Messenger

Ino was always busiest at this time of year. Even when she was younger she couldn’t celebrate the holiday until the day was almost over because she was busy helping her mother out in the shop.

She use to gripe and moan but as she got older she began to get excited to prepare the many floral arrangements ordered for Valentines Day.

Especially now that her husband helped her out in the shop, spending most of the day with her, only stepping out to make deliveries.

At exactly noon the bell on the front door rang. Looking up from the counter where she was bundling up a bouquet, Ino saw a head of black hair enter the shop.

Right on time. As always.

“Hey Auntie Ino.”

Uchiha Sarada approached the counter. It was the same thing every year.

“Your father knows that it’s usually women that give gifts out on this day right?”

Every Valentine’s Day and every White Day, Ino had an order for a bouquet of daffodils from none other than Uchiha Sasuke. And every year Sarada came by to pick them up.

“Funny. He said to give you this if you said that.”

Sarada handed Ino an envelope. Opening it up she found a few bills for the payment and a letter. Ino unfolded the parchment and read: It’s none of your business Yamanaka.

Cheeks flushing red in anger, Ino almost took back the bouquet. Fortunately for him she couldn’t do that once she caught a glimpse of Sarada’s adorable eager face.

“What are you doing here?” Inojin had finally shown up to help his mother. “Another errand for your dad? He knows this is a holiday where traditionally women are the gift givers right?”

“It’s none of your business Inojin.”

Sarada narrowed her eyes at him in a glare reminiscent of her father and planted her fists on her hips. Ino almost burst out in a fit of giggles. It was like looking at a little Sasuke only with Sakura’s attitude.

“But yes I’m running errands. I gotta head out to the chocolatier now. Bye Auntie!”

---

“Sarada!”

Sarada paused and turned at the call of her name. Chocho was making her way towards her.

“Whatcha up to?”

“I’m on my way to pick up some chocolates.”

“From that fancy place? Count me in!”

“Oh.” Sarada shuffled her feet nervously. “They’re not for me. They’re for my mom.”

“Oh, please.” Chocho rolled her eyes. “We know they’re going to give you your own box.”

And sure enough when Sarada picked up the pre-ordered box of chocolates, the chocolatier gave her a smaller box of her own.

Sarada pulled out a second envelope from her pouch and handed it to the man. He opened it right in front of her and chuckled. Sarada noticed that he had pulled out more money than was due for the single box. It was just enough for the second box as well.

“Give your father my thanks for his continued patronage.”

“What did I tell you?” Chocho grinned smugly as they made their way towards the hospital.

“Yeah, yeah.” Sarada handed her the box. “Here you can have a few pieces.”

“Your dad always gets the good stuff.”

Sarada giggled. She had to agree. Her parents were just too cute.

---

Sarada wish she remembered to bring her phone with her. Her mother was always so cute when she got flustered.

No matter how many years passed by her mother always reacted the same way when Sarada popped into the hospital carrying the bouquet of flowers she loved so much.

Sakura’s face would flush pink and she would cover her face with her hands in embarrassment.

“You still have that vase right?” Sarada asked walking behind Sakura’s desk and looked in one of the cabinets for the ceramic vase she hid away just in case Ino or someone came by with flowers.

“He didn’t have to…” Sakura mumbled, unable to keep the smile out of her face.

Sarada rolled her eyes. Her mother wasn’t fooling anyone. She always got giddy when Sarada’s father was involved.

I swear it’s like they’re newlyweds.

“Can you help me with this?” Sakura asked pulling out a carton of tomatoes and a red ribbon from under her desk.

Nodding enthusiastically, Sarada helped her mother tie a neat bow on the box.

“You know where to find him?”

“Uh-huh.” Sarada nodded securing the carton in her pack. “He was going to be looking through the archives today. See ya at home, Mama.”

And with a wave she was off to continue playing messenger for her busy parents.