Sakura immediately rushed to the hospital after one of her personal maids informed her that her father is now in stable condition. Sasuke insisted to go with her, much to her delight.
It has been two days and eight hours since they shared their first kiss, and Sakura still feels light-headed. Neither insisted to talk about it, but Sasuke seemingly showed more concern towards Sakura than before. He would always remind her to eat and rest, and he would also assure her that the Queen assigned the best doctors for her father.
The palace guards stayed right outside the hospital room prior to Sasuke's command while Sakura barged in the room without bothering to knock. Sasuke followed soon after.
"Daddy!" Sakura exclaimed as she threw her arms around Kizashi who was currently sitting on the bed.
"Careful, dear!" Mebuki warned her after she noticed how Sakura's grip tightened.
Only after a minute or two, the little family did notice Sasuke still standing awkwardly near the door.
With a wide-eyed expression, Mebuki stood up from her seat abruptly, mortified that she hasn't noticed the Prince's appearance. She politely bowed her head in respect. Expecting Sasuke to be mad, she was shocked when Sasuke merely shook his head and proceeded to put a hand on her right shoulder. "You do not need to bow your head. For I will be your son-in-law."
Sakura, still not used to calling Sasuke as her future husband, blushed at the thought and mentally slapped herself for entertaining such ideas at the moment. She quickly focused back her attention to her father who looked at her with concern as if sensing her inner turmoil.
"What did the doctor say?" She inquired to trail off her father. Her mother, instead chose to answer in Kizashi's behalf. "As you can see, your father is still having a hard time trying to talk, but the doctor said that he should drink his prescribed medicines and avoid over-fatigue. He'll be fine, Sak."
With that, Sakura sighed in relief.
As if sensing an opening, Sasuke addressed Mebuki. "Your daughter.." He looked at Sakura for a second. "..refused to eat for days. She even cried like a baby. You can even hear her wailing across the hallways."
Sakura gasped and playfully hit Sasuke in the arm. "Ugh! You really are a jerk!" On the other hand, Mebuki, unacquainted with her daughter and the prince's relationship, was horrified by the scene. "Sakura Haruno! Language!"
Sasuke in turn smirked at her and ignored her all throughout their visit in the hospital. Sasuke repeatedly assured Mebuki not to worry anymore for the Queen has already took care of their hospital bills.
After an hour and a half, Sasuke told Sakura that it is already time for them to go to which Sakura promised her father that she will visit again as soon as she can. She kissed both of her parents' cheeks before heading out of the room with a heavy heart. Sasuke was about to follow when a tug on his sleeve halted him.
"Prince Sasuke.. Thank you. Really." Mebuki smiled at him warmly. "Thank the Queen for us too. And please take care of my daughter. She may be clumsy and somehow dense, but she is kind and compassionate. Please try to understand her. I apologize if she may-"
Sasuke silenced her even before she can continue her apologies. "I'll take care of her. You can count on it."
With both Prince Itachi and Princess Izumi's nearing graduation in college, Mikoto has voiced out during dinner what are their plans after the next semester. "My son Itachi, I recall you talking to Izumi about your marriage as soon as you both finish your studies. Have you talked to her about it yet?"
"As a matter of fact, we had, Mother. We are both turning 25 next year, and it is actually already late for us to get married. Considering the past, royalties get married at Sasuke's age." Itachi paused for a while to look at his younger brother. "We're planning to have it next year, if possible."
Mikoto gasped in surprise. "And you haven't told us yet? You're staying here for how many weeks now, Itachi. Never mind that, you are to leave on weekend and this is my first time hearing it." She inclined her head to Fugaku asking him if their son mentioned it to him, and when Fugaku shook his head, she turned her attention to Sasuke who also shook his head in response.
"Itachi, tell me, were you planning a secret wedding?" Mikoto questioned her son after a while. And when Itachi did not answer, she rephrased her question. "Are you- Did you two already-"
"Yes, Mother. We decided to get married in Kirigakure. Earlier this year."
Upon hearing that, Fugaku stood up abruptly with a glare thrown towards his eldest son. "What is the meaning of this, Itachi." Itachi, on the other hand, had remained silent on his seat, expecting this kind of reaction from his family. He looked upon the reaction of both his mother and Sasuke, who both completely in shock. Meanwhile, Sakura looked really worried and nervous at the same time.
He sighed. "I can explain, Father." All of the occupants of the dining table looked expectantly at Itachi. "Izumi and I, despite the circumstances, have a strong bond. We decided long time ago to get married in secret in respect to her wishes of having an alone time with me. Unlike my younger brother, I have known since I was little who am I going to marry. What are Izumi's likes and dislikes, her fears and dreams. I hope you understand that I merely granted her wish. We apologize if I kept it as a secret until now. However, Father, Mother, as the prince and princess of Konoha, we know our responsibilities to this country and we still wish to get married in public."
When Fugaku seemed to have calmed down, he took a seat and processed what did his son just reveal. Sakura, not really sensing the tension between the family, congratulated Itachi. "Uhm.. Prince Itachi, I know it's late, but.. Congratulations on your wedding. I can see that you truly love her and value her opinions. Princess Izumi is lucky to have you."
"Thank you, Sakura. I appreciate it."
Suddenly, Fugaku exited the room without a word. And, Mikoto trailed after him, leaving a still surprised Sasuke on his seat.
Later that night, Itachi chose to take his time on the palace gardens. He was not planning to tell his family about their wedding not until Izumi and him graduated. They planned to tell them together, but seeing how his mother kind of figured out, he had no choice but to tell them. He knew his Father; he wanted a big celebration for their wedding for it will be the time to announce to public of his soon retirement and passing down the throne to him. But having his entire life in the palace, both Itachi and Izumi shared the same sentiments of living a life like a normal person.
He was having a peaceful night when Sasuke showed up and made himself comfortable sitting beside him in one of the swings. Neither spoke for a while, enjoying the silence of the night.
"It's quite unfair, don't you think? For you and Izumi to just get married all of a sudden in secret. I would have felt better if at least you could have told me." Sasuke spoke staring at the stars above them.
Itachi smiled a little at Sasuke's remark. "Instead of saying that, why don't you congratulate me first? After all, Sakura did."
"You're right, brother. You and Izumi aren't like me and Sakura. You grew up together; you treasure her not because she was supposed to be your wife, but because she truly mean something to you. She is not an obligation; she is one of the most important people in your life." Sasuke said still not daring to look at his older brother, afraid that he might laugh at him for telling him these kind of things.
"You know, younger brother, I am much aware that you do not want to get married in the way royalties do. Arranged. You were making hard things for Sakura from the beginning, and I also knew for a fact that slowly, you changed how you treated her. You shall not regret that you not know much about your fiancee; for she will not be the Sakura now, if the palace had found her sooner." Itachi said, carefully looking at Sasuke's reaction.
"What made you decide to marry Princess Izumi?" Sasuke asked his brother.
Itachi smiled. "I love her, Sasuke. We may be arranged from the day we were born, but she truly cares for me. She does not see me as Prince Itachi, the future King of Konoha; Izumi asks about my dreams, my opinions, what makes me happy. She is not just curious about me, she cares, little brother. And I want to marry her not because someone told me to do so. I asked her to marry me because we both know she is the one for me."
"I think you're wrong, Brother." Sasuke said out of the blue catching Itachi's full attention. "I think you're wrong when you said that I regret that I do not know much about Sakura. We have the lifetime to do that. What I truly envy is that Sakura had the time to herself to be free until now. You're right when you said that I was giving her a hard time at first, but not because I reject her to be my wife, it is because I envy her freedom. She does things on her own. She is not afraid to voice out her opinions. She has this way to people..Instead of following the rules inside the palace, it is as if the palace obeys her." Sasuke paused for a while carefully thinking how to proceed.
Itachi shook his head and interrupted Sasuke. "Sakura..she is very much different from Izumi. Sakura runs in the hallways; she wears those over-sized shirts instead of the night gowns made specifically for her; she enjoys talking..too much. She is too vibrant..that sometimes it take a lot of energy just seating beside her. Her personal maid Tenten never dared to scold her for such things neither Mother. But growing up, I saw how Izumi was scolded when once she had a three mistakes in an exam. Her personal maid that time was strict as though she was a puppet..made only for the purpose of copying the actions of the former princesses. In my opinion, Sakura is neither made nor born as a princess. Because she owns the palace. But, Izumi was both. My wife is born and made to be the next queen. And as to escape that life, she asked me to study overseas with her ."
"You and Sakura are still young. She brings great joy to the people in the palace, do you not see? The plain, old, boring palace has come to life when they finally found the missing princess. It has been long eighteen years, Sasuke. And just by having Sakura here in the palace, Mother is overjoyed to have someone who she can relate with. Mother, and even Father, adores your fiancee, little brother." Itachi added and scoffed. "If Sakura wishes for a mountain to be named after her, it is as good as done."
Itachi stood up to leave, but not before having his smirk visible to Sasuke. "Now that you know I'm married, I am quite expecting for a gift. And clear your thoughts, Sasuke. I am glad you talked to me."
Next fews days were uneventful. And on the weekend, Itachi left Konoha to finish his studies once and for all, leaving Sasuke a note on his bed saying Maybe next time you get to taste the freedom that you hope for.
Sakura, on the other hand, visits her father regularly in the hospital checking if he needs something. This has resulted for a fewer interactions between Sasuke and Sakura for the week.
The royal family was having dinner as usual, only that now Itachi's seat is vacant. It was a little less tense from the previous nights before. Sasuke spoke suddenly breaking the silence. "Father, Mother, if I may ask, since Sakura and I are also in our last year in high school, could I also enroll in a university in Otogakure?"
Fugaku peered at his youngest son. "What interests you in Otogakure?"
"Oto University offers a degree in both economics and political science that I aim for." Sasuke said in a serious tone. Sakura peered through her bangs to see Sasuke who has worn a somewhat determined look in his face. When Fugaku did not answer, Sasuke quickly added. "Is it because Sakura is staying here?"
"Sasuke!" Fugaku warned him.
"I believe we have to choose what's best for the future of Konoha. Otogakure will give me great opportunities, and as to Sakura, it is best if she stay in Konoha University to get the degree that will best suit her." Sasuke stubbornly said.
"You're asking for at least four years in that village, Sasuke. And to leave your fiancee in such a long time.. Is unthinkable." Fugaku made the decision right away. "And my decision is final, Sasuke." He quickly added once he saw Sasuke opening his mouth to reason out once more.
"I will not suggest this if Konoha University can provide a proper education to its people." Sasuke stood up abruptly from his seat storming off the dining room. Shouts of his Father totally ignored, he made his way to his room locking it.
To say that she was shocked with the earlier outburst of Sasuke is an understatement. Sakura is now standing right outside his bedroom, ready to knock. She processed what he had said earlier. He wants to leave. He wants to leave her.
With the past shocking revelation of Itachi, the King and Queen have both confided themselves as to what should be the next thing to do. And as for Sasuke, after that night, he became distant, aloof to her. He was not harsh, but his playful remarks are also gone in an instant. It is as if something is bothering him.
She did not ask him, for she thought that Sasuke was just shocked as well with Itachi's marriage. That maybe he was upset he was not able to get to his brother's wedding, let alone know about it.
However, his earlier remark to the King has what truly bothered him all this time, she realized. Of course, they will not let him..for Prince Itachi and Princess Izumi decided together to pursue their degree together. And well, Kirigakure is one of the Great Five Nations..and as to Otogakure..their King..King Orochimaru just give her the creeps. There is too much crime and corruption in that village.
She wonders if Sasuke was telling the truth about pursuing his degree there. It is expected for King Fugaku to ask him what interests him there. But Sasuke's earlier remark about leaving her here is for the best hurt her more that she could imagine. The Sasuke she knows will not say those unkind words to anyone considering she was just inches away from him. He was... Insensitive. It as if she is a heavy burden he could not shoulder anymore.
She decided to knock twice, and when Sasuke did not answer, she started banging the door. "Open the door! We need to talk!"
An irritated Sasuke opened the door and pulled her inside as to silent her. "You annoying woman, can't you keep your mouth shut?"
"Is that what you really think of me? A burden? Sasuke, what happened to you? Huh? You..Just please stop playing games. Stop playing with my feelings. You wish to leave the palace for four years. Wow, Sasuke, you could have told me, but nooo, you decided on your own that I shall stay here." She paused to take a breathe. "I thought at least we were friends..that at least you care for me for a little bit. But you grudge like that in front of your parents no less acting like a whining child. Guess what, Sasuke, just because you're a prince doesn't mean you can do whatever the hell you want."
Fighting back the tears trying to escape her eyes, Sakura continued. "If you want to leave, go! I hope you find some other princess willing to take you. Because I am so damn tired of you."
Before she can leave the room, Sasuke grabbed her arm to spin her around and kiss her altogether. Sakura struggled in return, but Sasuke hold on her was tight. After a few seconds, Sakura had break free. She slapped him hard on the face. With a few tears of anger now on her face, she spat cold words. "Do not try to fool me with your kiss, Sasuke. That means nothing. I was wrong about you. You truly are a jerk. And a selfish one!"
She had never ran that fast exiting the room.
A/N: Mehh.. I kind of apologize for this chapter..idk it's a little uneventful and shorter than other chapters.