Hey readers, straight going into the story today!
Chapter 14- Trouble From the Otsutsukis
Right according to his schedule, Sasuke was back in Uchiha Corps by lunchtime.
"Uchiha-sama." Sasuke stopped and looked up at Karui on the way to his office.
"Sakura-sama was here in your absence, she dropped something for you that's in your office."
"Hn." As composed as Sasuke seemed from the outside, deep down he was surprised and almost rushed to his office after uttering the last and his only word to her. Goddamnit. The one time his wife comes to his office, she has to face his absence. Why did this make him feel so annoyed? He hurriedly entered his office to see a lunchbox and a note on his desk.
Hope this will be to your liking Sasuke-kun, have a good day! -Sakura
It was a simple note, just a lunch, then why did this little action make him feel things he couldn't name? He could feel Sakura's warmth through her actions despite her absence. As much pleasing it felt, guilt too surrounded him. Why didn't she call him beforehand? He'd for sure be there, he didn't know why. Of course he sees her every day, the last person at night and the first person in the morning he comes across is her. However, the thought of her doing something for him and only seeing his absence made him all more guilty. Instinctively, the first thing he did was call Sakura and almost immediately she picked it up.
"Hello-"
"Sakura."
Sakura stopped whatever she was doing- and saying. She assumed he called her for the food he received, but the tone, the way he called his name. Did he not like the meal?
"Sasuke-kun.. Hi." She greeted him, not sure what to expect.
"You were here." He said it as an obvious statement.
"I was.. I just thought.. it would be nice if I made you some lunch, with tomatoes." She said, giggling slightly hoping to ease the tension.
"Hn. Why didn't you tell me? I could... reschedule my meeting to some other time." Sasuke was a busy man with the utmost willingness to anything he did that involved the company. But regardless of that, and his uncertainty about what he actually felt towards his wife, he was more than willing to give up any meeting for her- and he would- only if he knew.
Sakura on the other hand immediately stiffened, probably lost her breath too. Did her husband just utter these words? Was she that important for him to give up his meeting just to see her? Sasuke-kun would really do that for me? She snapped back to reality after a moment of silence, brushing off any thoughts before those turned into unrealistic expectations.
"Neh Sasuke-kun.. don't worry about it. I-I really thought of it quite suddenly. Is it.. alright?"
More than just alright. Sasuke somehow knew this is exactly what his mind wanted to scream.
"Looks as excellent as always. I didn't eat yet, just came back. But... next time tell me before coming alright? I'll make sure of my presence." What was coming over him? He was never the person to compromise his work, but now here he was, deciding up on something he never did for a person.
"Sasuke-kun.." she pleasantly uttered his name. So he meant it. She did not know why or what made him do what her husband was doing, was it him doing all of that out of manners or he actually did care for her way more than he showed? Whatever it was, the thought itself was enough to please Sakura to great heights, and she didn't even know why. "Like I said, don't worry. I-I know you have to attend meetings regularly, it's alright. Just... eat well." She assured, hoping it would make his guilty tone uplift itself a bit.
Only if Sakura knew how these simple words brought a smile on Sasuke's face. Sakura.. has to be the gentlest person out there "Aa. Did you reach home?"
"I did, Naruto dropped me just a while ago. I bumped into him in your office so we went out for lunch afterwards in a nearby restaurant." She responded.
Naruto? As much glad Sasuke was for Sakura being treated well by everyone close to him, he couldn't help but think, what were they doing? What did they talk about? Suddenly he remembered what Naruto asked him a week ago. He stiffened. He could only hope Naruto didn't do the same with Sakura, that would make her all more uncomfortable, the last thing he wanted her to be around him.
"I see. Good thing the dobe didn't take you to Ichiraku's." Sakura laughed at Sasuke's words. The boys sure had an interesting bond.
"I wonder what's so special about it. Anyways Sasuke-kun.. since you haven't eaten, I hope it will be to your liking. I.. couldn't taste it for time constriction." Sakura said.
"Your meals are always good Sakura. Don't fret about it." Sakura blushed at his statement. He really knew how to compliment well. "I'll see you soon." Sasuke continued.
"Alright, have a good day!" She greeted happily.
"Aa. You too." You too. How much more could Sasuke make her blush without even trying? Without him even knowing? He said these two simple words and it only made her blush harder. Good thing he isn't around to see it..
Even though they hung up with that, neither knew that none of them both wanted to cut the call just yet, and that the one felt the same as the other did.
That evening..
Sasuke could kill. Never in his life Sasuke forgot about a meeting. But today he did, the fact that he had a meeting with the Otsutsuki's, specially after his talk with Sakura. All he could think of was the pleasant voice of his wife during their conversation and the mouth watering meal she prepared for him. What was getting to him? He only remembered of the Otsutsuki's when Karui reminded him, after which he rushed out of his office exactly at 8 to head to Otsutsuki residence for his meeting in an hour. Of course he hated it, he never liked the Otsutsukis, but being the successor of the Uchiha Corps, his father wanted him to deal with some of the projects alone to understand things better before completely taking over, and this one was one of them. Despite having this slipped out of his mind, he managed to be there right at 9 pm, on time.
It was no surprise to Sasuke that he wouldn't be pleased being in the Otsutsuki residence, but the view he came across was far more displeasing than what he expected. One of the assistants walked him to the living area where the Otsutsukis were. There he was, Hagoromo Otsutsuki. And behind him was... Karin?
"It's good to see you again, Sasuke." Hagoromo stood up followed by Karin as he greeted. Sasuke nodded and shook hands as a response and all of them took their seats. He only focused on Hagoromo, despite Karin's countless ways to get his attention, Sasuke avoided even looking at her, not wanting to give what she wanted.
"I hope the new phase of your life is treating you well, watching you being this responsible at this young age sure is impressive." Hagoromo said. However, Sasuke was in no mood to go for any conversation out of the point, not specially with an Otsutsuki- in presence of Karin.
"Aa. Shall we move on to talk about the reason for our meeting then? The sooner we plan things the better." Sasuke said, clearly indicating he had no intention to sweet talk.
"Sure, sure. But I was hoping you'd like to have dinner with us before we start? That in my view would be better for our relations and perhaps the company too. After all, your father has gracefully maintained good bonds with us for years and it still stands strong, thus I expect nothing different from his successor." Worse. Why did he have to drag this much? Sasuke couldn't help but get annoyed at Hagoromo's continuous offers that he didn't prefer. Not like he showed it, his businessman antics would never let him do such a thing.
"Some other time Mr.Otsutsuki. I'd rather prefer the project being planned well as soon as possible to carry things out faster." Sasuke strategically deflected any other ideas of Hagoromo, helping himself out of this situation that he'd call quite maddening.
"Ah well, well. I have quite a few things planned, I'll get the files in a while, I hoped you'd have dinner first for which I didn't get them just yet. I'll be back in a few minutes." Sasuke nodded as Hagoromo got up and left to fetch the files, leaving him in the room with Karin. This was one of the most infuriating situations Sasuke has probably been in, and he wanted to be out of it as soon as possible.
However, it seemed that the situation wasn't favouring his side today. Seconds after Hagoromo's departure, Karin, who till now was sitting on the sofa opposite to him, immediately shifted to his side, too close to him. It didn't take her long to drop off the minimal formal attitude she maintained in front of his father and take over Sasuke, who gave out a bewildered look and flinched irritatedly at her touch.
"Sasssuukkee.." she almost hissed, and slid in a hand into his blazer on his chest and then abs, his shirt restricting direct touch of her hand on him. Before Sasuke could stop her, another hand went on his thigh, almost close to his... Sasuke on the other hand was furious. He flinched harder which ended up shoving Karin's hands from his body. What the fuck was this woman trying to do touching him like that? She knew he didn't have any interest in her, not even in the slightest. He was goddamn married as well.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" He snapped at her, moving away.
"Sasuke.. I know- I know we're made for each other. Whoever that girl is.. I know she's nothing but an interruption between us! There's still time Sasuke.. give her a divorce! We can easily get marri-"
"Karin!" Sasuke was livid.
"Stop with this bullshit before I make you. If anyone who's an interruption, that's you. In everyone's lives. Now, out of my sight and don't dare to talk about my wife like that again." He hissed angrily, particularly emphasizing 'my wife'. Regardless of how they got married, he will not bear anything against his wife, and that's something he already decided upon long ago.
"You.. you will give her a divorce sasuke! That girl.. she will be out of the way, I'll make sure of it!" Karin threatened, getting up from Sasuke's side and went back to her original seat, staring at him with burning eyes. Sasuke decided to ignore her, if it wasn't for the project he'd be long gone from this place. Little did he know that while Karin broke all strings of his temper, a certain someone was calling him, unaware of his whereabouts.
Uchiha Residence
"Sakura-san.. young master is probably stuck in a meeting. Shall I serve you the food? I'm sure he'll understand once he gets back." Chiyo, an old lady serving the Uchiha Family for years as the housekeeper, suggested for what has to be the fifth time.
"It's alright Chiyo baa-sama, don't worry about me. He's not picking up.. but you know he informs me if he's late.. I wonder if he's staying over someone's place.." Sakura said worriedly. They always had dinner together, unless the times Sasuke had meetings after office but he'd always inform her if that was the case.
"Young master probably forgot about informing out of pressure. He has always been a busy man and often has to attend meetings after office hours, he'll be back soon. But if he finds out we let you stay up till his arrival, he'll be displeased Sakura-san." Chiyo tried to reason with her and Sakura giggled a little.
"He won't be Chiyo baa-sama, I'll make sure of it. I'll manage trust me. Please don't wait for me, you and Anko-san already had a long day of work.." Sakura said guiltily, after all it was for her those two were waiting long after their working hours.
"Don't worry about us Sakura-san, we are not leaving till you and young master are done with your dinners, we're ready to do anything for Uchiha bloodline and this is really nothing." Chiyo assured. Sakura slumped back from her stiffened posture on the dining chair.
"Thank you.." she murmured as she picked the medical book from the table again and continued studying.
Otsutsuki Residence
"Now, Sasuke, combining your strategy with mine, this gives the final form of the project. From the assumptions of its possible outcomes, it can be said that this will be a success yet again, you really inherited the wits of Fugaku." Hagoromo said.
"I hope we can put all plans into action according to the right pace Mr.Hagoromo. I believe that officially ends the purpose of our meeting for tonight? I shall take my leave in that case." Sasuke said, almost impatiently. To hell with the project. He could not stand staying here any longer, specially not after what happened between him and Karin. It was already 11 pm, 2 hours of him handling her presence.
"Have patience Sasuke. You seem to be in a rush today. I still have something to announce." Hagoromo declared. Sasuke raised an eyebrow and looked at him with questioning eyes, but nodded in approval regardless. Hagoromo, understanding his gesture, continued.
"Well, now that we're done discussing about the project, I must inform that after a lot of thought, I've realised that it's been years since I've been handling this company. Of course I don't intend to step out of my position anytime soon, however, that is not an excuse to not let my successors learn the tactics and procedures of this business world. And for this, like you can see, I've brought my daughter Karin with me today, I've decided to hand over this project to her, she shall be working with you on this from now on."
Sasuke was rarely shocked specially when it concerned business meetings. He knew how to maintain a calm composure well. However, what he heard just now internally blew him up. He stared wide eyed at Hagoromo for a moment until taking a look at Karin, who he then noticed was eyeing him seductively with a devious smirk on her face. Of course. This has to be Karin's doing, being the manager of the project she'll have the opportunity to be around him more often. Exactly what she wanted. Nonetheless, Sasuke being the naturally calm person gathered himself together almost immediately.
"Hn. The project is big. Doesn't this add up as a risk factor?" He tried to reason.
"Of course not! I was raised in a business family Sasuke. I'm sure you'll be aware of what my basics in this field are." Karin said confidently. If it wasn't for the corporate ethics, Sasuke would've been long gone from this place ensuring Karin got bashed for her actions. But he decided to ignore it considering the so called good relationship the Otsutsukis had with the Uchihas. Moreover, Karin was rather insignificant in his view.
"I understand where your doubts are coming from Sasuke, but I believe that my daughter is capable enough to begin with a project as important as this one. After all, she's one of the heirs of Otsutsuki company, I have full faith in her potential as well as bloodline." Hagoromo stated proudly. Sasuke only listened with an expressionless face. "Also, she herself requested for it, I could not say no when I watch my own successors being this responsible. For which, in order to celebrate and enhanced branding, I've personally arranged a 3 week trip for everyone involved in the project to Bangkok. I expect your presence too Sasuke, I assure this tour will not disappoint you. The Otsutsukis have always maintained a good reputation in this one as in everything else and I'd only call it one of the best, considering Karin is hosting this one." He stated. It didn't take Sasuke long to understand and put the pieces together. Goddamnit. How far will this woman go? Not only she ensured she picked a project collaborating with the Uchihas, managed by Sasuke himself, but as well as hosted a party where Sasuke was now bound to attend being in charge of the project.
"Hn. Is that all?" He asked hurriedly. Not even his morals would be able to stop him if he stayed around that woman for one more moment.
Uchiha Residence
Apart from the events in the noon, Sasuke would call this day pretty bad. It was already eleven thirty by the time he reached home. He knew the staffs were probably waiting for him as always for the dinner, but after what had happened in the meeting he barely had any appetite. He decided to skip dinner, he'd just let the staff know on the way to his room. As he entered the house and made his way towards his room, he came across Chiyo at the entrance.
"Young master, you're here! Dinner is ready." Chiyo said.
"I'm not hungry Chiyo baa-sama, you may rest." Sasuke replied, with full intention to hit the bed as early as possible, unable to keep up with whatever happened. He needed to cool down.
"Ah, I understand young master.. but.. Sakura-san, she has been waiting for you in the dining room." And with that, Sasuke was there, rushing to the dining area in the very next moment upon hearing Chiyo. Fuck. He forgot to inform Sakura about his late arrival. Of course they ate dinner together but.. Was she waiting for him for this long?
He entered the dining room only for guilt to take over him all over again. There she was, an open book on the table below her arms with her head resting on top, facing the side where he stood, a peaceful look visible on her face as she slept. His eyes widened at the realisation and he quickly brought out his phone, of fucking course. He was always the one making mistakes. 7 missed calls. And he even forgot to check his phone thanks to that goddamn meeting for which he kept the phone on silent in the first place. He felt like a jerk. His wife was waiting for him- fell asleep waiting for him, and he? He wasted his time on a goddamn meeting he didn't want to attend. He.. Karin.. shit. Even though he didn't want anything that happened between him and Karin today, even though it was all her doing and he didn't pay any heed to that, he felt guilty. He felt guilty that he had to deal with the misdoings of another woman while his wife kept waiting for his arrival. Sakura... if anyone who was indeed allowed to touch him the way Karin did today, it was- and he felt his cheeks heat up as his inner self admitted it- Sakura.
He took a few more steps towards her. The sound of his footsteps made her eyes flutter open lazily, waking her from the light sleep. It took her a few more seconds to let the environment- and Sasuke's presence sink in, after which she stood up immediately, cheeks painting with a faint pink shade.
"S-sorry.. I probably dozed off without realising.." she muttered embarrassedly.
"Sakura.. you didn't have to wait for this long.." he quietly said, wave of guilt washing him over once again seeing her sleepy face. She blinked a few more times before responding, now fully awake.
"Of course I had to Sasuke-kun, I couldn't let you come back home and have dinner alone could I?" She replied chuckling. Kami.. how many things could Sakura pull off all at once? He couldn't help but think. Everytime he came across her, there was something in her that always managed to surprise him. Nonetheless, it was his mistake, she didn't deserve to be ignored like that when she made sure he never felt lonely with her around. Her dedication warmed his heart.
"Thank you." Uchiha Sasuke was never a person to thank or apologise, he rarely did that, that too only to people way too important to him. He didn't know what came over him. All he knew was he needed to thank her. For everything.
"What for?.." She asked, totally taken aback by his sudden gesture. If anything, she didn't expect sasuke to thank her.
"Everything.. that you do." He muttered out quietly. She stared at him for a moment, then gave a warm smile.
"Eh Sasuke-kun, really it's nothing." She brushed him off, a slight pink blush forming on her cheeks. Sasuke observed each and every feature of her consumingly. Her eyes suddenly turned to an uncertain gaze.
"..Have you eaten already?" She shyly asked.
"No, I wasn't hungry. It was an important meeting, my phone.. was on silent the whole time. I was in a rush, it totally slipped from my mind.. or else I'd call.." he tried to explain, hoping it would clear her doubts. He still has to tell her about the tour. She smiled at him again.
"I understand Sasuke-kun, it's alright. Don't worry." She assured. Sasuke was at a point where he'd without hesitation call her angelic. She was the closest to perfect- or maybe just perfect. So gentle, understanding, nurturing.
"Sakura." He snapped out of his thoughts nonetheless. She looked up at him questioningly as he said her name. "The meeting, there is a trip to Bangkok for three weeks. I'll have to leave on Monday."
Sakura's face fell immediately upon hearing it. She couldn't help but feel slightly unhappy. Over the past few weeks, she really got used to staying around Sasuke and she realised she disliked his absence despite how less they interacted. Her gaze shifted to the floor, she really wanted Sasuke to be around during her exams.
"Oh.. Um.. must you go?" She asked which sounded almost like a whisper. Sasuke's eyes softened immediately. Did she not want him to leave? He'd stay, he'd merely stay if it wasn't for the meeting being this important. He felt weighed at the thought of leaving her if she didn't want him to.
"Is something.. wrong? I would stay, I really would.. but this is somewhere I can't deny attending." He muttered in defeat. He'd strangle Karin if he could, watching Sakura's fallen face was unbearable. Sakura looked up at him again with gleaming eyes. Now she wanted to apologise to Sasuke, of course he was bound to be away at times, she was being unreasonable trying to stop him, specially when she knew he had such a big project in his hand as the in charge.
"N-no, nothing's wrong. Just.. my exams are starting from next week.. but don't worry about that Sasuke-kun! Focus on your project, I know you'll do great as the in charge." She tried encouraging him making him look at her lovingly. Tch. So pure.. he closed his eyes, smiling at her, giving his acceptance and Sakura admitted to herself that there could be no smile more beautiful than this, his smile. She blushed, smiling back at him.
"Aa. Have you eaten?" He suddenly asked, wondering if she waited for him for this one too.
"I.. Uh.. N-not yet.." Sasuke shut his eyes once again, this time in a defeated manner. "I-I thought you'd have dinner-"
"Sit." He stopped her before she could continue any further, his interruption making her look at him with a surprised expression.
"Sit Sakura."
"B-but you said y-"
"Tch. Annoying, you worry too much. We're having dinner." Annoying. Despite the word, the tone in which Sasuke said was pleasant, almost in a playful manner. Sakura blushed, well aware of him not meaning it wrongly judging from his tone. She obliged, taking her seat. Sasuke called Chiyo to serve the food and made sure Sakura was eating well, finding his own appetite to eat something light in the process, the idea of dinner suddenly seeming appealing. The couple ate in silence, stealing shy glances at each other from time to time.
While they completed their dinner, Chiyo looked at the couple, admiring their compatibility. For someone who practically saw Sasuke grow up, she couldn't help but notice the change in him around her. She might just be the right person for young master, oh how lucky he is to find such a bright light in his life.. the view in front of her was adorable.
Author's note- now this was a MAJOR Sasusaku based chapter, the sole purpose of this was to strengthen their development and I hope it was not too fast and enjoyable! Of course there are a lot more to come! Stay tuned!
P.s- I'm really having a bad day today, stuck in a place I don't want to be all bored so I decided to spend my time writing, and wrote almost half of this chapter too!
Also, today, the day I finished writing this chapter, it's 25th December 2020, so merry Christmas! You're probably reading this a lot later because of the scheduled release. Anyways, hope you had an amazing festive season!
I'd change the author's note because it's been wayyy too long since I've written these but then let it be for the wholesomeness of it xD also, today is the third month anniversary of this story(Sasusaku month)! I can't believe the story has come this far! Hope you're enjoying it! Thank you so much for the support!
Next chapter release date- 10th July, 2021.
