Title: White Widow
Chapter: Four
Author: Blue Rose
Rating: M (Hard R)
Pairing: Sasuke/Sakura
Summary: "Running away was easy; not knowing what to do next was the hard part." - Sakura needed to stop fantasizing about running away to some other life, and start figuring out the one she had. [Sasu/Saku, Modern AU]

Warnings: Adult Content
Disclaimer: I own nothing, and I damn sure don't make a single red cent for this either. So please, don't sue the Blue

Author Notes: If you like please don't forget to review/comment/like. Major thanks to my amazing beta: MySoberThoughts

:✧･ ﾟ･*･ﾟ･✧ B R ✧･ﾟ･*･ﾟ ･✧:

Chapter Four

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

December – A few months ago…

Sakura made her way back to the spacious living room from upstairs. Even with frigid temperatures, the sun made an appearance, a few rays slipping down below, past the gray clouds. A few beams collided with the floor to ceiling windows; making colorful patterns on the wood flooring as she slipped into the main common area.

The place was a reader's digest wet dream, and Sakura considered herself very lucky to be able to stay here for a few days.

She slid on the lounge with a sigh; the fur throw draped across the leather was warm against her back as she sank into the softness. She had just gotten comfortable when a voice spoke up, seafoam eyes turning to look at the other occupant in the room.

"So… I kind of need your help." Kiba started, resting against the white pool table near the bar, slightly in the corner.

She raised a slender brow, slipping into deep thought. She knew… she just knew she should have said no.

Without hearing what the question was.

Sure, it was rude… but that was the knee jerk reaction she had, when he said that.

Some sort of instinct was trying to warn her, but her curiosity won out.

"Really, now?" There was a brief pause as suspicion crept through her gaze.

Currently, Sakura was not supposed to be in the city. Why, just yesterday, she was almost to her final destination, when there was an abrupt change of plans.

Her humanitarian group was on their way to the Philippines when the Embassy put a temporary hold on their entry into the country. Sakura and her group were told that it could take days; or even weeks before the paperwork went through, and everyone was finally cleared. There really was no other choice, then to return home during the down time.

What did slip her mind was that Ino and most of their friends were vacationing in Miami for New Year's…

A vacation she previously declined to join because she was supposed to be across the world on a trip that had been planned for weeks now.

Despite all of that, the bigger problem she was facing?

Her own apartment was currently under construction, due to a water leak. Gods… she could not waitfor her lease to be up soon; in just a few short months.

That is why she all but pounced on Kiba's invitation to stay at his mother's penthouse downtown, which was currently vacant. She'd been here before, and knew just how amazing the space was. There was a party or two that was hosted here by Kiba back in the day, when they were in high school.

It was barely lived in; used more like a permanent hotel suite for overnight trips to the city, than anything else. A real shame too… the architecture of this place deserved to be admired and enjoyed.

"This isn't payback for me staying here… is it?" She trailed off, tilting her head to the side as her hair slid from one shoulder.

His eyes grew round, slits of sable turning to look at her.

"What? No! I already told you it was cool... you staying here. I wouldn't do that." He looked off to the side, a frown marring his lips as he looked out the windows to the snow flurries beginning to come down.

"Though… it would be kind of fucked up, if you didn't help me out with this. You know… being as how much of a good friend I am and all-" He began to stroke the stubble on his chin, appearing deep in thought.

Sakura began to roll her eyes, head lolling against the back of the sofa with a sigh. She'd better brace herself for whatever bullshit Kiba was about to start spewing. Though, he always did tell the most interesting stories. Damn, she wondered if there was any popcorn in the pantry…

"So, I kind of forgot about this thing." He started again. "And it's… too late NOT to do this thing. So now I need help… doing this thing."

"You know I can't clean money for you anymore. Which was supposed to be a one-time thing mind you-"

"No! No, nothing like that…" He trailed off, reaching for a smoke.

His mother would tan his hide if she knew he was sparking up in her million dollar suite. Cannabis or nicotine; she would chase him down if she could see him now. He continued on, a few puffs of smoke trailing past his face to disappear in the fur trim of the hoodie still pulled up over his head.

"So, I was dropping off this big order at one of the campuses a few days ago. It was for some under grad senior. His little brother happens to be there, visiting him. We started smoking and soon after the little brother started rambling on and on…" he grossed, playing with his lighter in one hand as he continued on with his story.

"He started talking about this New Year's party that got canceled because some parents found out, and how everyone is bummed. And since it's so last minute, there's not much they can do. So I chimed in and… kind of…"

"You kind of… what?"

"Kind of… said… I-would-host-a-NewYearsEve-Party-for-the-little-shits."

Sakura blinked.

"You…-"

"Yes." He took another drag. "And now, I need your help."

"Why would you…" She trailed off.

"They're releasing it!" Kiba tried to explain, turning to face her. His eyes brightened and he became increasingly animated.

"They are finally releasing… 'THE' motorcycle that I've been having a hard-on for…oh… I don't know… forever; since the prototype leak!"

Was his voice getting higher?

"They moved the release date up and were taking pre-orders. And I… I sort of was… cash poor, and his little brother and friends practically throw money away… so I figured… you know, why not?"

Sakura shook her head; still not fully understanding what any of this… had to do with her. He continued on.

"Anyway, something has come up… I have something I need to take care of, that weekend. And I do not trust those little shits here; completely unsupervised."

Her eyes widened in understanding.

He stood up straighter and gave her a lopsided grin.

"Look, all you have to do is help me roll a few joints, maybe pass out a few cartridges, and check down here every once in a while to make sure the place isn't on fire. Everything else will be taken care of; DJ, food, security..." He made his way to her, passing her the lit herb.

"You remember the prom after party we had, few years back, yeah? Well… this is the same shit...sort of."

"She'll kill you…" Sakura breathed out, eyes darting over the very expensive décor in the penthouse; some pieces should be in a museum with how invaluable they looked. Pieces that were not here when they had ragers years past. "Your mother will absolutely kill you-"

"Pft! She doesn't know about the party, or any of it. I'm going to have the place professionally cleaned the next day. They will scrub from top to bottom."

The brief pause made a feeling of unease come over her, before he continued.

"She knows about you though. She knows that you'll be staying here…"

She gave him a dirty look, a fire lit in her eyes and her gaze settled on him.

His meaning was clear…

He would blame the entire thing on her.

"You wouldn't…" She breathed.

"No… of course I wouldn't."

Another pause had her scrunching up her face, her button nose crinkling.

"I mean… I won't have to; because… you're going to help me out… right?"

"Even if I say no, AND pack my shit… and not stay here… if you got caught you'd still blame it on me, wouldn't you? Have her think that I-?" Sakura gaped at him, astonished.

"Come on Sakura." Kiba whined, sticking out his bottom lip. "Just one night. Most of the turds will be gone way before daybreak; already sneaking off to beat the sun home. The cleaning service comes in to save the day, you tip them when they're done, and boom! The rest is history. No harm, no foul. Easy peasy." He smirked, the tattoos on his face shifting with the movement. Nothing good ever followed when Kiba Inuzuka smiled like that.

No… you just knew you were up shit's creek whenever that grin stretched across his face; one canine glinting in the light as he smiled down at her.

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

Present Day…

Sakura laughed at the memory, rubbing a towel through her damp locks as she blindly raised a hand to turn off the bathroom light. She still couldn't believe she went along with it. The crazy fool wouldn't stop pestering her until she said yes.

What choice did she have? It seemed annoying to deal with, but in all the realms of possibilities; the favor he asked of her was nothing major. She felt as if she'd owed a debt, and ultimately caved. She couldn't help but think of how better suited Ino would have been, for such a task.

Stepping into her bedroom, she eyed the few boxes lined up against the wall. She had managed to accomplish a lot, but still had a ways to go with packing. Right now though, she really hoped she didn't pack up her favorite lotion. Spotting it on the vanity, she'd just grabbed it when her phone began to sing out in the dim room. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she reached down to pick up.

Glancing at the screen, she read the unknown number before answering.

"Hello?"

"...S-...Sakura?"

It wasn't until several seconds later that it finally registered that she'd stopped breathing momentarily.

Her body tensed up from the sound of that deceptively soft voice.

A cold, numbing feeling started in the pit of her stomach, deep within... trepidation spreading quickly as she swallowed, her tongue feeling thick in her mouth. It was a struggle to find herself... needing to gather her wits before she could answer.

But it was a difficult task when all the memories of heartbreak, loss and pain came flooding down as if a chasm had opened up; to set free all of these emotions that her conscious mind was not prepared to face.

"How did you... get this number?" She breathed out, and the phone felt so heavy in her hand just then, the plastic and glass feeling hotter to the touch then it normally felt.

More silence stretched between them, and she couldn't stop the shaking from her voice even if she tried. Another shuddering breath escaped and her other hand curled into a fist, resting in her lap.

"Why are you calling me?"

Did she really care for a response?

A deep breath carried through the speaker and she wished she'd just rushed ahead, not wanting to hear a word he had to say… regardless of the questions she asked. It didn't matter. Nothing he had to say to her mattered, and she didn't want to listen. But something did slip through, his deep tenor ghosting across her ear so clearly that he could have been there… now, sitting right next to her.

"Little bird-"

"Don't call me that..." She managed to get some semblance of control. "-And don't call this number again."

She hung up, abruptly ending the call before her throat could close around the words before they were spoken. Her thumb pressed the block option, accepting the changes as her breathing tried to level out.

Wiping a hand angrily across her face, her fingers came away damp. She didn't realize the tears continued as she stared down at the device in her hand.

Fear...

Confusion...

...

Anger…?

...

Anger.

Sakura could deal with anger. It was the easiest of all the emotions she was feeling right now, to handle. Anger… she could do. Sniffing, she used the speed dial function to initiate a call. She watched her own shadow against the wall, in the low lighting of the room. She continued to pace briefly, stopping only when a familiar voice answered.

"Hey girlie. I was just thinking ab-"

"Did you give him my number?"

"...Huh? Wh-"

"SAORI!" Fuck… she promised herself she wouldn't yell. But she was so pissed right now, and needed to make sense of what was going on.

"Did he call you first? Did you give him my fucking number?"

"What!? No! Why would-"

"He just called me! He just called my fucking phone!"

"Sakura-"

She ended the call abruptly, throwing it to the bed as she tried to keep the sob in check. She closed her eyes for a moment, counting backward from one hundred, to bring a moment of clarity to her panic addled mind. The breathing exercise worked, helping her to calm as her phone lit up for the third time in a row. Glancing down as she just counted past sixty, she reached out to pick up the phone again, hearing her friend over the line.

"Just tell me you are ok! That nothing is happening and you are safe!" Ino rushed, needing a confirmation that her friend was not in immediate danger.

"I'm safe… nothing like that, it was just a phone call…" Sakura whispered, lowering herself to the mattress to keep from pacing once again. Though several paces slower than what it had been, her heart continued to flutter wildly in her chest. Catching her reflection in the vanity across the room, she felt all fight leave her, the loss of adrenaline leaving her feeling drained.

"I don't want to talk right now, I can't-…" she confessed, not wanting to break the fragile hold her emotions were being held together with.

"Ok-… ok… just-" A brief pause, "…I love you. And I'm here, if you need anything…"

"I know… I'll call you tomorrow." Sakura hung up the call, quickly shutting down the device right after. She couldn't deal with talking anymore. The gadget vibrated twice, before the screen turned black.

She sat there for a while, silk robe still tightly secured around her body. It remained firmly in place as she finally reclined, back resting against the soft blankets beneath her. Staring at the buttercream ceiling she allowed the pounding in her ears dim. Her mind was still unsettled, her hand tugging through her damp strands and she quietly accepted reality.

Trying to take a deep breath, the inhale caught several times in her throat.

There would be no sleep for Sakura Haruno tonight.

:✧･ ﾟ･*･ﾟ･✧ B R ✧･ﾟ･*･ﾟ ･✧:

The invited guest sat in the overstuffed chair, relaxing against the cushions as he folded his hands across his lap. His feet sat propped up on the low table in front of him. No doubt, the owner of the office would be upset at the rude gesture, but he couldn't bring himself to care right now.

' Speaking of the devil. '

A tall imposing figure moved through the entryway, making his way behind his large oak desk. "We have a problem." He sat heavily in the chair, the wheels creaking under the sudden weight.

"We have a problem?" The guest echoed, flicking dirt from his nails as he half listened.

"No… let me rephrase that. You-…have a problem." The serious tone caused him to look up, his eyes flickering to pay attention. "That last transaction didn't go through."

"What do you mean… it didn't go through?"

"Exactly as I just said. There was a major hack that went down system-wide. A lot of transactions were flagged, some even reversed. Most accounts have been frozen for the time being. But from what I learned…" He paused, deep in thought.

"Where is his phone?"

Silence filled the room.

The large clock that hung on the wall continued to click, the rhythmic sound becoming louder as the silence stretched on.

The old leather armchair squeaked as he lowered his booted feet to the floor, removing them from the table.

"It's gone."

The reply was an honest one, but an unwelcomed response all the same.

The deep sigh that came from the man sitting behind the desk sounded fairly like one of disappointment. But he would not be fooled. There was an anger building there, one that would scorch everything surrounding him like magma if given the chance to fester. He stood, heavy boots turning to leave.

It seemed there was more work to be done, after all.

"I'll take care of it."

:✧･ ﾟ･*･ﾟ･✧ B R ✧･ﾟ･*･ﾟ ･✧:

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

New Year's Eve - A few months ago...

She still couldn't believe she'd been duped into chaperoning a New Year's Eve party for eighteen-year-olds. What has her existence become?

All because Kiba had spent the thousands of dollars he received as a deposit, for an epic party filled with alcohol and all the weed they could smoke at a sweet, luxurious pad.

And her job?

Make sure no one got alcohol poisoning, keep the headcount as low as possible, and stop anyone from going upstairs to the master bedroom suite where a few of his mother's prized Birkin handbags were.

Sakura sighed; reaching for the grinder for what she hoped was for the last time.

"So… how did you get dragged into this? Threats of sabotage too?" She breathed, a dimple appearing in her cheek when her mouth quirked up.

Sasuke shook his head, his fingers flexing as he loaded another cartridge into a vape pen.

"He did a favor for me a while back… now he's calling it in." He rose from his seat to arrange the ones he just completed, to the main pile. Sakura's eyes followed him, lowering again soon after, not wanting to be caught in the midst of staring.

Returning to his seat, he leaned back into the sofa as Sakura finished rolling her last backwood. Snapping off the gloves she wore, she turned to look at their handy work.

"There… all done... finally." She whispered as she accepted a lighted smoke passed to her by Sasuke, glad to have a break to actually smoke the shit, instead of rolling it.

"Well, at least it's only this. It could have been worst, right?" She continued as she passed it back to him, relaxing in the loveseat chair she was in soon after.

"Yeah… I guess." He wasn't sure how much Kiba told her about their business dealings. He certainly wasn't going to give any unnecessary details, but she was right. There were other, more troublesome things, he could have asked of him… in return for the runs he covered last weekend, with Itachi being sick.

Sakura had just settled in her seat before shooting straight up, wide eyes locked onto him. "Wait, you are staying… aren't you? Please tell me you're staying. Ino isn't in town to back me up, and if I'm stuck here alone with these brats…" she trailed off, looking at him with so much hope his breath hitched for a moment.

Why would she look at someone like that?

Huge, wide eyes suddenly trapping him in their reflective gaze… he almost forgot the question she asked.

Staying?

No.

That was not the plan. He already did his fucking part.

Taking the time to roll up shit he wasn't going to smoke…

Picking up ungodly amounts of extra alcohol that had him driving with care so all that shit didn't go crashing to one side of his trunk if he took a corner to tightly…

Hell, he was even nice enough to give the DJ a hand… helping him get his shit set up by the balcony, taping a few cords flush against the baseboards for safety.

Kiba did mention having a few extra bodies around, he remembered; watching Chōji sample some of the catered food. As far as he was concerned, having the off duty bouncer here was overkill as it was, for a bunch of kids.

So, no… long story short; he had not planned to stay one single, moment longer than necessary.

So why was he contemplating it now? Was he so much of a sucker to fall for mesmerizing eyes and pouty lips?

Fuck her; if she truly knew and was aware of what she was doing to him right now.

So…

So why did he find himself considering…?

"Kiba did mention he needed the house to be intact tomorrow." He replied smoothly, after clearing his throat.

' Liar. ' He whispered to himself, taking a long drag. It was a nice cover to hide the way his lips started to quirk, suppressing a smirk.

Her eyes narrowed at the dig, but thought better of responding exactly how she normally would. She couldn't very well scare off the other poor soul who was going to stay, and be miserable with her, could she? And considering the way she couldn't quite stop herself from taking a peak at him every chance she got, him sticking around could probably make this night a little more interesting…

Sitting back, she wondered if she would have time to make a stiff drink. Such candid thoughts were making her feel a bit parched.

Her phone lit up on the table, the vibration rattling the glass beneath, before being scooped up. She read the text and stood, typing a response. It looks like she would have to put a hold on that drink she wanted, after all.

With her fusing over the device in her hand, she completely missed the heated look her bare legs attracted from the dark-haired male near her, the dress showing off the smooth skin.

"Looks like the first ones are here. You good?" She asked the DJ, receiving a nod and thumbs up in response before he replaced his headphones, cranking the music louder. Glancing at the bartender, she spun around to look at Sasuke once again.

"Ready?" She asked, flashing him pretty smile.

✧･ﾟ* : *ﾟ･✧

Present Day…

Sakura rolled over, hugging the warm pillow tightly as the last of the dream left her consciousness. She could hear the birds chirping loudly in the twilight hours of the morning. It was still too fucking early, but after blinking into the darkness, her mind began to swim to wakefulness… so much so that falling asleep again was no longer an option.

It took some time, but she managed to catch a few hours of sleep late into the night. Her body tried to fight it, but after smoking and indulging in two hearty glasses of wine, she finally managed to quiet her mind enough to drift off. Surprisingly, nightmares didn't await her after she closed her eyes, at least from what she could remember.

The dreams that met her were instead memories from New Year's; a memory that seemed to dominate a lot of her thoughts lately… and now, those thoughts seemed to make the transitions to her dreams as well.

She welcomed them though.

Anything was better than the thoughts of her ex.

Slipping her arm from the nest of blankets, her hand blindly went to her nightstand, looking for the powered off phone. Dragging it back to her cocoon, she cranked it up, quickly discovering a missed call and voice mail from Ino, as well as a message from Sasuke.

Groaning, she rolled out of bed, shivering at the loss of warmth as she stood. She had a craving for a large cup of coffee. She had been more of a tea drinker lately… but the other caffeinated liquid was desperately needed, especially if anyone expected her to function anytime soon.

:✧･ ﾟ･*･ﾟ･✧ B R ✧･ﾟ･*･ﾟ ･✧:

"You are such an idiot, how did you get your car taken again?" Moegi asked, sipping on the cold can of Mountain Dew, as they hung out near the strip mall. It was only a few blocks away from the high school they should have been at right now, in class.

"Stupid grades. Why the fuck do people act as if 'D's are the end of the world? I still have time to make up some work."

"Dude… it's already April." Udon offered, trying to be a slight voice of reason. Did the other boy really expect to make gains this late in the year?

Konohamaru just folded his arms and raised his nose in the air while continuing to complain.

"I've come back from worse. It's not even that important of a class. That teacher is a dick anyway, always up my ass-" He dragged on and on, not noticing the dark SUV pulling up near them.

Moegi detected it first, seeing the tall driver exit the truck, approaching them. Konohamaru continued to talk on, completely unaware of the dark shadow drawing closer.

Udon and Moegi both had been around long enough to know exactly who was approaching… and they wanted nothing to do with whatever brought the imposing figure here.

"Oh shit…" Udon breathed, taking a step back.

Konohamaru finally stopped talking; cocking his head to the side at the peculiar looks on his friends' faces. He looked over his shoulder just in time to catch sight of him… and reeled back in panic.

He was far too late.

"Oh shit!" He echoed Udon, almost tripping over his laces as he moved to run, but was swiftly grabbed by the collar of his uniform, and pushed against the building behind them. His friends were lucky in their bid to escape, running down the street to turn the corner, making a beeline back to school. Konohamaru groaned, grabbing the forearm in front of him, and whined in defeat.

"You know… it would have been much worse if you made me chase you…"

Sasuke breathed, loosening his grip on the high school student. He made him stay put against the brick building with his presence alone, no longer needing the physical contact.

"I couldn't help it, you're scary as fuck. It's like an instinct to run from you." The youngster complained, thankful to be released. He finally calmed, looking up at the domineering man in front of him with apprehension. "Whatever it was… I didn't do it."

Sasuke looked at him for a moment, moving to rest his hands in his jacket pockets.

"Have you seen Kiba?"

Konohamaru shook his head with a frown, tugging his hoodie's string idly. "No. Not for a few weeks. Why?" He trailed off, looking up at him.

Sasuke remained quiet, eyeing him for several beats before turning around… making his way back to his truck.

"Let me know if you do. And take your ass to school. If I catch you skipping again…" The tail end of his threat wasn't heard, as the kid made his escape the first chance he could.

Sasuke sighed as he climbed in the driver's seat. To say he was disappointed was an understatement. He just knew their old runner would have heard something.

Even though the young student was forced into retirement; by Sasuke himself, he knew Kiba still watched out for the kid from time to time, giving him extras to sell at his school for quick money, even though he was supposed to be out of the game completely, after getting shot a while back.

One thing he knew for sure… the longer Kiba went missing…

He stopped the thought before it could fully manifest.

:✧･ ﾟ･*･ﾟ･✧ B R ✧･ﾟ･*･ﾟ ･✧:

The two sprinters dashed across the footbridge, finally coming to a stop at the stone retainer wall that marked the entryway to the park beyond. Moments ago, they had been in the midst of cooling down, moving side by side in tandem, before childish competition increased their speed, both making a mad dash for the end.

Laughing in her victory, the petal haired woman sat on the heated rocks, stretching out her legs as she caught her breath. Her blonde comrade remained standing, folding a leg to stand on one foot, willing the muscles to relax after their vigorous workout. She could almost feel a cramp coming on, and would prefer to relax it out, before she ended up withering on the ground in pain.

"Why do we do this again?" Sakura huffed, leaning back on her hands as she eyed her friend.

"Because some of us can't have toned bodies and abs on demand. There are those of us who require exercise to maintain our gorgeous figures." Ino stated, releasing her hair from its ponytail. She really didn't want to take it down, but the high bun she replaced it with kept the strands completely off her neck and back. Securing it in place, she went back to stretching.

Sakura sucked her teeth and looked down. "Please... I haven't had abs since freshman year in college."

The flat expanse of her stomach was exposed in the leggings and slash back crop top she wore. Though the sharp lines and cut she use to sport senior year in high school were gone, there was certainly definition shown there... whether she chooses to acknowledge it or not.

A few people passed by, making their way across the bridge towards the direction they had just came. The foot and bike trails was attracting many locals and visitors alike today. Many families were out, enjoying the break in the weather, and soaking up the sun as much as possible.

Turning back, she started awkwardly onto a subject she was sure her friend would like for her to get to.

Ino was surprisingly patient this morning, however. She appreciated the consideration of her feelings, and giving her the much needed time to approach the subject in her own way… and on her own terms.

One of the many reasons Sakura loved her, and appreciated having her in her life.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you… last night". She was told by her therapist she needed to confront her issues from now on... and that every small step mattered.

Well… this was her… trying.

"I never should have even assumed-"

"It's alright…"

"No-… it's not." The pinkette glanced up at her, before turning to gaze out at the water some distance away. "I know you'd never do something like that. I was just so angry and confused…"

Ino took a seat next to her. "What happened?"

Sakura scared the shit out of her last night with those phone calls.

"Nothing… I told him not to call. That was it. I damn sure wasn't about to have a full-fledged conversation with him."

"Isn't he still in L.A.?"

"Last I heard." Sakura sighed, wincing as a group of kids with their parents walked by, one of the children screeching over a toy.

"I'll find out, don't worry. In the meantime-"

"There's nothing to be done." She interrupted.

Ino frowned.

Sakura met her stare head-on.

"It was just a phone call. He hasn't reached out in forever, and after telling him, in no uncertain terms that I want nothing to with him now, there shouldn't be an issue going forward."

Her friend was not pleased… but this was not her decision to make.

"Look, things are just starting to get back on track, ok? I won't allow… this, to spoil it. After all this time… I'm going to deal with things how I feel I should handle them. I won't let this become bigger than it already is. It's been dealt with. Now… time to move on." She said standing up, hands raised in the air for a final stretch.

Ino looked at her from the corner of her eyes, mouth still fixed in a frown. She would accept her wishes… it didn't mean she had to like it.

Or agree.

"Let's go get some grub. All that running has left me famished."

Ino stood as well, turning to walk towards the parking area. A bump against her shoulder was her only warning… and soon, she was sprinting to catch up to the little pink haired trollop.

"Last one to the car is buying!"

:✧･ ﾟ･*･ﾟ･✧ B R ✧･ﾟ･*･ﾟ ･✧:

She eyed the green mixture through narrowed eyes. The cold drink looked innocent enough, sitting there on the edge of her glass desk, just out of reach. But, she knew better…

Knew just how deceptively refreshing it looked in the clear plastic cup, the red straw disappearing in the murky depths.

Hazel eyes broke away from the one-way staring contest, a soft knock reaching her ears.

"What?!"

A tumble of soft pink curls appeared through the cracked door, a brilliant smile lighting the room as a tinkering voice rang out.

"Shishou! Hi! Is this a bad time?"

"Don't call me that. And get your ass in here and close my door! You're letting out all of my air!"

Sakura did as she was told, shutting the door firmly. Turning to approach her old mentor and professor of many years, a shiver ran up her spine and she regretted leaving her jacket in her vehicle.

"A bit chilly in here, isn't it-"

"I'm hot…" Tsunade's voice warned her in no uncertain terms to drop the subject.

Pausing in the middle of sitting down was no easy feat, but Sakura pulled it off for five whole seconds; mouth slightly agape in shock. Lowering herself the rest of the way, she settled and blinked up at her.

"Oooooooo-kay…uh… well… how are you doing?" She ventured, not going to be put off too long with the slight attitude moments ago. She was far too excited to see her, and would not be put off with her grumpy attitude.

Huffing, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, eyes swinging back to the green concoction on her desk.

"I'm doing just great, actually. Nice of you to finally pay a visit. I was wondering when you would stop by. Dan just left, a few minutes ago."

"Oh, yeah! I passed him on the way up. Said he was kind of sad he wasn't going to make the South America trip, but there was nowhere in the world he'd rather be than here-"

"Keh! He'd better damn well be!"

"-And that getting you to eat healthier has been a battle, but he feels like he's made some gains in that department." Sakura finished, watching Tsunade, watch the smoothie, on the table in front of her. She lifted a manicured finger, pushing the drink across the desk slightly in the blondes' direction, and in reach.

Sucking her teeth, she snatched up the cup that she could finally grasp, red painted nails bringing it close for a sip.

"Ugh! That tastes like old man's ass… and don't ask me how I know what that taste like." Tsunade ground out, putting it down bitterly while the other hand palmed her slightly protruding belly.

Sakura bit her lip, trying not to laugh.

"So, I heard you turned down said South American trip. Does that mean you will be home for a while?"

"Actually… that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I know there were some summer programs coming up, and I was hoping that there were maybe some vacant seats? If all goes well, I may even stay into the fall?" Sakura asked hopefully, her bright green eyes meeting one of the biggest influencers of her young life.

Tsunade eyed her in silence, making the pinkette squirm in her seat under the scrutiny. Breaking the silence with a sigh, she began.

"And you are sure about this?"

A nod.

"This isn't the type of thing for you to be fickle over."

Another nod, pink strands falling about her face as a gleam of determination passed over green eyes.

Another, pregnant pause… a sigh filled with concede before-

"Fine. I'll look into it first thing. And I don't want to hear any complaints about courses and long hours either! You have a lot of making up to do and a lot to catch up on. If you've turned into some sort of slacker this past year or two-"

"Thank you so much Shishou! I promise! I'll do my best, whatever is required. Thank you so, so much! I'd hug you right now, but you'd probably punch me." Sakura joked, hands clasped together in front of her in excitement, heels bouncing.

"Hmph!" Tsunade raised a brow, eyes laser focused once again. "So… what brought this on, hmmm?"

Finally settling down from acting like a jittery toddler that had too much candy, Sakura tilted her head, giving the question some thought. But it was simple enough, wasn't it?

"I guess… it was just time." She answered honestly.

"Are you extending your lease? You still smoke that… stuff, don't you? They will not allow that if you stay in the campus dorms."

"Ha…Ha." She replied dryly.

"Yes I do, but that will not be a problem. I actually found another place. Already signed… I'm moving pretty soon. It has a penthouse terrace…" Sakura trailed off dreamily.

Tsunade knew her former student fairly well, and knew the statement was not coming from a place of bragging; but rather from the breathtaking views she was sure the space had to offer. Make no mistake, Sakura had dreams of becoming a doctor, but there would always be a place in her heart for photography.

"Yeah… well, I still don't know why you do the stuff."

"Please. And it's different than your love of sake, how?"

Tsunande's hand slammed on the table, and Sakura wondered if glass was the best option for people with fiery tempers.

"You KNOW it is forbidden to say the ' S ' word while I am in this 'condition'!"

Leave it to her mentor to classify the wonderful experience of being with child, a 'condition'.

But more to the point… being pregnant meant: no drinking.

Which was fine… unless sake was mentioned; the beloved liquid sent by the gods themselves if Tsunade was to be believed.

Any mention of the drink was taken as an offense; meant to punish her by mentioning what she couldn't have… pushing what she was missing right in her face.

This would then send her in a foul mood, in less than three seconds flat.

Sakura just sighed again, perking slightly when her phone vibrated against her thigh. Checking the screen, she dropped the subject.

Tsunade squinted, eyes tracking the slight pull at the side of Sakura's mouth, her mouth relaxing a moment after. "Are you sure, there aren't… other… reasons for this change of heart?"

Eyes widening, Sakura lips pulled in a pout. "Really? I would have thought you of all people would be happy? As long as you've been on my-"

"I am." She cut her off. Then, in a much softer tone...

"I am. I'm just surprised, is all. You caught me off guard, which is not an easy feat. I'm pleased with this new development, however. Hell, if you stick around long enough, I may recruit you to help me deliver this sprout!"

Looking up from her phone again, Sakura just shook her head, smiling as she watched the blonde throw her head back and laugh, large bosom shaking in her mirth.

The amusement was infectious, and the pleasant feelings of warmth that filled her made her smile even wider.

Yeah…

Maybe staying home for a while was the right decision.

End Chapter

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