Chapter 4: Moving In
A/N: Wassup peeps! Surprisingly, this chapter didn't take me long to write despite it being way longer than the others. I literally don't know why that is. This chapter was going to be much, much longer than this so I had to cut it off. There was just sooooo much to unpack here. I also took time to expand on many of the character's feelings and thoughts. But I promise, there's going to be plenty of smut next chapter! Hope you enjoy!
Emerald eyes conscientiously surveilled over the numerous men transferring and shifting unused various items out of the only unoccupied spare room within the house. Solely focused on doing the job they were hired to do, their movements strangely coordinated and methodical, a procedure they'd clearly preformed many times before since this was their job. Ino, being as dull-minded as she was, greatly suspected that they were finally going to turn the space into a workout room, Sakura however, was not so naive to think that would be the case. The room was no longer about to be filled with unused items but rather another person. The movers were making room for someone to settle into their house. A uncomfortable feeling of displeasure began to spread throughout her body. Especially when she thought about who that person might be. Worrying thoughts threatened to take over her subconscious, giving life to dread and existing anxieties the woman had been trying to shake for a while.
She didn't dare express any sentiment concerning her inner thoughts and feelings though.
Her eyes roved over to the tall raven haired man standing near the foyer that held her heart in his hands. He appeared to be overseeing the men's actions, strong arms crossed, dressed impeccably in a button up shirt that appeared too thin for his wonderful physique, and jeans. His normal impassive countenance easily recognizable on his handsome face. Sasuke Uchiha was a gorgeous sight for any person to behold in their point of view, absolutely a marvel to look upon. The epitome of masculinity. Every characteristic, every detail, every feature exhibited strength and authority. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest, desire pooling heavily in her stomach, leaving her wanting. He'd always had such an effect on her.
Sensing her appraisal of his form, he locked eyes with her leering gaze evenly, lifting a single dark brow in response at her expression, seemingly in a mocking fashion. Instead of turning away and returning to a state of demureness, Sakura increased her stare tenfold, finding that she couldn't even be ashamed lusting after his frame in the presence of so many others. She'd craved his affection since they were children and to finally have him return such adoration with equal, if not more fervor made her a heavily contented woman. She would forever bask in his attention. With unfailing regularity, narrowed obsidian and a pleased smirk was swift to exclude a natural air of dominance and effervescence along with a hint of ardent promise. The promise that wholly consisted of ravaging her body with uncontrolled passion later on in the night. The look sent enticing chills through her entire body, she could already feel the hands caressing over her delicate form, hard body pressed up against hers intimately.
His face was calm, but his eyes told a different story, as they were burning with desire, a deep hunger growing within. The look was deliberately sending a rush of heat throughout her body.
"Is there something on your mind Sakura?"
"No not really." she answered. She knew better than to lie to him, he would see right through the deception with ease. She expected to be called out on it immediately and she was not disappointed when the destitute observant man did just that.
Sasuke soft baritone addressed her in a stoic tone. "You know how I hate dishonesty. If you feel the need to lie about it, you might as well tell me what's bothering you."
The woman's weight shifted anxiously, eyes immediately falling to the floor. "They're cleaning out the spare room...any particular reason that is?" Why she'd poised the rhetorical question, she didn't really have an answer for. The woman had no doubt in her mind she know why those men were hired to move things out of their house, getting it ready for another person's occupancy.
A charming smirk touched the Uchiha face as he spoke, confirming his wife's suspicious. "Yes. It seems Miss Stratton has had a change of heart since we last spoke. She's accepted the proposal and will move in with us first thing tomorrow."
Sakura looked away from the man in subtle discontent, looking dazedly into nothing. Trying to hide her obvious displeasure with the arrangement. "That's not surprising. The girl knew she clearly needed the money. And marrying you was the only way she could secure it." Jade eyes narrowed a fraction as she asked the next question. "Are you okay with that?"
Fortunately, Sasuke was able to see past the faint anger and reluctance to accept the soon to be new wife before she even stepped foot in the house. It was always so difficult for Sakura to mask her emotions since she was just an emotional person. The woman was certainly uncomfortable with the decision, but she dare not express such sentiment to him for fear that he would angrily rebuff her. Something he would never do. He expected to contend with plenty of passive aggressive anger and jealousy over the next few weeks as follows. "Am I okay with what exactly?"
"With her just marrying you to get the money?"
The man purposely deliberated for a few seconds before answering with a simple, "Yes. She would not have agreed to it if I hadn't offered it. The monetary issues involving her family just served as a catalyst that just so happened to work in my favor."
"I see."
Sakura bit the inside of her jaw to keep from saying what she truly wanted to. To express how she truly felt. It would do no good to argue with him about this matter, seeing as every decision he made was final. Pushing down her feelings and trying to pretend like she hadn't just gotten upset, Sakura mustered up a small smile, turned to place a soft kiss on his cheek before heading into the kitchen. Presumably to make a pot of fresh coffee.
Sasuke watched his young wife disappear into the kitchen before turning his attention back to the busy men. By this time tomorrow, Jaina Stratton would be living within his home and sooner after become legally bound to him as his third wife. The fruits of his labor were being rewarded. He couldn't lie to himself and pretend he wasn't excited at the new development. He'd anticipated this moment for a very long time and now things were going to fall into place exactly how the Uchiha wanted it.
A smile spread over his face. Last night had felt like every bit of a dream come true. While going on his routine night walk, he hadn't expected to run into the conflicted woman on the beach docks. It was purely coincidental, much like quite a lot of their interactions up until this point. Being the stubborn person she was at heart, he most certainly hadn't expected her to just accept his proposal so soon after blatantly rejecting it. He didn't care how or under what circumstance that she accepted his offer just so long as she accepted. Nevertheless, he was extremely pleased with the outcome. Tomorrow would signal a new tipping point for the Uchiha family, him in particular. He would begin a new phase of modus vivendi with Jaina by his side and it was exhilarating. There was nothing like pursuing a woman with the goal of courtship and finally bringing her into your possession completely.
Jaina folded her hands on the table in a bracing manner, inhaling softly until her chest simply couldn't take in more air before exhaling it in a single movement. Her mother and sister were sitting on either side of her consuming their breakfast in a normal fashion while she was gearing up to drop the bombshell of a lifetime on them. And at the breakfast table no less. She just prayed that their reactions wouldn't be as catastrophic as they were when they played out in her mind. Without further delay, the woman cleared her throat loudly to gather their attention. Already knowing first hand what to expect when she finally said, "I'm moving out." The sound of utensils clicking stopped abruptly at the words. Her lips curled up as she took in the disturbed facial expressions that revealed abject horror and confusion. Jaina knew she could let this stop her as she stated, "Tomorrow some people will come and pack up all my things."
If she thought that this would go over smoothly, even with her calmly speaking such words, then she was solely mistaken. Naturally, the first to recover from the stunned silence was her confounded mother, who promptly sat her bowl of rice and chopstick down on the table, turning a look of puzzlement upon her person.
"Jaina what's the meaning of this?" she inquired.
Asami was quick to join her. "Yeah what gives? Why are you saying that?"
Jaina wasn't all that surprised at their predictable reactions, it was expected that they would have many questions to ask her. If a family member just randomly decided that they would move out and announced it to their family, they would obviously have questions they desperately wanted answers to. "It's not a matter of me wanting to move out, it's just that I have to." Jaina carefully explained.
"No you don't. I'm your sister, I know you. And I know that no one can force you to do anything that you don't wanna do. Not unless you really want to." Asami's young voice chimed in.
Kumiko's brows shot up. "Is someone forcing you you to do this Jaina?"
The woman quickly shook her head. "Mom no, it's not nothing like that. I promise I'm not being forced by anyone and I'm certainly not in any danger. I'm doing this of my own accord."
Asami shocked her head at that, let out a small laugh in the process. "You're lying. There no way you'd leave. This is a joke."
"I'm afraid not."
The seriousness of her voice had the younger jumping out of her seat, gasping loudly in incisive surprise. "What!?" Face schooled in complete and utter horror, "You can't move out! You're my only sibling. I'll be stuck doing all the chores in the house if you leave."
Jaina brought a hand to her chest and stifled a fake laugh. "Well it's nice to know that's why you don't want me to leave." she sarcastically remarked.
"Jaina this isn't funny to me!" The distress in her sister's tone had Jaina feeling more than a little guilty. For she looked to be on the verge of tears. Clearly, Asami was not ready to come to terms with her conflicting emotions regarding her sister's recent choice.
Jaina frowned. "And it's not meant to be funny. I just telling you before I actually go through with it."
"Mom you can't let her do this!" Asami cried to their mother, border-lining hestarics. "She's trying to leave forever."
Jaina rolled her eyes at the girl's dramatics, knowing how well Asami tended to overreact whenever she was placed in a uncomfortable situation. "Asami calm down. It's only temporary. I won't be gone long."
"How long then?"
"I don't know, about a year maybe."
The girls frown deepened even further, mouth almost dropping to the floor. "WHAT!?"
Jaina rolled her eyes. "Sami calm down, it's not the end of the world."
Switching her gaze back and forth between Jaina and their mother as they both shared a look of worry, Asami angrily stormed from the table and up the stairs without a second glance.
Jaina parted her lips to call out to her, but closed them at the last second when she realized it would be a pointless gesture. Instead she sighed heavily. This was already turning out to be bothersome, and not just in the way she'd thought it would be.
Turning her full attention back to her mother, she noticed the sudden change in the air. Not just in her posture either. Kumiko's head had dropped low in a disheartening display, instantaneously filling Jaina's chest with something akin to remorse. "Jaina - I'm so sorry…if I ever made you feel unhappy or unwanted. If I said anything last night that made you think..."
"Mom please. It's not what you think." she confidently reassured. "I know you don't understand my decision right now but I can't explain it all to you right now."
Kumiko's brown orbs flashed to hers, and in that moment she saw the hurt lurking behind the woman's eyes. "Why not? We have an argument, you storm out of the house and now you tell me that you're moving out of the house. What am I supposed to think?"
Jaina leaned across the table. "Me making this decision had absolutely nothing to do with that argument, I swear."
"And just what is moving out going to solve Jaina? It won't help your father's illness and it won't get rid of our debt."
Oh. If only she knew. It was going to do more than help with their problems.
"Mom, if it makes you feel better, I already informed dad about it. If you want, you can go talk to him about it in more detail. But my decision still stands no matter what."
Kumiko softly grasped Jaina's hand in held it between hers, tender gaze boring into her daughter's. "Honey, I don't understand. Please just help me understand all of this."
"I have to hold up my end of a business deal. It's really no big deal. I'll be back after a while and everything will go back to normal. I mean, I'll still be able to work my shifts at the shop, I just won't live here while I do it."
"Who will you live with?"
"I'm going to stay with a family across town. This particular family just so happens to be the people who lent us the money. They were kind enough to extend their generosity to us in this difficult time." The words were fake as hell and tasted like acid spewing out of her mouth. There was no guarantee that she could even tolerate the first day living at their residence. The only thing she could do was try to make the best of of the experience or simply endure the hell accompanies it.
This might be a bit far fetched since she had a tendency to overthink in her mind. Maybe she needed to go through something like this and survive just so she could help someone else make it through. In this case, that someone would be her family. For them, she was willing to brave the storm, to sacrifice her pride and livelihood for the greater good.
"Well, will be able to meet them?" Kumiko asked.
Jaina entire neck flushed with embarrassment. "Um...eventually. Who knows what could happen." she shrugged. She lets some time past before she spoke her next words. "I know everything seems weird, like, it's just falling apart all around us but its not. Not on my watch. Everything's going to get better. I promise."
The tension in her mother's face seemed to lessen a great deal as she enveloped Jaina in a hug, who returned it with equal bearing. "I need to go talk to Asami."
Kumiko mustered up a smile and nodded, watching as Jaina turned and ventured up the stairs.
After placing a knock on the wooden door and Jaina heard a faint, "Go away." before smiling. Twisting the knob, she pushed open the door to a welcome sight. Asami had thrown herself face down unto the bed dramatically like a saddened disney princess who believed the world revolved around no one else but her. If not for the circumstances Jaina would have laughed, but the last thing she needed was to hurt Asami's feelings even more than they already were at the moment.
The goal was to comfort and reassure her that everything would be alright despite all that was happening around them. The initial separation would be hard for them, borderline excruciating for both parties. The two sister would just have to cope with not being around each other for a while. She was not saying it would be an easy task but it had to get done. Not matter how much neither of them wanted it.
"Sami...you alright?" she queried, leading against the door frame of the tomboyish room.
A muffled no was all she managed to get out of the upset sibling. This prompted the woman to walk over to the bed and lay down right next to her younger sister, staring up at the ceiling.
"Look at this on the bright side, at now you'll be able to come in my room whenever you want now." she said jokingly.
"What's the point if you're not there?" Asami replied dryly.
"Duty noted."
"Why do you ever have to go?" she questioned.
Jaina contemplated her words carefully, trying to come up with a reasonable explanation without giving too much away. "Remember that time Dad said he'd take up to that new candy shop across town if promised not to break another lamp in the house but if we broke the promise we'd both have to go fishing with him the next morning?"
Asami sniffled. "Yeah."
"Well, its kinda like that in a sense. Holding up an end of a bargain."
Asami's tear stained face lifted from the bed. "Just what I am supposed to do without you for a year?"
"A whole bunch of stuff. You act as if I'm leaving forever and never coming back."
Asami shot up from the bed to give Jaina a pleading look. "That's the thing! I know you won't be back. I can feel it in my heart. I hate the people that's making you do this!"
The woman frowned at hearing this. Asami was known for holding long grudges against people when she was angry. Jaina wouldn't past it past her baby sister to hate Sasuke forever for being the reason why she had move out. Last night, he'd given her clear instructions to notify her family of her departure and spend the entire day with them before she ultimately left. Jaina could only imagine the mix of emotions going through Asami's head right now. The nagging worry that change was inevitable and there was nothing she could do about it.
With her being gone, Sami would be the only child at home, leaving her to be more independent and mature. No matter the distance or the circumstance, their sisterly bind would remain untouched and strong with or without them being in the vicinity of each other.
"Don't think of it like that. Just think of it as an extended sleepover at someone's house."
"You don't have to talk to me like I'm five."
"I'll still come by the house often and work in the shop. You can also reach me by video call or through text."
"It won't be the same."
The gears in Jaina head starting turning, trying to come up with solutions to distract her sister and spend extra time with her before tomorrow came. Stroking her black hair softly, Jaina proposed a idea. "How about, a trip to the gaming store and then a walk on the beach to cheer you up. This entire day is going to be spending quality time with the nest little sister in the world. Would you like that?"
Asami's tear stained eyes light up at the prospect. "Yeah. I'd like that a lot."
"This is where you live?!" Jaina shrieked as her eyes almost bugged out of her head at the sight of the impressive mansion. It really did appear that he came from money.
Sasuke observed her expression with barely concealed mirth, lips forming into a smirk. "Yes, you seem rather surprised." Sasuke lowly replied glancing at her with subtle amusement upon his dashing features.
"I really didn't know what to expect. My mind was envisioning that we'd be living in a small apartment or something. This is...unexpected." She'd never been that familiar with such luxury before but she knew one thing, this was had to be an advanced type of luxury.
The outside of the house looked as if it came straight out of a Architect Digest magazine. There was a stone path leading to the grand front door, beside it a keypad was clearly visible along with what appeared to be a bio-metric scanner. The main entrance was protected by a privacy gate.
She tried and failed not to flinch as the Uchiha placed a warm hand on her lower back to lead her unto the elaborate porch. Cheeks filling with blood, heart pumping erratically, she watched quietly as he pressed in the security code and stepped aside to let her in the magnificent house. Just like a gentleman. Well he could cut the act, she knew damn well he was not the gentleman he might have thought he was. The proximity, however, was making shimmers race down her body. The smell of his intoxication spicy cologne so near made yet another appearance.
The cool air circumventing from the opening of the front doors, felt so good on her skin having been out on scorching hot summer day. Glancing into the foyer with baited breath, Jaina starred in childlike wonder at the sight. This house was...incredible. Overwhelmingly splendid.
Sasuke stepped into the grand space next to Jaina. "Sakura, Ino. I'm home." He called out into the massive house. With his tone of voice, she wasn't so sure anyone could even hear him. But she would be proven wrong when his blonde wife came rushing around the corner barefoot, wearing nothing but a tight fitting purple dress that hugged her figure wonderfully. An adoring expression situated on her beautiful face directed at her returning husband.
"Oh Sasuke! Guess what I -" The moment blue eyes caught sight of black woman standing in the entrance way, Jaina could tell that she was not expecting company, least of all the disrespectful coffee shop waitress from the other day. All hell was sure to break loose within this house. "What's she doing here!?" she shouted at her husband, pointing a manicure finger at Jaina's person.
Jaina's eyebrow began twitching in vexation, as much as the woman wanted to drop her purse and ball up her fists for a good fight, she settled on forcing a tight smile on her face for the sake of keeping things friendly and amiable. "You all have a very nice home." she said.
Ino smiled smugly, placing her hands on her hips for effect. "Well, I'm the one who come up with most of the interior design so of course the home would be perfect." Ino bolstered, pointing a long finger upwards to which Jaina's gaze followed. "Up above is a chandelier, and the floor you're standing on is pure marble. Only the best for the Uchiha family." she gloated.
Behind her, Sasuke's condescending pink haired wife began descending the stairs, locking eyes with her in a impartial stare, making her posture stiffen. Jaina was never one to judge but it seemed like this woman really, really hated her for some odd reason. Considering the fact that her husband had just brought home another wife, it wasn't hard to see why. Although it didn't make much sense, seeing as there was already another wife in the mix before she had even arrived. Regardless of anything, she was not here to make friends nor was she here to kiss anyone's ass. She was here for one reason only, and that was for the money involved. In spite of how selfish that sounded - it was the truth.
Sasuke deep timbre cut into the space, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "Sakura, Ino. I want you to welcome the new wife with open arms and help her with whatever she needs." He then turned to her. "The movers have already placed your possessions within you new room. You can arrange it in any manner you like." His strong hand lifted to gently hold the side of her face, obsidian orbs engulfing the entirety of her soul with this single look, it was like she was melting in his embrace unknowingly. "This is your home now, so please feel welcome."
The look she was giving him in return only stroked the mountain of masculine pride he was already feeling from the moment she stepped inside the house. The confidence and spunk she'd cloaked herself in was on full display unto her features, having not dimmed in the slightest. He could sense some hestitance, but that was to be expected when she was placed in a new environment. Nevertheless, she was not afraid to be in this predicament. Not in the slightest. For that the Uchiha was thankful.
Shifting he securely positioned an arm around her body, bring them chest to chest, torso to torso, leaning down to let their lips fuse together in a passionate caress. Jaina momentarily shuttered in his embrace, momentarily disoriented by the contact. The woman's shaky hands reached up to grasp at his shirt, pulling at the fabric, feeling the contours of hard muscle underneath.
After a moment, the passionate interaction ended, and Jaina was left staring up at him in shock, even more so when she remembered that they had an audience closely watching them. Her entire face burned, she could seem to find the words she so desperately wanted to convey in that exact moment. Dark eyes were staring down at her, hungrily glittering with delicious intent, lips curling into a devastating smirk. He knew what he was doing to her.
He moved again, turning in the direction of his other wives. "Ino. I want you to give her a tour of the house so she won't feel bewildered about her new living space."
Ino pouted and let out a full fledged groan at the request. "Aww, why me?"
A black eyebrow lifted. "You came up with the interior design remember? Would it be logical that you be the one to show her around?"
The woman folded her arms. "I guess." Her eyes moved to the flustered woman. "Come on." she said.
Jaina was quick to step out of his embrace and follow the reluctant woman down the beautiful smooth curving halls of the house. The house had a sophisticated, refined air about it; not just focused on the visual appeal but the functionally as well. Beautiful art were hanging from nearly every single wall within her view. The splendour of it all just made her want to run her hands over everything in bliss.
"Hey!" Ino shouted. "Don't touch anything!"
Jaina gave the woman a boasting smirk, much like she'd given her numerous times before. It was time the petty queen made her arrival to give these people a taste of their own medicine. "What are you talking about? This is my house now. I can touch anything I want." she said, continuing to stroke every available item in her reach. All the while maintaining the same cocky attitude the blond had been getting her since they'd first met.
Right on cue, Ino's nostrils flared, eyes narrowing at the woman with something comparable to malice. "Aren't you the very same girl who so confidently rejected the money and this lifestyle out of pride...and now you're here claiming this house as yours?"
"Yep." Jaina responded nonchalantly. "Got bills to pay." Jaina knew exactly what she was doing saying such shallow words. They gave the not so subtle impression that she was only there for the money involved, which was very much true, although actually saying the words make it sound even worse.
This admission only further infuriated the blond wife wife even more. "You selfish, rotten, inconsiderate little…"
Brows drew down. "Don't go calling other people names. Because I swear to you…my insults won't be so soft." she warned.
Before Ino could even open her mouth to let out another scathing remark, Jaina was quick to cut her off. "Regardless of everything, all of us are going to be sharing a home from now on. Instead of being at each other's throats every second, we should at least try to be civil to one another for the sake of your husband."
"You mean 'our' husband?"
Making a face Jaina simply nodded. "He wouldn't like it if all we did was fight all the time instead being able to have a simple conversation. At the very least, being cordial could provide us with the chance of getting to know each other better." To be honest, engaging in constant conflict with the others wives was childish on so many levels and she just didn't have the energy to give it life. Choosing to be the mature person and nipping the issues in the bud seemed much more appealing.
Ino stood there, silently pondering over the words. Maybe the curly haired woman freak had a point. Sasuke would not tolerate any fighting under his roof no matter the circumstance. And who knows, they might actually have some things in common. The thought was a bit unlikely not not completely unfounded though.
This surprised Jaina who expected the woman to do her usual thing where she turned her nose up like she smelled something bad. Finally, they'd reached a reasonable consensus. It was a breath of fresh air.
The grand kitchen area contained mostly top of the line appliances, some stainless steel with two ovens, two stoves, a marble island and countertop. A nice elegant dinner table was also situated nearby in an adjoining room. Huge floor to ceiling windows took up entire walls in some rooms letting in plenty of light. There was a huge plasma screen in the spacious extravagant living room along with comfy looking furniture.
Following closely behind the blond, the curious woman paid attention to every corner and crevice of the home. Storing viable information of how to navigate through the place. The chances of getting lost within its walls were slim to none but it certainly didn't hurt to know one's way around. "Here's the backyard." Ino stated, gesturing out the glass of the patio door. From her vantage point, Jaina could see a stone encased swimming pool rounded the back, with colorful lights surrounding its carefully carved outline that would most likely look breaktaking at night. Along with a surreal looking garden with all around lush, sumptuous greenery covering the backyard. Overall the home possessed a cozy, warm atmosphere that provided and resembled the perfect ambiance that any person would love to bask in within their own home.
They then passed into a hall with beautifully decorated rooms, some were already occupied, decorated with individual items and components that told precisely who each room belonged to.
They came to a stop at the end of the hall in front of a closed door. "This will be your room I guess. This was supposed to be turned into a workout room but since you're here that won't be happening now." she said, disappointment lining the edges of her voice.
Ino leaned against the doorframe as she watched Jaina look inquisitively around the room. "I'm going to get dinner started. Assuming you don't need us for any more help, I'll leave you to it, cafe girl." The underlying tone in her voice did not go unnoticed. These people were abnormally stuck-up, having been born into a life of wealth. There was no doubt in her mind that they were used to talk and treating people like they were lesser in value and not deserving of respect. Jaina had a known history of disliking people of this particular calibre. But she had to remind herself of their previous conversation.
Giving Ino a tight lipped smile she replied, "Thanks Uno. I'll let anyone know if I need any assistance." With this the other woman, ventured out of the doorway and down the hall, out of Jaina's sight.
Breathing out an exasperated sigh, Jaina let her head fall back. This was going to be harder than she thought. So this was her life now - sharing a arrogant husband with two other snooty women. She couldn't imagine this being anyone's ideal dream. But she had to remember why she was doing this. It was the only thing keeping her from abandoning ship. Glancing around, the woman figured a little rearranging stuff around could distract her, at least for a while. Before she knew it, she'd spent on overextended amount of time within the new room, not once coming out for even a second. It wasn't until a knock at her door signaled it was time for dinner. Now she was sitting stiffly at a table with the very three people she'd spent the last five hours avoiding, Ino was busy happily placing steaming food unto the table for consumption.
That's interesting. She didn't take her to be a Betty Crocker. It seemed like a responsibility the other wife would have been more suited to. Who, speaking of which, was seated right next to Sasuke. Naturally, he took up at the head of the table, leaning on two intertwined hands, staring her down with barely concealed male satisfaction. Needless to say, she made should to avoid at all costs.
"All right then…" Ino said as she undid the pink apron she was wearing. "All done." She then took a seat at Sasuke's left comfortably. Jaina was seated the farthest away from everyone for obvious reasons, which she didn't mind at all. Everyone then settled into a of quietly eating their meal.
Jaina stared down at the plate of food in contemplation. It was sort of an unspoken black rule to never eat any food at an unfamiliar person's house unless you trusted them enough. Seeing as how she was going to be living with the trio for quite a while, she'd have to get used to eating the cooking sooner or later. Picking up the chopsticks, she lifted her bowl of rice and began to eat slowly.
She watched how they interacted as a family as she ate. Sasuke seemed incredibly considerate and while his two wives were insanely devoted, accommodating, and totally contented being able to cater to him and his every need. They functioned like a normal loving family. In her own personal reflection, she found it hard to ever even think of catering after a man in such a manner. It just wasn't something she saw the appeal in.
No one seemed to want to breach the thick silence at the dinner table, and for that she was grateful. For she knew what the topic of conversation would be. Sadly, fate would not be on her side or grant her a reprieve this time around.
"Tomorrow, a marriage ceremony will be planned to be held within a weeks time."
Jaina nearly choked upon hearing those words, fingers griping the chopsticks more tightly.
The idea of holding such a big ceremony left the woman feeling overly nauseous. Her married status would be publicly broadcast if such a thing were to occur. Besides, Hana had said that the man came from a prominent family widely known throughout Japan, if that's the case then their marriage would most likely be front page news. And for a woman who didn't plan on hang around for more than a year, she'd rather remain private about it than announce it to the entire world. It made things easier for all of them. "No no no, I don't want a huge ceremony. It's too much work and I don't feel like having the attention on me. Just take me to a courthouse, sign the documents in front of a judge and put the ring on my finger."
Ino scoffed at the notion of this. "What wife doesn't want a wedding ceremony?"
Surprisingly, Sakura jumped to Ino's defense. "I agree. A wedding ceremony should be held. The two of us had one."
"I said no." Jaina went back to poking and prodding at her food, rolling her eyes in irritation. She was in no mood to argue with these women about what she wanted to do regarding her married status. Consider it a form of self care. Self care that also included choosing not to argue with people who were committed to misunderstanding you. "I don't want it."
Sasuke detected the hint of irritation in her voice as she said this. She was making it expressly clear that she was not yet comfortable with being open with her new lifestyle yet and he could understand that. In all honesty, the man wasn't expecting her to be completely agreeable so soon. It's because of this, the Uchiha could humor her wishes this time around, partly due to the fact that he wasn't so receptive to the idea of having yet another wedding anyway.
"Ladies, I think we should respect Jaina's wishes. If she says she doesn't want a wedding then I think we should accept that." he calmly clarified, noticing the tension in his young soon to be wife's frame lessen considerably. She was relieved. Sakura and Ino seemed to deflate, releasing low breaths of agitation.
"We are, however, going to meet with her family tomorrow to introduce ourselves and announce our union."
Jaina threw a horrified glance in his direction, to which he displayed no emotion towards only continuing in his declaration. "I will personally hand them the money."
"NO!" she screamed, her heart damn near beating out of her chest. "You can't do that!"
Sasuke only lifted a brow, his indifferent countenance still in place. "The decision has already been made. I let you have one choice in the decision making regarding your wedding, but I'm afraid you don't have a choice in this." he tone resolute and unchanging, clearly booking no argument.
Jaina cocked her head to the side in impertinent fashion. "Well I say, I always have choice and you not meeting my family tomorrow."
A handsome smile found its way to Sasuke Uchiha face, immediately unnerving Jaina. "You are unfamiliar with the household rules I see - let's go over them shall we?"
The level of shock did not go over the woman's head upon hearing this. Wait a minute, they implicated household rules? How was this shit even logical by a moral standpoint? Obviously, these people were crazier than she thought. She was gonna do whatever the fuck she wanted until the day she died. And that's that on that!
"Rule #1: Sasuke has the final say so on any and all decisions made pertaining to this family."'
"Rule #2: If we do anything, such as an event or public outing we do it as a family. Otherwise it doesn't get done at all."
"Rule #3: Don't withhold any important information that could potential place the family in danger."
"Rule #4: Major decisions are to be made together on one single accord. Don't attempt to make any decisions without the entire family's approval."
"If any of these rules are broken without probable cause, swift punishment will be enforced to that person. As well as the continued breaking of said rules will lead to even harsher punishments. Are we clear?"
Hearing this left a horrible taste in her mouth. Mind racing with conflicting emotions and opinions. Whether she wanted to her not, he was coldly and bluntly telling her that she would have to conform to his house's rules or risk punishment. What that punishment consisted of, she did have a single clue. Which brought her to another question, could she really accept this? The answer was a brisk no. Then again, did she really have a choice in the matter? Fuck yeah she did!
Instead of answering him, Jaina kept her attention solely on her plate, not even even sparing the man a look of acknowledgement. He could tell she had absolutely no intention of following not a single one of the four main rules he enforced within his house. This however, did not anger him in the slightest. He knew just how stubborn this woman could be, how uncooperative when it came to these sort of issues. She was a challenge, a challenge that never failed to excited him. He knew exactly what she needed. Jaina Stratton needed to be broken in.
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