MisoHime
Author's Note:
Good evening! I'm back with the much-anticipated Chapter 17.
I apologise that it's taken about two weeks since the last update for me to upload this, but I have to prioritize my studies first.
I hope I have not kept any of you waiting too long.
Do read my end notes on my thoughts on writing this chapter if you're interested.
The response from the last chapter was great:
- Just Dropping By: I'm very happy to hear that you're enjoying my story! Its an amazing compliment to hear you think that I've written something good enough for you to wish it become a real production. I hope you'll continue reading this story as I keep it updated!
-sasusakusara7: Thank you, thank you! As promised, this chapter is for the 'real part' of the date.
- Guest 01: Yes, it has been updated. Enjoy!
- Guest 02: The wait is over - here is Chapter 17!
- guest: Many thanks for reviewing, do enjoy this chapter.
- Juntaisuke: I could sense your enthusiasm from the review. Thank you for leaving me a reply, I'm happy to see you enjoying my story. Hopefully this chapter will satisfy you just as well!
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, and the inspired book for this story isn't mine either.
◊▫ 星の十字 ▫◊
Hoshina no Kurosu
Jūnana
イタチ
Itachi
Sakura's first thought upon stepping foot into the restaurant was: 'How expensive is this place?'
If she had to guess, the answer was probably: 'very expensive'. She wouldn't have been surprised if it was 'insurmountably expensive'.
It was the kind of place that she would have never even have dared to glance at just in fear that the level of exorbitance it exuded would have caused her wallet to dry up and shrivel all on its own.
The interior proved to be just as lavish as the exterior. The tatami mats made no sound when they shuffled through and the rice paper screens were all an unblemished white, hiding the silhouette's of people behind. There were soft sounds of happy conversation that floated around in the atmosphere.
In the background, behind the music, was the soft echo of a running water feature - probably from the traditional garden that Sakura had glimpsed at the central courtyard they passed by just moments ago.
As they continued on, several staff members would pause their work to bow formally in acknowledgement. All of the attention made Sakura feel somewhat bashful. She blushed lightly and ducked her face behind Itachi's taller figure as they moved along.
The entire place felt so traditional, so well cultured, that Sakura was relieved she had followed Itachi's request to don a kimono tonight. Her embarrassment would be insuperable had she shown up in jeans and a casual sweater. At least with her customary Japanese clothing, she would have looked like she belonged with the atmosphere - and the outrageously gorgeous, well-dressed man beside her - to any stranger's eyes.
The host paused in front of a shoji door and slid it to the side smoothly, gesturing for Itachi and Sakura to enter the private booth.
The setting was cozy and intimate. Partially sealed and partially opened, a section of the back wall opened up to the courtyard they passed earlier. Their small room allowed for a view of the garden, allowing a sense of privacy without being too closed off.
"As requested, Uchiha-sama," their guide said. He bowed politely once more and closed the shoji screen behind them, leaving them to take their seats for the evening.
No menus were offered, which Sakura assumed were not needed anyway. In traditional Japanese fine-dining, the meals were pre-set. Knowing Itachi, he probably had everything arranged beforehand to save them the trouble.
He took a seat opposite of her on the low table, gesturing to the other side.
Sakura hesitantly lowered herself down to the zabuton, her legs folding underneath her with the practiced familiarity her family had ingrained into her for formal family occasions. With all the traditional mannerisms and customs, it felt as if they were in another world - a historical parallel universe within a modern timeline.
Her hands folded gently into her lap as she felt Itachi watch her cautious movements.
"Nervous?"
A breathy laugh bubbled up, "Can you blame me?"
He steepled his fingers together by his chin and watched her more carefully. The strength of his attention was unnerving - not because she thought he had lustful intentions, but because she knew he was merely observing her out of curiously. Which was almost worst.
"You may relax. We are here to enjoy ourselves tonight." He said, his posture calm and the complete opposite of Sakura's tense form.
She didn't respond, instead she looked away from his eyes to scan over the lush greenery of the bonsai garden. There was a koi pond on the middle of the courtyard, and the water splashed ever so often from the critters moving within.
"You have a question." Itachi stated.
Her forest-green eyes swiveled back to him, "I do..."
He merely nodded in gesture for her to continue forth.
"Why... did you agree to this?" Sakura hesitantly quipped.
His brow quirked up at her vague question and Sakura elaborated.
"You should know that our families do not get along... Why have you bothered to show interest?"
He didn't seem to be surprised by her question. His black eyes continued to watch her for a moment before there was a sound behind the screen.
"Excuse me, Uchiha-sama, we have brought refreshments." A polite voice announced.
They remained silent, conversation on hold as a young female attendant shifted the screen aside and placed a tray with ceramic cups and a teapot on-top their table. Another smaller pair of cups were arranged and a slender bottle of sake was placed to the side as a secondary drinking option.
The attendant looked to Itachi for dismissal, and with his subtle nod, she bowed before leaving them to the privacy of their conversation once more.
Sakura remained silent, feeling slightly tense from her unanswered question.
"I am aware of the relationship our families share," he started. His fingers unweaved to move for the refreshments. Gently cradling the ceramic, he poured the tea into their two cups. The steam curled and dissipated into the air as he continued on, "but I see no reason for that to soil the bonds by those who bear no direct involvement or reason."
Sakura frowned slightly at his response. Her hands moved to accept the cup he offered. The warming heat of the clay of her cup leaked into her stiff fingers, loosening them as she nodded to him in thanks.
"What do you mean by that? Our parents-"
"Are you aware of the reason why our fathers detest one another so much?" Itachi cut in, uncharacteristically. His own fingers wrapped around the circumference of his filled tea cup.
Sakura thought back, her mind running through the story that she had been told a long time ago, when she had been young, but old enough to question her mother as to why the mere mention of the name "Uchiha" was enough to infuriate her father so.
From her mother's explanation, Sakura knew that both Sakura's and Sasuke's fathers had been politically involved in Konoha's council years ago.
They had originally been allies - even friends - fighting for the new rights that would free their country from manipulation by their neighbouring cities. The bad blood had only started after a particular incident.
Even back then, the ruling families were the only ones whom held any real power. The Nara's, Inuzuka's, Uzumaki's... They were all big families whose roots had sprouted from the birth of Konoha many centuries prior, but the two clans with the largest power - as founding members - were the Hyuuga's and Uchiha's. This power tended to be too influential, too commanding. The smaller families that sought to make a living in Konoha struggled to find their own place, what with the power houses being able to play the country's will to their preference.
On the year Sakura's father became involved in fighting to free the lower social classes, there was a dispute among the families. The Uzumaki's and some few other families had agreed with Haruno Kizashi's views on social equality. Konoha was not a country without a bright future, and there was no need to oppress the lower social classes anymore.
The Uchiha's were not happy about that at all - especially Uchiha Fugaku. Being the clan head, he had been infuriated with movement. Removing the social classes would have meant that the Uchiha's would lose most of their inherited power and the tradition of them being founding members would eventually corrode.
A rivalry broke out between the two males, resulting in many months of disputes and political mind games. Sakura's father thought that Fugaku was being selfish and unjust - caring more about his family's power and social status that the well-being of the entire population as a whole. Sasuke and Itachi's father thought Kizashi was low-born and greedy. A peasant who aimed to further his social status by slandering the Uchiha customs and destroying their years of work as one of the reigning families.
Neither side would budge, and as more time went on, the political dalliance became more messy. They were on a verge of physical violence before a peace treaty was agreed upon. The rule of social classes would remain, preserving the founding families' power, but those of lower classes were guaranteed neutral justification in trade, business and certain other aspects. Whilst the balance between those of different social class remained unequal, the change allowed for those who previously struggled to make a living to gain enough for their lives.
The dispute may have passed a long time ago, but the sour relationship between the Harunos and Uchihas remained unforgotten, carrying forward to the branching family members. When Sakura and Sasuke first met, their encounter displayed the very nature of the dislike between the two families.
But was Itachi implying that things need not be that way?
"Yes.." Her eyes were distant as her mind recalled the old tale, "my father still believes yours to be responsible for preventing the equality in social classes."
He took a sip of his tea, fingers caressing the delicate ceramic in his hands, "There are two sides of the coin. Both our fathers had reasons behind their actions, but there is no need to completely disregard the sacrifice that would have been made on either side should one have won."
His voice was neutral, and Sakura pondered the truth of his words. While she did believe her father to have noble intentions, part of her could understand the Uchiha family's anger. They might have not wanted their power challenged, but above all else, they were a clan with pride and honor. There were customs and traditions to uphold that grew from the birth of Konoha. To lose everything their ancestors fought for would have shook their foundations beyond repair.
Was it really worth it? If her father had won, not only the Uchiha's, but all of the other founding families would have lost their heritage. But if the Uchiha's had won, the lower classes would still remain oppressed even in basic living necessitates. To win would have been to trade one family's well-being for another.
"In addition to that, I do not believe there is any reason for those who understand the unfairness of it to carry resentment to one another." Itachi continued, setting his cup gently to the side.
They were interrupted as two attendants slid the screen aside with a polite warning and the topic was closed in silent agreement.
Two large trays were settled in front of them - one for each. Sakura's stomach grumbled silently with appreciation. She had not noticed how hungry she had been until the smell of well-cooked food was placed in front of her.
The tray was large, almost spanning the entire length of their two-person table. On top of it was the most exquisite layout of Japanese cuisine Sakura had ever seen. The meal - like the environment - was authentic Japanese. Steaming white rice with black sesame seeds, fresh cut fish with a side serving of freshly grated wasabi and soy sauce, steaming tofu and nori in miso soup, grilled teriyaki glistening in dark sauce, natto and side salads with sweet dressing - the entire meal was fit for royalty. Other condiments were set to one side of the tray as they both took a moment to politely mention their gratitude for the meal.
The wait staff excused themselves and left Sakura and Itachi to dine.
The pink-haired girl was almost hesitant to begin eating. Just how expensive was this meal, really? Quality reflected in price, and though she had not seen any menu, there was no doubt that the evening would have costed her more than she could afford.
As if guessing her thoughts, Itachi picked up his chopsticks and laughed lightly at her, "Do enjoy it, I have already covered the cost for our evening together."
She blushed, bashful. Clearing her throat, she mimicked his actions and began with the small pieces of fried tempura.
The crunchy coating was seasoned to perfection. The prawn itself was cooked to compliment the taste of the natural flavour and Sakura couldn't help but sigh in appreciation. Tonight would probably be the best meal she had ever had.
Smiling at her reaction, Itachi continued dining along with her. They were silent for a few minutes, taking their time to enjoy the hot food in front of them.
"Tell me, what is your relationship with my otouto?"
Sakura had to fight a violent choke on her sashimi as she struggled to reign her shock. Swallowing the cold piece of fish without really tasting it, she turned her wide eyes to her companion.
"P-pardon?"
"I was curious as to the state of your association with him."
Her heart beat escalated at the thought of Sasuke. She was mortified and in a state of panic as to how she was supposed to answer. Could she lie and say they were friends? Was she supposed to say they were merely rivals turned co-stars, turned... nothing? Or perhaps she would startle him with confessing her love for his brother while on a date with him? Any answer would have been inaccurate otherwise.
"I-I don't know.. we're... just classmates, I guess" her attempt was weak, and she prayed Itachi would not notice her discomfort.
His eyes noticed everything, of course. There was no hiding from him, but he made no comment on her distress, instead choosing to coax a better explanation.
"I sense that is not all."
His eyes, while probing - was not prying. It was hard to believe that this was the same man who had relentlessly pursued her attention for months and cornered her in an alleyway with a heated gaze. Was this what Itachi really was like when he wasn't playing the role of a bachelor?
She had reason to believe that was the truth. Her shoulders loosened from their earlier tension. For some reason, she felt that being dishonest would have insulted him.
"...I don't think 'friends' would be correct. We hated each other, actually. When we were costars, it was hard to maintain peace when all we knew was anger and resentment..." She trailed off, staring into her bowl of soup. She felt her earlier appetite begin to ebb away.
"And do you no longer feel that way?"
She shoved a piece of meat into her mouth, chewing to buy herself time. The flavour was sharp and tangy, but Sakura tasted nothing.
What did she feel? She loved Sasuke, but hated that she loved him? Or was she really just confused?
Swallowing roughly, she replied, "I.. I don't hate him. Not anymore."
A moment of silence passed.
Itachi must have sensed the truth in her words because he allowed her reprieve from his observing eyes. He focused back on his meal, not looking at her as he spoke.
"So you're in love with my younger brother."
The chopsticks in her grasp fell with a loud clatter onto her tray. There was no sense in recovering from her shock when it was clear as day on her face. Blood burned on the apples of her cheeks and Sakura stared, bewildered, at Itachi.
He continued to arrange his next mouthful, completely unfazed by her sudden lack of composure.
His eyes flickered briefly to meet her's and she immediately looked away, picking up her chopsticks once more. There was no use in denying it. If her reaction wasn't obvious enough, Itachi must have known from just seeing the vulnerability in her eyes.
They were silent for a while, eating the well-prepared dishes without conversation. The sky had darkened even further to a midnight blue - it was officially night.
Small fireflies emerged and danced around the air on the courtyard garden. The shadows of the evening made the rice-paper lanterns in their booth glow, bathing the room with a subdued orange hue. The view was spectacular, as was the food, but Sakura couldn't enjoy a single thing with her mind in complete disarray.
"...Are you going to tell him?" She asked in a small voice. She was afraid. Now that there was no hiding her feelings for his younger brother, Sakura was afraid of what Itachi would do with the knowledge.
He placed his chopsticks down and looked at her, "You must think me a lesser man to do such a thing."
She looked back down, ashamed, "I just... I'm a horrible person for agreeing to coming tonight. I'm sorry."
He reached over and his slender fingers lightly brought her chin up until her glassy green eyes met his.
"I am the one who requested your presence this evening. Your feelings for my otouto do not make you insensitive for agreeing."
She continued to stare at him with confusion. His fingers moved from her chin to trace the line of her jaw, fingers touching the strands of hair that escaped her clip and fell to the sides of her face. They left a warm sensation where they trailed and Sakura fought the reflective gasp that rose from his touch.
His attention trailed over her features, taking in the soft skin and delicate face. His eyes were a unreadable black when they met her's. His hand remained cupped against her cheek when he spoke in a quiet voice.
"My foolish outoto is a lucky man."
As fleeting as the moment came, it passed along with the withdrawal of his touch. Itachi leaned back and busied himself with pouring a cup of sake, leaving Sakura to gather her wits.
She looked at him with newfound attention. His words registered slowly, in her mind.
"You... You're not mad..?"
He sipped at the rice wine, "No, though I may have assumed you and I would have been happy once," His eyes unfocused with his own thoughts, voice gentle, "I treasure my brother dearly. He deserves happiness in his life," black eyes focused back on her, "and you clearly love him enough to give him that."
A lump of emotion formed in her throat. His approval made her feel honored, just as his words made her believe that it was possible.
However, there was one other fact that she couldn't ignore.
"But what if he doesn't feel the same?" She said in a small voice.
Itachi said nothing. He stared at her over the rim of his small sake cup, the fine china looking fragile and delicate when dwarfed in his hand. Behind those dark irises, Sakura felt his mind moving, thinking. There was knowledge there, but he gave nothing away.
He placed his cup down and folded his fingers together, elbows resting against the tabletop in a very Uchiha-manner. The action was a habit he shared with his younger sibling and reminded Sakura so much of Sasuke that her throat tightened. The ball of emotion lodged there felt hard and unyielding, making her voice hoarse when she spoke.
"What if he still hates me?"
Itachi's eyes softened just the slightest at her frail question.
"There is always a possibility of hurt. But ignoring your feelings would be dishonest."
She flinched. That had been exactly what she had been doing recently: trying her best to avoid Sasuke in hopes of ignoring her growing feelings.
"As for how my brother feels... only he has the right to tell you that. Do not take that away from him by turning away."
Her heart eased slightly at the understanding in Itachi's voice. He was right - only Sasuke would be able to tell her the truth. If he hated her or loved her back, there wasn't going to be anyone else who could give her closure. Eventually, she would have to face her feelings. While she may not be ready yet, avoiding him wasn't going to do anything. One day, when she knew she was ready to know what he felt... She would tell him.
Itachi's smile was faint, and the seriousness of the situation faded away. He went back to finishing his meal, and Sakura followed in suit.
They resumed their dinner in comfortable silence, but every once in a while, her eyes would flick over to observe him. The conversation was strangely enlightening. It definitely changed Sakura's opinion on Itachi - there was a sense of contentment that hovered over them now. No longer did she think badly of him and in replacement of the playboy bachelor she thought him to be, she saw him as a dutiful son, dedicated to upholding his responsibilities as the Uchiha heir, as well as a loving brother, who placed his younger sibling's happiness above his own. She also felt the beginning of seeing him as a understanding friend, intelligent and mature in ways she couldn't begin to comprehend.
"If you keep staring at me, Sakura, I would take it as an invitation." His voice was playful, flirtatious.
Her cheeks bloomed with colour and she fought a scowl. It seemed like no matter how clearly she saw the real Itachi tonight, a part of him would always remain a teasing playboy.
After their meal, they drove back to her house in light conversation. He told her about his plans to further his studies before he would be expected to take over his father's position. She told him about the production of the play and of the preparation everyone was putting forth to it.
Overall, Sakura enjoyed herself more than she thought she would. Itachi was an engaging conversationalist, not overly chatty and selective with his words, but he didn't make her feel awkward or cold.
When they arrived, he insisted on escorting her to her doorstep.
"Thank you for tonight.. I really did enjoy myself." She faced him with a friendly smile.
His nod was polite, his eyes friendly as he accepted her thanks.
"Perhaps we could remain... friends.. from now on," she hesitantly suggested, embarrassed, "that is, if you want! I mean... If you think it's okay... I-I mean-" she stammered.
His chuckle was a deep, throaty sound, "Yes," he said, "friends."
She grimaced at her awkward suggestion. Part of her still felt weird at the prospect of being friends with her long time pursuer, but it would have been worse for them to become antagonists.
She nodded to him and turned around to unlock her door. Her parents were still out, despite the late hour, so the house was silent.
"Sakura," Itachi's voice sounded from behind her.
She twisted around in question, only to be shocked to her bones when he took advantage of her movement to press his lips on hers in a brief kiss.
His lips were soft and pleasant, but the sudden action sent her reeling, completely perturbed. She couldn't help her loud gasp as she jumped backwards, her back banging into the door like a frightened animal. Her jade eyes were wide with shock, staring at his amused black ones. Mirth danced behind them and he gave her a flirtatious smirk.
Fluid and agile, he straightened back up and turned, striding to his car and disappearing into the vehicle.
Her face felt hot. Apparently, in spite of their understanding this evening or their newly found platonic relationship, his flirty persona would not be disappearing entirely.
His car remained by her porch until she was safely past the front door.
Once she had locked up and gone to the the side windows to peek out through the gap in her curtains, he was pulling out of her driveway - his car lights illuminating the fierce blush on her cheeks as he drove away.
End Note:
Personally, I'm quite fond of this chapter, but not because it was easy to write.
In fact, there's something incredibly intimidating about writing Uchiha Itachi's character. He has a very particular sort of mannerism and personality, and I think it takes great skill to write him without it coming across as 'OOC'. In my entire life on , I have only come across a few stories that I think convey him perfectly.
Other than that, I much enjoyed trying to paint the atmosphere of traditional Japanese fine-dining.
Seeing as I have never been to a real one, I'm unsure if it is accurate, but I hope the setting was comprehensible.
Also, I've finally managed to squeeze in the reason why the Uchiha & Haruno family hate each other so.
It was challenging to find a way to slip it into the story but better late than never.
I pray you enjoyed this chapter. Do leave me a review if you did!