Hey there! So this chapter is kinda unplanned too because I intended to include the contents of it in the later chapters but then decided to include it before SasuSaku wedding for better development. Enjoy!

Chapter 5- Tad Bit Trouble

The Uchiha family sat together for breakfast, anticipating the upcoming wedding day which was in less than 24 hours. It's been two days since the engagement and nothing really changed except the workload of preparing things for the wedding. Sasuke and Sakura both didn't interact with one another even after the contact they were bound to make two evenings ago.

Sasuke's assumption turned out to be his misconception when he realized the wedding pressure just got greater after the engagement. He really thought he could relax a bit and forget about being wed after getting engaged, forgetting that he still had to take part in the most important and bigger ceremony within the span of 3 days, his own wedding.

"Looks like Otsutsuki Karin didn't take the news of Sasuke's marriage well." Itachi broke the silence in which the family was having breakfast, excluding Mikoto's excited declarations on the preparations she made for the wedding which the male Uchiha's only listened.

"I've heard about the meeting." Fugaku responded.

"What meeting? What did Karin do?" Mikoto asked as her curiosity kicked in. Normally she wasn't the person to be interested in anything regarding the redhead but knowing it involved the youngest Uchiha's marriage, she had to know what was going on.

"It seems that like us the Otsutsuki girl too considered being married to Sasuke. Turns out it came off as a shock to her when she realized things are not going that way. Hagoromo wanted to discuss something in the office today, he mentioned about his daughter and our business partnership so I assume that's what he'll be discussing about. Also Sasuke, don't forget you're expected to be there." Fugaku explained to his wife, while also reminding Sasuke to be present. Even though that's the last thing Sasuke wanted to do amidst this pressure, Fugaku explained how it's mandatory for him to show up since Hagoromo also would probably discuss about the partnership and specially requested Sasuke's presence. Sasuke only replied with a 'Hn'.

"Not just shock, tou-san. I'm assuming Karin is quite furious too. Her attitude during the call with me didn't really go pleasant. I don't think she still could accept the fact that otouto is marrying someone who isn't her. She really took her and Sasuke's marriage for granted and now I realize she considered no other option either." Itachi said with a tone of annoyance, surely it got him pissed considering he never liked the woman to begin with.

"That won't change anything, will it? I mean I never expected her to think of things like that, not that it's a shock for her to act like that bearing that sort of attitude. Over time she will accept the fact too I guess. The Otsutsuki's are invited to the wedding, aren't they? Guess it will be easier for her to let this sink in when she sees Sasu-chan get married with her own eyes." Mikoto said confidently.

"That's the best we can hope, let's see what Hagoromo has to say." Fugaku said standing up. "And I expect you two to be ready before noon." He said to Sasuke and Itachi as he left.

Uchiha Corps

Sasuke and Itachi entered Fugaku's office to see Hagoromo sitting opposite to Fugaku and beside his daughter Karin. Both Sasuke and Itachi immediately knew how annoyed they both became at the sight however neither chose to show it.

"Ah, Sasuke, Itachi. We've been waiting for you. Take your seats" Fugaku spoke first.

"Greetings Mr.Otsutsuki, I hope we didn't make you wait for long." Itachi greeted, looking at Hagoromo.

"Not at all Itachi. Sasuke, it's been quite a while since I've seen you, your charm just seems to be getting better with time." Hagoromo greeted, to which Sasuke cordially replied. Normally he wasn't the person to exceed a sentence when talking. However, during any business meetings, Sasuke was completely the opposite. Even though his tone still remained stern and emotionless, he knew exactly how to step up or respond to clients and partners when it came to business.

"Sassuukkee!" Karin called out, in a much seductive manner that made Sasuke twitch internally. "I knew you'd make it Sasuke!"

"I'm here for business purpose only Karin. Mr.Otsutsuki, you may begin. Is there something about the recent business deal that we missed or you'd like to add?" Sasuke slyly changed the topic, not wanting to express his annoyance but also indicating that he couldn't bother less about how Karin felt about his presence.

"Actually Sasuke, in today's meeting I wish to talk about something else. Of course something that will be beneficial to both the companies but besides that it will benefit both our families too." Hagoromo began speaking. The Uchihas listened to him, all patiently looking at him waiting for what new possible offer he will be giving. "Both our families are prestigious and known worldwide. And the public is well aware of our business partnership as well. The Uchihas and Otsutsukis together already stand at a very high position, and it will only do us good if we strengthen the bond. Besides, I assume all of us have seen this coming too until your very recent change in mind, Fugaku."

"What do you mean?" Fugaku asked in a relaxed but stern tone.

"It's quite understandable what I mean, Sasuke and Karin's wedding."

The Uchiha trio tried their best to not show their shock. "I'm engaged. Your suggestion is absurd." Sasuke quickly responded to the last statement Hagoromo made. Is this man out of his mind?

"I'm very much aware about that, Sasuke. However, I also know that this setup is completely arranged. And I assume you didn't even know your suitor until your marriage was fixed? What I'm trying to say is- you've known Karin for a long time now, my daughter too seems to have been considering being courted by you. On top of that, you're not married yet. You still have one day of time. If you choose to call everything off I know things will still go smooth and perfect, the bride's family will have nothing to claim. Not only this will allow you to freely court again but you can as well form an official familial bond with the Otsutsukis enhancing the prestige of both the families and making our stand in the industry even more powerful. Besides, I'm confident that my daughter has a lot to offer to the man she has chosen and so do you."

Sasuke clenched his fist in anger, however, still sane enough to not show it. "Father's right sasuke! Even you know that for the betterment of both Uchiha and Otsutsukis name I'm the perfect candidate! And I know you feel the same towards me Sassuukkkee! Even you saw our marriage coming didn't you?"

"Karin." Sasuke stopped her before she could continue and make him more pissed than he already was. This man is absolutely out of his mind. "If anything, I'd call you delusional in case you're still thinking of our marriage. Arranged or not, I am engaged and you can not change that fact. It's better for you to accept it and perhaps move on as soon as possible. That will be beneficial for both of us and the company." Sasuke calmly replied despite his anger. Sure he went furious about the fact that these people even expected him to call off his marriage which was to be held the next day just because they wanted to be in that position, but he couldn't misbehave in any way and let this stupid meeting get in the way of the formal bond that both the Uchiha and Otsutsuki corps have. "And Mr.Otsutsuki, I believe our partnership already stands in a very high position. Further deals and contracts between our company are enough to enhance our strength I believe. Anything beyond that will only make personal matters get in the way, which I assume even you wouldn't want after knowing that no Uchiha here has the intention to call off the upcoming wedding?" Sure being married to someone he didn't know was bad, but replacing the person with someone like Karin was even worse, not like he was considering calling the wedding off either now that he was engaged, no matter what came in the way. The other two Uchihas chose to keep their silence seeing Sasuke strategically making the views clear. Fugaku nodded in agreement and Itachi had a smirk on his face, proud of his brother's clear explanation and judgement.

"But Sasuke-"

"Karin. You heard Sasuke, dear. As much as you'd want this to happen, you wouldn't go for someone who is already engaged to someone else and is refusing to turn back will you? And I agree with Sasuke, if he is not up for it, we must not push this matter further." Hagoromo explained to Karin who was now quiet, a clear expression of anger forming on her face. "Fugaku, my apologies for suggesting something of this sort. You see I had to give heed to what the heiress of Otsutsuki corps wished for as well." Hagoromo continued, eyeing Karin. "However I understand what you and Sasuke mean, if that is indeed your choice we can of course keep our partnership confined within business matters and forget what happened today."

"I'm glad that you understand Hagoromo, I assume there's nothing more to be discussed about then?" Fugaku said as he approached Hagoromo and shook hands, then finally stood up indicating the end of this meeting. Everyone else followed suit.

"Hopefully our next meeting will lead to much more progress of the projects Mr.Otsutsuki, have a good day." Itachi said as he moved away from his position followed by Sasuke who only shook hands, neither of the Uchiha siblings acknowledging Karin's presence, who was fuming by now.

"I'll see you at the wedding, Hagoromo, Karin." Fugaku said. Karin slightly twitched at the word 'wedding' and Itachi s smirk only widened.

"Of course. We might've missed the engagement for being overseas but I can definitely not miss your son's wedding. See you soon Fugaku, Itachi, Sasuke." And with that, they left. The Uchihas didn't speak much on their way home, very much aware about how all of them were thinking about the same thing- the meeting being a complete waste of time.

An annoyed Sasuke was harder to convince, for he changed his mind for the hundredth time about attending his own bachelor party.

"Come on teme! You can't not attend your own bachelor party! This is ridiculous! It's almost time. If I don't see you in an hour I'm coming to drag you out of the house!" Sasuke shifted his phone away from his ears as Naruto screamed his heart out.

"Hn." And before Naruto could respond again Sasuke cut the call. He knew Naruto wouldn't take back his words, if he didn't show up when he's supposed to then Naruto definitely will show up at the Uchiha residence, ready to drag him to the party. Although he was already tired of the whole wedding thing, he knew saying no to Naruto wasn't an option, and no matter how much he hated the idea or said to his best friend that he wouldn't show up, in the end, he definitely would go for it thanks to his best friend's desperate requests.

"Sasuke, cut the drama. I know you won't be denying Naruto so better start getting ready or else we'll be late." Itachi, who was beside Sasuke reminded him to which he only replied with a 'hn'.

Later that night

Thanks to Ino's extensive knowledge on places to party, the girl group was now in an excellent bar of a well known restaurant, sitting in a circle enjoying Sakura's last day of being a bachelorette. Clearly, the girls were more excited about her bachelor party than she was, and when someone had Ino as a best friend, they had no option to say no to this to begin with for which Sakura didn't bother trying either.

"Who knew Sakura-chan would be the first among us to get married..." Hinata mumbled as she sipped her soft drink.

"First or not, I'm happy. How cool is it to get the chance to be an Uchiha bride?! Sakura, you know, you better start working on filling that emotionless bastard's life with some love, that boy clearly needs it although he never admitted it no matter how many times I asked him. And Hinata, come on, how long do you plan to go without drinking? It's Sakura's bachelorette party! And it's not like you haven't been drunk before, at least have something light!" Ino squealed, straight gulping what seemed like her sixth shot of liquor.

"I find it quite amusing that we all here met Sasuke before except Sakura, hard luck I guess." Temari said.

"Do you think Sasuke and Sakura would become all lovey dovey if they knew each other before? I mean even you and Shikamaru don't admit that you guys have a thing for one another, let alone Sasuke and Sakura." Tenten pointed out.

"For the hundredth time. I. Do. Not. Have. A. Thing. With. That. Lazy. Prick." Temari hissed at Tenten, a faint blush on appearing on her cheeks.

"Neh Temari, if you have to deny that hard at least control your blushing-"

"IM NOT BLUSHIN-"

"Girls! People are staring!" Sakura interrupted them noticing the stares they began to get. They soon stopped their bickering and settled down again. "Even if I knew Uchiha Sasuke before, I don't think that would matter you know. My parents would set me up in an arranged marriage anyway. And if I was friends with him, getting married to a friend would be too awkward, and if our parents did consider us not getting married for the terms we would be in they'd probably find someone else for me. Either ways I'd be in the mess that I'm in today." Sakura said while drinking her beer, even though she was still in proper control and had full consciousness the beer did make her feel a bit relaxed about things. And she had to admit, even if the reason for which this gathering took place wasn't of sakura's liking, she was enjoying this party being with all her girl friends.

"S-Sakura-chan.. please don't worry about it.. I know it's too sudden for you but I'm pretty sure everything will fall into place once you two start living together. You guys just need to communicate and get to know one another better.." Hinata comforted Sakura.

"Right forehead, and you know the Uchihas are way too fond of you to treat you in any way that causes your discomfort. I can tell Fugaku oji-san likes you and the same goes for Mikoto oba. After all they denied the Otsutsukis you know!"

"Otsutsukis?.." Sakura asked Ino curiously. She heard about the Otsutsuki family a lot, and knew it's a very wealthy family like the Uchihas. What did Ino mean by the Uchihas denying Otsutsukis for her?

"I don't know much, I just heard today from dad. Apparently, the Otsutsukis wanted Sasuke to marry into their family, especially Karin."

"Karin?"

"Yeah, the Otsutsuki corps heiress, the girl really wanted Sasuke to marry her and completely lost it when she got to know that his marriage is fixed with someone else and ended up creating a fiasco. Too bad Fugaku oji-san would never choose her over someone as perfect as you and made it clear that there's no way this you two are not getting married, see he likes you already!"

"Gaara was saying something like this too, apparently Itachi said something about Otsutsukis wanting to get Karin married to Sasuke, of course Fugaku oji could only think that they're out of their minds." Temari added to the information Ino just gave to Sakura.

Karin.. Is it possible that Sasuke and Karin were together but Sasuke is now being forced into this marriage?.. Probably this is it.. Uchiha Sasuke had no reason to marry her, someone from a middle class family with no connections with him whatsoever. Meanwhile Karin has everything sasuke does, prominent family name, wealth, and probably good looks too. He had every reason for him to be with Karin and Sakura couldn't help but feel slightly hurt at the thought. Wait. Why'd she feel hurt? It's true. Their marriage was arranged and neither of them wanted it. It's very natural for him to love someone who's not her, it not like he wanted this marriage anyways.

"Sakura? Earth to Sakura?!" Sakura snapped out of her thoughts when she noticed Tenten calling her.

"Oyee forehead! Wha-aat are you thin-thinking abooout? Come on, beefooree you ge-eett marrieeedd tomorrow, let's hit the daance floor! Here's to theeeeeee last night of fo-foreheaaad being a baa-aach-eloretteee!" Ino wheezed, now completely drunk and out of control while already heading towards the dance floor.

"Our marital status will change but this definitely won't." Hinata giggled as she followed Ino along with the girls, with Sakura beside her understanding what she exactly meant. Most of such nights ended up with a very much drunk Ino and Tenten, half conscious Temari with her moderate drinking habit and good control and sober sakura and Hinata for their light drinking, both dragging Ino and Tenten to their homes, Temari thankfully being able to stand on her feet without clinging or falling. This is another solid reason Hinata gave to Ino everytime she forced her into drinking heavily, someone needed to drive the girls home without landing into an accident and Hinata merely took the responsibility everytime for she did not prefer drinking either thanks to Hyugas strict morals, unless of course a notorious Ino or Tenten spiked her drinks.

Midnight passed and the girls danced like there's no tomorrow, everyone enjoyed it like every other girl party they hosted before and Sakura was thankful that no one raised the fact that it was actually her bachelorette party. Even Sakura herself seemed to forget about it until it was time for them to leave, exactly in the condition Hinata and Sakura assumed, dragging the two drunk girls out while they whined to never step out of the bar.

Last night as a bachelorette eh? I'll sure miss being one now that I think of it, I wonder to what extent things will change after tomorrow.. Sakura thought as they headed towards the car. Tomorrow would be another long day for Sakura, and later that night a new life for her to live...

Meanwhile..

The boys were having the time of their lives too in one of the bars of very luxurious hotels, especially Naruto and Kiba, and of course, excluding Sasuke. It was a big round table with Sasuke, Itachi, Kiba, Neji, Naruto, and Shikamaru in it alongside even Sai, Lee, and Gaara. Sai and Lee happened to become all of their friends too in the engagement party despite Sai's overly blunt nature, though that didn't help the friendly tension between Sai and Naruto that they had for long. And since they couldn't be a part of Sakura's bachelorette party Itachi asked the two to join them instead which they both happily did. Gaara on the other hand was taken aback when he heard that he was invited too, considering how he was the most distant in the group and met most of the time only in business meetings, but even Sasuke himself wanted Gaara to join them in case the party indeed happened. After all everyone considered him a friend, especially Naruto through whom Gaara mainly came in friendly terms with them and could never not attend under Naruto's watch.

"And as much shocked tou-san and Sasuke were, I must say I really had a hard time suppressing a laugh at that delusional Otsutsuki." Itachi was saying all about today's incident to the bunch as they heard him intently, slowly sipping their drinks, all still sober. "I was actually amused when otouto did that, sure you've developed a liking towards Sakur-"

"I. Did. Not-"

"Anyways, then the rest of us kept quiet at that, the girl was fuming..." Itachi continued his story not giving sasuke the floor to deny. By the time Itachi finished telling everything that happened, everyone had a wide smile on their faces, amused at Sasuke's actions. Even Neji and Gaara had a smirk on their faces.

"Wow teme, you sure know how to make me proud!" Naruto squealed to which Sasuke only muttered 'dobe'.

As if Naruto wasn't enough to embarrass him, Kiba too jumped in. "I've always heard people saying love can change even the coldest one, never imagined I'd witness it too, well done Sasuke!" Sasuke was now gritting his teeth in response, surely regretting his actions. But could he be more subtle? What the Otsutsukis offered today was sure infuriating and Sasuke definitely hated the fact that they treated Sakura like she could easily be thrown away. I mean it's not like I have a thing for her or something of course. I just did it because Karin was being wrong and getting on my last nerve. That was it.

"I didn't 'defend' her to begin with, Karin was the one getting on all of our nerves and that was the only way to stop her." Sasuke said despite the faint amount of dilemma in his mind that he just brushed off.

"Don't say it like that, Sasuke. Defending your fiancé isn't a bad thing. We're all glad you did it, unexpected but what you did was absolutely right." Itachi explained seeing his brother like that. Although Sasuke was hard to understand, Itachi could read him like an open book. And even though Sasuke didn't mean to say that because he was yet to develop any sort of even general feeling towards her, which Itachi clearly knew, he was glad that his little brother at least decided to stand up for Sakura against the way she was expected to be treated by Karin.

"Hn." Sasuke responded.

"I agree with Itachi-san Sasuke, I'm very happy that you did that. Sakura-san is precious to all of her friends and I'm sure you'll strongly feel for her once you get to know her, she's really a very intelligent young woman, radiating so much youthful energy!" Sasuke slightly flinched at Lee's statement. If anything, he didn't want to interact with Sakura at all for the awkward position they already stood in without even interacting.

"Lee is right you know, I know ugly for a long time now. Even though she is one ugly hag, her heart is as pure as gold, must call her beautiful on that part."

"You blunt bastard! I've seen Sakura-chan! She is not ugly!" Naruto defended, to which Sasuke actually agreed on his mind. What makes him call her ugly, she's beau- what am I thinking?! I mean she's not that bad looking to be honest.. Sasuke didn't dare get into this conversation, the last thing he'd want is to go through another teasing session. He decided to sit quietly as the boys praised his fiancé, listening carefully without being obvious. From what he was hearing, he concluded that she's actually quite intelligent. No wonder everyone thinks she's far better than Karin to be his suitor.

"Quite an interesting wife you're getting eh Sasuke? She seems good in literally all ways possible, from academics to career." Neji said.

"Right, Sakura has always been dedicated in anything she does, I've witnessed quite a few of such events besides Temari often ranting about all of it." Gaara added.

"Speaking of Temari, oye Shikamaru, I can totally see your progress with her! Are you guys already dating or something?" Naruto asked with an evil grin. Now everyone's attention was on Shikamaru, causing Sasuke to finally get slight relief.

"Temari is still as troublesome as always. And no, we're not. Such a drag." Shikamaru responded, almost looking like he'll fall asleep. Gaara could only let it all sink in with wide eyes, he sure will have to ask Temari what's up.

"Oye boys, enough of talking, it's time to hit the dance floor!" Kiba said while already leaving, Lee rushed behind him screaming something about youthful energy, Sai left too saying 'it wouldn't hurt dancing with friends, I read it in a book' while Naruto was already rushing to join them while also dragging Sasuke, who only sat there with a death glare at his best friend beside Neji, Gaara and an already asleep Shikamaru. They would be the last people to hit the dance floor like that.

"Come on teemme!" Naruto was dragging Sasuke when Itachi stopped him.

"Come on Naruto, leave Sasuke here for now. Everyone's already on the floor." A drunk Naruto was easy to convince for Itachi, and Sasuke was relieved that Itachi did what he did. "Take your time otouto, I'll be on the dance floor, can't miss the dance of my little brother's bachelor party can I?" With that, Itachi too left with Naruto. Sasuke relaxed and threw his head back, shutting his eyes for a while until grabbing another glass of beer. One last time before I'm thrown into probably an eternal mess, who knows what will happen... Sasuke thought dreadfully as the night went on.

Author's note- okay, this turned out to be way longer than I expected, but I'm glad since I feel like it reflected both Sasuke and Sakura's thoughts well about being wed before they're bound in this arranged bond. What will happen in the next chapter? Stay tuned to know!

Next chapter release date- 8th May, 2021.