Song of a Cherry Blossom
by Diana-san

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 7

Sakura woke up bright and early in the morning. The morning sunlight filtered in through the curtains that shielded the window.

Sakura yawned as she opened up her sleepy eyes. She blinked as the she bathed in the warm sunshine. With another yawn or two, she rolled off her bed. Sakura slipped her feet into her fuzzy slippers and walked to the bathroom.

After splashing cold water on her drowsy face and doing her daily morning routines, Sakura went to the kitchen and started to make breakfast which consisted of pancakes and orange juice.

As the pancake batter sizzled on the griddle, Sakura went to change out of her pajamas. Sakura sifted through her clothing in her small closet and took out a top.

Mom bought this for me on 'that' day.

Sakura fingered the light material. It was a gorgeous wide arm kimono style top. The striking pink and light orange colors flowed together like two rivers intertwining into one. It was made out of very lightweight sheer fabric so a tank top would be needed to be worn underneath. Sakura glanced out of her window and saw that it was a beautiful autumn day. The sun was shining brightly like it was still summer. Sakura smiled as she held the top up against her chest as she examined herself in the mirror.

It would be perfect for a day like this.

Sakura decided that her mind was made up as she placed the top down on her bed. Sakura rummaged through her drawers and took out a plain white tank top and threw it on the bed next to the top. She pulled out a pair of denim capri pants and laid it next to her other clothes.

Sakura sighed as she sat down on the bed. But I'll be working today so there's no point in wearing it. Sakura stood up and took another glance at the outfit.

"Oh, what the hell," she said finally as she changed into the outfit.

Sakura took a glance at herself at the mirror and was surprised that the top looked good on her. The colors on the top brought out her pink cherry blossom hair and the bright green color of her emerald eyes. The crop top was worn off her left shoulder so that her creamy white skin showed.

Sakura grinned at her reflection in the mirror. "I won't let that idiot of a fool Sasuke ruin this day. I'm going to go out and enjoy this beautiful day instead of sulking about him stealing my first kiss," Sakura said confidently.

Sakura sighed. "Who am I kidding? I rather sulk and mope around."

She frowned and shook her head. "No! Must get these thoughts out of my head!"

Sakura gave a nod as if she were agreeing with herself. She began to brush her hair when a burning smell reached her nose. Sakura gasped as she dropped her brush. "The pancakes!"

Sakura rushed out of her bedroom and into the small kitchen. She turned off the stove and peered down at the pancakes. They were slightly burned on the edges but other than that, they looked edible to eat. Sakura poked at the pancakes with a fork and eyed it warily. She broke off a small piece and held it up with her fork and looked at it closely as she examined the piece of pancake. Slowly, she bit into it and chewed it thoughtfully. Satisfied with it, she placed the pancakes on a plate and drizzled maple syrup on top.

After breakfast, Sakura glanced at her watch and saw that it was near 10 AM. I should go to the club. I left my guitar there, she thought. Sakura grabbed her keys and slipped into a pair of flip-flops. She left her apartment and ran down to the club which was a couple of blocks away from her apartment.

Sakura panted as she paused in front of the nightclub. She had realized today that running in flip flops was not a good idea. Sakura pushed the doors of the club opened and stepped into the dimmed club.

"Jiraiya-sama? Tsunade-sama? Anko?" she called out.

A white-haired man stepped out from behind the curtains and onto the stage. "Sakura!" he called out happily as he jumped off the stage and came running at Sakura. The pink-haired girl shrieked as Jiraiya grabbed her in a giant bear hug.

"J-jiraya-sama," Sakura choked out. "Y-you're k-killing m-me."

Jiraiya let Sakura go. "Oh, sorry."

Sakura took a big breath of air. Then she pounded her fist onto Jiraiya's head. "Are you trying to kill me this early in the morning!"

Jiraiya whimpered, "B-but Sakura…"

"He's just trying to find the best way to tell you what an idiot he is," Tsunade said as she walked up from behind Jiraiya.

"Tsunade-sama?" Sakura said.

Tsunade sighed. "Did Jiraiya tell you about your day off?"

"Day off? What day off?" Sakura questioned.

Tsunade sighed. "Jiraiya…" Tsunade said with a warning tone.

Jiraiya grinned sheepishly. "Well, you see… ah… everyone has a day off today… and I didn't get a chance to tell you… Sakura."

Sakura switched her gaze from Tsunade to Jiraiya. "So you're telling me that I woke up early today just so that I can come to work when there was actually no work today," Sakura stated coolly.

Jiraiya scratched his chin. "That about sums it up," he said thoughtfully. "I was going to tell you last night but you were nowhere to be found! And you left your phone at the club."

She could only sigh. "I guess that was my fault. I had a predicament last night so I left early without informing anyone."

Tsunade took out a small cell phone and handed it to Sakura. The cherry blossom slumped down on a chair. Tsunade sat down in the seat next to Sakura. "I'm sorry you had to wake up so early on a weekend. I should have known I couldn't trust Jiraiya to do anything right."

Jiraiya lowered his head. Sakura sighed. "It's alright. I don't get much sleep anyways with all the schoolwork I have."

Tsunade smiled at the girl. "But you still manage to look beautiful in that outfit."

Sakura smiled. "Thanks."

Tsunade grinned. The blonde woman got up from the seat and pulled Sakura up. "Alright, a girl like you should be out in the sun and enjoying yourself instead of being cooped up in here."

"B-but-"

Tsunade wagged her finger at Sakura. "No buts. Go and enjoy your day off." Tsunade gave Sakura a small push out the door and closed the it behind the pink-headed girl.

"But I need to get my guitar," Sakura said to the closed door. She sighed as she stared at the concrete ground of the sidewalk.

"Sakura?" a voice called out.

Sakura looked up immediately from the ground. Her jade green eyes darted to the left and then to the right as she searched for the person who called for her.

A tap came at her shoulder which made Sakura jumped a little as she turned around.

A dark-haired man stood before her with a wide grin spread across his face. "Idate-san !" Sakura called out in surprise.

Idate tilted his head. "Just call me Idate."

Sakura grinned. "Okay, Idate, so what are you doing here?"

Idate scratched his head. "Same reason you are here?"

Sakura rolled her eyes. Idate smiled and grabbed Sakura by the wrist. "How about you accompany me today since we both have a day off?"

"But-"

"But what?" Idate asked. "You need to get out more and enjoy life while you're still young."

Sakura narrowed her eyebrows. "Are you implying that I'm getting old?"

Idate grinned. "Well, you're only sixteen once. Besides, I need someone beautiful to make all the guys jealous."

Sakura groaned. "You're not going to stop until I agree are you?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"...fine..."

The wind blew against Sakura's rosy colored hair which she had just tied up in a messy bun. Sakura was trying to keep up with Idate who was pulling on her arm as they weaved their way through the crowds on the streets.

"IDATE!" Sakura shouted as she tried to get the man in front of her to slow down. "I can't keep up. Not with these stupid flip flops on me."

Idate paused and Sakura collided into him. Sakura swayed as she tried to catch her balance. She frowned. "Okay, tell me next time when you decide to stop in the middle of the streets without any warning."

Idate smiled sheepishly. "Sorry."

Sakura rubbed her foot. "My feet are killing me. We have probably walked the entire city and back."

Idate crouched down as he offered her back to the pink-headed girl. Sakura stared at him like he was crazy or something. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"Offering to carry you," Idate said with a smile.

Sakura shook her head fiercely. "No! I can't let you-"

Her protests were stopped when Idate lifted her up on his back. "Hey! Hey, put me down!"

Idate stood up with Sakura on his back. He looked at her from the corner of his eye. "Why? You're tired aren't you?"

Sakura protested again, "This is embarrassing."

"No it isn't."

"Yes it is," Sakura argued. "People are going to stare."

"No they aren't. No one is even looking at us."

"Yes they are." Sakura stuck her head out so that she could see Idate's face. "Their eyes are watching us!"

Idate laughed. "Then let them watch," he said as he began to walk.

"I hate you," Sakura said in a dull voice.

Idate grinned. "I like you too."

Sakura wrapped her arms tighter around Idate's neck so that she wouldn't fall.

"You are definitely getting a lump of coal from me this Christmas."

"Make sure it's wrapped properly," Idate said with a smile.

Sakura stuck her tongue out at him.

"So, how is everything at your new school?" Idate asked as he changed the subject.

Sakura looked up at the clear blue skies. "It's okay."

"Find any friends?"

An image of Naruto popped into Sakura's head. She smiled. "Yea, I did," she said softly. Suddenly, an image of Sasuke came into her head. "Sasuke," Sakura growled.

"Who's he? Your boyfriend?" Idate asked.

Sakura scoffed. "As if."

"I take it you don't like him very much."

"Doesn't take a genius to figure that out," Sakura said sarcastically.

Idate laughed. "That bad, huh?"

Sakura nodded. The sixteen-year-old sighed as she glanced at the store windows. As they were walking past the stores, a certain item on display in a small shop caught Sakura's eye. Sakura motioned for Idate to put her down and he did. Sakura ran up to the store window and pressed her hands against the clear glass window as she peered at the item. Idate walked up behind her and looked also. "What are we looking at?" he asked as his eyes searched the whole display for the item that Sakura was intensely gazing at.

Sakura said nothing but she pointed. Idate followed the path of her finger and his eyes landed on a pendant in the shape of a cherry blossom. The pendant has five petals that gleamed in the afternoon sunlight and in the center was set a clear diamond stone that seemed to shine in the colors of the rainbow. It hung on a silver chain which had a tiny silver clasp. Idate then whistled low when he saw the price tag that was placed next to the necklace.

"That is one expensive-" Idate began but stopped when he noticed that Sakura was missing. Idate looked all around him but no signs of the pink-headed girl showed. That was when he saw her inside the store through the glass window. Idate smiled in amusement. "That girl…" he said with a low chuckle as he pushed open the door that lead inside to the small shop.

Wind chimes sounded as Idate walked in and the tinkling sound filled the small shop. Sakura was talking to the store owner and then pointing to the display case where the pendant laid.

Idate walked up to Sakura. "You're not seriously thinking of buying that necklace are you?" he asked as he scratched his head.

Sakura looked at him as if she just noticed that he walked in. "I'm not sure," she said softly. She turned back to the store owner who began to take out a set of keys and then went to the display case where he unlocked it. The store owner then took out the necklace and handed it to Sakura.

Sakura clutched onto the necklace as the cool touch of the pendant touched against her skin. She began to trace the outline of the diamond that was in the center of the pendant and her skin tingle when she felt the coolness of the jewel. Quickly, Sakura flipped the pendant over so that she was looking at the back. There, engraved in small but neat letters, was her name. "Sa-ku-ra," she read out loud to herself as she enunciated each syllable clearly. "This is it," she murmured.

"Is what?" Idate asked.

"My necklace," Sakura answered in a faraway voice.

"Yours?" Idate questioned.

Sakura nodded. "Yes. The pendant that my mother gave me for my sixteenth birthday. I thought I lost it when I moved out of my old house but it looked like it turned up in this store." She gazed fondly at the pendant which laid in the palm of her hand. Sakura turned to the store owner. "How much is this?" she demanded urgently.

"¥3000," the store owner said. Sakura's mouth dropped open. Sakura searched through her pants pockets and came up with some crumpled bills and coins. She dumped them all on top of the counter by the register as she counted up the amount.

"¥2000," Sakura said in frustration as she counted up the last coin. "¥1000 short," she said sadly. Sakura looked back at the pendant in her hand and stared at it sadly. A hand slammed against the counter and Sakura jumped up in surprise. Idate had placed ¥3000 on the counter next to Sakura's pile of money.

"Idate…" Sakura said softly.

Idate looked at Sakura and grinned. "It's from your late mother isn't it?"

Sakura nodded as she clutched tighter to the necklace.

"Then don't worry about paying me back. Consider it a gift." Idate picked up Sakura's money and handed it to Sakura.

"W-wait," Sakura protested. "You don't have to pay for the whole thing! I can pay for the rest-"

Idate stopped Sakura's protests when he held his finger up to Sakura's mouth as he pressed gently against her lips. "Don't be silly. You shouldn't miss out on paying rent."

Sakura shook her head and waved Idate's finger away. "I will be able to pay the rent and even pay you back if I put in some extra hours at the club and-"

Idate shook his head. "I won't let you do that." Idate placed the money in Sakura's free hand and closed her fingers over the money. His own hands were wrapped around Sakura's tightened fist.

"You push yourself too hard. You shouldn't even be more concern about work and rent and be more focus on your goals," Idate said as he gazed into Sakura's eyes.

Sakura closed her eyes. "My goals?"

"To complete school and-"

"-become a singer," Sakura finished with Idate.

Sakura opened her eyes. "That's right. I need to finish up my education before thinking of becoming somebody famous."

"That's what your mother said to you, right?"

Sakura nodded. "Right," she said. Sakura smiled but then her smile turn into a frown. "But I still can't let you pay."

"It's not me paying. It's my grandfather's money," Idate responded.

The store owner stood in front of the register and looked at the two teenagers. "So, will you be buying this necklace?" she asked.

Sakura looked at Idate and he smiled at her. Sakura smiled back and then nodded at the store owner in response to the question. The store owner took the cash and rang up the register and then handed a small receipt to Idate.

Idate thanked the store owner and followed Sakura out the store. Once outside, Idate turned to Sakura. "Do you need help putting it on?" he asked.

Sakura nodded and handed the necklace to Idate. He took it and Sakura turned around so that her back was to him. Idate unclasped the necklace and lifted it above Sakura's head and then brought it back down until it was around Sakura's neckline. He fumbled with the clasp as he tried to re-clasp it. When he finally heard the click sound, he brought his hands back down to his side.

"Thank you," Sakura said softly.

"You're welcome," Idate said in response. "Even though it took me so long to clasp it back on."

"No, I meant thank you. As in thank you for all that you done for me."

Sakura clutched at the necklace. "Because of you, I was able to forget."

Idate looked up at the sky. "Forget?" he echoed. "I don't think there was ever a day when you have forgotten."

Sakura remained quiet. Her green eyes wandered away from Idate and she stared at the view of the blue waves of the ocean.

"The beach," she whispered.

Idate looked in confusion at Sakura. "Huh?"

Sakura pointed and smiled. "The ocean is just over there."

Idate looked to where Sakura was pointing at. "You're right. We must be near the ocean right now."

"Let's go," Sakura said.

"Right now?"

Sakura said nothing and began walking quickly. It's as if Mom is right here beside me guiding me to her.

Sakura slowed down her steps as she neared the beach. Sakura slipped out of her flip flops and began to carry them in one hand as she stood in front of the ocean waves that were coming in. Sakura inhale the ocean smell as she watched seagulls fly above her head and making bird calls. The sun was beginning to set over the horizon and Sakura smiled as she got lost in thought while staring out into the ocean.

Eight-year-old Sakura squatted down as she patted her hands on the sand. She dug her hands into the wet sand as she searched for a smooth surface of a shell. Sakura's small hands came across a pink shell and she pulled it out in delight as she marveled over the pretty color that matched her hair.

"Mommy!" she called out as she waved the shell in the air so that her mother can see. Sakura's mother walked towards Sakura with a big smile on her face. Sakura's mother crouched down beside the small little girl as they stared at the exquisite beauty of the shell.

Sakura giggled as she placed the shell along with the other pretty shells that she found earlier. Sakura felt blissful as she sat there in the sand with her mother as they watched the sun go down and sink beneath the ocean. Sakura's eyes began to feel tired as she stifled a yawn. She looked up at her mom once more before falling asleep.

Sakura broke away her concentration at the ocean and looked down at the sand below her feet. A flash of pink caught her eye as she bent down and brushed the sand to the side to reveal a beautiful pink shell. Sakura gently lifted up the shell and examined the whole shell.

It looks similar to the shell I found eight years ago, Sakura mused.

Sakura gave a small laugh. "I wish you could be here with me right now, Mom," Sakura said wistfully as she clutched the shell in her hand gently. "I wish you could be here with me everyday..."

Idate walked up behind Sakura and crouched down next to her. "That's a beautiful shell."

Sakura only nodded in agreement. "Yes it is."

Idate looked out at the sunset. "It's getting to be almost dinner time. The sky will turn dark soon. We should go home before it gets too late."

Sakura looked up from the shell and at the sunset. "So soon?" she murmured. "Let's at least take a walk on the beach."

Idate sighed. "Alright." He stood up and helped Sakura to her feet. Sakura bent down to pick up her flip flops as she carried it in one hand and the pink shell in her other hand. They began walking alongside the ocean as Sakura lazily swung her arms around.

It was silent as the two teenagers walked quietly on the beach. Suddenly, Sakura's stomach gave a loud growl. Sakura quickly shielded her stomach in embarrassment and Idate laughed. But, Idate's stomach soon gave a growl and his face turned a slight red.

"Looks like we are both starving," Sakura joked.

"Well, all we had was a burger for lunch," Idate commented.

Sakura nodded. A pleasant aroma reached her nose and Sakura sniffed the air. "Do you smell that?" she asked Idate.

Idate groaned. "Sakura, I'm already starving. Don't try to make me even more hungry by telling me you smell a pleasant aroma of hot dogs being cooked and…"

Sakura looked up ahead and noticed a large bonfire in the distance. "This isn't a dream. Looks like there is a cookout and we are smelling hot dogs and all the other food they are cooking," Sakura said excitedly.

She rushed ahead to see what was happening. Idate groaned as he quickly followed after her. "You don't think they will give us free food, do you?" he asked but Sakura was already too far away to hear.

Sakura slowed down her steps when a clear view of the bonfire came up. She could see a big crowd gathered around the fire and dancing to music provided by a DJ. Idate came up behind Sakura.

"Looks like a party is going on," Idate remarked.

Sakura nodded. "Yeah, seems so."

The two walked down the slight slope of the beach and came nearer to the party going on. Sakura squinted her eyes. She seemed to recognize some faces but she couldn't clearly put her finger on it.

Sakura walked among the crowds of people as she stared at the plates of food everyone was holding. She must have been off in a daze because she walked right into someone. Sakura rubbed her head where a bump was beginning to form as she looked up to the guy she bumped into.

"Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed.

Naruto tilted his head to the side. "Sakura, what are you doing here?"

"I was just going to ask you the same thing."

Naruto grinned. "Well, I'm so glad you're here," he shouted in a gleeful voice as he grabbed Sakura in a tight bear hug. "I tried to call you at home but no one answered."

"Yeah, I was out the whole day." Sakura said. She looked up from Naruto's shoulders and her jade green eyes met with a familiar dark onyx eyes. Sakura narrowed her eyes when she saw Sasuke standing behind Naruto. Sakura wanted to scream out at him and torture him for stealing her first kiss but then realized that she was still suffocating from Naruto's tight hug.

Finally, Naruto released Sakura and the pink-headed girl took what seemed to be her first breath of life. Sasuke began to walk over and stood beside Naruto. Idate gave a small frown and walked up protectively behind Sakura.

Sakura glared at Sasuke. Flashbacks of the horrendous kiss flashed in Sakura's mind as shivers went up and down her spine. Sakura gritted her teeth and clenched her hands into fists.

Uchiha Sasuke. I shall make you pay today.