Title: White Widow
Chapter: One
Author: Blue Rose
Rating: M (Hard R)
Pairing: Sasuke/Sakura
Summary: "Running away was easy; not knowing what to do next was the hard part." - Sakura needed to stop fantasizing about running away to some other life, and start figuring out the one she had. [Sasu/Saku, Modern AU]
Warnings: Adult Content
Disclaimer: I own nothing, and I damn sure don't make a single red cent for this either. So please, don't sue the Blue
Author Notes: Welp, here it is. My first try at a multi-chap fic. Please be gentle, and if you like please don't forget to review/comment/like. A very special thank you to my beta: MySoberThoughts
"Running away was easy; not knowing what to do next was the hard part."
― Glenda Millard, A Small Free Kiss in the Dark
"I need to stop fantasizing about running away to some other life and start figuring out the one I have."
― Holly Black, The Darkest Part of the Forest
White Widow
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Chapter One
"You may have to come down further, just a bit." The woman leaned forward to peer at the traffic crawling by; her free hand pinched her jacket tighter at the collar, to keep the chill out. There were a lot of people lingering around, each waiting to be picked up.
"You still don't see me? I'm flashing my lights."
"Ah! I see you now. I'm waving. Yeah-... Hey! Slow down!" The woman lowered the phone from her ear, ending the call to put it away in her jacket.
The grey metallic i8 pulled up to the curb near her, uncaring of the startled looks the purring engine caused while ignoring the honking shuttle bus it cut off moments before. The trunk popped open and Sakura wasted no time in hurling her two suitcases inside, shutting it tightly before darting to the passenger side. She barely had time to shut the door before she was dragged into squealing warmth.
"I am so fucking excited you are here! You have no idea. Aaaaaah!" Leaning back, the blonde driver pulled away from her to straighten in her seat. She put her phone in the mount, securing her seatbelt before pulling away from the sidewalk, merging with traffic.
Sakura smiled, letting the heated seats the luxury car offered, take away the chill that settled in her bones. The month of April brought with it rain and chilly breezes, spreading moisture across the city. None of that would damper her mood though. It felt good to be home after being away since after the holidays.
"We get to keep you for a few months this time, don't we?" Ino asked, pulling into traffic smoothly. Sakura watched as a few raindrops splashed against Ino's windshield, confirming the weather report she saw before boarding her plane a few hours ago. It looked like it was going to be a cold and wet night. That was fine with her… she had no immediate plans, other than eating some food and crashing in her nice, comfortable bed. Being on a flight for a few hours tended to take a lot out of her, no matter how frequent she flew. She glanced out the window, impatient to catch sight of the familiar city she missed.
"Yeah, I'll be here for a while. I was thinking of enrolling in a few summer courses in the meantime."
"What!? Does that mean you're back for good? You're going to go back to school full time?! Your mother must have flipped-"
"Wait, wait! I didn't say that! I just said I was thinking of signing up for a few classes... jeez."
The blonde visibly deflated, not very happy with the clarification. Gods, when was she going to come home and stay home? She understood… to some extent… this need to get away. But Sakura had been on the run for long enough. Ino almost missed her exit and decided to pay a bit more attention to driving. She followed the signs to the parkway, eager to escape the late night airport gridlock.
"Are you going up to see your parents?"
"Sort of, my mom is going to meet me in town this weekend. Dad is in Europe till the end of summer."
"I just saw Aunt Mebuki; last week at my mom's house, when I went for a visit. They were discussing their New York Fashion Week trip."
Their mothers started a small jewelry company when the girls were in middle school. Using collected scraps of gold and silver that was melted down to create one-of-a-kind pieces, the business flourished. Soon the label became iconic, worn by celebrities and the general masses alike. It had made millions in revenue by the time the girls were in high school.
Sakura really got into photography around then, taking pictures for the website and advertisements; Ino and herself being the unofficial face of the company as they modeled most of the pieces. Their lifestyle changed from the comfortable middle class one they'd been accustomed too, but both families managed to remain fairly grounded. Just recently a mega fashion brand collaborated with them, and their designs sparkled down the runways of NYFW.
"I'm driving back up there in two weeks if you want to-"
"No… I'm good."
Gentle… but firm. It was meant as a way to end that particular topic of conversation. Ino was never one to back down so easily though.
"Sakura-"
"I'm starving. Can we get something to eat?" She turned and flashed a smile, rummaging through her pocket for her phone. Ino looked at her from the corner of her eye, allowing her to drop the touchy subject … for now. She cocked her head back, looking in her blind spot before switching lanes, heading downtown.
"…Sure. What do you want? Something quick?"
"Yeah… Oh! Can we go to Quick-Shack? I would kill for a burger and chocolate shake." Sakura checked her messages, making sure her phone was off airplane mode. "Do you know if Kiba is around? I meant to text him before take-off. Definitely need to link up with him."
Two missed calls from an unknown number? That was strange. ' Hmmm. '
"Sounds like someone hasn't smoked in ages." Ino snickered.
Sakura rolled her eyes, but did not disagree, lifting her head to look at her.
"The new Associate Director joined the last leg of the trip, when we traveled through Manila. A real asshole that makes it his mission to dictate off-hour activities… which includes 'indulging' during work nights, by the way." Sakura grumbled, sinking down in the seat with folded arms. "There was no way in hell I was going to smoke around him. Not that I had any with me."
Ino snorted, hands steady on the wheel, navigating the slick roads with ease. She got over again before turning right, taking them further in town and closer to their destination. "But yeah, Kiba's here." She answered her original question. "Just saw him a few days ago." She kept an eye out for parking when they got close. "He's got a new puppy; courtesy of his mom."
"Oh yeah… his dog did pass away. Shit, I forgot that fast. I called him after you told me. He sounded fine, but I know he loved that mutt." She grabbed her purse from the back seat as Ino parked then turned the car off, utilizing the push to start/stop feature. Sakura slipped off her seatbelt and moved to open the door when her forearm was grasped, halting her movement. Her green eyes looked at her in askance, but Ino just grasped her hand, squeezing gently before meeting her eyes.
"I'm really glad you're home, Sakura."
She smiled in return, all cheeks and dimples and full of sincerity.
"I missed you too, Ino."
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A muffled knock echoed through the foyer as Kiba shuffled his way towards the entrance. He knew exactly who it was, having already looked at the camera on his phone before buzzing them through, into the lobby downstairs. Tugging on the dark blue beanie covering his chocolate locks, he opened the door.
The guest on the other side smiled in greeting, but her attention was quickly snatched away. The little, white, ball of fluff (that she quickly scooped up), was allshe cared about.
She completely ignored him in favor of his new pet.
The cooing and baby talk would normally make him gag, but he held back from saying something rude and allowed her to get it all out. The little bastard was cute, he would give her that. The corners of his eyes crinkled as the pup whimpered and barked back, his tongue whipping through the air as he tried to lick her face, but she only allowed him her chin, snuggling him closer.
"I could just eat you up, why are you so fucking adorable?!" Sakura spoke to the puppy in her arms. She finally looked up, shooting him a sad smile. "I'm sorry… about Kuromaru."
He just rolled his eyes and shrugged, turning to lead her through the dark apartment. The dimmed, recess lighting and fireplace provided enough light to follow him, though she had been here enough times to know the layout. She was use to his darkness, something about 'low lighting activating your circadian' or whatever. He always did prefer dark spaces since she'd known him.
"When did you get back to D.C.?" Kiba asked.
"Flight landed last night. Ino came and picked me up. I'm still kind of jet-lagged, so this will be right on time."
She folded her leg beneath her, arranging her dress before accepting the beer he brought. He turned and retreated towards the back of the apartment. She took a few generous sips as he returned, making his way over to sit beside her. He sat a dark chest on the table and she peeked inside, watching as he began to sort through his stash.
"I got this new shit in, called 'Wedding Crasher', but most of it is spoken for. I can give you a few grams of that, and mix and match the rest. You know, how you normally like." He took out the digital scale and zips, going to work. Sakura enjoyed another taste of the chilled beverage, licking the dew left on her top lip.
"Yeah, that's fine." She said absent minded, watching Akamaru ran past carrying his ball, skirting around the couch to his little doggie bed in the corner.
Settling back into the cushions, she took in the ambiance around the apartment. She noticed the brand new candles on the dinner table first. Standing tall and untouched, the wicks still a bright white with a fine coating of wax. They complimented a freshly laid dish set and wine glasses. More candles were neatly arranged around the fireplace, while two thick, scented ones burned behind the chest he was working out of. The hazelnut scent drifting past her nose was divine. The place was spotless even by his normal clean standards… and the music humming through the built-in Bluetooth speakers around the living space gave her all the hints she needed.
He certainly did not do all of this for her, she was sure. He said so himself, earlier when they spoke, that he had plans after six o'clock. So that must mean…
"Are you expecting company over later?" She suddenly asked before sitting her beer down, her green eyes darting to his face. And by company, she meant date. She was positive he understood the meaning. Kiba didn't look at her, but even with the low lighting, she could see the faint splash of color spreading across his cheeks, doing him in before he had a chance to fib. But what really gave him away was him, pausing in his task to swipe up her beer bottle and put it on a nearby coaster. Her eyes widened at the gesture.
"You are!" He winced and continued working, not looking her way. "What's her name? Is she pretty? She must be pretty. Do we get to meet her?"
"I don't know," He breathed, lips twitching in amusement. "-going be around when I do?"
"Buuuuuuuuurn..." Her nose crinkled as she complained. He smirked as he finished gathering serval bags into a black mesh one, zipping it up and handing it to her.
"There are a few extra grams for Ino's flighty ass since we never know if she's smoking."
Yeah, leave it to Ino to proclaim; completely out the blue mind you, a 'new journey into clean living' and 'I'm going to do away with all nasty habits' (usually to impress the new, flavor of the week she's dating). This only lasted until she got bored and would soon have no problem in randomly sparking up one.
Kiba's phone went off; a short melody that had him reaching in his pocket, fingers unlocking the device and moving across the screen while he continued. "And there are a few samples in, from Cali; I thought you'd like to try."
"Oooooh, freebies! I'll pass on cookies, if you put some in there, though." She made a face, sticking her tongue out. "You have the best weed, but your edibles taste like-", a pound at the door had both turning their heads. She perked up, attention drawn across the room.
"Is that her?" Sakura asked, eyes darting between him and the door. He raised an eyebrow at her, slowly shaking his head as he tried to hide his amusement. She didn't believe him and hopped up. "Can I answer it?!" Why was she so excited? Before he could say another word she moved swiftly… and swung the door open with a flourish, anxious to meet this new, pretty young hottie in Kiba's life. As her bangs settled from the abrupt wind displacement, she peaked through, to notice quite a few things at once.
This was not the date Kiba was expecting for a romantic evening tonight.
That did not make her assumptions about 'pretty young hottie' any less true, however. Although… young was a bit of a stretch.
But... God damn was he hot...
"S-... Sasuke?"
Yeah, he really was standing there in front of her, in all of his tall glory, wasn't he? Obsidian eyes that were once focused on the two duffle bags he grasped in his hands, quickly lifted at the sound of her voice. Surprise stretched across his features, the look so unguarded and innocent like, it caused a hitch in her breath... her heart started to flutter with increased beats as they took one another in. Her eyes flickered up and down…
Took in the curve of his jaw…
Quickly darting to the hoodie stretched across his chest beneath the open jacket…
His weight shifted from one foot to the other, her eyes shooting back up… hopefully quick enough to be missed. It would do her no favors to be caught gawking. It eased her somewhat, to see he was doing the same. But not… exactly with her approach.
No…
Not him… he…
He took his time…
At least… it felt that way, as his eyes took her in from head to toe. That dark… penetrating gaze seemed to be everywhere at once; taking his sweet time in sizing her up... settling on the naked strip of flesh the tall combat boots and dress didn't cover. She instantly regretted andpraised her fashion choice as the heat in that gaze almost became a tangible thing.
At least... now that she thought about it… she hoped it was her thighs that caught his attention, and where his eyes were currently lingering. She made some sort of weird noise in the back of her throat that broke whatever spell the two of them had been under, and she just knew crimson was dusting her cheekbones right now.
Sasuke took in a breath, fingers closing tightly around the straps in his hands. He cocked his head, finally meeting her eyes once again. At that moment, it was hard to look away. His mouth parted, and her eyes immediately glanced to those soft, looking lips.
The moment was not meant to last.
A small yip alerted them to the excited pups' presence, near their feet. Akamaru was eager to greet the new guest that arrived.
"Yo." Kiba called from somewhere inside the apartment. Sasuke looked past her shoulder, before meeting her eyes, once again. She released an unsteady breath, and that shook him free of the spell that wove its way around them both. With a small grunt Sasuke stepped forward, causing her to scramble back, and out of the way… least she get run over by the hundred seventy plus male. She pressed against the door as he moved passed her, his jacket still carrying the chill from outside.
"You're late," Kiba said with no real heat, moving so Sasuke could go around him. Sasuke only mumbled something under his breath as he passed him, slipping down the hall towards the bedrooms. Kiba gave a dismissive wave of his hand and made his way back towards Sakura, who was tapping rapidly on her phone. She looked up just as his own phone chirped in answer… the familiar app tone alerting him of the completed transaction before she even opened her mouth to explain.
"I just transferred the money." She confirmed, raising her phone in his direction, her smile not reaching her eyes. "It should cover all that I owe from last time too." She grabbed her jacket, slipping it over her sweater dress and grabbing her purse and keys from the table. "I'd love to stay, but I know you're expecting company and all. Good luck tonight, we'll catch up soon, yeah?" She slowly backed away, tugging her dress hem as she waved. The door closed firmly behind her… Akamaru barking his goodbye, even though he wasn't ready for her to go. Kiba was a little taken aback with her swift departure, but didn't dwell on the reasons why.
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Sasuke let the bags drop to the carpet, the muffled thump cut through the silence in the room as they landed on the floor. He just needed a moment to gather his thoughts. He did not like to be caught unawares like that. Damnit… his heart was just starting to calm to its normal, resting rate. Her face was definitely not one he was expecting to see. And Kiba, the bastard… he could have given some warning. But… then again, why would he? How was he to know that her being here, with him, at the same time… would be an issue?
Wait…
Was it an issue?
Sasuke scoffed and straightened. No… there wasn't a problem. He was perfectly fine. With whatever this was…
' Which was absolutely nothing, by the way. ' he thought.
At least, he presumed it was nothing…
He sucked his teeth.
' Stop thinking. ' he said to himself. Why was he getting so twisted and bent out of shape? He's fine….
Everything is fine.
' So stop cowering in here like some child, and go out there. ' he chastised himself. Sasuke made his way back out to the living room. His eyes darted around, but he didn't spot the little, pink-haired minx anywhere.
"Sakura booked… 'think she was in a rush or something." Kiba supplied without being asked, explaining her disappearance. He didn't seem concerned, which meant he probably hadn't a clue as to what was going on between them. ' Good ', he thought, rolling his shoulder. His arm tingled briefly from an old sports injury, the damp weather not helping.
"I wasn't interrupting anything… was I?"
Sasuke thought the question wouldn't garner too much attention. It was just a simple inquiry, right? Nothing too out the ordinary. But he was Sasuke Uchiha. He did not ask useless questions or bother with small talk, for the most part. Those around him knew that, as well. This was why Sasuke's sudden… curiosity, with a certain woman, piqued Kiba's interest.
"No… she was just getting a re-up. Nothing new. Why?"
"No reason… just haven't seen her around." He could still play it off… he wasn't that obvious.
Kiba stopped, pausing in lighting the joint dangling from his lips. He blinked once… then twice, before opening his mouth.
"Holy shit..." Kiba breathed.
' Fuck. ' A frown tightened Sasuke's mouth and he knew he wasn't going to like where this conversation was going.
"You like her... don't you?" Didn't he have somewhere to be? He was sure there were more important things he should be doing right now, then answering questions he wasn't sure he even knew the answers to. "Holy shit… it's true. You two did hook up!"
"Can you shut up?" Was there anything else they could be talking about right now? Besides, how the fuck did he even figure it out?
Kiba passed him to put up his stash in the room; the one he brought out for Sakura, and the new bundles of inventory Sasuke just dropped off. Locking the safe he went to the kitchen to offer Sasuke a beer, whom polity refused with a shake of his head. "I already told you I was seeing someone." He answered his original question, putting any suspicion regarding him and Sakura hooking up to rest.
"You never said who." His brows drew together. Now he was starting to feel a bit foolish.
"I think if I bagged Sakura, you would know about it. As far back as we go and have known each other..." He trailed off. "If it were to happen… it would have happened by now. I don't think I'd be able to keep something like that to myself." Kiba chuckled, cleaning off the table. It wasn't meant to be disrespectful, just a matter of fact. And it was true enough, wasn't it? Kiba normally was not the type to brag… but the gods themselves would not be able to stop the smug, shit-eating grin he would have sported on his face for quite a while, after, if he had. She was a beautiful girl that anyone would proudly claim. He was never one to truly kiss and tell but that was a secret he would inevitably share.
' I could keep it to myself ', Sasuke replied in his thoughts. He had, for the most part. Maybe that's what had him on edge for a moment. It seemed not too many people knew what happened between them, among their mutual acquaintances. At least… that's what he thought until Kiba opened his mouth.
Wanting to drop the topic entirely, he shifted focus to why he was here in the first place and nodded towards the back. "That's the last we have till next weekend, just a heads up." He said, referring to the packs he'd just dropped off. Kiba grunted, indicating he heard him as he went about cleaning the living room table. Pausing, Sasuke took a moment to look around, his gaze sweeping the loft.
"Are you expecting company?" Sasuke asked, with a furrowed brow. Kiba stiffened, clutching the multipurpose cleaner in his hand, just a bit too tightly.
"…Good-Bye, Sasuke."
END CHAPTER
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