with little Reina who was fast asleep in her mother's arms. She hoped that Kakashi would finally find someone to have a relationship with. Hopefully it'll cure his unhealthy obsession with porn…but one can only hope.
The next one she found mildly surprising and she had to draw Itachi's attention to it. So nudging him softly on the shoulder she pointed out where Kaminari was sitting next to his brother.
"Looook, Sasuke's first crush," she giggled lightly making him smirk.
"I had a hunch but now it's confirmed. I wonder if he's figured it out yet."
"Figured out what?"
He leaned in close to whisper in her ear, "That he can actually have romantic feelings towards a girl."
Sakura giggled again, "Well I'll say it's about time he figured it out. Maybe his fan base will lessen when they find out their Uchiha heartthrob is taken." She pretended to feign a heartbreak.
"Not likely."
She continued her perusal of her clan and was pleasantly surprised to see Choji, Lee, and Shino sitting with some of the younger adolescents. She knew infatuation when she saw it. She also knew those gentlemen wouldn't make any sort of move until those girls were older. But seeing them grow more and more innocently attached would be fun to watch and tease about.
Her green eyes also spotted a few other shinobi she didn't know as well sitting among her sisters. It was a no brainer that her clan was considered beautiful and that many men would be attracted to them. But she knew that if those men were sitting here then they passed the first round of "what are you intentions" tests that her sisters put all men through. In essence they had to be something special.
"What are you thinking?"
She snuggled back into his hold, "Just thinking…I want all of them happy."
"And what about you, are you happy?"
"I am happy."
He shifted a bit so he could face her, "Really truly happy?"
Her eyebrows furrowed a bit, "Yes…"
"Do I make you happy?"
"Itachi why are you asking that?"
"Just answer."
"First tell me why?"
"I will after you answer my question. Do I make you happy?"
She sighed, "Yes you do make me happy."
"Then will you marry me?" Sakura's eyes widened as he pulled out a beautiful ring and held it up to her. It was a white gold ring with intricate scroll work depicting vines and leaves with small diamonds scattered throughout. And on top was a perfectly round one carat flawless diamond that sparkled brilliantly in the firework's light.
"Itachi…" she covered her mouth trying to contain the elated gasps so as not to draw attention to herself. Her eyes watered against her consent and as she looked up into her beautiful onyx orbs her heart melted at the tender expression in them. "Yes."
His answering smile made her stomach flutter with butterflies as he slowly slipped the beautiful ornament onto her ring finger. Without another seconds hesitation she immediately latched onto his sinfully kissable lips and thanked him for his beautiful gift and romantic proposal. She would admit that she was surprised he asked in such a public setting, but then again nobody was really paying attention to them.
"I love you, thank you!" she whispered against his lips, her breathing slightly erratic.
"You've just made me the happiest man by saying yes." He kissed her cheek and neck a few times making her giggle lightly before holding her close as she continued to study her new ring.
Sakura suddenly felt eyes on her and looked up to see her sensei watching with a soft expression. She smiled widely holding up her ring finger waving it at him. A ghost of a smile could be seen beneath his mask as Kakashi winked at her then turned his attention back to his date.
The finale began to burst in the sky and Sakura turned her attention to the brilliant lights up in the sky. She couldn't wait to show Ino and see her friend get all green with envy.
Shannaro!
Alright so i'll be honest. Writer's block...happens all the time. At first it was the plethora of stories i'm writing at the same time (BTW not recommended ever) but i love my stories so that's why i do it. Next was attack of the plot bunnies. OMG GUYS, do i have some good stuff planned for you! First off i have a KILLER ItaSaku all worked up and i have it partially written. I'm also developing a FSOG for those of you that are into that series. Come on ladies be honest we all love some Christian Grey ;) Not to mention i've completely revamped my original SasuSaku that i started in February. And i have another not really weird but definitely different ItaSaku, where i actually write an Itachi that killed his clan and is a member of Akatsuki. Oh i'm so excited to share it with you! So good things are on the horizon.
And when i went on a creative dive with this fic i knew i had to set it aside in order to keep with the original goodness that i'm already writing with.
I'm also NOT a believer in chapters that turn out to be author's notes. They seriously bug the absolutely crap out of me. I hate it when i'm waiting for a chapter update and it's just a 200 word AN. Drives me bonkers that's why i don't use them. Also for those of you into ATLA i'm finally putting the finishing touches on Book 4: Air. Hopefully i'll get that chapter out soon as we as a new Dance of Bravery chapter and Vitality of Sakura chapter.
Much love my awesome readers and more love to my faithful reviewers!