I awoke to the sunlight leaking in through my bedroom window.
I took in a deep breath to calm my irritation and swung my legs over the bed. I would remember to buy blinds today.
It was 8:00 A.M. I should be done unpacking and organizing my things in a matter of an hour or so. I had never been one to pack heavily anyway.
I took a hot shower and changed into my regular clothing. I had been given some money from Kakashi as a gift to welcome me home, and although I didn't want to accept it, Kakashi was insistent. With that I would buy anything else that I needed for the apartment. It was thankfully already furnished, so I needn't worry about that.
I began unpacking my clothing into my closet and drawers. I did so quickly; I was itching to get outside and bask in the sunlight, perhaps even train later.
I put my money in my pocket and grabbed my key off the counter.
I walked through the village, taking in the happy demeanor of the villagers and children, and the grumpy demeanor of some elders. It was familiar, even comforting. The birds' happy songs, the children's laughter and not to mention the murmur of numerous conversations going on, gossip and otherwise, they were all sounds that every village I'd been in shared. Even the reproaching words of chastisement to the children.
"Hey, I've told you kids to stay off of my property!"
I smiled to myself as I located the store. Once I had picked up some necessities, such as porcelain plates and cups for tea, a pot and a pan for whenever I decided to cook, a few bowls, and a couple of paintings to take the dreariness out of my apartment, I sheepishly realized I should have stopped by Neji's first, since it was a lot of stuff for me to carry alone.
"Hello, do you need help with this?" I turned to see a pale man with dark locks and a fake-looking smile plastered on his face. He looked like Sasuke, minus the nonchalance and the spiky hair.
"Sai, quit being a creep!" A loud voice exclaimed. I recognized the tan, blond male with bright cerulean eyes as Uzumaki Naruto from the Academy, also on Sasuke's squad.
"I read that when you see someone in need of help, you should offer a hand. That way, they may become your friend." Sai explained, looking slightly confused at Naruto's outburst.
"What are you two idiots—oh, hello, Ren-san!" Sakura greeted, smiling. I smiled back.
"I actually could use some help, if you don't mind." Sai's smile returned and Naruto paused, looking surprised that I actually did need help, before he nodded and they both picked up a box. Sakura grabbed some of the grocery bags I had, making the weight more bearable for me. I was about to pick up the last box with my now free arm when a pale hand beat me to it. I was surprised to see Sasuke there, looking like he really didn't want to be. I nodded, smiling, as a silent thank you.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the next Hokage!" The blond exclaimed, throwing a piece sign in the air.
"I am Sai. Sakura told us about you and your recent return to the village. Welcome to Konoha." He said, bowing slightly. I returned the gesture, surprised at how hospitable they were being.
"Thank you. Follow me, my apartment isn't too far." I said, weaving my way through the crowd. When we arrived, I had them place the boxes and bags on the counter.
"Do you need help unpacking this stuff?" Sakura offered after she placed down the last bag. I shook my head, smiling slightly.
"No thanks, you three have done enough. But, if you don't mind waiting, I can make some tea. I just bought some ingredients for it today." I said, trying to make some new friends within the village. I knew it would help in my path to settling in after all these years. Sakura nodded.
"Sure, let me help you. Guys, go sit at the table while I help Ren make some tea." They all nodded as they obliged. We got the tea started, and the silence was comfortable until we finished.
"So, how long have you been away from Konoha?" Sakura asked, leaning against the counter. I assumed the other three were listening in from their spot at the table, since it was quiet.
"Well, I first left Konoha right after the genin exams. You see, my family had been murdered when I was a child, and after graduating from the Academy I had gotten permission from Tsunade-sama to travel and explore the different villages and countries around here, as a new experience. Staying welled up in Konoha and doing D-rank missions just wasn't enough for me." I explained.
"Oh, so you know Granny Tsunade?" Naruto chimed in. Sakura sighed.
"Of course she did, you idiot. She's not new to the village, were you even listening?" She almost yelled, clearly irritated. Naruto looked plain scared, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.
"It seems everything goes in through one eye, and out the other with Naruto, correct?" Sai offered, smiling at his attempt at a joke. It was silent for a moment before everyone burst out laughing; even Sasuke cracked a smirk.
"It's in through one ear and out the other, moron." Naruto corrected after the laughter died down. I couldn't help but smile in amusement at Sai's confused expression.
"I should re-read that book, then." He said quietly, mostly to himself. I shuffled around the boxes, knowing that the tea would be ready soon. I got out the porcelain tea cups and their matching plates, pleased when the kettle started whistling.
I glanced around and my eyes found Sasuke, onyx eyes distant. After catching wind that he had returned to the village, I was shocked. It was recent, but I couldn't remember how long exactly. I had guessed he had matured passed the whole idea of revenge, realizing that having the lives of his teammates and comrades on his hands was something he couldn't live with. I knew that his desire to kill Itachi hadn't fully died out, though. He wanted retribution, more for the clan than for himself. I couldn't say I blamed him; I wouldn't be the least bit upset if I ever woke up one day to know that Uchiha Itachi had finally died.
When he glanced over at me, I turned quickly, realizing that the tea kettle had stopped whistling as Sakura handed it to me. I poured the tea and we both served it, taking a seat at the table with the boys.
"So, Sasuke, I hope you don't mind me asking, but how long have you been back in Konoha?"
"Two weeks." He said indifferently, barely sparing me a glance. I nodded. It was a wonder his punishment didn't include life in prison. His sensei was the Hokage though, so I supposed I could see why.
"Wait, Teme knows Ren?" Naruto inquired, looking between Sasuke and me.
"Aa." Sasuke said as confirmation as I nodded.
"My family was very close to the Uchiha clan, they were… a casualty." I explained quietly. Naruto paused, obviously thinking about what I had just said.
"Why would your family be caught up in the Massacre? That doesn't make much sense." Naruto said, shaking his head.
"Drop it, Naruto." Sakura said gently, and I noticed that Sasuke's jaw was clenched, his shoulders tense. It was silent for a few moments before I spoke up.
"What…what about the Akatsuki, and Orochimaru? Are they the reason parts of the village are under construction?" I asked, my curiosity outweighing the want to avoid any heavy topics.
"Pain from the Akatsuki invaded the village before Sasuke returned. Naruto fought him. It was a rough battle and the village took some hits. As for Orochimaru...he's dead. He wanted to use Sasuke's body since his own was growing weak, but Sasuke killed him before making his escape." Sakura explained. I nodded.
"I see." It was all I could say. Sasuke really did want to come back to Konoha then. It was quiet until Naruto got up, stretching and yawning loudly.
"Alright, thanks for the tea, Ren-san. I think we should all go out to Ichiraku's sometime, Teme's treat!" Naruto suggested, smiling mischievously when Sasuke glared at him. Sakura nodded, standing up as Sasuke and Sai followed suit.
"I'm heading to the hospital to help out. Kakashi hasn't been handing out too many missions for us lately, so that's where I've been spending most of my time." I nodded in understanding.
"Okay, thanks again for your help. See ya!" I said, following everyone and waiting until they had their sandals on before closing the door behind them. I was startled when I turned to see Sasuke still standing behind me, stoic as ever.
"Oh, I thought…what is it?" I trailed off, noticing an unreadable look on his face.
"I…" he paused, thinking before he finished his sentence.
"I'm glad you're back." He said nonchalantly, not looking me in the eye. I stood there for a moment, very, very surprised. A smile broke out on my face and I nodded as he walked away. Before he was out of earshot, I said,
"Me too."
I turned, walking to my kitchen to finish unpacking. I did so, making sure everything was neat and clean.
Afterwards, I stalked off to my room, wanting to get my weapons, maybe buy some new ones, and train for a while. When I entered, my body froze as I took in the sight before me. Black cloak with red clouds, dark hair, and red Sharingan eyes piercing through dark bangs. It was the most horrifying image, yet it was the last thing I saw before I passed out.
"Hello, Ren."
There's chapter two. Please review, I need to know what you guys think of it. Also, no flamers or rude reviews please! I already got one and it was less than pleasant. ^^; Thanks!
Until next time!
-Anna