Kizashi Haruno was very conservative - especially pertaining to his daughter. Each time she would go out with friends, a chill would run down his spine. "Those boys may have seats on the Student Council, but they're still boys!"

Sakura's always been known for her charm and sweet personality, but that can be quite bittersweet to her father. Boys always go after the innocent types; every, single one of them has an appendage that does more thinking than their brain.

He never approved of her hanging out with them after school, but what could he do with his job always taking him away from his family?

It was the day of the Cultural Festival for the high school and Kizashi, although feeling quite unsure, was excited to see his daughter enjoying herself. He and his wife left early to make sure the surprise was as amazing as she made it sound.

Sakura pulled the dress over her head and fastened the apron around her waist. Even though she thought it looked awfully gaudy, it was actually very nice on her after putting it on. She fixed the bows, making sure they were straight, and twirled around in a circle to watch her dress fly up.

"It's time!" she exclaimed into her mirror.

Itachi fastened his vest and wrapped a tie underneath his shirt's collar. It was almost time to get to the school, but he didn't mind being a few minutes late.

He combed his long, dark hair and fastened it into a loose ponytail. This was a day he always looked forward to, yet his stomach was twisted into knots. Why was that?

"Itachi, it's time to go, are you done?" Mikoto asked, partially opening her eldest son's door.

"Yes, Mother," he replied.

He quickly finished up and stepped out the door. When he climbed into their car, he had so many thoughts in his head, but they only centered around the freshman that he met just this year.

Why was that...?

This was the day. This was the most important day that Kisame Hoshigaki could ever imagine in his high school career. Today will be the day he doesn't suffer from horrible, bad timing and confess his attraction to Sakura.

Yesterday was just unlucky. Okay, very unlucky and absolutely ridiculous.

Or maybe it was a sign?

Kisame quickly shook that thought out of his head. Every time he's with that pink-haired freshman, she acts so cheerful and that happiness becomes contagious. He loved being around her and its been so much fun having her on the Student Council. Thank goodness for Itachi pushing her out of the way from that car.

"Hmm... Itachi..."

How would Itachi feel about this? Does Itachi like her or is it just platonic between the two?

"Regardless of what their relationship is, I know doing this will be very hard," he said to himself. He quickly combed his hair and marched out the door with his father and mother.

"Are we ready?" his father asked, buckling his seatbelt.

"More so than you think," Kisame replied.

Kakuzu wondered why he didn't just take that bill on the ground. It was just a dollar and she probably wouldn't have cared. Sakura really got to him yesterday with the whole 'I hope I make you happy too' speech. He's always enjoyed being around money - it's just a sweet, sweet object in his life.

But being around her is possibly better than that... by just a little.

Kakuzu ran his fingers through his hair and tied the laces on his shoes. "I wouldn't mind buying her something with money," he thought walking out to his mother's car.

"As long as its pretty cheap."

Deidara happily made his way to the bathroom to relieve his bladder. Today was going to be a great day! He knew it because it was another day spent with Sakura-chan! He loved being slightly obnoxious and teasing her - it was always fun to get her riled up.

However, something he didn't like about her was her stubbornness to accept compliments!

What was with that, huh?! She was given a straight-out compliment, yet she didn't believe it! It's not like he does it to mess with her because he rarely does it!

...Maybe that's why she didn't believe it.

Maybe complimenting her more will make her realize he's serious!

Deidara smiled into the mirror as he washed his hands. She's so cute and funny - no wonder so many people liked her! Well, the Student Council likes her, and that's as many friends as she needs!

He walked down the hallway of his home and back to his room. He wanted to look his best since this will be the first day he meets her mother and father.

"If I want to date her, I've got to make a good impression! Here's to a good day, Deidara!" he thought happily to himself.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Why didn't he ever think before he spoke?! Hidan paced around his room and continued to slap his hands against his head. 'I love you'? Really?! He could barely sleep last night due to those three, stupid words!

"Hidan! Let's get the fuck going!" his mother yelled from downstairs.

Hidan opened the door. "Hold the fuck on! I'm still getting dressed! Damn!"

He pushed his hair back and buttoned his pants. It was so embarrassing that he almost left as soon as he said it.

But why is it so embarrassing? Why couldn't he just admit to it like a man?! Hidan grabbed his vest and hurried out the door. Maybe he'll try it again today.

Probably not.

Sasori brushed his teeth and spit the remaining toothpaste into the sink. He decided not to put on his suit until he reached the school due to having to walk in the early heat.

He silently closed the bathroom door and picked up his suit hung from the coat rack near the door. He turned once to his snoring grandmother sleeping on the couch. Empty beer bottles scattered the floor and an ashtray was turned over on the coffee table with cigarette ashes spilled on the surface.

"Pathetic," he thought angrily to himself. He slipped on his shoes and exited the house.

He desperately wished he could have a life like Itachi's or any of the others. Their parents were always happy to see them. Sasori was lucky enough to have food in the fridge, but it was his own money buying it due to Grandma Chiyo only supporting her habit.

He reached an intersection and watched as another Konoha student walked with their parents to the school. They looked excited and ready to see their child's hard work. That was another thing he envied after - he wished his parents could be coming to the Cultural Festival.

He pressed the crosswalk button and waited for the light to change. All these wishes and wants... they weren't going to bring them back. The stop light changed to walk and Sasori stepped sluggishly to the other side. Maybe he should just skip the Cultural Festival...

No. No, he can't do that. Not with all the work they put into it this year. Sasori smiled as he passed through the gate of the school, remembering the crap they had to go through yesterday.

Sakura had tripped over a lone plank of wood and threw a bag full of nails in Sasori's direction - thank goodness that they didn't do much harm.

That girl. She is something unique. So clumsy and silly - such an innocent mind she was. She had such a pure and happy heart. She was a spitfire too. Sasori knew better than to make her mad, but it was hilarious to watch her punch Hidan or yell at Deidara.

"Sakura Haruno - a freshman that's so oblivious to others' affection." If only she knew how he felt about her.

Sakura slipped through the growing crowd to her stall and hid inside. She sat on a foldable chair and sighed. Her stomach did somersaults due to being partially nervous as her main role was the most important. She'll probably meet many people today and it might become exhausting rather quickly.

"Oh, you're back here?" Itachi moved the curtains away and met with Sakura. The other five quickly joined in and waited to discuss any important matters.

"Sakura-chan, you're really just going to wear your hair down like that?" Deidara asked, pointing to her flat, everyday hairstyle.

Sakura ran her fingers through her hair and frowned. "I didn't know I had to get polished up so much."

Deidara pulled out his handy comb, to untangle his long, blonde hair, and readied himself behind the girl. "Don't worry, Sakura-chan! I can fix your hair to really make your face pop!" He began combing through strands of pink and dividing it up into many sections.

"Your hair is so soft, Sakura-chan," he mumbled.

Sakura closed her eyes and smiled. "It feels nice to have someone else comb my hair - it kind of tickles."

Deidara smiled and continued running his comb through her hair. The other boys watched in jealousy as Deidara and Sakura shared a gentle moment.

"How dare he act so sweet?" Itachi thought.

Kisame crossed his arms. "I bet I could do it better."

Kakuzu only grunted in disapproval.

Hidan gritted his teeth and tried his best to hold his tongue. "That fucker!"

Sasori looked on. "I wonder if she'd like it if I did that?"

"Finished!" he yelled in delight.

Sakura stood up and looked through a pan's reflection. Two strands of her hair were braided and pinned to each side of her head leading to a ponytail hanging over the rest of her hair.

Itachi was in awe at how such a simple hairstyle could make her look so different. "You look... beautiful," he stated.

Each male member's head snapped so fast in his direction it was surprising their necks didn't break. Sakura's cheeks held a rosey hue and the girl bit her lip as her stomach resumed its somersaults.

"Thank you, senpai," she squeaked.

Itachi turned to the others. "It's almost nine o'clock. Let's all get into our spots and ready ourselves for students and adults alike. Let's make this day a great one."

Kizashi and Mebuki made their way through the crowds of students and parents to each small stand. They placed a few dollars here and there at certain stalls that caught their eye. They reached the Student Council's café and were immediately welcomed by Hidan and Sasori.

"Welcome to the café, Mr. and Mrs. Haruno!" Sasori greeted with a smile.

Hidan held two menus in his arm. "Please, let me guide you to your table."

Mebuki took her husband's arm and grinned. "Oh my! See, they are good boys after all, Kizashi."

Kizashi grumbled something low under his breath and followed the senior to a table near the kitchen.

"Is this table fine?" he asked, through a strained smile.

Kizashi nodded only once and took his seat. Hidan handed them each a menu and stated their waitress will be there shortly.

Kizashi looked through the menu and sat it down. "Where is our Sakura? Isn't she supposed to be the, how did you put it, 'face' of the club? If she's out back then I'll be pretty disappointed."

Mebuki read through the menu. "Oh, stop fussing so much, Kizashi. Look, they have Nikujaga on the menu! Please, enjoy yourself a little."

"Fine, fine." Kizashi finally softened up and continued looking through the menu. For a high school festival, these kids really prepared for everything. The decor of the café was very modern and it felt like an actual restaurant.

"Hello there! I'm Sakura and I'll be your waitress! Have you already chosen your meals?" a bubbly voice sounded.

Kizashi's stiff appearance reared its ugly head again as he saw what his daughter was wearing. It was definitely inappropriate and she just looked like... fan-service!

"S-sakura? What are you wearing?!" he stuttered.

Sakura twirled around. "Isn't it cute, Dad? I thought it looked awful when I first saw it, but-"

"It looks terrible on you!" he yelled, causing other patrons to turn toward his voice.

Mebuki covered her face with her menu. "Kizashi, please don't cause a scene!"

"What kind of self-respecting girl wears such a dreadful dress?! Take it off and put something modest on!" he scolded.

Sakura held her pen and pad tightly and tried her best to smile. "I'll give you two a minute, okay?" She quickly made her way through the curtain and into the backroom. She sat on a box of unopened bottles of drinks.

Itachi stopped cooking and made his way to the distressed girl. "What's wrong?"

"My dad just yelled at me for wearing this dress. He said it was inappropriate and pretty much yelled out that I looked trampy," she replied, trying very hard not to cry.

Itachi didn't know what to say. The dress, to him, didn't seem very revealing - the neckline was above her collarbone!

"I can take care of them for you," he offered.

Sakura handed him the pen and notepad. "Thanks, senpai."

Itachi walked down the aisle and reached their table. "Hello, I'm Itachi. What will you two like to order?"

"Where's my daughter at?" Kizashi growled.

Itachi's eyes narrowed. So this was Kizashi Haruno? Itachi's father shared the same homeroom with him as a child, but he never went into detail how uptight he was.

"Sakura-chan is very busy at the moment. Now, what would you like to order, Mebuki-san?"

Mebuki blushed immediately as the young boy smiled down at her. "Oh, I would like a medium-sized bowl of purin, please?"

Itachi scribbled down the order. "Purin, I see. I'm also very fond of sweets, Mebuki-san - good choice."

Mebuki melted like butter. She loved attention from younger boys.

Itachi turned to Kizashi. "And your order, Kizashi-"

"Haruno-sama is more respectful, thank you. I'll have your strawberry mochi and an iced tea with it, please. Don't make it too cold or I'll send it back." Kizashi roughly handed his menu to Itachi and crossed his arms as if he was a feudal lord.

"Oh, I'll have a cherry-lime soda, too," Mebuki added, handing her menu to him while brushing her fingers against Itachi's.

"Thank you very much. Your food will be out shortly." He retreated back to the kitchen and tried his best not to get upset.

He tore out the paper and gave it to Kisame. "Please, prepare these as soon as you can," he whispered.

Sakura stood up and Itachi immediately pushed the pad and pen to her. "Your dad is quite... bold, Sakura-chan."

"Yeah, sorry about that... I thought he would be excited to see me, but I guess this dress isn't very appealing. Maybe I should just take it off."

Itachi held her arm. "No, don't do that. It looks great on you and it really isn't revealing at all! You're here to enjoy yourself so please have some fun."

Sakura held up her pad and pen. "Okay, let's go out and make people happy!" She rushed through the curtain with a newfound optimism.

Kisame finished the strawberry mochi and set it next to the purin. "Itachi, I need to speak with you after the day is finished. Will that be okay?"

Itachi blinked. "Sure, Kisame." He picked up the tray of sweets and the drinks ready to walk out to Sakura's parents.

Kizashi sat in his chair with a feeling of distaste. He watched as Sakura paraded around the tiny café. She would take orders and bounced around like a little girl. He watched in disgust as students and older men would try and sneak a peek of her rear as she left with their orders.

"Here are your orders - fresh and delicious," Itachi exclaimed, sitting the tray on the table.

"Thank you," he grunted.

Itachi walked away, but was yanked back by Kizashi's strong grip. Kizashi pulled Itachi toward him and whispered into his ear. "How dare you parade my daughter around like a doll. She wasn't put on this earth for your entertainment!"

Itachi stood straight and fixed his sleeve. "I'm sorry if you think that way, Haruno-sama, but we would never use your daughter like that in any way. This is her role as the Mascot of the Student Council and, even if she were a boy, she would still have to follow said role. Besides, she's having fun - let her be."

"You little bastard!" Kizashi raised his fist and punched Itachi across his jawline. The Uchiha fell to the floor and looked up in surprise. Kizashi sat on top of him, pinning him to the ground.

"You're not her father - I AM!" He pounded his fist against his cheek once more. A crowd encircled them and Mebuki tried her best to pull her husband away.

"Dad! Stop!" Sakura screamed, running toward the scene. Kizashi ignored her and held up his fist for another blow.

Sakura wrapped her arms around his and held on with all her strength. "Let go, Sakura!" he barked.

"No! Leave him the hell alone, Dad!"

"This doesn't concern you!" he snarled.

"If you don't get off of him, I'll never speak to you again!" she threatened.

Kizashi stopped struggling and glared at his only child. Her fierce gaze was fixed on him and he realized how foolish he must look right now. He roughly pushed his wife and daughter away and picked himself off of Itachi. He fixed the collar of his shirt and gave Sakura a nasty frown.

"We've seen enough here. Mebuki and I are going home." Before he left, he slapped the dishes off of their table and spilled them onto the floor.

Sakura and the boys quickly huddled down over Itachi. He sat up and rubbed his sore face.

"Are you okay?" Sakura asked, holding onto his shoulder.

"Why the hell did he punch you?" Kisame asked.

Itachi shook his head. "I must've said something he didn't like, but it's okay... I'm okay." He stood up and found the entire café staring at him.

"Well, what a show that was! Everything is alright, so please continue to enjoy yourself at the Student Council Cafe!" he said in an exuberrated tone.

He turned to his friends. "Seriously, I'm fine. We still have a whole day left to work, so let's get going."

The day quickly passed after Kizashi and Itachi's scene. Itachi's cheek was slightly swollen, but it didn't affect him much. When he walked out of the stall, he noticed Sakura sitting at a lone bench, still wearing her dress.

Itachi took a seat next to her. "Are you okay?" he asked.

Sakura chuckled. "Funny. I said that to you too after my father was punched you twice in the face." He could hear the embarrassment in her voice.

She propped her elbows on her knees and leaned forward to bury her face in her hands. "Man, this year isn't what I expected. It's already going down the toilet and it's not even the end of summer."

Itachi placed his hand on her back and smiled. "Well, that's good, right? That means you still have enough time to climb out of that toilet and have a fun year with us still."

He could feel her back shaking and worried that she was crying. The shaking became worse, but he was shocked to find her laughing a few moments later.

"Seriously, senpai? 'Climb out of that toilet?' " she continued to laugh.

"Is that weird?" he asked.

She finished her laughing fit and looked up to him with a brightened face. "Yes, but it's okay to be a little weird." She stood up from the bench. "I better get going before it starts getting dark. I'll be here tomorrow to help clean up, okay?"

She turned around and began walking in the direction of home. The Cultural Festival may have taken a turn for the worse, but she knew that going home would be a nightmare.

Itachi ambled back to the stall and called each boy to the kitchen. "What the fuck do we need to do now?" Hidan growled.

"It's very important we talk about this now," Itachi began.

As he looked over his friends' faces, he breathed in and readied himself for his speech. "Does anyone else like Sakura Haruno?"

Each boy exchanged startled expressions, but none of them had the guts to speak out. The room was stuffy and the situation made it even stuffier. Kisame, nervously, rose his hand in the air.

"I like her," he admitted.

His words caused a whirlwind of confessions.

"I really like her too!" Deidara yelled happily.

"I really fuckin' like her!" Hidan cursed.

"I enjoy her company very much," Kakuzu added.

"So do I," Sasori stated.

Itachi tried settling them down and wrestled for control. "Okay, okay. We all like Sakura-chan, but it's pretty obvious that only one of us can truly be with her. So, I have to say this... We can try our best, but we have to let her decide who she likes the most. No-one, and I mean no-one, can ask her out or push her into it. Understand?"

He continued after a moment of silence. "I still want to be friends no matter what happens. Now, I will end this conversation with a toast." He poured each boy a glass of unused soda and raised their drinks in the air.

"May the best man win!"

xxx

Awe; may the best win. Vomment. <3

xTsu