Hey readers! This is a cute chapter, hope you'll enjoy reading!
Chapter 15- Departure
"Ehhh? So you're telling me I'll have to wait another month to go with you at Ichiraku's?!"
"That. Is. Not. The. Main. Concern. Dobe. Let me speak." Sasuke gritted his teeth. As Sasuke gave his word, he met Naruto at Jiraiya's bar the next day, chatting for a while till Sasuke brought up yesterday's events, telling him all about what Karin pulled off and how he was now bound to attend a business tour he was least interested in.
"Damn teme, that woman sure turned out to be a bitch. Who knew she'd pull a stunt like that? To think you almost got married to her..." Naruto muttered. However, that's not what Sasuke was currently thinking about. His mind was still stuck at yesterday's events with Sakura- and every other events too. Somehow, he couldn't get her out of his mind, everytime she was out of his sight, he'd think of her, her brightened face, the gleaming emeralds, her sweet nature, and nurturing gestures. And oh, how goddamn annoying it was. What was happening to him?
"Teme? Oye teme!? Earth to Sasuke!?" He pulled himself out of his thoughts and calmly looked up at Naruto who was now waving his hand in front of his eyes.
"Hn."
"Where are you so lost? Come on teme, just ignore Karin, I know she's gonna come at you like leech but who cares? All you need to do is give zero fucks about whatever the hell she does." Naruto said nonchalantly, only if he had the chance to bash that woman.
"I know that well Dobe. But that's not the issue. Well.. Sakura's exam falls between the tour." He said vaguely, hoping Naruto would get his message although he knew Naruto's dense self barely held any possibility to do so.
"Yeah it does.. and what about that?" Naruto asked with a curious voice and eyes, Sasuke wasn't even surprised. He sighed in response, and continued.
"I won't be there."
Naruto looked at him wide eyed for a while, then gave him a wide smile after whatever realisation came over upon him. "Oh I see, I see! You don't like staying away from Sakura-chan isn't it?? Control yourself teme, it's just three weeks-"
"Usoratonkachi." Sasuke hissed. Well, Naruto wasn't wrong. He sure didn't like the idea of being away despite being used to these tours for a while. And he even hated admitting to himself that he'd rather spend his morning dropping Sakura off at the university than attending a meeting with Karin. He only wanted it to avoid Karin right? He wasn't starting to like Sakura was he? Damn it. He wasn't following his own words he decided upon before the marriage. But Sakura.. she always managed to draw him towards her thoughts. Without even trying. Annoying girl. Nonetheless, he had no plans of saying this to Naruto, not when he'd be a subject to his torturous teasing.
"I.. drop her everyday." Naruto wasn't a fool to buy any of those Sasuke's excuses. He smiled a little at the confirmation of Sasuke's feelings. It made him happy, watching his best friend starting to feel things that he never tried to give a chance earlier. It took him everything to convince Sasuke to take a break, to hangout or even to chill, and he genuinely hoped that Sakura would succeed in giving him the happiness that lies outside the stressful world of business- the happiness he didn't have the fortune to experience yet- the happiness he deserved.
"I see.. eh teme, don't you think you should accept the fact that you have a thing for her?" Naruto tried to make him understand, in response to which Sasuke shot a hard glare.
"What are you trying to-"
"Hey hey! Listen to me first teme. You don't have to react like that everytime, just hear me out on this one." Naruto interrupted him, Sasuke sighed and nodded indicating him to continue.
"You know, it's alright- it's quite obvious of you to feel something for her, after all you're staying with her for quite a while. Come on teme, you guys are married. Don't deny your feelings just because it's an arranged marriage, you'll only hurt her as well as yourself." Naruto tried to make him understand. Sasuke had his eyes fixed on Naruto, his brows furrowed at Naruto's last statement. Before he could speak, Naruto continued. "You don't realise it at all.. but you do have something for her. Or else you wouldn't feel like this. Don't deny it teme, she does make you feel things you don't understand doesn't she? Well, she makes you do things you never did either you know. You act differently around her. You don't have to act fast or sudden. Think about it, take your time, and let go of that arranged-marriage-so-you-can't-like-her philosophy. You'll come to realise your genuine views on her eventually. Just.. try to understand what I'm trying to say." Naruto finished, looking at him hopefully. Sasuke shifted his glance from him, his gaze downwards and eyes shut. There was a moment of silence as both chose not to talk, until Sasuke broke it.
"Sakura.. does everything for everyone, with everything she can. She is nice." Nicest. Screamed the back of his mind. Nonetheless, he continued, "We're on good terms but the marriage, we don't know where that stands, and I don't know if she wants it or not." Sasuke said in an indifferent tone. If it wasn't for Naruto, and his explanations, Sasuke wouldn't even probably express this much. Thinking of it, Naruto was right. Sakura makes him feel things he doesn't understand. There was always light and warmth around her. Whatever aura she radiated, it made him forget about his surroundings, the stress it caused. And he'd do anything to surround himself with this aura at all times. Since when did he start feeling these? Did he really start to have feelings for his wife? Maybe he did like her, but would that solve anything? At the end of the day, their marriage was arranged. And even if Sasuke felt something for her, would she feel the same? Would she even want to stay with him? They weren't even into this with choice in the first place, and he didn't even know if she already had someone in her life.
Naruto was glad at Sasuke's little confession. Although it wasn't much, but it was enough for him to understand what Sasuke felt. Only if they understood they both are on the same page.. Naruto thought. If this is how things are going, he'd leave no chance to make sure their feelings are being expressed to one another. And here, Sasuke had to take the initial step. He had to open himself up to Sakura and Naruto was determined to make him do that.
"Don't think like that teme, I'm pretty sure Sakura-chan is happy with you around. Moreover, we didn't hangout yesterday talking about nothing. From what she said, I can assume she'd want to be in this marriage as much as you do now." Naruto said vaguely, not wanting to break the promise he made to Sakura. Sasuke's eyes and ears on the other hand shot up, watching Naruto with an intense gaze and hearing him with full attention.
"She.. talked about these with you? What did she say?" Sasuke asked, almost curiously. Naruto chuckled a little at Sasuke's tries to suppress his interest.
"I can't say that teme, I don't want to embarrass Sakura-chan you know. Just know that she doesn't hate you. She is willing to do whatever it takes to make you content. So be nice to her alright? She wants everyone to be happy, and she deserves to be happy too." Naruto quietly said. Sasuke nodded in response, his bestfriend has always been more mature when it came to bonding and he couldn't help but internally thank him for this.
"I know." Sasuke muttered.
Uchiha Residence
Mikoto was practically beaming. "Oh, Sasu-chan you're already back?!" Sakura immediately looked behind her as she noticed Mikoto calling out Sasuke's name, only to see no one else's presence in the garden other than Mikoto and her. Mikoto couldn't help but laugh out loud at Sakura's reaction.
"O-okaa-sama.." Sakura muttered, an embarrassed blush forming on her cheeks.
"Forgive me Saku-chan, I really couldn't help it. You have no idea how cute you look with that beaming face of yours! I wish Sasuke worked lesser. Why does he have to leave for three long weeks specially when he just got married?" Mikoto muttered with a pout on her face. She sure expected her son to stay around more often now that he was married and was disappointed upon knowing he'd be leaving for a business trip yet again. Sakura brought herself together, still slightly embarrassed for what just happened.
"Must be harder for him handling all these.. he's the successor of the company after all okaa-sama, he's bound to attend meetings regularly.. I wish I could help him ease the pressure in any way." Sakura said in almost a whisper. She genuinely wished things weren't like these for Sasuke, he always took too much pressure and definitely overworked himself even in times he had the option to not. To think he spent all his life this way.. Mikoto gave her a gentle smile.
"You know, Sasu-chan has always been determined to dedicate himself to work. When he was 11, like always he had to surpass Itachi. They used to go cycling and Sasu-chan practiced all day to catch up with him. Poor baby lost balance and ended up hurting himself, when I asked him to not do something this reckless again, he said 'Uchihas don't give up okaa-sama, I can't rest, I have to finish what I've determined to' it was years ago when he was still so young.." Mikoto closed her eyes as she said, still smiling warmly. "..And years later, look at him working so hard, almost taking over the whole company. He always made me so proud. My only complaint was him willingly putting himself under too much pressure. And there are so many other instances of him doing things similar to this, he has always been like his father since childhood. Fugaku has been like this too, ever since our marriage I haven't seen him give up on work for once." She continued.
Sakura wondered if Mikoto had any way to ease Fugaku's stress. "Okaa-sama, what did you do to.." Sakura trailed off, not sure how to put it in words. Mikoto however seemed to understand what she meant immediately.
"To relax him? He always said my presence was enough to do that. Though I never sat just because of that of course. He said my presence calmed him down, so I always tried to not make him think about work whenever he's around me once he arrives home. I can't decrease his workload but I sure tried, and still try to make sure he doesn't feel the stress of it when I'm around." She explained.
From the outside, Sakura initially thought of the Uchihas as distant from one another and quiet. However, upon entering the family, the more the days passed, the more she got to know how they had their own love language, and how they shared unique bonds with one another. The new revelation about her father and mother in law's bond amused her even more. She wondered if Sasuke would ever feel the same towards her, he deserved the same feeling of tranquility his father feels around Mikoto. But then again, to think practically, he had no reason to feel like that. They had no emotions involved in the marriage whatsoever, he is more than a capable man blessed with both extraordinary social status and good looks, is it even possible for him to not have someone in his life given where he stands? Nonetheless, she decided to try. She will try and help him relieve the stress.
"Sasuke-kun.. deserves that too.." She mumbled defeatedly, speculating whether she'll indeed be able to do so or not. Mikoto looked up at her, both encouragingly and pridefully.
"Both of my sons always preferred work over everything else. I never stopped them from doing what they want, but they wouldn't even try taking care of themselves. Whenever I tried making them take a break they'd barely listen, there would be times when they wouldn't even eat or sleep properly just because of too much pressure. That's since when I've always wanted them to get a partner who'd understand them well, specially Sasuke, he doesn't like to open up easily you know, but when he does, people understand how genuinely caring and affectionate he can be.. and I'm glad that you're his wife Saku-chan." Sakura's eyes instantly shifted to Mikoto, looking up at her with gleaming wide eyes, shocked at what her mother in law just said. Mikoto continued. "Really, I'm not joking dear! You understand him all too well without him even opening himself to you, and I know not everyone can do that. Someone else would easily give up on him, but you.. always give your best to understand and take care of him, and everyone else. You're too pure at heart Saku-chan. I understand the rushed marriage put a lot of pressure on both of you, but thank you for always making sure Sasuke is alright regardless of everything else. I promise he'll make you happy too once everything sets well between you two, he needs a bit more time to get accustomed to making bonds. Just.. stay with him alright?" Mikoto asked her with hopeful eyes, oh how much she wanted a daughter for years and now she's blessed with one beyond perfect.
As much amused Sakura was at these revelations, she was equally grateful. Mikoto always made sure she was treated like the daughter of the family, and honestly, Sakura considered her no less than a mother as well. The Uchiha family was way too cordial with her since day one and she already promised herself to return the same treatment, and now she had another objective added to the list. Whether she succeeds or not, she didn't care, she will give her best. She won't let Sasuke down, she will do everything it takes to make sure of his well being.
"I will." She replied with a gentle smile on her face.
The same evening..
"How are you exactly-"
"Tou-san, I have my ways to find things out. I'll let you know as soon as I do and I don't see a reason for you or otouto to worry about that."
The Uchihas were gathered at the dinner table, it's been few days of Itachi letting Fugaku and Sasuke know about the recent underlying corruption going on at the company and as expected the male Uchihas were livid about it.
"And how long do we wait?" Sasuke asked in response to Itachi.
"Like I said, the pattern they're following doesn't look like the work of an average rival, someone big must be behind it and I'll find that out soon." Itachi replied.
"Taking action right now will only make them more alert, make it fast Itachi, we can't sit with them continuing this for long." Fugaku said sternly. Mikoto on the other hand was continuously pouting. As much as Mikoto was worried for the trouble at the company, she didn't like it to cause stress among the boys, not during a weekend dinner together.
"I'll look into the details of the losses once I'm back." Sasuke confirmed and the other two nodded.
"Sasu-chan, when's your flight?" Mikoto, finding her chance to speak, asked.
"6 in the morning okaa-san, I'll leave at 4."
"Not going to have breakfast again?" His mother asked playfully, already aware of his answer which she chose to let pass.
"I'll have something during the flight, don't worry okaa-san." Sasuke replied nonchalantly, getting up from the dinner table upon being done with breakfast. Sakura watched him leave the room, slightly chuckling as memories of a week ago washed over her on how Sasuke was showing his concern when sakura spent too much time studying. And here he is skipping meals for work. Well, little dud Sasuke know is that his wife had other plans for him.
3:30am, Uchiha Residence
True to his disciplined nature, Sasuke packed his bag long before leaving, he got up a while back to see his sleeping wife on the other side of the bed. However, once he walked out of the closet, all ready to leave, his wife was nowhere to be found in the room. He wondered where she went this early in the morning, leading to him even making unrealistic speculations about whether she went to the library for studying or not. Nevertheless, it was already 4 and he had to leave. He was slightly disappointed seeing her absence, for he expected her to be sleeping or in the room even if she was awake. Tch. He's thinking way too much these days. He took his luggage and headed outside.
It was darker, only a few lights were turned on in the hall and the domestic helpers were gone too much to his preference since he wasn't a fan of keeping people awake just because he was leaving. However, as he reached towards the main gate he sensed someone's presence in the dimly lit hall. Walking forward, he came across someone with bright pink- Sakura.
"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked her incredulously while also maintaining a calm composure as they walked towards one another.
"Sasuke-kun, can you please come with me for a while.. it won't take long.." she muttered hopefully, hoping Sasuke to accept her request which he immediately did by nodding, curious about what she'd do next. Her face lightened up, she smiled at him and lead the way, indicating Sasuke to follow which he obliged. Sakura took him near the dining area, Sasuke was only wondering the reason behind this when the dining table came to his view, on top of which was some food already prepared which looked like.. breakfast.
"I really couldn't do much.. you were in a rush so I made sure it's as minimal as possible.. Um, please eat the breakfast? It will only take minutes." Again. Yet again Sakura managed to surprise Sasuke with her actions to the core. To what extent was she willing to go for his well being? He did not deserve any of that. Fuck, he doesn't even do an inch of what Sakura does for him. She managed to make Sasuke speechless once again.
"You.. didn't have to.. you could've said to someone else.." He muttered, sighing. He didn't know what to feel, with the warmth she always wrapped him with. He wanted to thank her, stay with her, stay around her during her exams. He wanted to do something for her. And fuck, he'd do anything for her if she asked for it.
"And you'd accept that? I heard you always deny your meals before leaving for flights? Well, that's never happening again Sasuke-kun, I had to make sure you're not denying anymore and that's exactly why I didn't tell anyone. Moreover, it's really nothing.. I don't mind. Now take a seat!" She said encouragingly and started serving him as soon as he obliged. "I'll be back in a while alright?" And with that, Sakura was gone from the room. It took him minutes to complete the breakfast she made, she said it wasn't much but it was way more than enough for him, the action itself was far more than enough if someone asked him. Sakura was totally taking over him, now making him do things not even his mother couldn't. Where did the stubborn Uchiha Sasuke go?
He got up to leave, deep down not wanting to do so but well, he had to. His eyes just started looking for Sakura when she stepped out of where the kitchen area was, carrying something in her hand.
"Sasuke-kun.." she walked up to Sasuke and extended her hand to him, giving him a flask she was carrying. His brows furrowed, looking at it intently.
"What's this?" He asked in a stoic manner, same as how he usually talks however, his expression and tone combined seemed to make Sakura suddenly uncomfortable. She didn't know what came over her, his sudden change in expression.. probably he didn't like her doing any of it, maybe he didn't want it. She felt intimidated.
Sasuke sighed again slightly, now frustrated at himself. He didn't mean to look annoyed, he just.. felt bad for her, always taking care of others and then handling her own problems. She was so giving and he felt worse knowing he can't even be there for her. But her face turned into an uncertain look, not sure what to say, what if she angers Sasuke? Only if she knew.. Sasuke wanted her to speak, he wanted her to be as comfortable around him as she made him around her. He didn't mean to scare her. Regardless, Sakura talked hesitantly.
"Uh.. I.. um.. I felt.. I-I mean you didn't get enough sleep so I.. made coffee.. I t-thought you'd need this.." She trailed off, still slightly scared with downcast eyes. Sasuke stared at her with an intense but admirable gaze, observing every bit of her with his full attention. What did he do to deserve this godly treatment from someone so angelic? The more he stayed with her the more adorable she became in his eyes. From her looks to her nature, to her actions, all of it was way too good for him to deserve. He smirked which was more like a small smile and accepted the flask.
"Thank you, Sakura."
Sakura relaxed at his response, now smiling at him brightly. Sasuke stared at her beaming face, he could get lost in those sparkling emerald orbs. "It's alright Sasuke-kun. Um.. I'll walk you to the gate..?" She suddenly asked, making Sasuke come back to reality. Right. The world existed.
"Aa" he nodded. And with that, they walked in silence, coming to a halt only upon reaching the main gate. The guard took his luggage to the car which was already outside. The couple turned to face one another. Sakura now had a fallen expression on her face, realisation suddenly hitting her. And Sasuke? Half of his mind already wanted to cancel his flight. He'll have to live three weeks without this? He didn't care whether Sakura wanted him, or to stay in this marriage or not, he'd rather stay around her than anywhere else. However, the reality was more complicated than this.
"Good luck." Sakura looked at him with a confused expression for a moment until realising about her exams, and giggled a little. She had to admit it to herself, she will miss him, she wanted to say it, but she didn't know how to. Instead, she chose to say something else.
"Thank you Sasuke-kun, have a safe flight.." She muttered shyly, embarrassed at her own thought. Sasuke smirked, he wasn't good with words, but he wanted to show his care for her too.
"Aa." Sakura suddenly felt a firm tap on her forehead upon hearing Sasuke's last response and that was it. Her eyes widened and a beautiful blush immediately painted on her cheeks. She gasped slightly. The world around suddenly seemed to vanish and her eyes focused on nothing which wasn't Sasuke. Time stopped, everything around her stopped and she could only see Sasuke's fingers on her forehead and his handsome face smirking, almost lovingly, at her- or at least it seemed that way. She didn't know what it meant, she didn't know why Sasuke did that but she understood. She understood whatever message Sasuke wanted to convey. She understood that this was yet another of his way to express his feelings. She understood another part of him.
"I'll see you soon." And with that, he left. Sakura's eyes followed him until the gate behind him closed, hearing the sound of the car starting and now slowly becoming distant. She stood still right where she was for the next few moments, her hands trailing on where Sasuke tapped, remembering the feel of his fingers on her forehead which was still sending a tingling feeling all over her body. Her blush became harder. She smiled to herself walking back to her room, this time deciding to lie down on Sasuke's side of the bed, curling herself up while smelling the bedsheet and pillow which gave off Sasuke's fragrance and calming herself to sleep as the thought of her husband took over her mind- and now probably starting to take over her heart too.
Author's note- I personally loved writing this chapter so much, way too wholesome for me, oh how much I love Sasusaku!! I was so into it that I even finished writing it within exactly 2 days! That's like one of the chapter that I finished writing within the shortest span of time. Anyways, how do you feel about this chapter? Do let me know! Also, SASUKE TAPPED HER FOREHEAD!! Eeeeeeeek!! *happy sobs*
Next chapter release date- 17th July, 2021.
