Hello everyone! Happy reading!
Chapter 8- Married Life Without Love
"Straight at the end is tou-san and okaa-san's room, the rest of the rooms in this hallway are for the guests which remains vacant most of the time." Sasuke and Sakura were now going through the Uchiha Residence, Sasuke showing her all the places and Sakura desperately trying to remember all the information as much as possible while also trying to keep up with what he was saying. They already went through the bottom floor which contained the living area, kitchen, dining, a ballroom for parties, even an indoor swimming area, and some other guest rooms, Sakura already mentally labelled it magnificent and the second floor mesmerized her no less. The corridors were organized beautifully and contained mostly vacant rooms apart from theirs, the elder Uchihas' and Itachi's. One of the rooms was even particularly reserved for Naruto when he stayed over and later on Sakura got the knowledge that the same went for some of their other close friends, Shisui, and Obito and Rin. Sakura was also amazed at the fact that they had chefs to prepare their meals alongside a bunch of assistants, for she has never lived in such an environment. Sasuke then showed her their office area where Fugaku and the young Uchihas often worked and a gym. What cheered Sakura the most was the library they owned, it seemed to have a wide range of books and she certainly couldn't wait to go through all the medical books it probably had, at least seeing the library's size and the number of books made it seem like they'd have a medical section too, though she didn't know if she should really expect that since the Uchihas have a business background. Her confusion was cleared well by Sasuke's next statement.
"This place has all sorts of books, okaa-san likes to keep books from all categories possible. There are medical books too, I assume you'd want to read those?" Sakura's face lightened up at this revelation, now she really had another thing to look forward to alongside spending time with her lovely in laws. For that instant she forgot all her discomfort and fear and she couldn't help but give out a slight squeal. "Of course Sasuke-kun! I'd love that! Thank you for telling me!" Sasuke who was already looking at her now smirked, restraining himself from smiling that he somehow knew he wanted to. He sure noticed her amusement on exploring the Uchiha mansion, but the way her face lit up on coming across the library was different from all other areas they went to so far. Did books out of everything cheer her up so much more than all the lavish things out there? Sasuke liked it. Despite being used to an expensive lifestyle, he learned to develop fondness towards things connected with feelings and he liked how his wife went all lively at the sight of as simple thing as books overlooking all the lavish things she came across. Sakura noticed at his smirking face, her face still lightened up, she gave a warm smile in return, unaware of Sasuke's observance.
"Aa. We should look through the gardens now." Sakura followed as Sasuke led the way towards the outdoors. Uchiha residence covered a large outdoor area. The garden was as colourful as ever, compared to the dark and stoic aura the Uchihas often gave off. It seemed to be adorned with all colours of flowers and had a clean beautiful backyard with a garden table and swing in it. Beside that was an outdoor swimming pool which looked no less than a hotel and quite frankly Sakura felt intimidated at the sights Sasuke was showing her. They were walking on a beautifully decorated garden pavement after crossing the patio and Sasuke was showing her the ever colourful garden. "You can ask okaa-san about the flowers. She takes care of them and I don't have much idea about it either." Sasuke said.
"I see... this is too extravagant.." Sakura mumbled the last sentence under her breath, meaning to keep it to herself however it reached Sasuke's ears.
"Hn. Get used to these. You're an Uchiha now so it's better for you to start acting like one, well accustomed to the luxuries." Sasuke responded to her statement, still in an extra stoic manner even though he had no reason to. The whole marriage idea already made him grumpier than he used to be and in turn, made him overly cold towards any topic directed towards it. And he didn't leave any chance to act stern towards his wife either like he did back when their marriage was fixed or when he had to come across Itachi or any of his friends' teasing, which now he really thought he should drop. He had to admit, he became quite comfortable around over the span of past 12 hours even though he didn't show it, and she already felt like a family member, with whom Sasuke was usually significantly less cold sometimes than with anyone else and her lightened up face only added another reason for him to feel this way.
Sakura on the other hand was yet to know Sasuke as a person. Despite her growing comfort around him for his open nature compared to the night before or even today morning, she still couldn't brush the fear off, unaware of how Sasuke too was becoming as much relaxed around her as she was, the only difference being Sasuke not showing it and Sakura being the open book that she was. "I-I know.. I'm just.. I never experienced these earlier in life.. so things are a bit new to me.." Sakura glumly replied, regardless of her want to become more comfortable around Sasuke than she already was becoming, her fear got the better of her, yet holding her back.
"I know. Take your time, because from now on you'll not be around any of the situations you possibly were in previously, an Uchiha always gets the best treatments." Sasuke said, with a prideful undertone. Sakura picked up his understanding approach, glad for his words regardless of how he said them. Then she remembered Itachi's words on how Sasuke wasn't as cold as he presents himself to be. Was Itachi right? The awkward tension between them seemed to wear off by now and Sakura decided to take a step herself to try and engage in a conversation, unbothered about what his reaction would be. So far, Sasuke seemed a good person if she was judging and comparing it with her brother in law's words right, and considering her growing comfortability at this point she wouldn't mind being friends with him if not anything more. They were now in an isolated part of the garden that wasn't really decorated in particular. It was plain and seemed quite untouched too.
"Sasuke-kun? If you don't mind, may I ask something?" Sakura intently looked at Sasuke, hoping for him to not deny to her.
"Go on."
"Do you come here often? In this part of the garden?" Sasuke's eyes shot up at this question, suddenly aware of anything that left her mouth.
"How did you know?" He questioned her sternly, brows slightly furrowed.
"Oh.. I just guessed.. you know, your expression and everything became different when we came into this area, you seemed more relaxed and all. So I was wondering if you were familiar with this part or not, it doesn't seem that everyone comes here often." Sakura explained, unaware of Sasuke's sudden increased amount of attention towards her. If Sasuke wasn't a person to not show emotions too quickly or at all, he'd surely grant her a warm smile with a thanks to appreciate her quick understanding, but he only chose to soften his tone instead with a much softer gaze on her. Not like he could help himself from doing so. Sakura as always, smiled at him, now much more relaxed besides already being mesmerized by the beauty of the place, overcoming much of her fear at his softening expression.
"No one comes in here, this place is nice when I need some time alone or to relax. It's peaceful, no one bothers about this area nor anyone in the house knows I come by often. Good observation." Sasuke explained, Sakura was amused to know that Sasuke was into nature, given that he practically lived his life in mansions.
"Oh.. but now I know.." Sakura said, suddenly wondering why he brought her to this place if this was almost like his secret hideout.
Meanwhile, Sasuke didn't know why he didn't hesitate to show her the place and also tell her what it meant to him. He didn't plan to, but at that moment while they were heading this way he just felt like there's no harm telling this girl, specially after she figured out half of it herself just by his changing expressions. "And you won't tell anyone, will you?" Sasuke asked, aware of her answer but still wanted to hear it from her own mouth.
"Uh.. n-no! Of course not, Sasuke-kun.." Sakura replied with an obvious shock in both her tone and face. As insignificant as the matter was, she was still quite surprised. Did Sasuke trust her with the personal information he just gave? No, he probably expected her to not meddle with whatever he does and not bother telling anyone either, that had to be it.
"Hn. We should head back. This is pretty much most of the Uchiha Residence, there are other places you'll get familiar to with time, so don't worry about that." Sakura snapped back to reality as Sasuke spoke and began walking towards the mansion again. "A-alright." Sakura responded while following him. The rest of the walk towards the mansion was quiet, they came back in the backyard only to see the rest of the uchiha family gathered on the patio.
"Sasuke, Sakura! There you are! I was wondering where you two would be. I see you two had a nice time on that house tour!" Mikoto winked.
"Good to see you again, otouto, and even better to see you two bonding." Itachi couldn't help but play around with these two this time, a smirk appeared across his face which was closer to a smile, genuinely glad to see them together.
However for Sasuke and Sakura that wasn't the case, their teasing caused the awkward tension to appear between the pair once again and both started blushing, with the only difference of Sakura's one being clearly visible.
"Good to see you again, Sasuke, Sakura. Take a seat." Fugaku welcomed them, in a lot warmer tone than the one he normally maintained. Over the span of the past one day and the previous ten days combined, Sakura came to learn that Fugaku was a lot warmer around his family compared to when he was around other people, this pretty much explained the stoic nature of Sasuke. So that's where his stern nature comes from..
"Not yet dear. Sasu-chan, you can take your seat but I'm really sorry that I'll have to borrow my daughter for a while. Sakura, do you mind coming with me for the serving?" Mikoto asked to which Sakura immediately replied, "Of course n-not okaa-sama!" Anything to get out of this awkwardness..
"Am I really having to give up on my position to imouto now?" Itachi asked playfully. Imouto? When did that happen...? Sasuke couldn't help but wonder. "Oh no ita-chan, I'd definitely take you but right now I prefer bonding with my daughter in law a lot more. Maybe next time?" Mikoto winked as she replied, "Let's go sakura!"
"Normally the maids and chefs are there to take care of everything, but in many off days or celebrations I like to step up and gather the family into a tea time or something, you know it's better that way to stay together in their busy schedules. Since everyone's at home today I decided to make everyone some tea, they totally love when I make it for some reason even though all of them are more of coffee people. Moreover I had to do something to give you a warm welcome party didn't I?!" Mikoto said smiling. "Also, don't mind Itachi, I often cook for the family and he helps me at times, that's why he was saying that."
"I see.. okaa-sama? Can I cook sometime too? I'd love to feed all of you and.. I'll have something to do here as well..." Sakura asked, her sudden interest popping in after hearing that Mikoto cooked often. She really didn't expect her to considering the number of assistants they had.
"Of course you can Sakura! Oh my god, why don't you make the dinner today?! I'm sure everyone would love it!" Mikoto squealed, proud of her own idea.
"I'd love to okaa-sama!" Sakura replied, her face lightening up once again.
"And I'd love to eat the meal my daughter cooks! Let's surprise the boys! This is our little secret till dinner okay?!" Sakura couldn't help but chuckle at Mikoto's request, her mother in law indeed was the light of the family.
"Alright okaa-sama!" She enthusiastically responded.
"Enough about me now, how are you doing Sakura-chan? Did you talk with Haruno-sama yet? I'm totally calling them to praise your cooking skills, I can already imagine how amazing the meal will be! And did you like the dresses I got you? I was very strict with the sizes so I assume they all fit? You look lovely in this one by the way! Also, how did the house tour go?!" Sakura was now giggling at Mikoto's sudden shower of questions on her. They were in the kitchen by now, Mikoto picking the trays and Sakura assisting her.
"I'm good okaa-sama. Yes, tou-san and okaa-san called me today morning, I really hope you can praise my cooking, I'll try my best to make it as good as I can. Also, you didn't need to get me so many clothes okaa-sama, but thank you. I loved them. I didn't wear them all but they look like they fit well. And I love this house! Everything is so nice, I just hope I don't get lost in here though!" Sakura patiently responded to all her questions, still giggling.
"Oh you'll get used to it dear, I'm glad you loved the house!" Mikoto happily said.
"It's really beautiful, and really I loved the gardens! I'd love to do gardening with you sometime okaa-san, Sasuke-Kun told me you planted all those flowers and plants? They're absolutely amazing!" Sakura almost squealed, it really felt like she was talking to her mother now, things were already too comfortable between them and their conversations were no less than that of two friends.
"Sasuke did? I see, I'll definitely call you the next time I head towards the gardens. How's sasuke treating you Saku-chan?" Sakura stiffened at Mikoto's question. She could open up to Itachi a little, but what could she say to Mikoto? Sure a lot happened after her and Itachi's conversation, but she still didn't know whether she should really tell what she felt. Mikoto took notice of her sudden change in body language and smiled at her warmly. "You know you can tell me if anything goes wrong, don't you? Sasuke is my son, I know how difficult he can get sometimes, he's a lot similar to Fugaku you know. But as cold as they both appear, they can feel emotions equally strongly." Sakura's eyes widened at her statement.
"I-I really don't know for sure okaa-sama. I did realize Sasuke-Kun is not as cold as he seems when he took me around the house, and he doesn't treat me wrong either.. it's just that.. adjusting into a marriage is too much to take in.. I guess for both of us.. we never really talked about this so I can't say how he feels about the whole situation but I can assume it's similar to mine, maybe even a bit harsher when it comes to accepting this..." Sakura truthfully explained, now much more relaxed at Mikoto's assurance, the Uchihas are really nice human beings...
"Oh.. I understand how hard it must've been for both of you, circumstances really pushed us to do this, I'm sorry on behalf of us elders for not granting you two enough time Sakura. Also, like I said, Sasuke really tries and succeeds almost most of the time to present himself coldly, somehow this runs in the Uchiha blood." Mikoto said, rolling her eyes. "When I married Fugaku, even I thought we'll never come to love each other if that man continues to carry that much of attitude, but with time I discovered his soft side too, which he never really shows to anyone other than his family and very close friends. The same goes for Sasuke, he has his own way to express his feelings and I'm telling you he feels quite strongly for us and his friends, even though he often refrains from showing it, he's quite a shy boy for that. I plead you to give him some time dear, he will surely open up to you, and of course, take your time too. Let me tell you a secret, these Uchihas do look stern but they feel a lot more strongly than most people do. It takes time but once they start there's no stopping to the affection you get, I've witnessed this myself you know, Fugaku is a really sweet man when no one's around." Mikoto said winking.
Mikoto's words really matched a lot with Itachi's when it came to Sasuke's nature, and considering with how Sasuke behaved with her a while back, their words might just be true.. Sakura couldn't help but think. "I see.. Itachi nii-san told me similar things about Sasuke-kun too.. he was really nicer than I thought back in the house tour.." Sakura mumbled.
"Itachi already did eh? He's really a smart one when it comes to understanding people and the situation, a lot gentler in expressing than the others too.. but he still got that Uchiha pride as well you know, I'd totally vote for Obito when it comes to being expressive, he's totally the 'non-Uchiha' type in there!" Mikoto said giggling. "And by the way, if what you said is really true, I think I can assure you that my son will like you in no time! Sasuke is a very gentle man but he doesn't let go of his stern nature that easily. If he did, know that you mean something to him for him to do so!" Before Sakura could respond to Mikoto's words, they were already on the patio.
"Welcome back okaa-san, imouto." Itachi said while approaching them to help serve the tea. He indeed is the nicest Uchiha man in here.. "Tou-san was just talking about the house for Sasuke and Sakura to live in."
"So soon Fugaku? We still have time for that, don't we? And I don't want my daughter in law to move away so fast, she just came to this house!" Mikoto said pouting. Sakura didn't know what was happening but she got the picture. Even her parents told her about the mansion Fugaku wanted the couple to live in after their marriage and after Sasuke officially taking over the company.
"I was just saying, I might step away from my position sooner than I planned. Sasuke is capable enough to handle things. But of course, I'll wait through few more months for that one." Relief washed over Sakura, moving in together would lead to a quite awkward situation than it already was for them, which Sakura was desperately trying to avoid.
"That's better, but I'd rather ask you to arrange their honeymoon first! Oh Kami, that would be so cute! The faster the honeymoon the better chances for me to get my grandchildren sooner!" Mikoto squealed and that was it. The Sasuke who was quiet throughout the conversation started choking on his tea, Sakura stiffened right where she sat, a hard blush already forming on her face. Itachi's attempt to suppress his laughter went futile. How is tou-sama keeping a straight face...
The honeymoon topic was raised before too, however Sasuke strictly denied Mikoto saying he'd have a lot of office work to handle and Sakura too managed to give her mother a good excuse of her upcoming exams and graduation to avoid this matter for the time being, hoping it will be forgotten soon. However, Mikoto didn't seem to be forgetting it one bit of it, but there's no way the couple would agree to this, not now not ever. At least that's what they both thought even though they had no talk about it. Itachi sensing their embarrassment and already aware of both their conditions decided to take over, with the pure intention to help them out of the situation.
"Okaa-san, I don't think either of them would prefer the idea for now. Sasuke will have a lot of company's work to catch up with and Sakura too has graduation to complete. Both of them will be too busy for that break till then. Or not.. Sasuke, Sakura?" Despite Itachi's playful tone, the couple mentally thanked him for the help.
"Hn. I already said it before." Sasuke sternly said.
"Y-yes okaa-sama... I-I will have to prepare for the exams.." Sakura quickly added along, before Mikoto could defy Sasuke.
"On that note, Sakura, till when did you take your university leave? Is it going well?" Fugaku interrupted and asked Sakura before Mikoto could say anything more about the earlier topic.
"My leave duration ends in three days tou-sama, and I did make sure the leave doesn't cause any trouble later on..." Sakura quickly replied.
"Sounds good. Sasuke, I could grant you leave from the company for no longer than this weekend either, I know it's one day less than Sakura's but I need you on Monday for an important meeting." Fugaku said.
"Hn. I'd no longer prefer a vacation either. You should send me the recent documents so that I can go through to catch up with the events that occurred in my absence-"
"I told you I took care of those-" Itachi interrupted Sasuke.
"Nii-san-"
"Otouto-"
"No."
"Yes."
"You-"
"Foolish-"
"Tch-"
Mikoto giggled and Fugaku slightly smiled at the siblings' bickering. Sakura too couldn't help but laugh a little. So Sasuke was a workaholic too...? Even though it wasn't a surprise considering his status but yet it was a relief. This would surely reduce a lot of the awkward tension between them if both were busy with office work and university. The Uchiha family really shared more warmth and love than it seemed to everyone's eyes, and Sakura was extremely thankful for being blessed with these lovely people as her in laws, although she was yet unsure about one particular Uchiha who happened to be her husband, she was welcomed into the family with the warmth she did not expect and that made her more than happy.
Author's note- How was the Sasusaku moment of this chapter? Do you sense any chemistry in them already or are they too different? xD Next chapter will include much more of them, stay tuned!
Ps- I'm sooo relieved to tell you that the speech issue has been fixed on this and all previous chapters! That took a while but I finally managed to do that, now any new readers (or if someone rereads) hopefully you'll face no confusion about who's speaking during any of the speeches! If you face any other issue like this now or in future chapters, do let me know in the reviews! Thank you!
Next chapter release date- 29th May, 2021.
