Hi! Marzy-chan here with the next chappy!! Hope you all enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto!!!
Chapter 2: Shopping Rush
Sakura panted heavily, entering the house once again. "Note to self: never go Christmas caroling with the two most wanted men in the Fire Country." she sighed, taking off her red boots, courtesy of Ino last Christmas.
"Well what'd you expect?" Naruto rolled his eyes playfully. "Even though they didn't utter a single word they still had the ability to make all the girls faint."
"That's mostly because they might have been looking rather irresistable under the snow-filled background." Sakura rolled her eyes as well.
"Or maybe the Christmas lights gave them an oddly, god-like glow." Naruto reasoned.
"Could be both." Sakura agreed.
Naruto and Sakura started reasoning out all the possibilities for about five minutes, all the while Mikoto was enjoying the fun conversation, and the two Uchiha brothers kept staring at Sakura and Naruto oddly, giving each other amused glances every now and then.
Naruto sighed. "Of course it'll all come down to the Uchiha blood, what with those freaken skills." Naruto grumbled.
"And those irresistable eyes and tempting bodies, you can't forget." Sakura added, bobbing her head up and down.
Sasuke coughed, as if saying "I'm right here, you know?"
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "I'm a girl, we do these things. Get over it." Sakura rolled her eyes. "You'd think that being in a team with him for over 4 years would have made him learn by now; Geez."
"Well it's getting awful late." Mikoto interrupted, before everything turned out into a big argument. "We best be going to bed anyway, you have a big day tomorrow Sakura, don't you?" Mikoto said.
"What's tomorrow?" Naruto asked, glancing at Sakura.
"My season holiday gift rush." she announced proudly, almost laughing in embarassement.
"I thought you said you had our presents." Naruto frowned.
"Yeah..." Sakura scoffed. "I had them... memorized, and I know where to buy them too." Sakura smiled.
"Let's get to bed guys." Mikoto interrupted before an argument could erupt, once again. She knew how serious Naruto could get when it came to presents, or more specifically, his presents.
"Hn" both Uchihas' said in unison, though the younger of the two still seemed to be fazed by the dozens of fangirls he had ecountered several minutes ago. And people asked him why he hated the holidays... pssht. Sakura talking about girls 'noticing' these things like that seemed kind of.... I don't know, creepy.
(A/N: But he's a guy so pshhht... he doesn't get it XD)
"Yeah, yeah..." Naruto yawned, beginning to walk down the hallway. "Oh, I almost forgot." he muttered, turning around. "Itachi, can I use your bathroom?"
Before Itachi could even ask a question, Sakura was already pummeling Naruto to the ground. Sakura picked him up by the leg, and Naruto began crying in fear, begging for Sakura to put him down gently, and to accept his apology. Sakura paid no heed to his please though, opening the door and throwing him out of the house harshly. She only hoped he reached Suna with the strength she put into that throw.
"Anyone else have any more interruptions? Maybe you Sasuke?" she directed her question towards him, the look on her face daring him to even lift a finger.
"No, I'm good. I'll be excusing myself." he disappeared before Sakura had the chance to get a mood swing, and decide to kill him just for the heck of it.
"Well then, I'll be excusing myself." Sakura smiled. "Good night Mikoto." she went up to her, giving her a hearty hug. "Good night Itachi." she bowed in respect, before leaving.
Itachi was lost almost, and he looked at Mikoto to clear this up. She merely laughed and went to the kitchen and served herself some hot cocoa. She said she would stay up and wait for Fugaku to arrive, and hopefully, Naruto as well. What with Sakura's anger, you could never be so sure just how far Sakura had thrown the poor lad.
Itachi pressed on no further, for he had a clue he wouldn't get much else from Mikoto. Whatever Naruto was about to say must have been grave, or at least something Sakura sure didn't want him of all people knowing. But then again, what was so bad that Itachi couldn't know? It wasn't like he would go running off, gossiping about whatever it was.
And it had been something about the bathroom too... Why did Naruto not want to use it?
The truth dawned on him a few minutes afterward, after recalling a certain event with one of his female cousins.
Itachi quirked an eyebrow. Sure, Itachi didn't exactly need to be filled in about that, but it wasn't like it was all that... serious...
He had had female teammates before, one of them being Hana, and he knew how she could get when it was that time of the month. Let's just say Itachi didn't ask her anything, and he gave her the personal space she needed.
Shisui and Kakashi, on the other hand, were a different story. They seemed to love annoying the hell out of her and any other female teammate they had, and even more when it was a sure thing she was aggravated, or on her menstrual cycle. How did he know? Because from Hana's and his opinion, it just seemed they loved to get beaten to a bloody pulp -nearly to death- every time.
And on a mission with Kakashi and Shizune, where she had been assigned as their medic. She had been complaining about cramps and stomach pains the whole time, and they had to decrease their speed by a lot so she wouldn't be in so much pain. Needless to say, she had to save up her chakra to heal them, not soothe away her cramps.
Itachi had been too busy with his thoughts he almost didn't sense Naruto coming in. Frankly, he looked more like snow frost. His tears had long since turn into tiny crystals, and apparently, his nose had been runny, for some icicles now hung from them.
"Y-You know w-what Itachi?" Naruto began, stuttering like crazy, because of his freezing self, "I-I think I'll use t-the other b-bathroom." Naruto shivered.
"Oh dear, is it really that cold out?" Mikoto appeared from the kitchen, and instantly ran down the hallway, appearing with several blankets. "Stand still Naruto." she said, making some handsigns.
"M-M-Mikoto... what are you d-doing?" Naruto asked hesitantly. He had seen the beginning seal; was she trying to burn him to a crisp?
"Don't worry Naruto. I made this technique, it'll just defrost you before you freeze to death." Mikoto smiled.
Small flames enveloped Naruto, and it seemed it was burning him. In truth, it melted all the ice/snow, turning it into water, but it soon evaporated into nothing. Naruto was done defrosting himself in about 2 minutes, and then Mikoto wrapped the blankets around him. "This is what happens when you try to go against Sakura. You'd think you boys would have learned your lesson by now." Mikoto sighed, going into the kitchen, coming back minutes later with another cup of hot cocoa.
She found Naruto sitting next to the fireplace, trying to get as warm as possible. Mikoto tsk'ed. "I hope this taught you a valuable lesson." Mikoto scolded.
"Never give out any information about Sakura during winter?" Naruto shivered out.
"Close enough." Mikoto shrugged. "Now, don't stay up too late boys, I'll be excusing myself." and with that, Mikoto kissed Itachi on the cheek, and then kissed Naruto on the head, before leaving.
"Good night Okaa-san, Naruto." he left as well, leaving a shivering Naruto there, wondering if he would be okay if he stepped in to the fire... He never was good at fire-based techniques...
"Good morning!" Sakura chirped, appearing in the kitchen, where everyone was already sitting, waiting for Sakura so they could eat breakfast. "Isn't it such a beautiful Christmas Eve?" she sighed in bliss.
"Oh, yes indeed dear!" Mikoto squealed. Naruto sweat dropped, Sasuke scowled, and Itachi remained emotionless. "So what's the plan dear?" Mikoto asked, as everyone started serving themselves their food.
"After this I have going directly to the shopping district, along with a few other stops." Sakura replied, taking a bite out of her eggs.
"Christmas shopping?" Naruto mumbled, chewing his toast.
"Yeah, I still need a few more gifts to go." Sakura replied, serving herself some orange juice.
"Mind if I go with Sakura-chan? I still need to get a few presents myself."
"Sure Naruto, but you'll have to go away while I'm getting your present." a glint of what could have been mischief escaped Sakura. This only furthered Naruto's eagerness for Christmas day to arrive, to open her present specfically. Not only did Sakura always go overboard with them, but she made sure the presents were perfect for whoever the person may be.
Naruto grinned. "Sure thing Sakura-chan!" his over-enthusiastic self said.
Sakura merely giggled lightly as she smiled. She always did love Naruto's hyper-active self.... okay, she lied. Not always. But in these particular times, she welcomed it with open arms.
Breakfast was done in around 15 minutes, and then Sakura helped Mikoto clear the table. Afterwards, she prepared herself by putting on her favorite red snow boots, and some black gloves. "You ready Naruto?"
"Almost!" was his reply as he appeared from the hallway, zipping up his jacket.
"It's not that cold out right now." Sakura replied, opening the door.
It was bright outside, considering it consisted of pure white snow, and the light heat that came with the sun. Sakura always did enjoy the chilly warmth she would get; both of those elements combined felt like pure bliss to her. You'd have the enjoyment of playing in the snow all day, but you'd also have this warm feeling crawling in your skin.
Naruto made his way out the door, and Sakura turned around briefly. "Sasuke-kun, you don't want to come with us?" she suggested. "Maybe get some last minute shopping done?" she asked.
Sasuke seemed hesitant as he looked behind him for the briefest of moments, before facing Sakura once again. "No, I'm good." he reply with a curt shake of his head.
"Suit yourself, but you'll be missing out." she winked at him childishly.
"Sakura dear, hold on a minute." Mikoto stopped her before she exited.
"Yes Mikoto?" Sakura asked.
"You mind getting this for tomorrow? I have it written here in a list." Mikoto said, approaching her and giving her a small piece of paper, along with a stack full of money.
"No problem Mikoto, I'll be back in a few hours." she confirmed, as she exited, and slid the door closed behind her.
"Ahh, Sakura is such a refreshing change." Mikoto said out loud to herself, going back to the kitchen. Her boys never truly helped her run errands. More specifically, Sasuke never did. Itachi was always too busy what with all the missions and clan meetings.
Sasuke sighed, making up his mind all at once and turning around. "Itachi" his voice seemed almost hesitant, but alas, he had to do it before he knew he would regret it, which he knew would be soon. Itachi looked up from the book he was reading on the couch, and closed it.
"Forehead, is that you?!"
Sakura turned around along with Naruto, seeing Ino walking up to them, several bags in her hands. Ino was currently wearing a long purple shirt, which could really be seen sort of like a dress, and dipped low to show cleavage. She wore a white thermal long-sleeve under, with black tights and purple boots. She had black gloves on, and her hair was up in a bun. Ino had decided it had grown too long, and that maybe she should try keeping it short for a while again.
"Ino-pig!" Sakura exclaimed happily, seeing her best friend join her on such a jolly morning.
Ino laughed, now in front of Sakura. "Lookin' good." she whistled, looking at Sakura up and down.
Sakura had a dress/shirt on similar to Ino, scratch that, exactly like Ino's, except it was red in color. Surprisingly enough, when their friend-aversiry approached, they had given themselves the same exact thing, besides the color. They did always state they had the same fashion sense, and that both shirts were absolutely adorable. Instead of black, Sakura wore full length green tights, which she had previously gotten from Lee years back on Christmas. Though she had never really liked tights and such, excluding the short ones she wore in her ninja outfit, she didn't want it to seem like she underappreciated the gift. Sakura also had a white long-sleeve underneath her dress/shirt, but it had ruffles, and it popped out on top of her red shirt.
She completed the look with her black gloves, and a simple gold necklace.
Sakura giggled. "Just a little something i threw together this morning. Gotta love the Christmas time. Gives you the best excuse to wear Lee's ridiculous spandex tights though i must admit, they keep you very cozy. You're looking very adorable yourself pig." she laughed heartily.
"Oh I know!" Ino exclaimed. "I wore Lee's spandex suit yesterday, but i added a red mini-skirt and that adorable black tee Temari got me on my birthday last year. Of course, i did trim the length of the sleeves and the legs, mini-skirt with full length tights totally do not go." Ino had a horrid expression on her face. "And you should have seen the look in Lee's face when he saw me wearing it. He looked ecstatic!" she exclaimed. "Everyone must have thought his jumpsuit was unattractive and totally useless, that's why." Ino frowned slightly.
"Imagine the look he'd have on his face if he sees me wearing it." even Naruto had to stiffle a laugh at Sakura's comment, though he didn't comprehend much of the girl talk. He himself had loved Lee's generous thought of buying him a present, which contained the green spandex jumpsuit as well.
"No kidding" Ino laughed. "So what brings you here today?" Ino asked.
"I had some last minute shopping I had to take care of. I needed Sasuke, Naruto, Tsunade-shishou, Kakashi-sensei, you, and many more people." Sakura laughed cheerily, holding up the few bags she had in her hand.
"Ooh, well I hope you wouldn't mind if I took a peek to see what you got so far." Ino inched closer to Sakura's bags, but she swiftly hugged them to her chest protectively.
"That'd ruin the surprise pig!" Sakura glared.
"Oh fine" Ino whined. "Hey, I'll catch you all later. I still need to make sure they don't run out of that yummy pork they have on sell. I was planning on dining with Shikamaru and Chouji at Shikamaru's place today, and I'll be damned if we run out of food because of Chouji." Ino glared at nothing in particular.
Sakura laughed. "I'll see you tomorrow pig?" Sakura said suggestively.
"Oh definitely!" she squealed. "Who'd miss out on that?" she asked before she briefly hugged Naruto and Sakura, and then left to take care of bussiness.
"What's tomorrow?" Naruto asked absentmindedly. Seriously, all this talk about tomorrow was making him feel rather left out.
"You didn't know?" Sakura asked surprised as she went inside a liquor store. Naruto only stared at her oddly for a few seconds before he entered. She made her way to the counter, and waited patiently for someone to help her out.
"Know what?" Naruto frowned, appearing right next to her.
"Mikoto is throwing a huge holiday party. Everyone we know is invited, and they're supposed to bring all their gifts to put under the tree. Later that night we pass them all out and open it." Sakura explained bluntly. "Why do you think Mikoto got such a large tree?" Sakura raised an eyebrow, staring at Naruto. "We obviously don't want the pile of presents devouring the tree." Sakura smiled.
Naruto "oh"ed in response.
"How may I help you today?" the clerk asked.
"Umm yes, I'm here to pick up an order for... Mikoto Uchiha." Sakura guessed. In the list, it just said to pick up an order of rather costy wine, and other precious beverages.
"Ahh yes, rather generous she was." the clerk began, turning around and going in to a room. "Came here just the other day wishing to order sparkling ciders and several fine wines." he added, coming back with several bottles. "We didn't have all of them ready, and I told her it'd be ready by tomorrow. She said it'd be even better, for she couldn't possible be able to carry it all by herself. Said she'd get someone much more capable to pick em' up."
And the number of bottles just kept piling up.... Sakura glowered, her forehead creasing. "No wonder... it'd take her forever to carry all of this."
Naruto whistled. "No wonder, what with you're inhuman strength you'd be able to carry it all in one sweep." Naruto grinned.
"I'd probably spill several in the process, Naruto." Sakura rolled her eyes. "I might be strong, but I only have 1 body with 2 hands." she glared. That was when an idea popped in her head. It seemed even Naruto got an idea. They looked at each other mischeviously.
"Sir, bag em' all. We'll take them in one." she answered.
"Ye' sure?" the clerk seemed almost hesitant in giving two children so much.
Sakura nodded, slapping money on the counter. "Hurry please, I have a busy schedule."
The clerk sighed, but nodded and got to work, bottling 3-4 wines in every bag.
"Naruto, you finished shopping right?" Sakura asked.
"Yup! I only needed you, Hinata-chan, and Sasuke-teme." Naruto chirped.
"Well then, you'll go deliver these with the clones and you can stay there. I wouldn't want to bore you to death with all my shopping." she explained.
"You sure Sakura-chan? I wouldn't mind..." he trailed off.
"Nonsense Naruto. I'm sure you'll need extra time wrapping said presents." Sakura laughed.
Naruto pouted. "Fine" he muttered. Gosh, she didn't need to make fun of him. A simple "That's okay Naruto, I got this" would have been good for him.
"Sorry Naruto" she laughed.
"Ready" the clerk said.
Naruto was about to make some hand signs, but Sakura interrupted. "That's okay Naruto, I'd rather the wines get there in one piece, no offense." she shrugged.
"None taken, you're totally right." Naruto said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
Sakura laughed. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" she mutered, and 6 exact replicas of herself appeared in a puff of smoke. They each grabbed a single bag, leaving one for Naruto himself.
"Bye Naruto, makes sure you don't break any." Sakura warned him, before he nodded and grabbed the last bag, and he and all 7 Sakura's made their way out of the store. The real Sakura accompanied him for a few minutes, until they parted ways and Naruto was left with only 6 Sakuras...
Sakura sighed as she watched Naruto leaving, and he tripped and almost fell. She rolled her eyes, trusting her clones to make sure nothing happened to the wines.
'Now for Sasuke-kun's present.' Sakura thought, taking an unexpected turn in the street and entering a shop as a small bell ran after she opened the door. A scroll shop, more specifically.
"Good evening, how can i help you to- Ahh, Sakura." the woman running the store greeted.
"Good evening Zumi." Sakura greeted.
"I have the scroll you pre-ordered." Zumi replied, turning around to search for a scroll. "Here it is." she smiled.
"Thanks! You don't know how hard I've been searching for that scroll." Sakura sighed.
"Well, it is quite pricey and expensive." Zumi said unsurely.
"I know. That's why it's perfect." Sakura smiled. "How much, I got paid just last week." Sakura had a smug look on her face. Hauling Christmas trees and heavy objects for people really was a good way to get more money. Plus the extra signing-bonus Tsunade was giving every Chunin, Jounin, and ANBU. She was sort of glad Naruto had made Chunin a few months ago. He'd probably be as poor as ever. But then again, he had been doing a few extra deeds every now and them with his Clones to earn bonuses too.
Like how he got paid 500 yen ($5.00) an hour for putting up this old ladies Christmas lights on her house. And how he was sent to pass out the Christmas party invitations for Mikoto. As Naruto had said, "Easiest 100 bucks of my life!".
And yes, it truly was, considering Naruto had gotten it done in less than 5 minutes, what with his shadow clones to do most of the work, though he had made sure he delivered one personally to Hinata. Of course poor lover-boy wouldn't pass up the chance to visit his dear girlfriend, now would he?
"Okay, that'd be 3,000 yen (about $300)." Zumi replied, handing Sakura the delicate, almost ancient looking scroll.
"Wow, you're right, it is pricey." Sakura whistled, examining the scroll, and picking it up with delicate hands.
"Not pricey enough for a Christmas present apparently." Zumi chuckled.
"Well, only the best, for the best." Sakura giggled lightly.
"Who's the lucky fellow to recieve this?" Zumi asked.
"Oh, just an Uchiha." Sakura muttered, not paying too much attention to what she was saying. "Been teammates with him for about 4 years now." Sakura continued.
"Wait, you don't mean Sasuke Uchiha, do you?" Zumi said eagerly.
"Yup, the one and only arrogant, air-headed, stubborn, hunk of Uchiha meat." Sakura responded, putting the scroll down, happy with her purchase. "This is perfect!" Sakura exclaimed.
"How about I give you 10 percent off? A favorite costumer discount." Zumi winked.
"That'd be great Zumi-chan!" Sakura squealed. That would just give her more money to spend on somebody else's present. It'd be a big understatement if she said she had a lot of money for Christmas presents. She had started saving up after Halloween.
"Okay, that'd be 2700 yen ($270) please." Zumi said, taking the scroll, wrappint delicately, and then putting it in a bag, and giving it to Sakura.
Sakura paid the money, taking the scroll gratefully, and exiting the small shop, making his way to a jewelry store next. She made a mental check list in her mind. Now she needed Ino, Hinata, and....
'What about Itachi?' the thought made her frown.
Truthfully, she didn't know Itachi that well, and she really doubted she actually knew what he liked, besides books. But she figured he already had enough of those. And what about ninja weapons and scrolls? She doubted that'd be a good gift, why?
Because, be rational. He was the heir of the Uchiha Clan, so many people must have given him presents the past few years, which could have mostly made up of money, ninja tools, scrolls, and anything else ninja-related. She heard last year that Itachi stated he wished for no more gifts, for he found them meaningless.
A shiver crawled up Sakura's spine. He probably only said that because he was tired of all the gifts, which he probably didn't like anyway. Sakura noted by the way Sasuke talked about Itachi that he seemed to get the job done flawlessly, making sure his teammates didn't have a scratch on them. But she had always noted he did. That must've meant he cared more for people than he did for himself.
Also, she seriously doubted Itachi was getting anything for her, not that she honestly cared. It was nice to share the love, and to say she got a lot would be an understatement as well. She even got gifts from people she hardly knew, such as fan boys, and some medics she worked with at the hospital, or some people she trained to be medic-nins.
Itachi wouldn't recieve any gifts from anyone, besides maybe Kakashi, Mikoto, Hana, and maybe the small possibility of Sasuke. Because honestly, they were the only people who truly knew him, and had the slightest idea of what he actually liked.
So what was she to do?
Sakura was running out of time. She had already bought everyones presents, and she only needed to pick up the jewelry she had pre-ordered for her besties. She had already taken care of TenTen and Temari a few days earlier.
She had given TenTen these adorable ornate kunais, great for seduction missions. They were meant to be for the hair, and they looked nothing like kunai, just very adorable accessories. She got that at a half-off sale, for 1,000 yen ($100), She had actually gotten 3 sets of those. One for herself, one for TenTen, and one for Temari. They were absolutely adorable, and she heard they were selling fast, so she had to take advantage of it. Sakura bought TenTen the red and silver one, with a dragon shap alongside it, while Temari got a fiery red and black. She bought herself a silver and pink one, with cherry blossoms on it. Hey, was it really wrong to buy yourself a little something every once in a while?
Sakura didn't even realize she was already inside the shop until the owner shouted out her name, eager to see one of his favorite customers. What can he say, she always comes around in the holidays, and whenever a birthday comes around. He had even decided to give Sakura a 40 percent discount, yeah, think how much the regular price would have been!
"Sakura! So good to see you! I have just finished making your design!"
"Really? It came out good?" Sakura asked, putting the Itachi subject aside.
"It came out good? It came out magnificent!" the jeweler said. "That desigs you created were great!"
Sakura blushed from the praise. "Well, I wanted to make sure the gifts were good enough for my best buddies." she announced.
"Trust me, they'll love it Sakura-san." the jeweler insisted.
"Well if you insist.... May I see them?" Sakura asked the jeweler.
"Yes, I'll be right out with them." and he left for a few minutes, leaving Sakura to ponder about her gifts, and partly Itachi.
She had designed the jewelry specifically for Hinata and Ino, mixing in their likes and putting them in the jewelry. In Ino's, she had put a gorgeous purple emthyst, in the shape of her favorite flower, and surrounded it by small diamonds, in a thin gold chain. She had a feelings Ino would absolutely adore it, well. hopefully. After it, it was Ino's favorite color, considering she always wore it in her ninja gear, and it was no secret Ino absolutely loved jewelry.
For Hinata, Sakura had chosen peach-orange topaz jewels in the shape of a sun, whose rays were somewhat swirled. The sun was surrounded by small aquamarine jewels, and had a thin gold chain, same as Ino's. Now, Sakura had many reasons for picking these specific colors; blue and orange. First of all, these were complimentary colors, so they would look good together no matter what. Second of all, Sakura knew for a fact that orange and blue were Hinata's favorite colors. Blue had been her favorite color for years, and Hinata had once stated she was starting to really like orange. Sakura always thought it was because whenever you saw orange, you were bound to see Naruto; it made perfect sense to her. And as for the finaly reason, Hinata's last name, Hyuga, meant 'Towards the Sun' and Hinata, meant 'Sunny Place. And with a sunny, bright, orange sun, there was bound to be clear blue skies as well, right?
"Here they are" the man came back with to long blue boxes. He set them down on the counter, and then proceeded to open them.
Sakura gasped in complete awe. "Takaharu-san! They look amazing!" Sakura praised him.
"It was your beautiful design Sakura-san, I can't rake all the credit." he insisted.
"May I?" Sakura asked, as if asking if she could examine them more closely.
"Of course!" he assured.
Sakura picked them up, examining them with a fine eye. "I must say, these are truly spectacular Takaharu-san! Your craftsmanship has really outdone itself this time!" Sakura couldn't stop staring at the pure beauty of the jewelry in front of her. Okay, Hinata and Ino would absolutely love this, she was sure of it.
"It's only because of the great effort you put into making it a great beauty. A jewler knows true fine art when he sees it. Your designs were speaking to me Sakura-san." he assured.
"Well let's not waste time praising each other, trying to see who's the one responsible for this fine art. I'll take it!" Sakura squealed in delight.
"I'll get right on it Sakura-san!" Takaharu said, taking the boxes with the necklaces, and closing them. He then proceeded to bag them, and then went to his register. "That'll be 6,000 yen ($600) Sakura-san." the jeweler snapped her out of her thoughts.
Sakura eagerly paid for them, and was almost out the door before the thought of Itachi popped back in her head again. Even when busy oggling the jewelry, Itachi and what possible gift she could give him had been in her mind the whole time.
'Ugghh, I can't believe I'm doing this.' Sakura thought, almost not believing she was about to do this.
"Takaharu-san, I don't mind if I have to pay extra, but..." Sakura was hesitant as she turned back around, seeing Takaharu lift up his round glasses and stared at Sakura. "I have another small favor, and I need it done before tomorrow." Sakura frowned.
"My, that is a big request, Sakura-san." Takaharu seemed surprised.
"I know it's just... a last minute present, I guess you can say." Sakura frowned.
"Well," Takaharu folded his hands in front of him. "Do you have an idea?"
Sakura nodded. "Yes indeed I do"
After Sakura gave him a small description about it, and even drew a very detailed picture in a short time, Takaharu couldn't help but frown.
"Well I have to say, this is much simpler than the other two, but getting it done in a day is... well..." Takaharu didn't finish his sentece; the silence said enough.
"Well, thank you for all you have done anyway, Takaharu-san. I should've known it wasn't possible, I'm obviously asking way too much of you, getting a while other necklace finished in one day." Sakura shook her head. "Thank you, and Merry Christmas." Sakura turned around to leave.
Takaharu frowned, staring at the clock on his wall. It read 12:38. "S-Sakura-san" he seemed almost hesitant to respond. "I-If you come by, around 11:30, I think I might be able to get it done." Sakura literally froze in her steps, turning around in hope.
"Seriously?" Sakura asked, an incredulous smile appearing on her face.
Takaharu smiled. "Would I joke about creating a whole new master piece?" he joked.
"Oh Takaharu-san! You're the best! You are a true magnificent jeweler" Sakura ran and gave Takaharu a big bear hug, meanwhile he rubbed the back of his neck because of all the praise.
"Well, you are one of my favorite customers, Sakura-san." he smiled as he let her go.
"Ughh, you have officially become my Christmas Angel Takaharu-san!" Sakura could now perfectly imagine him with a halo on his head, a white rob, and pure white wings on his back.
"Well I wouldn't call myself an angel...." he drawled on. "More like a miracle worker."
They both laughed at the comment.
"Well, I better get going, I have a big list to finish." Sakura sighed.
"Still Christmas shopping?" Takaharu asked.
Sakura nodded. "I just need to buy a quick gift for Mikoto-san, and then i must run some errands for her." Sakura explained.
"Ahh, the big Christmas party?"
"Yeah, it's that famous, huh?" Sakura said.
"Sure is, but don't let me delay you. After all, I should get started on the gift for the unsuspecting Uchiha." Takaharu winked.
Sakura laughed. "Good bye Takaharu-san" Sakura said as she exited the store.... finally. A part of her told her if she stayed there any longer she might end up even buying Fugaku a present. Geez, what was wrong with her? The mere thought made her feel odd. The only people to truly give Fugaku any presents were the Clan Elders, Mikoto, Sasuke, and the occasional Uchiha, not that their presents mattered to much to him anyway.
Once out of the shop, she entered another one, buying Mikoto a red scarf with holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees, mistle toes, and such, and matching red gloves. She had noticed earlier Mikoto was in need of those, when they were Christmas caroling for 2 minutes. Mikoto always insisted for Sakura to not go too over-board with her present, because she knew just how crazy Sakura could go every year. How did she know? She did the same thing as well.
So initially, Sakura had agreed, on the fine terms that Mikoto never went over-board either, which she had thankfully kept her promise to.
All Sakura needed to do now was finish up with Mikoto's errands, which she was glad to do, for it took her mind off of Itachi's present. Seriously, she couldn't help it. If Takaharu did not manage to finish it on time, then what was the point of giving it to him as a Christmas present? But then again, Sakura trusted Takaharu with all her might, for he had always been the jeweler she would go to, for over 4 years now, ever since she had enough money to actually afford the jewelery in there.
And once Sakura was done with the errands, she took a slow walk home, deciding she really didn't want to look at Itachi square in the face.
Unfortunately though, he was he first thing she saw opening the door at the compound. And they were only a few inches apart too. The sudden shock almost made Sakura drop the hundreds of bags she had been carrying for over 30 minutes now. And Itachi, being the skilled person he was, managed to notice.
"In need of some assistance, Sakura?" he offered.
Sakura was contemplating on whether to say no or not, but complied, deciding that she would indeed drop everything in 2 seconds if she didn't recieve some help.
Itachi took most of the bags and gave Sakura passage to enter inside, and Sakura only mumbled a quick thanks, entering and going straight to the kitchen, her head hanging low either in embarassment, or to hide her blush. She could only pray to her Christmas Angel, Takaharu, that he didn't see it.
Once there, Sakura expected Itachi to leave; he never stayed in any place for too long if he was no longer needed. But he didn't leave, and Sakura sighed mentally.
"Is there something I can help you with, Itachi-san?" Sakura asked, as she started to unbag all of the things Mikoto had made her buy. The bag filled with the Christmas gifts were on the kitchen table, resting neatly.
"Hn"
Sakura "ugghh"ed mentally. She was hoping she didn't have to get into any certain conversation with him, especially not now. The fact that she had bought Itachi a Christmas present was starting to really get to her, don't ask her why.
"Was it enough?"
"Ehh?" Sakura momentarily stopped and looked up at him, confused by his question.
"I spent the remaining of the day yesterday following your advice and getting in with the Christmas Spirit, as Kaa-san puts it. Do you think it was enough, to please Sasuke, I mean." he began, now sitting down on a chair next to the dozens of bags.
"Oh you mean that!" Sakura let out a small chuckle, mostly laughing at herself for being so dumb. "I think you did a remarkable job Itachi-san, even though our Christmas caroling was ruined." she sighed in pity. "I have to say, something about having you here seems to brighten Sasuke's spirits dramatically, though most wouldn't really notice." Sakura began to put all the chapagnes, sparkling ciders, and wines in the fridge.
"I too noticed he seemed to part-take in the activites more." Itachi agreed, nodding slightly.
Sakura exhaled happily. "I'd really like to thank you for taking the time to do that. You're probably very busy and all so..." Sakura paused for a few seconds. "It really means a lot to me." she smiled brightly.
"Actually, I get relieved of my duties on Christmas times." Itachi began, playing around with one of the bags on the table.
Sakura froze, turning around slowly. "You mean.... you have.... What do you even do up there?!" Sakura almost shouted in astonishment, putting the empty bags down on the counter. She had this amused smile on her face.
"Read"
"What the... but thats....Don't you get bored?" Sakura exclaimed in shock. "I mean, I know it gets boring reading How to Heal Complex Bone Fractures over, and over, and over. Tsunade-shishou made me do it until I memorized every single line." Sakura drauled on, rolling her eyes.I mean seriously? Who could lock themselves up in their room for 7 hours and just... read?! Oh, wait, he could, apparently.
"You took notice of the book I was reading?" he asked, though it sounded more like a statement.
"Oh come on Itachi, it's hard to not notice you when everyone is having fun and you're sitting on the sofa with coffee in one hand, reading."
Itachi merely shrugged.
"Don't you, I don't know, get bored? Don't you want some excitement, and adventure, or something to do at least?" Sakura asked, half glaring.
Itachi raised an eyebrow. "S-Class Missions aren't enough?"
Sakura face visibly paled slightly. She had only been on S-Class mission twice in her entire life, and they were things she didn't ever want to do again.
Her first had been when she had gone to Suna to heal Kankuro from the new poison he had come in contact with. Initially, it had been an A-ranked mission, for she was only supposed to heal Kankuro, but she had denied sitting behind while Gaara was off in the hands of Akatsuki. Tsunade had decided to change it to S-Class for her, for she had successfully defeated an S-Class criminal. That had been one of the most terrifying moments of Sakura's life, but she was glad to hear Gaara had come back safe and sound.
(A/N: They didn't capture his Jinchuuriki!!!)
But then again, Gaara probably only came back alive because Itachi had accompanied Kakashi and Naruto, and they had gotten there on time.
Her last and most recent S-Class Mission, had been when she, Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sai had infilrated Orochimaru's lair. They had barely gotten out alive, considering Naruto had gone in an enraged state with the Kyuubi, and Kakashi had used up all his strengths restraining him. Sasuke had been Orochimaru's specific target, unknown to the bunch, and he had almost gotten captured. They got out alive because Sai had created a large ink bird and carried them out, while Sakura literally busted walls to create a path for them.
Yup, it had been that serious.... supposedly, that lair had been long-sice abandoned, so told by a spy they had working under cover. He must have been a double-agent, considering Orochimaru had been there, waiting for them.
Sakura shivered at the thought. "Good point" she ended that conversation, considering she didn't want to start talking about the stuff he must of done while on his missions.
She expected Itachi to leave now, but oddly enough, he didn't.
"Is there something else I must assist you with, Itach-san?"
Itachi raised an eyebrow, as if asking what she meant.
Sakura sighed, putting some more wine bottles in the fridge. "You never stick around any more than needed to, Itachi-san. I know that for a fact. So what else can I help you with?"
Itachi stayed quiet for a few moments, before parting his lips. "What Christmas gift did you purchase Sasuke?"
Sakura almost dropped the wine bottle in her hand. She could seriously not believe her hears. She turned around slowly, almost hesitantly. "Are you telling me you want to buy Sasuke something?" she almost squealed out.
Itachi pursed his lips at the sudden high-pitch, and the bluntness of Sakura's answer. "I was considering it." he replied.
"Well, considering Sasuke really only wants to be stronger, you should get him something training-related." Sakura added. "Though...." Sakura added after a few long seconds, putting her index finger on her chin.
"Though...?" Itachi asked, as if telling her to continue.
Sakura chuckled. "Oh, never mind. That's hardly plausible; what was I even thinking?" Sakura was trying hard to sustain her laughter. "Like that could possibly happen." she muttered to herself, though Itachi heard her.
He was not amused...
"What were you suggesting?" he asked.
Sakura grabbed a random apple and leaned on the kitchen counter, elbows propped up on the smooth marble as she twirled the apple around her hand. "Well, think about it. The only reason Sasuke trains his ass off, is because he wishes to some day be as strong as you, if not stronger." Sakura took a moment to scoff. "As if that would even happen." she muttered, rolling her eyes.
At said comment, Itachi did smirk. That itself was slightly amusing. To him, anyway.
"Anyway", she continued. "For the most part, Sasuke finds you perfect. Too perfect. He thinks it would be impossible for you too actually mess up if anything. Which, in my opinion, it is. So, he didn't mind settling for the next best thing, which would be you not acting like a human ice-cube." she nodded, taking a bite of her apple. "So, it'd be like asking you to actually attent the Christmas Party, and actually, I don't know, talk, laugh, smile, sing Christmas Carols, open presents, things like that."
"And how would that affect Sasuke?"
"Sasuke, like any younger sibling to a prodigy, feels pressured to do as good as you do, and being the loyal, adorable little brother he is, he thinks that following in your foot steps and doing everything you do would be the best way to get to your status. So, initially, if you hardly part-take in Christmas festivities, neither will he. So when you decided to come yesterday, he felt like it was okay to enjoy himself right?" Sakura said.
Itachi gave a curt nod, as if saying he understood, and was telling her to continue.
"Now, I am making him attent the Christmas Party, instead of locking himself in his room like you for hours on end, so he has no choice, but I doubt he'll really do much unless I threaten him to throw him to the rabid fan girls." Sakura sighed, shaking her head in a disapproving manner. "Anyway, I'm getting side-tracked. It doesn't really matter. It's not like you'll be there." Sakura rolled her eyes, taking another bite of her apple.
"
"I still don't understand how you could possibly stay up in your room for hours. Most people would rather be down stairs. But then again, you're not most people." Sakura laughed.
"Are you calling me anti-social, Sakura?" he smirked.
"No, not anti-social... more just like... not a very social person." though the two meant the exact same, they seemed different to Sakura. "I wouldn't say anti-social, considering you're keeping a conversation with me as I speak, but more like, you won't talk if you don't need to." she shrugged; she didn't know if it made sense to him, but it sure meant sense to her.
"I take everything you said as a challenge." he announced.
Sakura's eye brows raised. "Oh, good. We might get somewhere with this then. Maybe I should be expecting Sasuke to actually not just stand in the corner." she grinned.
"Perhaps you should."
"Well then, I really must get going to wrap all my presents. It'll take a while." Sakura quickly grabbed her hundreds of shopping bags and exited the kitchen, planning on going to the guest room she was currently occupying.
'I think tomorrow might be interesting.' Sakura grinned once her back was facing Itachi.
End of Chapter
Wooh, i finished! I think this chapter is quite lengthy, is it not :O i was planning to stop at 6,000 words, so i really don't understand how i got it over 8,000 *Sweat drop* X)
Anyway, thanks for all the reviews last chappy, really appreciate it, and i'm sorry if this chappy took too long to upload :O
I'd appreciate any more reviews, for they give me inspiration to update faster!!!
-Marzy-chan