Finally had the time to update earlier than expected. Thank you all for supporting the story. Sorry that the phasing has been slow, but it would make the meeting more sweeter don't you think? I truly appreciate the support this story is receiving. I hope to hear from you guys too. So how are we going to make them meet? Continue to read and find out soon. Until the next update!

"Between Women"

Sakura with Ino's persistence decided to go to the fan meet. But the medical student felt shy about possibly being the only adult person in the event. The blonde consoled her that Sasuke has fans of all ages. Even a bunch of grandparents and perfectly straight males. The prodigy was that charismatic despite his snobbish attitude. The pinkette stared at the red dress Ino left for her. Yesterday, the blue-eyed woman managed to call her artist fiancé to bring this dress. The stylist kept on babbling about looking hot, that red suits her, and it should reflect the crimson passion of wanting to see Sasuke again. Sakura just sighed with the dramatics. Now come morning she is having second thoughts of wearing it.

As if on cue there was consistent knocking on her door. "Forehead this is an emergency wake up!" How could this woman be rowdy so early in the morning? It is embarrassing to the other guests. To avoid further clamor, the pinkette head to the door.

"What's with all the racket so early?" The doctor to be hissed. "The other guest of the hotel will be angry."

"Shut up! Why are you not yet ready?!" The blonde frantically screamed.

"The fan meeting is at noon." The Jade-eye lady replied.

"Aren't you supposed to line up and all that stuff?" The stylist rebutted. "And scratch that you need to get ready girl, we have an emergency."

"Ino what emergency are you talking about?" Sakura was wondering why her friend is so worked up.

"Forehead listen. Remember Tenten? She was one of our peers in high school?" The pinkette nodded. "The girl is a martial arts and weapons expert, and she is a bodyguard to the Mikoto Uchiha." The name was very familiar to Sakura, the lady is Sasuke's mother. They have met numerous times and to an extent, they got along pretty well. "Tenten texted me and said the matriarch is coming to this hotel to see a friend of Sasuke."

"Ino did you tell Tenten I am here?" The pinkette asked accusingly.

"No forehead, the reason she told me was I asked her a favor to set me up to meet Mrs. Uchiha." The blonde confessed. "She is the most stylish and mature socialite. If I can get my picture taken with her, my portfolio will blow up." Sakura sighed, well she cannot blame her friend for wanting more opportunities.

"So how did I fit into the picture?" Sakura inquired. "Maybe there is someone here who is Sasuke's friend that Mikoto-san is meeting?"

Ino snorted at the obliviousness of her friend. "Sakura, do you honestly think Sasuke's rich friends will stay in this 3-star hotel?" The pinkette's eyebrows furrowed. "Heck, you're the only commoner close to that motionally constipated idiot."

"Ino, stop badmouthing Sasuke." The pinkette reprimanded.

"Whatever forehead, regardless it is better to be safe than sorry. We barely have fifteen minutes to get you ready." The blonde squealed.

Sakura never felt this tired after waking up. She decided to indulge in her friend get her ready. Ino managed to get her to wear the outfit. Coincidentally the stylist got her matching shoes. Due to lack of time, the blonde opted to keep Sakura's hair down. "Good thing your hair is healthy forehead. And since your skin is looking good, we will just have to put on some lipstick."

As the final stroke of cosmetic was dabbed on her lips the phone in the room rang. Ino excitedly went to answer the phone. Her blue eyes widened, a large grin adorned the stylist's face. " Looks like your future mother-in-law is has arrived Sakura. She is waiting for you in a private room on this same floor."

Sakura blushed and her heartbeat became erratic. Why was Sasuke's mother here? What would they be discussing? " Don't keep her waiting you dolt! Remember she is like Japanese matriarch royalty. Room 808, you won't miss it."

Sakura stood up from her seat and took a deep breath. It is not like she has a strained relationship with Sasuke's parents. Though his father was very traditional and wanted the perfect match for his sons. Gathering her courage despite the butterflies in her stomach proceed to the location stated. The walk was only less than a minute but it felt like an eternity. She carefully knocked at the door. In a few seconds, it was opened. A surprised Tenten greeted her with a smile. " Sakura, long time no see. You look awesome."

She smiled back at the old acquaintance. "You are looking great yourself." The bodyguard fully opened the door and ushered her to come. The elegant silhouette of Mikoto came to view. The raven-haired matriarch is as lovely as ever despite her age. No wonder Ino praised her beauty and grace so much. As she was about a few steps away Sakura pushed herself to greet first. She should be the one paying respect anyway.

"Mikoto-san, thank you for the inviration. I am honored to be in your presence." Sakura politely stated with a smile and soon after bowed to show respect.

"It has been a while Sakura-chan. Look out how lovely you have become." The elder lady greeted with a warm smile. "Tenten can you step out of the room, please? I have a personal matter to discuss with Sakura-chan." The bodyguard bowed and left the room as ordered. " Come Sakura have a seat."

The pinkette cautiously took the seat across the kind-looking woman. She was being observed, the doctor to be felt it in her gut. What would they need to talk about? As soon as she is settled, the Uchiha matriarch smiled more brightly and began to speak. " I am glad you finally came home. How have you been?"

"I am fine Mikoto-san, my studies will be done soon. Then I plan to proceed into specializing in surgery." Sakura answered honestly. " Saving numerous lives is a wonderful thing and more people should be engaged with it."

The mature lady earnestly listened as Sakura talked about her medical journey. As she paused to catch her breath the elder woman took it as a chance to speak. "Sakura-chan, it seems you have your plans figured out, I am glad. But I cannot help but be curious. Where does Sasuke fit in?" The query caught the pinkette off-guard and a felt that she has just blushed from head to foot. " Sakura-chan it seems you have not been thinking of him?"

That was entirely not the case. The pinkette in haste opened her lips. " That is not the case Mikoto-san." The medical student stuttered."It is just Sasuke wanted a different career path. I simply cannot take it away from him." After the words came out of her mouth she felt embarrassed about what she said. "I mean, I don't know how we can meet up in our circumstances. Sasuke has always been working hard and excelling in music. It makes him happy." The pinkette began to fidget. "I want him to do what he loves. He deserves to be happy, I want him to smile." Sakura began to giggle at what she had just revealed. "But it is quite difficult to make Sasuke smile. It has always been a challenge."

"It is true that my son does not easily show any signs of cheeriness." The elder lady sighed. " But a mother I know what makes him happy. And eventually when he consistently gets exposed to this source of joy Sasuke will learn to smile in no time."

"How Mikoto-san?" Sakura muttered out of the blue. "How can I make Sasuke smile?"

The matriarch leaned in and touched Sakura's right hand and squeezed it. "You silly girl, it won't take much really. Would you like me to arrange it for you?"

"Mikoto-san, I am sorry I do not mean to impose." Sakura was panicking about the change of atmosphere. It was warm and very motherly, what the heck is going on?

"Nonsense child. Did you know that it is a mother's ultimate wish to make her children happy?" Sakura nodded shyly as a sparkling glimmer can be noticed in Mikoto's eyes. " I was not intending to meddle, but I have been waiting for quite a while too. I am determined to reach a new beginning soon."

Sakura was puzzled by the elder woman's words. What did she mean by a new beginning? "Mikoto-san I am at lost what you are saying."

"Sakura you want Sasuke to be happy right?" The younger woman nodded. "Then we have a lot of work cut out for us today."

"What are we going to do Mikoto-san?" The confused pinkette inquired. Sakura suddenly felt nervous.

"First shopping, as much as I love your dress. Sasuke will throw a fit when he sees you in that. You know how conservative he is." Sakura was stunned how can shopping make Sasuke happy? "Then you will accompany me for lunch."

So the next thing is eating out? The pinkette was getting more confused. "Oh before that let's have a light breakfast. We need energy it is going to be a long day."

"Mikoto-san I need to attend Sasuke's concert." Sakura managed to blurt out. "I wanted to see him perform, it has been a while." Sakura nervously fidgeted. "He somewhat personally invited me so I came."

" So you came here to see him?" The raven-haired woman clarified. The lass nodded shyly. "But he doesn't know you are here yet. If he did, Sasuke would have come to see you."

"Well, I kind of wanted to support him in secret Mikoto-san." Sakura suddenly felt ashamed of her plans. She felt that it was betraying Sasuke and realized instantly that all her actions up to now are wrong.

"Shouldn't you support him more openly Sakura-chan? I am sure Sasuke would love that." The Uchiha lady suggested in a gentle voice. " We both want him happy right?"

Sakura nodded in determination. They have both lost a lot of opportunities because they decided to follow their dreams. The problem was they never talked it out openly to make ends meet. The two of them could have made it work. It was stupid of her to think so lowly of him. "Mikoto-san, I want to listen to all of Sasuke's songs after I left."

The matriarch smiled with relief in her eyes. Finally after being afloat for so long, the stubborn duo will get somewhere. "A whole day will not be enough, but I will surely give you recommendations of what you need to hear."

"Yes, I would love that. Thank you so much Mikoto-san."