AN: It's nice to be back readers! Sometimes I dream of locking myself in my room with my laptop and catching up on all my stories and reading the stories posted here on FFnet. But then my kid starts banging loudly on the other side of the door and major temper tantrum follows and the dream is shattered in an instant! Why didn't my mother tell me that sex was bad huh? WHY!
LOL…just kidding (kinda). Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Just a quick side note. Sasame is pronounced Suh-SAH-mee and Taeyo is TAY-yo
::Chapter 7::
Now all we ever seem to do is fight…
-3 Years Ago-
She had become addicted to caffeine in three short weeks of starting at Fire Medical. Three years since then only increased her dependency. Sakura inhaled the dark milky scent of her coffee in nothing sort of love. She loved this stuff…if only her mother could see her now she mused. Her mother never let her drink any dark drinks because she feared that her teeth would be less than bright, blinding white. But she wasn't here, Sakura thought with a growing smile that always came when she thought about it. She was living on her own with a life that was her own making. It never ceased to amaze her knowing that her mother was so very very far away. If she could, she would live in Ember and never go back to Nanako Springs. If only…
"Morning." A brusque voice had her turning quickly, her smile softening into a secret womanly smile. His short dark hair was mussed and his eyes were still half closed with sleep as he shuffled into the kitchen in his button up pajamas. She slid his waiting cup on tea to him, made just the way he liked it. He nuzzled her neck as he took it and made her shiver and giggle.
"You're up late." Sakura commented, taking a seat at the counter bar chair. Morning light filtered through the window of her apartment. She could hear the faint chirping of birds and the tinkling butterfly chime that Ino had sent her for her birthday last year.
"I was working on a commission." Sai said, taking a deep drink of his tea. "I finished last night." He looked up, a small smile on his oh-so-kissable lips. "You didn't even stir when I climbed into bed."
Sakura chuckled lightly in her cup. "I know. I pulled a double shift last night. The apocalypse couldn't wake me." She was still very much sleep deprived, but her internal clock forced her body to wake at seven o clock sharp. She didn't mind it today though. It was the first time in eight months that she and Sai were off on the same day. Her work at Fire Medical ate up what little social life she had and Sai was a very sought after artist. He was always out of the country, or holed up in his studio working on one master piece after another.
The first year she started Medical School, she had lost herself in it, became high on her independence. And that gave her courage and that…gave her confidence. She called him one evening and invited him out to the Sakura Festival here in Ember and he accepted. That had been their first official date. When he was out this way (which was surprisingly often), he had stayed in a hotel but as their relationship progressed, he started staying with her. Three years into their relationship, they made that ultimate jump into intimacy.
"What time do you want to leave?" She asked, going to the counter to refill her cup. Sai yawned.
"After I shower." He said, sipping his tea. Sakura placed her cup on the small breakfast table and leaned in saucily. Sai raised a brow.
"Want some company?"
XOXO
The drive to Reimi Studios was tense. Sakura could feel how nervous Sai was becoming the closer they got to their destination. When they pulled into the parking lot they stayed in the car. Sai was looking up at the marble white building like it was about to topple over him.
Sakura reached across and took his hand, giving it a little squeeze of encouragement.
"Ready?"
Sai sighed loudly and gave her hand a squeeze back. "I'm ready."
It was a warm morning with a cool breeze. The Art Exhibit was a small affair for the rich and famous. Sai was a well renowned artist so of course he was invited. Sakura slipped easily back into her role as a Haruno and fixed a friendly smile on her face. She nodded to the door person collecting invitations and lifted her head a bit higher when Sai tightened his hold on her hand.
The owner of Reimi Studios was an older gentleman named Gino Tomoru. He was handsome and charming with long black hair, almond shaped eyes and a full mouth. Tall, with an average build and a musical voice. He always made her blush foolishly when they spoke. He was Sai's art teacher in High School and was the one to urge him to go the professional route after graduation. All around, she spotted a few of her boyfriend's paintings, beautiful. Like him. Sakura thought smiling at Sai, knowing that she looked like a love sick puppy but no caring at all that she did.
"Sai and Sakura." Gino greeted them with a fond hug for Sai and a warm kiss on the back of her hand. Sakura flushed automatically.
"Come and meet a few people." And then they were off, meeting more local artists and investors, potential commissions and old pros. It was mid afternoon when they met her.
She was laughing with a delicate looking blond woman. Her hair was cut short like a boy, but it only enhanced her high cheek bone, large misty grey eye and luminous skin tone. She wore a black dress that hugged her top and flared at the bottom with ankle boots of bright red. She was beautiful.
"Kiko my love." Gino bowed over her hand playfully and Kiko laughed, a throaty purr. He turned to the blonde who was staring wordlessly at Sakura for some reason. She looked pale and her fingers were tightly holding her crystal glass of water. Gino turned to her. "And Mebuki. Looking a lovely as ever." Mebuki was beautiful in her age with shoulder length blonde hair, bangs falling gracefully on her forehead with emerald eyes framed with thick brown eyelashes.
Sakura moved closer to Sai, becoming unnerved by the blond woman and her staring. She started feeling self conscious. Gino, for his part, seemed blissfully unaware of the tension she and Sai were under. He just smiled at all four of them. "Kiko, Mebuki, this is my new art protégée, Sai." Sai bowed stiffly in greeting. "And Sakura Haruno." Her high-waisted pencil skirt allowed for a shallow curtsy.
She felt Sai's arm stiff under her fingers. Sakura watched for any recognition to Sai's name and most definitely caught a slight widening of her eyes. "Sai has donated exhibit 47, 53, 44, and 67 to Reimi Studios and two have already found new homes." Gino said fondly clapping Sai on the shoulder.
"Haruno? Are you brother and sister?" The blonde, Mebuki asked making Sai jerk out of his daze.
"Ah, cousins. By marriage." Sakura supplied quickly fighting a wince. Mebuki took a step towards them, eyes zeroed in on Sakura.
"Are you an artist too?"
Sakura laughed lightly, a bit if her nerves making it shaky. "No. I'm a resident at Fire Medical. I'll be graduating in a few months." She said proudly. Mebuki paused, looking quite shocked and then finally gave her a beaming smile.
"You're going to be a doctor?"She asked excitedly, green eyes bright.
Sakura nodded, feeling a little less awkward in front of her. "In pediatrics."
Mebuki's eyes watered and Sakura frowned. What was up with this woman? "T-that's wonderful." Mebuki quickly dabbed her eyes.
"It is. Tsunade Senji herself has taken young Sakura under her wing. No doubt, she'll have a bright future ahead of her."Gino said, gracing her with a glowing look of support.
Mebuki grabbed Sakura's hands and held them tightly between her own. They were warm, but shaky. Her huge wedding ring glistened brightly under the lights. "I know you will." She said and Sakura felt a warm tingle of appreciation for the comment. She was a complete stranger, but Sakura knew pride when she saw it.
"Your work, it is impressive." Kiko said to Sai when Mebuki released Sakura's hand. "I really enjoy exhibit 53. What was it entitled again?" They began walking toward it and stopped to gaze at it for a moment. It was abstract with dark lines of blue and light pink.
"Missing Piece."
Kiko hid a flinch with a polite smile. "Unfinished right?"
Sai started at it for a moment. "It is."He finally admitted.
In that instant, Sakura knew that Kiko knew who Sai was. She wouldn't be surprised if Gino had set this whole thing up for them. The secret stayed unsaid between them all. The elephant in the room.
"Why donate it if it is unfinished." Kiko asked.
"I wanted people to see it." He wanted you to see it, Sakura thought.
"Will you finish it?" Kiko asked softly not meeting his eyes.
Sai looked at his painting before answering hesitantly. "I need…inspiration to finish it."
Kiko smiled a pull at her lips, one that mirrored Sai's Sakura noticed, heart beating hard in her chest for them. For this moment. "Every artist does. I'm sure you'll finish."
XOXO
-Present-
She should have not been so affected to see him here. After all, it was a family reunion. But seeing him…with her…
Sakura's heart ached once again and she left early, tears blurring her sight. She didn't see Sai's mournful gaze follow her as she left the house.
XOXO
Ino loved returning to Fire Country, breathing in the air saturated with memories. Behind her in the family sedan, her boys were glued to a learning tab her father bought for them last Christmas. Sasame was reading a story to his ever adoring little brother. Taeyo hung on every word he said in mute rapture. He had always idolized Sasame, since he was born. She hoped they stayed that way forever.
"Here we are." Itachi said from the driver's seat pulling into a well groomed driveway to their weekend home. They had a place to stay in Leaf, somewhere close to their work sites and the boys' school. But Itachi had insisted getting this town house two hours away from the city for privacy.
"Wow! Look at this place!" Sasame exclaimed when the car was shut off. He escaped the seatbelt and undid Taeyo's. "Is this our house Dad? Come on Brother!" And both boys bolted from the back seat. Ino grinned in amusement and shot Itachi a grin. He leaned in and kissed her.
"Come take a look." He said. It was way bigger than their apartment in Tea Country. The best thing about it was that it had a huge backyard for the boys to play in. Sasame and Taeyo already found the tire swing and their laughter was echoing off the empty walls of the townhouse. The kitchen, dining room, half bathroom and living room were down stairs and there were two bathrooms and three bedrooms upstairs. It was the perfect size for their family.
Ino eyes sparkled at the emptiness. There were so many decorative possibilities to make this feel like a home for them. "So when can we go shopping for furniture?" She asked mischievously. Itachi chuckled softly.
"As soon as possible." They wandered to the back porch, flowered shrubbery framing it and adding their perfumed summer smells to the air. She was hit with memories of the Flower Shop. Of helping her parents drag in potted plants and bags of fertilizer. Of learning Ikebana and putting together orders for the holidays. She touched a flowered pink and white hibiscus blossom, instantly remembering her mother's melodic voice echoing her favorite poem.
There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature's wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers….
"I like this place!" Taeyo exclaimed breathlessly. Ino looked up to see both her boys running to them. Their fine black hair flapped in the wind and their matching blue eyes twinkled in happiness and exhilaration. Taeyo leapt into Itachi's arms.
"Do you?" Ino asked happily, hugging her oldest as he latched onto her legs. "I like it too. What about you Sasame?" Her five year old looked up with a grin and nodded emphatically.
"We get to come here every weekend?"
"Yes. Hopefully, when things get squared away at the office we'll get to move from Leaf to here." Itachi said, setting Taeyo down.
Sasame looked across the expansive backyard. "I would like that. Maybe we can build a treehouse in that huge tree right there?"
"And a slide and swings!" Taeyo piped in.
"Sounds like a plan." Ino said. But it would be a ways away son she thought as they raced back the the swing. Setting up her shop and getting Itachi's business done was going to take some time. Their penthouse in Leaf would have to suffice in the meantime.
They stayed that weekend in a hotel. It would be the last peaceful time they would get together for a long while.
XOXO
Ino's shop was small. Smaller than the boutique store she had in Tea, but it was hers. A blank slate and unlike Tea, here she was a no-name fashion designer. This was going to be her ultimate test of talent.
After graduation with a little push from Mei, her boss at the time, she created her very first line of lingerie and it exploded into a very sought after brand in a short two years. She did quite well in Tea, earning more than she imagined. But the success of Tea only fueled her desire to conquer a bigger market like Fire Country. Not only that, five years in Tea made her homesick and Itachi's five-year project had finished and his father was expecting him home.
"Miss Ino? Are you here?" Ino turned to the voice and saw a young brown haired woman look around the empty space.
"Tamaki?" Ino's high heels made sharp clicks on the shiny white tiles. "What's wrong? Where are they boys?" Tamaki was their nanny. The youngest daughter of Itachi's housekeeper. Or rather, his parent's housekeeper.
She was a vibrant person who had dreams of becoming a pop star. She was a college student and made her extra cash by being their nanny. The boys adored her and she was reliable and loyal. No one knew of her and Itachi's relationship but a select few and even less knew of her boys. Sons of the Uchiha Clan that had to be protected from their grandfather and great uncle Madara.
"Oh! There you are!" She exclaimed when she saw her. "The boys are okay. I just wanted to come see the place." She turned around in a full circle. "Its…cozy?" She offered sheepishly. Ino laughed humorously.
"All greatness starts out small." She said in a regal voice, raising her eyebrow. Tamaki rolled her chestnut colored eyes.
"I also came by because there was someone—"
"Hey! Ino!" Ino whirled to the new voice, her eyes widening in surprise for the tall young man cockily standing in the archway of her soon to be work room. Dressed in a tailored suit of black and grey, his messy brown hair was somewhat tamed and his cheeky grin exuded his confidence and ego.
"Kiba?" She couldn't help the giggle when he picked her up and spun her in excitement. Tamaki gasped, a hand to her mouth when he slapped her ass when he put her down. Ino gave an aggravated cry in protest and punched his arm.
"Do that again Dog Boy and I'll break every single one of your fingers!"
Kiba laughed and backed away with hands up in defense. "I had to!"
Ino pouted and rubbed her stinging cheek. "What are you doing here?"
He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I had to see if the rumors were true. That you were back." He raised a brow. "How was Tea? Did you bring me anything back?"
Ino rolled her eyes in amusement. "Oh darn, I forgot your present!" She said sarcastically, a hand going to her hip.
Kiba flashed a wolfish smile, eyes drinking her in. And when his eyes finally made their way up to her face he held out a gentlemanly arm. "Lunch? To catch up?"
Ino put a dramatic hand to her chest. "But you run a multimillion dollar corporation! You have time to spare for little ol' me?"
Kiba sighed and looped his arm around her neck. She was bombarded by his spicy cologne."I can fit you in. There's a small slot between Saori and my next board meeting."
Ino raised a brow, allowing him to escort her out of her shop. She tossed Tamaki her spare keys to lock up. "Saori?"
"My Monday and Wednesday girl." Kiba explained and Ino punched him in the gut. He grunted, winded.
"Pig."
"That's all you Beautiful, all you—ouch!"
XOXO
A month back in Fire and things began settling into place. Though she was starting out brand new, she already had a few designer friends from school flying out from Tea to work for her. Temari, Karui and A would be here by next week. Ino told then that she would give them time to get situated before they began working. Starting from the bottom was no easy task, but like her, they got a thrill from testing their capabilities.
Itachi was getting reacquainted with life back in the Uchiha Company's main office by going to meetings with the board and his father, uncle and brother. He would come home looking drained but would perk up when the boys greeted him. At night, they would talk. It was the only time they had to spend together during the work week. Weekends were easier on them at the townhouse and they would fall back into domestic bliss like they had in Tea.
Breathless and sweaty, they rolled away from one another this night, bodies hot and humming from their bout of lovemaking. Itachi sat up and grabbed the bottle of water on the night stand, handing it to her when he took a big gulp. She finished it and stretched luxuriously on their pillowed mattress. She cuddled next to him, content to hear his soothing heartbeat and soft breathing. She kissed his lips, his neck and chest with a long sigh, hand dipping into his dark sweaty hair.
"I have a party to go to in three hours." She murmured against his warm skin. "But I don't want to leave this bed."
Itachi leaned her back and kissed her softly, tongue making heat swirl back alive in her belly. "Neji, right?" He asked, settling back down on his pillow, fingers stroking her bare back.
"Neji." She sighed. "Some kind of charity event for Leaf Medical."
"Ah, I think I was invited too." He murmured.
"You've been gone for five years. Seems like you're in demand a lot these days." Ino mused, refusing to close her eyes and give in to sleep. She had to get up and shower and dress. Knowing Neji, he was probably going to show up early. "You ever going to go to one?" She asked, sitting up and kicking the sheets from her legs.
"Not if I can help it." He muttered, watching her slide from the bed and head into the adjoining master bathroom.
"And your father doesn't mind?" She asked, hearing him get up from the bed too.
"No so much. Sasuke is more than willing to take my place."
Ino stiffened when she heard him name. Like she always did. They never talked about him much. Other than the Board Meetings and random family dinners, Itachi never talked with his little brother either. Ino saw how much that pained him. She had hoped when they moved back to Fire that Sasuke would come around. That she and Itachi would have a chance to speak with him about…things. To clear the air and try to salvage some kind of congenial relationship. But it was becoming clear to them both that Sasuke still despised them and was far from ready to talk. It seemed impossible. She hadn't seen him since she came back to Leaf.
Itachi told her Sasuke was making his place in the Uchiha Empire, becoming their father's right hand man over night. Itachi didn't care about that, she knew. He would happily give Sasuke every opportunity to rise in the ranks and accomplish his dreams of being acknowledged by their father. No, he worried about the hold his father was gaining on Sasuke. He didn't want Sasuke to be like their father or their uncle Madara. So focused on making money, on maintaining and gathering their power in Fire that they would do anything to achieve their goals. Greed was the ultimate down fall for all Uchiha in Itachi's opinion and Sasuke was falling hard and fast.
Itachi joined her in the shower and a quick rinse turned into an hour long passionate rekindling of desire. She dressed quickly when they finished and blow dried her hair in record time, pinning it up in a loose do. She was applying the finishing touches of her make-up when the door bell rang. Itachi, who had been watching her get ready the entire time, left their bedroom to answer. She could hear he and Neji talking in the living room.
Her champagne colored dress glittered prettily and swished around her legs. It cut modestly in front, tastefully hinting at the fullness of her breast and emphasizing her slender waist and long legs. She felt beautiful and knew she looked beautiful as well. When playing arm candy for one of the most eligible bachelors in Fire Country, there could be no less. She wore no jewelry, letting the dress speak for itself but dabbed perfume.
With one last appraising look in her floor length mirror, Ino grabbed her jeweled clutch from her vanity and joined the two in the living room. Neji's eyes lighted with appreciation when he saw her and he gave a slight nod in greeting. "Limo's waiting down stairs."
"What? No flowers? A box of chocolate?" Ino raised a brow. "Some date." She pouted.
Neji smirked. "I'll remember next time." He drawled, opening the door.
Ino giggled and turned to Itachi dressed in grey pajama pants and a well fitting white t-shirt. "Don't wait up."
He leaned down and kissed her lips lightly, careful not to ruin her glossy lipstick. "Bring her back at a decent hour." He told Neji playfully.
Neji chuckled and bowed. "Of course." And then he led her out and escorted her to the elevator.
It was nice and cool in the limo and Neji went over some important names she would meet tonight. The arrangement between them started last week. As a social figure, many eyes were on Neji Hyuga. Well, the Hyuga in general. Hinata and Naruto had been dating for seven years, but only recently announced their engagement. It was quite the splash and every kind of media imaginable had zeroed in on the Namikaze-Uzumaki and Hyuga families. Every action, every sighting, every interview, every step, every breath was being critically analyzed and reported on since the announcement much to Naruto and Hinata's displeasure. Every newsstand she passed had ten magazines with their picture splashed on the cover. And the the nightly news always had something on them. Neji, being the cousin of Hinata was caught up in it all and that thoroughly annoyed him.
Matchmaking Mama's were hounding him constantly and he had no interest what so ever in getting married. But he was the representative of Hyuga Electronics and thus, he was required to attend various social events to maintain a positive image for him family and their business. And rather than fall into the hands of those Matchmaking Mamas, he chose her. It was win-win for them both. Since she was trying to gather a reputation to benefit her new lingerie line, she happily agreed. What better way to get her foot in the door than to be seen on Neji Hyuga's arm?
Sure questions would arise. Who was she? How did they know one another? What was the nature of their relationship? But that was alright because growing up in the public eye gave Neji masterful ways in dealing with the media. And she wanted that to happen.
She had the same arrangement with Kiba too. Apparently since she had been gone, Neji and Kiba's acquaintance had developed into a surprising bromance and when he heard about she and Neji's arrangement, Kiba decided to go the same route.
"Why? You have a girl for every day of the week!" She exclaimed.
He just smiled that cocky smile of his. "Wouldn't want them to think I had a favorite."
"And you don't?" She asked.
He looked appalled. "And get caught in that trap? Hell no!"
Ino shook her head. Men.
When they arrived at the luxury hotel, she and Neji both took a deep breath and he tapped the window once for the ushers to open the door to the limo. Neji stepped out and right away was blinded by flash photography and screaming reporters begging for a word from him. He remained impassive, and held out his hand for her. She took some comfort when her fingers laced between his warm ones, steadying her nerves. She pasted a beaming smile on her face and was similarly assaulted by blinding lights. Together, they posed for a few pictures and finally they were safe behind the rotating glass doors of Hiro Hotel.
"Parasites." Neji muttered, for her ears only and Ino giggled softly.
"Dinner will be served shortly. This way please." An usher bowed low, arm swung wide to direct them into the Grand Ballroom. She could already hear the buzz of polite chatter and she steeled herself against the nervous butterflies raging in her tummy. They were seated in the front VVIP section of the ballroom, disturbingly closed to the podium. I hope I'll still be able to hear at the end of the night, she thought, eying the standing speaker box perched close to the front tables.
"I'm going to freshen up." She whispered to him when they were left alone at their table for four. Neji's father and mother would be joining them later. He gave a nod and she grabbed her clutch and made her way to the restrooms. She gathered herself in front of the mirror, wincing when she noticed the strain around her eyes. Neji must have seen it, she thought. Being around such influential people made her feel so very insignificant. She had to get through this night flawlessly. Neji expected no less from her and she expected it of herself as well.
"No mistakes Ino." She told her reflection and reapplied her lip gloss. She perked her breast, smoothed her dress and patted her hair before leaving the restrooms. Her clutch vibrated and she pulled her cell out. It was her Dad. He had the boys tonight. Was something wrong? Why call her and not Itachi? Suddenly, her phone flew from her hands strong arms caught her when she tripped on her dress and tumbled into an innocent bystander.
She gasped in embarrassment, closing her eyes and cursing herself for losing concentration. She counted to three quickly, her face warm with a blush before she spoke.
"Oh Gods." She said. "I'm so sorr—!" The rest of the words caught in her throat when her topaz blue eyes met smokey black obsidian. Her head buzzed, her heartbeat raced, her stomach dropped and froze all at once. She didn't even know if she was breathing! So many turbulent thoughts crowded her brain, but all she could feel was her body begin to tremble and his hands on her bare arms. She recognized that he was in a similar state of shock. They stared at one another blankly, fearfully, angrily, disdainfully…It seemed like the whole world had stopped…
"Ino?" Then the trance broke and Ino jerked away the same time he let her go, almost shoving her away. She forced…forced herself to turn away from him slowly. Calm, be calm, don't let him see how quickly you're falling to pieces! Part of her wanted to throw herself in his arms after five years, but a bigger part of her wanted to run away as fast as she could. The tension between them crackled intensely and Ino swallowed hard.
"Neji. I'm sorry I took so long." Her voice trembled slightly and she cleared her throat. "Something wrong?"
Neji looked between the two of them before he caught the look in her eye. Fear, pain, sadness. She knew he saw that all in her eyes and he quickly claimed her hand and pulled her to him.
"Nothing wrong. Dinner is just about to start and Mother wanted me to find you." He assured, a hand to her waist, high just under her ribs. He summoned a confident Hyuga smile and nodded to the other man.
"Sasuke. If you will excuse us."
The further she got away from Sasuke, the harsher her breathing became and the more she trembled. She bit her lip to stop it from quivering. Great, just what she needed! To ruin her makeup and totally embarrass Neji!
"Don't." Neji told her softly. They paused by the threshold of the ballroom and he leaned in close to her ear. "Don't ever let them see you cry."
Ino nodded and fought to control her chaotic emotions at seeing Sasuke after five years. She rubbed her arms to erase the memory of his touch. No! She wouldn't let him do this to her! He was the one who ruined everything! He was the one who said such cruel words to her. He was the one who didn't believe in her and Itachi!
I don't need someone like you to love me…
He broke you…
But I put myself back together. Ino thought, eyes drying and teeth clenching in determination. She raised her head and squared her shoulders. Neji's lavender eyes warmed with satisfaction and he offered his arm. She took it and smiled. She could feel his dark eyes on her back but she didn't turn around. She wouldn't.
He'll never break me again…