Illusions of Serenity
Chapter XVIII
"Ribbon"
…
Itachi had woken just before the iridescent colors of Yokusei's night had transitioned into the vibrancies of daylight. He had glanced over with a small smile to see that Sakura was still soundly sleeping upon the cot before rising and approaching the table, where Gregor sat with his face resting upon his crossed arms. The man had woken at the Uchiha's approach before offering to prepare some tea, which was received with a nod from the latter.
Several moments later, Itachi found himself sitting with a steaming mug of the finely scented beverage, an easy expression on his face and eyes absently gazing out the window.
"I figured Miss Sakura would like some," Gregor explained as he reclaimed his former seat, own cup in hand. "So I took the liberty of preparing hers as well."
Itachi nodded as he looked to him, "I'm sure she will appreciate that."
The other man smiled before sighing and taking a sip of tea, "it is going to be a somewhat busy day for this village."
"What do you mean?"
Gregor glanced to the window, "Tinderwood and Snake-skin have spread the word of the mountain dwellers' demise, a feat which was received with immense gratitude. The civilians are now preparing for a celebratory festival."
"Hmm," Itachi smiled slightly, "Sakura should enjoy that."
"So, you won't be leaving today?"
The Uchiha shook his head, "no. I think it would be best to have a day to recover first. We will leave tomorrow."
"I was planning on leaving with the courier tomorrow," Gregor replied. "That works out nicely."
"So it does," Itachi nodded before partaking of the warm beverage.
A lengthy silence fell between the pair, a contented and easy atmosphere resulting. The Uchiha wondered how the people were faring as far as preparations, their organizational skills somewhat lacking in that regard. He concluded that he and Sakura could perhaps aid them in the endeavor, a fact he spoke aloud to Gregor, who nodded appreciatively in reply.
After several moments, the older man stood and washed his cup before announcing to Itachi that he would see him soon, as he was assigned to gather firewood in the neighboring forest. He then turned to leave, before pausing as Sakura began to stir.
"You are awake," he stated with a smile. "How are you feeling today?"
Itachi had turned in his seat to observe the pair and he watched as Sakura look to Gregor with an expression of confusion. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up, "huh?"
Gregor's smile widened as the girl blinked several times, "Well, I can already see that you're doing better." He then motioned to the small kitchen, "I've made you some tea. You should get up before it gets cold."
"Thank you, Gregor," she replied with an answering smile and nod of her head.
The man returned the nod before waving to Itachi and leaving the house, closing the door securely behind him. The Uchiha smiled and resisted the urge to shake his head at the man before returning his attention to Sakura as she met his gaze.
"Where's he going?"
"To gather firewood," the Uchiha replied simply.
"Oh," she responded with a shrug. "Alright then."
The girl then rose and walked into the kitchen, before grabbing her tea off the counter and moving to take the seat beside Itachi. She took a sip of the beverage before offering him a smile, "good morning, Snail."
He nodded and returned the smile, "good morning, Sakura."
The events of the previous day surfaced momentarily before he cast them aside, intent not to dwell on any of it until he needed to. Today he would focus on nothing but the appreciation of his partner's company.
"Did you sleep alright?" she continued, as she motioned to the wall. "I mean, considering."
"Aa, I did," he assured her. "I was quite comfortable." He winked, "In fact, that wall was probably the most comfortable I have ever slept against."
The physical location of his slumber was actually of little concern to him, as the ease of his mind in regard to her safety had afforded him all the comfort he required.
"So you've slept against a lot of walls, Itachi?" Sakura replied, smirking playfully. "That's quite unfortunate."
"I have," he replied, withholding a smirk of his own. "Though it's hardly unfortunate."
"Do you have some sort of fondness for walls, Snail?" the girl asked with a laugh.
Itachi smiled at her then, tilting his head slightly and observing her silently before nodding. "Aa, I confess that I do. An immense fondness, in fact."
"Is there a specific reason for that or…" she offered him a wink. "Is there just something about it?"
"Hmm," he replied, before returning the wink. "In this case, my reasons are quite specific."
"Oh?" she inquired further. "Care to share…buddy?"
Itachi sincerely doubted that he would ever find an appropriate occasion to reveal his fondness for Sakura, despite perhaps possessing the desire for such an endeavor.
"Unfortunately," he responded, "that will have to be reserved for another time."
"Why?" she crossed her arms.
The Uchiha sighed, but his smile remained as he observed her wordlessly. He then glanced to the window and, upon seeing the piles of wood being gathered at the town's center, for what he assumed to be a bonfire, his smile widened. "Look at that, Sakura."
He certainly hoped the sight would distract the girl from continuing their current conversation, thus relieving him from trying to satiate her curiosity. He realized that his diversion was successful when she suddenly rose from her seat and walked over to the window, intently peering beyond the glass with an expression of interest.
"What are they doing?"
"Most likely preparing for the festival," Itachi explained. "Gregor told me that they are planning to celebrate the fall of the mountain dwellers."
"A festival?!" the girl exclaimed as she immediately turned to face him, excitement practically radiating across her face.
"Aa," he smiled, concluding that he had been correct in assuming that his partner would enjoy the event. He shrugged, "I figured we could simply leave for Kanashimi tomorrow sometime, that way we would be able to attend the occasion tonight. Would you be willing to help out with the preparations?"
"Of course, it's always more fun to be involved with that sort of thing. That way you can enjoy the actual event even more," Sakura instantly responded.
Itachi had not attended many festivals, or anything similar, while in Konoha, as he was always primarily occupied with his tasks for ANBU and the clan. However, he did recall one event and it had actually been somewhat exciting, though that could mostly be attributed to how thrilled Sasuke had been as well as the entertainment Shisui never failed in providing.
He also doubted that the inhabitants of the town could construct an occasion with any semblance of intricacy or structure. However, the perception of Sakura's enthusiasm was enough to assure him of an evening he would thoroughly enjoy.
"Well then," he began as he rose from the table to place both his and Sakura's cups on the counter. "I suppose we had better get started."
"Good idea," the girl enthusiastically nodded before walking forward and grasping his hand. "Now, let's go, Snail. You always move so slowly."
Itachi smiled but refrained on offering a comment to her remark as he moved towards the door and stepped out into the familiar setting of town, immediately noting the several gathered inhabitants, who were conducting many different, seemingly established tasks.
Upon spotting Snake-skin, the Uchiha gently guided Sakura over to him before offering the man a smile when he turned to acknowledge his arrival.
"Oh! It's you," he began with a returning grin. "We are going to have a festival." As he said this, his glance quickly darted to the right before he shouted several commands at the group near the pile of firewood.
"So I've heard," Itachi replied as the man's attention reverted to him. "Sakura and I are here to offer our help with the preparations."
"Hmm," Snake-skin seemed to contemplate the proclamation before nodding and pointing to the girl. "She will help the group in the nearby field. They are gathering floral decorations. You sir," he continued as it became apparent to Itachi how pleased this 'leader' was of reasserting his position over him. "Can help the people in the tavern carry their furniture outside. We want everything to be outside."
From the corner of Itachi's eye, he saw Bogford carrying a dozen or so fish to a location where the food was being prepared and smiled as he surmised that he had been granted a fishing assignment. He wondered if it had been difficult for the man to resist beating them prior to delivery.
Returning his attention to Snake-skin, the Uchiha nodded. "Aa, those tasks sound suitable enough." He reasoned that it was most efficient that he and Sakura receive separate assignments, despite his personal inclination to remain with the girl for the majority of the day.
However, he relented to merely anticipate the ensuing evening as he looked to his partner with a smile. "Is this alright with you?
"Hell yeah!" she responded. "It would be more fun if we could do preparations together, but I'm sure it will still be fun."
Itachi chuckled softly before tapping her forehead, "we'll do the next one together, okay?"
"I'll hold you to that, Itachi," Sakura stated as she returned the motion.
Itachi then nodded before releasing the hand she had entwined with his and indicating the gate, "off you go."
The girl nodded and directed her attention to the gate, taking step towards it and hesitating before almost instantly turning to pull him into a tight embrace. "I promise to stay with the group and not wander off by myself."
Itachi smiled and allowed himself to recover from her abrupt action as he lifted an arm around her shoulders. It occurred to him that Sakura had most likely been contemplating yesterday's abduction and was now attempting to either reassure him or herself, of her continued safety.
"I can see the field from here," he replied. "I will try to keep an eye on you."
The girl briefly shifted her focus to the field before returning her attention to him with a shake of her head. "How do you expect to enjoy yourself if you're looking out for my safety?"
He winked at her as his smile widened. "Looking out for my partner is far more enjoyable than moving furniture, I assure you."
"I'm serious, Itachi," she arched a brow. "I want you to have fun."
His smile faded but did not entirely disappear as he attempted to sort out a suitable response. "I will," he nodded after a moment. "However, I prioritize your safety. It's…important to me."
That admission had been a great deal more difficult to say than he would have assumed. It was strange, he reasoned then, that she always somehow found a way to compel him into voicing the thoughts he would otherwise prefer to conceal.
"Then I suppose it's impossible for me to talk you out of it," Sakura smiled. "You seem determined and…respecting what you want to do is important to me."
He did not really know how to respond to this proclamation of hers and so merely relented to nod and permit his smile to return. After another moment, he removed his arm from her shoulders. "In any case, we can simply both look forward to having fun at the festival tonight."
"You're right," the girl stepped away from him as her smile widened. "I bet the festival will be the best part of the day, Snail."
"Without a doubt, Sakura."
"Alright then, good bye, Itachi," she waved before turning and sprinting toward the gate. "See you tonight."
He returned the wave and smiled as he watched her cross the threshold of the town and into the field beyond, where several other citizens were gathered. He reasoned that she would be safe in a gathering that size, though held firm to his resolve of keeping watch over her. He would not allow his scrutiny to grow negligent again.
He observed her for another few moments before slowly turning and making his way to the tavern, where he saw several other individuals carrying benches and tables alike. Upon being spotted, Itachi was greeted by a rather feral-looking man, who introduced himself as Jing Longfellow.
"Pleased to meet you," the Uchiha bowed his head politely before explaining that he had arrived to aid in carrying the furniture outdoors.
"Excellent!" Longfellow proclaimed before taking a lengthy sip of the red liquid in his mug.
It was then that Itachi recognized the man as the courier he had seen traversing the fields of Yokusei. He offered him a very slight smile then, "has Gregor already spoken with you regarding the deliveries to the surrounding settlements and his decision to travel with you?"
His inquiry was met with a sudden, very confused look from the individual. "What nonsense do you speak of? You think I spend my time making deliveries all across the land? No, for I much prefer to remain in one place."
Itachi blinked and tilted his head slightly. The man's identity was unmistakable, most particularly the unruly hair. "Are you not the courier?"
"What madness has possessed you into thinking that I am such a crazed lunatic?"
It occurred to the Uchiha then that perhaps Jing Longfellow had a condition similar to a split personality disorder. It certainly explained the behavior of the man now and only further afforded him the relief of not entrusting the courier to spread the word of Yokusei's illness on his own. He supposed it might be wise to inform Gregor of this fact, though also reasoned that the latter was already well aware of the fact.
"It seems I have mistaken you for someone else," Itachi afforded the man another slight smile before turning to the task at hand, his eyes scanning the room and surmising that there were only six others currently handling the job.
However, within those six, were people who obviously had the inability to function properly under the current circumstances. A pair of them were fighting over which direction to take the table and on whose side the other would best be suited, while yet another set were continuously lifting and dropping the chairs they held.
Withholding a sigh, Itachi informed Longfellow that he would first attempt to help with the organization of the group altogether, before approaching the more problematic people and demonstrating the proper way to conduct their tasks.
They caught on somewhat quickly, though with a few unproductive quirks. However, the Uchiha knew it to be a useless attempt if he were to try and polish their conduct and so allowed the matter to rest. He walked over to another table and directed one of the men to assist him on the other side. It was fortunate that the doors were a double set, thus making the exit point a vast deal easier to handle.
Stepping outside, Itachi and his assistant carried the table over to where the others sat and, after carefully setting the piece on the ground, the former made sure to cast his attention to the field, wherein he spotted Sakura. He smiled at the sight of her before turning and reclaiming his place in the tavern.
The ensuing couple of hours progressed at a slow pace, the repetitive task giving time the impression of a lengthier progression. The Uchiha did not mind however, as he was entirely willing to appreciate the day's leisurely advance. Upon finishing the first task, he was then asked to aid the group in the kitchen in their preparation of the diverse foods they would be serving. It was in this location that he again spotted Bogford, who was dutifully skinning his catch.
"Hello, Bogford-san," he greeted with a nod.
The addressee looked up to Itachi with a startled expression before it eased and he returned the nod, "Greetings, odd stranger."
No more than that was exchanged between them as the Uchiha continued in his assignment of preparing one of the interesting looking dishes. On a few selections, he felt compelled to offer alternative suggestions. However, he ultimately disregarded the urge as it was the deranged individuals' festival and they were thus entitled to enjoy it in whatever way they wished.
Throughout this task as well, Itachi would take time to step outside and glance in the direction of the field, after which he would always spot Sakura and simultaneously feel his expression soften and a small smile form in reaction to the scene.
The afternoon drifted along at the same, steady pace and, when the hues of evening began to form, the Uchiha left his post within the kitchen tavern and returned to the outdoors as the last of the firewood was placed onto the large pile near the mysterious, color-changing tree.
With a contented sigh, Itachi sat atop one of the tables he had helped carry and rested his gaze on the town's gate. He wondered if Sakura was nearly finished with her task as well. As he then returned his attention to the stack of wood, he watched as Gregor aided some of the other villagers in lighting their torches. Upon a successful intervention, thirteen steady flames formed and were thus directed toward the firewood, which received the ignition in earnest.
Itachi surmised that the choice of wood had been dry, therefore granting the ease of forming a steady fire.
As the smoke billowed upward and the flames increased in ferocity, the scent of the burning lumber wafted towards the Uchiha and as he inhaled, he was once again reminded of the one festival he had brought Sasuke to in Konoha. From his left peripheral, he could see the bards preparing their instruments, absently strumming a few chords at various intervals and appearing to converse amongst themselves over some unknown matter.
As the bright glow swayed before his eyes, Itachi allowed the memory to surface, another fond smile forming as he recounted the event…
Countless illuminated lanterns were lined above the familiar streets of Konoha as Itachi made his way down the path, one hand holding that of his younger brother. Sasuke's eyes were seemingly wide with wonder as they darted back and forth between the many sights. Music filled the air and the scent of the commemoratory fire near the Hokage's tower wafted along within the temperate breeze.
The older Uchiha smiled down at his sibling, "are you enjoying yourself after all, Sasuke?"
The boy had expressed his aversion to going as several of his classmates had apparently declared how boring an event it was, thus discouraging his initial excitement at the prospect. However, Itachi made sure to guarantee his brother of how wrong they were in their description of the festival, despite never having actually attended one himself. Still, he knew what sort of excursion it was and had been confident in Sasuke's ability to thoroughly enjoy himself.
"Yes, Nii-san," Sasuke declared with an answering grin as his hand tightened around his brother's.
They walked alongside the countless booths, all the vendors proclaiming greetings as they passed and earnestly offering their various products. Itachi politely shook his head at them in response before urging his little brother onward.
"What fun is a festival if you aren't even going to participate in any of the games or buy anything at the shops?" Shisui complained as he trailed behind the pair.
Itachi glanced back to see that his friend was staring at him with crossed arms and an annoyed expression. "We can play a few games," he shrugged before looking down at his brother, "but there is still plenty of time for that."
The older boy released a rather indignant, exasperated sigh but withheld any further comment on the matter.
"Let me know if you see something you would like to play," Itachi reminded his sibling, who merely nodded in reply before returning to his observation of the bright visions around him.
A sudden commotion however, drew the trio's attention to the right, where a shopkeeper was currently scolding a small, blonde-haired individual. Itachi released a sigh as he instantly recognized the troublesome person before guiding Sasuke toward the scene.
"Is Naruto-kun misbehaving?" the Uchiha asked the man, though the pleasant tone of his voice remained.
"Always," the latter replied gruffly before pointing an accusatory finger towards the boy. "He has no business at this festival. He needs to leave before I force him out!"
"I hardly think that will be necessary," Itachi firmly stated to the man then, his pleasantness slightly diminishing as he placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Whatever," the shopkeeper answered before waving them away. "Just take him and go."
The Uchiha looked to the boy then and directed him towards the neighboring path, "come along, Naruto-kun."
Upon saying this, and as he removed his hand from around the boy, he noticed the glares the Kyuubi child and his own brother were directing towards one another. He recalled then that the two were classmates and surmised that they did not readily get along very well at school. It was a shame really, considering how ardently both their mothers wished they would become friends.
Naruto then stuck his tongue out at Sasuke before abruptly turning and running off in the opposite direction. "You won't EVER beat me at anything EVER again, TEME! I am Uzumaki Naruto, future Hokage and number one in my class, DATTEBAYO!"
Itachi wondered if the two had just been conducting a staring contest of sorts. He glanced down at Sasuke and noted the smug expression on the boy's face in response to the fleeing form of his classmate. He tilted his head then in amusement at the foreign site of such a demeanor upon the sweet, always adoring face of his younger brother.
"Oh rivalries," Shisui stated as he shook his head before releasing a loud whistle. "But man, is that child a piece of work."
"Hn," Sasuke announced beneath his breath before turning and prompting Itachi to continue. "Let's go, Nii-san."
The older Uchiha sibling continued to marvel at this new side of the boy before experiencing a slight sinking feeling. Sasuke was growing up, and it seemed to have happened out of nowhere.
As they continued along toward the center of the festival, Itachi looked to the glowing fire ahead and watched the wisps of smoke as they ascended into the air. He saw several individuals dancing to the music that was growing louder with every footfall that brought him and his group closer to the primary location of entertainment.
Sasuke edged just slightly closer to him and Itachi looked down with a smile as he reasoned that the boy was being somewhat cautious in reaction to the glowing fire. He had yet to conduct his first demonstration of the clan's signature fire jutsu and was therefore more wary than most others in their family when it came to that particular element.
"-don't know. She probably just wandered off with her group of friends."
The older Uchiha looked up to see a man shrugging to the woman beside him before turning and strolling down the small incline. Upon spotting the group, the man offered a pleasant smile and wave of his hand. "Good evening, Uchiha's! I would recognize you anywhere."
Itachi did not think he had ever seen the individual before, but nonetheless offered him a small smile and bow of his head. He was a rather strange-looking person, with rosy, uniquely styled hair. However, his eyes were as kind as his countenance and altogether presented a trustworthy demeanor.
"Good evening," Itachi responded.
"Oh!" the man said then as he looked to Sasuke. "I know you. My daughter is in your class."
Sasuke nodded, though appeared entirely uninterested. "Yes, she is."
Shisui chuckled at the scene but refrained from saying anything directly.
Itachi cast a quick glance in his friend's direction before returning his attention to the rosy-haired man. "Did she wander off? I couldn't help but overhear part of what you were saying."
"Yes," the man nodded. "My wife has gone to search for her and I," he chuckled, "am meeting some friends at the sake booth."
"I see," Itachi replied, though offered the man another smile.
He obviously did not appear too concerned over the development and the Uchiha supposed that he was as good a judge of his own daughter's antics as anyone.
"Hey, if you're of age, you are more than welcome to come with me."
Itachi shook his head, "no, I am not. However, perhaps in the future I can take you up on that offer."
"I'll be looking forward to it," the man replied with another pleasant grin before waving and continuing towards the booths at the bottom of the hill.
"Wow," Shisui began with another shake of his head, "what a truly flamboyant individual. I don't really know who wins, he or that Naruto kid."
Itachi smirked slightly, "or you."
Shisui rolled his eyes, "I'm hardly on that level."
The other Uchiha merely shrugged before continuing his ascent towards the fire. He noted that Sasuke had grown quiet and glanced down to see if he was alright. However, he smiled when he saw that the boy was only staring straight ahead and wearing a rather contented smile of his own.
When they found a spot to sit, they had only just relaxed when Shisui announced that he was hungry and was going to go purchase some food. After taking requests from both Itachi and Sasuke, the older boy abruptly left them in search of a suitable vendor.
"Nii-san," Sasuke stated a after a moment. When Itachi shifted his gaze to look down at him, the boy continued. "…Thank you," he glanced down at his hands, appearing slightly uncomfortable with the conversation. "For bringing me here."
"Anytime, Sasuke," Itachi replied with another smile as he wrapped an arm about the boy's shoulders and held him closer.
"…can we come again next year?"
The older Uchiha sincerely hoped that his ANBU duties would not require him to be away during the same time the ensuing year. However, he nonetheless afforded his younger sibling with a nod. "I will try my best, to bring you next year as well."
"And…" the younger boy looked somewhat flustered as he continued. "Maybe even the year after that?"
Itachi softly laughed in response before nodding, "Aa, how about I just try to bring you every year? We will make it our own little tradition." He cast the boy a wink.
Sasuke's expression notably seemed to shift into one of complete satisfaction before he moved closer to his brother and leaned his head against his shoulder.
"Nii-san?"
"Hmm?"
"You're the best."
The rest of the evening had been filled with various activities of Sasuke's choosing as well as a final display of fireworks to signify the festival's end. The youngest Uchiha had been so very tired at the end of the day and, as he slept soundly in his bed, Itachi paused in the doorway to look back at his sibling with a small smile.
His smile slightly widened. "You're the best, Sasuke."
...
Itachi's eyes lifted from the fire to the gates once more as the visions of his past diminished and were replaced with images of the present. He again smiled at the memory before glancing to the field and spotting Sakura, though her form was progressively becoming more difficult to discern within the fading light of day. It seemed…that the tradition that had started with he and Sasuke would now become a tradition belonging to both he and Sakura. For the time being, at least…
He disregarded that train of thought and instead refocused on the moment he was currently living. Despite what had happened and despite what awaited him, where he was at the current interval of time was wonderful, and he was determined to appreciate it to the fullest. Was that selfish? Perhaps but, for the first time, he found that it did not bother him. He owed Sakura that much. He owed her at least a few hours of his undivided regard, one that was not plagued with either his present or his future.
After deliberating a few more minutes upon the table, Itachi stepped down and made his way to the gate at a leisurely pace. He reasoned that it would be best to meet with Sakura before darkness completely descended and obstructed her from his view. However, as he neared the edge of town, he caught sight of her approaching with the rest of the flower-gathering group. He smiled and paused beside the pile of broken rubble as he relented to simply wait for her to reach him. Glancing down, he momentarily considered that it might have been a good idea for Gregor to add the mess he had created to the bonfire.
However, he merely allowed that thought to pass as he returned his attention to the approaching group. As the rose-haired Shinobi drew near, he saw a wide grin across her face as she fixated her stare on the fire in the town's center. He tilted his head and patiently waited for the girl to take notice of his presence.
After a few moments, her gaze shifted and, upon recognition, she smirked and stopped in front of him. "What do you think you're doing, Snail?"
"Why do you even have to ask something so obvious, Sakura?" he returned the smirk. "I came to meet you."
The smirk across Sakura's face widened as she crossed her arms, "Well, forgive me for not making that assumption."
He nodded, "alright. You have convinced me. I forgive you after all." He shook his head, "and I was so prepared to hold it against you too."
She reached down and grasped his hand. "Then it's good that I was able to convince you. Otherwise, I might have been in a bad mood for the rest of the night."
Now that was something the Uchiha entirely believed, despite the joking undertones of the conversation. He held his tongue on this matter though and instead offered the girl a smile as he turned and led her toward the bonfire, as well as to the group of civilians that were beginning to emerge and join at the center.
As they approached, the bards began to play their instruments in a slow, soft harmony, inspiring the Uchiha to regard them in slight astonishment. He had honestly not known what to expect of a deranged, musical group. However, now that he thought back on it, he recalled a pair of them having performed in the first tavern he had entered in Yokusei and that they had been quite accomplished as well.
Upon this thought, a sudden and subdued 'snap' resounded behind his ear, prompting him to instinctively dodge. Glancing back he saw the grinning face of Fu Blood, scissors in hand.
"I almost got you," the man stated before pocketing his signature item.
"Aa, so you did," Itachi nodded as he straightened his posture.
A brief silence ensued before the man cleared his throat, "I didn't come to see you off or anything. I came because I have business in this town." He then glanced to his right, "and besides. Manister insisted."
"Of course he did," Itachi offered him another nod before returning his gaze to the fire, though maintaining a slight wariness of any further attempts on having his hair cut.
He then felt Sakura's small hand brush his bangs aside and he glanced down to see that she was smiling up at him. "Your hair looks great today, by the way."
"Oh?" he tilted his head slightly. "Just today?"
"No," she laughed. "It looks perfect every day, but it's even better right now for some reason."
"Hmm," he mused, gaze shifting briefly to the fire. "Perhaps it's simply catching the glow of the flames."
That phrase had sounded absurd, regardless of having been meant as a jest. However, he merely relented to offer the girl another small smile. She arched a brow at him before stepping to the side and examining his hair more closely.
After a moment, she sighed and returned to her spot at his side. "That's not it. It's something else."
"Well," he emulated her sigh before shaking his head. "I suppose it will have to remain a mystery, then."
The girl pouted in response, "I suppose." She averted her attention to the bonfire then and Itachi did the same, though his smile lingered. He really did not know how to explain why his hair looked better than usual. To him, it did not look any different.
The early evening swiftly transitioned into night and, upon doing so, Snake-skin took it upon himself to stand atop one of the tables and declare that the festival was officially starting. This proclamation was met with a resounding chorus of cheers from the town's inhabitants as they all then immediately dashed in each direction, depending on their particular interests.
Itachi cast his eyes about the area, analyzing the different available activities. In the center, around the fire, several people were beginning to dance in a manner that did not at all match the current rhythm of the music being played, while a dozen more inhabitants had taken to the food tables first. Beside this stood a few kegs of alcohol, in front of which some villagers were starting a drinking game of sorts. A couple other games were being played at indistinguishable locations around the square, one group having just begun a game of cards.
All in all, it was entirely lacking in any form of organization but it was possessing of a more relaxed atmosphere that Itachi readily accepted. It was actually and strangely, somewhat exciting.
Upon hearing a sigh, he looked to Sakura and saw that she had turned to face him. "What do you want to do, Snail?"
"I don't really mind," he shrugged. "You choose."
"I can't decide," she responded. "That's why I asked you."
It seemed there was no other option but to try and discern a suitable activity. Casting a glance once more around the square, Itachi's eyes rested on one of the tables laden with food. Or, more particularly, on the one with a wide variety of desserts.
"Are you hungry, Sakura?"
Upon his inquiry, a soft rumble was emitted from the girl's stomach and Itachi raised a brow in response before gently smirking. Sakura blushed before spinning away from him in an apparent attempt to hide the shade of her face. "I haven't eaten all day."
"Well then," he stated as he forced his smirk away, lest it prove to be an insult to the girl. "How about we have dinner first?"
The Uchiha watched her nod before she reached a hand out behind her, in a clear indication that he should take it. "Lead the way then."
He withheld a sigh before grasping her hand and gently guiding her towards the dessert table. He stopped and glanced to her, "what would you like?"
She briefly examined the available options before returning her attention to him with a smirk. "How about we start with some cake?"
He nodded before casting her a wink, "that is an excellent suggestion."
"Hell yeah," Sakura replied before again shifting her eyes to the table. "Do you want to start with vanilla, Snail?"
"Aa," he offered her a nod. "However, you may decide on whichever you prefer."
"Thank you," she smiled. "In that case, hm…I'll have the strawberry."
He returned the smile, having somewhat expected that choice from her. Itachi then reached down and grabbed a slice of each cake before handing her the strawberry and proceeding to guide her toward a table that was somewhat out of the way of the main festivities. He smiled at Gregor and Bogford as he approached.
"Oh! Hello!" Gregor greeted with a wide grin, before directing his eyes to Sakura. "You having fun, miss?"
Itachi took a moment to nod towards the fish-beater, who returned the gesture before continuing his prior activity of stabbing his serving of fish with a fork.
The Uchiha subtly shook his head at the man before his smile slightly grew and he returned his gaze to Sakura. He watched as she nodded in response to what Gregor had said. "Hell yeah I am. This festival is exciting. There's so much that you can do."
Gregor nodded, his face beaming. "I'm so glad that you two could attend."
Itachi redirected his smile to him, "as are we."
"Me too," the girl simultaneously replied.
The Uchiha arched a brow at the little Shinobi before motioning to the seat across from Gregor and the fish-beater. Sakura responded affirmatively to the motion as she sat before glancing up at him and indicating that he should take the spot beside her.
He silently complied and carefully set his plate down before lifting his fork and taking the first bite of his cake. The taste was actually quite agreeable, perhaps even better than the serving in the other village's tavern.
"Ahem," Gregor cleared his throat and, as Itachi looked to him, the man lifted a finger to indicate the corner of his own mouth.
The Uchiha could never quite figure out why, exactly, such a thing would always occur. He brought a hand to his mouth to wipe off the icing, before glancing down to see an amused Sakura. Her smile shifted into a smirk and she lifted a finger to her chin.
"That's very interesting, Snail," she declared thoughtfully. "Both times I have seen you eat cake you've gotten frosting on your mouth." The girl laughed, "It makes me wonder if this is a reoccurring thing."
"Perhaps, in time," he began carefully, before disregarding his more guarded tone. "You will get to see for yourself."
They still had some time left together, even if not much. 'Or, maybe…if I can figure something out…' he decided against pursuing that thought for the time being.
The girl then lifted her hand and poked his forehead, a soft smile on her face. "The next time you eat cake…I'll definitely know." She winked, "I have a hunch that I'm right, though."
He returned her smile and nodded, "I have no doubt."
They each finished their dessert in relative silence then, every now and then exchanging conversation with Gregor, who left the table several times and returned with a refill of his ale. The individuals around them were becoming more and more energetic as the evening progressed and even the music, which had started off in a slow tempo, was beginning to grow livelier.
After they had been merely sitting and watching for several moments following the consumption of their cake, Gregor rounded the table and stopped beside Sakura, bowing slightly and offering his hand. "Will you honor me with a dance, Miss Sakura?"
Itachi smiled slightly and looked to the girl as he wondered what sort of response she would give the man. Bogford, he noticed from the corner of his eye, had halted in his stabbing to observe the scene as well.
"Of course, Gregor," Sakura agreed as she smiled and placed her hand in his before briefly casting a glance in Itachi's direction. "Dancing sounds fun."
Arching a brow as she looked away, Itachi narrowed his eyes slightly as he attempted to determine what exactly that look of hers had meant. However, after moment, he allowed the matter to pass and simply relented to watch as Gregor lifted the girl to her feet and led her towards the fire, around which several others were currently moving in a disorderly fashion.
He felt a nudge at his shoulder then and looked over to see that Bogford had approached and was indicating the kegs a few feet to ahead. Itachi offered the man a smile before reasoning that there wouldn't be any harm in accepting the offer to have a drink with him.
He stood and followed the fish-beater to a small group, where one offered them each a full pint of the foaming, amber beverage. Itachi looked into the mug with a somewhat wary expression, as he had never been one who favored the taste of ale. However, at Bogford's prompting, he relented and lifted the liquid to his lips to partake of a small sip.
It was very smooth and considerably less repulsive than he had previously assumed. What exactly was it about this place that always seemed to defy his expectations? In any case, he was relieved to know that the drink would not be so unbearable and therefore conceded to continue his steady intake.
When offered another however, he politely refused, still firm in his prior resolve to accept only one. His eyes then lifted towards the fire and, after a brief moment of searching, he smiled as he caught sight of Sakura and Gregor. He settled his attention on the former, and his smile slightly widened. Tilting his head, he then thought of the memory from earlier and of the friendly man he had met on the hill. His features, he realized then, had been similar to the rose-haired girl's and he wondered then if that man had perhaps been her father.
It seemed entirely plausible and he simultaneously wondered then what it would have been like to someday meet her parents. The man had certainly seemed fond of him at the time…however, the very possibility of another acquaintance was highly implausible, though not… necessarily…impossible.
He merely allowed his thoughts to drift then as he relented to simply observe Sakura as she danced with Gregor. The glow from the flames made her appear almost radiant. Her movements were as animated as her very nature and the heat from the fire only served to flush her complexion further. Her eyes were practically gleaming with vivacity and her smile was wide and fixated. She looked quite…lovely.
"Luminosity of the finest hues instills a warmth that surrounds you internally and leaves nothing wanting in the expectation of perfection."
Itachi blinked, his temporary state of fixation diminished as he looked over at Bogford. However, the man merely held up his mug, "the ale."
The Uchiha looked to the indicated beverage before slowly nodding, "I see."
The fish-beater took another long sip before turning and venturing back to the kegs for a refill. Itachi sighed softly as he watched him walk away before returning his attention to the fire. He chuckled softly then as he saw Sakura take a wrong step onto Gregor's foot, who took the error with gracious acceptance.
People all around Itachi were laughing and conversing in invigorated tones, and with the effects of the alcohol, he felt even more relaxed than usual, his ability to avoid certain thoughts of his past becoming an even easier endeavor for him at present. It was, all-in-all, a very pleasant atmosphere.
The Uchiha's smile faded momentarily as he watched Sakura spin a little too closely to the fire, however, Gregor quickly grabbed and pulled her to safety, thus prompting the smile to return to his face. When Sakura laughed following the ordeal, Itachi again found himself chuckling as he watched her.
After several minutes, their dance came to an end and the girl clapped towards the bards, who showed no sign of having received any acknowledgement whatsoever. Gregor then led her towards where the Uchiha was standing and she smiled as they approached.
Itachi returned the smile, "Did you enjoy yourself, Sakura?"
"Very much," her smile widened as she nodded. "It was fun."
Gregor then slightly bowed, "Excuse me, I need another drink." Thus saying, he abruptly turned and ventured off to join Bogford.
Itachi tilted his head slightly at the man as he considered that he was every bit as insane as the rest of Yokusei's population. Returning his attention to the rose-haired Shinobi however, he merely regarded her silently.
"Did you enjoy yourself, Snail?"
"Aa," he replied with a small nod.
Another grin crossed her face, "good. I'm glad."
"Well," he began, shifting his gaze slightly. "What would you like to do next?" He certainly hoped that he could deter her from asking him to dance as well…
Sakura took a moment to tap her chin, "hm." She then looked to Itachi with pointed smile before stepping in front of him and lifting her fingers to his forehead. "Would you like to dance, Itachi?"
The Uchiha withheld a sigh at that as he maintained his composure. "Uhm…Sakura, I…don't," he shook his head and directed his gaze away from hers. "I'm not exactly…hm." He paused to collect his words before searching the area for anything at all that might serve as a distraction for her. Dancing would make him feel so very…uncomfortable. "Look at that, Sakura. They are playing cards." He forced a smile, "would you like to join?"
Her gaze followed his and he saw her smile, though it was strained and he lowered his eyes slightly as she replied. "That sounds fun. I bet I'll win, though."
He nodded and gently took her hand before guiding her over to the tables, though he could not help but conclude that she was disappointed in his refusal of her offer. He would have to consider the prospect he supposed, and attempt to overcome his own discomfort with the idea. Perhaps later, when there weren't so many other people around…
For the ensuing hour they played several card games with the villagers, though there really wasn't any structure to the rules and so winning proved a difficult endeavor. However, once Itachi grasped the typical behavior patterns of those he was playing against, it proved easier for him to master the strange concepts of the game. He won several hands and Sakura had her fair share of wins as well, her expression practically beaming with self-satisfaction.
Following this, they simply participated in several other activities at Sakura's prompting and Itachi found that it felt almost completely…natural to simply spend a carefree evening with the girl. It was certainly a strange mindset for him, but one that he entirely accepted nonetheless.
A woman at one of the few vendor stalls in the area, lifted a basket filled with a colorful array of ribbons, her smile wide as she explained that each represented a different path of good fortune. Itachi glanced to Sakura briefly before handing the merchant a gold coin and selecting the scarlet ribbon.
The woman had smiled widely before nodding, "that one is for the path of change. Your way in life will change for the better."
Itachi merely smiled slightly and offered her his gratitude before turning to Sakura and hesitating briefly before tying the ribbon around her wrist. She received the gift with warm smile before placing a soft kiss on his cheek. He stiffened only slightly in response to this action of hers before his own smile widened and he guided her towards one of the other activities.
The festival ran late into the night and, as the alcohol was drained from the kegs, the people hard tired of gaming and dancing, and the grand fire had turned into smoldering cinders, there were but a few individuals strolling absently about. Gregor had exchanged a good night with each of them some time ago before proclaiming that he was going to leave the door unlocked so that they could enter when they wished. Bogford had slipped away from the group and ventured to some unknown location, while Fu Blood had simply fallen asleep on one of the tables.
As the Uchiha was returning from his endeavor to get a drink of water, he noticed Sakura standing near the decaying flames, her eyes set on the setting that had once been vibrant and invigorating to the entirety of the festival's attendees. He sighed softly and began to prepare himself for what he was about to do. However, it still did not prove an easy decision, as his entire being seemed to oppose the effort. He cast it aside though, and smiled slightly before quietly approaching and inhaling before lifting a hand and tapping her shoulder.
The girl jumped in reaction to this before audibly sighing when she recognized who he was. "Snail! You surprised me."
"I see that," he replied before slowly lifting a hand and offering it to her. He took another moment to compose himself before permitting his smile to widen. "I will take you up on that offer now, Sakura."
A curious gleam took her expression then as she simply stared down at his hand, confusion also evident. Did she not understand the implication? He really did not want to actually have to say it. However, he was prepared to do so if she required it of him.
In the next instant though, her eyes widened and she met his gaze. "Are you sure? You don't have to, Itachi."
He merely nodded, "Aa, I'm sure."
"Alright," she replied as she placed her hand in his and blushed slightly when a smile formed on her face.
He gently pulled her closer and wrapped one arm around her shoulders as he only slightly tightened his hold over her hand as he held it securely against his chest. He continued to simultaneously ignore how awkward a situation it was and rather, contented to simply dwell on nothing at all.
It would make her happy and this realization alone was enough to overcome any of his own inclinations to do otherwise. His steps were slow but, dancing had never been a very great skill of his as he had never actually taken the time to adjust to such a thing. Instead, he simply relented to slowly sway with her.
He made a decision then to at least pretend that everything was going to be alright in the end and that their time together would never come to an end. It was a foolish thought, but one he held onto regardless.
'I really want to think about this,' he realized then as his eyes momentarily fell to the scarlet ribbon on her wrist. 'I really…want…to change the outcome.' He did not know how, or even if it was necessarily the right thing to do, but he wanted to at least consider a different path. Everything had always been so absolute where that concept was concerned. However, now…the circumstances had been irreversibly altered.
'Even if it is selfish of me,' he smiled down at the irrational, impulsive, and impatient little Shinobi. 'I…always want to be with her.'
