I feel really torn with this chapter because of course Tobirama deserves some love.

WARNING: light angst and TobiSaku.


PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTES AT THE END!


Madara leaned onto his pool cue as he watched Izuna take a shot from the other end of the table. Business had gone uneventfully earlier and by tomorrow, Madara would have knotted every loose ends to prepare him for his New Year getaway with his adorable sugar baby. Hopefully this time, it would go uninterrupted.

Izuna thrusted his cue gently and the white ball curved around the number eight ball. The cue managed to hit the fifth and the ball rolled across the table in which seemed like a sure win down the lower left pocket. However before it could reach the edge, the ball slowed into a complete stop.

"Shit!" Izuna cursed as he threw his hands up.

"Ooh, so close," he tutted playfully which served to irk Izuna more as he grabbed a shot glass from the tray near them and downed the lambanog in one gulp.

"Fuck that really packs a punch," the underboss shook his head at the heat that instantly overwhelmed him.

"My turn!" Obito exclaimed jovially as he positioned himself by the table. Effortlessly, he shot the cue ball just enough to nudge the fifth to make it fall into the pocket. Whereas Obito sported a rather smug grin, Izuna shot him a glare balefully.

Madara couldn't help but chuckle. It's been a while since he sat back and relaxed with his family. Since he's been receiving special attention for the last few weeks, his mind has become less convoluted and he had been thinking a lot clearer since his celibacy. And now, after a long while, he allowed the entertainment room of the manor be opened for his soldiers and capo- which seemed more like a mini casino from the setting, to the pool tables, to the darts, to the card tables, and open bar.

Pampering and getting pampered by a sexy, gorgeous young woman was a very nice distraction. Maybe all he really needed was a woman to take his mind off of things?

Speaking of which, how was his sugar baby? Because of this whole family reunion bullshit, his pretty kitten couldn't openly contact him without getting the attention of her distant relatives (especially her best friend's). Not that he really minded. Their contract only said that they can't disclose the names of each other to other people but they can admit that they were currently engaging in a sugar relationship. He himself added this clause for both their sakes. He couldn't risk Sakura's safety and become a potential target just because she accepted a job from him.

A job…

He felt his phone buzz in his trousers. As he picked up the device from his pocket, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the name. Only a handful were given privilege to contact him on his personal phone and though Kagami was one of those few, he rarely contacted him except about something absolutely critical.

Madara swiped the notification with his thumb and entered the passcode. It immediately directed him to his inbox and at the chat box with his consigliere, a photo sent by Kagami made Madara's heart thunder in his chest heavily. Not the pleasant kind.

Kagami sent him a picture of Sakura talking with Tobirama.

Kagami: 'From Network #5. At the event hotel. Inter-familial bidding. Tobirama paid 1M ryo flat for one date.'

10:44 PM

Black eyes narrowed dangerous as he pieced together the broken sentences.

What the fuck

Madara: 'Seen. Burn it.'

10:45 PM

With the message sent, Madara proceeded to delete the entire message, to which he's sure Kagami would also do the same along with the original photo source.

Of all the people… why the fuck does it have to be him?!

His mind whirred in dangerous notions. When Sakura mentioned that she would be spending time with the Uzumaki, he didn't mind. It wasn't his business anyway. However, when Yahiko told him about the Senju's involvement to that event, something in his gut told him that something bad was going to happen. Madara didn't mean to act possessive but Sakura… his Sakura… his gut never failed him before and it most certainly didn't fail him now.

It was supposed to be just an added precaution. An added measure to make sure she wouldn't get involved any further than she unknowingly let herself into with their society. He himself couldn't believe the fact that the Uzumaki would just sell a relative that doesn't even use the same family name. Doesn't that Naruto boy have enough sway in his family to protect his best friend? Then again, he remembered that since Kushina's son refused the position as heir, he was stripped off of those powers.

Damn.

Still, it's no reason to- no…

Even to the underground families, they aren't strangers to arranged marriages. Since the treaty however, that notion had become unpopular for the last few decades but it does not dissuade minor families to chance a seat of power by marrying off their children. Madara himself had received a few proposals and so does Izuna.

As for Tobirama, it didn't help that he's been the most targeted bachelor alongside Izuna. Madara also knew that when it comes to family, Hashirama can be as aggressive as he. He wouldn't be surprised if that rival of his would help his brother with the situation. Either he'd help Tobirama dissuade the bachelorettes, or help him give a woman of his own.

An inter-familial bidding was the perfect way for Hashirama to determine which was which.

Shit

Sometime during the reunion, Tobirama had met Sakura and everything fell into place for Hashirama at that one moment. Because it didn't matter if Sakura was not a directly from the Uzumaki family. Hashirama could easily pull some strings to handle that. But Madara also knew that the Senju boss would never do something impulsive and thrust any woman on his brother's way. Which meant only one thing…

Tobirama is interested at Sakura.

Why that son of a-

"Madara?"

"What?" he blinked and snapped his head at Izuna.

"I said it's your turn," Izuna replied, looking quizzically, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" was what he said but his tone was clipped and almost grounded.

Madara circled to one end of the pool table and dipped his body in position. Yet his mind raced and his knots tied around in his stomach as the gears in his brain continued to torture him of the implication.

His kitten…

His Sakura…

With her pretty face and gorgeous body, only a retard wouldn't acknowledge her beauty. Even the times they went out on dates, the looks she garnered from any hot-blooded male that came their way didn't go unnoticed. Still…

Of all people… why does it have to be him?

Hopefully, his dear sugar baby would contact him soon. For she has a lot of explaining to do.

As Madara made his shot, his strike was more forceful than necessary.

But then a sad thought came to him…

Would she even say anything to him?


Sakura leaned in the mirror as she put on her earrings. The pair of teardrop shaped green crystals were a perfect match for her eyes, and knowing the person who gave them to her, the thought that he had them customized doesn't seem so farfetched. Since this date was agreeably last minute, Sakura settled to wear one of her new dresses. Thanks to Ino's fashion preaches back in high school, Sakura grew a habit to always pack extra. Boy that certainly saved her neck this time. Since she technically came here for a family party, she didn't brought anything too fancy to the point of standing out, not even during the past events.

Still, she's glad that she had something else to wear for her date with Tobirama. She may be broke- well, not anymore though- but she doesn't want others to think that she can't handle herself. And since she's gathered herself quite an arsenal from a very generous source, she might as well use it to her convenience. The attire she conveniently had was an off-the-shoulder jersey mermaid gown. She's been told before, and she wholesomely agrees, that red was a suitable color for her. But another one of Ino's teachings told her that it's not healthy to stick to one color just because it suits them.

Sakura though, thought that the white fabric of her gown and matching heels were a nice complement for the winter season. She just hoped that she wouldn't look too flirty because of the way it hugged her curves nicely and left her shoulders bare. It's nice to get attention every now and then but she didn't want Tobirama to get the wrong idea. Keeping up to one older man's attention was enough, but two would be too much on her plate. Besides, if things go too smoothly she might convince herself that she actually has a thing for older men.

Albeit sexy, toned, and very attractive older men.

With a tint of blush on her cheeks, Sakura stepped back and took one last overall look at herself in the mirror. Then she turned to her desk where her branded purse (another of Madara's gifts) laid, and unplugged her phone from the charger. As the light went up to show a screen saver of herself and the three important men in her life, she noticed that she hadn't received any new messages from Madara.

It… shouldn't strike her as odd though.

There were days that they were both too busy with their work (and studies, in her case) that it would take them days to text or receive a call from the other again. Usually it was Madara who does the initiative.

After all, she has no obligation to reach out to him herself, right? They have a contract! She's needed as a companion- sometimes a bed partner. That doesn't mean they have to stay in contact 24/7.

It's not like she participated willingly to land herself this date with another man. Their contract stated that they can freely pursue a relationship outside of theirs anyway. So long as they kept their names anonymous to uninvolved characters.

Not that she'd consider dating someone seriously. With her studies, her time a RN at the hospital, and the fact that she's still warming up with her sugar relationship with Madara, adding a boyfriend is another ball she can't juggle with the rest.

And on another note, she's not obliged to tell her sugar daddy everything. Even though he pays her- is technically her employer, and is sweet, generous, a gentleman, not to mention- very proficient in bed, Madara does not own her.

She doesn't have to tell about her date with another man, with Tobirama, even if this was just a onetime thing (hopefully), because their relationship is only sealed within the confines of a signed contract.

That's right… their relationship is only on paper…

Then why are you working yourself up over it?

Sakura shook her head aggressively and slapped her cheeks together. With her mind cleared, Sakura tucked her phone into her purse, slipped into her coat, and proceeded out the door… only to meet a very pouty and obviously annoyed Naruto.

"Naruto…" she warned for him to start.

The blonde however, just huffed indignantly but never uncrossed his arms from his chest. Since last night he's been raving on and on about the auction (apart from his incessant apologies). It also didn't help that Naruto got to his parents first before she could confront them herself. Unfortunately for them, the answer was a solid no and even when she asked for the explanation, Naruto became hesitant to answer and had been dodging the topic quite effectively. It only got worse when she made up her mind to agree with the date just to get it over with. She spent the entire day just to avoid the ball of orange fury.

Honestly, she loved Naruto and she knew that he was just being overprotective and worried (one of the cons of growing up with people like him, Sasuke, and Kakashi) but it's not like she can't make decisions for herself. As much as she loved the attention, she hated being babied the most.

As weird as it must be for them, since Tobirama is probably no less than a decade older than her, it's just one date.

What's the worst that could happen?

"Naruto," Sakura tried once more but he kept being stubborn.

Karin sighed from beside her cousin, "Honestly just let her go, you goof."

"Thank you!" Sakura released in exasperation.

"Not helping, Karin!"

"Wasn't trying to," the redhead turned to the pinkette, "You all set?"

"Yeah. Think you can handle him on your own?" she nudged her chin none-too-subtly at Naruto.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure to keep him on his leash for the entire night."

"Thanks, Karin," Sakura smiled genuinely before she took a step at the still-fuming blonde. She reached her hand up to ruffle his hair before she flicked his nose playfully, "I'll be fine, Naruto. I promise I'll call you if I need anything."

His pout remained but at least his blue eyes softened, "Don't have too much fun."

Sakura just laughed in reply before they saw her out to the elevator.

"Don't forget to use protection!" Karin teased and Sakura didn't get the chance to retort as the elevator doors closed on her shocked and embarrassed expression. The redhead ignored the lame attempt of a glare her cousin sent her as she rolled her eyes and nudged Naruto's shoulder, "Oh come on. She's a big girl. You know she can take care of herself, right? What's one date with an old man gonna change anything anyway?"

"It's not the age thing that's got me worried about," Naruto muttered.

It's more like whatTobirama was that worried him getting close to his sister. In Naruto's mind, he hoped that Sakura would never know about it.

.

"Ms. Haruno?"

Sakura smiled politely as she walked down the steps out of the hotel entrance. As promised, Tobirama was on time and was waiting for her outside. His dark blue tux was partially covered by a darker duffle coat. The colors really brought out the stark contrast of his white hair and crimson eyes.

"Back to the honorifics again, Mr. Senju?" she teased as she brought her peach faux-furred oversized coat around her. It wasn't snowing tonight but the wind was still pretty chilly.

"My apologies. I only thought that a beautiful lady such as yourself only deserves respect."

In her mind, Sakura could likely blame the cold night for the dash of pink across her cheeks and not because of the older man's smile and sweet words.

"Charming," she commented.

Tobirama let out a small chortle before he presented his hand, "May I?"

With a nod, Sakura accepted his offer and let him press another kiss over her knuckles. Like the perfect gentleman, Tobirama escorted her further down the last flight of stairs and towards an ice-blue supercar. To say Sakura was shocked was an understatement. Of course, she expected something grand from a rich man, not to mention all the times Madara had her escorted in sleek sedan cars, but this?

"Wow," she couldn't help but marvel as Tobirama pressed a button on his car key fob and the doors opened vertically.

"Not what you expected?" Tobirama inquired with a raised brow.

"No. I mean yes-! I mean," Sakura fumbled, "I'm just… surprised, is all. I didn't realize that you're into these type of model cars. Not that it's a bad thing though! I think it's… cool."

It was Tobirama's turn to stop in surprise. He blinked, "Cool?"

"Yeah. I always found this type of cars sexy," she grinned widely. A fond memory flashed in her mind when Sasuke showed off the sports car he painstakingly saved with his allowance since high school and weekend jobs. However when her own words finally sunk in, Sakura's face erupted in red as she brought her hands up in defense, "I-I'm so sorry Mr. Senju! I didn't mean for it to sound weird!"

Her date stared at her for a few seconds before his eyes sparked in something akin to smugness before his lips twitched in a (still polite) smirk, "I don't think it's weird at all. Oh and just Tobirama will do. I already made reservations, so shall we?"

Tobirama held her hand as he helped her slide into his car. Sakura had to suppress a moan as she felt the heat that spread all over her from the comfy seat. If she thought the car's exterior was grand then it was nothing compared to the interior. She felt as if she were inside a ship from those sci-fi movies she watched the boys during movie nights. Whereas Madara's 4x4 was as modern as they come, Tobirama stepped up a notch with his own.

Why are you comparing the both of them?

When the albino Senju sat on the driver's seat, he pushed a button and the doors closed around them. Encased in tinted windows to promote privacy, white and blue neon lights that lined the seats and the panel came to life. Sakura didn't think that she would be more impressed but the cherry on top was when Tobirama turned on the ignition and the car didn't make the slightest budge. Instead it released a purr that sent shockwaves down her spine.

"Oh wow," she exhaled in barely contained giddiness, "That's a really pretty engine you have there."

Tobirama raised an amused brow at her, "You seem to know more than you let on. I admit you caught me by surprise. It's not every day I get to meet a woman who's interested in vehicles."

Sakura chuckled, "Oh I am more than interested, Tobirama. I'm not a total expert but I could still differentiate all of the Bijū Generations. Yours is a Suiryuuden, isn't it? But the engine sounds different. Is it a Kagebunshin engine?"

In midst of her talk, she didn't notice the way Tobirama's red eyes shined at the way her words left her pink tinted lips. Not only were they startlingly accurate but she spoke in such confidence that really took him off guard. He didn't really want to use his personal car but Hashirama, for some goddamned reason, wouldn't let him borrow one of his standard sedan. He's glad he didn't push for it, then he wouldn't be able to hear these words from such a marvelous creature.

When he's not helping his brother with the family business, Tobirama had a fascination in racing vehicles. He found the engineering behind the machinations so fascinating even as a child. It spurred his mind how on earth such a contraption are able to achieve such feats with just a change of wires, a type of metal, and the number rods and pumps.

Despite himself, Tobirama's smirk widened as he watched Sakura skim her delicate fingers over the dashboard. Her green eyes that sparkled with marvel was captivating.

"Technically, you are correct. This is a Suiryuuden but everything else was changed to my preference. The engine is a variation of Kagebunshin and Raijin-ken. It took me more than a year to assemble everything I wanted in this prize. But the end was worth it."

Sakura nodded agreeably, much to his surprise. Tobirama honestly didn't think she would fully understand, "I totally agree. This is quite something you got here. Wait- Raijin… does that mean this car can go up to three-hundred miles per hour?! It can match up to a Sennin?!"

By then, all of Sakura's inhibitions had basically flown out the window. Tobirama hadn't thought that those green eyes of hers could grow wider and sparkle like a child would grow excited over their favorite candy.

He didn't think his smirk held longer than it normally would. As far as all his dates went, none made the slightest once of interest with his blatant passion even when he tried to share. Even though he once dated a fellow engineer that had an eye for cars, there was just no… passion in them. Even if they did show interest, the first thing they would ask was how much he spent on his prize.

With Sakura though… he has never met anyone like her.

"I admire your enthusiasm, Sakura," he let out another small chortle.

His vague answer didn't satisfy her though but any further questions from her died down when Tobirama finally led them down the road and away from the hotel. At one point he offered her to play some music to pass the time. Just because his car can take them to their destination in less than a few minutes doesn't mean he'll pass up the chance to observe the pinkette more to show off. The first few songs were a bunch of his favorite classics and as odd as it sounds, he felt relieved when Sakura didn't mind and even hummed along. However when the next song came into play and the familiar keys of a piano, Tobirama felt his fingers grow numb-

"What the…" Sakura muttered from her seat, her expression just as surprised. Tobirama cursed mentally. That's the last time he's going to visit his brother's house with his car. How did those spawn of his even get to his car in the first place?!

"Sakura-"

"Well this is a surprise! I didn't think you have this kind of taste, Tobirama!" Sakura couldn't help but giggle. Her politeness and manners hadn't thought the need to return to her yet, "I love this song!"

Tobirama's denial and protest became lost as Sakura began to sing along with the song. Usually he would find such behavior childish or even repulsive. However, as he watched the pinkette sing and dance a small dance in her seat beside him; the brightest smile he has ever seen plastered naturally on her face, he found it endearing and his heart unknowingly raced a slightly faster beat in his chest.

"Me too," he answered.

"If I could fall, into the sky! Do you think time, will pass me by? 'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if I could just, see you, tonight."

.

The road they travelled along was calm and peaceful, and Sakura could easily imagine it as a beautiful scenic route for dates and road trips during the spring and summer. As for the restaurant itself, her first impression of it was a country club. Like the fancy, members only lodge for the wealthy who have no idea how to better spend their money with. Who knew there was something like this so far out of the city?

"Welcome, Sir Senju," greeted a maître d' as they walked into the restaurant. Tobirama didn't even need to check for his reservation. It's as if they were waiting for them to arrive. He led them through the rows of wealthy-looking diners, and once again, Sakura found herself in a private booth. This time the walls were lined with tasseled curtains, was next to a window, and had a pleasant view of the live musicians.

The exchange somewhat reminded her of the times Madara took her out to dinner. No one else but the maître d' saw through their night. And even when through their mastered cordiality, their features were always a shade paler and a bit more restrained. Like they were afraid. Sakura was unfamiliar with the higher social circle, much more how things work there. But still, she found it odd this setting odd. Just how powerful or influential are the two older men she had dated so far to receive such extra special treatment?

"Is something wrong?" Sakura asked as she noticed his blatant stare.

By her third date with Madara, Sakura had been well-versed on how to properly order and she had looked up on how to properly use the line of utensils around her plate. So by now she's confident that she wouldn't embarrass herself.

Tobirama shook his head. Now up close, she noticed how his white hair was slightly slicked back this time. It suited him.

"I learned that Kushina's son did not take our arrangement… pleasantly, and that you tried to confront us about it further this morning."

"Please don't mind that," Sakura shook her head. She really doesn't need a reminder of that scene Naruto caused this morning. One would think that the blonde would've matured over the years.

'Guess he's like his mom in that way,' she thought in passing.

"I just wanted an explanation, and besides, I already accepted since last night, didn't I?"

"Yes, but still," Tobirama faked a cough, "My brother… Have you ever had someone, either a friend or family, that you know they only mean well but sometimes may get carried away for trying to help?"

"Oh, I can totally relate to that," Sakura let out a smile as Ino's face popped in her head, "You have no idea how many times my friend tricked me into a blind date with a complete stranger."

Tobirama nodded sagely, "And it always goes in two ways. Either it goes really well,"

"-or it turns out to be a complete disaster," Sakura finished.

As if she said the words right out of his mouth, another smile let up on Tobirama's face and the both of them couldn't help but chuckle.

This is… kinda fun.

"Say, you don't mind, do you?" he gestured between them, "About us?"

Sakura blinked in confusion, "I already said I accepted."

"No, I meant," he turned his head away as he felt his cheeks and ears unusually hot, "our ages."

Her eyes widened. Is he always this shy? One would think that with a handsome face like his, he would be a total Casanova or something.

"Well, how old are you? If you don't mind me asking."

"I am currently thirty-five," he answered, but then turned his face away again when he asked, "And you?"

"Sixteen," she answered instantly which earned her an obvious disbelieving look from the other man. Still, she giggled, "I'm just joking. I'm twenty-two years old. To answer your question though, I don't really mind. Besides, you don't look that old. You don't go and ask 'how old are you' when out on a date with someone."

"That's a relief. You are a fresh graduate then?"

"Yes, and no. Oh thank you," Sakura smiled politely as the waiter presented them their first course. She looked at Tobirama and continued, "After I graduated in Nursing from Konoha University and got registered, I immediately applied for medical school."

"Fascinating," his brows raised in genuine surprise, "I presume you're aiming for a specialization as well?"

She nodded, "Surgery. At the meantime I'm working as an RN at KGH."

.

"Really? Then may I presume again that you are working directly under Ms. Kato Shizune?"

He deliberately remarked. Unlike his brother, Tobirama was always skeptic and does not easily trust. So when he sorted through all the times he spent with the pinkette, albeit as minimal as it been, have been nothing but a smooth sailing ride, then it was only right for him to grow suspicious.

The phrase: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, he adopted as his philosophy.

As charming and impressive and wonderful and… really beautiful… Haruno Sakura has been so far, he'd rather saw through all the dirt before he reached the chest of gold.

Her head reared back at the sudden mention of her senior and colleague, "Yes... is it because she's the Chief Nurse?"

"That, and that she's also under the Dean's tutelage, is she not?"

"Sen… ju…" Sakura felt color slowly fade away from her as realization sunk into her, "you're related to Lady Tsunade?"

Tobirama merely raised a brow at her dumbfounded expression. He swirled his glass once before he took a sip, "We are Senju, after all."

Had she really not realized the possibility of their relation?

"Yes, but…" Sakura mumbled, her eyes still wide and her body frozen, "I know a few people who have the same last names but aren't related. Wow! What a small world."

"I suppose, but if you must know, she is my cousin. She is not very… participative in these ceremonies. If you have worked under her, then you must understand what I mean. Tsunade always preferred small, private get-togethers," Tobirama shrugged and thought, 'that wasn't a complete lie though. Tsunade abhorred the mafia life despite being the daughter of father's first caporegime. Still, she isn't a vain person. Which was why the Konoha General Hospital was the first medical facility to swear the Oath of Neutrality.'

"I imagine it would've been a wonderful opportunity if she came," Tobirama took a sip.

Now, what is your motive? Are you really as genuine as you present yourself to be?

"Well, yes I suppose. It would be nice to have a chat with her outside the hospital for once. I've always looked up to her."

Never mind that I actually fought a bet for a date with you. I don't know why I did that either. By the looks of her dress and accessories, she seems more than well of.

"If you want, I could send her your regards through me," he offered. This time, his polite smile didn't match his eyes.

She should at least know that the Senju family, both above and underground, are influential in all of Konoha. She wouldn't be the first person to suck up to me over something to make their goal easier.

"That's nice of you, Tobirama," she smiled back… and then shook her head, "But no thank you."

What?

"What?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "I mean, it would be nice to get to know my idol but I'd rather gain that chance for myself-"

Are you another fake?

"-Besides, if I said yes, people would think I'm currying you a favor."

Or are you the real deal?

"-I don't want to burden you with that," she finished with the most innocent smile he has ever seen. It was so radiant. It took his own breath away.

You're too good to be true.

"I see, if that's what you want."

She gave a light chortle, "But enough about me. What about you?"

"Well, I also graduated from Konoha University and I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering."

My heart… feels funny.

.

"It's a bit late. I apologize. I didn't mean to keep you out long," Tobirama turned to his date as he escorted her back to her hotel room.

Sakura shook her head, "It's fine. I'm just glad we didn't get snowed in. This is my stop."

She announced once at the door. Sakura pulled her key card out and swiped it over the lock. It beeped green in confirmation before she turned around to wish him thanks and a goodnight. However her words seemed to have decided to stay at the tip of her tongue when she realized how close he was.

Whoa, he's almost as tall as Madara.

Not quite but still a full head taller than her despite her heels.

"Tobirama?"

"I would like to thank you for your time, Sakura. My night became all the more pleasant, with you." he took her hand. His crimson eyes were closed as he kissed each of her knuckles.

A shiver ran up her spine at how his lips lingered longer with each knuckle, but she couldn't find it in her to pull away. She didn't want to seem rude.

"You're welcome and I uhh… thank you, too? I mean, it was fun," she managed a small smile.

"Indeed. Sakura?" he gripped her hand a bit tighter this time.

"Yes?" she unconsciously brought her cloak around her closer to her chest with her free hand.

"After the holidays, would it be alright," he was staring deeply into her eyes. His seriousness and conviction palpable, "if I see you again?"

Oh shit.

Sakura had to blink as her mind tried to process what he just said, 'Did he just seriously asked me out?'

She froze as she internally panicked. What was she supposed to say?! Should she turn him down?! But she can't accept either! She has to focus on her studies! She has work to do! She has no intentions of getting a real boyfriend in the first place! My contract with Madara is still on!

Madara…

Sakura released her buttom lip; she hadn't realized she had been biting. She pulled her hand from his carefully but Tobirama didn't let her gaze part from his. With her feet that had been aching a bit from her heels, she crossed the distance between them and instead of an answer, Sakura gently pressed a small kiss up to what she could reach. Which was the curve of his jaw where her kiss met his cheek tattoo.

Slowly and cautiously, she pulled away. Tobirama fluttered his own lashes open as she stepped away from him.

Sakura opened the from behind her and stepped in, "Thank you for the date, Tobirama. It was nice getting to know you."

"Is that a yes?" he asked. His features seem schooled, but her heart ached at the hope that was laced in his voice.

She cordially dipped her head a bit and with a genuine smile, she wished him a good night and closed the door. She really didn't want to hear his response. Her door automatically locked the moment she closed it.

Now alone in the darkness of her hotel room, she couldn't hear Tobirama's footfalls as he walked away. Deep down, she was glad that he didn't knock on her door.

She… really didn't know what to answer.

It had been fun, truly it was. Turns out Tobirama wasn't the kind of person people led to believe. He's been nothing but a gentleman and had been very kind all throughout the night. He also made great conversation too. Especially when it came to cars. Thinking about it now, it hit her with a painful nostalgia as it reminded her of her ever-enthusiastic father. Haruno Kizashi was also an engineer. Specifically, he worked on companies that specialized in the racing sports. That's why she had a profound knowledge of automobiles.

Then another thought came to her.

No matter what they were talking about, or whatever she observed from Tobirama… why does she always find an excuse to compare him with Madara?

In another perspective, the whole idea looked unfair to Tobirama. He and Madara are nothing alike. Except for the fact they were both more than a decade older and both had been kind and considerate of her. They were still nothing alike. Heck, even their degrees fell far apart. Madara has a degree in Business, Political Science, and Psychology for Pete's sake!

Yet why?

'I wonder how he's doing?' Sakura exhaled, but it felt like her heart was the one that sighed. It's been only a few days, but why is she thinking how nice Madara's big, strong arms around her? How it felt for him to just hold her, how she would just listen to his heartbeat, and how she made a habit of tracing his tattoos.

'Shit I'm even thinking about his tattoos?!' Sakura screamed internally, 'Stop it, Haruno! But… oh my god… I miss him.'

"I miss Madara," she whispered to the shadows.

Not daddy, not partner-in-bed, just Madara. Uchiha Madara.

She groaned aloud as she let her head fall back and slam it lightly on her door. She wasn't even sure what she's groaning about.

"Oh right!" Sakura fished her phone out from her purse and quickly pressed the button on the side. The light was blinding in the darkness but she managed to squint her eyes over the numbers on the screen, "I still have time."

It was almost midnight but she still has more than enough minutes to spare. Sakura quickly swiped through her contact lists and stopped at Madara's name. But then a thought came to her that it was late, that he's probably tired and asleep. So instead she pressed on the chat icon and it led her to their messages box.

Sakura swallowed a lump in her throat as her thumbs hovered over the letters. She was aware of the date. But all throughout from morning, till the afternoon- where Karin whisked her away for some fun the hotel has to offer, to her date with Tobirama till this late at night… she never had the chance.

He's probably wasted from his own party. Yes, maybe that's why he hasn't even sent a message to her. Still…


"I'll leave him to you, Setsuna."

"No problem, boss. Happy birthday to you again, sir."

"Thank you," Madara smiled appreciatively as he watched his drunkenly passed out brother taken away to his room.

Izuna had really outdone himself this year with his surprise. Personally, Madara wasn't too keen to big parties. Especially when it's about his own birthday party. A nice meal with close friends and family would be enough for him. Still, he let his brother have his fun. He supposed that it was for him as well. A way to remember how their mother always did things over the top to celebrate the birth of her sons. While most of his caporegime and soldiers had fun with Izuna's surprises (mostly of women, food, and booze), Madara was content to just sit back and watch the people he cared for have fun in his stead. Even Izumi and family members from the aboveground came by to wish him a happy birthday, and his wine cellar became full from all the gifts he received from other mafia bosses he made peace with.

For some reason… he didn't feel as much hype on his own birthday.

Especially when the women came. But… even when those beautiful, hired women were blatantly throwing themselves at him, he declined. Each and every one of them. Even when he eventually conceded to take one on his lap, it just… something didn't felt right.

'I wonder how she's doing,' he let out a wistful sigh as he laid on his own bed.

He had been waiting since last night for Sakura to call him. A message, at least. But nothing came. Not even a simple good morning or how his day went. Nothing. At first it infuriated him. It made him angry. But then he reminded him, that logical part in him, berated him that his sugar baby has no obligation to him outside the words printed in their contract.

Why would she tell him that she's on a date? Why would she bother telling him what happened? He's not her friend, not even someone she could blurt all her frustrations out. He's just… Madara. Her sugar daddy. He was her employer. Her job.

Of course. Why would she even try to create a relationship outside their deal?

He's not her real boyfriend, nor was she his real girlfriend. He didn't court her. He fucking signed a contract with her! They were never in a real relationship in the first place.

Yet… why does he feel so betrayed?

'Who am I fooling?' a condescending smirk etched on his face, because he knew that the answer was himself.

In the darkness of his room, his personal phone buzzed from the table top. Its screen blared brightly that he had to squint his eyes to adjust. Madara expected it to be another one happy birthday message from his family. Still, he grabbed for it and adjusted his eyes to the light.

His heart thudded. Hard.

'You have (1) message from: H. Sakura (Kitten)'

He read the notification, and suddenly his throat felt dry. He didn't even realize he had swiped his thumb across the screen.

Sakura: 'Hey. Sorry. I know it's late. I'm not sure if you're even still awake. You're probably asleep already. Anyway, I'm sorry if this bothered. I've been preoccupied with something so I couldn't tell you this sooner.'

11:51 PM

Sakura: 'Happy Birthday, Madara. I hope you had a fun birthday celebration.*

*If you still celebrate those sort of things.'

11:53 PM

Sakura: 'I'm really sorry my greeting was so late. But hey, it's still not midnight so the magic is still there, right?'

11:53 PM

Sakura: 'I'd love to greet you personally though.'

11:53 PM

Sakura: 'Good night and sweet dreams.

Happy Birthday :) :hugsandkisses: (^3^)

I miss you 3'

11:54 PM

He didn't even realized it, or maybe he did. Still, he didn't act out on it. Usually such emojis would disgust him. He just never saw the point in them. But this time, knowing that they came from Sakura… it made him feel giddy.

With a broad smile on his face and a loudly beating heart, he tapped his reply.

Madara: 'Thank you, Sakura. Coming from you, it means a lot to me. I miss you too. Pleasant dreams, kitten.'

11:55 PM


FINALLY! AN UPDATE!

You guys have no idea how badly I've wanted to update but as my real life goes, things happened in a drastic curve for me.

The reason it took me some time was because I was undergoing therapy.

I've had depression for a long time now and the end of 2018 and start of 2019 hadn't been really kind to me. My aunt died and my grades started to plummet because of my pent up emotions and frustrations. It wasn't until last month that I had the courage to tell my parents what I felt.

I won't go into details but just know that I've been doing better lately. I had to sort through a lot of things and did new things like cooking and at least, jogging. That's why it took me so long because I wanted to clear everything before I return to my stories. Not only this fic but others as well. I don't want to make a lame, half-baked story because I still have a conflicted mind.

But now that I'm back, you guys can expect that it won't take months for me to update another chapter again. And I'll be revising my other stories such as 'Sakura Tree' starting now. I'm currently in vacation from school so I have that much time at least.

Looking back at it now, all the reviews and words of encouragement you guys left, how you guys still support and read my story(s), it really helped me pull through. It really did. So thank you. Thank you very much. I don't know what else to say to show my gratitude. Hopefully, my weekly updates will make up for it.

Thank you for the continued love and support. Stay amazing everyone!

Ciao~!