Vigil of Sorrows
Chapter 7
"A Common Courtesy"
…..
The cool morning air blew through the street while vendors set up their stalls for the day. Each merchant was selling something different, a variety of objects placed upon every stand. Sakura's attention shifted quickly from one artifact to the next, excited to see all the unique items.
Something shone brightly in her eyes and Sakura angrily focused her emerald gaze on the source of the disturbance only for it to instead widen in admiration. A beautiful silver and sapphire drop-necklace sparkled brilliantly in the faint sunlight. Sakura wanted a closer look and immediately ran toward the stall. It was even more mesmerizing up close and Sakura stared at the necklace longingly. 'It's so pretty.'
"I see you have rather expensive taste, Sakura-san," a voice behind her suddenly said.
"Ah! Who are yo-" Sakura yelled, but cut herself when she turned and found the answer to the question she had started asking. Her eyes narrowed as she stated, "Oh. It's just you."
The Uchiha nodded, "Of course."
"I know that…now. What were you saying?"
"Just now? Or before you ran off?"
"Before I ran off? Did you say something?" Sakura asked, trying to think back to when he would've spoken.
"Aa," he replied, nodding again.
Sakura sighed impatiently. "What did you say?" After a moment, she added, "both times."
"The first time, I merely offered a suggestion that we gather supplies before starting off on our journey. The second time I was only voicing my observation concerning the expense of your preferences."
Sakura glanced back down at the beautiful piece of jewelry with a frown. "I didn't realize it was expensive. I just thought it was pretty."
"I see," Itachi replied.
Sakura's expression immediately changed into one of surprise and outrage. "That's all you have to say?!"
"I didn't…" Itachi sighed, "Were you perhaps wanting an apology? I believe I already stated that I would not be offering any more of those in the future. Or were you perhaps expecting that I purchase it for you?"
The shinobi glared at him. "I wasn't expecting anything, Itachi. Don't jump to conclusions like you know me." She scowled and walked away from the Uchiha jerk. Though her mind was protesting, Sakura couldn't help turning back to him with a smirk. "And don't forget about that apology thing because I won't."
Itachi caught up instantly and walked beside her. "I assure you, Sakura-san, I have not. For the sake of not arriving at a false conclusion then, might I ask what you were expecting me to say a moment ago?"
Sakura opened her mouth to reply but hastily clenched her jaw together again. What did she expect him to say? She had no idea. All she knew was his reply annoyed her and she was angry. There was no way she was going to tell him that, though. The pinkette racked her brain for an appropriate answer. However, inspiration not coming to her today, she sighed and dropped her gaze to the ground. "I don't know. Just…something."
They continued in silence for a moment, Sakura angry at herself for not being able to come up with an excuse. Anything.
Itachi broke the silence, saying, "you were my brother's teammate, as well as the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki's. You live with both your parents and have no siblings. You are academically adept, but have struggled with various ninja techniques. You have only seen very little of the world beyond Konoha's walls and therefore prefer a quieter lifestyle. Your favorite season is spring and contrary to what one might initially think, your favorite color is blue."
Sakura gaped silently at the Uchiha. It was all true. Every single thing he had said. Her favorite color was blue. Most people assumed it was red or pink, but she only wore those to match her hair. Of course, it used to be pink, why wouldn't it be? However, that all changed after she met Sasuke and he revealed that his favorite color was blue.
"Sasuke-kun, what's your favorite color?" Sakura asked, walking up to him with a large grin on her face.
"Blue."
"Really?! Mine, too! We have something in common!" she exclaimed happily. "Why is it your favorite?"
Sasuke didn't answer. He only shoved his hands in his pockets and walked off.
Oh, ever since that day she was just drawn to the color. The sky, water, sapphires, Naruto's eyes. 'Wait, what? Well, I suppose it's a pretty blue too. Hold on a second, how does Itachi know all of this?' She decided to just ask. "How do you know that?"
"It was just an analysis conducted through observation. However, now you have completely confirmed my speculations," he replied simply.
"You came to that conclusion from observing?"
"Well, more specifically from both observation and from what you've already told me."
"Wow," Sakura nodded. "I must say, I'm impressed, Itachi. Besides, people assume my favorite color is pink."
"Aa, that was what I might have assumed if not for you running over to that stall and favoring that piece of sapphire jewelry," Itachi responded.
Sakura shrugged, "how did you know that I didn't just like the necklace?"
"There were several others, ones perhaps even more exquisite. The immediate draw of your eye was toward the color blue, as you spotted it from a moderate distance."
"Oh. I gave myself away there, huh?" she asked.
Itachi shrugged, "I wouldn't say it like that. You should not consider it as a negative development."
"Hmm…" Sakura replied before smirking. "It's a little unfair, don't you think?"
"How so? Because you do not know what my favorite color is?" he asked.
"Yep, among other things. So, Itachi, buddy, tell me. What is the great prodigy's favorite color?"
"Hmm, I wonder," he mused.
Sakura rose a brow. Who didn't know their favorite color? "Is it…red?" she asked, noticing again the cloud pattern on his cloak. That was the traditional Akatsuki robe, though, so it probably wasn't. "No. Maybe it's blue too. That would be funny. You, me and Sasuke-kun would all like the same color."
Itachi tilted his head. "Oh? So you know Sasuke's favorite color is blue?"
"That's right, but I never knew why. He refused to tell me."
Itachi was silent again. Sakura assumed he was observing things. However, she realized she was wrong when he stated, "it's because of what blue represents behind the Uchiha crest, as it is often set against that color for a reason."
Sakura waited expectantly for him to continue, but sighed when she realized he wasn't going to. "What's the reason?"
She noticed Itachi smile before responding, "firstly, the white signifies perfection and precision. The red represents sacrifice and power. Blue…" he sighed, "the blue offsets both and stands for composure as well as peace."
"So that's the reason? Sasuke-kun likes blue because it actually means something to him. That's so sweet," Sakura smiled, but dropped her gaze as she thought back on her reasons for favoring the color. Her reason was rather foolish, but maybe that was just what started her interest. Yeah, she was now naturally drawn to the color, as Itachi pointed out.
"Yes, I suppose it is."
Sakura nodded, and then suddenly remembered her original question. "Anyway, what is your favorite color? I don't think it's blue anymore."
"Nothing so profound as Sasuke's choice, I assure you," Itachi replied.
Sakura giggled, "I didn't think it would be. Sasuke-kun has always been like that."
"Profound?" Itachi paused before stating, "You seem to really admire him."
"Well, yes. He was always so mysterious, but he wasn't really close to anyone. I always tried to talk to him when we were in the academy and that's why I was so excited when we ended up on the same team."
The Uchiha stopped walking and Sakura turned to him. She wanted to ask him why he suddenly did, but before she could, he motioned to her. "Let's stop here."
Sakura noticed the stall he was turned toward and nodded. "Okay. What do we need?"
The shinobi watched as he ventured in the direction of it and, she guessed, looked over the merchandise.
"We need four containers of water, six packages of the rice crackers, two bags of that dried fruit and a package of the loose-leaf tea."
Sakura proceeded to stand behind him. As they talked about the purchase, she looked over his shoulder, trying to see what he bought. When he finally turned to her, he seemed startled for some reason. "Is something wrong?"
After a moment, he shook his head, "No, I just wasn't expecting to see you there." She noticed his gaze switch from her to her bag. "Do you have enough room to carry some of this?"
Sakura held up a finger, indicating he wait. "Let me see," she said, pulling the bag off her shoulder and kneeling down. She turned the satchel upside down and dumped the contents on the ground, calling them out as she saw them. "I only have…my hairbrush, my makeup, my perfume, more makeup, and…ooh, almost forgot I had that."
The pinkette held up her bottle of hair serum. When did she put that in there anyway? She shrugged and continued going through the items. "A few medical books. You know, for medical purposes. First aid kit. Oh, my rain cloak, can't forget that anywhere. You never know with the weather. And finally…" Sakura trailed off when the picture of Team Seven stumbled out. She picked up the treasured keepsake and wiped off the dust, smiling fondly at the faces of her teammates. She missed those days.
Itachi's voice pulled her from her recollection as he softly said, "Sakura-san."
Sakura slowly tore her gaze off the picture and looked up at him. "Yes?"
He motioned to the objects on the ground beside her, "Do you think you can carry most of this in your bag?"
"Of course I can," she immediately replied before stuffing all her possessions back where they belonged.
Itachi opened his bag and said, "I will see what I can fit first." He grabbed a water pouch, the tea, one package of fruit and two of the crackers, placing them all inside. "Are you able to handle the rest?"
Sakura scooped the rest of the items into her arms with a grin, "We won't know until I check." Looking down at her bag, then Itachi and back to her bag, she asked, "Will you hold that open for me?"
The Uchiha nodded and proceeded to hold it beneath her arms. Sakura then dropped the supplies into the bag, shoving them in to fit.
"Sakura-san, would you mind if I…help you out with this a moment?"
"Why? Look, it all fits. Nice and snug."
He sighed, "well, you might want to consider at least folding your cloak. There will be a great deal more room that way."
Sakura snapped her fingers together. "Ah, good eye, Itachi. Oh, wait…sorry, that was a little insensitive of me. Anyway, good idea." She then repeated the process of dumping all the contents onto the ground. Sifting through the items, she lifted her cloak and smiled triumphantly. "I found it."
Itachi nodded, "Good eye, Sakura-san."
"Excuse me?" Sakura smirked, crossing her arms and letting her cloak fall back onto the stone. "You're acting like a child, Itachi."
"Oh? I thought I was merely announcing a clever jest."
"Clever? Please. You stole it from me."
The Uchiha tilted his head, "hmm. Which would perhaps imply that the original source is clever as well?"
Sakura nodded. "Exactly. I suppose I could say you were clever enough to resort to theft, if that would make you happy."
"Happy that you acknowledge me as clever?" he asked. "It is certainly an upgrade from moronic."
"I didn't say you were a moron, I said you were acting like one. See the difference? You should be clever enough to figure it out."
"Well, perhaps I was merely acting clever then," Itachi responded.
Sakura shook her head at him. "Then there's no hope for you."
Itachi simply nodded and replied, "No, I suppose not." He then glanced at her cloak, "shall we resume the preparations?"
"Fine. You've obviously appointed yourself as the leader in our group," Sakura giggled before folding her cloak and placing it extra gently in the bag. "How is that?"
"That's fine, Sakura-san," Itachi indicated the cloak before adding, "And as far as being the leader, I honestly did not even consider that point until now. If you have any experience as one, I suppose you could take that role over if you would like. Although, I would prefer to think of us as a team with equal positions."
'I don't have any experience as a leader. When would I have done that? I could always lie and say that I do, but he would probably realize it and make me look foolish again.' After waiting a moment, she replied, "Okay. Equals then?"
The Uchiha nodded, "Aa. Equals."
She watched Itachi glance at the clutter of objects on the ground before his onyx gaze retuned to look at her. Sakura sighed, understanding the message he was relaying, and began stuffing everything on top of the neatly folded cloak. "Is that better?" she asked, looking up at the Uchiha who was now standing.
"There's more space, see?"
"I guess," Sakura replied haughtily before standing beside him and slinging her bag over her shoulder.
Once again, Itachi stepped to the step, motioning for her to walk in front. "Why do you want me to walk ahead of you all the time?" Sakura inquired, slightly narrowing her gaze.
"I suppose it's simply what I was instructed to do when I was young. You could call it courtesy, or merely politeness," Itachi answered.
Sakura held back a laugh. "It's hard to imagine you as a child, Itachi."
The Uchiha revealed a small smile, "Is that so? Only a moment ago you cleverly conveyed that you considered my behavior to be childlike."
The pinkette frowned slightly. "I know what I said, but that doesn't change anything. I doubt that was what you were like then. Am I wrong?"
Itachi shook his head, "no, not necessarily. I don't even consider myself as having behaved like that a moment ago. I do acknowledge, however, that there is a difference between the two statements. It leads to the question of why you would find that so difficult to imagine? I'm human, Sakura-san, and I grew up just like anyone else."
Sakura shrugged uncertainly. "I don't know. Everyone grows up differently, depending on family and their influences. As well as their position in society. It just seems to me that being born into a clan like the Uchiha's as a skilled prodigy, wouldn't give you the opportunity to experience a normal childhood, or as normal as someone's could be."
"Sakura-san, if you do not approve of walking ahead of me, then at least walk beside me and we can continue this discussion as we walk."
"I never said I disapproved of it. However," Sakura proceeded to stand beside him, "I think I would prefer to walk beside you, if you don't mind."
Itachi nodded, "not at all." He then walked out the gate and past the city walls, Sakura enjoying her attempts to slow down and walk the same pace as him. "By the way," he began, looking down at her, "which realm would you rather endeavor first?"
"Hmm…I promised to visit Kanashimi again, but we're going to go there anyway and I think it would be nice to see a change in the terrain. I like the people there, but the sky is just creepy at night. Don't get me started on those beasts." Sakura shivered at the thought of that hungry wolf-dog.
"Alright then, we will head east," Itachi said.
Sakura turned her head in that direction and nodded. "I have a question first."
He glanced down at her. "Yes?"
"Is...is Yokusei awful too? The Leader said both places were cursed and…I was wondering how bad it really is. Especially compared to Kanashimi."
"Well, I suppose it depends, really," Itachi responded. "I would say it's a great deal more strange than awful. As far as the landscape goes, well," he smiled, "it's actually quite spectacular."
"Yay!" Sakura cheered happily, relief washing over her. "I was a little worried that something like that would happen again."
"Something like what?"
"Umm, you know, a suicide victim. When I was walking through the town, I heard a yell and saw a man falling, then he was dead. The worst part was that everyone acted like it was an everyday thing. Then two guards picked up the body and threw it on a cart with other bodies. They were going to feed them to the Jisatsu," Sakura explained slowly. She was surprised that image didn't haunt her in her sleep.
"That does not sound like a pleasant experience," he stated simply.
Sakura shook her head. "No, it wasn't, but I think the family I stayed with made it bearable. They're really nice people and they accept that lifestyle, so I learned. I don't think I could handle living like that, though."
The Uchiha nodded, "I imagine it's not a favorable existence, by any means."
She turned her head away and rubbed at her eyes. She refused to cry, much less let anyone see her doing so. The shinobi picked up her pace so she was walking slightly in front, but Itachi quickened his as well and was beside her again.
"It's purple," Itachi suddenly said.
Sakura lifted her head and stared at him, her emerald eyes watery. She sniffled before asking quietly, "It is?"
He nodded, "Aa. Though I don't really have an explanation for it. I've just always favored that color for some reason."
Sakura lowered her gaze to his hands; the fingers polished with a distinct purple hue, and chuckled. If she had noticed that before, she might've guessed correctly.
"Also," Itachi began, "you were right before, about my childhood. It certainly was not the easiest and a lot was expected of me."
Her eyes lifted again to meet his as she smiled sadly. "Oh. I'm actually unhappy that I was right. Everyone deserves to have a happy childhood and for it to last as long as possible. There's no going back to those simple times. I miss it sometimes."
"Yes, well despite it being difficult I was not actually unhappy. I enjoyed it as well."
"Oh. As long as you were happy then I guess there's no reason to be upset about it, right?"
Itachi nodded, "yes, that's right."
They continued in silence. Sakura glanced up briefly and noted that the sky was changing color. They must be getting close now. She had to admit, she was excited. Itachi had described the land as spectacular and she was just anxious to finally see it.
She turned to Itachi and he was looking at her, smiling gently. "Are you ready to see something really fascinating?"
Sakura returned the smile and nodded eagerly, "Hell yeah!"
