Mother

The afternoon of the day was slow. All the class ever did was have study hall and learn about village culture. But when the bell rang, even the most calm of students jumped up in surprise.

Glad, the students started grabbing their bags, and bustling out of the room. But not before Iruka reminded them of their homework.

Sasuke and Sakura were walking home and talking about homework and the events of the day. "Geez, and I was starting to think we would never get out of there," said Sakura.

"Yeah me too," Sasuke agreed. "I was hoping Naruto would at least pull another prank on sensei."

"Strange how he didn't even try."

The two reached the house. As Sakura opened the door, she smelled food being cooked on the stove, and could hear the faint sound of humming. Sakura went into the kitchen to investigate the noise, while Sasuke placed his bag on the couch.

Then he heard Sakura scream from the kitchen.

Startled and scared for Sakura, Sasuke grabbed a kunai and rushed towards the kitchen. When he burst through, he was relieved to see Sakura not hurt but was wondering why there was another person in the house.

She was very pretty. Sasuke thought that she looked like his mother in ANBU armor, but with pink hair and green eyes. She looked at Sasuke and said "Hello there," and smiled.

Sasuke felt his face go hot but he quickly shook it off. "Who are you and what're you-" He was cut off when Sakura screamed "Mom!" then rushed over and jumped into her arm, crying.

"Mom?! What?!"

"Sakura, can you tell me who this boy is?" asked the woman.

Sakura nodded her head and her mother let her down. Sakura sniffed then said "Mom this is my friend, Sasuke Uchiha."

"An Uchiha, eh?"

"Yup," Sakura nodded, " and Sasuke, this is my mother." She gestured towards her mom.

"My name is Seirei Haruno," Seirei bowed. Sasuke bowed in return. "So, how long have you known my daughter?" she asked, returning to the food.

"A couple weeks," Sasuke mumbled.

"A couple weeks? Sakura could you please hand me the curry powder?" Sakura obeyed he mother and rummaged through the cupboard. "Are you two rally close,"

Sasuke sat down and said "Yeah."

"Here you go Mom," Interrupted Sakura.

"Thank you honey," Seirei sprinkled the curry powder and cooked the food. When she finished, she brought out a plate for her. "Would any of you guys like to eat with me?" she asked.

"I would," replied Sakura. "I didn't have much of a lunch anyways."

"What about you, Sasuke?"

"I'm fine," he said curtly.

"All right then," she took the two plates and scooped enough curry for her and Sakura, and started to eat.

While Sakura and her mother were eating and chatting to each other, Sasuke stared at Seirei with suspicion. Even though he knew she was Sakura's mother, he was still cautious around her.

Finished with her meal, Sakura went to get her training equipment, followed by Sasuke. As she was working on the speed of her shuriken she noticed that Sasuke was a little timid towards Seirei, even when it looked liked he needed some help, which happened a lot whenever she passed by.

Back at the house, Sakura and Sasuke were working on their homework. Seirei was doing the papers stating that the mission was over.

Out of curiosity she looked at the clock. "Seven-thirty," then she looked at the two children as they sat talking and scribbling down answers.

"Oh hey Sasuke," she called. "I think I should take you back to your parents. They must be worried sick about you."

Sasuke looked at her with painful eyes. He pushed his sheet away from him and buried his face in his arms.

"Um Mom, Sasuke has been living with me for the past couple of weeks" said Sakura, with one hand on Sasuke's shoulder.

"Why is that?" Seirei asked.

"Well um you see um . . . I'll just whisper if to you," Sakura got up and went to her mother. Quickly she explained to Seirei the recent massacre.

Immediately Seirei's hand flew to her mouth. " Is it true?" she asked.

"Yes,"

Seirei looked at Sasuke in pity. She stood up and went to Sasuke and lowered herself till she was at his level. She heard muffled cries coming from him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Sasuke looked up from his arms and at Seirei. Then he shook her hand off and averted his face. But once he started to cry again, he felt the woman's arms wrap around him, which made him blush furiously.

"I am really sorry if I brought back anything painful," she whispered. "I hope you forgive me." She let him go and started to walk away.

Sasuke taken aback by the sudden action, got off his chair. "Wait," he called. Seirei turned towards him. "Hmm?" she replied.

Sasuke ran to Seirei and hugged her. "I forgive you," he said, smiling.

Sakura watched the whole thing with happiness. As she watched Sasuke hug Seirei, she felt her whole world be bright and warm. She uttered a small cry and joined the two. Seirei and Sasuke let her in gratefully and hugged her tightly. Sakura cried with happiness at the sweetest moment of her life.

Sasuke looked at Seirei and found the familiar love he got from his mother in Seirei's eyes and grinned a brighter smile

Chapter . . . a little to emotional at the end. And it seems like I made Seirei into almost a pedophile, and I don't like that!

I will probably have the next chapter Monday-sundayish.

I have a poll up for you guys and I would like your votes. Information would be on the poll.