disclaimer - no ownage.

warning - lemon at the end ;)


.::Beyond This Illusion::.


Chapter Seven


Sakura woke up with a pounding headache. She really didn't know what had hit her, but as soon as she sat up, a rush of vertigo surged through her body. Her head dizzy and spinning, she collapsed back on the pillow.

She took a few minutes to compose herself before she opened her eyes and tried sitting up more slowly this time. Carefully, her legs slid out of the bed and touched the cool wooden floor. Goosebumps rose on her skin as she climbed out from the warm comforter.

It took a moment for Sakura to realize that Sasuke wasn't in the room.

Usually he'd be taking a shower by now. What time was it anyway?

Sakura glanced at the clock. 7:45 AM.

Damn, it was still that early? Sakura rubbed her tired eyes. She had thought it was later than that. She walked a little clumsily towards the door in search for the raven haired man.

She found him on the couch. Her green eyes lit up curiously despite her pounding headache.

Sakura rarely got a chance to see Sasuke sleeping. Whenever she woke up he was either taking a shower or training or out. He was never still sleeping when she got up.

And yet, here he was, curled up in a comforter, his black spiky hair sticking out in all directions. She smiled softly at the scene before her. He looked cute.

But why was he sleeping on the couch? Why didn't he sleep in bed with her?

Sakura closed her eyes trying to remember last night.

The party…

She opened her eyes in half-remembrance. She didn't quite know everything that happened last night, but she did know that they left early for some reason. She also distinctly remembered tripping. Carefully, she rolled her ankle around experimentally. It didn't hurt anymore, really. And she was walking fine, than Kami.

Then she let out an audible gasp.

Today was the wedding!

How could she have forgotten? Sakura had to admit, she was a little more than excited.

IF everything was going according to plan, Ino would be over at 9:00 to help fix her hair and makeup. The reception was at noon, and the reception at 2:00.

She then took a few deep breaths to calm her erratically beating heart.

Deciding that she better make something to eat before Ino got there, Sakura pranced to the kitchen. She boiled tea and decided to have an American Western style breakfast. She'd always liked eggs better than having more traditional breakfasts. So she set to scrambling eggs as she set the table for herself and Sasuke.

Once she was finished preparing breakfast, Sakura cautiously tip-toed to the living room where Sasuke was still sleeping.

She kinda wished he snored, so she had something to tease him about. But he remained still. She leaned over the couch and examined his sleeping form before poking his nose. His eyes shot open immediately.

"Good morning, sleepy head." Sakura greeted, rather amused.

Sasuke grunted before sitting up. He rubbed his temples, a bit disoriented. "What time is it?"

Sakura glanced at the clock. "Eight." She said cheerfully. "I made breakfast, so get up."

He yawned. Wow, no wonder he never wanted her seeing him when he first woke up. Sasuke was not a morning person.

Sakura left the room momentarily to retrieve medicine for his headache that she had also taken. She returned a moment later with a glass of water and handed it to him. He looked at her questioningly, and half annoyed.

"For the headache." She explained, to which he accepted the water and pill gratefully. She watched him swallow a few sips of water.

She really was curious if he remembered what happened last night, but she also didn't want to pester him since he just got up. So instead she walked to the kitchen telling him she'd wait for him.

A few moments later Sasuke trudged into the kitchen clad in only his boxers, which caused Sakura to pointedly avert her gaze as to not stare at him. Sure she'd seen him shirtless before. She'd seen plenty of men shirtless before. But knowing that there was only a thin layer of material covering him from her eyes was sort of embarrassing.

Unable to help herself, she glanced at him before staring down at her food, putting a large forkful in her mouth. From the looks of it, he had a pretty decent package. She felt herself blush just thinking about that. She closed her eyes and took a sip of tea.

"How'd you sleep?" she asked, trying to change the topic.

"Excellently." He mumbled sarcastically.

He sat down and began eating quietly.

"So are you ready for today?" she asked conversationally. He didn't look up at her as he shrugged.

"It doesn't really make a difference."

She nodded, trying not to visibly frown. Of course he wouldn't care.

Once they finished Sakura took the plates and washed them off. "Ino will be over soon, so you should shower and get ready now." She advised.

Sasuke walked out of the room without another word, and as soon as he did, Sakura let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding.


"Forehead, where did you go last night?" Ino exclaimed as she slammed the door open, stomping into the house.

Sakura smiled sheepishly. "Honestly Pig, I really don't remember."

"Of course you don't! You're a lightweight!"

Sakura giggled. "Knowing you, it was your fault."

Ino shrugged, not denying it. "So was he jealous, or what? I saw the way he dragged you away from Naruto." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

"Dragged me…? Really, I don't remember. I just remember that we left early, and I remember tripping and spraining my ankle, and that he had to carry me home."

"He carried you home?" Ino whispered excitedly, as to make sure Sasuke didn't hear her from upstairs.

"Don't worry my ankle's fine. Thanks for asking." Sakura replied dryly.

"I know, it's fine, you're a freaking medic. Oh shut up." Ino waved.

"Well we better get to glamming me up. You were late." Sakura accused with a wry smile. Ino shrugged.

"What can I say? I had to do myself first. Now, let's make you beautiful."

The two girls went to the bathroom downstairs (Sasuke was showering upstairs) and got to Sakura's makeup and hair.

"You excited?" Ino asked as she curled one of Sakura's locks.

She smiled and nodded.

"Hey, don't move!" Ino scolded, letting go of the curl and allowing it to bounce past Sakura's shoulder.

"I'm nervous." Sakura murmured, staring at herself in the mirror. She could hardly recognize her own reflection with all the makeup on. It didn't even look like her.

"All brides are. Now be careful with your hair, I haven't sprayed it yet. Let's just get your kimono on before it's too late."

Sakura stood and allowed Ino to slip the gown on her.

"Alright, now cover your eyes." Ino instructed as she prayed all around Sakura's hair. She played with the curls, tousling them so they looked natural.

Ino stepped aside and surveyed her work. "Perfect. Now let's go see if your soon-to-be-hubby is ready."

Sakura lifted the long uchikake and slipped on her heels, walking out with Ino.

At least Sasuke wasn't complaining that he had to get dressed up. She wondered what he looked like in his black kimono. She'd never seen him in anything other than his ninja attire before.

But when he slipped out in his formalwear, Sakura had to suppress a gasp. He looked more gorgeous than usual. His pale skin contrasted with the black kimono, his black eyes piercing. She looked and saw the Uchiha symbol stitched into the material, and remembered that soon her own clothes would have the same symbol.

This was really happening. They were really married. For some reason, this moment was all so much for Sakura. It put everything into perspective. It suddenly felt very real, despite the fact that they were already married. But something about seeing the two of them dressed like this, made it real in Sakura's mind.

"Well doesn't someone look dashing." Ino commented. "We'd better get there fast; it's almost 11:30."

Sakura walked quickly, avoiding Sasuke's gaze. She failed to see him unable to take his eyes off of her.


The ceremony was traditional. They held it in a small shrine on the outskirts of Konoha. There were cherry blossom trees all around, compliments of Ino. She had picked the spot. The ceremony held more people than normally expected though.

The whole time Sakura's heart was pounding.

She smiled as Kakashi took her hand and led her down the aisle. Ino and Naruto were up at the altar with Sasuke, who looked at her with an expression Sakura couldn't decipher.

Kakashi placed Sakura's hand into Sasuke's who helped her up the altar. They faced each other. It was like déjà vu.

She couldn't even hear as Tsunade spoke their vows. No one knew that they were already married. Sakura wondered if this was a bad thing for them to do. Get married twice like this. Would it bring bad luck? She didn't know, but she thought a little prayer to Kami as they recited the words Tsunade instructed for them to do.

"Sasuke and Sakura Uchiha, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Sasuke leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. And strangely, Sakura didn't feel anything. She didn't feel fireworks or tingles or flips in her stomach. His lips were cold against hers. They were just, there. And when he pulled away, Sakura had to fake the smile she gave him.

This was what the rest of her life was going to be like.

Everyone cheered and soon scattered to where the reception was to be held. Sakura and Sasuke were supposed to change out of their kimonos now and change into Western style wedding attire.

Sakura decided that she liked seeing him in a tuxedo much better than in his kimono.

She took a deep breath, standing outside the reception hall. Turning, she looked at Sasuke who at that moment glanced at her. Giving him a reassuring smile she cupped his cheek briefly. "You're doing great," she encouraged, "Just a little bit longer and all this will be over."

Sasuke nodded and slid his hand into hers – probably for show – as they entered the reception hall.

"Happy birthday!" everyone shouted as they entered.

Sasuke accursedly glared at Sakura – who only smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I had to." She smiled, squeezing his hand.

"Hey, teme, you're finally legal!" Naruto shouted, running up to them.

"Dobe, go away." Sasuke mumbled irritably. Sakura only giggled and separated from Sasuke, allowing him to have a few minutes with Naruto. She walked over to the snack table and popped a piece of sushi in her mouth.

"Congratulations." Tenten and Hinata said, walking up to her with Ino. Sakura smiled and nodded. "Thank you, guys. Hopefully, Sasuke won't kill me for doing this. He didn't want a birthday party."

Sakura giggled as Ino rolled her eyes. "He totally wanted one." He convinced.

Sakura looked around the room. Everyone was here. The whole Rookie Nine, hell even the Kazekage was here with his siblings. Everyone took turns congratulating her. Sakura was a little jealous that Sasuke didn't have to talk to all these people, with him being all antisocial and everything, but she took it all in stride.

Once all the formalities were over with, the music that was playing in the background got louder, signaling it was time to dance.

Sakura was nervous, knowing that Sasuke really didn't want to dance. But what surprised her was when Sasuke walked up to where she was sitting and held his hand out expectantly. Sakura blinked at him.

"Well?" he asked impatiently.

"But Sasuk – "

"Sakura, take my hand before I change my mind." Sasuke commanded.

Sakura smiled and wrapped her fingers around his as she stood, walking to the dance floor.

"You don't have to do this, you know." She whispered as they began to sway.

"I know." He said, looking directly into her eyes. "But you wanted to dance with me, remember?"

And suddenly, Sakura did remember.

She remembered confessing that to him last night, along with doing a few other choice things that she rather would have not remembered. Sakura blushed and buried her face in his shoulder.

"I forgot about that. I'm sorry, I was really drunk."

Sasuke snorted. "Yeah, I could tell."

Sakura smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. She giggled softly. "I'm such a bad drunk."

Sasuke's hands came to rest on her hips. "Yeah, pretty much."

"Did you honestly think I'd let your birthday go unnoticed?" she smiled wryly.

He shrugged. "No, but I hoped."

She stuck her tongue out at him.

"Hey teme, stop hogging her!" Naruto complained grabbing Sakura out of Sasuke's grasp. "Geez, you get to spend the rest of your life with her."

Naruto quickly took Sasuke's place, wrapping his arms around Sakura. He looked more relaxed holding her than Sasuke did, and even he knew it. She watched as Sakura melted in Naruto's arms, completely at ease. She smiled and kissed Naruto's cheek lovingly, before resting her head on his chest.

Sakura locked eyes with Sasuke and smiled, mouthing 'sorry'. Sasuke turned and walked towards a table to sit down.

At that moment, he realized that this whole thing was for her. Everyone could care less about throwing Sasuke a wedding, or a party. This was all for Sakura.

He watched as Kakashi interjected and stole Sakura from Naruto.

He watched as they danced together. He watched as Sakura lifted Kakashi's slowly wandering hands and smacked his arm playfully. He watched as she laughed.

He watched.


"I am so tired!" Sakura sighed as the two of them entered the house. Sakura dropped all of their wedding gifts at the front of the floor and immediately tore off her heels and collapsed onto the couch.

"For the record, all that planning was not worth it. You totally had the right idea, getting married on the fly."

Sasuke shook his head and headed towards their bedroom.

Inside Sakura's heart beat was racing. She wasn't sure if she could go through with what she was planning, but she knew she had to make an effort.

She watched him, sitting on their bed as Sasuke removed his suit and tie.

Her head tilted to the side as she ran her fingers through her hair, trying to loosen the curls. He began to unbutton his shirt.

Sakura stood and walked towards him. "Wait, let me." she murmured, removing his hands from his shirt. She slowly unbuttoned each button, and looked up at him.

She stood on her tippy toes and whispered in his ear, "I think it's time."

Sasuke grabbed Sakura's now wandering hands and held them in place. "No."

She pouted. "Why not?"

"Because you're not ready."

Sakura tore her hands from his grasp. "How do you know if I'm ready or not?" She stomped her foot in anger.

"You're only doing this because you feel like you have to."

"No I'm not," she protested, "While it is the perfect time, that's not the only reason. I'm ready, Sasuke." Sakura bit her lip. "Besides, don't you think it'd be a good birthday gift?"

"Sakura this isn't a game."

"I know it's not. Kami, you think I don't know? Stop pretending like you actually care. I'm telling you I'm ready." Tears began to fill her eyes. How could he be rejecting her like this? "Or, are you ashamed of me?"

Sasuke's nostrils flared in anger. "Ashamed? I just married you. Again. And you have the nerve to say – "

"Okay, I didn't mean it like that! But I didn't think you'd react like this…" she trailed off. "I just…I don't want to wait anymore."

Sasuke was silent as he looked down at her.

Sakura couldn't take the silence. She looked up at him with wide eyes. "Sasuke, please?"

Her hands smoothed across his chest, sliding his shirt off of him. Her hands trembled nervously, but that didn't stop her.

He always scared her more than anything.

And before she knew it, her back was slammed against the wall. She gasped as she felt Sasuke's face so close to her own. "You really think you want this?" he asked his breath hot.

She shut her eyes tightly and nodded. "Yes, Sasuke…yes…"

He pressed himself against her and hoisted her up so that she could wrap her legs around his waist. She felt him pressing against her, his body hard and smooth.

Instantly she felt tingles of desire pulsing through her. Sakura opened her eyes just in time to see Sasuke's lips crashing down on her own.

Really, she shouldn't have expected him to be gentle with her.

This was Sasuke after all. He probably wasn't trying to hurt her, but he usually hurt people without knowing or intending to. He didn't know how to act around people, and Sakura to venture to guess that he didn't know how to be with a girl either.

She could assume that he'd tackle it like a challenge, an obstacle to overcome. Here was no thought or emotion involved; just touches and feeling.

She felt them moving as he dropped her onto the bed, crawling on top of her.

Sakura struggled to keep up with him. She wondered what he was thinking.

His hands unzipped her dress and tore it from her body in an instant. He didn't even stop to think about if he may have ripped the dress or not. He was in an animalistic, hungered state. He was, after all, a man.

He pulled away for a moment and stared at her. She looked back at him, wondering what he was looking for in her eyes. Their breaths mingled as Sakura tried to regain her breath. Her chest heaved up and down, and Sasuke's fingers were already unclasping her bra. She felt the cool air hit her exposed skin and she squirmed underneath his intense gaze. He unnerved her. It was more than being embarrassed. She was petrified of what he might think of her. But Sasuke didn't waste any time on her breasts. He immediately went to pulling down his pants.

It seemed he had no qualms about moving fast. Sakura wondered if this was what it was supposed to feel like, but she didn't think about it long enough to maybe answer, no.

His lips were on hers again as he pressed himself, hard and smooth, against her. Only a small layer of clothing separated them now.

Sakura's hands gripped his shoulders, smoothing down his chest, trailing down until they reached the waistband of his boxers. She tugged them down and he kicked them off, somewhere across the room.

Sakura wanted so desperately to say something, but she was terrified that she'd ruin the moment. She lifted her hips as he tugged down her underwear.

Sasuke hovered over her and she felt him tapping at her entrance. His hair tickled her face as she opened her eyes (when were they closed?).

"Sasuke…" she murmured, cupping his cheek. She wrapped her legs around his waist, urging him to continue.

Sasuke wasn't stupid. He knew she was a virgin. And he knew this would hurt her. He thought it ironic that he was always the one hurting her.

Sasuke somewhat snapped out of his animalistic state, realizing that he couldn't be rough with her like this. She didn't deserve it.

He bit her lip. "This will hurt." He murmured. She nodded, shifting slightly. And within a second he was inside her, figuring it was best to do it quickly. He thrust hard into her and watched as her eyes shut tightly in pain, her lips parting in a silent scream. She didn't yell out or tear, but Sasuke watched as her eyebrows furrowed together, and her breathing became quick and sharp.

Her fingernails dug into his skin.

It took all his willpower to not pound her into the bed. She was so tight and hot, clutching around him at every angle. Sasuke kissed her jaw, and fondled her breast, trying to distract her. But really, he didn't know what to do. It wasn't like he'd had any experience before.

After a few moments, her breathing leveled out more and she opened her eyes. Throughout it all, Sasuke waited patiently for the pain to pass. Sakura whispered for him to go, and that he did.

Slowly, he removed himself from her, only to thrust back in, just as hard as the first time. It took Sakura a few minutes to get used to his size and thrusts. But eventually, she was angling her hips towards him to try and receive him better.

Before they knew it, they had both increased the pace.

And for the first time, he heard her moan. It wasn't restrained, and Sasuke was sure that it even took Sakura off guard, because she looked embarrassed to have made such a noise. Sasuke thrust deep into her in the same spot, realizing that it was sensitive for her. Another soft moan tore from her lips without her permission.

Sasuke began to grunt, feeling her tight walls clenching around his shaft.

They both panted heavily.

The pleasure coiled, causing Sasuke to quicken his pace. Sakura felt herself on the edge.

It came unexpectedly. One moment, Sasuke was thrusting into her hard and demanding, and the next, he was spilling his seeds inside of her.

Sasuke collapsed, panting heavily. Sakura felt the pleasure that was building up, slowly begin to ebb away. She panted as Sasuke pulled out of her and rolled to the side.

It was all over faster than she imagined.

Her head turned to see Sasuke's eyes closed. His eyes opened, as if he felt her staring at him. She leaned over and placed a soft kiss to his lips. Sasuke would have pulled away, but he didn't think that'd be right. So he simply let her kiss him, not returning it, yet not rejecting it. And when she pulled away and turned so that her back was facing him, he couldn't help but regret what just happened.

It didn't feel right.

Sakura wiped her eyes before the tears could fall.

Neither of them slept the whole night.


A/N - if you ask me, this was sorta the long awaited chapter. Now that you read it, how was it? Review! (: