Utakata watched as Sakura played with one of the noodles in her bowl. Her expression was glum and her once bright, radiating smile was tightly pressed into a frown. Her eyes were tired and it seemed that her mind was elsewhere.

"Sakura-chan, is everything okay?" He finally asked.

Sakura peered over to the opposite side of the table. "Yeah, I'm okay." She continued to drop the noodle into the bowl and pick it back up.

He rested his hand on her's and brushed his fingers against her skin soothingly. "Sakura-chan... This is a great opportunity for you. Now, you can join any club you want and won't have to feel tied down to such important duties."

That was true, but the Student Council and her friends are what made her happy. She didn't feel tied down or restricted - she could have easily joined another club while still attending the Student Council. Never in her life had she ever felt any happier than when she was at the meetings. Hidan with his loud ramblings and exaggerated stories. Deidara and Sasori teasing her and walking her to her classroom in the morning. Kakuzu sitting idly in his chair, his arms always folded over his chest and that annoyed glint in his eyes. Kisame always made sure she was comfortable or assisted her with things she just couldn't do by herself. And Itachi... he had saved her life on the first day of school.

How could she truly miss out on anything else?

"But he said that they didn't need me... Why would he say that if it wasn't true?" She thought sadly, setting her chopsticks down on the table.

Memories flooded her mind as she sat quietly, pretending to listen to one of Utakata's stories. Meeting Pein-sensei and trying to play matchmaker. Golden Week... when the boys were constantly bugging her to hang out with them. And when Zetsu tried to scare her off, but the group defended her and caught him before he could do real harm. Going to the beach and enjoying the summer sun...

She smiled as she recalled the Cultural Festival. Although the situation with her father was a disaster, the day was not wasted and the group had fun together. All of them: Itachi, Kisame, Hidan, Kakuzu, Deidara and Sasori... they all made her feel special. How could she let them slip away?

Had she made a huge mistake?

...

Itachi's head was aching. This stress was nothing, but a nuisance. If he hadn't acted like such a fool then none of this would have happened.

Fugaku knocked on the door. "Itachi! What's going on? Are you okay?"

Itachi wiped his eyes and stood up from the floor. He inhaled deeply through his nose, calming himself, and opened his room to find his parents and Shisui hovering in the doorway.

"Itachi, don't scare me like that!" Mikoto chided.

Itachi tried his best to smile. "I'm sorry, Mother. I just wanted to be alone for awhile."

Fugaku crossed his arms. "Well, being alone is fine, but we were extremely worried. You have to be careful!"

"What's going on, Itachi?" Shisui asked.

"I made a mistake. I've realized what I've done wrong and now I want to make sure I correct it," Itachi answered.

Shisui motioned to Mikoto and Fugaku for privacy then stepped into Itachi's room. "Is it about Sakura-chan?"

Itachi didn't answer.

Shisui sat on his cousin's bed and smiled up at him. "I don't know what's truly going on, but don't think that your family hasn't noticed. Do you think we haven't realized your change in attitude over the course of this week?"

The senior shifted in his stance and waited for his cousin to continue.

"It's not healthy to bottle up your emotions, Itachi. Believe me, I know what it's like..." Shisui's thoughts shifted to his estranged wife. "Maiko-chan and I kept our feelings to ourselves for a long time. I hadn't even realized what I was doing until it was too late. You're still young, so it's difficult to truly understand, but if there's one thing that I'm positive you know, it's that you really love this girl. Sakura-chan makes you even happier than what you have been in a long time. You've already sacrificed so much in your young life. Are you really willing to lose Sakura, another important part of your life so easily?"

...

Itachi's heart leaped into his throat, Mikoto grabbed onto Fugaku's arm for support as the news was announced. "What is this?" Mikoto could barely speak.

The doctor sat up in his chair. "Itachi is suffering from a condition called Mitral Stenosis. The mitral valve located in his heart is unable to open fully and blocks blood flow coming into the left ventricle. I'm surprised we didn't catch it earlier."

"What does that mean though? Will we have to make any changes?" Fugaku rested his hands on his eldest son's shoulders.

"With this condition, Itachi's heart is fairly weakened and he will have some complications. He may develop heart failure or an enlarged heart. As long as we take care to give him medications and make sure he doesn't over-exert himself then he should be fine."

"Does that mean I have to give up playing baseball at school? Or running around with my friends and playing basketball? Will I be unable to work as a police officer like my dad?" Itachi questioned.

The doctor pulled off his glasses and rubbed the dirty lens with his coat. "What did you say the problem was again, Fugaku-san?"

"He was complaining that it was hard to breathe when he'd run, but isn't there some sort of medication to treat this?"

The doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry, but an issue such as this cannot be reverted back by medication - its a chronic condition that will stay with him for the rest of his life. I suggest that as long as you don't exercise excessively, you'll be fine. Making the heart work harder than what it has to can lead to severe risks. In my medical opinion, sports that include running and moving too much are out of the question. For your sake, you should alter any lifestyle choices that will cause your heart to weaken." He frowned. "I'm sorry..."

...

Mikoto and Fugaku sat in the car while Itachi buckled himself in. Mikoto glanced over at her husband and decided to announce their decision.

"Itachi... I don't think you should participate in sports anymore."

Itachi growled in disapproval. "He said it was his opinion. I can still play-"

"You'll be running. We don't want you to get hurt," Fugaku interjected.

Itachi shook his head defiantly. "No! I want to play baseball and I want to be a police officer like you!"

"You heard what the doctor said, Itachi. If you put too much stress on your heart then it can cause serious complications!" Fugaku yelled.

"But that's not fair! Why should I have to give up something that makes me happy all because of what some stupid doctor has to say! Why should I have to give up everything!"

"That's something we can't answer, Itachi. This upsets us just as much as it does you," Fugaku replied.

The middle schooler slumped into his seat. If he hadn't complained about his episodes of breathlessness or the aches in his chest, he wouldn't have to lose all that he loved doing. "Don't you dare tell Sasuke or anyone else. I'm not going to be pitied by anyone who takes a glance at me."

"Yes, Itachi," Mikoto whispered.

Fugaku pulled into the driveway and turned to face his son. "I'm sorry-" His words were cut short as Itachi stormed from the car and into the house.

Sasuke rested his action figure on the floor and turned his attention to his brother. "Niisan, how was school? Do you want to play?" Sasuke returned to his action figure and held it out for Itachi.

Itachi frowned and stomped to his room without a reply. He heard Sasuke question his attitude to his mother, but his mother made up a simple excuse that he was tired from club activities. Itachi moved to his bed and flopped down on the mattress.

Sasuke would never understand - what a little fool! He'll have everything handed to him and nothing will ever be taken away from him. The burning sense of jealousy ran through Itachi's veins as he continued working himself up.

Sasuke could join any club he wanted. He could run around without feeling the aching in his chest or the loss of breath Itachi was suffering with. He could work with their father when he's older and take over when he retired.

It wasn't fair that Itachi couldn't have those things now.

...

Itachi walked the hallways of the school and sat in the front office with his parents.

"Why does the school need to know?" He muttered.

Mikoto rubbed his back. "Just in case there's an emergency at school, Itachi. If Dad and I are not close by, the school will have to take responsibility."

Itachi only rolled his eyes. The school didn't need to know everything that was going on - it wasn't any of their business!

Fugaku stood in respect as Sarutobi, replacement principal of the middle school, walked to the family.

"Come into my office, please." He smiled down at Itachi, but the young Uchiha did not return the kind greeting.

After school, Itachi sat in the rafters with his mathematics book on his lap. He could hear the loud footsteps of Hidan and Kisame approaching him.

"Hey, are you going to baseball?" Kisame asked, fixing his high socks.

Itachi closed his book and tried his best to smile. "Actually, I can't attend baseball anymore - strictly private business."

"But you're our third baseman. Who is supposed to fill your position?" Kisame asked, incredulously.

Itachi shrugged his shoulders. What else could he say? 'Hey, I'm actually quitting because I have this stupid heart condition and I become really weak when I move too much. Sorry, I let you all down!'

He didn't need pity from his friends.

Three years passed and Itachi was graduating from middle school. Since he couldn't participate in most clubs (and the other clubs never interested him), Itachi took his free time and concentrated on his studies. His popularity grew as he continued to receive the highest marks, but he didn't bother caring what the others thought. After the ceremony, Shisui ran up to his cousin and patted him on the back.

"Great job, Itachi! Graduating at the top of your class is an amazing accomplishment!" He boasted.

Itachi smiled. "Thank you, Shisui. How is it going?"

"Well, high school is high school, you know? Anyway, I was wondering, for next year, if you would want to join a club-"

"I've told you before that I can't join clubs. Why do I have to repeat myself so much?" Itachi answered, growing irritated.

Shisui shook his head. "No, no! It's a simple club that doesn't require much activity. It's the Student Council!"

"Student Council? Don't you have to be elected to join?"

"Yeah, but since we're related, I can pull a few strings... What do you say? Do you want to join?"

Itachi thought to himself for a moment. "If I join the Student Council, it may increase my chances of attending a prestigious university. I also won't have to join any other clubs and help organize the student community..." He smiled up at his cousin. "Okay, I'll join."

Shisui wrapped his arm around Itachi's neck. "Great! Also, there's a perk that comes with the seat. Ladies will definitely be at your feet, begging for your attention!"

Itachi lumbered out of his bedroom with his younger brother glaring at him.

"What, Sasuke?" Itachi grumbled.

Sasuke shook his head and crossed his arms. "You're still in your pajamas! Do you want to be late for school?"

"It's my senior year and I couldn't care less."

"But you have to make a speech at the entrance ceremony! You're the Student Council President this year and you act like it's nothing." Sasuke hoisted his backpack over his shoulders. "Whatever, I'm not wasting my precious time on you. I'm walking to school by myself."

Itachi sighed and pulled out his untouched school uniform. Another year, another annoying brat to add to the list. Sasuke's attitude was much worse than it was last year, but Itachi didn't help it by being a jerk back. Maybe if he wasn't so hard on him when they were younger?

The alarm on his watched beeped loudly - signaling he should have already been at school. He pulled on his black trousers and buttoned up his white shirt. After adjusting his tie, he quickly made his way out the door.

He liked school, but it was always the first few days that were the worst. Freshman girls would pile over him, begging for attention. What Shisui had said was not true. Having girls hovering over you, like a bird closing in on its prey, was a curse. How could he get anything done when they would constantly interrupt him?

Or the suck-ups who would constantly dote over him and run errands for him. Did they have nothing else to do? In hindsight, he knew they meant well, but their attention was suffocating and going to school was a task within itself.

As he crossed the street, his peripheral vision caught sight of a pink-haired girl running fast on the sidewalk. She wore the freshman uniform of Konoha High School, but she seemed distraught - probably worried about being late.

Another lazy student. Hopefully he wouldn't have to deal with her very much.

He shrugged it off until she made it halfway into the crosswalk. Oblivious to the car driving towards her, the girl ran through the street and was sure to be hit. Itachi took immediate action and raced over to the girl.

It was as if life was played in slow-motion. He lifted himself off the ground and sprang over to the girl. He pushed with all the force in his body and managed to escape a collision from the car. She screamed out in surprise and covered her face with her hands.

After what seemed like hours, he managed a small, concerned voice. "Are you alright?"

As she removed her hands from her face, he stood frozen for a moment. Her emerald eyes opened wide and caused a shiver to run down his spine. She examined him and relaxed as she recognized the school uniform. Itachi stood up and held out his hand to help her up. After a noticeable hesitation, the girl accepted the offer and brushed any dirt from her uniform.

She faced him, showing a mixed feeling of gratitude and humiliation in her round, glittering eyes. For the first time, Itachi caught himself gawking at a girl and it felt extremely strange. He was speechless. What should he say?

Noticing the bento case on the pavement, Itachi bent down and placed it in her small, sculpted hands. "Hopefully that didn't get ruined." What a foolish remark.

In the distance, the school bell echoed and the two turned toward its sound. He was very late, but what did it really matter? He did just save someone's life.

"Don't be worried, I'll escort you there." He smiled down at her with reassurance in his tone. Surely Tsunade-sama would understand if he was a few minutes late.

The girl wriggled slightly, thinking to herself and smiled with a hint of blush on her cheeks. Her eyes trailed to his and she nodded slowly in acceptance.

"Maybe this school year won't be as bad as I thought. It doesn't hurt to try. It is my senior year and anything can happen," He thought as he lead the way.

...

Deidara had to stifle a laugh as he found the information he was looking for. Two days, three schools, and hours of searching the web was definitely worth it! They had caught Utakata in a lie!

"Sakura-chan would never date such a dishonest punk!" He thought proudly. He pulled out his cell phone and snapped a few photos of Utakata's information. He then motioned Sasori to cease on the sweet-talk and tip-toed out of the school.

Sasori waved half-heartedly at the young woman at the desk. "I'm so sorry, but I'm late for an appointment. Could you excuse me?"

"You're going to call me, right?" She purred, leaning over the desk.

Sasori winked. "Absolutely! And you have my number as well, so if you're ever lonely then you can give me a buzz." He smiled at her and backed out to the entrance of the school.

Deidara waited and frowned at his partner. "Did you really give her your number?"

"Of course I didn't," Sasori answered.

Deidara raised his eyebrows, curious. "Then whose number was it?"

"I gave her Hidan's number. I thought maybe it would cause quite a stir," Sasori smirked.

Deidara gave him a thumbs-up and grinned. "Perfect, hm! Now, let's go inform the others!"

...

Sakura finished her dinner at the table and carried her partially eaten food to the trashcan. Mebuki's maternal instincts kicked in as she watched Sakura slump up the stairs to her room. She knocked once on her door and opened it to find Sakura laying in her bed.

"Sakura, are you alright? Can we talk?" Her voice was gentle and calm.

Sakura turned on her back and nodded her head.

Mebuki closed the door and hurried to her daughter's side. "Why haven't your friends been over lately? Did something happen?"

She sighed. "I quit the Student Council."

Mebuki was extremely shocked by the news. "You quit? Why did you do that?"

"They didn't want me there anyway," Sakura mumbled, letting her mother comb her fingers through her hair.

Her mother shook her head. "That's silly, Sakura. Of course they want you there. You may not realize this, but those boys love you so much."

Sakura lifted her head from her pillow. "How can you tell?"

"You must get your oblivious personality from your father. Isn't all the proof right in front of you? Look at all these photos taken in just the course of this school year. Sakura, I would have to be a complete fool to not see it."

Sakura examined the photos plastered on her walls. The majority were taken as a group and were preparing a task or acting out something silly. Everyone had smiles on their faces - everyone was happy.

How could she act so selfish?

Mebuki peered down at her daughter. "I know you have a boyfriend, Sakura."

"How do you-"

"I'm a mother? Com'on, I'm not that clueless." She leaned closer. "Does he make you happy?"

Sakura frowned, thinking for a moment. "Well, yeah, but he's my boyfriend. Shouldn't he always make me happy?"

"Yeah, I guess so... How long have you known him?" Mebuki smiled as she watched the embarrassment cross her child's face.

"Only about a week or two. I don't know - maybe longer?" Sakura wasn't understanding what her mother was getting at.

"Sakura... You're my daughter. All I want is your happiness and as long as this boy makes you happy, I'm content. But those boys: Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, Sasori, Hidan and Kakuzu... they shouldn't be pushed aside."

"But Itachi was acting like a complete jerk! All of them have been avoiding me since I started talking to Uta-kun!" Sakura shouted.

Mebuki only smiled. "Perhaps they're just as hurt as you are. Or, just maybe, its something more than that." Mebuki ruffled up Sakura's hair and left, closing the door behind her.

Sakura moaned loudly and flopped back down onto her bed. "Everyone was completely right about high school. Once you step out of your house that first day, your life changes in an instant. It's no longer that innocent ploy they make you believe like in middle school. People change and that doesn't exclude yourself. You never know what's going to happen - from friends stabbing you in the back to that wonderful metamorphosis of your body called 'puberty'."

Sakura slapped her hands to her head. Why was everything becoming such a mess?

She turned her attention back to her wall of photographs and tried her best to decipher the meaning of her mother's words.

Perhaps they're just as hurt as you are. Or, just maybe, its something more than that.

Something more? What else? Angry? Betrayed? Jealous?

Sakura's eyes widened as the sudden realization washed over her in a flood of memories.

...

"Oh! These are aquamarine gemstones, right?" Sakura asked, leaning over the counter as the saleswoman presented her the earrings.

Sasori walked closer and peered down with interest. As she turned around she could see the small smile cross over his face as she shrieked out with excitement.

"This is my birthstone! Every jewelry store that I've looked through has never had any in stock!"

As Sasori spoke to her, he had immediately covered his mouth and became extremely flustered.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" She always had a problem paying attention when she became over-excited.

She watched as his cheeks changed to a mild hue of red as he snatched the earrings from her. "N-nothing, Sakura-chan, let me buy them for you."

Sakura thanked him and waited patiently as he paid for the items. She knew he had said something about her eyes, but wasn't exactly certain what he had said. Was it an insult or a compliment?

After he received his change, Sasori handed her the bag and frowned. "Okay, let's go meet up with the others." The indifferent glint in his eyes had returned.

"Sasori-kun, are you upset at me? You know, I could have bought those myself."

"No, no. It's okay. I don't mind buying you stuff like this," He replied, staring down at the pinkette.

She smiled. "Well, next time. Let me buy something for you!"

He shook his head. "Sakura-chan, its the man's job to buy something for his girl." He covered his mouth again.

"What do you mean?"

Sasori bit his lip and turned his attention away from her. "Hey, I didn't say anything. Look, there are the guys - let's go."

While running over to the others, she could have sworn on her studying time that she heard him whisper: 'What a cute, little mess you are, Sakura Haruno. I thank the heaven's for your oblivious personality.'

Sakura and Kisame waited patiently as the elementary students changed into their everyday clothing and left for home.

Iruka-sensei had already been dressed and grabbed his keys. "Are you two staying for a little longer?" He asked.

Sakura spoke up. "I want to be prepared for the test tomorrow, so Kisame-kun volunteered to help me. Is that okay, Iruka-sensei?"

"Just as long as you lock up the gate after you're finished. Oh, and no monkey business while you two are alone." He threw the gate keys to Kisame and walked out to his car. "I hope you do well, Sakura-san!"

Kisame turned to Sakura, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Why did you say that you needed practice? I'm the one that is failing miserably."

Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "It's okay, Kisame-kun. Regardless of which one of us is doing badly, we'll both be staying here anyway."

Kisame scratched his scalp. "I guess you're right." He stood at attention as she slapped her hand to his chest.

"Now, let's get started on your lessons!" She announced sternly.

She waded in the pool, waiting for Kisame to join her. The water was a comfortable temperature as she sank lower into the pool.

He stepped nervously into the pool and swam to her side - the water reaching to his abdomen.

"Being in the water gives us a sense of weightlessness which may make some people feel uncomfortable. Is that what bothers you, Kisame-kun?"

"I'm a pretty tall, muscular guy... When I'm out running around, I feel pretty heavy and the sense of being absolutely weightless is extremely difficult for me. I only feel safe in the water if my feet are still touching the bottom," He explained, feeling less humiliated as he continued. "Once I start treading, I feel a rush of panic wash over me. What if I get sweeped out to sea or forget how to float? I'm deathly afraid of drowning."

Sakura laughed. "We're in a pool, so we'll be fine! Just trust me, okay? I won't let anything happen to you, I promise!"

Kisame breathed in heavily. After standing in the same position for minutes, he waded through the water until it reached above his collarbone.

"Sakura..." He started nervously - the water creeping higher.

"You're doing great. Now, while taking your time, I want you to dip your head under the water. Hold you breath and open your eyes while you're still underwater."

Kisame's exasperated expression showed Sakura his distaste for this idea. Sakura swam towards him and began kicking her legs underneath her. "Please, Kisame-kun. It's not as bad as you think. Here, I'll even let you hold onto me while you do it." She presented her hands to him and waited until he was ready to begin this new exercise.

Kisame grunted and stood away from the pinkette. How could she possibly expect him to do something so terrifying? This kind of fear was something that could not be conquered.

Reading his mind, Sakura pointed at him menacingly. "Believe in yourself and your partner! I promise that nothing bad will happen to you!"

Still anxious, Kisame slowly grabbed onto her arms. After taking a large breath, he completely submerged his head under the chlorinated water. He opened his eyes and felt the sting of the chemicals, but that isn't what surprised him the most. In his primary focus, Sakura's body was displayed for his eyes only; her perky breasts leveled with his eyes.

Sakura watched, concerned, as bubbles erupted from the surface and the blue-skinned senior bursted from the water.

"What's wrong?! Are you okay?" She exclaimed.

Kisame shook his head vigorously. "I'm fine. I'm fine. Trust me, I-I just couldn't hold my breath for long!"

Sakura blinked. "Okay... Did that help at all?"

"I think it did. I certainly wasn't bothered by the water," He answered honestly.

She smiled. "That's great, Kisame-kun. Let's start practicing some of the simple strokes first..."

(After rigorous and amusing training)

Kisame dried his dripping hair with his towel and turned to Sakura climbing out of the pool. After gaining enough courage, he crossed the cement pavement and hugged her tightly. "Sakura-chan, this was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me." He confessed.

Sakura giggled. "I'm happy to hear that Kisame-kun. I didn't mind teaching you how to swim at all."

Kisame blushed. "About that... Can you swear not to tell any of the others about this? I don't want to get hassled about this, so-"

"No need to worry. I promise not to tell anyone else." She zipped her lips with a smile.

"Sakura-chan... You're not like other girls. I've never met someone as unique as you are. Please, don't ever change, okay?" Kisame genuinely smiled, showing off his pointed teeth.

He patted her head and walked to the gate. Hearing him say that caused the butterflies in Sakura's stomach to take flight.

"Thank you, Kisame-kun."

Sakura pulled on her sneakers and made her way to the entrance with Itachi.

"Shall we go?" Itachi asked, lacing up his tennis shoes.

Before she could answer, Deidara's voice rang out through the hallway. "Wait! Sakura-chaaan!" He ran through the crowd and caught up to the pair.

"What is it?" She asked.

Deidara panted and tried his best to smile. "Can I walk you home today?"

Itachi raised his eyebrows - obviously against the idea. "You don't even live in the direction of her home. Why would you want to?"

Deidara frowned, knowing Itachi would protest. "It's okay. My parents won't be home for awhile. Why not enjoy a little scenery, hm?"

Sakura turned to Itachi and smiled. "One walk home with Deidara-kun won't be so bad. Would you like to join us, senpai?"

Itachi glared at the blonde, but shook his head. "No, I'll just go do some grocery shopping before I head home. We were out of milk this morning anyway. I'll see you tomorrow morning, Sakura-chan." He walked through the entrance and turned toward the direction of the store.

Deidara wrapped his arms around her neck. "Let's go through the park, Sakura-chan!"

The walking path through the park was filled with moms pushing their babies in strollers and teenagers hanging out after clubs. Sakura turned to Deidara with curiosity glimmering in her eyes.

"So, Deidara-kun, why did you want to walk with me today?"

Deidara smiled, remembering Sasori's advice from the Sports Festival. "Y'know... Just wanted to spend some more time with you. I want to get to know you more and hanging out during club activities isn't really enough." He blushed as he saw the smile forming on her face. "What?"

Sakura's smile widened. "It just makes me happy that you want to spend time with me!"

Behind them, a snicker was heard. "So, is this the new flavor of the week, Sakura?" Ino sneered.

Sakura turned around to face the blonde. "What are you talking about?"

Ino shrugged with a smirk. "Just wondering. You're always walking home with Itachi. I thought maybe you wanted someone new to hang on to."

Deidara stepped in, placing an arm in front of Sakura - as if guarding her. "Hey, that's very flattering, Yamanaka-san. I'm glad that you compliment Sakura-chan so much!"

Ino frowned. "I wasn't complimenting her. Being easy is never something to be proud of."

The secretary smiled. "Oh? I thought you simply were saying that she was so beautiful that no man can help, but approach her! But, of course, you wouldn't understand that feeling would you?"

"I'm much prettier than Sakura! I have more boys falling for me in a week than she would have in a lifetime!"

Deidara wagged his finger at her. "Ah, but Sakura's beauty isn't revolved around exposing a skimpy amount of skin; she has too much respect for herself to stoop so low! Perhaps she can teach you some lessons?"

Ino stared angrily at the pair and stormed off - pushing through them childishly.

Deidara snickered as he watched her disappear from his sight. Turning back to Sakura, he was surprised by the tears running down her cheeks. "Sakura-chan! Why are you crying?"

She wiped away the droplets and met his gaze. "Even though you stood up for me, her words still hurt. I hate it when people think I'm easy because I hang out with you guys."

Deidara leaned forward and wiped a stray tear running down her cheek. "Sakura-chan... The only people that think that are the jealous ones. They don't know who you really are and, in my own opinion, I don't think they deserve to. You're an awesome girl and anyone who has enough common sense should know that."

"Deidara-kun, you're so nice..."

"I know. Now, may I walk you home, lovely lady?" He grinned, grabbing hold of her hand.

Sakura laughed. "Of course, good sir."

Kakuzu sighed as Sakura sat down on the couch. "Why did you lock those two up? You know they're probably at each others' throats right now..."

"I'm certain that they'll come to terms with what they're fussing about."

"Sakura-chan, you can't just assume everything will be okay. Life isn't a movie where, at the end, everything is perfect and everybody's friends. Some people just don't get along and Sasori and Deidara are those kinds of people," Kakuzu responded.

Sakura pouted. "You're so pessimistic, Kakuzu-kun!"

"No, I'm realistic. I don't live in a fantasy world," He stated.

She sunk lower into her seat. "It's not a fantasy world. I just have a positive outlook on life. If things go wrong, I try again or improve what I'm doing." She picked up one of the desserts from the containers. "Do you want a bite?"

"Absolutely not. Those things taste like crap."

Sakura was completely shocked. A person not interested in sweets was definitely something new to her. "How can you not like sweets? They are the best comfort foods! Not to mention that they just taste amazing!"

Kakuzu rolled his eyes. "No-one is exactly the same, Sakura-chan. I'm sure that you wouldn't dare try any of the dishes I like."

"That's not true! I bet I would!" She challenged.

Kakuzu smirked, widening his glasgow smile. "I doubt that. You don't seem to be the type to enjoy Ankimo."

Sakura almost gagged hearing his remark. "Monkfish liver?! Why in the world is that your favorite?"

"Why do you like sweets so much? It's all about personal tastes and I happen to enjoy such a delicious delicacy," Kakuzu replied.

"I guess you're right... But monkfish, really?!" She glanced down at the Uiro in her hand and pushed it towards him. "Would you ever be willing to try this?"

Kakuzu tried his best not to smack it out of her hands. "I... don't want to taste it."

"It's not that sweet. Why don't you try it?"

"What do I get in return? Will you pay me?" He bargained.

Sakura stuck her tongue out. "I'm not going to pay you, cheap-o!" She swallowed hard. "If you taste this... then I'll have a bite of Ankimo."

Kakuzu cocked an eyebrow, slightly impressed. "You would try Ankimo? Just so I can have a taste of some stupid dessert?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes."

He snatched the dessert from her hands and stared down at the delicious sweet. "Why am I doing this?" He asked himself aloud. Taking a bite, Kakuzu grimaced as the sweet taste enveloped his tongue.

"Do you like it?" Sakura asked.

Kakuzu stared sullenly at the pinkette. "No. It tastes terribly sweet - I'll probably suffer from a cavity."

"Oh, you're exaggerating!" She shouted.

Kakuzu's expression softened as she took another dessert from the box and munched on the fluffy dough. "You don't have to try monkfish if you don't want to."

"What? No, I said I would."

"But you won't like it. I said that you don't have to - why do such a thing?"

Sakura sighed - this boy obviously wasn't understanding. "You tried something that you didn't want to. What kind of person would I be if I didn't fall through with what I promised to do?"

"Wow, Sakura-chan, you're so wise and mature," Kakuzu exclaimed - his tone sarcastic.

Sakura elbowed Kakuzu in the ribs jokingly. "Oh, and I knew if I didn't do as I promised... You would probably try and make me pay you."

"Funny... but true."

Sakura laughed and stood from the couch. "Okay, let's go see how Deidara-kun and Sasori-kun are doing."

"You're one of a kind, Sakura-chan. Such an odd girl," Kakuzu sighed.

Scanty amounts of stars appeared in the sky as Hidan walked Sakura to his home.

"Let me get you a jacket. It's getting a little chilly," Hidan announced.

Sakura shook her head. "Hidan-kun, you don't have to do that. I'll be fine!"

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to his small, two-storied house. Resting his hand on the doorknob, Hidan turned to her. "My parents are inside and I want you to meet them too! I think they'll really like you."

Sakura fumbled with one of the large buttons on her dress. "Are you sure? I don't know if that's a good idea..."

Hidan tried his best to lift her spirits. "I'm one-hundred percent sure that they will be happy to meet you! Cherry-chan, you are awesome!" He opened the door, guiding her in. "Mom! Dad! I'm home!"

Yumaru stared silently at his computer screen and gave a small grunt of acknowledgement. Hima stood up, the bottle of awamori still in her hand. "My sweet Hidan! How was your day?" Her glazed-over eyes caught sight of Sakura standing behind him. "Who is she?"

"This is Cherry- I mean, this is Sakura Haruno from the Student Council." He smiled. "The girl that I went on a date with today!"

Yumaru's head jerked away from the computer. "Sakura Haruno, eh? I'm Yumaru Jashin. This is my less-than-appealing wife, Hima."

Hima turned to her husband. "Less-than-appealing?! What is that supposed to mean?" She slurred.

Yumaru pulled of his glasses and wiped the lenses with his button-up shirt. "Getting drunk when you know we'll have company isn't a very appealing attribute, eh?" He placed his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "It's quite embarrassing to our family's name."

"I didn't know we were having fuckin' company, you ass! What, do you think I can read fuckin' minds?!" She shouted.

Hidan shot his arm around the pinkette and pulled Sakura closer to him. He tried to be the voice of reason. "I did text you that she was coming over for a little while, Mom. You even replied back..."

"I don't fuckin' remember that!" Hima countered.

"And that just proves my point," Yumaru replied.

Hidan hurriedly opened the closet door near the entrance of his home and removed one of his jackets from a hanger. "Well, I just wanted her to meet you both! I'm going to walk her home now - bye!" He pushed Sakura out the door and sighed heavily; his eyes showing he was clearly flustered.

Sakura smiled reassuringly and grabbed the jacket from Hidan's grasp. "You have a beautiful home, Hidan-kun."

"Don't try to act like that didn't just fucking happen," He spat.

She pulled her arms through the sleeves and zipped up the coat. "My mom and dad fight like that. It's okay, Hidan-kun."

"Pfft, sure. They don't do it in front of other people that they barely know though!" He argued, crossing his arms.

"I'd love to meet them again, Hidan-kun," She stated.

Hidan huffed. "Cherry-chan, you don't have to act so sweet. It makes me feel even more like shit." He stopped speaking as her hand fell into his. He glanced into her eyes with his brows raised. "You do know you're holding my hand, right?"

"Let's go, Hidan-kun," She giggled.

The silver-haired senior blushed and gripped tightly around her small hand. "Cherry-chan... you're the best. You're always trying to make everybody happy even though the situation is a fucking mess."

"That's sweet."

"The next time you meet them will probably be under different circumstances though," He clucked happily.

"Why is that?" Sakura asked.

Hidan froze in his steps and laughed sheepishly. "I don't know! Maybe something nice will happen!"

...

Sakura sat on the beach, watching as the sand escaped her fist to join the other thousands of tiny grains on the shore. She could feel her stomach lurch as a familiar hand rested on her shoulder.

"You texted me to meet you here, but you didn't respond after I asked why. Was it an accident?" Itachi asked.

Sakura sighed and turned her body, her back to the waves. "No, I just didn't think it was right to explain it over the phone."

Itachi sat down in the damp sand and waited patiently for Sakura to speak.

"I'm sorry, senpai."

"I don't understand what you need to apologize for, Sakura-chan. I'm the one that overreacted to your relationship with Utakata," Itachi replied.

The waves crashed behind Sakura as she thought of the appropriate words. After realizing what had been going on for so long, her mind was a complete mess and focusing was difficult.

"Senpai, I don't want to quit the Student Council! I want to continue to sit with you guys at lunch and discuss stupid, irrelevant topics - no offense - with you all! I want you to walk with me to school and join in on club activities!" She babbled.

"What about Utakata?" Itachi asked.

Sakura didn't know what to say. She had no idea what to truly think anymore. She now knew that her Student Council clubmates had feelings for her, but Utakata was so direct with his affections.

Why didn't any of them confess?

Was it due to not ruining the friendships between each of them?

Should she confront Itachi?!

"I... I know, senpai," She started.

Itachi cocked his head, puzzled. "What do you know?"

"I know that you... you..."

"I... what?" He leaned forward.

She sighed, defeated by her own cowardice. "I know that you were just upset by my sudden relationship with Utakata and I understand that it was wrong for me to focus all of my attention on him."

"Well, he is your first boyfriend," Itachi reasoned.

An eerie silence fell over them. She didn't know what else to say. Right now, the word 'boyfriend' didn't mean much to her. Utakata barely even knew her and vise-versa. She was just in love with his looks and was desperately wondering what it felt like to have a boyfriend.

Most girls her age already had a boyfriend - why couldn't she?

"Utakata... He's really nice and-"

"Sakura-chan, you don't have to explain why you like him. As long as you're happy, we're happy too," Itachi interjected.

Sakura twiddled her thumbs nervously. "Actually, senpai, I was going to say that he is really nice and attractive, but I don't think I'm ready to be in a relationship."

Itachi squinted his eyes. "Why?"

"I have a lot to think about... There's so much that has been brought to the table and I don't think it would be fair to him." She tried to smile. "Besides, I don't know him very well. Why rush things, you know?"

Itachi softened as the weight drifted off of his shoulders. "That's very wise, Sakura."

The waves washed over their feet - the sudden shot of cold startling them. Sakura jumped up and ran to the dry sand yards away. "November is not a good month to visit the beach!" She gasped.

Itachi chuckled to himself as he joined her near the entrance of the beach. "What are you going to do about Utakata?"

"I don't know. I know he really likes me, but I just don't want to hurt him!"

"Just speak through your heart and he'll understand," Itachi advised.

"I guess... but he's just going to be so crushed when I break the news to him!"

...

"I'm sorry, Sakura-chan, but I don't think this is going to work out," Utakata stated dully, his group of fangirls surrounding him.

Sakura's jaw dropped to the floor. "What?!"

He sighed dramatically and held his face in his hands. "I just don't think we're on par with each other! The sparks that I felt on the day we met have fizzled out and I just don't feel that connection with you. You didn't even bother telling your family about our relationship!" He combed his fingers through his hair and frowned - his eyes glistening with a miserable, withered gleam.

"Oh, Uta-kun, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself!" One of the girls clucked.

"You're an absolute treasure! I wouldn't let our fire of love die!"

"I would tell my entire extended family about us, Uta-kun! Please, go out with me!"

The girls chorused on with their desperate requests and pleas, but Sakura took this time to accept his break-up. She was going to do it anyway.

"Okay, Utakata... If that's what you want." She shook his hand and walked to class.

As she turned the corner, Utakata's frowned transformed into a small smile. "I hope you choose wisely, Sakura-chan. Even though I've known you for a few days, I understand why they were so easy to fall for you."

...

Sakura inhaled a deep breath as her hand fell on the cold, metal doorhandle. She could hear papers shuffling on the table, but no-one was speaking inside the room. Feeling her newfound courage bubbling in her stomach, Sakura slid open the door and stood before the group of surprised faces.

Six pairs of eyes stared in her direction as she stood in a stupor. For some reason, it felt almost exactly like her first day entering the club. The boys sat quietly, stopping their activity in mid-motion.

"Cherry-chan?" Hidan mumbled.

Sakura smiled softly and turned to close the door behind her. Deidara and Sasori stood up and pulled out the copied paperwork in their bags. This was their time to shine!

"Sakura-chan! Utakata is not who you think he is! Sasori-kun and I looked up his school record and found that he was never a student at Takanami! He was a student at a normal high school and wasn't even a member of the Student Council. We also spoke to his family and some of his friends and they said the only reason he was transferred was due to delinquency! He's a bad kid, Sakura-chan!" Deidara announced.

Sasori handed over the papers to Sakura. "Here's our proof."

She read over a few pages and dropped them on the table. "Wow, this is nice, but..." She trailed off. Her eyes trailed to Itachi and the boy motioned her to speak.

"They did work really hard on this... If I just told them we broke up, all this extra work would be for nothing," She thought to herself.

Holding her arms open, Sakura grabbed both juniors and pulled them into a hug. "This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you for looking out for me, Deidara-kun and Sasori-kun."

Hidan stood up, jealous. "I-I helped them too! I went and spoke with his family!"

Kakuzu punched Hidan in the shoulder. "Idiot. We both helped with that."

Kisame shuffled the papers in his hands. "I gave them a map of all the school districts in Kiri..."

"You guys all helped?" She turned to Itachi. "What did you do?"

"I may have spoken to one or two people... but I didn't do half as much as the others. They deserve all the glory," He answered with a smirk.

"They helped us after we constantly badgered them to. At first, they didn't want to and it was only Sasori-kun and I!" Deidara explained.

Sakura could feel her heart dancing in her chest. How could she be so ignorant to their feelings? If she hadn't have realized the other day, she was sure this would have made her understand.

"Can I become a member of the Student Council again?"

Itachi folded his hands in his lap. "The decision of reinstating a member into the Student Council has to be put to a vote. Now, Sakura Haruno, a former member of the Student Council, wishes to request her old seat. What is the Council's vote?"

"Fuck yes!" Hidan crowed.

"Yes," Kakuzu stated, his tone light.

Sasori and Deidara exchanged glances. "Yes," They chorused.

"An absolute yes," Kisame answered.

"And a yes from me, as well. Welcome back, Sakura-chan." Itachi's eyes met with hers and shined with a curious sense of mischief. "But you have to run through the initiation..."

Sakura gulped. "Initiation? But I didn't have one the first time."

"This is only for returning members. Right, guys?" Itachi winked at the other boys to play along.

Kisame joined in. "Yeah, it's actually been a tradition since the start of the Student Council."

"What is it?" Sakura asked nervously.

The boys huddled in a group, whispering as Sakura stood helpless. Itachi faced her and cleared his throat. "Your initiation will be..."

...

"This is more humiliating than you all can ever believe," Sakura muttered.

Itachi held up his glass and waved it in her face. "More, please."

Sakura marched over, her fluffy, pink maid dress swishing around her with each stomp. She snatched the cup from his hand and poured another drink of sweet, cucumber water.

"This initiation seems slightly gender-based," Sakura complained, handing out a tray of snacks to each member.

Sasori sipped his drink. "Maybe if you didn't quit, you wouldn't have to suffer, eh?"

"But I thought this initiation was an old tradition?" Sakura questioned.

Itachi smiled. "You're working as a little maid. If there were any boys who quit then they would do the same thing, but in a butler costume."

"It could be worse," Deidara added.

"How?" Sakura asked.

"You could be serving everyone in the school!" Hidan laughed.

Sakura sighed, resting the empty tray on the table. She knew better than to think this was some kind of old-school ritual, but it was a good revenge scheme for quitting. Looking back, she had created some great memories in this room and some great friendships too.

But knowing that each member of this club liked her made it even harder. Could she even choose or was it even fair to think like that. Each boy held a special place in her heart.

Noticing Sakura's thoughtful expression, Kakuzu snapped his fingers in front of her face. "You okay?"

She blinked, returning to reality and faced the group. "I'm fine. I was just thinking of how happy I am here with you guys. Thanks for accepting me - again."

Itachi closed his eyes and smiled. "You're welcome, Sakura-chan. Now, can you please fill up my drink again?"

xxx

You learned a couple of things here today, hope you enjoyed. Comments and votes. <3

xTsu