Vigil of Sorrows

Chapter 18

"Lighthearted Festivities"

….

Sunlight streamed in through the cracks in her eyelids and Sakura inwardly sighed. It was morning already. That meant she needed to get up. 'Well,' the girl thought as she released a yawn, 'at least I had a good sleep.'

"You are awake. How are you feeling today?"

"Huh?" Sakura asked groggily as she sat up on the cot and rubbed her eyes. She blinked several times before the scene before her registered. Gregor was near the door and offering her a wide smile while Itachi was facing them as he sat at the table with a cup of tea.

"Well," Gregor began, "I can already see that you're doing better." He then motioned in the direction of the kitchen, "I've made you some tea. You should get up before it gets cold."

Sakura returned the smile with a nod. "Thank you, Gregor."

He nodded in reply before waving to Itachi. The man then proceeded to walk out the door and close it behind him. Sakura watched him in confusion before turning to Itachi. "Where's he going?"

"To gather firewood."

"Oh. Alright then," Sakura shrugged before making her way towards the kitchen where she found a steaming cup of tea. She lifted it from its position on the counter before moving to take a seat at the table beside Itachi.

The Shinobi took a small sip of her beverage before glancing to Itachi with a smile. "Good morning, Snail."

The Uchiha nodded and returned the smile, "good morning, Sakura."

"Did you sleep alright?" Sakura asked. "I mean, considering," she continued, motioning to the wall.

"Aa, I did. I was quite comfortable," he replied before casting her a wink. "In fact, that wall was probably the most comfortable I have ever slept against."

"So you've slept against a lot of walls, Itachi?" Sakura asked with a playful smirk. "That's quite unfortunate."

"I have," Itachi stated. "Though it's hardly unfortunate."

Sakura laughed, "Do you have some sort of fondness for walls, Snail?"

Itachi smiled and tilted his head slightly a moment before nodding. "Aa, I confess that I do. An immense fondness, in fact."

"Is there a specific reason for that or…" Sakura winked, "Is there just something about it?"

"Hmm," he replied, before returning the wink. "In this case, my reasons are quite specific."

"Oh? Care to share…buddy?" she inquired.

Sakura was legitimately curious. It seemed strange that Itachi would like walls so much. Maybe…it wasn't the wall itself, but something else that related to it specifically. However, she would never figure that out.

"Unfortunately," Itachi responded, "that will have to be reserved for a later time."

"Why?" Sakura demanded, crossing her arms.

The Uchiha sighed, but the smile remained on his face as he directed his attention to the window. "Look at that, Sakura," his smile widened.

The pinkette rose from her chair and walked towards the window curiously. Outside, the villagers were making some sort of wood pile in the center of town. "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."

Sakura quickly spun around to face him. "A festival?!" she asked excitedly. That sounded wonderful. She had been to a few festivals in Konoha and they were always fun. She wondered if they would have any games…and prizes you could win.

Then again, this place was strange. They probably didn't have the same festivals she was used to. It could still be fun, though. It was a festival, after all.

"Aa," Itachi replied with a smile before shrugging. "I figured we could simply leave for Kanashimi tomorrow sometime, that way we would be able to attend the occasion. Would you be willing to help out with the preparations?"

"Of course," Sakura instantly replied. "It's always more fun to be involved with that sort of thing. That way you can enjoy the actual event even more."

"Well then," he began as he stood and placed their cups on the counter. "I suppose we had better get started."

The girl nodded eagerly, "good idea. Now," she walked towards Itachi and grabbed his hand, "let's go, Snail. You always move so slowly."

Itachi merely smiled in response before moving toward the door and stepping outside. Sakura quickly glanced between all the inhabitants and the various tasks they were doing. She wondered which one she could help with; they all seemed rather enjoyable.

After a brief moment, her partner led her toward the snake bastard. She still thought the man was very rude, but it made sense that he was overseeing the festival. He was in charge, after all, and since he was the man responsible for the event then she would attempt to be as civil as possible.

Itachi smiled at the man when they reached him and he returned it with a grin. "Oh! It's you. We are going to have a festival." As he spoke, his glance quickly shifted to the right before he shouted commands at a group near the wood pile.

"So I've heard," Itachi replied and the man returned his attention to him. "Sakura and I are here to offer our help with the preparations."

"Hmm," the man mused, seeming to consider the Uchiha's request before nodding and pointing a Sakura. "She will help the group in the nearby field. They are gathering floral decorations."

Sakura smirked. That was too easy. She used to gather flowers all the time when she was in her early years at the Ninja Academy. Tsunade also constantly sent her on errands to gather herbs.

"You sir," he continued. "Can help the people in the tavern carry their furniture outside. We want everything to be outside."

Itachi nodded, "Aa, those tasks sound suitable enough." He then looked to Sakura with a smile. "Is this alright with you?"

"Hell yeah!" she exclaimed. "It would be more fun if we could do preparations together, but I'm sure it will still be fun."

He chuckled softly before poking her forehead, "we'll do the next one together, okay?"

Sakura smiled as she returned the gesture, "I'll hold you to that, Itachi."

Itachi nodded before removing his hand from her grasp and motioning toward the gate, "off you go."

The pinkette returned the nod and looked toward the gate. She took a step forward before yesterday's events replayed in her mind and she quickly turned to pull Itachi into a tight embrace. "I promise to stay with the group and not wander off by myself."

Sakura felt Itachi wrap an arm around her shoulders, like he always did. She smiled slightly. It always made her feel so…safe being around him, especially in moments like these when he held her in his arms.

"I can see the field from here," he responded. "I will try to keep an eye on you."

Sakura looked to the field a moment before returning her attention to him and shaking her head. "How do you expect to enjoy yourself if you're looking out for my safety?"

He winked at her and the smile she hadn't noticed before widened. "Looking out for my partner is far more enjoyable than moving furniture, I assure you."

She arched a brow, "I'm serious, Itachi. I want you to have fun."

Itachi's smile faltered and a momentary silence ensued. He then nodded, "I will. However, I prioritize your safety. It's…important to me."

It was so strange. Looking back, that would be the last thing she would expect to hear from the 'Uchiha bastard.' Once again, her conflicting feelings arose. Was that terrible person who Itachi really was…or was he the man who had become so important to her? The one she never wanted to leave. Sakura still didn't know, but she didn't want that to ruin this fun day for her…and especially Itachi, so she forced it back and decided to deal with it later.

Sakura smiled, "then I suppose it's impossible for me to talk you out of it. You seem determined and...respecting what you want to do is important to me."

He nodded and the smile returned. After a moment, he removed his arm from her shoulders. "In any case, we can simply both look forward to having fun at the festival tonight."

She pulled away from him as her smile widened. "You're right. I bet the festival will be the best part of the day, Snail."

"Without a doubt, Sakura."

"Alright then, good bye, Itachi," Sakura waved before running in the direction of the field. "See you tonight."

She soon passed through the gate and into the field, where there were several citizens gathered in a group. She instantly moved to join them and waited for instructions. Everyone was conversing in whispers as they, probably, waited for orders, as well. An old woman stood in the center and Sakura assumed she was the leader of this particular task.

Glancing around the group, she noted there were only women and young girls present. That was interesting. Did the snake bastard think the women incapable of successfully performing any task other than flower picking?

Sakura's musings were interrupted by the old woman, who was now standing atop of a barrel as she clapped loudly.

"Here Attention. Attention here, everyone."

The conversations immediately ended and they all gave the woman their undivided attention. The pinkette followed suit and looked at the elder curiously. She seemed like she demanded attention every time she spoke.

"Flower picking. Our job to pick flowers. Scatter around field and bring back what's found. Ariel," she indicated a young woman beside her, who had a smug grin plastered across her face. She looked vaguely familiar. "Will direct once you bring flowers. Now," she again clapped, "work! No time wasting!"

Sakura looked to her left and moved toward a small area with white flowers. As the Shinobi picked, she noticed the plants were very beautiful. Although they were definitely not the same, they resembled white lilies.

'Hm…I wonder if they have something similar to daisies. Those are my favorite, after all,' Sakura mused as she carried her small bundle towards the barrel. She handed the flowers to the woman named Ariel with a sweet smile. "Here you are."

Ariel took them and nonchalantly dropped them into a bucket behind her. She then returned her attention to Sakura and pointed to the field. "Go back for more."

The pinkette nodded and was about to comply when she suddenly remembered why Ariel looked so familiar. She looked to the woman, her eyes widened in surprise. "Ariel. Ariel…Lowleaf?"

"That is me."

Sakura's teal gaze narrowed as she crossed her arms. "You again, huh? Well, consider this a warning. Stay away from Itachi, you crazy bitch."

Ariel laughed, "Itachi? He's here?"

"Hell yeah he is. I'm here and we travel together. Of course he's here."

"Excellent! Now," she chuckled throatily, "I can kill him."

Sakura glowered at the woman, "just try it. See what happens. Actually," she giggled, "that's impossible. There's no way you could kill Itachi."

Ariel's eyes widened in apparent realization. "Why? Were you planning to kill him yourself?"

What the hell was wrong with these people? They made the most ridiculous assumptions. Well…it's true she wanted to kill him when she first met him, but that desire had completely disappeared. If anything she wanted him to live longer rather than have him die. Besides, she couldn't beat Itachi. It didn't seem like anyone could.

"Itachi is my friend. I wouldn't even consider killing him," Sakura smiled.

Ariel gasped, "kill Itachi? You wouldn't. You couldn't. You shouldn't."

The pinkette rolled her eyes at the woman. She…was insane. "That's not what I said. You're the one who wanted to kill him, remember?"

"Kill Itachi? I wouldn't. I couldn't. I shouldn't."

Sakura released an exasperated sigh. This woman was so ridiculous! "Keep that in mind, Ariel, and stay away from him." She chuckled as she threateningly punched her fist against her palm. "You don't want to cross me."

Ariel's eyes narrowed and the smug expression returned, "Perfect! I'll kill him then you when you show up."

The Kunoichi huffed as she turned on her heel and walked away, shooting the woman a final glare. She stopped in a patch of yellow flowers and plopped onto the ground, closing her eyes and focusing on her breathing as she attempted to calm herself.

After several moments, her eyes slowly fluttered open and she lifted her gaze to the vibrant sky as she continued her flower picking assignment. It was their last day in Yokusei. It had finally come. It seemed like they had been here for…many years, but only a few weeks had actually passed.

So much had occurred. Some things she didn't want to remember and others she never wanted to forget. When they…she returned to Konoha, everything would be different. It would always seem like something was missing, but she would have to accept it because the impossible was labeled that way for a reason. It was impossible for Itachi to be in her life after they returned.

Sakura sighed and reached forward to pick a flower. Rather than add it to the pile, she pulled off a yellow petal and released it in the light breeze. "I'll miss you a lot."

She pulled another petal and again let the wind carry it away. "I'll miss you more than anything."

"I'll miss you a lot."

The Shinobi continued this process, tearing off a petal and switching between the two phrases. As the last yellow piece of the flower blew away, a single tear slipped down her cheek. "I'll miss you more than anything…Itachi."

"Round gather. Gather round, everyone."

Sakura glanced over shoulder and noticed the old woman was about to give another speech. She quickly wiped the tear away and ran to join the group, handing the flowers to Ariel as she did so.

"Good. Good picking, harvesting, collecting, scavenging, gathering." The civilians cheered triumphantly at her words of praise. "Now, we sit and trim stems. Then go down to bonfire"

The villagers groaned, but complied regardless. Everyone sat in a circle, a bushel of flowers in front of each individual, as they broke the stems off the flowers. Sakura hummed a lullaby as she worked, the assignment only serving to lift her spirits.

It was going to be dark in a few hours and they would be back in the village by then. And there was going to be a bonfire! Sakura was so excited for the coming festival. She loved attending them, especially with her friends or family. The Shinobi recalled one year she went with her parents when she was eight.

"Sakura, do you see that?" her father asked, excitement emanating from him as he pointed to the archway that was covered in brilliant lights.

Mebuki scoffed, "there's nothing great about it, Kizashi. It's plainly decorated. All they added were lights. I could have done a much better job."

"You think so?" Kizashi asked, casting Sakura a wink. "Then why didn't you? As I recall, you were offered the job as leader of the decorating committee."

"I didn't want my talents to be wasted, that's why," she countered smugly.

Kizashi smirked, "Of course. Forgive me, dear. I forgot how talented you were."

"I'm not going to forgive you unless you get me some food. I'm starving."

"Right away," he replied, the smirk shifting into a grin. "Is there anything particular you'd like?"

"Squid on a stick," Mebuki replied shortly.

Kizashi laughed as he walked toward a nearby food booth. Sakura glanced up at her mother's stern expression and giggled.

"Why are you laughing, young lady?" she demanded.

"Daddy was only making fun of you, Mom."

"Excuse me?"

Sakura immediately realized her error and quickly pointed to a prize game. "I'm going to play. Bye," she stated before hastily running toward the water tank and away from her seething mother.

"Hello, miss. Would you like to play Hoop-Duck?" a tall man asked. He was obviously the person in charge of this particular game.

She nodded, "sure. How do I play?"

The man smiled and picked up a small silver hoop. "First, you take one of these then you throw it and try to get it around one of the duck's necks," he explained. "Of course, it's harder because they're moving around, but it's not impossible. You get three hoops, which means three tries. Oh, and the best part. If you win, you get a prize. The prizes get better and bigger with the number of ducks you can get rings around. If you can get all three, you get that stuffed bird behind me."

Sakura looked behind the man and gasped. There was a large black bird, probably a crow, hanging in the rack behind him. It looked really soft and cuddly. She grinned and returned her attention to the vendor. "I'll try it."

She handed the man some money and he exchanged it for three silver rings. Sakura stepped behind the white line the man pointed to and prepared the first ring. She aimed for a duck and tossed it gently, but it splashed in the water.

"Hell no!" Sakura exclaimed before grabbing the other ring. "I'll get the next one!" She tossed the ring, but the same thing happened as with the first. It sunk to the bottom of the tank. She stomped her foot impatiently and flung the last ring at the tank.

However, this time, she was successful. The hoop had landed securely around the rubber duck's neck. The girl cheered happily and the man handed her a small stuffed pig. Sakura looked at it and raised her brow. It was too much of a coincidence. Maybe she could give it to Ino for her birthday. She would definitely hate that.

Sakura set the pig on the ground before handing more money to the man. She wanted that crow. He smiled and gave her three more hoops. She walked back toward the line and released the ring. It slipped onto the neck of the yellow duck.

"Hell yeah! I've got it this time!" the pinkette cheered cockily. She was about to throw the next one when her father suddenly appeared behind her, a bowl of ice cream in his hand. He shook his head at her and handed the bowl to the vendor before grabbing his daughter's hand and pulling her to the side.

"Daddy! I was about to win!" Sakura complained.

Kizashi crossed his arms, "not with that attitude. You can still play, Sakura, there's just something I think you should be reminded of."

Sakura groaned, "I don't need another lecture, Daddy. I'm going to win that bird." She started toward the line again, but he placed his hands on her shoulders and spun her around.

"Not so fast, young lady. You need to hear this."

"What? Hurry up and tell me so I can get back to winning," she demanded.

Kizashi shook his head at her and kneeled on the ground so they were at the same eye level. "Sakura…do you know what arrogance is?"

"Yes, Daddy. It's when you act like you're better than anyone else and think you can accomplish anything," Sakura replied irritably.

"There are so many meanings, but in this case, yes, that is what it means," Kizashi began. "Cockiness, Sakura. When you are successful at one thing, you get the mindset that you can accomplish anything. However, that's not how it works. It takes skill, knowledge and most importantly, humility, not arrogance, to do something. If you only rely on past successes and don't seek to improve, you'll only end up failing. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"

Sakura nodded slowly, "I was getting cocky and won't win the bird if I'm only thinking that I got a hoop on the duck last time. I need to actually try to win with my own skills."

Kizashi smiled proudly, "that's my girl. I'm glad you take my lessons seriously, Sakura." He kissed her forehead before rising to his feet. "Now, go win that bird."

"Will you watch me, Daddy?"

"Of course. My drink can wait until after I witness my daughter's success," he laughed before leading Sakura back to the line.

The pinkette smiled and took a moment to breathe so she could concentrate. She then aimed in front of the duck and quickly tossed the silver hoop, which fell around the duck's neck. Her father grinned and indicated the last ring.

Sakura was anxious. She had gotten two already and only needed one more to win the bird. However, she couldn't get cocky again. That would only ruin the progress she was making. The girl then released the final object and cheered when it landed in the same way as the rest.

The vendor happily handed the big bird to her and her father lifted her onto his shoulders. She held the soft toy close to her as her father picked up the pig. "See? Arrogance isn't such a good thing," he started as he began moving toward through the crowd. "Don't try to convince yourself and others that you're better at something than you really are. The truth…is always best. We can always learn from our shortcomings and improve them if we truly desire to be better."

Sakura nodded as she smiled, "I got the crow, Daddy."

"Yes, you did. Why did you want it so badly?"

"Because," she looked at the bird and her smile widened, "it looked soft and…it reminded me of the one that used to live in our backyard."

"Oh, that's right. Mr. Bird, correct?" he chuckled.

"Daddy," Sakura pouted. "I was five. I know now that it was a girl. Why do you keep bringing that up?"

"It's just fun, Sakura," Kizashi replied, still laughing.

"There you are!"

Kizashi stopped in his tracks and quickly placed Sakura on the ground beside him. He smiled as Mebuki approached them. "Hello, dear."

She scoffed, "I don't want to hear it. Where have the two of you been?"

"At the water tank," he replied simply.

"And you didn't invite me?"

Kizashi's smile widened and he patted his wife on the shoulder. "We didn't want to inconvenience you. We know how much you enjoy the festival food and wanted you to enjoy it rather than wait on us to finish playing some ridiculous duck game."

Mebuki grinned, "Well, it's nice to know you actually considered my feelings."

"Of course! Why would I do anything else, Mebuki?"

"Good," she nodded before grabbing Sakura's hand. "Now, it's time to leave. It's very late and I have to get up early tomorrow."

"But, Mom, we just got here," Sakura whined.

"I don't want to hear it. We're going home."

The girl nodded, "alright."

Mebuki smiled before leading Sakura toward the archway. Kizashi laughed and was about to follow when he noticed a sign that read: BAR. "I'll catch up with you later. I think I'll stay a little longer."

"Oh, no you don't. You're not staying out all night so you can attempt to help people with their problems, Kizashi."

He shrugged, "it's not an attempt. It works every time."

"You're coming home. Now!"

"Nope. I'm gonna have a drink," Kizashi replied.

Mebuki sighed in frustration before stomping her foot and continuing towards the exit.

"See you later, my women," he waved with a smirk.

"Bye, Daddy," Sakura returned the wave.

"Done. Everyone done."

Sakura returned to reality at the sound of the woman's command. She lifted her gaze to the sky and noticed it was beginning to darken. That meant it was probably time for the bonfire. She smiled and rose to her feet with the others.

"Thank you for help. Now," she clapped once more before pointing in the direction of the village. "Go! Everyone go!"

"With pleasure," Sakura muttered before she felt a grin spread across her face. It was finally time for the festival.

Everyone then turned and made their way back towards the gate. The pinkette merrily walked with the crowd. She noticed smoke rising from the town center and her smile widened. They had lit the fire. She quickened her steps until the group reached the entrance and stopped to admire the flames from a distance.

After several moments, she tore her gaze away from the beautiful scene and noticed Itachi standing nearby. She smirked and moved to stand 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."

Sakura crossed her arms as her smirk widened. "Well, forgive me for not making that assumption."

"Alright," Itachi nodded. "You have convinced me. I forgive you after all." He shook his head, "and I was so prepared to hold it against you too."

"Then it's good that I was able to convince you," she replied, reaching down and grabbing his hand. "Otherwise, I might have been in a bad mood for the rest of the night."

The Uchiha responded with a smile as he turned and led her toward the bonfire. The fire was even more brilliant up close and a group of civilians had even begun to play music. Sakura closed her eyes and listened to the beautiful melody that was being played.

"I almost got you."

The pinkette's eyes immediately opened and she turned to see Fu Blood standing behind Itachi, putting his scissors inside his pocket. Sakura's gaze narrowed. He tried to cut Itachi's hair…again.

"Aa, so you did," the Uchiha nodded.

A brief silence ensued before Fu Blood cleared his throat, "I didn't come to see you off or anything. I came because I have business in this town." He then shifted his gaze to the right, "and besides. Manister insisted."

"Of course he did," Itachi replied as he offered the man another nod before turning his attention to the fire.

Sakura glanced at him and smiled before lifting a hand and brushing Itachi's bangs to the side. "Your hair looks great today, by the way."

"Oh?" he tilted his head slightly. "Just today?"

The Shinobi laughed, "No. It looks perfect every day, but it's even better right now for some reason."

"Hmm," Itachi mused. "Perhaps it's simply catching the glow of the flames," he stated before offering her a small smile.

Sakura arched a curious brow before stepping to the side and examining his hair intently. Their proximity to the fire definitely gave his hair a certain glow. However, that didn't seem to be the reason.

She sighed before moving back to her original spot beside him. "That's not it. It's something else."

"Well," Itachi sighed before shaking his head. "I suppose it will have to remain a mystery, then."

"I suppose," Sakura pouted, returning her gaze to the blazing fire. There was definitely something different about it today, but she couldn't figure out what. Like Itachi said, it would simply be a mystery.

When night finally came, the snake bastard stood atop one of the tables and announced the starting of the festival. In response, the villagers cheered before hastily scurrying in different directions towards specific activities.

Sakura watched the inhabitants with piqued interest. There were so many things they could do, but which should they pick first? A group of civilians surrounded a table beside barrels of alcohol. If her dad was here, that would definitely be the first place he would go. There were also several food tables set up and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. That would be her mom's first choice. What should she choose?

The Shinobi sighed before turning to Itachi. "What do you want to do, Snail?"

He shrugged, "I don't really mind. You choose."

"I can't decide. That's why I asked you," Sakura replied.

Itachi took a moment to look around before asking, "Are you hungry, Sakura?"

As if on cue, the pinkette heard a low grumble resonate from her stomach. Sakura instantly felt her face heat up and turned away from him. "I haven't eaten all day," she mumbled.

"Well then," she heard him say behind her. "How about we have dinner first?"

The girl nodded and reached her hand behind her, indicating that he take it. "Lead the way then."

She felt Itachi grasp her hand before he led her toward a nearby table that was laden with various desserts. He stopped and looked to her, "what would you like?"

Sakura briefly examined the food items on the table before glancing at Itachi with a smirk. "How about we start with some cake?"

The Uchiha nodded before shooting her a wink, "that is an excellent suggestion."

"Hell yeah," she responded before returning her attention to the table. "Do you want to start with vanilla, Snail?"

"Aa," Itachi replied with another nod. "However, you may decide whichever you prefer."

Sakura smiled, "thank you. In that case, hm…I'll have the strawberry."

He returned the smile before reaching down and grabbing one slice of each cake. He then handed the strawberry piece to her before leading her toward a table currently occupied by Gregor and the fish-man.

"Oh! Hello!" Gregor grinned before looking to Sakura. "You having fun, miss?"

Sakura nodded, "Hell yeah I am. This festival is exciting. There's so much that you can do."

Gregor nodded his smile widening. "I'm so glad that you two could attend."

"Me too," Sakura responded with a smile.

"As are we," Itachi simultaneously replied.

The Uchiha raised a brow at her before motioning to the seat across from Gregor and the fish-beater. The pinkette complied and lowered herself into the seat before glancing back at her partner and patting the seat beside her.

Itachi took the offered spot and set his plate down on the table before grabbing his fork and taking a bite of the dessert. He seemed to like it and Sakura smiled at him. He just loved that cake. She held back a laugh when she noticed he had more frosting on his face.

"Ahem," Gregor cleared his throat before indicating the corner of his mouth.

Itachi then proceeded to raise a hand and wipe off the icing, before glancing down at her. Sakura's smile shifted into a smirk before she lifted a finger and tapped her chin.

"That's very interesting, Snail. Both times I have seen you eat cake you've gotten frosting on your mouth," she stated, laughing. "It makes me wonder if this is a reoccurring thing."

"Perhaps, in time," the Uchiha began slowly, his tone almost sounding…cautious.

'Does he mean…that we're not going to be together much longer? Well…it is true."

"You will get to see for yourself," he continued, his tone considerably lighter.

Sakura smiled softly before lifting a hand and poking his forehead. "The next time you eat cake...I'll definitely know." She shot him a wink, "I have a hunch that I'm right, though."

Itachi returned the smile and nodded, "I have no doubt."

They both then finished their cakes in relative silence, occasionally having a conversation with Gregor, who left the table several times and returned with a refill of his ale. Sakura smiled slightly at this, the man's actions reminding her of her father. She noticed that the music had become livelier.

After several moments of simply sitting and watching the energetic inhabitants, Gregor walked around the table and stopped beside Sakura, bowing slightly and offering his hand. "Will you honor me with a dance, Miss Sakura?"

Sakura smiled at him as she placed her hand within his. "Of course, Gregor." She briefly glanced at Itachi before returning her gaze to the man. "Dancing sounds fun."

Gregor then lifted the girl to her feet and led her towards the fire, where several other civilians were randomly dancing around it. Sakura arched a brow at their disorderly manner. "We don't have to dance like them, do we?"

The man looked to her with a smile, "unless you want to."

The pinkette vigorously shook her head. "No. Hell no. Is there a more…organized dance we could do that still goes with the music?"

Gregor seemed to contemplate this a moment before taking her other hand in his free one and facing her. "This is a dance I learned from my late father. It's quite simple. Would you like to try it, Miss Sakura?"

Sakura smirked and nodded, "Of course I do. What's the first step?"

"Well, I shall explain it from my perspective so whatever foot I step with, you move with the opposite. That way we'll both move in the same direction. Do this unless I specify otherwise," Gregor explained, the smile still on his face.

"Sounds easy enough," she replied. "I've danced a few times so I understand the basic concepts."

"Wonderful!" he exclaimed before planting his feet on the ground, and Sakura emulated this movement. "First, I take a slow side-step with my right foot then two quick steps back, starting with the left. Be sure to take long strides, though."

Sakura noted the movements in her mind before nodding. "Let's try it."

Gregor then stepped to the right and the Shinobi quickly tried to mirror his movement, only succeeding in stepping on his foot. She expected him to exclaim in pain, but he merely stopped moving and took a deep breath.

"…Sorry. I missed the step. Are you okay?"

After a moment, Gregor nodded and the smile returned to his face. "Of course! Let's try it again, shall we? This time, don't try to rush your movements. Move with the music."

"But you were moving too fast, Gregor. Can we go slower until I get the steps?" Sakura inquired. She assumed it would be easy to learn, but she had never been very good at dancing. She even bruised her father's foot once.

Gregor laughed before nodding in agreement. He then repeated the steps, slowly, and Sakura emulated them. After numerous steps, she could do the movements without consciously thinking about them and informed Gregor he could speed up.

Now that she had learned the proper movements, she had fun dancing with Gregor. He even twirled her a few times. At one point, Sakura spun a little too close to the fire and Gregor had to quickly grab and pull her away from the flames. When she was out of danger, all the pinkette could do was laugh at her own mistake.

"Are you alright, Miss Sakura?" Gregor asked in a concerned tone.

Sakura had to wait until her laughter calmed before she could reply. "Yes, Gregor. In fact, I'm wonderful. I'm having so much fun."

"Then let us continue our dance," he responded, the smile returning to his face.

"Of course," the girl nodded, before Gregor again took her hands and guided her through the rest of the dance.

After several minutes, the song ended and Sakura clapped for the bards. They were excellent musicians. Gregor then proceeded to lead her towards the table filled with the kegs of ale, which Itachi was currently standing in front of. She smiled at him as they approached.

The Uchiha returned the smile, "Did you enjoy yourself, Sakura?"

Her smile widened as she nodded, "very much. It was fun."

"Excuse me," Gregor began, bowing slightly. "I need another drink." He then abruptly turned and ventured off toward the fish-man.

Sakura shook her head at him as he walked off before returning her attention to Itachi. "Did you enjoy yourself, Snail?"

"Aa."

"Good," she grinned. "I'm glad."

"Well," he began. "What would you like to do next?"

"Hm…" Sakura mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. She then glanced to Itachi before another smile formed. She then proceeded to step in front of him and tap his forehead. "Would you like to dance, Itachi?"

"Uhm…Sakura, I…don't," he shook his head and shifted his gaze away from hers. "I'm not exactly…hm." He was silent a moment and Sakura frowned slightly. He either didn't like dancing…or just didn't want to right now. Was he, perhaps…uncomfortable?

"Look at that, Sakura. They are playing cards." He smiled, "would you like to join."

Sakura followed his gaze and forced a smile, "that sounds fun. I bet I'll win, though."

Itachi nodded and took her hand before gently guiding her over to the tables where the villagers were playing card games. If dancing was something that would make Itachi feel uncomfortable…then she wouldn't bring it up again. It's what he would want, after all.

Over the course of the hour, they played several strange card games with the inhabitants. For one, the games didn't have clear rules so she kept losing. However, she was able to win a few, but Itachi won several more than her. That didn't change the fact that she still beat him sometimes and she felt proud of herself every time.

Upon finishing the game, there were so many other activities that Sakura wanted to participate in and Itachi obliged. Every event they participated in was fun to the Shinobi, but she wondered if her partner was having fun as well. She asked him several times and his response was always the same, anticipated one.

The Shinobi didn't ask him to dance again. She had decided that she was going to try being more respectful of his feelings. It was strange how she was able to read his expressions so easily sometimes and other times she had no idea what he was thinking.

There was a woman at one of the stalls, who lifted a basket filled with various colors of ribbon and explained that each represented a different path of good fortune. Sakura noticed Itachi look to her before returning his attention to the merchant. He handed her a gold coin and selected a scarlet ribbon.

The woman had smiled widely before nodding, "that one is for the path of change. Your life will change for the better."

Sakura smiled when she heard the fortune. She glanced to Itachi and watched as he smiled slightly before offering the woman his gratitude and turning to Sakura. He seemed to hesitate a moment before tying the ribbon around her wrist. She offered him a warm smile before giving him a light kiss on the cheek. She noticed him stiffen in response, but only slightly, before his smile widened and he guided her towards another activity.

The festival was still going on late into the night, but there were only a few people who remained and didn't venture to some other unknown location. A short time ago, Gregor had bade each of them good night before informing them that he was going to leave the door unlocked so that they could enter when they wished.

Itachi had recently left to get a drink of water, so Sakura ventured toward the location of the previously roaring flames that had now been reduced to smoldering cinders. She always enjoyed the bonfires, but it was also somewhat sad to watch them slowly diminish until there was no trace of the once lively flames.

She suddenly felt a hand tap her shoulder and jumped slightly before sighing in relief when she realized it was Itachi. "Snail! You surprised me."

"I see that," he replied before slowly lifting his hand and offering it to her. After a moment, his smile also widened. "I will take you up on that offer now, Sakura."

Sakura stared at his hand in confusion a moment before her eyes widened and she met his gaze. "Are you sure? You don't have to, Itachi."

"Aa," he nodded. "I'm sure."

She could feel herself blushing slightly as a smile formed and she lifted her own hand to place it within his. "Alright."

Itachi then gently pulled her closer to him and wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she felt his hold on her hand tighten slightly as he held it against his chest. He then began to slowly sway with her.

Sakura wondered if he really was alright with this, but decided against asking again. She was happy that he agreed to dance, but if he really was awkward like she thought then it was hard enough for him to even accept her offer. It had been very selfless of him to do this for her and she hoped there was a way she could repay the favor.

Actually, now that she thought about it, many of the things Itachi had done in the time that they'd been together were selfless. And…that wasn't something a cold, heartless murderer would do. 'Maybe…I shouldn't compare him to a person I don't even know. This selfless person…is who Itachi is.'

Sakura felt her smile widen slightly as she looked up at the person she had grown to care for so much. 'Itachi…you're not who I thought you were. I've never been happier to admit I was wrong because…you're actually better than any person I know.' With this thought, she felt a slight pang of sadness. 'I wish we could have more time together.'