Arrangements

1

When Sakura is nine, she meets her betrothed for the first time. She's known about him forever, of course - or, at least it seems that way to her. He is from Konoha and a ninja, from a powerful clan her own has an alliance with. An alliance, her mother had once explained, was not quite like a friendship. Friends did good things for each other simply because they are friends, but an ally - particularly this kind - hinged upon maintaining a strict balance of give and take; no one wanted to be at a lesser advantage than the other. A brilliant and highly intelligent child, Sakura thought she might understand. Her mother wanted to stay in an alliance with the Uchiha clan - and, presumably, vice versa - so she has secured the future of this arrangement in the best way she knew how: marriage between the heirs. Sakura thought it was rather clever of her, though she often found herself wondering what kind of person her future husband was. So when her mother announced they would be hosting the head family of the Uchiha for a week of her ninth summer, Sakura was elated.

Currently, she is being prepared to greet the travelling party consisting of her betrothed and his parents. She chose one of her red kimonos, complete with the Haruno clan symbol on the back, and was quickly dressed by her maid before her hair was done up with pretty ornaments of flowers and butterflies.

"How do I look?" she asks Mai, the young woman who helped dress her. Sakura feels nervous and excited, hoping she will do well today. This alliance means a lot to her clan, and she hopes she can make a friend today. Allies are good, but friends are better. "Do you think he'll like it?"

Sakura eyes Mai anxiously, marginally settled by the kind smile she receives in return. "You are a very pretty girl, Lady Sakura, and very kind too. I'm sure the Uchiha heir will like you. Indeed, it is hard not to!" Mai softly brushes a stray lock of pink hair away from Sakura's cheek, tucking it behind her ear. Blushing, Sakura beams at her maid, thankful for the kind words.

"Right," Sakura breathes, steeling herself. It's time for her to go to her mother's side, and greet their guests. "Let's do this!"

Determination burning through her small body, Sakura leaves with a steady but fast-paced stride, her amused maid trailing behind. She's had manners drilled into her since she could crawl, it seems like, and she's promised herself not to mess this up. She reminds herself of all that she knows about her ninja fiancé, hoping it will help her decide on how best to approach him. Strategy, her mother always says, is vital. Expect the unexpected, plan to the best of your ability. Be ready.

Itachi Uchiha, fourteen years old. Graduated the Ninja Academy of Konoha at age seven, entered the covert organisation Anbu three years ago. A prodigy, and the pride of the Uchiha clan. Obviously intelligent, and extremely skilled. Would he be cold? Perhaps he would be like her mother - also a very skilled and intelligent fighter, having seen much violence in her lifetime - a logical, serious person. Sakura would have to curb her unfortunate tendency to babble when she gets excited about something, and perhaps even try to meditate as her mother has shown her previously, in an attempt to instill the patience and serenity she valued. She had too much of her father in her, who was such a silly and excitable man, she often remarked wistfully. Secretly, Sakura is grateful. It is one of the few precious connections she has to the long lost Lord Kizashi Haruno.

"There you are!" her mother exclaims when Sakura arrives, waving her over to critically inspect Mai's work. Nodding, Lady Mebuki Haruno indicated her approval. "Good, you're presentable. I didn't expect anything less, but I think we're all a bit on edge today." Turning to the maid, Mebuki smiled. "Thank you, Mai. I can sense their chakra approaching, which means they'll arrive in any minute. Please let the staff know, I'm sure the Uchihas are hungry and travel weary. Everything should be prepared, but please make sure. Dismissed."

Mai bowed politely, and vanished in a flash-step. The Haruno household has a lot of ninja on staff, a fact Sakura is grateful for. As the head of her late husband's substantial clan, her mother had little time to invest in her daughter's training. Luckily, staff and family alike had a soft spot for their young heiress; few could resist indulging her in an impromptu spar or lesson.

"Are you excited, Sakura?" her mother asked, smiling gently.

"Yes!" Sakura replied with enthusiasm, barely refraining from clapping her hands together. Instead, she clasps them and wrings them anxiously, carefully hiding it in her kimono sleeves. "But so nervous! What if he doesn't like me? What if he hates that I'm so much younger?"

Looking to her mother, she found her smiling. "I wouldn't worry. Young Itachi is a loyal and dutiful member of his clan. I'm sure he is intelligent enough to make the best out of the situation, and realize the benefits of this union not only for the Haruno clan, but his own as well."

Nodding to signify her understanding, Sakura bites her lower lip and turns to face the entrance. She has no doubt that her betrothed has realized what her mother pointed out already, but Sakura can't help but hope there will be more to this union than practicality. I'll do my best, she thinks, resolved, I won't rest until he's willing to call me a friend. As if summoned by her thoughts, the doors opened.

"Welcome, Lord Fugaku, Lady Mikoto," her mother greets their visitors, a serene smile on her face. Looking to the youngest Uchiha, the smile widens. "And you, young Itachi."

"Lady Mebuki," Lord Fugaku replies, bowing politely as his family follows suit. "We are thankful for your hospitality."

"Come on in, you must be tired from your journey," her mother continues. "We have prepared your rooms, and there is a meal ready should you wish to partake before retiring to rest. We can deal with the formalities tomorrow, rested and fresh."

As the adults engage in a polite exchange, Sakura finds herself fascinated by the boy standing respectfully by his parents. Taller than her, of course, with black hair tied into a ponytail. His eyes are dark, and lines of stress marrs a very pretty face. His skin is as pale as mine!, she thinks, momentarily amused. He meets her curious stare with a flat one of his own, no expression on his face to indicate what is going through his mind. Intrigued, and a little intimidated, Sakura sends him a small smile. In return, he blinks before giving a hesitant nod. She fights the urge to blush, willing her cheeks to stay cool. She had wondered what he would look like, sure, but she had never worried if he would be unattractive or not. If nothing else, they would have pretty children.

"A meal sounds lovely," Lady Mikoto comments, bringing Sakura back to the present.

"Well then, follow me," her mother says, politely gesturing for the Uchihas to follow. Sakura falls easily into line, walking silently and resisting the urge to send glances at their guests. That would be rude.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Sakura," a smooth, quiet voice startles her. Looking to her side, she sees that Itachi has noiselessly snuck up to join her behind their parents. Embarrassed to have been caught off guard, Sakura blushes.

"The pleasure is all mine," she returns, smiling. "And please, just Sakura is fine."

Nodding, the Uchiha heir allows some warmth to seep into his eyes. "Then, just Itachi for me as well, Sakura."

Pleased, Sakura's smile widens. "Okay, Itachi!" This is going better than I thought!

HEY EVERYONE,

I'VE BEEN WRITING THIS FOR QUITE A WHILE AND I FINISHED TODAY SO I'LL PUBLISH ALL OF THE CHAPTER TO MY NEW BOOK.