Disclaimer: NARUTO 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto & Shueisha Inc.

| Fractured Tales Project 2010

| 135

Sai walked into several dozen pairs of eyes tracing his journey to the timeclock, the slow swipe of his punch-in card, scrutinizing the way he replaced it in his wallet. Hey Sai! Konohamaru, a young bagger called out. Is it true that you spread false rumors about Sakura and Uchiha because you have a crush on him and was jealous? Naruto and Sasuke smirked at his grim expression, and Sakura leaned over from the pharmacy counter to discreetly flip him the bird. round. Sai smirked at the two friends in front of him. Touch, Uchiha. You win this

Sasuke! Tsunade screamed from behind him. What have you been doing all day, jerking off? The produce section looks like crap! And Naruto! What did I tell you? If I dont see you behind that meat counter in ten minutes, youre gone! Sasukes triumph was crushed under Tsunades practical heel, but he caught Sakuras grin before he returned to stocking his bananas. No, that wasnt a euphemism.

Not a Date
Its not a date, he promptly stated. Smooth and direct.
She understood, probably believed him, yet she couldnt fight the warmth spreading across her cheeks. He clearly saw this, though it never bothered him. Of course, its not. She tried to match the eloquence of his voice. And it meant that he already said yes. He would usually say yes to her, somehow, on different terms, for as long as its not a date or something like that. Or so it seemed. She asked him to accompany her for a while to buy some books (if its okay with him, if hes not doing anything, and he always happened to be freehe never did tell her to just go with her friends instead). He already went with her once, or twice, but asking him this kind of thing was always new to her. And she knew that he knew too well the reason behind her invitations. He waited patiently, browsed some books himself (mostly cookbooks, she noted), but never made any sign of buying anything. He tried to help her find what she needed: Alternative Cures, How Doctors Think, blah, blah, blah. She scrutinized his actions from afar, impressed at how he looked so handsome, so thoughtful with those ebony eyes that matched the shade of his hair. He would glance

Disclaimer: NARUTO 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto & Shueisha Inc. | Fractured Tales Project 2010

| 136

at her occasionally, always catching her staring, making him frown, and she would just smile back at him before returning her eyes to the book she was scanning, pleased with

Disclaimer: NARUTO 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto & Shueisha Inc. | Fractured Tales Project 2010

| 137

herself. Arent you hungry? No you? Well theres a nice place nearby Ill treat you for coming with me. He scowled. She was guessing that he was getting annoyed at her. Tch. Its fine. Ill treat you. Walking beside him sent flutters to her stomach (and how she wished they could walk on the sidewalks forever). The sun was undoubtedly out that day. Though the clouds had its dark gloomy hue, signifying the possibility of rain, and despite the cold waft of wind against her skin, still she felt warm. At times, she would gaze at the glass windows to check if shes still presentable, to see if her cherry pink hair was still in good condition, or to enjoy watching their reflections: him one step ahead of her and her skipping happily behind. She didnt miss the stolen glances from some of the people they passed by on their way (him being so prominent and all that). She could tell from their faces that they were assuming the two of them were together, and how she hoped it was true, but it wasnt. How about this restaurant? Its cheap How about that? He slightly moved his head to her direction, a sign that he was aware that she was still there, though he didnt stop or take a glimpse of the places she suggested. Not that it mattered to her; she had always wanted to gain some of his attention. At least he was reminded that he wasnt strolling alone, that he verily agreed to escort her this time. (And she was actually contented at the fact that he found her annoying.) She was caught off guard when he finally turned to face her and referred to the restaurant a few feet away from them. She readily agreed (as if she could say no) and followed. The venue was almost vacant, with only two tables taken. Perhaps this was the reason why he preferred the place, she assumed, he always despised crowded places. He led her to where he felt was the most comfortable table in the restaurant: at the corner, the one beside the glass windows. One bowl of ramen please. It was the best food that suited the weather, she mused, handing the menu over to the waiter. Black tea, he ordered for himself. She laughed. He looked at her, slightly baffled by the sound of her voice. Youre on a strict diet, arent you Sasuke-kun? She gestured to the waiter. Two bowls of ramen please.

Disclaimer: NARUTO 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto & Shueisha Inc. | Fractured Tales Project 2010

| 138

She didnt want the day to end; maybe the rain could stop at least, because it never matched her mood. Or maybe she never really wanted the rain to stop, for it would make her day with him longer. She continued to talk about various topics, like Narutos fascination over ramen, the differences between the principles of their acquaintances, etcetera and etcetera, for she was fighting the silence that might intervene between them; for she might not have the chance to start all over again. She realized that he was actually helping her in his own subtle way, by means of his typical Hns, Tchs and Aasbut not after she lightheartedly pointed out that he was worse than a mute. He glared, but thats okay. Its not the shutup-or-I-will-smash-your-face kind of glare that he used to give her and Naruto whenever he was pissed off. (And according to her, he was listening, though his expression said otherwise.) He had finished eating his ramen minutes before she was done with hers and began sipping his black tea. She poured some honey in her own tea, lemon tea, almost three times already, and then copied the way he drank his. Im sorry, she began, and gently placed her cup on the table. For taking your time. (Although she inwardly had no regrets that he was wasting his day for her.) His onyx orbs consciously faced her, and there was a tiny hint of confusion visible within them. He regarded her momentarily, quiet and so impassive. And then slowly, he leaned against his chair and focused on his teacup. Tch, its too late for you to realize that. But, I gave you a choiceand you said youre not doing Therere more productive things than this. He was now swirling his cup like someone does with wine. I know. She breathed deeply, trying to be cool enough to talk to him in the most casual way possible. Its just I want to be with you you see. She lowered her head, a bit disheartened, and took another sip from her warm drink. His posture became rigid but was immediately masked by his customary composure. He had listened to her confessions every now and then, but her directness always startled his senses. Hn. thats a stupid excuse. (A cautious response.) She reverted her attention to the scenery outside the glass windows (to avoid what she didnt want to see or hear from him), her emerald orbs observing the droplets of rain that seemed to fade and became a drizzle. It was still raining, but the yellowish rays

Disclaimer: NARUTO 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto & Shueisha Inc. | Fractured Tales Project 2010

| 139

of sunlight that were apt to be seen in the afternoon were still emanating, making an ineffable dramatic effect. It was rarely witnessed, but very normal, but just so perfect. Just like him. But you chose to be with me. Thank you. She knew she was right. She couldnt hide the smile from her lips, and she could sense that he was simply troubled by it (it grew wider when she realized this). If he was just a conversationalist, then he would have long asked, Why are you smiling like that? And she was glad he wasnt. Because she would not want to tell him (nor would he ever want to know) the truth that he would actually say yes to her the next time she would ask him, and the next time after that. He paid the bill not long after. It was still drizzling when they left. But she thought she liked the feeling of the tiny drops against her skin, and he never seemed to mind it either. She was observing him, his every move, remembering how his actions caught her eye from the first time she saw him, and how he appeared to be like a moving faultless mannequin. He turned his gaze to her, very quickly, and there was again the famous frown on his face. He held her elbow ever so slightly, somewhat guiding her, holding her whenever they would cross the streets and when the ground was slightly drenched. Silently, so carefully, she tried to cease his hand from letting go, trying to enfold hers for just a second but he had abruptly released his hold when he realized what she was doing (though she was sure that she felt him tremble). (And how she loved those dainty raindrops lingering on his face) Stop staring at me. Oh. Sorry. She knew that she was lucky, very lucky indeed that she could get this close to him. (She really thought that it was destiny that played the part on the first day she met himand how the simple remarks he gave her broke her heart.) But his surly words never mattered to her. For as long as he was there, frowning or mad or annoyedshe would always love him. And she knew that she was important to him too. And she shouldnt be feeling sad because she could always ask for him. Now and then too.

Disclaimer: NARUTO 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto & Shueisha Inc. | Fractured Tales Project 2010

| 140

So, can we do this again? No. Some other time then There would be none. I have faith. Youre annoying. Thank you. I love you. I love you Sasuke-kun. Stop talking nonsense. I want to. And its not Shut up now. Ifine. Well see if there would be another time. When? Someday. Sasuke-kun I Someday.

Disclaimer: NARUTO 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto & Shueisha Inc. | Fractured Tales Project 2010

| 141

Alright. Whatever your definition of someday is then.

Red Carpet
Seven stars out of eight
He finally reached his limit. Shoving heavy books and a few garments from his closet to the open leather suitcase on his linen bed, he realized there was nothing that could stop him from doing the inevitable: dropping out of this project for good. The repercussions of breaching contracts and angry hordes of crew and staff could all go to hell, and he wouldnt even care to grace them with a single thought. Crumpling the pages of the newly illustrated story boards, he then hurled them to the waste basket. After the satisfying throw, his fisted hands searched for the next thing he felt the need to destroy. Finally, after mulling it over for a second in front of the trash can, he impulsively decided that the crappy script was next. But then, his hand paused when he realized that the page bore cross outs marked by fresh ink of a thick black scribble pen, unreadable with the blots of rain and salt water. And underneath the scrawl were handwritten words, almost indiscernible. She should just spit it out. Tell him straight to his face that she loves him, because its her last chance.

memoir It was another day for the ever-vibrant four year old Sakura. A pair of wide eyes shaded in refreshing green stared, truly enamored at the strange, complicated thing in front of her. Her mystified irises reflected the myriad of hues mixed, matched, and molded with assorted living people moving in such a tiny world, flashing to her quickly from a seemingly impenetrable glass window. Melodious,