Chapter 3: Heart Shaped Box
He had let her cry for a while, but eventually had to stop her. It would look suspicious to anyone who might be watching.
Sakura had been able to dry her tears and mask her face with a fake smile that could fool anyone who didn't know her. She never smiled that wide, toothy, grin she now had. Her smiles had always been small and giggly. But it was still convincing, thanks to her years of training as a Shinobi.
By the time they reached the ballroom, Sakura's face had changed from that fake smile to one of awe. Sasuke couldn't blame her, it took a little while to get used to the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and elegant looking inhabitants.
The true shock came from when Lord Tojo smugly approached them, leading an elegant older European woman with a peacock mask. Tojo, still under the dillusion that his wife had no idea what was really going on, introduced Sakura as a 'scholarship winner.' Lady Tojo nodded politely at the news, and decided to take advantage of this stupid lie.
"Well," she said, smirking at her husband, "Maybe this pretty one, we can finally get our Sasuke to settle down. It would be a nice relief, would it not?"
Tojo's snug look was instantly replaced with that of confusion and jealousy directed at Sasuke. Sasuke just smiled and rolled his eyes. "Thank you, My Lady, but I don't think I'm ready to settle down just yet."
"Well, if you're not going to marry this charming young lady, you could at least give her the chance of hearing that lovely voice of yours. Sing for us tonight, won't you?"
Sakura looked at him with disbelief. "You sing?"
"A little," he mumbled, staring at the ground, red.
"Excellent! You will sing for us tonight then! Now, if you don't mind, I would like to have your lovely girl accompany me to the powder room, you don't mind, do you?"
Sasuke shook his head, and smiled at the woman. "Just don't steal her away."
With that, Lady Tojo lead the confused Sakura to the powder room, leaving the two men alone.
Sasuke glared at the smirking Lord. "You just had to pick the sister's name, didn't you?"
"Ahh! She told you about that, did she, Sasuke? She must like you. Well, then that should make sealing the contract easier," the despicable man said leering. It was all Sasuke could do to not spit in the man's face. "I almost didn't get her, you know. She is quite feisty, but then I heard about the unfortunate Miss Aira, and it was became quite easy after that.
Sasuke didn't say anything, and just turned away from the man whom he now hated more than Orochimaru and Itachi combined.
Meanwhile, in the powder room, Lady Tojo leaned over the sink, applying lipstick and eyeing the girl. "So, it was your sister, was it not."
Sakura looked at her, shocked. She felt defensive at first, before she saw how much sympathy the older woman had in her eyes. "Yes, how did you know?" She asked.
"I have my ways. And you knew Sasuke before?" The woman asked furthur. "I could tell by how comfortable you seemed around him, most girls can hardly touch him at their first ball."
Sakura nodded.
"Let me give you some advice," the woman said, turning to face Sakura. "The first chance you get, cling to him and get out. There is nothing for you here, especially someone like you. Yes, I know who you are. Don't ask how, it is not important. But no matter what has happened, or may happen tonight, you have to trust Sasuke to get you out."
"Why? What is going to happen?" Sakura asked.
The older woman just pulled the girl into a tight hug. "I wish I could tell you, but the walls have ears."
Sakura was not sure how to react, so she just let the woman hug her until it was time for them to return to the hall.
She joined Sasuke again and let him lead her around until it was time for dinner. They were, of course, seated next to each other, near the Lord and his wife. Lord Tojo leered at Sakura all through the meal while Sasuke kept trying to engage her in conversation and Lady Tojo kept giving her pained looks of sympathy. It made her feel uneasy, so she ended up eating very little. But it was worse after the meal as Lady Tojo announced that Sasuke was going to sing for their entertainment, and Sasuke got up and walked to the area ahead of the tables where everyone could see. Sakura cringed, it was not easy to keep her composure without Sasuke by her side. But thn Sasuke opened his mouth and began to sing.
She eyes me like a pisces when I am weak
I've been locked inside your heart shaped box for weeks
I've been drawn into your magnet tar pit trap
I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black...
Sakurafelt at ease suddenly. Sasuke's voice was truly wonderful. How was it he had hid this talent from her? But at least now everything was right in the world.
Or so she thought...
She was brought back to the harem soon after dinner was over. This time, Sasuke brought her to her room. To her delight, her stuff was brought in and placed on her bed. She started to unpack and put things away, while Sasuke just stood there idly. She was annoyed, he could at least lift a hand to help...
"So," she said, "Now will you tell me why you're here?"
Sasuke sighed. "Well, see, I learned after I killed Itachi and Orochimaru that there was a catchivolved to be intrusted with the leadership of my clan. There was this tradition say the new leader has to serve whoever the current Lord Tojo is for five years, until he is payed with the leadership, and ownership of something from Tojo's estate. And since I can't restore my clan without my name.."
"Yeah, I get it. So, anyways, when and how are we supposed to 'seal the contract?' You letter said..." Sakura was cut off by Sasuke grabbing her wrists and pushing his lips to hers. Sakura gave a muffled cry and tried to push him away, but he was too strong for her.He broke away and looked at her sadly.
"This is how. As the keeper of the Harem, I claim and mark in the name of Lord Tojo. I'm sorry Sakura." With that, he kissed her again.
Sakura stopped struggling and went limp as Sasuke layed her on the bed and stripped down to his boxers. Sakura gave him a dazed look as he moved towards her. She sat up and began to unzip her dress and peel it off. Sasuke looked at her with shock. Sakura just smiled.
"This isn't exactly how I wanted it to be, but that doesn't mean this should be stolen from me. No one can do that. Just be gentle."
Sasuke layed down on top of her and whispered, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Meat eating orchids forgive no one just yet
Cut myself on angel hair and baby's breath
Broken hyman of your highness, I'm left back
Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back
Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint!
Forever in debt to your priceless advice...