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Chapter 16- Missing You
Sasuke didn't realise until now how much he was accustomed to being around Sakura, her absence was getting unbearable and it was just a day that passed. How will he stay without waking up to her sleepy face every morning, or her shining emeralds looking up at him happily, the aura she radiated throughout the Uchiha Mansion, sleeping next to her, her mouth watering meals, her coffee, her? He didn't know. He just wanted to get this shit over with and it didn't even start yet. Sakura.. she was completely surrounding Uchiha Sasuke's mind without even trying, and he couldn't stop thinking about her, or perhaps, having her. Goddamn it. He needed to cool down.
He slouched on the couch in the hotel room, it's been just hours since he landed and the flight took quite a while of time too. He wanted to.. call Sakura, hear that sweet, sweet voice of hers. 'Sasuke-kun.' The way she always called his name. He missed it. He was embarrassed to admit something like this- even to himself, but he was missing her already. He wanted to hear her even if he couldn't see her, but this goddamn difference in time zone. All of them in Konoha were probably asleep and the last thing he'd want is to interrupt her rest. She already puts herself through a lot of pressure all day. He threw his head back, eyes closing in frustration. What the fuck was happening to him, he couldn't figure out. He only relaxed a bit when there was a sudden knock on his door. He opened his eyes coming back to reality and stepped forward to open the door to see..
"Hi Sasukeee.." Almost immediately, Sasuke stiffened. His brows furrowed at the sight.
"What're you doing here now Karin?" He shot, almost losing his cool. Karin smiled wickedly at him, batting her eyelashes which according to Sasuke was nowhere close to decent nor normal.
"You're totally losing your calm these days aren't you? What's wrong Sasuke? I'm ready to hear all of your problems.. but first, won't you let me in!" And with that Karin shoved herself into the room. If it wasn't for Karin being an Otsutsuki and a business partner with the Uchihas, he'd have long forgotten his manners. To think that this woman was even considered as his suitor.
"Our meeting is at 12, I don't see a point of you dropping by my room 2 hours early in the morning." He calmly said in an emotionless tone while she made herself comfortable on the couch, right where Sasuke was a moment ago.
"Of course there is a point Sasuke! Come on, we're business partners! We must make sure we are on the same page riiggggtt? Which is why, we will go through the overview-"
"That won't be necessary, we've done that thoroughly in our first meeting." Sasuke interrupted her, clearly understanding her intentions. As expected, she was using the project for her personal means, trying to stick around Sasuke which is the last thing he'd want. However, Sasuke wasn't a fool either. He knew exactly what Karin could do. Despite her lack of basic knowledge about things and spoiled personality, this woman had Otsutsuki blood running in her veins, she was bound to have a fast brain when it came to business and meddling with people which Sasuke knew she did well. Regardless, Sasuke had no less of cunning antics either. He did not want a war between the two companies just because Karin was being a bitch, not when he knew that's what Karin would make things lead to and blame her opposition for it if things didn't go her way. He decided to handle her without dragging business. He remembered what Naruto said, about ignoring her with his full might. However, everything's always easier said than done, and here they had Karin Otsutsuki to deal with. He'll have to go his way.
"Of course we did, but I'm the in charge of this project too Sasuke, I'd very much like to run things over with my business partner beforehand." She replied which sounded almost like a purr. Sasuke looked at her coldly. Persistent.
"Be present at the restaurant at eleven thirty sharp then, I believe it will take no longer than thirty minutes to run things through. And for now, since we have nothing more to discuss on, you may leave." He calmly said. He'd rather meet her in public areas like the restaurant than an isolated place like this, specially after what she did a few days ago.
"But Sasuke we-"
"We share a bond nothing more than professional business partners. Don't think that I'll let you pass for intruding in my room when we had nothing important to discuss on. I hope you get my point?" Sasuke interrupted her, this time his voice being particularly colder despite maintaining his formal tone quite well. Karin flinched, disappointed but seemed to get what Sasuke was saying. Reluctantly, she got up from her position and began to walk out eyeing Sasuke.
"And next time, if you have sudden urges to discuss about the project, call me rather than dropping by my room for nothing." Sasuke quietly muttered as she passed him, smirking. Karin scoffed, giving a frustrated flinch and Sasuke closed the door as she walked away from the room.
Goddamnit, the next three weeks will be tough.
Konoha
This morning was particularly gloomy for Sakura. Until yesterday, she couldn't stop thinking about Sasuke- and what happened between them. She was giddy all morning and even her friends noticed her uplifted mood the day before, leading to Ino making assumptions about her having sex with Sasuke. And well, ever since that incident in university she couldn't stop blushing everytime Sasuke crossed her mind, remembering what ino said. This tantalising feeling lasted for quite a few hours, leaving all of Sakura red out of embarrassment from time to time for the rest of the day. Yes, she maybe had a thing for her husband now, but loving him or having sex with him was still out of the question, specially when she had no idea whether Sasuke even wanted her or felt for her the same way she did or not. Could she think of giving herself to someone she didn't even know fully? Sakura was convinced that Sasuke had the ability to do wonders to her mind and body, one single poke on her forehead and she could feel it all day, including the fluttering feeling it was giving to her heart. However, someone said it right. Happiness doesn't last long. As soon as that night fell, loneliness took over her. This was the first night since her marriage where she was going to sleep with Sasuke not by her side. They didn't have any physical contact, nor they interacted much, there would always be a big gap between them everytime they went to sleep, but him not being there still didn't feel right. His presence, despite the lack of close proximity, gave her comfort and warmth she couldn't feel now. The closest she could get to feel it in his absence was by sleeping on his side of the bed, which still gave off a faint scent that smelled like him and she liked all of it. And this morning too, waking up only to see herself alone in the room felt melancholic. If he was around, he'd immediately wake up upon her movement, or she'd see him walking out of the closet. They'd have breakfast together and she'd be with him until he dropped her off at the university. But now, she'll have to do all of it alone, for three long weeks. Kami, how will she cope with this somber feeling for this long? Was Sasuke feeling the same heartache she was for being apart? She could only wonder.
He didn't call her yet, it's already been two days since his departure and probably over a day since his landing too. Why didn't he call her? Did he not want to talk to her? Of course, Sakura had no reason to complain if he didn't, but she couldn't help but feel disappointed at the thought. Or maybe it was on purpose? They didn't talk much anyways, it was only about necessary things. Sure they talked a lot more and openly than when they just got married but still, she wouldn't call it very much interactive. Even she'd find it weird if Sasuke called her randomly with nothing in particular to talk about, not like she minded it- they were just not on that terms, yet. And after what gesture they shared before Sasuke left, Sakura personally would blush as red as tomatoes if she came across Sasuke or even heard his voice. Probably he felt the same thing too?
Fuck, she really couldn't get Sasuke out of her head, she wasn't even trying to do so, after all it felt so pleasant. Only if she could carry on with life while still thinking of Sasuke.. but God, she forgets about her mere existence when Sasuke is on her mind, let alone the surroundings.
Regardless, life goes on, and she had university to attend. Shaking her head in defeat, she got out of bed, not at all ready to face the day and the upcoming three weeks.
Konohagakure International
"Guys, really I'm alright!" Sakura assured which had to be like the third time as the bunch stared at her worriedly, all sitting on a round table in the canteen. This is how their recent days have been, everyone has been busy for their exams and the only time they got to spend with one another was during the break and while leaving the university, the rest of the time, it was them studying. But despite that, it didn't stop her friends from noticing the changes in her mood.
"I knew you guys had goodbye sex Sakura! Gosh, was it that good? It's quite fast for you to miss it and go all gloomy already." Ino excitedly said, not to mention it was loud enough for everyone in the table to hear, probably a few people around too.
"I-Ino! It's n-nothing like that!" Sakura barely cried out, with the fast pacing of her heart and wild rush of heat in her cheeks, it was impossible for her to even think straight, let alone speak. She was damn near close to fainting and it was all just because someone else brought up their sex life. Keeping her embarrassment aside, if someone's words affected her so much, how'd actually doing it feel? No. No. NO! What the hell is she thinking?
"Chill out Sakura, you look like you're gonna pass out or something. You know we are all friends in here, you can tell us anything. Come on now, don't be that shy!" Sakura heard Tenten speak, which made her even redder. These guys really thought she had sex.
"H-hey! We didn't.. have sex." Sakura squeaked out, making sure she was quite enough for other people around them to not hear- very much unlike her friends.
"Then what did you guys spend your youthful energy on that you're so-"
"Lee!" Hinata jabbed him with her elbow, "Guys.. let Sakura-chan be.. we really shouldn't interfere with what goes on between them.." Hinata did stop the others much to Sakura's preference, but oh god. How did these people even jump to the conclusion that she and Sasuke slept?
"Not you too Hinata.. you guys know how we got married.. we really don't even talk that much. I.. I didn't sleep with Sasuke-kun. We didn't do anything at all to begin with." Sakura explained quietly, hoping they'll finally calm down from their speculations.
"Then why are you so down today? It kinda makes you look uglier you know." Sai said with a wide smile on his face as usual. Sakura sighed.
Well, probably not as crazy as sex but their reactions to her missing Sasuke might be almost equally- if not more- tantalising.
"It's nothing really. Just that.. it's different.. staying alone now." She muttered quietly, being as vague as possible.
"Eh Sakura, you really are growing on him aren't you? It's only a matter of like three weeks." Ino assured her. But then again, if a day passed that slowly in his absence, how long will three weeks feel?
"Ino's right Sak, plus he's like the Uchiha Sasuke. And Uchiha Corps is literally worldwide, you'll get used to it with time." Tenten was not wrong. Sakura was well aware of Sasuke's work, and she must get used to it. After all, this might be the first time after their marriage that he left, but this for sure isn't the only time. The faster she busies herself with her own work and upcoming exams for the next few days, the better.
"Whoa Tenten, you seem to have picked up this habit better and faster, good thing for your love life of course!" Everyone stopped and looked at Lee upon his statement, wide eyed and confused.
"L-Lee!" Tenten screamed out, not at all expecting this situation- well, neither did anyone else. As if it wasn't enough for Tenten, Sai blew her up even more with his next statement.
"I knew something was up with you and the Hyuga ever since that hangout a month back, my book is never wrong."
"A month back?!"
"Love life!?"
"Hyuga!?"
Sakura, Ino and Hinata questioned all at once.
"What the fuck is going on Tenten? Hyuga.. does he mean.. Neji Hyuga?" Sakura asked incredulously, Ino could only gasp nonstop as she spoke.
"Oh. Oh my god. Oh. My. God. Tenten. HOW DO THE BOYS KNOW ABOUT THIS BUT THE GIRLS DON'T!?"
"How do I not know about this..." Hinata mumbled under her breath. As for tenten, it seemed that now it's her time to pass out.
"Oh, oh! Forgive me Tenten! I didn't mean to disclose your relationship with Neji-"
"LEE!" Tenten screamed out this time loud enough for people around them to hear, which she controlled immediately as the realisation hit her. However, the looks on the girl's faces made sure Tenten understood she had some explaining to do.
Uchiha Corps
"Are you sure about this one?" Itachi asked, sitting in his office, calmly analyzing some documents in front of him and Kisame sat in the chair opposite to his friend.
"Confident. What do you plan to do now, Itachi?"
"He always had his eyes high, but I didn't think he'd go this far even after tou-san firing him. Now that's questionable, normally someone with greed like him is likely to move on to next chances than sticking to an old one." Itachi replied with his eyes still on the papers.
Kisame's brows furrowed, Itachi has always been an unreadable one for him. "What do you mean?"
"He's being assisted. He did find another opportunity to get a bigger treasure in hand but that includes him doing this job too. Someone is manipulating him."
"Are you sure about that? Maybe he just couldn't find something better-"
"Kisame, judging from his occupation, he'll never come back to where he already tried laying his hands once. Look into it more, I'll find the mastermind of this one myself."
"What about Fugaku-san and Sasuke?"
"Not now. Going against someone like Kakuzu will only make the people in upper levels alert. I initially thought it would be an experienced scammer, this looks more complicated than I speculated." Itachi said, to which Kisame raised an eyebrow.
As for the older Uchiha sibling, his job just seemed to have increased to a great weight, along with the increased threat to the company.
Bangkok
'Sasuke-kun.. Saassuke-kun.. Saaassuukee-kuunn!'
Sasuke's eyes shot up and so did he from the bed. Fuck. This was getting worse. Sakura's voice calling his name was ringing in his ears since the day he left- and now even in his sleep. He needed to hear her. Goddamnit. He needed to be around her. If this is how it felt staying away from Sakura, he was willing to make sure he never has to be away from now onwards. He'll handle everything from Konoha, if he must go, he'll rather take her with him, but staying away from her was only causing him agony. He.. he didn't know what Sakura was making him feel. If someone told him before their marriage that he'd feel this much of attraction towards Sakura now, he'd no way in hell believe them. He's was going damn near desperate to hear that melodious tune of her voice calling his name with so much softness, it was pure agony. He grunted, looking at the clock, 03:14am, it would be around 5pm in Konoha now. He wanted to call Sakura. It's been over four days since he last saw her- heard her and his hands were itching to talk to her, only to be stopped everytime for either the difference in time zone or their usual lack of interaction. How awkward would it be for both of them if he randomly called her with nothing to talk about? Telling her he missed her voice is out of the question, he wouldn't be able to face her if he pulled that stunt. Specially not after what he did before leaving.
Why didn't she call him? Not like he expected it, Sasuke wondered if she'd even be able to face him after the last time they saw each other. With her naturally shy nature around him and flushed face after him tapping on her forehead, he was quite prepared to see a furiously blushing Sakura the next time he sees her. He smirked at the thought.
Damn it. Who knew finding an excuse to talk to someone could be that hard? He received phone calls from people numerous times everyday, and yet, he couldn't find a proper excuse, and wasn't in terms to interact regularly with the person he wanted to talk to the most. How long would he be able to control himself without talking to her, with her voice continuously ringing in his ears? He needed to call her as soon as possible.
Uchiha Residence
It was quite obvious how habituated the Uchiha family was being away from one another, Sakura wondered how despite this they shared so much love. It was admirable. The absence of the youngest Uchiha barely affected the others, almost as if this was something that happened on a daily basis, whereas Sakura couldn't even get him out of her head for a single moment. This was one of those rare days when all Uchihas ended up having dinner at the same time on a weekday, of course with the exception that Sasuke wasn't there.
"Did you send the mail to Hiashi?" Fugaku asked Itachi.
"I did, they'll call another meeting soon I presume."
"What about the new factory?"
"I didn't need to work much on that tou-san, Sasuke cleared everything from both ends beforehand, yet I did call him today to confirm some minor details and there was nothing problematic."
Sakura's breath hitched hearing his name. Sasuke.. talked with Itachi. Why didn't he call her yet? Did he not want to talk to her? Not even after what happened between them before he left? Did he regret it? The male Uchihas continued their conversation about the company but Sakura was too busy in her pool of questions to pay attention to any of that, until she was pulled out of it upon hearing loud claps from none other than the other female Uchiha.
"Stop! I don't want any of you to utter a word about business while being at the dinner table! Is that clear boys?" Mikoto said with a pout on her face which sounded more like a threat. And of course, the male Uchihas had no other option but to oblige. The rest of the dinner time passed with them talking about everything that didn't involve work and the room was filled with giggles of Mikoto and occasional chuckles of the rest as they indulged themselves in the conversation.
Upon being done with the dinner, all of them greeted each other and took their leaves. Sakura was only walking out behind her in laws when-
"Imouto?"
Sakura stopped turned to face Itachi who was already stepping forward. She looked up at him curiously, waiting for him to speak.
"You are already aware of it, Sasuke is a reserved person, he has his own ways to show affection. What I mean to say is, he might be just as flustered to initiate a conversation as you are." Sakura's eyes widened at him only to see him look back at her with a smirk on his face.
"H-how'd you k-know-"
"Now, now, your reaction on hearing Sasuke's name wasn't very subtle you know. You miss him don't you?" Sakura gasped visibly and her eyes widened even more if that was even possible. She could feel her cheeks heat up violently and her whole face turned deep red. She could feel her heart pounding against her chest. After all these times, sure Sakura became a subject to Itachi's teasing as much as Sasuke but him asking about Sakura missing Sasuke, despite the playful tone, made her flabbergasted in an instant.
"I-I.. I mean.. n-nii-san- I.." She didn't know what to say, at this point, even the little amount of courage she had to call Sasuke if he didn't was gone. Her reaction to Itachi's question and his smirk was enough for her to understand that he already got his answer. Kami.. now what'd Sasuke think of her if Itachi tells him everything? However, as always, Itachi indeed was smart beyond speculation.
"Easy imouto, first of all, I'm not telling Sasuke anything. Second, I'm pretty sure he misses you as much." Relief washed over Sakura internally upon hearing his first statement and she calmed down a little, however, did he really just say Sasuke misses her?
"E-eh?" Itachi only smirked at her confused questioning.
"His tone, Sakura. I didn't even need to bring this topic up to understand he's not happy being there, which let me tell you- didn't happen before your marriage. Sometimes otouto forgets I'm his brother, and that he does end up making a few things quite obvious. Anyways, goodnight, Sakura." He left, the smirk never leaving his face for as long Sakura could see him. She stood still in her position, still registering Itachi's words as her eyes followed him until he was out of sight.
Well, what?
Her night was just going to be bombarded with even more thoughts, as if the ones already roaming in her head wasn't enough. But god, did the thought of Sasuke missing her feel pleasant.
Author's note- kinda very happy to finish another chapter in two days! Although I really didn't like writing it as much as the old one, I really don't like them being apart :((
Now don't come at me xD the distance won't last long I promiseee! (At least not as much as the one in canon ;)) GOODNIGHT XD
Next chapter release date- 24th July, 2021.
