News of the sudden engagement of Prince Gaara spread like a wildfire. Following the press conference arranged by King Rasa himself, rumors circulated about the controversial soon-to-be future queen of Suna. A girl named Pakura. She was tall, pretty. Suna admired her for her intelligence and wits. She had a long green hair that was always tied in a bun.
Pakura came from a reputable clan. She had also become popular in Suna. Although she was the only one who could fill a Queen's shoes, people could only think that the similarities between Pakura and a certain Konoha's princess was nothing but a coincidence.
In a separate interview, Gaara had also been ambushed by a couple of reporters, asking if the sudden marriage was because of Sakura. He answered that he could not think of anyone who would be Suna's queen except for Pakura. And that he and Sakura were merely classmates and friends to an extent. He also said that he respected Sakura's engagement with Sasuke.
When he was asked about the almost kiss incident, the guards were quick to isolate the prince. More and more talks about the issue had been the topic in social media and news.
"Pakura, although their physical appearances were nothing alike, don't you think she was selected you know..to mend our young crown prince's heart? I think it was pretty obvious?" A brown-haired TV personality asked her companion in the show.
"In contrary, I think that their names had nothing to do with Miss Pakura's selection. Thinking about it, her family has good ties with the royalties. Business and all." The guy brought his hand to his chin, analyzing the whole situation.
Fugaku shook his head as Mikoto worriedly turned to face him. They were in the confines of their bedroom watching the early news. It had been over a week since the summit and three days since King Rasa's announcement of passing down his throne. And still, the people wouldn't leave Sakura alone.
In a way, Fugaku wanted to blame Suna for choosing someone whose name is quite familiar with their princess. But considering the circumstances, he had also known that Pakura was the best candidate for the Queen's role. He heard positive things about her and her family from the Suna's King.
Mikoto turned the television off. "How do you think Sakura will take this? I am worried, Fugaku." A frown made its way to the Queen's lips.
"I'll talk to Itachi. The rumors had not died down even after Sakura left. It's alarming. And now that Suna publicized the sudden marriage of their crown prince, it had backfired. People think that we are prohibiting an ongoing romantic relationship between Sakura and Gaara." Fugaku replied, standing up from their bed. "I'll even ask Shikamaru his opinion about the matter."
He quickly commanded a few of the servants standing by their door to summon Itachi and Shikamaru immediately. Meanwhile, Mikoto had the sudden urge to sprint towards her youngest son's room to hug him. And yet, she chose to follow her husband to his office.
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Both Shikamaru and the crown prince had their serious expression facing the King. Mikoto sat by the side, feeling uneasy.
Fugaku sighed before starting. "I assume you know why I called for you two." With that, they both nodded. "These false news has been tainting the image of the royal family for a month now. Many of our people are slowly losing confidence in the Uchiha leadership for the past years. And now, this happens. I never thought that this problem can get this big."
"Your Majesty, if I may." Shikamaru had spoken. When the King nodded, the officer continued. "I could think of two options. First, the more logical one, is to let time take its course. Sooner or later, once Prince Gaara succeeded to the throne, it is most likely that people will forget about Sakura. They will be more concerned with his actions as the new King."
"And the second?" Itachi inquired.
"Keep both Prince Sasuke and Princess Sakura here in Konoha. Or let them go to Oto together. I know that in a few weeks, His Highness wishes to study overseas. And thinking back, the princess wants to stay. If we keep them apart, people will start speculating once again. That they were only using such petty excuses to cover their failed relationship. As much as possible, they should always be seen together." Shikamaru finished.
Both Itachi and Fugaku had taken their time to think about the genius's suggestion. Then Itachi addressed Shikamaru once again. "What do you suggest?"
"Both." With the questioning looks he received, he further explained. "We should lie-low in the meantime. Until Prince Gaara's succession, that is. And after that, we should probably explain the situation to Prince Sasuke."
"What do you think, Itachi?" The King looked at his son expectantly.
"Sasuke may not agree with this. He probably does not want to drag Sakura in Oto. Not to mention, he will not just stay in Konoha even if we explain the unfavorable circumstances. I think we should put off the decision for now. I get what Nara is saying. But I think it is best if both of them go to Suna for the wedding." Itachi said, gaining a shocked expression from Mikoto on the side.
"Mother, I know you are concerned to the both of them. However, if Izumi and I went to the wedding instead, I am certain the press will not hesitate to throw ridiculous questions at us. Whether they go or not, this issue will not be forgotten by many sooner or later. I suggest Sasuke and Sakura confront the problem head on just like we did before the pictures came out." Itachi turned to look at his mother then to Shikamaru.
"Very well then, I'll talk to Sasuke about this. I know he can hold his own against the media. Sakura is what I am worried about. Afterall, she chose to stay in Kumo."
"Sasuke will be there for her. She will be fine." Itachi confidently said.
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Two days ago when Sasuke arrived at Konoha. Mikoto was very much excited hearing from her husband that her son went to Kumo to give the good news to the princess. That was why when she noticed the same straight expression her son had always wore, she frowned and engulfed him with a hug right away.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"Tired." He answered. Mikoto could not help but notice the unseemly sad expression behind his short answer. She wanted to ask him where his fiancee was, but upon seeing that expression on his face, she already knew the answer to her question. Sakura chose to stay in Kumo.
And before she could further dwell into her thoughts, Sasuke had opened his mouth. "Sakura's fine. She's been better there. You have nothing to worry about. You must be wondering why she isn't with me. She's been busy with her charity events there. That's all. We did not fight or anything. She said she'll be home soon."
Blinking twice, Mikoto did not notice right away how her son left afterwards.
Although he said he was okay, that everything was well. She felt that he was hiding something from her. A little afterwards, Itachi tapped her shoulder, making his presence known.
"Let's give him some space, shall we? He must be tired from all the travel he's been doing. Plus the stress of being under the public's center of attention these past few weeks. If it will make you worry less, I'll talk to him later."
"But Itachi.." She frowned.
"I know, you are our mother. That you worry and could not help it. And he is my little brother. There are times he just needed some kind of nagging from me. He's much like Father. He literally doesn't know how to express well his feelings. The more I am better suited to talk to him. He probably does not want to worry you that's why he left quickly. Afterall, this is my duty as his big brother."
He smiled at his mother before kissing her cheek. "I promise I'll make sure he's okay. I guess he just needed some kind of a relationship advice. And since Naruto is out of a question, it's his big brother to the rescue, don't you agree?"
She knew Itachi was right. Sasuke was not one to talk to her about his problems with Sakura. She guessed that her son needed a guy perspective on this one. She just hoped Itachi would take it easy on his little brother.
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"You are an idiot." Itachi said afterwards, learning how his brother explained his side.
Seeing his little brother's shocked expression, the crown prince sighed to calm his nerves. "You finally got to have a serious conversation about where your relationship is going. And you blew it off. You think sulking will solve anything?"
This time, Sasuke glared. "She said she wanted to stay there. Clearly, I'm not one of her priorities."
"That is why you are an idiot. How can you be so clueless. Just because you two sorted things out, you thought everything will instantly fall into place? With so much history with you two, don't you think she needs time and space to take a break from the Palace? Staying there does not mean she hasn't forgiven you yet. What happened to your promise of making up to her? Leaving her with these thoughts in your mind?" Itachi scolded him once again, unimpressed.
Sasuke was currently seated at the edge of his king-sized bed, while Itachi stood up in the corner of the room, his arms crossed over his chest. The younger prince then averted his eyes. "I thought that she still felt uneasy going home with me. That maybe she was just making excuses not to come."
"She told you she loves you, right?"
When the crown prince did not receive an answer from his brother, he repeated his question. "She did, didn't she? So why do you resent yourself so much that you think you do not deserve to be loved. Why are you so eager on making yourself believe you don't deserve a second chance?"
"Because I don't! I almost did..I almost. And I haven't forgiven myself about that." Sasuke's outburst had Itachi putting a step back.
A silence settled in between the two brothers. It lasted for a few minutes before Itachi made a move. Carefully, the older of the two quietly took his time to sit beside his younger brother. "Sasuke.." He begun. "I don't know what happened. I'm only guessing you hurt her. But you made a promise to her: to make up to her, to be honest to her. And if you will just continue beating yourself for what you did, your relationship with Sakura will not progress."
When Sasuke's angry scowl turned into one of his signature straight expressions, Itachi poked his little brother's forehead, the thing Itachi always do to Sasuke when they were younger. A surprise evident to his face, Sasuke glared at his older brother. "I'm not a kid anymore."
"You are not. But that does not change the fact that I will always be your big brother. And count on it, that I will continuously nag you. So talk to her about this." He said while standing up. "I hadn't imagined that I will grow up seeing you flustered because finally you're in love. You used to hate the girls all over you."
"Tch. Get out."
"You're welcome, little brother." Itachi smiled, closing the door.
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Sakura had tried busying herself by reading medical books and other medical-related materials, but to no avail she still had her full attention to her phone, hoping to receive a call from a certain someone. She knew something was not right when he left, but for him not to call her once he safely returns to Konoha is absurd.
Without really thinking, she slammed not too quietly her book, startling Tenten in the process. The princess then turned to her personal assistant. "He should have been in the Palace right now. It's been hours! Why is he such a pain in the ass? I know I promised myself not too be clingy and all, but damn, I just needed to know he's safe. Why do men do not understand women at all?! I mean I bet if he's the one in my position, I'll be getting at least fifty missed calls right now."
The girl sitting across form Sakura in the living room nervously laughed it off. "His Highness must be a little preoccupied right now, you must not worry too much, Milady."
"One text will do, Tenten. It's just that..there are more and more against the Uchihas ruling Konoha. I can't help what I feel." Her tone considerably changed into a softer one.
"I am sure His Highness is safe. You must trust the official body guards to keep him safe, Your Highness. Stressing yourself over is not good for you."
The ringing of her phone cut her conversation with Tenten off. Immediately, without even bothering to look who was calling, Sakura swiped her cellphone. "Why did you not call me right away? I am starting to get worried!"
"I did not know I scheduled an appointment to call you." Hearing an all too familiar feminine voice of her best friend, Sakura quickly look at her phone to check whether someone was playing tricks on her.
"Ino! I'm sorry I thought you were someone else."
"Who are you expecting to call you late this hour, Your Highness. Oh right, I forgot. Time difference and all." Ino's voice instantly had Sakura freezing up.
"What time is it there?"
"It's almost two, Forehead. I bet it's sunny and warm there in Kumo by now. And as usual I'm stuck in this grueling cold weather in our hometown. So are you gonna tell me who the hell are you expecting to call you? Oh nope, don't tell me. It's Sasuke, isn't it?" Ino's sassy voice brought Sakura's back her attention to her fiancee.
"Hold up, before you say anything else, when did you start calling Sasuke in the first name basis? I recall, it used to be Prince Sasuke "Gorgeous" Uchiha?"
"He's marrying you, is he not? I get to call your husband by his first name and boss him around."
Before Sakura knew it, Tenten had quietly left the room, respecting the princess's privacy. Soon after, Sakura had also left the living room to go to her bedroom, continuing her conversation with Ino. Without thinking too much about it, she had her best friend knowing about the details of Sasuke's two days one night stay in Kumo.
"You brat, why did you let him leave alone? He probably did the most romantic thing coming to get you, only to be disappointed going back to Konoha alone. I mean if I were you, we'd be having more than just two kisses. Surely it was a month since I have not seen my soon-to-be husband, so maybe I will just send him off after he flew all the way from across the continent only to see me. He may be contented seeing I am okay, so okay I'm done. Bye."
Hearing such sarcastic remarks from Ino, Sakura frowned. "Sasuke's not like that. He understood why can't I just leave. He may be sad, but I know he does not think like that."
"Fine, fine. You know him better that I do. But have you not seriously put your shoes in his position? What he must have felt after exhausting himself to get you, only to be turned down. He just had a rough week and instead of prioritizing rest and sleep, he went to see you. After a month! Not to mention, made an effort to talk to you, opening up for the first time, taking you out on a real date. Wow, Forehead. You have no idea this is a huge step up from the douche of a fiancee you had last year." Listening to Ino's words, Sakura wished she hadn't answered the call.
"I appreciate his effort, really. It's just that..I'm not sure how to face Konoha yet. I'm not yet ready to go back. There are still many things I want to do here in Kumo. I hope you also understand that."
"All I am saying is that you should made things clear up before letting him go. And judging by your earlier remark, he hasn't called you yet. He probably misunderstood you or something. I am sure he is tired, restless, after two consecutive flights for the last three days. You should have at least reassured him, that you are going back. That you are not leaving him."
"I..I guess. He must be feeling anxious..sorting things out in one day, and then having to separate our ways once again. I want to call him after this, but it's two in Konoha, right? He's probably sleeping, I don't want to disturb him. He must be suffering from jet lag." Sakura's concern could be heard that Ino had started smiling.
"Call him, trust me. Sure, he'll curse for a minute, but upon seeing your name on the screen on his phone will make his sour mood change. So I'm not going to waste more of your time, be sure to call him. I'm happy for you, Forehead. I hope you go home soon." With a click, the call ended.
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Contrary to what she said to Ino, she did not call him. Instead, she made a few quick calls to her people telling them that she would be leaving in two days. She directed instructions here and there rushing some of her charity events for the children and the elderly.
The following day, she had scheduled three feeding programs for also three different locations in the remote areas of Kumo. She promised that she would personally see to it that the food, water, and medicines would continuously be provided to those who can not afford it.
She also went to the Palace of Kumo to personally say her thanks for letting her stay in the beautiful country for a little over a month. She swore that she would be back and continue to coordinate with the projects of the monarchy. She had also revisited her favorite place of the country such as the beaches where you could clearly see the beautiful sunset, her favorite restaurant by the street.
She bid her goodbyes to a few friends she met there. And even thanking some of the royal guards Kumo sent to her.
After three days, she packed all her things, bought a few souvenirs for her parents and the rest of the royal family, and the lipstick Ino had forced her to buy. The doctors and nurses had been eternally grateful to her to go as far as surprising her with a bouquet and a cake, thanking her before she got to her private plane back to Konoha.
A few tears slipped, and she hugged everyone, while not forgetting to remind them of their patients: to continue what they had started. To continuously provide medical assistance without hesitation. "Wow, I feel so honored. I am very much thankful to everyone for making me feel welcome despite the rumors and news. For allowing me to do what I have always been dreaming to do since I was a little. I feel so blessed meeting all of you. Thank you so much. I will not forget each one of you. I will definitely be back."
And then she was off.
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Naruto shook his head at the sight of Sasuke staring at the door of Sakura's room. "Just call her."
"I'm giving her some space, idiot. Like what Itachi said." He said, walking past the room, turning to go to the garden.
Naruto continued to follow the prince. "It's been three days, Your Highness. Surely, the crown prince did not tell you to avoid her."
"I'm not avoiding her, I'm giving her some space." He muttered under his breath.
A few squeals had both guys tensing up. Looking back, Sasuke saw Izumi practically running for the main entrance, while Itachi was trailing behind her. Once the crown prince noticed his brother, he smiled at Sasuke and made a gesture to follow him.
Quickly following his brother, Sasuke lazily walked towards the main entrance out of curiosity. What he stumbled upon nearly took the breath his away.
Stood there with his crying mother and a too excited Izumi was Sakura, smiling and laughing from time to time. Itachi went over and hugged the princess right away, wishing her a welcome back.
Noticing Sasuke instantly, she bashfully tuck her hair behind her ear. "Hi…"
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A/N: Next chapter will feature Gaara's wedding.
Hi! This took so long. I apologize also if this is a bit shorter than the previous chapters. Basically, I have less time to write now that I have a job. I've been working my ass off for ten hours everyday. By the time I get home, I eat so fast then after a few minutes go to sleep afterwards. It's not easy adjusting. I only have the weekends to work on KRF and my other fic. So please forgive me. I still hope I will be able to update at least once a month. Thank you so much for reading.
Please leave me a review. Please. Please. Please.
And oh, if you have the time, please do check my other fanfiction entitled Beyond Control. Thank you once again! :)