I'm going through so much pressure for exams that it's taking two weeks to write a single chapter now *sad busy noises* I'm wondering if I should make the time interval into a month instead of a week, will that be okay if I post one chapter per month? I personally feel like that's a long time, even I don't want it so I'm trying to write faster of course! Anyways, on to the story!
Chapter 19- Birthday and Warmth
"I can give my word on the fact that you're more excited about this than the birthday boy himself has ever been all these years."
Sakura giggled as she removed few strands of her hair with the back of her hand that was getting in her way as she made the third dish on her list.
"I can't believe he doesn't celebrate his own birthday okaa-sama." She responded. It's been a few days since the last hangout... and that little incident with her husband which they of course never talked about afterwards. And thankfully, she got to converse with Naruto for a while when no one was around where he, as always complained how grumpy Sasuke could get which eventually led to him talking about Sasuke's birthday and Sakura learning how he never bothered to celebrate it. Sasuke always made sure Sakura was getting the best treatment and making his birthday special was the least she could do, at least that's what she thought unaware of how Sasuke was grateful for the tiniest of her actions.
"I wish my sons were a bit like me too, Fugaku was never a birthday person either. I mean, he did make sure mine was well celebrated, but he barely cared about his own. Ever since sasuke and Itachi were young I wanted to make sure this day would be special to them. Itachi does celebrate a bit but what can I say about Sasuke, as he grew up his interest for this seemed to fade and over the years all I could do is wish him with a simple gift. Even Naruto couldn't change that.." Mikoto said, almost sadly.
"Don't worry okaa-sama, I'll make sure this year this day goes differently!" Sakura cheered. She already made up her mind about it, which is why her first surprise to him was the food she was making, of course she still didn't have any plans to tell this to Sasuke, not unless the bigger plan was pulled off, which is why she just pretended to not know about this day in front of him despite her excitement.
"I'm sure you'll be able to do that Sakura!" Mikoto replied with a smile.
Uchiha Corps
It was another normal day at office for Sasuke, attending meetings and doing paperworks. Unlike many from the business world, Sasuke didn't make his birthday lavish, nor considered such ideas. For him, it was another random day at work and he wasn't even thinking differently about this day. He was going through some papers when the office phone started ringing.
"Uchiha." He said on the phone.
"Uchiha-san, Mrs.Uchiha is here waiting, you have a meeting in few minutes so-"
"Cancel it. Send her in and next time you don't have to call me to do so." Sakura? Now? He was quite surprised at her sudden visit but he didn't mind it, as long as he got to see her. After a few seconds of wait, he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in."
There she was, a dazzling smile plastered on her face as she made eye contact with him while she slowly made her way into the room.
"Hello Sasuke-kun!"
"You don't have to knock or wait outside Sakura." Sasuke reminded her. She smiled softly as she made her way towards him, sitting opposite to him as she placed the food on the desk.
"I'll keep that in mind next time." She muttered, it was getting harder for her to control her excitement but she had to wait, just for a while longer.
"Hn. You overwork yourself, as much as I like your food I wouldn't want you to go through extra trouble for it." Sakura blushed, Sasuke really had amazing subtle ways in mind to compliment her everytime.
"It's not a trouble, I.. enjoy making food for you." She mentally slapped herself. Did she really say that out loud? Her blush became harder, not to mention she couldn't meet his eyes either. Sasuke smirked, interesting.
"Hn. I enjoy eating it." His statement made her look up at him. As much pleased she was that he openly appreciated her efforts, she could help but feel awkward with no idea about what to do next and she only smiled a little. Sasuke surely wasn't feeling any such thing, they both could tell that from the smirk on his face and his confident gaze on her.
"Alright.. I-"
"Have lunch here today." Sasuke suddenly cut her off. He knew she'd ask permission leave if he let her continue speaking, and that's the last thing he wanted. Sakura's surprise turned into a wide smile, the smile Sasuke would do anything to see everyday. She was about to speak when her phone began buzzing, bringing the couple out of the trance. She slightly gasped in shock, averting eyes from him as she took out her phone. Shikamaru.. Sakura understood exactly why he was calling her, but the problem was... what if Sasuke-kun understands if he gets to know who I'm speaking to? It's unlikely of him to call me.. he'll be suspicious.. she jerked her head a little, bringing herself back to reality and picked the phone up, giving an awkward smile hoping he wouldn't notice her nervousness. But Sasuke wasn't the one to fool, his sharp mind saw right through Sakura and considering the open book she was, it didn't take him any effort either. Tch. Why'd she be nervous? Nonetheless, he nodded, indicating her to go on.
"H-hey-"
"Sakura, we've got an emergency here." Sakura heard Shikamaru say. She could feel Sasuke's gaze on her and she only hoped he didn't understand what she's talking about and with who.
"Go on.."
"Mikoto oba-chan's gift for Sasuke, well Naruto was supposed to bring it but they said it wasn't ready yet so she asked her to head here afterwards. But they just called saying it was a mistake, the gift is actually ready but we are short on time. Neji asked Sasuke to come to Uchiha mansion for a meeting after lunch so I'm certain Sasuke will be home shortly." Shikamaru explained. Sakura only heard quietly, well aware of the person in front of her. Bad timing..
"I see." Sasuke got more suspicious with time. Sakura never talked like this, it almost looked like she was nervous, and.. hiding something.
"We can't send someone to collect it, he'll be home by that time. You're already in his office, the shop is on your way, so I'd rather suggest you to collect it, everyone else is already here." Shikamaru continued on the phone.
"Oh.. I'll be there.." she responded, listening which Shikamaru immediately hung up with a quick thank you. Sakura was only excited about it for a split second until she came back to reality and realised that Sasuke heard her. Kami.. I'm still in his office, with him looking at me. She got up from where she was sitting, ready to leave as fast as she could before sasuke got suspicious.
"Uh-um I-I'm sorry Sasuke-Kun, it was an.. important call. I h-have to go I-"
"Where?"
Oh no. This is what Sakura was scared of the most. Sasuke questioning her was the last thing she wanted in this situation, telling him the truth wasn't an option and she didn't want to lie to him even if it wasn't for any malicious purpose and he'd understand afterwards.
"I- uh.. j-just around the mall Sasuke-kun! I would stay b-but it's kind of urgent, I'll see you-"
"Who was it? On the call?" Even though Sasuke wasn't the type of person to do so, he questioned her again. Sakura was visibly nervous now and it grew his suspicion even more. She.. wasn't seeing someone else was she? The thought itself filled him with anger.
"N-no one.. I'm sorry Sasuke-kun, I-I promise I'll have lunch with you some other time.."
"And you want me to believe that? Tell me who it was Sakura. I don't like to repeat myself." Sasuke said coldly with a hard glare. Sakura's eyes widened slightly at the sight. He never looked at her or talked this coldly to her ever since their marriage. It was scary, encountering the angry side of her husband. Suddenly, Sakura wanted to leave even faster, more because of the fear developing in her watching Sasuke. Sasuke on the other hand was becoming livid. So there indeed was another man in her life. He did not want to believe it, not when he was beginning to completely trust this girl with everything. But as much as he didn't want to do so, her actions were screaming betrayal. What other reason could there be for which she had to avoid talking to him? She wouldn't even tell him who was it on the call and what Sasuke was thinking could be the only reason behind it. Did she really have someone else ever since before their marriage? Was all the care she showed him all this time fake? He was angry. Angry at himself for feeling hurt and betrayed when he saw it coming when they got married. Goddamn it. How could he forget that? It was just a forced marriage after all, nothing more meant anything in their relationship.
"Sa-Sasuke-kun.. I-I... I'm sorry.. I c-can't- I-"
"Leave." Her desperate stutters were cut off by Sasuke. He had enough. If she was that persistent on not telling him what's going on he couldn't force her. She barely meant anything to him right? She could do whatever the fuck she wanted and date whoever she liked. It wasn't any of his concern and he hated himself for being angry about it.
Sakura gasped as he snapped at her suddenly. She never realised things would come to this, she never meant to anger Sasuke with her actions but Sasuke certainly did not like what she was doing. And she felt worse that she had to reject his offer. This is the first time Sasuke asked her to have lunch with him- in his office and she felt like a horrible person having to reject that. Who wouldn't be angry in his place.
"Sasuke-kun.."
"I told you I don't like to repeat myself Sakura. Out of my sight. Now." He hissed, commanding her in a brutal manner with a hard glare. Sakura flinched. If anything, she was dead scared at this point. As much as she assumed he wasn't pleased with her rejecting his offer and hiding things from him, she didn't know what pissed Sasuke off this much. She felt her eyes watering slowly, there was no way of calming Sasuke and she knew it. She hated herself for being the reason of angering him. Nonetheless, she obeyed what he said realising there was no other way and almost ran out of his office, hoping Sasuke to not notice more of her tears although she knew he saw it forming in her eyes. As soon as she shut the door behind her, she let her tears fall.
"I'm Sorry Sasuke-kun.." she whispered to herself while walking away, hoping the surprise will make up for the mess that just happened, though she already began to wonder if he will even care about any of what she planned for him at this point.
Uchiha Residence
Everyone was already done with the decorations by the time Sakura came back with the gift. Everyone was too caught up preparing things that they missed Sakura's glum underneath her weak smile and she was glad. She'd hate it if her sadness ruined the mood. Despite that, she soon realised her assumption about someone not noticing her change in behaviour was wrong when Itachi walked into the kitchen while she prepared the dishes for serving.
"Hi nii-san." She greeted him with her usual softness, but no excitement seemed to be within her.
"Hello imouto, you look down. Is something the matter?" Sakura stiffened at his questioning. Should she tell what happened?
"No.. I'm alright nii-san." She decided not to. She replied with a small smile instead, but of course, it was Itachi. He was the best at reading people and Sakura was pretty much an open book when it came to being expressive.
"You know you can tell me anything right? It seems like something happened, which I assume was at the office? You seemed quite happier when you left the house." Sakura sighed at his words. Well, her bond with Itachi has significantly developed over time, so it was no surprise that he'd notice. She was grateful that Itachi would always be there for her even if it involved his own brother. She began telling all the incidents that happened in the office and the more she said, the more her face fell. She was surprised when she watched Itachi chuckling once she was done speaking.
"I really do have a foolish little brother. I wonder how he'd react when he gets to know the truth." Itachi said with a smile on her face while Sakura's gaze fell on the floor.
"He probably won't like it.. he hates me now, I never-"
"Shh, Sakura. You really don't understand do you?" So his sister-in-law was just as foolish too? She really couldn't look through the clear signs of jealousy and he decided he'd rather not tell her.
"If you trust me on this one, I'd ask you to cheer up. I know Sasuke, it was all his fault he got pissed at you for no reason and I know he will regret it once he figures things out. It will work out imouto, now smile? Considering how he feels about you, your gloomy face will only make him feel worse."
Sakura looked up at him surprised. Did Sasuke actually care enough about her?
"Really?.." she asked Itachi again just for assurance to which he nodded. Her eyes gleamed, if Itachi said something, she believed it would be true, she hoped Sasuke would be happy seeing everything, she wanted to see him happy, the thought itself made her smile.
A while later..
Sasuke could barely think of anything after what happened. He was mad, mad at himself for feeling like this. The whole time images of Sakura with someone else was bothering his mind and he hated it. He even skipped his lunch that Sakura gave him. Nonetheless, he still had work to do and came to Uchiha Residence for his meeting with Neji. One of the staff led him to the living room where Neji would be, at least that's what Sasuke thought. When he entered the room, it was dark, which made Sasuke frown.
"Neji?" He walked in upon calling out, confused about the darkness of the room.
He was about to turn back to turn on the lights when lights flashed in his eyes, almost sudden enough for a blinding effect.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" When he looked up at the view in front of him, he was beyond shocked. His parents... friends.. Itachi.. cake and gifts.. all beautifully decorated in the room. He took the view in as everyone walked in front of him.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEME!" Naruto pulled him into a tight hug and everyone giggled at his excitement.
"Happy birthday again Sasu-chan!" Mikoto wished him while patting his head.
"You planned these?.." Sasuke asked her mother, he did not like celebrating his birthdays, but it was so shocking, and he was grateful for the effort everyone put in.
"Only if you'd let me that is. It was all my daughter's idea!" Mikoto said happily.
"It's about time you learn to enjoy teme! See? Sakura-chan wasn't totally buying it when she got to know you don't celebrate birthdays last week. So she took the matter in her own hands. Birthdays are super fun right? Now cheer up!" It did not take Sasuke much time to register everything. All the events from earlier today flashed in his mind as everything fell into pieces.
"Sa-Sasuke-kun.. I-I... I'm sorry.. I c-can't- I-"
"Leave."
"Sasuke-kun.."
".. out of my sight. Now."
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
He knew he fucked up big time. He was simply stupid. Now he realised why Sakura was behaving like that. His eyes were quick to find the pink in the corner among the bunch, but before he could take a look at her face, everyone around began wishing him and he was forcefully indulged in that for a while.
Sakura was the last person to come up to him. People were luckily enjoying themselves, away from where the couple was standing right now. Sasuke looked at her. He was ready to apologise, do anything she asked for to make up for his earlier actions. He'd understand if she was mad at him. He wondered if he even deserved forgiveness, he shouldn't have doubted her. Nonetheless, she looked.. happy.
She smiled at him softly as she stood in front of him. "Happy birthday Sasuke-kun!" She wished him with her usual angelic voice, smiling brightly at him and it made him feel even more guilty.
"Uh.. I got this for you! It's not much.. you have a lot and better than these.. but I hope you'll like it Sasuke-kun!" She stuck her hand out to him with a little box wrapped in a silver paper in her hand. Sasuke's heart hurt. He hurt her, doubted an angel like her, made her cry, but she was still there, smiling at him despite everything that happened, she did everything for him all this time and all he did was hurt her. He felt like a jerk.
"Sakura.. I'm sorry." He muttered quietly, not expecting any forgiveness whatsoever, he didn't deserve it.
"Hey, don't-"
"Oi Sasuke! Come here check these gifts out!"
Both their eyes shifted from one another to Kiba who was calling him. Sasuke was annoyed for a while, he didn't want any interruption between him and his wife. But just then, Sakura spoke.
"Let's go Sasuke-kun, I understand you were not in your best mood, I hope this will cheer you up. Also, we're fine, don't worry about it." Sakura said with an assuring smile on her face. She really is an angel on earth, way too good for him. The rest of the party went absolutely well and continued till the night. The more the time passed, the more Sasuke realised how much effort Sakura put for this day to go perfectly for him, and the more he felt like a jerk. Goddamnit. How could he hurt her like that after everything she has done for him? He was stupid, absolutely stupid. This is the second time he doubted her after doing the same once the first time he dropped her off in her university. How stupid could he get that he suspected her despite everything she has done for him? He promised himself he'd never do that again. Thanks to Naruto and his uncontrollable mouth, Sasuke also learned that Sakura used most of her savings to buy him a gift and how worried she was about whether he'd like it or not, little did she know that despite what it was, he'd like anything that came from her. It was already past midnight by the time everyone left. After hours of celebrating, cutting cakes, giving gifts, eating food that Sakura made, drinking, everyone was exhausted. Sasuke finally entered his room and changed, exhausted but grateful for today's events, apart from his little incident with Sakura which he was still guilty about. He had to apologise to her nicely. And he intended on doing so now that they finally had time and privacy. He was only waiting for her return in the room when the door slid open.
"Sorry about the delay Sasuke-kun, Ino wouldn't stop talking about her next date plans." She said giggling as she made her way towards him, preparing to head to bed. "Why don't you go to sleep? It's been a long day for y-" gasp.
In an instant, Sakura felt the shock of being pulled quickly towards... Sasuke couldn't take it anymore. He had been wanting to have Sakura in his arms for a while now and it was becoming unbearable to keep avoiding himself from doing that by each day. He wasn't even thinking, nor he cared what terms they were in or if she saw it coming or not, he had to pull her in his embrace. He pulled her by her arm as soon as she was within his reach and her tiny frame collided with his chest as she gasped at his sudden action. He wrapped her with his arms, placing one of the hand on her back and the other on her head. She was way smaller than he initially thought. He could already feel the warmth her tiny frame was radiating and he could get used to it. Sakura still couldn't fully process what was happening. She was surprised, they never made any sort physical contact in their marriage other than rarely holding hands, and it was quite unbelievable for her that right now she was pulled by her husband in his warm embrace. She had her hands on his chest as she collided with him, feeling his hands firmly and closely holding her against himself and she loved the warmth and comfort she immediately got. Nonetheless, she still didn't know why Sasuke did that and she has never been this close to him before. Her heart was pounding and she stood there stiffened despite the comfort she felt. Sasuke gripped her petite body tighter, as if she'd slip away if he didn't.
"Sakura.. Thank you, for everything." Sasuke softly muttered, slightly nuzzling into her hair to inhale more of her scent. He was certain he could get addicted to the way she smelled, sweet like cherries and strawberries.. and herself. As soon as Sakura understood what he meant, she smiled. Sasuke felt her tiny frame relax against him. He stiffened slightly which he immediately got over when Sakura snaked her hands around him and pulled herself closer, and oh, how much Sasuke liked it.
"I tried, I hope it was up to the mark." Sasuke smiled. Both of them held each other firmly for next few seconds, exchanging no words and only bathing in absolute comfort in each other's arms, their hearts beating rhythmically. Neither wanted this to ever end, the feeling was too peaceful.
"More than just up to the mark. Thank you, I enjoyed the day." Sasuke muttered. "I'm sorry for today, I shouldn't have done what I did." He continued.
"Hey, please don't be. I already told you, we're fine, really." She assured him, hoping he wouldn't feel bad about it but little did she know that it was eating Sasuke alive ever since he got to know the truth.
"You were crying." He stated.
"Now I'm not, please don't worry Sasuke-kun. I.. don't like to see you down." She said, looking up at him. Sasuke gripped her tighter at her words, causing her to rest her head against his chest again. Angel.
"You didn't have to spend your savings you know." Sakura gasped slightly upon hearing it. She wanted to get Sasuke something on her own, how weird would that look using the card he gave her to give him a gift?
"How?.."
"Shh, I just know. But thank you. How do I make up for everything that happened today? Ask me anything, it will be done." Sasuke said with utmost sincerity.
"That's the least I could do Sasuke-kun.. and you might want to stop apologising to me if you really want to do something I want?" She asked, giggling slightly.
Sasuke smiled again. He still had her in her arms with her face snuggled against his chest and it felt heavenly.
"Forgive me?" He didn't expect to be forgiven, he was undeserving of her forgiveness, how dare I hurt this little radiant flower..
"I wasn't mad at you to begin with." Sakura softly muttered, holding him closer and tighter, only if it was possible to stay like this forever.. she inhaled his scent, smelling purely of him and it reminded her of the time when she used to sleep on his side of the bed when he was away. She didn't move nor did he, both stood in each other's embrace quietly, neither wanted to let go just yet, but they had to- or at least they felt that. Sasuke took the initiative, reluctant but thinking he'd creep Sakura out if he held her any longer. Sakura too let go of him, not pleased for being separated. They finally looked at one another and Sasuke noticed her giving a hard blush. He smirked, he loved when she was all flushed because of him.
"Thank you." Sasuke finally spoke, thanking her for for not being mad at him. He genuinely appreciated her pure heart, if it wasn't for the person being Sakura he was certain that being forgiven for this wouldn't be that easy. But Sakura only smiled at him beautifully, accompanied by the breathtaking blush on her face.
"Get some sleep?" He asked.
"Yes.. uh- goodnight Sasuke-kun!" She responded cheerfully, half happy and half flustered recalling the moment they just shared. Sasuke smirked again.
"Aa. Goodnight Sakura."
Author's note- Uh.. I'll just leave this here :p
Ps- I'm literally opening this app after months :( I really missed writing here and getting off the update routine was the worst. But things have been really stressful in here, with so much going on I was bound to take a hiatus from this / and next update? I'll do it as soon as I can. It's not very stable situation here, so it might take more than just a week, but I can assure that I won't be months. And thank you sooo much for all the support, I really appreciate it :)
