A/N: The obligatory filler. How not exciting. While this is still a collection of one-shots I deem this filler boring and necessary for emotional progress. Updates from the next chapter onwards shall be very slow. I'm, going to Japan for a month and then starting University, so time will be limited. But thank you again to those who have reviewed.
For those who've asked about romance, fear not there will be some coming, fairly soon.
A snapshot of a day in the life of Sakura Haruno
"They're here!"
I'd been watching out the window for the past hour, refusing to look away in the hopes that the boys would perform some miracle and arrive here early. Glancing at my watch for no more than I second I wasn't surprised to see that they were in fact late by one hour, 45 minutes and counting. What could I say? Boys would be boys and boys were physically incapable of being on time. Frustratingly so.
As soon as the thought was perished a sleek black car rounded the corner and drove up slowly on the gravel driveway, coming to a stop with a screech.
Grinning widely I left the window, almost tripped over my own feet, and before they could even get to the door I'd ran outside and thrown my arms around them. Better late than never.
Gathering my bearings I squeezed my arms around their necks while trying to stay upright. I let them go, stepping back to take a good look at them, still trying to contain my grin. Goodness, they looked so different.
It had been nearly 6 months since I'd seen them last, half a year. While we'd kept in touch as much as possible it wasn't the same as seeing them in person. I'd missed birthdays, celebrations and all the little stuff you laugh about. It just wasn't the same anymore, but at this moment I was happy, they were here now and I was going to make the most of it.
Naruto caught my eye first - how could he not with that shocking blond mane? He looked like he'd grown an inch or two but he still looked like same old goofy Naruto, except for one small thing.
"What's this about?" I asked, laughing as I ran my thumb over his stubble-covered chin. He just smiled bashfully and rubbed the back of his head, ruffling his hair.
"I dunno. Thought I might try it out and see how it looks…"
"It looks stupid," Sasuke interjected coolly, taking off his sunglasses and sticking them into his jacket pocket. I hid a smile as Naruto gave his friend the finger and made a face. God I'd missed these two idiots.
"Well it's really good to see you," I cut in, throwing my arms around his shoulders and patting him on the back. Turning to Sasuke I did the same before he could step away from it, my arms fitting easily around his frame. I frowned, under his thick coat it would seem that Sasuke had changed too.
"Hey, have you lost weight?" I enquired, pulling away from him. I was privy to a small glance between the two boys before I was treated to a rare and small reassuring smile from the dark haired teen.
"A little. End of year exams," he offered as his only explanation. I just nodded and smiled, knowing how much of a perfectionist Sasuke was when it came to his schoolwork. Sleeping and eating were only a secondary necessity to him especially at exam time, studying being first priority of course. He was such a nerd.
Well we'd have to remedy that wouldn't we? Clapping my hands together I decided to get things underway, after all we only had three days.
"So grab your stuff and I'll take you to the guest room. You have to tell me everything that has been going on…"
"You're shitting me…"
"I shit you not."
"You're telling me that frigid old Neji, our Neji, actually had human contact… with Shikamaru?"
Naruto lay to my left, the three of us on the sizeable guest bed, nodding and laughing. The whole mattress rumbled with his throaty cackle and I couldn't help but laugh along too. The last 2 and half hours had been very much the routine of: tell a story, question its absurdity, laugh and tell your own story, repeat. From what I could tell it seemed like everyone was moving on and growing up with no major dramas or mishaps.
"Dude, you shoulda' been there. They were so drunk…" I snickered too, but couldn't help the feeling of resentment slowly growing, wishing my parents hadn't made me move. Sure, I'd made plenty of friends in my new town – but I felt as if the perpetual title of New Girl would never fade. Everyone had a history of some sort with one another like I did with the other kids back in Konoha, old jokes, old stories. As much as I'd assimilated in with my new peers I'd always felt like an outsider. But there are worse things, I suppose. If that was the worst I had to complain about then life wasn't as bad as it could be.
"What 'bout you?" Inquired Naruto, leaning over to rest his head on his hand. "What's it like here?" I put my hands behind my head and snuggled further into my pillow while contemplating my answer. Was there a right answer to give? I love it, I hate it, I miss you guys but I actually have great friends here.
"You know, it's not as bad as I thought it would be. Starting at a new school sucked and all, but everyone's pretty cool…." I trailed off, not knowing what else to say.
"But is there actually anything to do here?"
To my right Sasuke extended his arm over me and punched the blond in the shoulder followed by a scolding "Don't be so rude."
"Yes, actually. In case you haven't quite noticed, this town is nearly twice the size of Konoha. You wont be bored." He stuck his tongue out and reached over me to retaliate to Sasuke, punching him back roughly in his shoulder. I brought my arms down from behind my head to elbow them both in the ribs, signaling an early end to what would probably escalate into something more violent than I could be bothered to stop.
"Honestly, children," I mocked. "If you boys can behave yourselves, I'll give you the grand tour tomorrow."
"As if you wouldn't anyway," Sasuke snorted. I sighed, it was true. Boys. I was about to make some tired remark about the astounding immaturity of the male gender when a soft knock on the door interrupted me. Not waiting for a welcome the door creaked open and the eager face of my mother appeared from the opening. For the fourth time in the past half hour.
"Are you sure I can't tempt you boys for a snack? Sandwiches? Biscuits?…Coffee then?…No?"
Oh god how embarrassing. The boys shook their heads with a polite no thank you Mrs. Haruno.
I was hoping she wouldn't be so clingy while they were over. Seemingly unperturbed she just continued to smile and reminded us that dinner would be ready in an hour and left us. I blushed at her intrusive behaviour, she wasn't usually like this.
"I'm sorry," I apologized on my mothers' behalf. "Dads away on business, I think she's just bored."
I was brushed off and dismissed and suddenly I felt stupid for thinking they'd care. Neither of them had mothers so it probably wasn't half bad for them as it was embarrassing to me. But really, if they wanted to take her off my hands I don't mind sharing.
Sitting up I started biting my fingernails, the unease of my mothers growing attachment slowly subsided as I realized how much I missed these two. They were my boys. I flopped myself back down into a lying position between them and smiled.
"You know… I really missed you guys."
"Oh god…" Sasuke muttered, sitting up and getting off the bed, stretching. "Can we skip this part?"
Naruto rolled onto his elbow and grinned at the Uchihas' apparent dislike for anything sentimental. "In bastard language that means I missed you too, never leave me." Sasuke only rolled his eyes.
"Oh yeah and what does this mean?" He asked, sticking up his middle finger in a rude gesture.
"It means you're trying to compensate for something," and before he could laugh at his own crude joke a pillow had been thrown at his face.
"This looks delicious, Mrs. Haruno."
"Oh thank you dear, it's nothing really…"
Nothing was definitely something.
Before us lay a breakfast that could serve a small village and in the back of my mind I couldn't help but wonder if she'd emptied out our pantry in her efforts. Piles upon piles of pancakes, bacon and eggs, toast (white, multigrain, wholemeal, brown) and various cereals littered the table, leaving little room for the occupants to eat.
Looking over the top of the ridiculous feast I questioned what she'd been smoking – the four of us were nearly dwarfed by the sheer size of the spread, and it only was the four of us. I looked at my mother in incredulity as she gestured for us to begin eating, smiling. What happened to my goofy, just eat leftovers for breakfast mother? I know things have been hard on her lately but…
Stacking my plate with pancakes I looked over at my guests, making sure that they were well fed. Though I doubt they'd have trouble.
"How was the guest room, boys?"
"Good," came the standard polite reply in unison.
"Not too uncomfortable?" One shook his head, the other shrugged. I hated small talk. I coughed and took two pieces of grain toast.
"So, Naruto, what happened with the face? The whiskers were growing on me…" I asked, spreading butter thinly on the bread. Looking bashful he rubbed his chin and stacked three pancakes on his plate.
"Well, I liked them too but Sasuke said it was prickly- " thud "- Oww! Ah, what I meant to say was it was getting itchy…yeah…. don't ever grow facial hair…" he trailed off, finishing awkwardly. I stared at him for a moment, before sticking the toast in my mouth, chewing slowly. I decided to ignore him, his weirdness beyond my capabilities to figure out. Switching my attention to Sasuke, I spied his empty plate and his narrowed eyes at Naruto. Had something happened?
"Not hungry, Sasuke?"
He looked up, startled for a second. "Oh, yes…" he replied, grabbing a slice of plain, unbuttered wholemeal toast. He ripped off a corner and chewed slowly. I stared at him as I had the blond. Boys were just so bizarre, especially in the morning.
"So what have you and the boys got planned today, dear?" My mother asked, her creepy smile never leaving her face.
"Just showing them the sights, mall, movies, whatever comes up…"
"That's lovely…"
I sighed and reached for another pancake, smothering it in syrup. I crossed my fingers and toes hoping that Naruto and Sasuke wouldn't ask about my newly acquired stepford mother.
In the luxury of Sasuke's car we'd whizzed past the old historical buildings, visited the more exquisite temples, viewed the lake and hopped around all the inner hot spots of the town. Currently (upon my request) we were in the local mall, sipping coffees in the cafeteria, looking oh so sophisticated I'm sure.
Reaching over the round table I grabbed Naruto's earlobe with my free hand and twisted his stud earring around a bit. The fake blue jewel sparkled in the artificial light.
"I fucking love that you have your ear pierced," I told him, smiling widely. He mirrored my expression and downed the rest of his coffee.
"You don't think it makes me look too gay?"
I tried not to smile and tried to put on a sympathetic face, placing my hands over his on the table I told him: "Naruto, nothing could make you look more gay…"
"Hey!" He cried tearing his hands away and pouting as I giggled, Sasuke smirked into his foam cup. I patted his hand and became more serious again as I reached for my coffee, only glad that unlike our mutual friend he could take a joke. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate Sasuke's seriousness, but he was always just so intense about everything, he never let himself relax. Naruto on the other hand was probably too relaxed.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," I cajoled. "But seriously, do you think I'd look good with a piercing? Maybe a cute little stud in the nose…" Naruto shook his head firmly. I frowned and looked to Sasuke for his approval but he just stared, as if to say why the hell would you do something like that. Why were males so clueless? When you ask if you bum looks big in your clothes, the answer is never yes.
"Why not?"
"Your face is pretty enough, Sakura-chan," he mimicked, patting my hand, "besides, your mother would have a coronaryif you started putting holes in your face." I shrugged, it's true. I could almost envision my mother paling and fainting from the shock from any body modifications I'd have. I could almost hear her say: Now how are you going to get a job looking like that?
"Who's got holes in their face?" Rang out a teasing voice to my side. Turning sharply a beautiful image filled my line of vision. 6-foot tall, soft wavy brown hair, creamy skin and the greenest eyes I'd ever seen. He smiled down at me and patted my back and I couldn't help the blush that rose rapidly to my face. My cheeks felt like they were on fire, why didn't I buy a cool drink instead?
"Having a good holiday, Sakura?" The vision asked, his white teeth gleaming. I nodded nervously, any witty or cool things I had to say lodged themselves in my throat, refusing to be spat out. An awkward silence ensued as I failed to reciprocate anything resembling a conversation.
"Okay…WellI guess I'll see you back at school then…?" More silence "…take care of yourself, Sakura." I again nodded dumbly, my mouth refusing to open. With another hearty (sympathetic?) pat to my shoulder he was off and my complexion sizzled back to it's usual colour. Once I was sure that he was completely gone I slumped my shoulders and banged my head onto my outstretched arms, groaned loudly. You idiot. That boy was the most gorgeous guy in my new school. Not only was he insanely good looking but he was actually nice and funny and not some pompous prick who knows he's all of the above. The one time he speaks to me I act like I'm brain dead, nice going.
Naruto laughed.
"Was that your boyfriend?" he teased. I kicked him hard from underneath the table.
"What'd you do that for?" Sasuke's voice rang out, irritated, and before I could look up I'd been kicked back in the shin with Sasuke's boot. It hurt.
"Sorry, I meant to kick Naruto."
Unfazed by my violent intentions (or maybe he wasn't listening) the ramen lover made a face, frowning as he considered something.
"You didn't even introduce us Sakura."
"He's not my boyfriend, dumbass," I spat back, pouting. How embarrassing this was turning out to be. Grabbing my handbag I gestured for the other two to get up and leave, now that our "break" was over. Eager to forget the past two minutes I set my sights on a clothing store I'd been eyeing - and really, the boys needed some new outfits, even if it meant dragging them by their ears and paying for it myself…
"But you like him," Naruto countered, knowingly pushing his luck. At this I decided that I had selective hearing and conveniently ignored anything else on the topic. I linked my arms around Naruto's and smiled cheekily at him – I hope he was tired by now because tonight was late night shopping and I planned to shop for hours.
Friday night barbeque dinners in our home were tradition. Every Friday night we'd all pitch in our efforts, invite our closest friends over and make a night of it, music, movies, a few people would get drunk but it was all good fun. Of course tonight was a bit different, Dad not being here and having two additionals, but that was okay.
Taking the role of the General in the kitchen I'd ordered the non-meat eater to work on the garden salad, Naruto to watch the potatoes in the oven (because anything else might be a disaster) while my mother and I worked at the barbeque.
"What do you think of nose piercings, Mum?" I asked as casually as possible, turning over a sausage and squinting my eyes as smoke rose from the grill.
She snorted loudly while turning over steak. "Trashy, Sakura. Never get one please." I nodded, dropping the subject, crossing that thought off my list at least until I turned 18.
Fifteen minutes later the four of us were at the dinner table, feeling our plates, pleased with our culinary efforts. With a mouthful of his proudly watched potatoes, Naruto made an attempt at table conversation.
"So when is Mr. Haruno expected back?" Clearing my throat anxiously I shrugged, replying it depended on the success of the venture. After a few moments of silent eating the subject was forgotten, but the silence would never last long with the blond around. "I still can't believe you bought sixteen shirts between us. You shouldn't be allowed in those stores," the blonde complained.
I cocked my eyebrow and waved my fork in his general direction. "Are you kidding me? Every piece of clothing you own, Naruto, has a hole or a stain on it – and everything Sasuke owns is like four sizes too big for him!" Stabbing an innocent slice of cucumber I looked back up at him and shook my head. "You two were like walking fashion disasters."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow and Naruto threw his hand to his forehead dramatically, crying out God forbid, before quiet reigned once more, if only for 5 minutes. On the opposite end of the table, Sasuke had set down his knife and fork on his plate and respectfully declared he was finished, thanking us for the meal. Naruto muttered darkly under his breath and Sasuke glowered at him. Wow, if looks could kill…
"Don't start," he spat, stern. "Now's not the time." He walked over to the sink and rinsed his plate before putting it in the dishwasher. What was this about? What were they arguing about this time? It was difficult to keep up in their never-ending war of being best friends and worst enemies simultaneously.
"It's never is, is it, Sasuke?" The dark haired teen didn't answer, didn't even acknowledge he'd said anything.
My mother cleared her throat, trying to ease some of the tension. "…Is everything alright?" For a few moments no one answered, Naruto simply turning his head stubbornly. Sasuke eventually took the initiative.
"Sorry, Mrs. Haruno. Everything's fine, I just need some fresh air." And with that he left the kitchen, out to the front porch. I was again completely oblivious and for the nth time that day I felt out of the loop, like a third wheel. I looked at the blond questioningly, wanting an answer to what was obviously a tired argument. But he just shrugged. Liar.
Wiping my mouth with a napkin, I excused myself and followed after the Uchiha. I didn't need to look far for him - He sat on the front porch, huddled in his black jacket, texting on his phone. At hearing the door close behind me he pocketed his phone. I sat on the step about a foot away from him, nervously tucking a strand of pink hair behind my ear. I didn't know how bad his mood was, whether he'd talk or shut me out completely, he was unpredictable like that. I plucked up my courage and went for it anyway.
"So…what was all that about?"
He shook his head, staring out into the darkening front yard. "Nothing."
Disbelieving, I nodded anyway. He knew it was bullshit, I knew it was bullshit, but I didn't call him on it. "You want to talk about it?" He shook his head no finally with some predictability. Stupid question - What did I expect, really? I'd been out of his life too long for us to click into sharing and caring, not that he'd ever really opened up to me in the first place. Maybe he needed to learn to trust me again. We sat quietly for a few minutes, listening to the calming crickets chirp as the sun set, casting an orange glow on us.
"You know how I said my Dad was away on business?"
"Mhmm…"
"He's not." I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding and stared at my feet. I could feel his dark eyes on my face, wordlessly telling me to continue. "He left Christmas night and he hasn't come back" I wiggled my toes, "I think they're splitting up."
There I said it.
"Is that why your Mum is so…?" He trailed off, obviously unable to find a polite adjective for her robotic behaviour. I nodded and made a face at being reminded of all things weird and wacky.
"Sorry to hear that."
"It's okay. I just want you to know that you can talk to me, you know?" I heard him stand up and brush of his clothes.
"I know," he replied, sounding tired. I stood up and followed him inside and as I observed his retreating back I wondered what the hell those two were keeping from me – and whether or not it was still my place to know.