Heading to the story right away! Enjoy reading! ~author
Chapter 9- Friends
"Dobe, I can hear you pretty well. You can lower your voice."
"My voice is lowered teme! And don't try to avoid the matter, there's no way you're NOT coming or you know I'm dragging you!" Naruto practically screamed on the phone, sometimes Sasuke really wondered how they were friends. "You know what teme, I'll just tell Sakura-chan to make sure you come, like why can't you just attend for her?! You know the whole party is to celebrate your marriage, Sakura-chan will never say no to me and so shouldn't you! Give the phone to her, too bad I forgot to collect her number, give it, give it!"
"No-"
"Teme! I'm not keeping the call unless you give the phone to her! Where is she? Sakura-chan? SAKURA-CHAN!?" Naruto screamed even louder for Sakura to hear. Sasuke on the other hand was totally losing it.
"Don't make me cut the call dobe. You're too loud. I can't give the phone to her." Sasuke said, not wanting to interact with Sakura. "Moreover she's not even in the ro-" before Sasuke could finish, the door of the room clicked open.
Sakura, like she planned, headed to the kitchen long before dinner time, making sure no one would notice for her mother in law still stuck to keep the thing a surprise to the male Uchihas. Mikoto pleaded for her to make extra dishes that included tomatoes out of everything, which Sakura didn't understand why but obeyed anyway. She just came back from the kitchen, with a good excuse of gardening with Mikoto in case Sasuke asked. She looked at Sasuke who was sitting at a chair nearby, not yet noticing what he was doing. "Uh.. h-hi Sas-" she cut herself off as soon as she realized he was on a call. "Oh.. s-sorry.." She mumbled softly.
"Sak-"
Naruto realizing her presence around Sasuke and went even more excited than he already was. "What? Sak-SAKURA-CHAN IS HERE ISN'T IT? Give the phone teme! And I'm not taking a no for an answer!"
Sasuke, giving in to Naruto's demands now decided to just get this over with. "Sakura?"
"Y-yes Sasuke-kun?" Sakura looked up at Sasuke surprised at his sudden call for her.
"Naruto's on the phone, he wishes to speak to you." Sasuke informed, now handing the phone to her.
"Oh.. o-okay..." Sakura took the phone, a bit amused. "Hello, Naruto?"
"Saaaakuraa-chaaann! How're you?! Is teme being the bastard that he is? I can totally beat him up! He's being a total prick isn't he?" Naruto excitedly asked, as if he's already ready to do what he just said.
"N-no! Naruto.. we're doing- um.. fine.." Sakura muttered.
"Fine? Really? Teme really sounded like he could kill me.. not like he's any different the other times though.. anyways, Sakura-chan! You already know about the party don't you? I've been trying to convince teme since noon but he wouldn't listen! I'm totally trusting you to bring him okay?!" Sakura was now confused at whatever Naruto was saying. What party?
"I'm really sorry Naruto.. I have no idea.. what party are you talking about?" Sakura confusedly asked.
"What?! Teme didn't tell you? That bastard! We are gonna hang at Temari's tomorrow! We all agreed to celebrate your marriage! Everyone will be there Sakura-chan, I know you won't say no to me, I just want you to bring that anti social prick with you, he wouldn't just listen to me!" Sakura stiffened at the revelation. There was a party to celebrate their marriage? And she just got to know? Sasuke didn't bother telling her, not like she expected him to up on hearing his disinterest but.. why didn't any of the girls call her?
"N-naruto.. I don't know.. I-I mean if Sasuke-kun doesn't want to... how can I-" Sasuke's ears shot up on hearing his name, not like he wasn't hearing the conversation since the beginning though.
"Oh come on Sakura-chan, you will be there, right? I've even informed Itachi nii, and even Gaara is coming! Only that bastard needs a little convincing and I know I can count on you for that till the last moment until that bastard is being a real trouble and I have to drag him! Please please pleeaassee do this for our sake! I'll really have to get going now, I'll collect your number from teme later. See ya Sakura-Chan! Bye!"
"Na-Naruto!" But it was useless, Naruto already hung up and Sakura stood there, stiff and confused about what to do. She'd love to go but if Sasuke didn't go she wouldn't leave him alone.. of course she wouldn't. That would be impolite wouldn't it? She snapped back to reality when she noticed Sasuke stepping towards her. She immediately handed his phone to him, unsure of what to say. Nonetheless, she decided to tell about what Naruto just said, not intending to ask or convince him to go nor expecting him to say yes.
"Sasuke-Kun.. N-Naruto.. on the phone.. he-"
"Aa. Get ready tomorrow at 7. We'll go." Sasuke said, knowing there's no use saying no to Naruto when he wanted Sasuke to be there, specially when Sasuke had no excuse to say no. Sakura's eyes widened, now lightening up at Sasuke's answer to the question she couldn't ask.
"T-thank you Sasuke-kun! I'll be ready!" Whatever disinterest Sasuke had, it seemed to disappear at the girl's excitement. And suddenly he felt like it was the right decision. Hanging out with friends along with his wife did sound right after all, if that lightened up a person like that. Sasuke smirked at Sakura's reaction.
Later that evening
The male Uchihas were surely having a good day, they just had a dinner in front of them no less than that fit for royalty. Sasuke was internally excited to have all the tomato based delicious looking dishes in front of him, not that he showed it though. Mikoto secretly eyed Sakura, giving the expression of infinite praises, she knew her daughter in law was a talented girl, and knowing she also had cooking skills like that, she could vouch for the fact that her daughter in law was an all rounder, best in all possible things.
"Mikoto, the food looks really good." Fugaku praised Mikoto, she only giggled. "Wait till you taste it." Mikoto replied confidently. Sakura was now actually scared. What if they don't like it?..
"Really okaa-san, I could take some extra work of otouto just to get him married with imouto again if I get these lovely looking meals." Sakura and Sasuke began blushing in embarrassment at Itachi's playful statement.
"Shut up." Sasuke hissed which only made Itachi smirk harder.
"Oh shut it boys, have the food already!" Mikoto squealed as everyone began eating the food.
"Itadakimasu!"
"Okaa-san, this tastes really different from your food, did you really make this? This is absolutely delicious!" Itachi said taking another mouthful of the mouth watering meal right in front of him. Mikoto chuckled sensing everyone's cluelessness.
"Oh my god boys! Didn't you all get it yet? I'm loving to break it to you, it isn't me who made all these, Sakura-chan did!"
Sasuke almost choked on the revelation but immediately composed himself.
"Sakura did? These really taste good Sakura, I must appreciate your cooking." Fugaku praised warmly. Sakura beamed at him.
"Arigatou tou-sama!"
"I'd do ANYTHING to eat meals from your hand more often imouto, you have my word. These are out of this world." Itachi said which made Sakura laugh a little.
"All you'll have to do is just ask nii-san, I'm glad you like it!"
"I love it Saku-chan! I knew your cooking would be as amazing as you are!" Mikoto squealed. Sakura's face lightened up at her in laws praise for her, however a certain Uchiha yet didn't speak anything about it.
"Sasu-chan! Aren't these great?! I could eat Sakura's food all day!" Mikoto asked her son, too excited about the meal in front of her. Sasuke to be honest liked the food, a lot. But he was not a person to go around complimenting just like that, and right now his own pride was stopping him from doing so. "Hn." He responded lazily. And there it was, Sakura's brightened up face fell immediately. He didn't like the food.. or maybe.. he doesn't want to eat any food made by me at all.. everyone else was happy but suddenly for some reason none of it seem to matter to her, she couldn't help from feeling down. This didn't go unnoticed by Sasuke though, he knew the food, that too mixed with his favourite ingredient was worth the praise and seeing Sakura's cheerful face fall like that now made him feel guilty. Tch. I will just tell her later, why do I even feel guilty about how she's feeling?
"Sakura, did you make the desserts too?" Itachi asked which made Sakura snap out of her thoughts.
"Yes nii-san, I'll get it in a bit?"
"I'd love it that." Itachi responded. With that, Sakura was distracted and the Uchihas completed their meals with happiness, all except Sasuke praising Sakura's cooking. Apart from the sadness she felt for Sasuke's silence, everything else felt really good.
Later that night
The couple came back to their room after dinner, none of them spoke to one another. Sakura was walking towards the bed, ready to sleep. Sasuke behind her locked the doors and looked up at the walking figure, "Sakura."
Sakura stopped dead and her body stiffened. She turned back slowly questioningly. "Y-yes Sasuke-kun?.." Sasuke walked towards his wife, now facing her.
"Did okaa-san tell you to add tomatoes?"
"Wha- o-oh.. yes she did.. w-why? Was it... t-too bad?.." Sakura asked, her face gaining back the fallen expression she had back at the dinner table. Sasuke cursed himself internally for messing up with his words again and not liking this, he immediately responded.
"They were excellent, and I did like the meal." His gaze shifted away from her as he said it. Sakura on the other hand looked up at him, shocked about what she just heard.
"Y-you did?"
"Aa. In fact, tomatoes are my favourite. You should cook more often." He responded, now totally embarrassed on doing the thing he thought he should upon seeing Sakura's fallen expression- give up his pride to tell the truth. Sakura's face lightened up again, smiling widely, eyes gleaming with happiness.
"Of course Sasuke-kun, I'm so glad that you liked it! I'll cook those more often!" She said excitedly. Sasuke couldn't help but smirk at her cheerfulness.
"Hn. Go to sleep." He responded in a monotone.
"You too.. goodnight, Sasuke-kun!" Sasuke was a bit amused at her for suddenly wishing him, he smirked again.
"Aa." And with that, both headed to bed, in the same position as they did the night before.
Next day
Sakura wore a casual knee length grey dress, again one from Mikoto's collection for her. She was still mad at the girls for not telling her earlier but all of them only responded with 'we thought Sasuke already told you.. and we didn't want to interrupt your free time with him you know' and Sakura swore she could hear the grin of their faces on the call. She spent the day unpacking her things and was quite surprised at how Sasuke cleared half of the closet for her beforehand, leaving Sakura even with extra cabinets she didn't need. The Uchihas really raised their sons well.. it was around six and the couple were getting ready for their evening at Temari's. Sakura got out of the closet to come across Sasuke wearing a casual loose shirt and pants and boy did he look good.. snap out of it Sakura!"H-hello Sasuke-kun.." She mumbled, not certain about what to say.
"Hn. You ready?" He asked lazily.
"Y-yes.." And with that, they headed out.
Itachi was already on the couch when Sasuke and Sakura made it to the living area.
"Ah there you are, Kisame really ditched going with me at the last moment and left to the party early, so I thought it's better to go with the new couple than alone." Itachi said smirking, already planning the number of ways in which he could tease the new couple.
"Better be decent with your words on the way unless you want me to throw you out of the car, let's go." Sasuke growled in warning as the trio headed out to the car.
Shortly they made it to Temari's, after Itachi's constant teasing and Naruto's desperate calls saying how late they were, despite Sasuke everytime correcting him on how it was them who arrived early.
"There they are!" Temari immediately said upon noticing their arrival and the trio was welcomed with a bunch of people sitting on the largest round table of the restaurant.
"Teme! Itachi nii! Sakura-Chan! I knew you'd bring teme Sakura-chan-"
"Naruuttooo!" Naruto was cut off by Ino who already stood up from her position. "Stop blabbering, Sakura, come here!" Ino was dragging her to the other side when Tenten spoke.
"You know they're the new couple Ino, I think you should let them sit together at least." Tenten said giggling. And before either Sakura or Sasuke could deny-
"Oh right.. no worries! I'm still sitting beside you forehead!" And Ino sat beside Sakura while Naruto took the seat beside Sasuke, with the newlyweds in the middle with Ino and Sai, and Naruto and Hinata on either side of them.
"It's good that you're finally here, there's so much for you three to catch up! Shikamaru is finally courting Temari!" The said couple immediately began blushing upon Kiba's revelation while the newlywed stared at them with a surprised expression, Sakura's one being more evident.
"You didn't have to bring that up this fast.." Gaara mumbled, unsure of how to feel about his own sister dating for he wasn't a very romantic person himself.
"Took you long enough."
"You got some explaining to do Temari.."
Sasuke and Sakura said with a smirk and shocked tone respectively.
"I-it's not like that!" Temari tried to avoid the topic while Shikamaru only mumbled 'such a drag'.
The bunch greeted one another and chatted for a while until the food arrived, all of them occasionally teasing Sasuke and Sakura and sometimes Temari and Shikamaru as well.
"Sakura-chan.. you're rejoining university from Tuesday right?" Hinata asked.
"Yes, I can't wait y'all." Sakura beamed as she replied.
"We can't wait either Sakura! It's been a while since we all spent time in the university together, the exam pressure is really getting to me!" Lee whined, hearing which Sai joined in the conversation.
"It's getting to all of us if I'm honest, I really wonder how you manage all that, ugly."
"Why do you always have to be a jerk? For the millionth time, Sakura-chan isn't ugly!" Naruto whined, to which the bunch only giggled and Sai gave his signature smile.
If anything, Sasuke internally agreed with Naruto on this part, for he still didn't know what made Sakura ugly in Sai's eyes, not like he'd ever admit it though.
"Ah, it's okay Naruto, I'm really used to it, and Sai, remember I studied ahead of the syllabus beforehand? That just came in handy." Sakura said giggling while Naruto only pouted.
"Must have taken you extra brains and troublesome all nighters to do that." Shikamaru said lazily.
"Unlike you Shikamaru, Sakura doesn't find it troublesome to work extra hours. Girl really enjoys that." Temari explained in response.
"Oh god.. can you guys not?.." Sakura interrupted the conversation, embarrassed for not know how to react to the sudden praises she began to get.
"You two are quite similar I see.. good catch, Sasuke." The couple began blushing furiously at Kisame's statement, until Sasuke decided to stop the conversion from beginning on this topic right there.
"Shut it Kisame, I'd very much like you being helpful than being a discount Itachi." Itachi suppressed a laughter at Sasuke's words, remembering how he teased the couple on their way here. "And what made you leave Itachi with us anyways? He wasn't being less of a prick than you are right now."
"Ah, sorry about that Itachi, Deidara and Nagato had some emergency I had to help them with, explains why they couldn't attend."
Kisame explained. Itachi nodded in understanding and the rest engaged in conversation. Despite sitting right beside one another, Sasuke and Sakura didn't interact for once, not like they didn't want to at this point. For the past two days, Sakura came to this realization that however her husband might be to the world or how cold he was in nature, he yet indeed was a gentleman to her respecting her space and feelings. Although he barely talked to her thanks to the slight awkwardness yet lingering between them to initiate a conversation, he did not force her or do anything to make her feel uncomfortable, rather left her with herself. It was almost like he didn't bother about her at all but she was glad that he wasn't as stern with her as his businessman self was. And to be honest if Sasuke initiated a conversation, which isn't very likely to happen, Sakura still wouldn't mind spending time with this guy. Sasuke on the other hand didn't budge from the position he previously decided to stay in. Even though now that he knew Sakura better than he did a few days back, and even if for some reason he internally felt proud everytime someone praised Sakura, or craved the meals she made, or even found her smiles and lightened up face pleasant, he was well aware of the terms they were in. Sakura made him feel more comfortable than he thought he'd be around her but they were mere acquaintances put into an arranged marriage. That's all. Nothing more would happen between them. He wasn't even thinking of giving it a chance nor he would, partially because of Sakura herself too. However, as much annoying he felt whenever she was talked about by his family before the marriage, the case was different when seeing her in front of his eyes. Yes she was annoying, because Sasuke couldn't stop thinking about her, or about all the praises he constantly heard from people. He desperately fought his feelings to get her out of his mind and succeeded too, but what annoyed him was he couldn't identify what made him feel this way. She was supposed to anger him, not soothe him with her mere presence and Sasuke hated watching things go opposite to how he thought it would.
"Alright boys! The girls are going to the bar!" Ino suddenly announced. "And no, boys can find another place, the girls are taking over the bar tonight and that's final!"
"I think Kisame and I will head out to catch with Nagato and Deidara. Sasuke, you leave with Sakura once you're done hanging, have fun you guys." Itachi and Kisame said while already prepared to head out.
"See ya Itachi and Kisame nii! Itachi nii, I need to know all about teme's reaction and ideas on teasing, I'll call you later!" Naruto said grinning while Sasuke only gave him a hard glare. Itachi only smirked and the rest of the bunch greeted them goodbye as they left.
"Guess we'll have to take the patio then, better than indoors." Neji stated as the boys made their way out.
"Oye Temari, make sure you're the one making the drinks!" Kiba called out as they made their way outdoors.
"Temari will stay with us you know, you can bear someone else making the drink for one day." Tenten pointed out almost sticking her tongue out.
"I'd rather have a drink from Temari's hand you know, moreover she'll be making the drinks for you girls anyway so what's the deal?" Neji suddenly asked to which tenten grunted.
"Hai hai, says the one hitting Jiraiya-sama's bar every other day." If it wasn't for the fact that Sakura was staring at Tenten as she spoke, she'd never notice the shocked look on her face that lasted for less than a second before she gathered herself together again, almost looking like she regretted what she said. Sasuke and the rest couldn't help but take notice either, for they never saw Tenten and Neji interact like that before. Since when is Neji going to Jiraiya's and no one knew? How did Tenten know?
"Neji? Why didn't you tell me you went to pervy sage's? I'd tag along!" Naruto said.
"Pervy sage?.." Sakura couldn't help but ask.
"Yes Sakura-Chan! You know him don't you! I've seen Tsunade baa-chan with him at your wedding! I was surprised to know that you're her disciple!" Naruto said.
"I do.." Sakura replied. She saw Jiraiya a few times and even went to his bar thanks to being closely affiliated with his wife, Tsunade for university and medical purposes.. but pervy sage.. she couldn't help but chuckle.
"That's enough I guess, we're heading out." Neji quickly said changing the topic. Sasuke could swear he saw Neji blushing for a split second, until getting distracted as all of them headed their ways.
Sometimes later...
"Come on forehead, don't be shy, tell us, tell us!" Ino pushed Sakura for what seemed to be like the hundredth time.
"How long do you plan to keep quiet Sakura? You know Ino will make you speak." Temari pointed out while her expert bartender hands worked on the drinks.
"I told you already girls... nothing happened between us. You know it was an arranged marriage.. romance is out of the question, none of us want it!" Sakura clarified, again, for the hundredth time.
"Come on Sakura, you can't deny that you felt nothing during your wedding kiss.. it almost looked like you guys were into it." Tenten said, Sakura stiffened, remembering the incident.
"W-w-we didn't k-kiss..." Sakura could feel herself blushing already upon blurting it out.
"You guys didn't WHAT?! Sakura, we ALL saw it!" Ino almost screamed at the revelation.
"I-I know it seems like that but.. Sasuke-Kun just pulled me closer to cover our faces from everyone.. he didn't kiss me at all.. we just stood there for a while to make people think that we actually kissed you know.." Sakura explained.
"What a bastard.." Temari muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear. Ino still couldn't get over the shock.
"Girls.. let's not think like that.. w-we know Sakura-chan wasn't ready for it either.. let's just appreciate Sasuke-kun's understanding towards her, I'm pretty sure you guys will adjust well with each other soon too, Sakura-chan." The girls nodded in agreement with Hinata and Sakura couldn't help but blush, internally developing more respect for Sasuke upon reflecting on Hinata's words than she already did in the past two days.
Meanwhile
"If I were you I'd fall in love with her the moment I saw her you know." Kiba said to which Sasuke shot him a hard glare.
"No need to give death glares teme, Kiba is actually right you know. Sakura-Chan is a lovely girl, I really don't understand why you don't like her." Sasuke flinched at Naruto's statement, although he wasn't and didn't plan to say it, but he didn't dislike Sakura.
"Troublesome eh? Just take some time Sasuke, you'll come to express the feelings you have for her." Sasuke couldn't believe what the very genius Shikamaru just said, sure his words never meant nothing but what he said just now was stupid. He did not have feelings for Sakura nor he ever will.
"Did you drink too much or your romantic life is responsible for your loss of brain cells? I don't have any feelings for Sakura." Sasuke shot.
"Even I agree with Shikamaru on this one Sasuke, you probably don't feel anything right now but your behaviour around her is a lot softer you know, you're not like that with everyone." Neji suddenly spoke hearing which Sasuke almost blushed. He was softer with her than he initially planned to be but was it that evident? Moreover, he wasn't like that with her because he felt something for her or something, he just appreciated her not being a fangirl-ish type and being the talented independent woman that she was, isn't it?
"Shut up." That's all he could say in response.
"Is it just me or even you became softer Neji?" Gaara suddenly said which made Neji twitch.
"What are you talking about?" He asked with a glare.
"You know what he's talking about, I really didn't expect you and Tenten to click out of everyone." Sai said smiling.
"Shocking but amusing, carry on my youthful friends!" Lee, now totally drunk, added.
"It's not like that." Neji replied with much embarrassment while the group continued to bicker, half of them already gone tipsy. Sasuke, who was still sober kept on thinking about what Neji and Shikamaru said earlier couldn't help but smirk at the thought of his pink haired wife, well aware of how much she was getting to his head but unaware of the reason behind it. 'Tch, annoying.' The smirk still remained on his face while he continued with his thoughts.
Author's note- I've seriously become a super lazy writer in the past week to the point that I even proofread it clumsily, writing these chapters beforehand really came in handy now as I could post it on time because this week I didn't even visit this app at all nor wrote a single chapter :( I'm in serious need of some motivation right now *sad tears* so if you have any please feel free to give!!
As for this chapter, I'm really hoping the development is right, I'll be adding more Sasusaku interactions in the next chapters but for now these seemed right xD Sasuke is beginning to show his soft side to Sakura ;) stay tuned to know what happens next!
Next chapter release date- 5th June, 2021.
