"Are you studying for your exams?" Itachi asked, walking with the pinkette.

Sakura stretched and let a loud yawn escape her throat. "Yeah, all my classes seem really easy. So, what are we doing today for the Student Council?"

"During this time, we usually don't have much planned. We wait for other students and faculty members to ask us for assistance," Itachi answered.

"We never have anything planned. For a Student Council, we don't do much," She grumbled.

Itachi patted her shoulder and smiled. "What did you expect? Did you think we would be as important as Tsunade-sama?"

"I thought we would at least help a little more than what we actually do."

"Konoha High School has very organized students - they don't really need our help."

Sakura crossed her arms. "Why can't they be as stupid as Naruto?"

"Because not everyone was dropped on their heads when they were babies," Itachi joked. He pressed the crosswalk button and the two waited patiently to cross the moving street.

This was the exact street she had first met Itachi. If she hadn't been so oblivious and ignorant, she may never have spoken to him all year or had the chance to be a member of the Student Council.

"It's strange how the world works." She thought.

...

Sitting in her desk, she would occasionally catch Hinata staring at her and then swiftly turning away as if she hadn't noticed. Hinata scribbled on a piece of notebook paper and tore it quietly from the binding. She looked around to make sure no-one was looking and placed it on Sakura's desk - nudging her to get her attention.

"Read it, please," Hinata mouthed.

Sakura picked up the note and read silently to herself:

'I need to speak with the Student Council. Can I follow you to the room so I can explain my situation?'

The pinkette turned to the shy freshman and nodded in agreement. Hinata breathed out a relieved sigh and returned back to Kakashi's lesson.

Once the bell rang, Hinata tapped Sakura on the shoulder and smiled shyly. "Thank you, Sakura-chan."

"It's no problem. This is what we're supposed to do." Sakura said happily.

The two girls left their classroom and joined the Student Council in their meeting room. Itachi waved at the two warmly and waited for Sakura to explain.

"Hinata-chan needs to speak to us about something." Sakura sat down next to Kisame and opened her bento.

Hinata twiddled her thumbs as the blood rushed to her face. "I... w-w-wanted t-to ask you all... if I c-c-could..."

"Yeesh... Are we really that terrifying?" Deidara whispered to Sasori.

"Please, speak clearly, Hyuuga-san," Itachi ordered.

Hinata gulped and began again. "I w-w-wanted to ask if I c-could use you all in the Drama Club's play this weekend f-f-for the festival..." Her heart was pounding.

"Festival?" Sakura asked.

Kisame turned to her. "I'm guessing it's Konoha's Art and Trade Festival. Everyone in the city can attend and see all of the local artists and their works. They can sell their original material or just give it away. Sometimes they put on plays and stuff."

"You're in the Theater Club? No offense, but seeing how shy you are... You'd have a heart attack standing in front of hundreds of people," Sasori stated.

Hinata nodded in agreement. "I-I'm trying very h-hard to come out of my sh-shell... Here's a letter from the president of the Theater Club." She pulled a slip of paper from her bag and handed them to Itachi.

Itachi read it aloud to his fellow members.

" 'Student Council Members,

The Art and Trade Festival is approaching fast and we are in desperate need of cast members. Since Hinata Hyuuga is unable to play the role of the main, female protagonist, (and our other female members are suffering from a severe case of Mono) we are asking for Sakura Haruno's services.

We also are in need of other cast members as well. We will need to run auditions for three other males and then decide upon them.

If you do not accept our request due to such sudden timing, we understand completely.

President of the Drama Club,

Kotoko Sunohara.' "

Itachi handed the letter back to Hinata. "You guys sure are in a predicament..."

"Is it possible for you?" Hinata asked.

Sakura shrugged. "It's this weekend, right? As long as it's not a lot of lines then I'm okay."

Hinata bowed. "Thank you, Sakura-chan!"

Itachi shook his head. "I don't act, I apologize."

"Me neither," Hidan added.

"I'm not going on a stage," Sasori stated.

Every other member completely denied the girl. "That's alright... I understand."

"So why can't you play the main role, Hyuuga-san?" Kakuzu asked.

"Well, there's a kissing scene between the two protagonists... My father won't allow me to star in the role... b-but I still play a s-small part in the play."

Itachi leaned closer, interested. "Kissing scene?"

Hinata nodded. "It's only a little peck on the lips, but I was still unable to..."

Itachi turned to Sakura and noticed the other boys doing the same. "I wouldn't mind trying out for the-"

"Hold on, Itachi! You said you didn't act! I'll do it!" Hidan announced.

Kisame's eyes narrowed at the silver-haired senior. "You agreed with him! Hyuuga-san, I'll audition for the role. You can count on-"

"Didn't you say you had something planned this weekend?" Deidara questioned.

The boys quarreled against each other as Sakura and Hinata sat idly in the background. Sakura turned to Hinata and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Hinata-chan. You can count on us."

"I-I can't wait to see how w-well you all perform." Hinata smiled shyly.

...

Kotoko Sunohara, a senior in Itachi's class, sat holding the same script that the six other boys held in their hands. "Alright, as Sakura-san reads her lines, I want Itachi-san to start. We'll go down the line, okay?"

Sakura looked over her lines once more and suddenly turned to Itachi. "Let's run away, Akashi! We can leave tonight without a word to anyone. You don't have to fly that plane and I don't have to lose you!"

Itachi looked down at the script. "Etsuko-chan, this isn't easy for me to say... but Japan needs my help. It's my duty as a pilot - you understand, don't you?"

Deidara elbowed Sasori and chuckled quietly. "He sounds so monotone... He'll never get a part!"

Kotoko cleared her throat. "Thank you, Itachi-san. That was great. Now, Kisame-san, please?"

Kisame inhaled deeply and read over the lines once more. Although Itachi had just auditioned - and performed terribly - he could feel his palms sweating.

Sakura re-read her lines and turned to him - her eyes glimmering with an actor's fiery passion.

"E-Etsuko-ch-chan... this isn't easy for me t-to say, but Japan n-needs my help. It's my duty as a p-pilot - you understand, don't you?" Ah, that was even worse than Itachi's... Why did he become so nervous?!

Kotoko hid her amused smile behind the script in her hand. "Thank you, Kisame... Now, next is..."

After each boy made his way onto the stage, Hidan turned to Kakuzu. "So, I guess this play is about two tormented souls, eh? Such a girly play! Too bad that they don't have any super, gory death-scenes, huh?" He imitated being stabbed in his gut and fell to the floor.

Kakuzu shook his head. "You love making an ass of yourself, don't you?"

As Kotoko walked into the room, her stage hands following behind her, the boys encircled her for the results.

"So, what boys made it? Who is going to be Sakura's love interest?" Deidara asked.

Kotoko fixed her glasses and turned to her club mates. "We've decided and the person to play as Akashi is... Deidara-san."

"Deidara?!" Hidan called out - turning to the blonde. "Why does he get the male lead?"

Kotoko smiled at the silver-haired senior. "Actually, Hidan-san... We thought that your raw emotion was best suited for Sakura's other love interest in the play - Nagayo. Also, we would like Sasori-san to play the role as Sakura's brother."

"Her... brother?" Sasori raised his eyebrows.

Kotoko nodded. "Yes, you two have shades of red in your hair, so we thought it would be a perfect idea."

"Why don't you have any males on the Drama Club playing these roles?" Itachi asked.

Kotoko turned to Itachi. "Not many males attend the Drama Club. The female members of the club usually have to play as a boy, but since they're sick... We had to ask for your help."

"Why didn't I get chosen as a lead?" Kisame asked.

Kotoko blushed, embarrassed to say. "Well, Kisame-san... Your acting was terrible... You stuttered and spoke so softly. I could barely understand you."

Kisame hung his head. "Damn..."

Sakura rested her hand on his shoulder tenderly. "I'm sorry, Kisame-kun. I'm sure you could help behind the scenes."

"I don't want to work behind the scenes. I just wanted to kiss you, Sakura-chan!" He thought, upset by his audition.

Deidara smirked and wrapped his arms around Sakura. "This is great! I can't wait to perform with you, Sakura-chan."

Hidan stepped in and frowned. "Hey, I have a lead role like you! I'll be performing with her just as much as you do!"

"Yeah, but I get to kiss her, hm!"

"Fuck you, hm!" Hidan yelled.

Kotoko handed out the scripts and tried her best to smile confidently at her new group of actors. "Memorize your lines as much as you can. I'll have prompters on each side of the stage, just in case you forget. Please, work hard and I want raw emotion when we set foot on that stage!"

...

Hidan walked into his house and was met with a paper shoved into his face. "What is this?" Hidan asked, snatching it out of his father's hand.

"Its a pamphlet."

" 'The Technical School of Business - Yuga?' But I'm not planning on majoring in Business. I don't want to be at a desk-job for the rest of my life," Hidan complained.

Yumaru sighed. "Hidan... We've had this discussion many times. You're going into business and that's final."

Hidan peered down at the pamphlet and ripped it to pieces before his father. "I'm not going to some stupid, fucking school! I want to choose my own path!"

"You'll do what I say you do! Hidan, you have no future unless you work with me! That foul mouth and terrible behavior of yours will never get you a job!" Yumaru yelled.

Hidan shook his head fiercely. "No! I don't want to leave!" Sakura's faced appeared in his mind. "If I leave... I might never have a chance."

Yumaru squinted his violet eyes. "A chance at what?"

"You wouldn't understand anyway. You only married Mom because she was a good deal for business." Hidan muttered.

"How dare you talk like that!" Yumaru yelled.

"I've seen what you're all about! Leaving before work starts. On the phone at four o'clock in the morning! Do you think I'm that stupid? You don't care about your family at all. You fucking hate us!" Hidan could feel the tears swelling behind his eyes.

Yumaru stood stoically as his son continued. "And every, single day - ever since I was little - I've never felt an ounce of goddamn love from you! I've never been good enough for you and I hate it! I'm not going into business with you because I'm tired of all the disappointment I see in your eyes. So fuck you!" Hidan grabbed his jacket and stormed off to the doorway.

"Where are you going? Don't think that this conversation is over!" Yumaru called out.

"I have a play to do. I was going to ask you and Mom to come, but I know it doesn't matter to you," Hidan hissed. He quickly opened the door and slammed it, knocking some old family picture frames off the wall.

...

Kotoko turned to the actors and clapped her hands together. "Okay! Is everyone ready?" She sounded extremely excited.

Deidara hooked his arm around Sakura. "I definitely am, hm!"

Sakura smiled. "Me too."

Hinata bowed to the Student Council. "Thank you so much... I-I'm very grateful."

Itachi, volunteering as a prompter, nodded. "You're welcome, Hyuuga-san." He turned to Deidara and Hidan. "Try not to mess this up."

Deidara laughed. "I already have all my lines memorized! I wouldn't blow my chances to kiss-" He stopped and twisted his body to face Sakura. "Have you ever been kissed before?"

Sakura shook her head. "No, but it's okay. It's just for the sake of theater, right?"

Deidara grinned smugly at his peers. "Yes... I understand, Sakura." His eyes glittered with the proud idea of being Sakura's first, even if unofficial, kiss.

Although the others seethed with jealousy and anger, Hidan's mind was elsewhere. Leaving Sakura to pursue a career in business was something he couldn't shake off. Why was his father so selfish and uncaring all the time? Couldn't he tell that he was actually happy where he was?

"Yeah, right. Like that bastard would care about what I feel..." He thought bitterly.

Kotoko motioned for Sasori and Hinata. "Now, remember, you two are the brother and sister-in-law to Etsuko, got it? I need to see some loving expressions from the two of you!" She whispered.

Sasori frowned. "Yeah..." Like he really  wanted to play the role as Sakura's brother.

Kotoko motioned to her stagehands, Kakuzu and Kisame, to pull the curtains away from the stage. She then stepped onto the stage and bowed to her large audience.

"Thank you all for taking time to visit the Art and Trade Festival! I'm very proud to say 'The Blossoming' is ready to begin! Please turn all electronic devices on silent and enjoy this play put on by Konoha High School's Drama Club!"

The stage lights dimmed as stagehands and actors moved onto the stage. Sasori fixed his yukata and turned to Hinata. "We can do this." He whispered.

Hinata nodded as the lights brightened, showing the scene of a traditional, Japanese home in the 1940's.

~~

(Sakura = Etsuko, Hidan = Nagayo, Deidara = Akashi, Fusa = Hinata, Yasutada = Sasori.)

Sakura stepped onto the stage, wearing a beautiful, purple kimono with a tapered waist, wrapped with a black obi, and printed cherry blossoms running down the length of the gown.

"Ah Etsuko, what are you here for?" Sasori asked, his voice bright and inviting.

"Onii-san, I wanted to come visit you for awhile. How is Fusa-san?" Sakura sat down at the low-rise table.

Hinata stepped onto the stage, holding a tray of small cups. "Etsuko-chan, I thought I heard you. Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, please." Sakura waited patiently as Hinata set the tray on the table. She took a sip of the 'tea', which was actually tap water, and set the glass on the table. "You two are truly an inspiration!"

"What do you mean, Etsuko?" Sasori asked.

Sakura smiled and motioned with her hands at the couple. "The love I feel emanating from you is absolutely beautiful! It's something that I dearly want in my life."

Sasori took a sip of his glass. "Well, you're a beautiful girl, Etsuko, but your youth will fade. You're very close to marrying age, so I would suggest finding someone."

"Do you have any suitors in your life, Etsuko-chan?' Hinata asked.

Sakura played with the hem of her kimono's sleeve. "No, the ones Father and Mother have sent to me are not as interesting as they led me on to believe..."

Sasori crossed his arms. "Etsuko, you need to understand! A young man will not dare let his eyes stray upon an old hag. Your youth will wither and you'll be left alone. Stop being so picky!" The audience laughed at Sasori's statement.

Sakura frowned. "I should have the choice of my husband. I don't care if I'm old and grey!"

"This independent streak of yours is getting rather annoying. Father will never allow you to stay unwed much longer." Sasori stated bluntly.

A knock echoed from the stage and Hidan stepped into the scene. He wore a loose-fitting yukata and let his hand nestle around the obi. Behind him, one of the other cast members stepped forward, dressed as an older man, and motioned towards Hidan.

"Father, what brings you here?" Sasori asked, surprised.

The cast member ignored Sasori and turned to Sakura, stroking the synthetic beard glued to her face. "Etsuko... I knew that you would be here. We need to talk."

Sakura stood from her seat and bowed to her 'father'. "Yes, Father."

"Yasutada, Fusa... Will you please excuse us for a moment? I would love some tea." The cast member said, looking over Sakura's shoulder.

Sasori and Hinata nodded, walking off the stage and waited until their next scene. The cast member motioned Hidan to sit next to Sakura and took the seat across from the pair. She stroked her beard once again and grunted.

"Etsuko... You remember Nagayo? He used to live next door to us when you were a child."

Sakura nodded, turning to Hidan. "Yes, I remember Nagayo-san."

"Well, it's been quite a few years since he left, hasn't it? Nagayo has moved back to our little town and is a very successful businessman. I'm quite proud of his accomplishments. In fact-"

"Father, what is this leading up to?" Sakura interrupted.

The cast member closed her eyes. "Such an impolite girl... Very well, I'll finish this up quickly. Nagayo has requested your hand in marriage and I have accepted."

"But that's not what you decide! It's not your right!" Sakura yelled out.

The cast member swiftly slapped her hands on the table and pointed menacingly at Sakura. "It's not my right to decide, Etsuko?! I'm your father and you are my daughter - and you will do as I say, when I say it!" She turned to Hidan. "I apologize for my daughter's outlandish behavior."

Hidan rested his hand on Sakura's shoulder. "It's alright. I'm sure she'll warm up to the idea."

"I will never warm up to you! I want to choose my own path and my own husband!" She ran off the stage and down the stairs off of the set.

~~

Itachi, holding the script in his hands moved to her. "You're doing a great job Sakura-chan."

"Thanks senpai." She looked beyond to Hidan as he sat numbly on the stage as the scene continued. "Is Hidan-kun alright?"

Itachi shrugged his shoulders. "He's probably just upset about Deidara. Nothing to really worry about, Sakura-chan."

~~

The lights surrounding the stage dimmed slowly for the stage hands to change the scene. Sakura stood off to the right, ready for the next scene. As the lights lit up the stage again, she quickly ran out and rested her hands on her knees - pretending to regain her lost breath. She wiped her eyes and stood straight.

"How can they be so ignorant? I might as well be a bird trapped in its cage!" She called out.

Deidara's voice rang out from beyond the stage. "Ah, but that bird's wings aren't clipped, are they? Once she sees the chance, and the cage's door is open, I'm sure she'd fly outward into the open world." He walked forward with his arms crossed over his chest and a smile on his face.

"Who are you?" She asked cautiously.

Deidara presented his hand to her and let the smile widen across his face. "Usually people greet each other with a polite 'hello', but I guess I shouldn't expect that from everyone. My name is Akashi. I heard you talking aloud to yourself, so I couldn't resist stepping in." His blue eyes shifted from the stage's floor to her bright, green eyes. "You doing okay?"

"I'm trapped in a situation that I can't escape from. I have no-one to turn to-" She slapped her hand to her forehead. "Now look at me... I'm explaining all my problems to a complete stranger."

"I wouldn't say that," Deidara started, "I mean, at least you know my name. You're more of a stranger than I am."

Sakura frowned at the blonde, but decided to introduce herself. "I'm Etsuko."

~~

After several scenes showing Deidara and Sakura spending time together (and her 'father' and Hidan's character growing suspicious), the play quickly introduced its intermission and let the actors rest for a moment. Kotoko made her way to Sakura's side and patted her on the back.

"Sakura-san, you're doing an amazing job! You have such an incredible talent for drama!" She exclaimed.

Sakura smiled. "Thanks, Kotoko-san! I'm happy to help you with the play." She turned her attention to Hidan's dark figure, standing idly against one of the support beams of the stage. His violet eyes transfixed on the crowd taking their seats again. Sakura crossed the floor to him and gently brushed her hand on his shoulder - grasping his attention.

"Cherry-chan, what's up?" He asked, his voice indifferent.

Sakura tried her best to smile at the silver-haired senior. "Are you okay? Why are you standing here all by yourself?"

Hidan ran his fingers through his hair. "Oh, just tired." His attention quickly turned back to the crowd as a middle-aged man took his seat in the third row from the front. Sakura's eyes followed his gaze, catching sight of Hidan's father.

"Ah, your dad showed up! That's great! He can see how well you're doing for the play," She proclaimed.

Kotoko quickly met with the two and grabbed them by their arms. "Hurry and get on stage you two! Intermission is over and I need my actors ready!"

Hidan's stomach lurched as he waited for the lights to illuminate the stage. To his horror, he could barely remember his lines. Why did his father have to show up?!

~~

Sakura sat down at the low-rise table and sipped gingerly at the tap water in her cup. A knock echoed onto the sound system and she stood from her place.

"Is it you, Akashi-kun?" She asked, happily running toward the right edge of the stage.

Hidan stepped forward and Sakura jumped away - a look of distaste on her face. "Nagayo," She stated briskly.

Hidan adjusted his obi and walked passed her. "Etsuko-chan, I've had enough of this intolerable behavior." Now he sounded terribly similiar to his father. Perfect.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play me like a fool. I would have to be blind to not notice! You've set your sights on another man!"

Sakura stomped her foot against the floor. "That is none of your business!"

"You are to be my wife-"

"But not by my choice! If it were up to me I would never agree to marry you!" She snapped.

Her words left Hidan crippled in silence. It was common sense that she didn't mean them, but he had no way of filtering out the script and reality. Sakura searched his eyes franticly, waiting for him to return with his own line, but to no avail.

"How... how dare you," He blurted out, after receiving his lines from Itachi.

Sakura tightened her small hands into fists. "It's true, Nagayo! Just leave me alone!" She wondered to herself if Hidan was honestly okay.

Deidara walked onto the stage. "Etsuko-chan, is everything alright?" His gaze met with Hidan's.

"Is this your man?" Hidan questioned, his tone chilling.

Deidara placed his hands on his hips. "My name is Akashi." He walked over to Sakura, resting his hand around her waist.

"Do you love Akashi, Etsuko?" Hidan asked.

Sakura quietly turned away from Hidan. "Go, Nagayo. You're not needed here."

"I will stay! I own you, Etsuko! You belong to me!"

"She isn't your property! How terrible of you to speak to her in such a manner!" Deidara barked.

Hidan's eyes fastened to Sakura like a wildcat ready to pounce on its prey. He knew at this scene, his rage was supposed to build to an outrageous level, but the actual hurt bubbling inside of him was the true reason behind his emotion on-stage.

"What does some pilot know about manners? All that's on your mind is the constant thoughts of death and destruction due to this war! You're just going to throw your life away!" Hidan spat out.

"Get out of here, Nagayo!" Sakura yelled.

"No! I love you, Etsuko!" His voice cracked as his heart sank deeper into his chest.

"I don't want you! Akashi is the only thing that matters to me! I don't love you!" The words echoed throughout the area as she quickly increased the volume of her voice.

This was, as the script stated, the moment Hidan made his exit with a 'go to hell' line. Deidara and Sakura would turn to each other and he would wrap his arms around her and repeatedly tell her that everything would be okay. Then, the two would compile a plan to elope, but Deidara's character would later take back his promise, but make sure that he didn't leave without a kiss from his one, true love. He would return to his position as a Kamikaze pilot; only to be killed and leave Sakura's character behind. A truly tragic-romance that may leave some of the audience members in tears.

But Hidan didn't want that. His emotions were spiraling out of control and the horrendous feeling of word-vomit spouting from his mouth was incredibly hard to restrain.

"You don't love me? That's total bullshit! How could you not when all I've ever done is take care of you and want your complete and utter happiness? Will he be there for you to hold your hand when you're upset or fix you a nice dinner when you're not feeling well? Do you not realize that you're what I think about every night before I fall asleep? I constantly want to make sure you're safe and healthy, but I guess that's not enough, is it?

"I've tried so hard to make you notice me! Did you even know that? There are things going on right now in my life that I don't bother telling anyone because I don't want to burden them with my problems. I've been through a lot of shit in my life, but every time I see your face... and your smile... I feel wanted. You just make me feel so much better! I'll see stuff at the stores and wonder to myself: 'Would she like that?' or 'I wonder how she'd look in that!'

"You may not believe me and that's okay. Really it is... But I want you to know that you are special to me and I'll be damned if I let you slip through my fingers!"

Beads of sweat rolled down his face as he swiftly grabbed Sakura by the arm. "You don't know how much I love you." He leaned forward and quickly pushed his lips against her's. Sakura's eyes widened as she felt his grip tighten around her. She could feel his hands pull out the tidy bun that her hair was tightly wound up in and nestle his fingers through her pink locks. Although shocked by the suddenly improvised lines, she couldn't resist how Hidan brought out such a romantic side of a terrible character.

But she couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps they weren't even lines at all. Could they have been his true words and thoughts?

The curtains quickly dropped from the stage and Kotoko hastily made her way to the stage to call out an urgent intermission. To her surprise, the eruption of applause rang out around the area, bouncing off of nearby art displays and echoing loudly into the night.

"They liked it?!" She uttered, surprised.

Hidan finally pulled away and had only just realized what he had done. "Sakura-chan!" He exclaimed, panicking outwardly.

"What the hell, Hidan!" Deidara yelled, throwing down the script he had just re-read multiple times. "You ruined the play!"

Kotoko quickly stepped in. "Hey, hurry up and line up with the others, guys! You're taking the final bow with everyone!"

Hidan turned to Sakura. "I'm so sorry that I fucked this up! Ugh, I'm such a fucking idiot!"

Sakura grabbed his hand and smiled. "Come on, Hidan-kun. Let's go take our final bow." She led him through the curtain and joined the others standing before the crowd.

Although some audience members were familiar with the play, the majority were standing from their chairs hooting and hollering due to the wonderful performance.

"Thank you all for showing up and Konoha High School's Drama Club greatly appreciates the donations!" Kotoko announced over the speaker.

...

Hidan could feel the burning intensity of his club mates eyes on the back of his head. Although he wanted to bask in the amazing thought of giving Sakura her first kiss and rub it in their faces, a tap on his shoulder quickly knocked those thoughts away.

"Dad," He started, unsure of what to say.

"You did well, Hidan. I'm very proud of you," Yumaru stated, a stiff smile passing over his lips. "Let's talk for a little while."

Hidan's stomach continued its somersault activity as he followed his father to the car. He was ecstatic over his father's compliment, but in the back of his mind, he knew that the night was still going to end on a sour note.

xxx

Walao, that was a show! I hope you're enjoying, votes and comments are appreciated. <3

xTsu