The Marionette
Chapter two: Of Dreams and a Spa Day
Music, eerie music, like that of a small music box given to a child, played distantly in the background. She felt cold as ice staring into a mirror, but no one stared back, only a dark silhouette of what she thought was supposed to be her. She felt a light tug at her hair and turned to see a shadowed woman brushing her long silky hair. The girl was dressed in rags, clothes stitched together from possible hand-me-downs. Her eyes were worn and cold.
The maid then dropped the locks and left the young girl alone. She looked down at her lap and saw her hands. They were decked out in gorgeous jewels, but none stood out as brilliantly as the huge diamond ring on her left hand. To her, it weighed a ton. It was a symbol…but for what? She looked passed her hands and saw the elegant velvet skirt that was laid across her small delicate legs. Light pink white a white lace. She knew it was the only thing that filled her closet. Someone, but who is unknown to her, had told her that in order to appease her future husband she must be a doll in light happy colors.
It sickened her. She stood and felt a scream rise from her delicate throat. The mirror before her began to shatter. "Sakura!"
Said Sakura opened her eyes and was staring at her vanity mirror. Her tired eyes stared back at her and behind her was a raven haired man she called a fiancé. His worried eyes stared at her as well. Sakura turned and gave him a wary smile.
Sasuke stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, "I've never seen you sleepwalk before…" He tightened his grip and Sakura melted into it. She laid her soft pink locks on his shoulder and closed her emerald eyes. She felt his hands rub her back.
"I think its nerves," Sakura offered, "The wedding is getting so close…" all she got in reply was a grunt. The girl knew that was his way of agreeing.
"Maybe you should take a few days off from work and relax, with the wedding a few weeks away, you'll need the extra hours of R&R," his cool voice washed over her like a cold ocean wave. It calmed her down. She felt another wave, one of exhaustion.
She sighed and felt trapped to the whim, "I'm tired, I think I'll just go to bed now," Sasuke nodded and thought nothing more of it and led her to the bed, where he laid down. His even breathing came soon after, telling the girl he was asleep. Despite her obvious sleepiness, she couldn't sleep. Her mind was racing with the images from her dream. The beautiful pink dress with the delicate jewels on her fingers were still burned in her memory.
When morning came, Sakura had one hell of a headache. She groaned and looked at the clock. Instead of red numbers telling her the time, she saw a yellow torn piece of paper with writing scrawled across it. The young woman rubbed the sleep from her eyes and grabbed the message. In he soon-to-be-husband's handwriting was a little note.
'Sakura, before you go berserk over the time, I already called you in sick. You should take today and spend it for yourself. Go to the spa with Ino or Hinata, but please just relax. Sasuke.'
Sakura sighed and figured she had no choice in the matter. So she did what any girl with a whole day off would do, "Ino," the cherry blossom haired girl mumbled into the phone, "you want to go to the spa? It's all on me…"
She closed her eyes and pushed the phone away from her head hearing the girl on the other end screaming about how that was a great idea. Once the eccentric blonde quieted down she told Sakura that she would invite Hinata and maybe TenTen.
After hanging up, the bride-to-be went to brush her hair and put on some simple relaxing clothes. Ino usually pestered her when she wore anything but the best, but Sakura simply liked her pink sweats and matching jackets with a white tank top best.
After slipping on her shoes she walked outside and smiled. The sky was blue and the clouds were puffy. The day was going to be perfect and Sakura just knew it.
She reached the café, where the girls usually met, and sat down to wait for the others. Time slowly passed, but soon enough Hinata arrived. Her dark raven-blue hair fell in waves down her back and a deep permanent blush was spread across her cheeks. She had unusual eyes, due to a birth defect, that only affected her family. They were pale lavender with an almost pearl center.
Like Sakura, Hinata was engaged to the mayor's son, Naruto. Unlike Sakura, she had been so for only a few months, after it seemed like the shy girl had been virtually stalking Naruto. They started dating one night after some gushy romantic tale of love.
Hinata had been walking home from her father's dojo, where she worked as an instructor for her family's famous 'gentle fist' technique. It was a cold rainy like night, and the girl was rushing home. She came across a scene that was hard to look away from. In an alleyway, she spotted Naruto being brutally beaten by a group of guys. Each man had many a piercing, and it was obvious they were gang related. Hinata couldn't bear to watch the boy she had loved for so long be hurt, so she jumped in front of the hurt boy and took a stand against the men. She managed to fend off a few, but their ring leader, a man with orange fire like hair, was too much.
The young Hyuuga gasped for air, but her determination was not to be trifled with. The man stepped forward and asked her why the trash was so important to her. Why she put her life on the line for someone like that, when she was clearly outmatched.
Hinata only grinned, "Because I love him…" it was then she pushed herself forward, only to be met with the man's knife. Blood poured down the girl's chin and she fell before Naruto. The blonde boy's rage had flared and he launched himself on the attacker, knocking him out long enough for him to rush Hinata to the hospital.
Sakura remembered that night, because she was working that night and had come across the room with the Hyuuga girl. The wounds should have been bad, but it was nothing to Hinata. There had been a small book in her coat pocket, some stupid little thing she had rented from the library. It had slowed the knife down just enough for the would to miss anything too vital.
The bubble gum blonde smiled thinking of how Naruto refused to leave her side the entire four days she had been unconscious, and when she awoke he wrapped his arms around her tightly and told her how he thought he had lost her. It was touching to watch. Hinata paid for the damages on the book, but insisted on keeping the little how to book.
The irony of the story: 'How to confess' was the title given to the book. Hinata believed it was fate, Sakura believed it was pure coincidence and a bit fairy tale.
Sakura looked up and greeted the Hyuuga girl. Hinata smiled back, "I thought you would be working this morning?"
"No," Sakura sighed, "Sasuke said I should probably take the next few days off…"
Hinata nodded, "I see," she sat down and looked over the menu, "How is Sasuke?" she shy woman muttered.
Green eyes stared off in another direction, "He's been normal, I guess," Sakura smiled, "Work picked up, so he's been busier than he usually is, but I think it had something to do with Sasuke trying to embarrass his brother at the last meeting,".
Hinata giggled, "Naruto said something about wanting to hang out with Sasuke sometime before the wedding, he said it won't be as fun if Sasuke was married…"
A vein on Sakura's forehead popped out and her lips twisted in an odd manner, "I don't even want to know what kind of fun…"
The Hyuuga heiress must've realized what a possibly was for she lit up like a tomato and started stuttering like crazy.
"What did you do to make the poor girl malfunction?" TenTen walked up. She had her hair twisted in her signature twin bun style. Her clothes were always traditional Chinese wear. Today it was a tan dress with darker tan knots and black pants beneath the dress, with matching slippers. She sat down and laughed at Hinata's face.
"She realized Naruto wants to take Sasuke out for some 'fun' before he gets married," Sakura explained.
TenTen laughed, "You make it seem dirtier than just strip clubs and what not…"
Sakura laughed, "Yeah…"
The tall woman beside Sakura was a known weapons collector. She had an OCD when it came to them, and she learned how to use each one. This months model was an old shinobi weapon called a kunai. Sakura knew the girl was deadly with each one after the month was up and also knew better than to mess with her.
Sakura had an inkling that TenTen had a 'secret' crush on Hinata's elder cousin, Neji. He was a tough and powerful Hyuuga, though when the girls were all younger, he would be the perfect model for their dress up fashion shows, with his hair being ultra long.
The last to show was Ino, who, as expected, greeted Sakura with, "Who dressed who? Is your power out?"
Sakura felt her eyebrow twitch, "No, Ino-pig,"
The four girls sat and talked for a few moments before heading to the Konoha spa. The tall building spread out across one full block, but it was reasonable once inside. The first room was purely glass. The frosted glass desk sat in the center with two doors on either side. Both crystal and frosted potted plants were spread around room, though the plants themselves were real. A woman stood behind the desk and smiled, "Welcome to Konoha's Spa." she gestured for them to walk up to the desk to sign in.
She was a tall woman, with short and shaggy orange hair. Her eyes were dull, like she didn't want be there. She pushed forward a packet for them to choose what treatment they wanted.
Sakura was about to speak, but Ino pushed her out of the way and checked a bunch of boxes and pushed the paper back, "For all of us," she then pulled out her little purple pocket book and handed the woman a full payment.
"Don't worry forehead, it's not all mine, Hinata and TenTen chipped in," The pink haired girl was going to protest, but her friends just smiled, "What kind of bridal party would we be if we let you pamper us before her wedding?" Ino grinned.
The emerald eyed bride opened her mouth, but closed it and smiled softly, "Thanks you guys…"
The woman behind the desk handed them small plastic bands. The ones they received were deep red. Each band they had were different colors and sometimes mixed with words, to tell the spotters, life guards, and massage therapists exactly what the spa goers were wanting. Deep red was for the weights, pool, full body massage, sauna, and hot tub. Plus two choices of other therapeutic choices, such as mud bath, of manicures and pedicures.
Hinata instantly started them towards the weights and exercise equipment. The tall brunette girl among them, decided she wanted to do some running and mounted a treadmill. Ino smiled and dragged Sakura to the bikes. The Hyuuga girl didn't mess with the weights or running equipment, she went straight to a small padded area and began her gentle fist practice.
Sakura climbed the small stationary bike and sighed. Was this really all she needed, a day with the girl of nothing but stress relief? While it was true that she had never slept walked before, she was unusually stressed from a mixture of work and nerves.
When she was sure her legs were sore enough and she was too tired to go any longer, Ino had decided that the girls needed some swim time. Sakura groaned when she looked at the huge pool. It was filled with people swimming laps and doing water aerobics. The pink haired girl, honestly, didn't want to climb into the pool.
TenTen sighed, "Looks like swimming is out…" She looked over and grinned, "But not the hot tub!" the three other girls glanced over at the empty bubbling tub.
Ino squealed in delight and raced to the water and jumped in. The blonde immediately began yelping about the water's temperature. "Hot! Hot! Hot!" The Hyuuga girl giggled and slowly lowered herself into the steaming hot water. She tied her hair into a messy bun and leaned against the wall.
TenTen stepped in and began rubbing the water up her arms and relaxing. The last to settle in the water was Haruno. She closed her green orbs and leaned back, letting the hot soothing water take over her stress. The small bubbled tickled her sides gently, almost as if they were telling her she was going to be perfectly fine and that they were taking care of her problems.
She almost caught herself falling asleep, yet she still slipped into a deep, hot, soothing water induced sleep.
The girl looked up into the cold, dark emeralds that were her mother's eyes. "You know better than to act up!" the woman shouted.
She grabbed the girl's hands and dragged her to a dark room. The girl instantly felt chills run down her spine. She knew this place and knew it well. The girl was dropped on her knees in the center of the room, and was left behind by the mother. The woman disappeared into the blackness.
Curling up her fingers, the girl began to sob. She cried out words left unheard. What seemed like an eternity in the black room, passed. Steps were heard coming towards her. Fear rose in her throat and she bit her lip. Her mother had come back.
"Have you learned?" the girl choked out a sob and nodded pitifully. The woman grabbed her hand and began dragging her to the outside rooms.
Light painfully hit the girl's eyes. She was back in her room. A soft sigh of relief escaped the girl. Her mother's cold eyes darted to her, "You're lucky we're giving you to the Uchiha prince, otherwise you're fate would not be so happy…"
Uchiha? That's right, the young woman was engaged to the young prince of this land. She glanced at the gorgeous ring on her finger. There was a small fan underneath the diamond, showing brilliantly to the top. It was that royal symbol.
"Sakura," her mother's voice was soft, "I know you're an odd child, but shattering the mirror with your favorite music box?" the tall woman picked up the small box with the cherry blossom trees and pretty river.
The girl, now Sakura, stared blankly. She knew any words that came from her mouth would only further anger her mother. The woman was power hungry and ever since her husband, Sakura's father, had died, she was trying to push the pink haired girl off to some wealthy landowner or duke. What really amazed all was that the price, himself, wanted Sakura. "A perfect doll," he had said.
Sakura hated being called a doll. She had never sported any kind of bruise or cut. The young woman was supposed to be absolutely perfect. From her soft pink curls to her pale porcelain skin. Her hands were supposed to be soft and warm for her future husband. Everything was to be up to standard for her wedding.
The elder woman turned to her again, "Sakura…"
"Sakura?" Ino's worried voice broke through her dream. She opened her eyes to see a huge window. Out side dark clouds had begun to congregate in the once blue sky.
"You suddenly jumped up and started walking towards the window…" Ino grabbed her shoulder. Sakura hissed at the cold touch. Her body was burning up. The blonde gasped, "Sakura! We need to get you home!"
The pinkette shook her head, "No, it's just the hot water…" Ino furrowed her brow, "If you say so…" Ino knew the girl had been out of the water longer and shouldn't be so warm.
TenTen pulled herself out of the water, "Let's just head to the sauna now…"
Hinata nodded in agreement, "I think it would be best," She grabbed Sakura's hand and pulled her to the small steam filled room.
Sakura sat down and was immediately hit with a barrage of questions.
"What was that about!"
"Are you okay?"
"I didn't know you sleepwalked!"
"When did this start happening?"
"Should we go see a doctor?"
Sakura sighed, "Last night I did the same thing…" she began, "I was dreaming of a beautiful room, where I was this young girl. I was upset…my hand curled up where I was staring at a ring on my hand. There was a girl dressing me up and suddenly she left. I stood and screamed. The mirror in front of me, which was shadowed…it shattered and someone screamed my name." her friends listened intently, "I opened my eyes to see Sasuke standing behind me. He questioned me, about the episode."
Ino frowned, "You're too stressed…"
"That's why I'm here," Sakura groaned, "But I don't think it's working," she felt tears slide down her cheeks, or was it sweat? Sakura didn't know anymore what she was feeling. Her mind spun and she felt a dark spot in her heart. What was the feeling that was supposed to be there? Was it even a feeling? Or was it some mental sickness that she had idea she even had? Maybe she would go see a doctor.
She gasped feeling her friends surround her, she was caught in an embrace, "Sakura," Hinata started, "We're here for you…"
"Yeah, forehead," Ino grinned, "I'm your best friend, so you know I'll support you."
TenTen laughed, "You're a good person, I trust you even if you're crazy, but personally I think you're just nervous."
Sakura smiled, "I know, guys, I know."
The rest of the 15 minute sit in the sauna was spent talking about dates and jobs. Sakura was too distanced to even pay attention. Her dreams were too weird. She made a mental note to go see the doctor about them.
After the girls stepped out of the sauna, they dried off and redressed. Next would be the manicures and pedicures.
The room was a natural setting. Palm trees lining the walls with a mini waterfall in the center of the room. There was a man who directed the girls toward a rack with an array of nail polishes to choose. TenTen chose a dark green color, whereas Ino went for purple. Hinata squealed about all of her choices. She finally decided on a lavender than matched her eyes.
Sakura grabbed a small bottle. She looked at the name, pastel cherry blossom. Not only would this color match her wedding dress, but her name as well. What about this color was she attracted to? Ino smiled, "That would be pretty on you," Sakura stared at the bottle and shoved it back on the shelf. The girl instantly grabbed another bottle, not even bothering to see which one, or read its name.
Tears were blinding her as she stepped to the small desk. Why was life being cruel to her? She was depressed looking at her favorite color. Maybe she had finally cracked…
She closed her eyes as the woman before her massaged a honey and milk mixture into her hands. A cool feeling washed over her mind as she let go of everything. She felt a small smile grace her lips. Hot wax was spread onto her hands in a small bag and she watched as the liquid became more firm around her fingers. After a few minutes, the manicurists came back with hot towels to place over her forearms.
It caused a fuzzy feeling to take over the bride-to-be. The rest of the manicure went as such. Time came for the nail treatment. The tall woman clipped at her cuticles and filed the nails to a beautiful shape. She pulled the bottle Sakura had grabbed and began to drip a blood red color onto her nails.
The polish version of blood covered the small nails and filled Sakura with even more relief. It was a beautiful color.
Ino gasped, drawing Sakura from her calm state, "Sakura…that color is too dark for the wedding…it'll…all your decorations are pastel…"
Sakura smiled, "I like it though."
It was the end of that conversation as Sakura turned to the nails and smiled again. The pedicure went the same way, with Sakura left marveling at the blood red toes, "They remind me of my master's…" she thought about the head doctor at the hospital, Tsunade, also being the same woman who taught her.
The sky was partially clouded with grey rain clouds. Sakura felt the cool air on her skin. The flower shop owner started yowling about the humidity being hell for her hair. Hinata just smiled and told her about her new shampoo that would probably help her with that kind of problem.
Sakura tuned out again and felt the icy air bite at her. Last spring wasn't like this, nor was any spring before that. Rain in Konoha didn't usually show up until early summer. Spring was warm and beautiful and summer was humid and rainy then hot and dry, perfect for the summer festivities that took place.
The girls parted ways and it left the Haruno girl walking home on her own. Her thoughts filled with the dark dreams and red nails. She grinned softly and opened her door to her and her fiancé's apartment. Silence met her and she set her bag on the coffee table.
She danced happily to the kitchen and made herself some thing for lunch. The green-eyed girl hadn't even noticed the time and was quite surprised when the door opened and revealed Sasuke walking in. He closed his eyes and kicked off his shoes, "Sakura?" he walked up.
His cool eye slightly warmed up as a simple smirk twitched his lips. The raven haired man held out his hand and took her small delicate one in his. The Uchiha pulled her towards him and he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace.
She giggled softly as he pulled away, "Are you feeling better? I ran into Naruto who said you did go to the spa with Hinata."
Sakura nodded, "I had a nice day, but…" her eyes darted away, suddenly finding the floor more interesting. She could still feel his eyes burning her with their stare.
"What happened?" his voice was cold, but she could hear the underlying worry. That was so like Sasuke. He can't let his cold demeanor drop even when there is something obviously wrong with her. She grinned coldly herself.
"I fell asleep in the hot tub…I guess it happened again and I stopped and stopped in front of the window just staring…" she sighed softly, "Ino woke me, but it's not the act of walking it's the dreams that accompany them…" Sakura glanced up a tad irritated when Sasuke's phone went off and he shushed her to answer it.
The raven haired man just walked off and started talking about work to whomever was on the other line.
That was another thing. Sakura knew she was supposed to be getting used to this, now that the company was about to be transferred to him, but she couldn't help it. He just wasn't the Sasuke she had fallen in love with. He was terribly busy after work and was constantly growing further away from her.
Giving up on him coming back anytime soon, she walked to her room to grab her journal, the one she deliberately didn't write in. It was a Christmas gift from Ino, to write down her feelings. Sakura hated doing such things, but maybe she could get her stress out if she took one of her own advice. When patients would fret about upcoming events or were just having serious trouble going on daily, she let them in on a little secret. People who write non stop for about fifteen minutes a day, would have clearer consciences and leave them feeling better. It was good for the mind, but also the immune system.
With the brain having less to hold, it could work on maintaining the body. Even if the patients didn't believe it, they still tried it and did feel better. So, she would try it. Sakura opened the crisp book and looked at the empty lined paper. A small cherry blossom watermark was printed in the corner. The girl smiled softly and grabbed her pen. Once the tip hit the paper, she let her self flow into the paper. She hadn't noticed the time shooting by until she had looked up and gasped. The clock read 8:47 p.m. It was about an hour after she had started writing.
There were several pages filled with her tiny cursive. Sakura felt her eyes droop. They were sore from concentrating so hard on the paper. Her hand was also cramping up, so she felt it was time for a much needed dinner-type-meal. In the kitchen, Sasuke sat reading the paper. She was sure he had probably read it a few times over the course of the day, but he usually did this.
She walked to the cabinet and pulled out a can of soup. It would be quick and simple, she reasoned, then after wards she could try and get Sasuke to go watch a movie with her.
Haruno emptied the contents into a small pot and turned the heat up. Silence, thick and obvious, filled the kitchen and the pink haired girl would occasionally steal glances at her future husband. His raven hair hung like silk thread over his even darker eyes. A smirk was etched where his lips were as he probably read over the mini comics. A small 'secret' love of his.
She felt a swarm of butterflies rise in her belly when she looked at the way he would lick his lips when the smell of the soup would hit him. Sakura turned to see the soup bubbling wildly. She laughed to herself, for the soup reminded her of her good friend Naruto, and Sasuke was licking his lips.
She pulled it from the heat and turned the stove off and poured the now hot soup into a set of bowls. At the table she dipped a cracker into the creamy soup and began eating. Sasuke looked at her with his dark cold eyes, and only she could see the love and care in them. She blushed and turned away, "I'm sorry, it's not a big meal, but I'm just not in the mood to …try…and make something edible," she laughed nervously about her inability to cook, "But a few more lessons with Hinata and I'll be able to make home made breaded chicken and cheesy rice!"
Sasuke leaned over and pressed his lips to hers gently, "This meal is good as long as I'm sharing it with you…" Sakura gushed at one of his more rare romantic moments. They came far and few between, but she knew he meant them.
A newer, calm silence befell the two and she smiled softly and finished off her bowl. Now that her stomach was satisfied, she sauntered over to Sasuke and cuddled his face in a way she knew irritated him, "How about we go watch a movie or something!"
The Uchiha thought about it for a minute, "I guess we can, I have work off tomorrow…" She nodded. He usually had to be at work really early, meaning bedtime was early, too.
The couple sat down and turned on their television. Once they found a decent movie, some comedy romance, they settled against each other. The raven haired man had his arm secured around his little pink flower's shoulders. She rested her head on his shoulder in return.
His scent hit her in a wave of his cologne, which was mostly worn away, revealing his natural scent. She enjoyed the smell, it was like an amazing mixture of the ocean, but also pepper mint. The smell always lulled her into safety, where she remained through out the entire movie.
When the credits finally began to roll, and the laughter from the final jokes died, Sasuke took his beloved's hand in his and dragged her to the room. He took soft steps and led her to the bed, where she flopped into it tiredly.
The husband-to-be slipped under the blanket and pulled her close to him. He pressed his lips against her forehead and muttered a near silent goodnight, not expecting a reply from the already sleeping girl. Soon he followed her into the hazy blackness, that was sleep.
The engagement party. It was a huge celebration for the lovely couple, one of which was the country's own prince. Sakura looked around the moment she entered the crowds. Her mother gripped her hand and dragged the young woman through a special hallway.
The girl started to feel a dark feeling rise in her chest. Usually when her mother dragged her anywhere, she was headed to the dark room. She began pulling against her mother's grip.
"Don't worry my foolish child, I can't hurt you. Especially when we're not even in our own home," Her mother stated.
Sakura nodded, but still didn't feel better. The hall winded to a small stair case. As they ascended, the girl could no longer hear the wonderful music coming from the ballroom. It worried her still. She didn't like the feeling she was experiencing as she continued to climb the steps.
The next hall way finally came into view and Sakura smiled softly. The carpet beneath her heels was plush and a deep blue color. There were matching drapes hanging all over the walls, each emblazoned with the royal Uchiha fan. Busts lined the walls as she passed them. One was of a man with long spiky hair. The plate below it read Madara Uchiha, founder of the land. The next few were also Uchihas. She noticed how not all of them were kings, like Madara, they had been guards for other countries as well as mercenaries for any nobles in the area. She had read about that era, when Madara, along with his distant cousin, Hashirama Senju.
They had fought over who would rule the empty land and their people. Madara had lost and disappeared, but apparently the Uchiha would one day rule the lands. Fugaku, the current king, had won power many years ago from the man before him.
At first, the people revolted, but since the man had no heir, there was no one of old blood to take the throne, so the kingdom quieted down and accepted fate. He had two boys, the eldest was currently captain or the royal guard, and the youngest was second in line for the throne and Sakura's future husband.
Speaking of, Itachi, the elder, was walking towards them. He had worn out eyes, but the beauty was still apparent. His long coal hair was tied up and he was wearing an elegant suit rather than his usual armor. She had never met the crowned prince in person, but as she walked up to him, all of her lessons on royal etiquette flew out the window. All of those practiced mannerisms were gone.
The pink haired princess-to-be started panicking. Itachi smiled warmly and held out his hand. She regained composure and held hers out to his, where he took it and bowed, kissing the pale pink gloved hand.
She dipped low and smiled. He grinned, "Pleasure to make the acquaintance of my new sister," He turned to the girl's mother, "And it's no wonder the young lady is so beautiful, her mother is stunning," these sweet words caused the woman to blush furiously.
Itachi laughed, "Well, I must be off, just continue down this hall, and there is waiting room." he explained, "My parents are in there waiting for your arrival."
He bowed once more and walked down the hall and out of sight. Sakura felt her heart pounding in her chest. If that was the older brother, then what was the younger brother like? Was he just as sweet? If so, then Sakura smiled at how happy she was going to be.
Just as Crowned Prince Itachi had said, the room was a grand waiting room, with gold chandeliers and dark blue tapestries. A long table was in the center and a tray of tea was laid out. Sitting on a beautiful couch was a dazzling raven haired woman with black eyes, but these eyes held much love and affection. She wore a floor length blue ball gown with the Uchiha crest on the back and sleeves. An Uchiha brooch was on her breast and her hair was tied up beneath a brilliant crown.
The man beside her had a colder demeanor. His face was hardened and his jaw length hair was decorated in his crown. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and he gave off a very angry look.
The woman stood, "I'm Queen Mikoto and this is my husband, King Fugaku." she motioned to the man, "We're so delighted to finally meet you Lady Sakura," She embraced the young girl.
Sakura smiled warmly and embraced her back. "It is a pleasure to meet you, too, your highness," Sakura whispered.
"Oh, please, you'll be my daughter soon, call me mother!" Mikoto gushed. Sakura blushed at the formality between them.
"Ok," she blushed again, "Mother…"
Mikoto once again sat, "Please join us for tea. The party down stairs can wait for now. I must get to know my future daughter!"
The mother and daughter sat down and sipped at their tea while Mikoto asked about education and what not. Sakura answered to the best of her ability, based on what her mother taught her to say. And when Sakura faltered, he mother was immediately there to correct her or answer for her.
Sakura began to feel like a doll again. A younger prettier version of her mother. It was something she hated more than anything.
Her thoughts began to rage, but her train of thought was interrupted by the man outside the room, the one with a booming voice. He was announcing his Lord and Lady.
"Well," Mikoto smiled, "We must be off, the party awaits! Be good and have fun tonight, Sasuke will be delighted to see his bride."
His highness stood and left with his wife on his arm. Many others were called, including her mother. She was standing alone in the huge room. Twisting her fingers nervously she paced the room. It was all she could do, not to run down the flight of stairs. Here she was sporting the ring of the boy she'd never met before.
She didn't even know if he was nice, or even remotely handsome. Her anxiety grew with every passing name, knowing the second her name was called, she would be linking arms with the man who may one day rule the entire kingdom.
"And our beloved Prince Sasuke, and Lady Sakura," cheers erupted from the crowds. She felt her stomach twist in knots as she walked towards the small hallway that would lead to the stairs. She closed her eyes and bit her pink lips and passed through to the open hall. The delicate creature didn't open her eyes until she felt a hand wrap around hers.
"Sakura…" The smooth inky black eyes met hers the moment her emerald orbs opened. She gasped lightly.
"Sasuke…" She was staring into the eyes of her fiancé. Sakura began looking around and realized she was standing in the hallway. 'Oh no,' she thought, 'not again.'
OK, here's chapter 2 of this story. I'm not good at holding stories out for very long, but I'm hoping for a few more chapters. i'm proud that i managed to make this one longer, but I really hope I didn't bore any one with the dragging dream scenes, but they are important and don't worry SasoSaku fans, it's coming up soon. Thank you for the wait.
On another note, I'm going to be starting a tragedy for MinaKushi soon, another bug bit me and wants t be written. It will be short, probably a few chapters, but it'll be worth the read I garantee.
Please leave feedback, I'd like to know if my story is good to you guys, and I'm actually happy with this. It's a hugue improvement from my very first fanfic, The Necklace, by Sabaku-No-Kurai, which I'm wanting to re write.
Anyways, please review ^_^ And thank you to the few of you who did review.
Lady Pyrien