I'll be here for you...

Konnichiwa, I'm Yuzu Kurosaki. Please take care of me Grade: 2-A (Junior High) House: 2B-A Clubs: Art, Book, Gardening and Home Economics, Home Handicrafts, Ikebana, Origami and Flower Pressing Jobs: School nurse [Affiliated with Iwakiri Academy]

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Isshin tugged on the flower girl's shirt. "Hello, excuuuse me. I would like to buy some flowers please."

“Well aren’t you just the cutest thing? What kind of flowers would you like to buy?”

This kid seems somewhat familiar though…

[sweetpea-yuzu]

dr-kurosaki-isshin:

Isshin paused. “Hmm… I dunno! I just woke up in some old guys house so I thought I’d leave him flowers cause he obviously lives alone.” He scrunched up his nose. “It’s all boring adult doctory stuff. And picture of his kids.” 

He paused and peered up at her. “Heeey you might be one of those kids… your dad big, beard, brown spiky hair?”

He stuck out his hand. “If ye are, then hiya I’m Shiba Isshin! I’m from the noble house Shiba so you can out the flowers on a tab. I’m sure one of the servants will follow up with the cash.”

The first thought Yuzu had was that this child was extremely kind and considerate although how he had landed up in a stranger’s house was a little puzzling. The situation became more clear after the words ‘doctory stuff’ were uttered, the young Kurosaki having more than enough experience with her dad as a doctor and bringing home injured patients to be cared for much a like kid bringing home stray animals.

“Heeey you might be one of those kids… your dad big, beard, brown spiky hair?”

There was no immediate spike of alarm after hearing those words, in fact she actually chuckled as her imagined scenario took a realistic twist. It just seemed a little odd that her dad wuld leave the recovering child on his own...

It was the statement that followed that caused her heart to feel like it had dropped into her shoes, chocolate eyes widening as she realised exactly who the formerly strange child was and why he seemed so familiar.

O-Otou-san...

This must have been the Headmaster’s doing, another of his elaborate games meant for amusement. Having experienced enough of these situations before to know that it would wear off with time, Yuzu wasn’t particularly worried that the change would be permanent but it did mean that she would have to play the role of surrogate parent until he went back to normal.

Not that she didn’t already play caretaker on a daily basis...

“Don’t worry about it, it will be my treat this time round. It’s about lunchtime though, have you eaten yet?”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Isshin tugged on the flower girl's shirt. "Hello, excuuuse me. I would like to buy some flowers please."

“Well aren’t you just the cutest thing? What kind of flowers would you like to buy?”

This kid seems somewhat familiar though…

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Until 15 July

[sweetpea-yuzu]

[prodigyitachi]

When Itachi scoured the shopping district for appropriate gifts to bestow to those involved with the ceremony, he had been at a loss. Not so much when it came to Kurosaki Yuzu, however.  

From what he, Ino and his mother knew of her, they had gathered that she was an extremely kind girl. A pure, simple-hearted soul who deeply cared for those around her, especially her family… Surely this was suitable, yes? … He hoped so. 

He was always so occupied with one matter or another- it was difficult for him to forge new, solid bonds.

Thus, imagine his surprise when in her excitement, she leapt and embraced him tightly.

A blink. One, or two…

“Aa.” He managed a small laugh, soon returning the hold. Unlike most instances with acquaintances, this was quite welcome. He had been rather tense dealing with the guests since the start of the ceremony. “Thank you, and you’re welcome, hm?”

He then lowered himself, just so her feet would touch the ground. A pat on her head.

“You should go on now,” he said, gently reminding her of the queue. “I still have a few more people to give presents to. We can always catch up later, ah? Thank you once again, Yuzu-chan.”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Yuzu hadn’t really expected him to hug her back considering as she’d just meant it to be a quick ‘thank you’ gesture but the return of affection was welcome nonetheless, for it let her know that he didn’t mind.

At his words, her brown eyes surreptitiously cast a glance behind her before shooting him a sympathetic glance. There were certainly a lot of people still waiting at her back for their turn to converse with the groom and she was sure he would be quite tired by the end of it.

He was right though, they could always catch up later... especially since she still had a wedding gift to deliver to the happy couple.

“See you later Uchiha-san~”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

4:30 PM - 4:40 PM: Bride and Groom thanks

“Yuzu-chan.” A small smile at the young Kurosaki, before Itachi placed an off white box in her hands. Inside laid a simple gold heart locket, with her name engraved at the back of it. “Thank you for being the ringbearer of our ceremony. Words cannot express our gratitude for your support.

“Please take this as a token of our appreciation.”

Wide brown orbs blinked in surprise before softening with pleasure at the gift, her hands gently cupping it and easing the box tentatively open to gaze at the contents. The sight that met her eyes was a stunning locket and she fell in love with it instantly.

Just as carefully as the box was opened, it was closed once more to preserve the priceless treasure inside until she intended to wear it. Yuzu’s eyes immediately shot back up to the groom in front of her, her gaze warm and affectionate, as she smiled at him in appreciation. In light of her close relationship with Ino that seemed almost sibling-like at times as opposed to only that of a junior and senior one, in addition to the relationship that both Itachi and Ino had with Gremmy… surely it wasn’t too much of a stretch beyond propriety to place Itachi into a position of extended surrogate family as well…

With such a thought in mind, her next actions were carried out with no hesitation as she threw her arms around him exuberantly much like she did with Ichigo in a show of sibling-like affection.

“Thank you so much Uchiha-san!! I know you two will be very happy~”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Down the Aisle

The music plays and the guests all rise as the wedding begins and despite the rehearsal Yuzu still can’t help feeling a little nervous. She waits patiently for the flower girl, Itachi’s niece, to reach a particular point down the aisle which would then be her cue to start her own path. The bridesmaids and maid of honour would enter behind her and then finally the bride.

It’s time...

Taking a deep breath, the young Kurosaki stepped forward and tried to keep her attention focused on the floral decorations and cherry blossoms up ahead instead of all the inquisitive eyes directed her way. It felt a little awkward not knowing where exactly to focus her gaze but her smile was bright and natural even if inwardly she fretted about tripping and landing on her face while trying to maintain the traditional pace in time to the music. In her opinion, the pace felt too slow and entirely unnatural but perhaps it was just her imagination since everyone else looked just fine when doing it.

Nearly there...

Suddenly the aisle seemed a lot longer than it had during the rehearsal, the grassing path stretching on and on but finally she reached her place where she would stand beside Sarada until called upon for the rings. Now that the daunting walk down the aisle was over, her chocolate hued orbs immediately moved to watch the rest of the procession. A sigh of bliss and wonder escaped Yuzu as she watched the blond woman she had come to consider as someone really important to her seemingly float down the aisle, the love for her groom causing her to virtually glow with happiness. She only hoped she could be as fortunate when she was older.

Such a beautiful bride...

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Welcome to the wedding.

Upon your arrival at the entrance to the ceremony, a single white, beribboned paperbag is handed to you- with the Uchiha and Yamanaka clan symbols lovingly printed on the front. 

Inside the bag is a prettily packaged box housing several wagashi, as well as a white lace and floral themed piece of paper, the itinerary.

No guest receives the same wagashi. Each and every one is differently designed, as per the bride’s wish for everyone to feel special.

She emphasises this by attaching a tag to the wedding favour.

It reads: “Thank you for coming! ♥”

Upon receiving the bag, Yuzu was immediately tempted to open it but being part of the wedding party she still had much to do. Speaking of which weren’t the photographs going to be taken soon...

I’ll just hand this over to my dad for safe keeping...

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Yuzu grinned in excitement when she saw the invitation addressed to her from her cherished older friend and senior. There was no way that she would miss the wedding for the world, not when she had specially been asked by the bride herself to be the ringbearer...

[sweetpea-yuzu]

"Yuzu, my sweetpea. Can you be the ringbearer for my wedding? I need someone small and cute and happy for me." :D

You can definitely count on me Ino-senpai! I’ll be the best ringbearer ever~”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Lesson Start

[everyonesfavouredvisionary]

Watching her expression, the blond was relieved that he’d cleaned up before she’d arrived. Though the house was never the most untidy one. Perhaps because it was also one of the emptier houses, Gremmy rarely used anything in the kitchen, in part because he couldn’t cook and in part because he could just imagine anything he did need. 

The expression on her face, made his own fall slightly, disliking how she seemed saddened by his question and really wishing it hadn’t been him who’d put it on her face. 

Though the soft answer, did at least give him a starting point. The blond’s mind flying over questions and answers, wondering if there was something in particular that she struggled with or if it was the whole thing. Though he’d start where she was in class and see how far behind she was first. Personally he thought they should cover some other subjects too, even if it only was her homework just to break up the subject. He was one of those who felt that any more than 20 minutes on one subject was a waste as the brain would stop absorbing as much.

A gasp and then giggles. Though the apologetic expression he was sent did make him feel better. Her reassuring smile made his heart a skip a beat, a genuine echo appearing on his lips in response. 

“It’s okay, it doesn’t bother me!”

He was relieved it didn’t bother her, although it could make studying more interesting if he could show how things would move in the most literal of senses. 

“I’m glad.” was the words which fell from his lips even as he picked up the tray, his expression softening, “…it’s a difficult thing to warn people about.”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Having noticed that he was more or less finished making the tea and now had the tray firmly in hand, she pushed away from the counter she had been leaning against to follow him back to where they would be working. She felt almost a strange reluctance to start working, wishing that they could simply idle the afternoon away drinking tea and chatting of anything and everything that wasn’t school related.

It was unavoidable however considering that the reason she came here in the first place was to be tutored.

The young Kurosaki was pleased to see that her reassurance had done it’s work and that a smile had replaced the worried expression he was sporting not too long ago. Secretly she wondered if she would get to see more of this unusual ability of his although it felt almost impolite to ask on a whim. She wanted him to know she saw him as a friend not merely an amusing form of entertainment like a magician that could perform parlour tricks.

“That I can believe but I’m sure it comes in handy more often than not.”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

[Spots Chopper from a distance]

“Isn’t he the cutest thing next to the Headmaster and Bostov ever!”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

The Gentle Touch of a Mother [@Mikoto]

[gentlenobility]

The Home Economics room… The Uchiha mother knew that she must have accidentally left her notebook in there. 

Sighing gently, but otherwise unruffled, the dark-haired woman made her way to the aforementioned room, her footsteps barely audible upon the tiled floor. After months of living on this strange land, she had memorised the path to her classroom by heart. 

Every morning, she would rise from bed, get ready for the day, and prepare breakfast for both herself as well as her youngest. A boxed lunch for her beloved Sasuke too, before they had to set off for their daily routines at the academy. It was odd… different from how life used to be at Konoha, but she managed. What was important was to move forward, even without her husband by her side, and to act as the mother that she was to her sons.

Sasuke and Itachi had gone for so long without their parents, and while they were perfectly capable of taking care of themselves, that did not mean she had to stop caring.

They, more than anyone, needed support from their loved ones.

What more from their mother?

She was not perfect, but she’d do her very best.

A gentle creak as she pushed the door open– and Mikoto peered inside the spotless room. Ah. She took note of the sandy-haired girl staring curiously at the new arrival. It looked as though she might have walked in on one of the students working.

She greeted the younger with a kind, matronly smile.

“Oh, I’m sorry… I hope I’m not disturbing you?” the matriarch said apologetically, her fingers yet to leave the cool metal of the doorknob. She wasn’t going to take long. “I’m Uchiha Mikoto, the Culinary Arts teacher. I’m just looking for a grey notebook… I will only take a moment.”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Yuzu was rather astounded at the resemblance the stranger who entered the room bore to Sasuke and Itachi but upon hearing her name she understood the connection. The woman had a maternal look about her, not all that surprising considering she was in actual fact a mother but not having a mother figure herself, she could not help but admire the older woman surreptitiously. The young Kurosaki nodded her head to show she didn't mind the interruption but continued to watch the other occupant of the room hunt for her book instead of continuing with her own task, her chocolate hued orbs looking on with a wistful gaze.

After a moment's silent contemplation and another of internal debate, Yuzu decided to ask the motherly looking teacher if she’d like to give her an idea of what to make. A foolish question perhaps but she did say she was the Culinary Arts teacher. Admittedly, her motive was for something completely different than the Uchiha mother’s occupation.

Taking a deep breath and trying not to fidget, she cast a shy glance over at the woman before politely asking her question.

“Ano.. Uchiha-sensei, after you’ve found your notebook... if you could spare a moment... Do you think you could give me an idea of what to make for my assignment?”

[dr-kurosaki-isshin]

Dinner and a Show (Isshin | Yuzu)

[dr-kurosaki-isshin]

“That’s great to hear honey! Taking initiative to keep up with your studies. So tell me who is this great tutor?” He paused before squinting at her. “It’s a girl right? Because as your tutor you would be spending a lot of unsupervised time together.” He was only joking of course. Okay he wasn’t he really wanted the tutor to be a girl. He certainly didn’t trust any nasty boys around his beautiful daughter. 

He paused a the news about her ending shift. “ Boy it seems like your pops has good timing!” He said smiling. “Five minutes eh?” He looked around the store and walked over to the most beautiful bouquet of flowers he could see and walked back to the counter. 

“Excuse me but in about five minutes I’ll be meeting up with the most beautiful in Iwakiri and I’ve been dying to give her some flowers. I feel like these ones in particular could muster up a good attempt to mirror her beauty but I’ll have to see.” He said with a smile on his face as he gave her the money for the flowers. 

He chuckled and whispered. “We’ll have to get some groceries on the way home.” He said before scurrying out of the store so he could meet up with that incredibly beautiful girl in about, two minutes.

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Yuzu froze momentarily at the question but suppressed the inclination to wince at her father's question. There was no way she could be dishonest with her father yet she didn't want to cause any trouble for Gremmy, not when he was helping her out so much by sacrificing his free time to tutor and especially because he had become a precious friend as well. Trying to maintain a nonchalant demeanour as she continued puttering around the flower shop tending to various tasks, she desperately tried to think of a way to avoid triggering her dad's protective streak.

"My tutor is a friend I made recently... we're around the same age actually..."

She hoped her father would be satisfied with that answer and attribute the vagueness of the reply to the fact that she was busy with her job. It was worth a shot at any rate for she knew if he pressed the matter she would have little choice but to admit that her tutor was in fact a male.

The younger Kurosaki nodded in agreement at her father's assessment, rather impressed that he had managed such a feat without knowledge of her exact shift times. Her brown hued orbs watched in fascination as he glanced around the store, seemingly in search of something, but before she could ask what he was looking for he was already striding forward towards a rather stunning bouquet of flowers. Next thing she knew, he was in front of her with the bouquet and handing over money in exchange for it all the while sporting a winsome smile.

Giggling at her father's antics, her eyes sparkling with a combination of delight and mirth, she carefully inserted the money in the till before handing over the appropriate amount of change.

"These are perfect, I'm sure she will be absolutely delighted!"

Still smiling, she watched him leave the store and then turned to take care of a few last details so that she could hand over the task of minding the store to her replacement. Her duty finally completed for the day, she was ready to meet up with her father and eagerly hurried out the door to where he was waiting for her. Skipping up to him, she slipped her smaller hand into his with a cheerful grin.

"Shall we be off Otou-san~"

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Lesson Start

[everyonesfavouredvisionary]

A nod and a sweet smile, a few soft words of gratitude as he gracefully led his way through to the kitchen. The rooms were tidy for a house full of males, the elder teen leading his way through to a surprisingly clean kitchen. 

Lifting the kettle with one hand, he flicked the tap on with the other filling it again as he looked over at her. 

“Was there something in particular you wanted to start with?” He spoke softly as he pottered around the kitchen, putting the kettle on as he pulled cups and leaves out of the cupboard. His movements were fluid, practiced ease as he found the necessary things, making the tea as his distracted mind gave the tray wings bringing it over to the counter where the plates jumped on, the knife settling on top of them.

He froze for an instant glancing over at Yuzu as he realised what he’d done and that he had no idea if she knew about his powers or if she’d be freaked out by them. As he lifted the tea things onto the tray, he glanced over at her again a softly worried expression on his face.

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Chocolate hued orbs trailed curiously around as her host guided her towards the kitchen and found the layout to be more or less identical to her own dorm room. She was however pleasantly surprised at the tidiness considering a bunch of males resided here on their own but there was always the possibility that Gremmy had cleaned up before she arrived.

Remembering his instructions about letting him take care of the tea, she settled to watch his preparation from a vantage point where they could converse with ease without her getting in his way as he puttered about the kitchen.

His question had her slowly nodding as her mind wandered to the one subject she simply did not seem to do well in by her own individual effort no matter how hard she tried. The younger Kurosaki had long come to accept that she just did not have a maths brain and that her talents lay elsewhere, it made it easier to ask for help when she needed it.

“If we could start with maths... that’s really the only subject I have problems with...”

Yuzu watched with interest as the preparations were performed fluidly and without a hitch although she did breath a gasp of wonder when the tray suddenly sprouted wings and drifted over to where Gremmy needed it. Having grown used to seeing and hearing strange things thanks to her brother and sister, she wasn’t in the least bit bothered by the sight although the expression her host adopted made her want to laugh in amusement.

She really did try her best to hold her mirth at bay but eventually she could restrain herself no longer and a couple of giggles escaped her. Sending her companion a look of apology, she finally managed to calm herself and offer him a reassuring smile to set his mind at ease.

“It’s okay, it doesn’t bother me!”

[death-and-strawberry]

Ne ne Ichi-nii... want to go on a treasure hunt with me?

“A treasure hunt?” He wasn’t quite sure what she was talking about, but it had been a good while since they spent some quality sibling time together.

“Sounds like it could be fun. Where do we start?”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Eagerly waving around the first clue that she had placed into her pocket before racing off to find her older brother, she held it up for his inspection so that he could read it for himself. Yuzu tried her hardest not to fidget too much in her eagerness to get going but it couldn’t be helped when she would finally be getting to spend some good quality time with her precious older brother whom she hadn’t seen much of lately.

“It says we need to find a body of water without a pier.”

[dr-kurosaki-isshin]

Dinner and a Show (Isshin | Yuzu)

Isshin smiled widely as he looked at the time on the clock. He figured that today he would drop by that flower shop that his dear Yuzu worked. He was going to go see how she was doing and see if she wanted to make dinner together and maybe watch a movie or several. He knew that it was a weekday but he missed his smiling girl’s face dearly and hoped she hadn’t had dinner yet and was able to get off work. He picked up the papers needed to review and packed up his briefcase, making sure to lock up his office before heading out. He took his time getting to ‘Flowerets’, taking in all the sights he usually ignored or was to busy to look at. When he arrived at the shop, he stood outside the window, looking in at his little girl, who didn’t look so little anymore. He stood outside smiling to himself as he watched her deal with a customer and at how happy she was doing so. He paused. Had he ever seen his sweet little Yuzu this happy in Karakuratown? She had had happy moments there he knew for sure but here it wasn’t just a moment… There was happiness, constant. Here, she could do as she liked without worrying as to why her brother hadn’t been home in days, or if dinner was good enough for the family and about Ichigo’s and his childish fighting. Here she didn’t have to be a grown up. A small knot of guilt twisted itself up inside of him as he walked into the shop, bell ringing. Putting on a big smiled he walked up to his girl and wrapped her up into a big hug. “Honey, how have you been?” He asked, kissing the top of her head and releasing her. “I hope you’ve been as efficient and happy with your school work as you are while here.” He teased patting the top of her head lightly, making sure not wreck her hair. “Hey kiddo listen,” He started. “If you want, I was thinking that after your shift ends we could get together and cook dinner and watch movies.” He paused thinking for a moment. “Of course that is if you’re not busy with homework and if you want to hangout with your old man.”

[sweetpea-yuzu]

It had been a busy afternoon at Flowerets, making Yuzu glad that she didn't have any outstanding homework that needed completing. Ever since she had started working at the flower shop, she had developed the habit of taking her homework with her on the afternoons she had a shift directly after school, so that she could work on it when there were no customers. Today however, there had been a steady stream... a husband wanting a bouquet for his wife, a young woman wanting a get well soon arrangement for her sick mother in hospital, a father wanting the perfect gift for his little girl and far be it from her to forget the large order of table decorations, flower crowns, bouquets and buttonhole pieces for an upcoming wedding ceremony. Needless to say, the afternoon had been beyond busy...

The young Kurosaki had just finished bidding a satisfied customer farewell when she spotted a familiar but not unwelcome figure entering the store, her smile widening in welcome. Her arms were flung wide open to accept his loving embrace and she squeezed his back with fervour as she curled into her father's side.

"Otou-san! It's good to see you!"

The young girl pulled away slightly to pout at her father's teasing but was thankful nonetheless that he hadn't mussed her hair as he often did when lavishing her with affection. It wasn't something that she usually minded truth be told but she didn't want to imagine the reprimand she would receive from her boss if she tended to customers with an unkept appearance.

"Of course Otou-san, I even found myself a tutor so that I wouldn't fail math!"

Knowing that her lone parent's protective streak was just as bad as Ichigo's when it came to her and Karin, she decided it might be prudent to remain mum about the fact that her more-like-friend-than-supposed-tutor had gotten her flowers for Valentine's day and kissed on the cheek for New Years.

“Hey kiddo listen, if you want, I was thinking that after your shift ends we could get together and cook dinner and watch movies.”

A grin soon replaced the pout at her father's offer to spend some good quality time with her, something they didn't get to do as frequently anymore since they lived in separate dorms. Chocolate hued eyes shifted to glance at the clock on the wall, noting that it wasn't long until her stint behind the counter drew to a close.

"I'd really like that Otou-san! I'll be done in about 5 minutes."

[sweetpea-yuzu]

Yuzu stared at the sheet of paper in front of her, taking note of the elaborate emblem and flowery words but what really caught her attention was how it was signed.

"Eh... it's another pirate, like Ace-san..."