The 11th chapter! This will be an interesting one so get ready ;) xD
Chapter 11- A New Friend
It was frustrating. Sasuke has been trying to engage in a conversation with his wife since yesterday after his conversation with Itachi but it seemed way harder than he thought now, for they'd all end when the necessary questions were asked. The next morning came and it seemed near impossible now. Like yesterday, he waited for Sakura so that they could head to the breakfast table together. Sasuke was on the verge of giving up for which he decided to not try engaging her in any new conversation, for the time being, he didn't want to face another unsuccessful attempt and frustrate himself even more. They walked to the dining in silence.
"Good morning, tou-sama, okaa-sama!" Sasuke looked up at the dining table in front of them as he heard his wife greet.
"Sasuke, Sakura! Have a seat! The day will be lovely, Itachi left just a while ago, what a pleasant feeling to come across all of my children at once early in the morning! A rare occasion too!"
"Good morning Sakura, Sasuke."
Mikoto and Fugaku greeted them respectively. Sakura cheerfully took her seat and Sasuke as always replied with a 'morning' and took his own. Sakura and Mikoto immediately got indulged in conversations on various topics and Sasuke and Fugaku discussed some brief things about the company as they all continued with their breakfast.
"So Sakura, did you go to the store I asked you to? Do show me the dresses you got, you'd look so beautiful! Kushina has some amazing outfits in her store!" Mikoto squealed. Ever since Sakura entered the family Mikoto only gave her daughter in law pampering suggestions which Sakura wasn't used to. She appreciated Mikoto's affection towards her but she was yet hesitant to use the credit card she got from the Uchihas as an honour of becoming the bride of the family.
"Okaa-sama.. I'm sorry I only went out yesterday and there were so many assignments to complete, it occupied all my evening so I directly headed home from university. I'd surely go sometime when I'm caught up with the studies!" She responded.
"Oh, I see.. it's fine Saku-chan! Did you go anywhere else? Don't hesitate to!" Mikoto asked sakura.
"Not yet, university is the only place I could go so far, yesterday went a bit hectic to go anywhere else."
Mikoto's eyes suddenly widened and she stopped whatever she was doing after Sakura's statement.
"Wait, are you taking the car to university? Isn't Sasuke dropping you off?" Sasuke looked up at them and Sakura could only give out a surprised expression, not sure how or what to reply to that.
"N-no, I- Uh.."
"Is this what I taught you Sasu-chan?! You and your wife are going out at the same time and you leave her alone? Why can't you drop her? And Sakura, I gave you the car for you to go out to places other than the university! It's Sasu-chan who's supposed to do that job!" Mikoto said, with slight disappointment in her tone as she spoke to Sasuke.
Sasuke himself too wanted to do that in the very but somehow he couldn't come to tell her this without knowing how she'd feel about it, and now that her mother mentioned it, he kind of felt guilty. He should've asked her when he first thought about it, at least to not look impolite if not anything else. Nonetheless, he was lowkey thankful too for her mother bringing this up, maybe he could try talking to her on their way, he thought. "She's right Sasuke, you two should go together from now on as long as there isn't an emergency. Moreover, the university falls on the way doesn't it?" Fugaku said and Mikoto gave a proud look to her husband.
Sakura on the other hand didn't know how to respond. Even though she didn't mind going with Sasuke, she already felt guilty for him being thrown into a situation like that because of her. Misinterpreting his silence Sakura began to think otherwise. Unaware of how content her husband was about this happening, she couldn't stop herself from trying to help him out of the situation.
"It's fine okaa-sama, tou-sama.. Sasuke-kun doesn't have to, the car is already there..." Sakura desperately tried to explain, hoping it would make them change their mind. However, Sasuke twitched at her explanation. Did she not want to be around him? Why? Was she that uncomfortable around him? He decided to not interrupt and let her make the decision, although he wanted her to be around him but he was down for whatever made her feel alright. However, his mother didn't seem to buy it, for she didn't budge and made the final decision for him to drop her, not like he wasn't okay with that.
"Shall we head out now?" Sasuke asked her as he ensured both were done with their meals. Mikoto and Fugaku left just a while ago and Sasuke and Sakura completed their breakfast in silence until both were ready to leave. "Yes s-sure Sasuke-kun.." Sasuke didn't utter a word about this the whole time, Sakura assumed he didn't like the idea much judging his silence and she knew she had to apologise to him for it. It was for her he was thrown into another situation he didn't like and she wanted to do anything to change it.
"Sasuke-kun... it's alright.. you really don't have to do this, I-I can take another car.. I'm really sorry for the trouble.." she tried apologising. Sasuke desperately wished she'd understand that it wasn't a trouble for him, it really wasn't. Did she really think like that? He almost wanted to tell her he actually preferred it this way but his Uchiha pride stopped him.
"Hn. It's not a trouble, get in." That's all he could monotonously say instead.
Sakura still hesitated a bit at his monotone but obeyed what he asked her to do. She was about to enter the car when-
"Take the front seat, I'll be driving." Sasuke interrupted her when she was about to open the rear doors. Sakura gave out a shocked expression at first but quickly composed herself and got into the front seat as Sasuke took his own and headed off. He drove the car in silence at first and Sakura didn't utter a word either, however, he knew if they were to talk he had to initiate the conversation, she looked too guilty to even look in his eye and he didn't like seeing her like that. With that, he instinctively did what he had to next. He didn't know what he'd say, but it felt like it was now or never.
"Sakura." His sudden mention of her name made Sakura gasp a little, she looked at him curiously, indicating him to carry on.
"Did you know everyone since starting university?" Sakura was a bit confused at what he was meaning to ask, not to mention she was startled at Sasuke for actually asking her something about herself. Nonetheless, she preferred it this way. It was far better than the awkward tension and silence.
"Everyone..?" Sakura asked, an embarrassed blush appearing on her cheeks.
"I meant Ino, Hinata, or the Kazekages?" Sasuke asked, his focus on the road as he drove.
"Oh yes.. Tenten was my school friend.. she introduced me to Ino and everyone else. And Temari.. you know we hang around there often, that's how I know the whole Kazekage family." Sakura explained. Sasuke still wondered how he never came across his own wife out of everyone.
"I see.. surprising how we never met despite having the same friends." Sakura nodded in agreement to Sasuke's words, it was true, and she wondered often how different things would be if they were friends.
"I know, we'd probably be friends. I wonder what would happen if that was the case." She said, slightly giggling. Sasuke, being a part of the business world did a lot of bold things in life, however, what he did next was probably the boldest of them all. Moreover, this was about a relationship and not business. Sasuke kept his focus on driving, however, a slight blush crept on his face as he spoke.
"It's not like we can't be friends though." It was hard for him to keep his focus on the road, for he wanted to turn his back to her at this point out of embarrassment. The blush on his cheeks got darker as he spoke, he could even feel the heat now.
"E-eh?.." Sakura was beyond confused and surprised at what she just heard. What did he mean by that? She stared at him wide eyed until she felt the car coming to a halt. Looking beyond him she realised they were already in front of the university. Sasuke parked along a side, free of his focus from the front view, he now looked away from Sakura, hiding his embarrassed blush.
"I don't see a reason for us to not be friends unless you want otherwise." Considering it was coming from someone like Sasuke, if anyone else was in his spot they'd probably crawl somewhere and never look back, but Sasuke being the Uchiha that he was managed to keep his tone stoic as he spoke, although he was still looking away.
Sakura looked at him like she saw a ghost. For a split second she actually thought it was someone else in disguise but immediately brushed off those unrealistic thoughts. Not only he intentionally asked her questions about herself but as well just proposed a friendship? If anything, Sakura didn't expect this at all, actually, she didn't expect any sort of interaction with him to begin with. She still couldn't believe this was happening, however, she realised this is the reality as few moments passed. He was looking away from her but she could tell he was expecting a response, and she was happy for whatever was happening.
"Of course I'd want that! I'd love to Sasuke-Kun!" Her face went from shocked to a beaming one. Sasuke finally looked up to come across her lightened up face, eyes gleaming with happiness, her welcoming smile radiating warmth. She'd love to be his friend? A sort of relief washed over Sasuke as he thought. Sakura suddenly took his hand which was resting on the gear, her hands first resting on top of his until she gave a light squeeze.
"Friends?!" Although Sasuke was shocked at her sudden gesture but he immediately composed himself. Her hands were only on the back of his own but he could still feel the softness of her palms, not to mention the warmth it was radiating. He smirked at her cheerful self, he didn't like admitting it even to himself but his wife was indeed... cute.
"Aa." He replied, indicating his approval. Upon his response her hand left his. She seemed to beam even more. Sasuke could only smirk at her reactions.
"Does the medical department also end at 4? I'll pick you up whenever your classes end if it doesn't." Sasuke suddenly asked which left Sakura startled. She turned his gaze away from him.
"Sasuke-Kun.. you really don't have to do that.. I-I'm really sorry for the trouble I-"
"Tch. You apologise too much. I already told you it's not a trouble." Sasuke interrupted her before she could say anything more. He wanted to do anything that'd get this feeling out of her head. "And, you just agreed to be my friend, I thought friends don't show these formalities?" Sakura looked up at him, both amused and touched. She could get used to this sweet side of Sasuke even though it wasn't fully non-stoic, this was unexpected and far more than she ever imagined them to be. She smiled warmly and muttered a 'thank you', shifting her eyes from him as a shy blush crept on her cheeks.
"Hn. So pick you at 4?" Sasuke asked. Sakura suddenly remembered her plans upon being asked again.
"Oh.. Sasuke-Kun.. actually I got caught up with some work for today.. if it's fine with you.. could you pick me up from quarter 18 leaf park at 6?"
Sasuke felt an uncomfortable and sharp feeling cross his mind. Leaf park? Why? Is there someone she'll have to meet after the university? It didn't take him long for the anger to develop within him for a reason he had no idea about. Tch. Of course, they're put into an arranged marriage, she probably had a love interest long before which she couldn't let go of, and he actually thought she wasn't like that for a while. Why'd he care though? She could do anything she wants to, after all, they have no bond whatsoever regardless of the 'friendship' they just developed. All of their conversation that just happened suddenly felt meaningless to him something within this unknown sharp feeling made him feel.. betrayed? Unknown to the real reason, Sasuke couldn't stop expressing his discomfort. His soft gaze of her turned to be that of annoyance and he no longer felt like speaking anymore.
"Hn." Despite coming off as emotionless in behaviour as he was the day their marriage was fixed, this sudden change seemed to go unnoticed by the still beaming Sakura yet unable to get over what just happened.
"Thank you so much! I'll have to head out now, I'll see you in the evening Sasuke-Kun! Have a good day!" She wished him happily and began to head out, Sasuke replied with a 'hn' yet again as she left. Probably this is why she's happier than usual. Sasuke thought and drove off.
Uchiha Corps
"Temeee! You bastard!" Naruto attacked Sasuke who was sitting in his office, for what has to be the hundredth after getting bashed by Sasuke's harsh words. However, Sasuke paid no heed to whatever his stupid best friend was up to. He kept himself as busy as he could in order to avoid the annoying feeling to come back lurking in his mind, what was Sakura doing in the park. He almost decided to head out at the park, but then again, the thought of him not caring about what she does came into his mind, and he finally decided to make himself busy with work until the ever cheerful Naruto decided to drop by along with Shikamaru.
"Dobe. Stop. I have no intention to hang out with you out of everyone that too at Ichiraku's out of everywhere else." Sasuke snapped at him.
"You're so mean teme! Come on, come on! It's been a long time since we've been there!" Naruto tried to convince, his excited self jumping frantically which annoyed Sasuke even more. He deals with Naruto's crazy nature on a daily basis but now was not the time.
"What a drag. It's getting late, I'll head out." Shikamaru lazily said.
"Then what did you come here for?! " Naruto asked incredulously to which Shikamaru flinched.
"I came here? You dragged me here."
"Well, I thought you could help me convince teme! But here you are not being useful at all and now you're leaving!" Naruto almost screamed, Sasuke could swear this guy will get smacked by him if this continues.
"Neh, too troublesome. Moreover, I'd rather attend my date with Temari than have ramen at Ichiraku's. See ya." With that, Shikamaru walked away.
"Teme! Pleaasseee let's go!" Naruto nearly begged, which was nothing new to Sasuke, or anyone else who knew Naruto.
"I'm busy Dobe. Not today." Sasuke replied, still uninterested.
"Come on! After office?! At 4?!"
"I have meetings."
"Evening then?!"
"I have to pick Sakura."
"Okay after 8- eeeehh?! Pick.. Sakura-chan?! You mean a date?! YOU TWO ARE ALREADY GOING ON DATES?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME-"
"Usuratonkachi. Pick her from university." Sasuke replied sternly. Idiot Naruto.
"Oh I see.. wait. Hinata's ends at 4 and she always told me they all head out together... TEME! ARE YOU MAKING SAKURA-CHAN WAIT FOR A STUPID MEETING OF YOURS?!"
"Quiet. Down. Dobe. Pick her from the park, she'll be out to meet... someone." Sasuke gritted his teeth now as he spoke. Someone... the thought itself felt unbearable for some reason.
"Someone eh? I get it now, good Sasuke! Sakura-chan deserves this treatment, you should treat her well!" Naruto said, happy for the new couple.
"And what's so good about it?" Sasuke snapped.
"Wha-what? Good.. oye teme! Don't tell me you think she's seeing someone else!" Naruto suddenly asked, bewildered. Normally he was an overly dense guy and Sasuke was actually surprised that Naruto was able to catch it too quick.
"I don't think, she is seeing someone." Sasuke said, glaring hard at his blonde bestfriend.
"Teme, do you realise you're doubting Sakura-chan? Come on, she's a nice girl, she's your wife! I'm sure she has some work to do! Also.. teme... are you jealous?" Naruto's face turned into a wide playful grin, which Sasuke found stupid.
"Shut up before I make you. I'm not jealous nor I'm doubting. Why'd I even bother about it, she can see anyone she wants to, it's not like we got married by choice anyway. Now get lost."
Naruto, being the dense person that he was, wasn't as good as Itachi when it came to understanding a situation and give advices, nor he ever faced a situation like this while being with Hinata for which it was natural for him to not understand how Sasuke felt while being in his shoes. However, he understood Sasuke better than most people and he could tell that Sasuke was distressed about it, despite never admitting it. However, seeing Sasuke's condition he decided to not push him further about it.
"Alright teme, this thing is fucked.. but I'm telling you, I'm pretty sure Sakura-chan won't do something like that.. I mean you guys did have an arranged marriage but think about it, this is almost cheating on the person you're married to no matter whatever the situation is. And I don't think Sakura-chan is that sort of a person." Naruto explained, however, that didn't convince Sasuke. Although he did agree with Naruto, Sakura wasn't like that, but the anger just didn't seem to go away.
"Hn." He responded.
Meanwhile
Sakura seemed visibly extra cheerful today, and she didn't mind. Until today she didn't feel anything of what she was feeling right now, probably because she never thought she'd have any bond with her husband. But now she did, even though it wasn't anything romantic, not like Sakura ever expected that to happen, but they were friends, they were friends and Sasuke himself came to her to make it happen. Even though she was happy, she felt some unknown tingling in her everytime she thought about it, and it only made her feel warmer and softer. She couldn't identify what this side of Sasuke exactly made her feel, but she was sure of the happiness soaring within her and she only knew one thing, she'd love to be around this Sasuke.
"So am I getting to know about what happened, or I'll just assume you had sex?" Sakura snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Tsunade. They were now in Jiraiya's pub for Tsunade wanted to hang out there before heading to the park. Sakura looked up at Tsunade, who had a wicked smirk on her face, eyeing the drinks that the bartender just served.
"Did I just hear sex? Sakura, you and Sasuke should drop by together, you could make a nice arranged marriage icha icha novel-" Jiraiya couldn't even complete his sentence as Tsunade hit him hard with her strong bare hands.
"Perverted old hag! They're just kids!"
Tsunade's counter didn't stop Sakura from blushing furiously, what are they saying? Even though Sakura was well aware of Jiraiya's desire of writing perverted novels, she still had respect for him for he never stopped loving his wife, her shishou regardless of how many intels he went on to find from couples to write series of icha icha. Sometimes he even admitted that most novels were about Tsunade herself which she was never interested to hear about. And now for the person who didn't like to even know about someone else's sex life was being asked about her own, whereas she herself didn't even imagine that happening to begin with.
"Sh-shishou.. it's nothing like t-that.." Sakura gave out a shaky response, unknown to how she should react to this.
"Your stammering and blush says otherwise though." Tsunade playfully said, making Sakura blush even more if that was even possible.
"No! I-I mean really.. it's just.. something unexpected happened.." Sakura said. Even though Tsunade was her trainer but she knew she could tell her everything, and after Tsunade pretty much understanding that it was about Sasuke she had no way to hide it from her.
"I'd love to hear about that during sparring, let's go." Tsunade replied, looking forward to the next hour even more.
Leaf park
Despite his frustration, Sasuke made it to the park to pick his wife right on time. He parked his car nearby the main gate, as much he wanted to call Sakura to let her know about his presence, he didn't want to come across whatever he thought she went to do in the park. Still living with his misconceptions, he decided to wait for Sakura instead of calling her, despite his hate towards waiting for things like these. He didn't know why, it was just a couple of minutes past six and he only got madder. Who knew who she's with or what she's doing? Why'd he even care? He still didn't know what this feeling of frustration was, but it was similar to what he felt when Kiba hit on her back during their engagement. Thinking about it the whole day he realised he hated the idea of other men around Sakura. Was Naruto right? Was this jealousy? No. Uchiha Sasuke can't be jealous. Goddamn. This was frustrating.
"Thank you for today shishou! I really missed this.." Sakura said as she and Tsunade headed out.
"I had a great time too Sakura, you really improved with your moves despite the gap. I'm definitely looking forward to more spar sessions. Also, next time I might as well be expecting more details on your sex life." Tsunade playfully said. This had to be the hundredth time Sakura was blushing furiously in a day.
"N-no! I m-mean.. that's not happening you know! I- we- we don't-"
"Snap out of it Sakura! Arranged marriage or not, it will work out alright. Baka, your friendship is just the beginning of so many more things yet to happen that neither of you are realising. You know I've seen you happy but barely this happy. Sasuke does bring the bright side in you, and believe it or not, you do bring out the soft side of Sasuke too from what I'm hearing. I've been around the Uchihas, Sasuke isn't usually like this, and I know it for sure, it's been only days since your marriage and Sasuke still did that, it's different." Tsunade explained. Sakura didn't fully understand what Tsunade meant by it will eventually work out, but knowing Sasuke was nice to her warmed her heart. She sighed, nodding to her words as they went out.
Sasuke had his eyes on the gate, waiting for a couple of minutes more he saw a figure coming out of the gate, it didn't take him long to notice the flash of pink in the distance. Shortly, Sakura came into view, her figure conversing with someone, the other person came into the view soon after and it was... Tsunade? What was she doing in here? No, no, did he get it all wrong, did his wife come here with Tsunade?
They soon departed, Sakura immediately took notice of the car and ran towards it. "Oh I'm really sorry for the delay Sasuke-Kun! I hope I didn't make you wait for long, why didn't you call me?" She asked apologetically as she got into the car.
"It's fine Sakura, I just arrived. You.. were here with Lady Tsunade?" Sasuke asked curiously.
"Oh.. yes Sasuke-kun. Tsunade-sama used to teach me taijutsu often, it's been a while so we decided to spar.. and catch up too." Sakura said giggling.
Goddamn it. How could he be so stupid? Naruto was right, Sakura wasn't like that. As much relief washed over him to know it was just Tsunade she was hanging around with, he also felt awful for doubting her even after being aware of Sakura's genuine nature. Nonetheless, he didn't show any of what he felt and replied with just a 'you learn martial arts as well?', amused at the newfound information, not only his wife was smart, but possibly strong too.
"Yes, I only took an interest a couple of years back. Um.. Sasuke-kun.. do you always drive yourself? I mean I didn't see you.." Sakura drifted off, Sasuke has shown an interest in her and asked things about her, and she wanted to do the same, she wanted to know more about him too, and she decided to begin with the simplest things.
"Hn. Unless it's an important meeting or party, I drive by myself, I prefer it better this way." Sasuke said.
"I see.." Sakura softly muttered.
They continued their conversation all while on their way back home. Both were content, at the end of the day, it turned out to be a good day for both of them. It's a pleasant feeling..
Author's note- I know I'm pretty much a week late. The work pressure has been a lot lately so even though I had these chapters written beforehand I couldn't upload because it wasn't proofread and I'm genuinely sorry for being this late. Nonetheless, this won't affect the release date of the next chapter so I'll be uploading that in a few hours after proofreading, I hope you understand! Stay tuned for the next chapter!
Next chapter release date- 19th June, 2021.
