Unspoken TruthsSummary: Every member of Team Seven seemed to have had a tragic past, all except one, or so they thought. No one had ever bothered to question the petal haired girl's past; they all assumed she lived a sheltered life. Her teammates thought her weak, but she was stronger than they had imagined.This Chapter takes place all in past. It's not exactly all about Sakura and Itachi, in fact his ones all about Mikoto and Haruka, their mothers :). But rest assured i'm getting there! It's probably going to take chapters just to reveal her past X) but be patient~! Enjoy~! :) _
A flash of black and red was all the warning the villagers got before shrieks rang in the bustling market at a near deafening pitch. Birds scattered and squawked in irritation as hands flew to ears at the sound. The adults winced while children looked over in curiosity. The myriad of ninjas scattered among civilians immediately had weapons grasped in their skillful fingers by instinct. When their observant eyes landed on the producers of the alarming sound, they relaxed and carried on with their daily lives.
This was not the first time it has happened, however the women never failed to catch the inhabitants of Konoha by surprise with their actions.
Mikoto Uchiha and Haruka Ito stood in the middle of the street, hands clasped together in glee.
"Mikoto! I can't believe you're back already, I thought that you weren't going to be in Kiri for three months!"
"Well our team completed the mission quicker than planned. You know how Riki and Kaho are ever the perfectionists during assignments; not that I mind. I love them and all but both of them are as conversational as rocks, in fact if I didn't know any better, I'd say they were from the Uchiha clan too; after all they seem to have the same level of social skills." drawled the oxy haired women.
Haruka giggled lightly at this, "Thank god you didn't inherit that Uchiha trait, you'd be even more irritating than you are now!" joked the ever lively redhead.
In response, Mikoto stuck her tongue out childishly, "You're just jealous that I'm the good looking one!"
"Tsk. Yeah right! You're just lucky that your clan's got looks! Besides I'm not that bad looking! I'll have you know that Takashi asked me out yesterday!"
"Takashi? As in the boy that you've been pinning after ever since the academy? Wow, miracles do happen, I'd thought you'd grow up to be a bitter old women with that big forehead of yours!"
"What'd you say!" demanded Haruka.
"Baa-chan!"
"You're just lucky that you're set for life! Not all of us can be born from prestigious clans!"
Suddenly, the cheerful mood disappeared, upon hearing her own words, Haruka immediately regretted them. It had been a sensitive nerve in Mikoto. Her companion upon turning eighteen, will have to marry the Uchiha Clan heir. The woman's birthday will be in a few months, she had just a little over half a year as a free women.
This was not a normal marriage that would take place, Mikoto was to give up all of her life with just one vow, she would be leaving behind all her freedom and dreams. The women had only just made it into Anbu but last month. She was in the height of career, and she would be stripped of all her hard work in just one day.
She has seen what the clan was like, and she wanted no part of it. Mikoto had very little freedom to begin with. The Uchihas were very prideful creatures, they would not accept anything less that perfect. They were strict to the core, your every move would be surveyed and if you displease the elders, you would be in deep shit.
Her parents had trained her to become a perfect little doll, always polite and strong. Mikoto had been just like any member of the clan, an emotionless prodigy. However, on her first day of the academy, she met Haruka Ito.
Haruka had been a gentle fun loving girl who had stuck to her like glue regardless of the cold gestures she received from the female Uchiha. Slowly, her heart melted and her true personality shined through her cold armor. Without the help of Haruka, Mikoto wouldn't have been who she was today, and for that she was extremely thankful.
Haruka had felt the same way about Mikoto. Her parents were civilians who didn't exactly find her ninja career substantial. The only reason they actually allowed her to join the academy was because they were sure that she would quit her pursuit upon seeing the vile work ninjas did; they had decided to humor her and nothing more. Haruka felt disappointment for her parent's lack of support, she wanted to please them, yet at the same time she had no intentions of quitting just for their sakes.
The two of them were born from different environments, yet they found themselves in the same situation as one another. Both wanted a sense of belonging and they found that in each other. The girls, became each other's pillar, and even now, as women, they continued their strong friendship.
Mikoto had known they're friendship would be risky as did Haruka, but both decided to continue it anyway. Mikoto's clan being so strict, wouldn't allow her to have such "lowly companions" as they would put it.
They met only when they deemed it was safe. At first Haruka was irritated by the secretive procedures they had to go through; she understood why, but that didn't mean she had to like it, but even so, she tried her best to keep her ties with the female Uchiha.
Being the sneaky girls they were, none suspected a thing, however all good has to come to an end. Harunka was waiting beside the riverbed that she and Mikoto had always met at. It had already been thirty minutes since the decided time, something was definitely wrong. She was sure that she wasn't hallucinating that Mikoto said to meet her here. She always kept her promises; panic rushed into her system, she had to find Mikoto.
Stealthily, Haruka glided into the Uchiha compound undetected. Having never been to Uchiha territoy, she had no idea where to find her best friend, however, her keen ears managed to catch feint sound of Mikoto's voice. She hid under the window, chakra still carefully masked, and listenned.
"-will be married Mikoto." said a demanding voice.
"Kaa-sama, Tou-sama! Why me? Please tell the elders to reconsider! Please!" Mikoto's voice was full of strain, pain ebbing away at her voice.
"Mikoto, you will cease your insolent attitude. It would be an honor to marry Fugaku-sama. He is next in line to become the clan head, you should be thrilled about the news."
"Demo! I still have a lot I want to do, a lot I want to see! There are a lot of Uchiha women out there! Why must it be me?"
"He has chosen you Mikoto, and you will marry him next spring." her father's tone was final.
Mikoto was about to protest again when her mother's voice interrupted her.
"I have never seen you act this way before. No daughter of mine will be this rude and distasteful." Her arm raised as her palm came down towards her daughter's cheek lightning fast; Mikoto closed her eyes, ready for her punishment.
A flicker in the room stopped all motion. Gasps were sounded from the occupants of the residence. Haruka caught the hand seconds before it made contact with its intended target.
"How can you hit your own daughter like that? If she doesn't want to marry, she doesn't have to! What kind of parents are you to not give a shit about your own flesh and blood?"
The elder female was the first to recover, "How dare you? Who are you anyway! You are trespassing into Uchiha territory. As for how I treat my daughter, it is for me to decide!"
"Yeah right! Mikoto's not a puppet you can manipulate! She's her own person!" retorted the fiery redhead.
Upon realizing her best friend was here, Mikoto's determination hardened. Haruka, Haruka her best friend was here. She had come all the way here and defended her against her terrifying parents even if it meant her getting in trouble. Warmth spilled forth in her body, no one had ever cared so much about her. With new found determination, she stood up.
"This is my friend, Haruka Ito." she stated calmly.
"Friend? This lowly excuse for a ninja is your friend! I thought we taught you better than this! I am appalled that-"
"Silence." she stated simply.
"Why you-!"
"I will marry Fugaku-sama, but only if you agree to my terms."
"Who are you to make demands! We are your parents!"
"My marring Fugaku would be a great asset to you, if I don't marry him, you two will be in shame."
"You go girl!" supported Haruka from the sidelines. Mikoto glared lightly at that, she knew Haruka means well, but she can go overboard.
"I will remain friends with Haruka, I will not marry him until I am of civilian marriage age, 18, and I will be allowed to do as I please before my wedding day."
"No! That is not acceptable. You-"
"If you do not agree, I will not marry him."
Just as her mother was about to retort, a hand slid on her shoulder, ceasing her words.
"Fine. But you will marry him once you turn eighteen. You will keep your promise and we shall keep ours." her father stated firmly. He knew that his daughter wouldn't back down, and he had no intentions of losing his possible connection to the clan heads.
With that, Mikoto was a free man, or woman shall I say. She had six years to live her life to the fullest. Her thoughts about the marriade had been put off for years, but when the deadline came closer and closer, she was reminded of her own end of the bargain.
Haruka too knew of her friend's predicament and tried to distract Mikoto from it as best she could. However now, she had just done what she tried to avoid; remind her that she would be married to Fugaku Uchiha in no sooner than half a year. Mentally slapping her face, she laughed awkwardly.
"Mikoto. I'm sorry." she said dully, "I didn't mean to-"
"I know," her voice was hard, Haruka winced at this. Upon seeing this, she felt a pang of regret, after all it was not her friend's fault, marrying the Uchiha head was the inevitable. She shouldn't be mad at her long time companion for something that wasn't her fault.
"I know," she said again, this time gently, "It's not your fault. I was coming one way or another. At least he's not that much of a prick, he's nice enough, and we've come to respect each other somewhat. I'll be fine. But it does help that he's extremely hot." She joked lightly.
The two bursted out into giggles at the last comment, once again steering the conversation away from the sensitive topic.
"Sooo, what's up with you and Takashi?" Mikoto stated suggestively. Haruka promptly turned beet red with blush.
Light conversation continued as they walked aimlessly around their beloved village. Both girls were obviously happy as their eyes sparked with glee. They continued their montage until dusk, their problems fading away s they had their annual girl time.
They had just finished dinner when Mikoto realized the time.
"Damn, it's seven twenty-five already? The clan meeting is starting in five minutes. Shit, got to run Haruka! I'll see you tomorrow!" She was reluctant to since it was obvious what the meeting was about, her wedding with Fugaku; however, she had made a promise years ago and she was not about to break it.
She was about to jet away when a hand grasped her elbow.
"Mikoto, I'm sorry about... you know. I know how much you're sacrificing for this, your freedom, your-"
"Okay stop this now. It's not your fault, I made my choice and I'm sticking to it. Plus, they're not taking my freedom," at this she got a pointed look from Haruka, quickly correcting herself, "Well, its limited but not complete Mikoto Uchiha! No one tells me what to do! Fugaku's got a lot of nerve to take on me."
As if to support her words, she raised her fist up into the air, a look of arrogance on her pale face. The tension in the air was gone in a snap, both girls began laughing at the Uchiha's crazy antics.
Haruka was first to sober up, "Ne, Mikoto, I've got an idea for your first rebellious act towards the clan," she started haughtily, "let's promise to marry our children, none of your kids will have to marry into the clan like you have to."
Mikoto grinned cheekily upon hearing her best friend's decision, she was sure that their kids would love each other, call it early mother intuition, but she knew.
They shook hands on it, both sporting twin like expressions of promise. Their deal was made and little did they know that that was the beginning of the next chapter in their life.
Suddenly, Mikoto's face fell, "Damn! Now I really am late for the meeting! Catch you later Haruka!"
Haruka waved goodbye to her long time friend and began walking back home, whistling a tune goodnaturedly as she was at it.
_
FourYears Later
Itachi clutched his mother's hand lightly as he walked down the street to his Aunt Haruka and Uncle Takashi's shared apartment. At age two he was already deemed a prodigy by his village. He had just recently joined the academy and was already earning the top marks although he was the youngest of his classmates.
It was obviously the clan's idea to send the young boy to begin his ninja training; Mikoto had argued about the matter however no avail. She fought tooth and nail with the Uchiha clan elders to postpone it, however the elders payed no heed to her demands.
She was angry that the clan didn't listen to her, but most of all she was angry with herself.
Mikoto is Itachi's mother, she of all people should have more authority that those foggy old geezers, yet that wasn't the case. She was merely a figurehead, "Lady Uchiha" was just a title, she held no power in her hands. The clan didn't even think about the effects their choices would have on her son. All they thought about was their own backsides and she was sick of it.
In her last hopes to help her son, Mikoto turned to her husband. Fugaku was the clan head, there had to be something he could do! On the contrary to what most thought, Fugaku wasn't heartless; Mikoto had learned that after her marriage. He was a rather selfless, honorable, man who might have had a dab too much of pride. As a couple, they had earned mutual respect for one another, and if I dare say, sometime along their marriage, Mikoto found herself in love with the man.
She was surprised when Fugaku had outright reject her pleas. Mikoto was so hurt that the man she fell in love was him, she was utterly disappointed. He had thought that it was what's best for the clan. Sure in some way he was being selfless by thinking of his people, as leaders were suppose to do, however Mikoto could not believe that he'd be willing to sacrifice his own son to achieve it. It was his own flesh and blood he was talking about! Her own husband was willing to sacrifice their child for the sake of clan pride! Something that they wasn't entirely necessary!
Mikoto quickly shot down her sadness at her new discovery, that wasn't what was important, Itachi, Itachi was her first priority. Haruka and Takashi tried their best to assist their friend and god son, and for their efforts, Mikoto was thankful. However she knew that since they had no direct connection with the Uchihas, there was very little that they could actually do.
Itachi was very bright even at age two. He knew what was actually going on. The clan wanted him to start the academy soon and apparently, it was abnormal for students to be as young as him. Personally, he had no qualms about starting early, it was his kaa-son he was worried about. For her sake, he would wait until she thought he was of age.
However he began having second thoughts about his choice when he saw the state his mother was in. Her usually cheery eyes were dull, her sleek black hair grew mussed, and her beautiful smiles were forced. Aunt Haruka and Uncle Takashi seemed just as exhausted. If there was one thing he hated, it would be being an inconvenience towards others.
Without consulting his mother, he stalked towards the elders's residence and declared that he was going to the academy. The clan of course was thrilled by this, yet Mikoto was not. After his daring move, his kaa-san became more hesitant and closed.
On his first day to the ninja school, before he left, his mother hesitantly asked him if he actually wanted to go to the academy, that if he didn't want to, he wouldn't have to. He looked back at her trembling form, sadness spewing in waves from her body. Itachi nodded and respectfully bowed before making his way out.
The prodigy felt no remorse for his choice, although his kaa-san would be happier if he were to wait until he turned five and then attend as all the other children do, she wouldn't be able to achieve her goal. Itachi knew that his mother was an overly hopeful and determined person, and if she were to fail to convince the clan elders, she would never forgive herself for failing him.
He wouldn't have thought she failed, she fought for him and that was enough for Itachi, but his kaa-san wouldn't forgive herself. To save her the heartbreak, he would follow the clan's demands. His mother was Itachi's most important person and he would make sure to protect her well.
As they made their way closer to his Aunt and Uncle's modest home, he spotted a dotted figure waiting outside. With his twenty-twenty vision, he was able to tell that it was in fact his Aunt Haruka waiting outside for them.
At the sight of each other, the two women shrieked in happiness, while Uncle Takashi stood next to him, looking a bit sheepish at his girlfriend's embarrassing actions.
"Hello Itachi, long time no see now huh? I've heard you had recently started the academy." he patted said boy's head gently in a fatherly way.
Itachi had always had an act for reading people's emotions, and although all the occupants of the cramped apartment were smiling, he could tell that inwardly, they felt uneasy about his going to the academy; after all, it was they that tried to prevent that from happening.
He nodded slowly as if to acknowledge his words. Itachi was currently the center of attention, and although he seemed unaffected, he couldn't help but feel uneasiness churning in his stomach. It was moments like those that made him feel guilty for making the choice he did because it had ruined all their hard work, for him.
Sensing the growing discomfort in the room, Haruka quickly interupted.
"We've bought cake! After all it is your brithday Mikoto-chan! It's your favorite, green tea cake with vanilla icing!"
"Eh? It's my birthday already?" the Uchiha Matriarch had completely forgotten about it, after all she had much more important things to attend to commemorate her date of birth.
Plus, the clan never made birthdays a big deal, unless it was your eighteenth birthday, which meant your becoming of age. Mikoto had long forgotten it after years of non celebration. During her first birthday as the Uchiha Lady, she was utterly disappointed that no one had even bothered to acknowledge her presence, but she quickly hid it. Even Fugaku, the love of her life hadn't bothered to wish her a happy birthday. Mikoto had spent the rest of her special day cleaning and slaving over the stove for her beloved husband.
Don't get her wrong, she was not self-important; Mikoto didn't want to be showered in gifts, nor did she want a huge party or anything extravagant, all she wanted was a simple 'happy birthday.' She didn't think that was too hard to ask for, yet not one person complied to her wishes.
If anyone would remember her birthday it was Haruka, however, she was out on a mission, thus Mikoto had to spend her 'special day' alone. However she did not begrudge her friend for that, after all, the week before she left for her mission, she dedicated the whole day to celebrate her birthday, and uttered the words she longed to hear over and over again to make up for her clan's lack of response.
After that year, Mikoto never expected anything more, in fact, she almost forgot it every year until Haruka yelled it to her face; this year was no different.
The quartet chatted happily as they ate their cake, even Itachi, who hadn't especially like sweets ate a slice. Haruka had went overboard again by buying ten gifts for her best friend. She stated over and over again how she was so sorry about all the times she missed Mikoto's birthday because of a mission. Mikoto had been very thankful for Haruka's efforts and by dusk, they exited the cheery home to the Uchiha compound.
Silently, Itachi reached his unoccupied hand into his pocket, pulling out a small, carefully wrapped gift and held it in front of his oblivious mother.
"Itachi what is-" she gasped midway through her speech, here eyes twinkling as bright as lights.
"Tanjoubi omedetou, Kaa-san." he allowed a small quirk of his lips, Itachi smile gently at his beloved mother.
Mikoto kneeled down so that her face was parallel to her sons, tears collected on the corners of her eyes from pure gratitude. Her hands cupped Itachi's pale cheeks, her expression clearly conveying her happiness and love towards him.
She touched her forehead to his and whispered "Arigato." Mikoto hugged Itachi tightly, she was right, Itachi was one of the best things that ever happened to her, he was her little boy, and she couldn't have wished for a better son.
Mikoto she hummed lightly as she ate dinner, not the least bit uncomfortable at the silence. Fugaku couldn't help but notice that his wife was in a good mood, and although he was glad for her, he felt slightly peeved for not knowing why. His eyebrows furrowed and his dark eyes trailed to Mikoto's left hand. Said hand was currently fondling a white chrysanthemum charm that dangled perfectly on a silver chain.
His eyes narrowed into slits, if he remembered correctly, the white chrysanthemum represented pure love and good luck. Who would dare give something like that to his wife? And was the giver that important that she would actually wear it? He contemplated it might have been that Ito girl that gave it to Mikoto, but shrugged it off; there was no way that Ito would choose to convey that message. But who, who would directly defy him by hitting on his wife?
"Mikoto," if was the first time that Fugaku had spoken to her that day, "who gave you that necklace." It came out more as a command rather than a question.
Knocked out of her stupor, Mikoto states, "Oh, this? It was given to me by a very special man." She winked in Itachi's direction before she began carrying the dirtied plates into the kitchen.
Fugaku turned his probing gaze to his two year old son, clearly expecting an explanation for the gift.
Itachi raised his napkin, carefully wiping his unstained face, "It is Kaa-san's birthday today."
With that, the Uchiha prodigy scooted his chair back and walked soundlessly out of the room, leaving a stupefied Fugaku alone in the dining room.
_
Two Years Later
Panting filled the air, Mikoto and Itachi were currently running towards Haruka and Takashi's apartment; Mikoto having a slightly harder time from being two months pregnant.
"HARUKA!" screamed Mikoto, Itachi trailing not far behind her, worry showing slightly in his expression.
She was answered with sobs and cries of pain. Haruka laid on the floor, arms flailing, practically screaming her guts out. Anbu had just informed her that Takashi... Takashi had passed away on his infiltration mission in Suna-gakure. The red headed woman had refused to believe that such a thing could happen to him, she optimistically thought that perhaps he escaped the ambush and was hiding safely.
Haruka and him have been going out for years now, and were engaged but recently, they were going to get married just next month. Everything had been going perfectly, their relationship had been nothing short of a fairytale. The thought of either of them dying had never occurred to her, sure she knew the costs of having a ninja profession, however they always made it alive at the end. Sadly, that was not the case. Haruka was scared and hurt, losing him had been like losing a part of herself.
The young couple had been so in love with each other. Haruka had never thought about another man in her whole life so it was devastating to see the love of her life snatched away from her.
Haruka was a total mess, at first when she was informed of her fiance's death, she thought it was a joke. She was angered at the Anbu for playing a trick on her, but later, her anger faded and distress fell upon her. The pitying look the Anbu gave her was enough to sent her into sorrow. Haruka immediately demanded the Anbu to leave. She sunk into the ground to wallow in sadness, blocking out any other priorities.
Mikoto had been reading when she heard about Takashi. The Anbu that was sent to notify Haruka had left as she demanded, because he knew that all he'd be is a nuisance to the weeping woman. It was not a secret that Haruka was best friend to the Uchiha Matriarch. He jetted off to the compound as soon as the door closed upon his face.
Itachi who had overheard the Anbu went with his mother to make sure his aunt was okay.
"Haruka! It's me, I heard about what happened..."
"Takashi...Takashi..." Haruka repeated the name brokenly, over and over again in a mantra. Her usually gleaming brown orbs dull and souless.
Mikoto was saddened by the look in her friend's eyes, it was as if she had become a whole new person. In her eyes, Haruka was not the girl she met in the academy, nor was she the outgoing woman that had become her sister at heart, she was a faded out version of who she loved. Her heart clenched painfully at the sight; she couldnt stand to see her like this.
Running across the room to her friend, she grasped Haruka's hand in a gentle yet strong grip; spreading her legs into a strong foot hold, she yanked as hard as she could in order to get the shorter women up on her feet.
"Yada! Haruka! Stop this, come on, get up from the floor! Takashi... Takashi wouldn't want you to be like this!" Mikoto's sane mind also began to crumble. Over the years, Takashi had become a friend to Mikoto, they along with Haruka did everything together; he was like the brother that she never had. The familiar prickling sensation began to wear behind her eyes. The shock was starting to wear off, and she suddenly became aware that he was... never coming back. She too began to cry. She dropped Haruka's lifeless like arm, wrapping her's around the redhead's pale nape. The women hugged each other, tears mixing together, grief flowing out of their system.
Itachi stood on the side awkwardly, not knowing what to do. Uncle Takashi had become someone he liked, and he felt sad that he was gone. But ever since he was little, he learned that tears were a weakness. Itachi had been so accustomed to it that he wouldn't be able to cry even if he had wanted to.
He quietly shuffled his feet to the women, and sat himself down to give them what little support his presence could convey.
"Mikoto... you...you don't un...understand." Haruka sobbed.
"Ha-Haruka, I know you loved him a lot, and that you were going to get married, he was one of my best friends, I understand that you're hurting."
"..." Haruka remained silent, she was too upset to talk.
"You're not alone, me... me and Itachi are here."
Silence soon followed after the ebony haired woman's words. Tears began to die down, the grief filled atmosphere began to air out and eventually faded to an awkward muteness. After what seemed like a decade, Haruka broke the silence, "Y-yeah," her voice was raw from crying, "I'm not alone am I? I have you, Itachi, Tou-san and Kaa-san, even if they don't really like me, they're still family. I l-love .. loved...T-Takashi a lot, and I don't think I ever will get over him. But I'm not alone, and I have...too." Haruka gently padded her stomach.
Mikoto gasped and Itachi's eyes widened a small fraction.
"You mean?"
"Yes."
"How far are you?"
"Three weeks now, I had just found out recently actually."
Mikoto squealed in delight.
"For Itachi's sake, please let it be a girl!" the Uchiha joked, Haruka laughed at that. Even after all these years, they still remembered their promise. Itachi sat their, brows furrowed, his five year old mind working overtime. Just what were they talking about he thought?
The previous tension was lifted. The sadness was completely drained, the women soon became their normal selfs, how they bouced back so fast was a mystery to Itachi. Regardless of the smile set on her face, Haruka was still upset, but tried not to dwell on it; after all, now she had someone else to worry about.
_
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