Hello readers! How was the last chapter? Sasuke and sakura are finally friends! And I can't wait to write chapters on their development! Happy reading!
Chapter 12- Development?
Weekends were nothing different than weekdays for both Sasuke and Sakura. Sasuke was a workaholic, even on weekends, he spent time going through documents and sometimes even attended formal invitations from other businessmen, sometimes alone and sometimes with Fugaku or Itachi. As for Sakura, normally there'd be times when she'd hang out with her friends at Temari's, but exams were coming, and the bunch was busy preparing for it, which as well resulted in no plans by anyone, thus no hanging out for both Sasuke and Sakura. Sometimes Naruto and others went out to Ichiraku's or Jiraya's with Sasuke but that was minimal as well. All in all, it was a busy phase for almost everyone, specially when exams were approaching for half of the people in the bunch.
Despite the busy schedules, Sasuke and Sakura's bond had significant development, Sasuke regularly dropped and picked her from university, they had breakfast together and most of the times dinner too, although Sasuke being the busy person he was had to attend meetings for which he'd be late at times, however, overtime an unsaid tradition between them developed, and they'd always rather have dinner together than alone. Sasuke, even though it took him time to realize and admit to himself that he was drawn towards being with Sakura than in any meetings, left no chance to make it back home as fast as he could. At times when he was bound to be in places where he didn't like to be, he made sure he informed Sakura about it for an unknown reason he couldn't identify. They even visited Sakura's parents together after Mebuki's desperate request and managed to get over the awkwardness the parents created by constantly teasing them. Ever since they agreed to be friends about two weeks ago the awkward tension between them greatly decreased, they were a lot free around each other and often had conversations about different topics, although it didn't last long but it was better than giving one word responses to one another.
This was another normal day for everyone, since another weekend came by none of them had to wake up early in the morning. However, Sasuke, due to his habit couldn't oversleep and woke up at 8, the time he usually wakes up on weekends. The sleeping figure of his wife at the other end of the bed was the first thing his eyes fell on as he got up, making sure to not wake her up by his movements. Normally she'd wake up shortly after him so as usual, he decided to freshen up.
It's been almost three weeks since their marriage, Sasuke never imagined his wife would occupy his mind as much as she did without even trying. He never thought he'd even talk to her to begin with, let alone be on good terms. But being around her, something would unleash within him that he couldn't identify, something that made him think about only her, and he even felt drawn towards her at times. When they got married he almost swore he would never talk to her unless necessary, he decided on living his life like he wished and let her live hers on her own accord. However, after being with her for a while and Itachi and his friend's continuous nagging on how he had a soft spot for Sakura, he realised he indeed had it, despite his stern nature. Even though their relationship wasn't anywhere close to what a husband and wife normally would have, he came to realise he wouldn't mind being closer to her, even if not intimate, he'd want to know her and about her life more, he wanted to be a closer friend of her, and he wondered if she felt the same or not. It's more likely of her to not want it but he really hoped she did.
Around what seemed like an hour, Sakura's eyes fluttered open. Sasuke, who realised his wife was sleeping more than usual decided to not wake her up, rather got indulged with some office work instead until she woke up, intending to head to the breakfast table together. He noticed the amount of pressure she already took ever since joining university again, he wondered if she was this hardworking or exam made her overwork than she normally did. Whatever it was, he knew she was tired for she never slept for this long. And he decided to let her rest since he knew she wouldn't once she's awake. His eyes fell on her immediately as he noticed her moving.
"Sasuke-Kun.. good morning.." She lazily muttered while getting up, still adjusting herself to the environment after sleeping for hours, Sasuke only nodded. Once completely conscious, she looked up at him again, normally they woke up almost together but today he seemed to wake up early, at least that's what she could assume from his attire and posture.
"When did you wake up?.." She questioned him, who was already looking intently at her, she looks tired..
"About an hour back." He responded truthfully, although he didn't want to but he couldn't deny that he felt a slight discomfort somewhere in his heart seeing her this tired, she really needed rest, her eyes looked sleepy and swollen. And despite her tiredness, she visibly gasped at his response.
"What! What's the time- Sasuke-kun! Why didn't you wake me up? It's really late.." She said as her eyes fell on the clock, she wasn't an over-sleeper, how did she end up sleeping for this long? Suddenly her mind drifted to Sasuke, she looked up at him questioningly.
"Did you have breakfast yet?.." She muttered.
"Not yet. Once you're ready." Sasuke replied.
Sakura's eyes turned apologetic immediately, however, she was equally amused, Sasuke... waited for her? Her heart warmed at the realisation. Ever since their marriage Sasuke has been nothing but considerate towards her, it was nothing like the Sasuke she imagined or people talked about. Yes, he wasn't the sweetest but he has treated her with a lot more care than Sakura expected and she was more than content. Her husband is a gentle and nice man, and if this is the man she is to live her life with she wouldn't mind giving it a chance, like Tsunade and her parents and friends said she'd consider it overtime, although she knew the chances of Sasuke wanting the same is very thin. The thought of him not feeling the same made her heartache slightly, but she'd respect his wishes. If he already has someone he has the full right to live his own life on his own accord and no arranged marriage can change it, she'd be happy being just friends if that was the case. Nonetheless, her warming heart soon got overshadowed by the guilt, he was waiting for her without even having his own breakfast and there she ended up sleeping the whole time with no worries.
"I didn't realise... forgive me Sasuke-Kun! I'll get ready immediate- ah!" Sasuke stood up immediately from where he was sitting, already reaching out to Sakura seeing her sudden halt, who was now sitting at the edge of the bed, eyes shut and hands clutching the bedsheet on either sides, facing the floor.
"Are you alright?" Sasuke asked, now standing at the end of the bed, with a visible concern on his face which he couldn't- and didn't bother to hide. Sakura desperately tried to cover her discomfort, avoiding the throbbing pain that suddenly took over her head.
"Don't worry Sasuke-Kun, I'm fine. I-I'll get ready-"
"Sakura." Sasuke interrupted before she could continue. He walked to where she was and faced her. No, she was more than tired and working herself to the point where she was almost sick, and the last thing he'd want is for her to take these unhealthy measures to fall sick like that. He wasn't accustomed to showing care like such but he didn't bother about it any longer, not when his actions could keep Sakura healthy, which for now was a bigger priority. Of course I'd be concerned about her health.. isn't that what friends are for? Tch. It's nothing more than that.
"You're tired. You've been working too much for the past weeks, take rest today. I'll call someone to bring the breakfast in the room." He commanded, making Sakura blush slightly. Sasuke, who she was pretty sure was a bigger workaholic than she was said she's working too much.. did he really care more than she thought he does? Whatever it was, making him call the breakfast in the room was not something she'd let him do, specially when it's weekend and the family normally has meals together during this time.
"Don't do that! I-I mean.. everyone must be already at the breakfast table, really it's fine.. just give me a minute Sasuke-kun, I'll get ready.." she trailed off. She was used to overlooking these minor headaches and tiredness, but she appreciated his efforts.
"Are you sure?" He asked, seeking assurance although he knew Sakura wouldn't say no.
"I am, thank you Sasuke-kun." She placed her hand on top of his, giving it a light squeeze hoping it would give him the surety. This took Sasuke by surprise, not like he didn't like it, this was the second time this happened and he wouldn't mind it happening more than twice. The feel of her warm hands on his made him feel something pleasant that he couldn't seem to resist. Sakura watched her husband look up at her upon this sudden contact and she gave him a warm smile ensuring she was indeed alright. She liked it, holding Sasuke's hand, even though it didn't happen more than twice, it was comforting. She'd probably hold it for longer but she also didn't want to creep him out by holding his hand just because she was loving it, and took back her hands shortly. She took his softening expression as approval.
"I'll be back in a while."
"Aa."
A while later..
Sakura and Sasuke arrived at the breakfast table shortly, the rest of the Uchiha family already at the breakfast table as they expected.
"Good morning Sakura, Sasuke! I thought you guys went out or something, it's late you know." Mikoto cheerfully said as ate, Sakura blushed slightly, embarrassed to confess she was the reason for the delay.
"Forgive me okaa-sama, I woke up late-"
"She was tired, she needed more sleep but she wouldn't listen." Sakura was interrupted only for Sasuke to say the thing she wanted the avoid. She eyed Sasuke innocently, wondering how to stop people from worrying, the last thing she'd want is for everyone to be worried about her. But Mikoto was already gasping and Fugaku and Itachi gave a concerned look.
"Saku-chan! What happened? Are you not alright?!" Mikoto asked her worriedly.
"Okaa-sama.. please don't worry, I'm alright.." she replied with assurance.
"You've been studying a lot lately you know, never caught you without a book in your hand. You should give it a rest or else you might actually fall sick imouto." Sure there were times when Sasuke hated Itachi's antics, but this was one of those moments he mentally appreciated for saying what he said, he loved people who are dedicated but watching Sakura overworking like that.. worried him. And this was a feeling he couldn't ignore even if he tried to.
"It's alright nii-san, I'm fine, really. Please don't worry..." Sakura tried desperately to make them stop worrying any more.
"But Saku-cha-"
"As long as she can handle it, I don't see any problem. Mikoto, if she is used to it, it's better for us to let her focus on her studies for the time being. Good luck, Sakura." Mikoto was interrupted by her husband, a pout coming to her lips as he spoke. Of course, Fugaku himself was always in favour of working more than anything else and he didn't leave his sons from building up that habit either. Sasuke was pretty sure his father would never point Sakura's hardwork as too much, and frankly, Sasuke didn't know why he was that worried either. Itachi is different, gestures like these from him are quite expected but Sasuke knew if it was an employee from the company he wouldn't even be concerned. Then what was in Sakura's that worried him when it wasn't like he felt anything towards her?
"Alright.. but take a break today at least! Moreover, I don't think Naruto will let you study like that either if you come across him!" Mikoto said giggling.
"Naruto?" Sasuke asked questioningly, the last time they talked, Sasuke hung up while Naruto was nagging about another ramen hangout.
"I got to know from Kushina this morning, we were only discussing about her new clothing line when I heard Naruto saying he's leaving to visit you, that's why I thought you two went out with him in the morning." Mikoto replied to which Sasuke only growled.
"Dobe." Was his only response.
Noon..
"I. Already. Said. No." Sasuke gritted his teeth as he shifted his gaze away from his laptop to Naruto. True to Mikoto's words, Naruto arrived shortly. They spent some time discussing about the company and worked on some documents in the garden, until Naruto being the goof he was decided to drag Sasuke to Ichiraku's, which of course, Sasuke was still denying, he had work to do and he'd choose to keep on doing that than tasting that ramen for the hundredth time. Sometimes he really wondered how Naruto's taste buds never got tired of the taste of ramen.
"Teme! It's been so long, you're really boring you know that." Naruto whined with a pout on his face.
"We went to Ichiraku's just two days back, Dobe. Besides, I have work to finish." Sasuke replied, paying no attention to Naruto's pouting face, this isn't the first time this has happened.
"You don't have to go anywhere, Naruto, Sasuke-kun!" Both of their eyes shifted to the walkway. Sakura walked towards where they were sitting, with a maid carrying snacks at the back.
"There you are, hello Naruto, would you mind tasting my ramen just for today?" She asked cordially, to which Naruto's face immediately lightened.
"What?.. YOU MADE RAMEN?! Of course I will! Serve it, serve it!" Naruto excitedly said as Sakura served him.
"Sasuke-kun, don't look so gloomy, I've made tomato soup for you." Sakura said to her husband, giggling upon noticing Sasuke's horrid expression at the sight of ramen. Relief washed over him upon knowing that he wouldn't have to eat ramen once again, and glad that he'd be getting something he actually liked eating that too made by Sakura's hands. He loved the meals Sakura made. However, curiosity and concern suddenly washed over him as he recalled the events of today morning and Sakura's worn out state. Did she do all of that in that condition?
"Thank you, thank you Sakura-chan! Eh.. I really forgot to ask you out of excitement but.. Hinata is having a tough time studying for the exams, how are you doing?" Naruto asked grinning embarrassedly at the sudden realisation.
"It's alright Naruto, I'm fine." Sakura cheerfully replied as the boys savoured the food, her eyes gleamed at the sight. The friendship with rival antics between Naruto and Sasuke was really amusing to watch.
"Mm.. Sakura-chan, you make the second best ramen in the whole world! I'm totally dropping by more often to eat your ramen! You're lucky teme, at least now I won't have to drag you to Ichiraku's. This guy never stops working, so boring!"
Naruto complained to Sakura and she couldn't suppress her giggles, Sasuke only glared at him as Naruto once again continued his feast.
"Thank you Naruto. I'm surely looking forward to more of your visits now. And Sasuke-Kun, you should relax at times too you know, you already work so much." Sakura suggested, she was well aware of the amount of work Sasuke did on a daily basis and she was sure it was a lot more than hers. However despite her preference to busy herself free time with work, watching Sasuke rigorously work like that concerned her. After all, he's a human as well, he deserves breaks too.
"Says who? You almost passed out for overworking this morning." A faint blush crept on Sakura's face and Naruto gave out a concerned look upon Sasuke's sudden statement. Sakura was used to getting such concern and care from her friends and parents before marriage, but getting the same treatment from her in-laws, specially her husband when she least expected it was quite overwhelming. When she got married, the thought of Sasuke even interacting with her was out of the question. And now not only they were on good terms but Sasuke was showing more care than she could ever expect, this radiated a warm feeling in her heart and she felt obliged to give him the same treatment. After all her husband really wasn't as cold hearted as people said him to be and he deserved the same feeling he was giving to Sakura. Even though Sakura wasn't sure if he actually cared for her as much as she assumed, but she still decided to do as much as she could for him regardless of everything else in her mind.
"Eeh Sasuke-kun, you worry way so much, I'm absolutely fine. Moreover, it should be the other way round, I'm only studying for exams, but you're always working! I know you love doing that but you should take breaks too, or else I might just keep worrying about the fact that you'll get too exhausted sometime." Something about Sakura's last statement made Sasuke's insides twitch, in a good way. Despite Sasuke's assumptions and lack of knowledge about Sakura, one thing he was sure about was her gentle nature. Like her name, she was as delicate and soft with her behaviour around people. Her caring nature was similar to that of his mom's, and he was slowly getting accustomed to the warmth she radiated, the same warmth he frequently received from his mom before his marriage, the one which he now receives regularly, every morning upon waking up, and everytime he came back home from work. It was oddly pleasant, specially when she expressed her concern to him that openly.
"And, you don't have to go anywhere now but please take a break from work for? You've been working since morning, it's not good for your health." Sakura would normally hesitate to say something like this in such a demanding tone, but something in her involuntarily made her say whatever she managed to splutter out. She genuinely wanted him to relax at times and have fun, which he didn't seem to prefer.
Sasuke on the other hand, who previously heard similar words from his mother would in any other situation lash out if it was someone not close to him or at most brush it off, however, in Sakura's case, something urged him to oblige, without any hesitation. This was unlike Sasuke, and he was well aware of it, it was annoying too, not knowing what made him drawn towards her requests, but the urge was too much to deny. How could he say no when she asked with such an innocent and genuinely concerned face?
"Aa." Sighing, Sasuke shut his laptop, keeping it aside and drawing full focus on his wife and best friend, besides the delicious tomato based food his wife specially made for him. Her meals are something else. Sakura smiled at him, glad that her words were taken into account by him.
"That's more like it, enjoy your meals Sasuke-kun, Naruto." She motioned to leave, now her gaze fixed on her husband.
"I'll see you soon." She warmly greeted him and then Naruto and finally left the place, Sasuke now continued eating while Naruto could only glance at the walking Sakura and then his best friend and repeat the process, still registering what he witnessed. Naruto knew Sasuke since childhood, and there's no way Sasuke was the person to agree to someone asking him to not work, let alone actually giving it up upon someone's insistence, he didn't even listen to his own mother when she often brought this topic up. Nonetheless, his shocked expression turned into an ear to ear grin, now his eyes fixed on Sasuke.
"Teme.. what was that?" He evilly asked his best friend, still grinning, who continued to eat and responded lazily.
"What was what?"
"You like Sakura-chan, don't you?" Sasuke immediately froze at Naruto's statement, looking up at his evil grinning face incredulously, the words taking time to sink in his mind. Sure Sakura was okay, but someone directly asking him about whether he liked her or not.. no, he didn't, he wouldn't.
"What's with the sudden rubbish?" Sasuke hissed at Naruto with a hard glare.
"Don't fuck with me teme, if you didn't know, it's more obvious than you think. You listened to her about working less. You wouldn't do that just for a random someone, sometimes you don't even listen to Mikoto oba-chan!" Naruto stated in a whiny and very obvious tone, making Sasuke glare even harder.
"Suit yourself with whatever shit comes in your mind, reality is nowhere close to it. Tch." Although Sasuke immediately brushed the matter off and Naruto pouted disappointedly at him, little did his bestfriend know was that it actually affected him. Sasuke couldn't help but wonder... what was it that kept him drawing towards his wife? That made him care and listen to her words? He had no feelings, he knew it. But then what was it that made him want to spend time with her more everyday, that filled him with warmth everytime he was around her. Tch. No. He can't think of these right now. He couldn't let his arranged marriage shift his focus from work. Even if he has some unknown lingering feeling within him, there is no way he would ever admit it.
Naruto was stupid, but he wasn't dense when it came to understanding his best friend, specially when Sasuke unknowingly made it more evident than it seemed. Although Sasuke avoiding the matter disappointed him, because if anything he'd be happy seeing the married couple together, but he did get the fact that Sakura did have more of Sasuke's attention than he made it seem that she does. Now that he already pulled one string Sasuke's side, his mind shifted to Sakura. He wondered if Sakura felt more or less than what Sasuke did, and of course, his impatient self couldn't wait to find out. Sakura-chan it is next.. he mentally said with a grin forming on his face, deciding upon having a talk with his best friend's wife as he devoured the delicious ramen in front of him.
Author's note- Finally finished proofreading this chapter! Do let me know how you feel about the story so far! I'm so looking forward to write what Naruto does next and I hope you're equally excited to read! See you in the next chapter!
Next chapter release date- 26th June, 2021.
