"Chapter 9: It's Been so Long"
Sakura felt like a woman in labor due the anxiety she is feeling. Every inch of her body is nervous that her hands are shaking even if held together. The pinkette tried to breathe in and out to calm her palpitating heart. It is just Sasuke. Why is she worked up when the person to meet is only Sasuke? Her heart throbbed at the thought of the man. How much has changed? He is a full adult now. She recalled seeing him on TV calling out to her. The onyx eyed man is more dashing than ever. His aristocratic features and charming enigma is like a black hole sucking everything in place. He has come so far, it is surprising to know that a person like him is interested with a nobody like her. She shook her head to move the negative thoughts away. He called out to her, she has every right to see him eye to eye.
Mikoto eyed the beautiful woman sitting beside her. It was obvious she was nervous meeting Sasuke once again. The matriarch thought would it be good if they speak on the phone first before meeting? But her son has a prior engagement and talking too soon might change his mood. Knowing how dysfunctional these two are in communicating, it is not wise to do something prematurely. So it is better to keep at status quo and let the two deal with it when they are facing each other. Of course, it would not hurt to say an encouraging message or two. "Sakura, you might be feeling anxious but don't worry too much." The soothing voice of the Uchiha lady ringed into the medical student's ears. "Seeing you is something he had always desired. And if you wanted to see him, be sure to express your happiness."
Sakura nodded at the words spoken. Yes, she needs to assure Sasuke that this meeting is something both of them wanted. Where it will take them after is up for debate. But she knows deep within her that if things are to change, then she needs to do something now.
Sasuke sat on his designated seat and eyed the long que of fans. He tried to look less bored than usual, the media always found ways to make him look snobbish. It was true to some degree, but he does appreciate his followers. They are the reason he always wanted to make good music. The Uchiha was never the talker but he was a doer when it comes to music. As for the progress with the pinkette that is an entirely different story.
Based on how the que is going, late lunch cannot be avoided. Will she be waiting inside the room Kakashi prepared? Or will the lady surprise him by being the last person in the line? The artist lowered his head to hide his smirk. Is he really excited about this? He had been waiting for so long so maybe he is. What would she be wearing? Given that her mother help choose the dress, it will be stylish but not too revealing. He is not the type to like clothes that show too much skin. Unless they are alone it is a different story. The thought surprised Sasuke and a blush crept her cheeks. The occurrence made a fan squeal thinking the rock star was blushing because of her. Sasuke's eyebrows furrowed and his lips let out a hiss of discontent. It brought the excitement of the admirer down. The celebrity began to rush his time per supporter. The sooner he finishes the better.
Sakura arrived at the venue together with Mikoto. The two women were welcomed with Kakashi. The masked man ushered them to the private room set up for lunch. The area was very simple, something Sasuke would approved. There is only an elegant arranged table with a French theme. There are no musicians but the mellow songs of Sasuke was being played in the background. His voice has always been deep and beautiful. How lovely if she can hear it live.
The pinkette settled on the table and Mikoto sat across her. The elder lady smiled and spoke. "Don't be nervous, just talk to him like the old times." The younger nodded while biting her lip. "Tell him anything, he would be happy to see and hear your voice."
What would she tell Sasuke? Will he be interested in her medical feats? That is something she has been doing anyway. "I am sure he will be interested in your future plans." The matriarch spoke. "He might be a busy man. But if has an idea of what you want to do, he might reconsider his priorities." Sakura furrowed her eyebrows. Can Sasuke make adjustments for her? He barely made any move to see her in London. What will change now?
The matriarch noticed the skepticism in the girl's features. "He might have been a bit careless in the past. But now I am sure he will be different." The elegant and mature woman reassured. "I just ask of you to listen to him carefully. He is clumsy with words but means well." Sakura showed a meek smile. "Sakura dear, the Uchiha men love deeply. Distance or time will not be a reason for them to love the person they chose less."
Sakura blushed at Mikoto's words. Is she implying that Sasuke has special feelings for her? They are close friends but more than that? Suddenly a familiar high school memory flashed through her head. On top of the roof he called her and presented his second button. Was he really being earnest back then? Did she reject him unintentionally? Come to think of if she knew, would his confession be accepted? Sakura felt her heart contract and suddenly felt dizzy. "No sense in thinking about the past Sakura dear." Mikoto consoled. "What matters is the present. So make it right this time." The pinkette exhaled and to pacify herself. It is true, the best way to go now is to do it correctly this time around."
Sasuke took a deep breathe. That was the last of the fan in line. Sakura was not in sight, so it means she is in the room Kakashi prepared. He stood up and did some stretching. He had been sitting hours and need to flex his muscles. The rock star descended the makeshift stage for the signing and saw his assistant observing him. "Would you like to change your clothes? Or are you okay with how you look now?" The celebrity raised an eyebrow. He was never the type to be conscious of his clothes. Yes it is Sakura, but she never minded how he looked anyway. He grunted and signal the masked man to lead him to the room. He could see smile behind that mask. The old geezer can laugh all he wants. He is not the priority right now.
In a few seconds they are in front of the door where Mikoto and Sakura is staying. Sasuke polite knocked on the door. Face stoic but internally his stomach is doing somersaults. The time has come he is going to finally see her. A gentle voice answered come in. It was his mother's. She probably kept the younger calm and ensured the pinkette will not chicken out. Sasuke reached for the knob but suddenly froze. What is he going to say to her? Or should he let her speak first? He was never the talker anyway. "Sasuke, aren't you going in?" Kakashi spoke in a teasing voice. Shrugging his shoulders, letting his take over, the handsome Uchiha heir turned the knob and pushed open the door.
Sakura's heart skipped as she heard the knock on the door. Sasuke is just on the opposite side. Mikoto smiled and looked at the pinkette. Her stare is telling the younger it is time. The young woman inhaled deeply to calm her breath. As she seemed pacified the elder lady stood up, taking it as her que to leave. The two youths would need a lot of alone time. There is so much to catch up on. Mikoto was by the door when it creaked open. As the light from the opposite side peaked, the medical aspirant's heartbeat became erratic. The man she had been longing to see is behind the door.
"Sasuke, you must be tired." Mikoto's motherly voice somewhat brought calm into the room. The Sasuke Uchiha was towering over the matriarch by a foot. From afar, his black hair is fashionably unruly and healthy. The way he stands has not yet changed, his stance is proud and can put professional models to shame. "Have fun dear okay? Don't forget to smile." The mature lady teased the rock star. Sakura could imagine him grunting at Mikoto's comment. The pinkette looked away, feeling that she is not worthy to look at him in the eye. "Sakura, I will be on my way." The black haired beauty announced in a knowing voice. "The two of you take your time. Take it as long as you like." The elder advised and walked passed her son with a smirk on her face.
Sasuke could feel his body heat up in anticipation. Even with his mother blocking the view, he will never miss that mess of pink hair. It is really her, she is finally here. And for some strange reason, his sense heightened and he could smell her perfume. He walked forward to where she was sitting after gently closing the door. The girl was at the other direction. Was she not happy to see him? Or is she just being shy? The Uchiha shrugged and straightened up his back. He sould be proud of who he is and what he has become. Maybe now, he had enough credentials to show her how much he improved as a person. He slowly walked towards the seat his mother vacated. Time moved slowly as he approached the table. It was one of the longest strides he ever did in his life.
Sakura felt his presence as the door shut. Sasuke had always had a strong aura, it was hard to miss. What is she going to tell him? The Uchiha was never the talker, so unless they want to sit there all afternoon before the concert starts, she should say something first. But what should she say? I am sorry? How are you? I am proud of you? You are awesome? Sasuke was never the type to show appreciation in anything. It was hard to know what makes him tick. But for today, the pinkette was determined to show him that she is more determined now to make him open up. She felt him pull out the chair and sit across her. Was he nervous too? She could hear how deeply he is breathing. Or is he just tired? With determination she pushed herself to speak.
"Sasuke"
"Sakura"
Both said in unison and the action lead the lady's head to turn towards the man. Emerald met onyx, one was shimmering in nervousness and the other piercing with longing. He was still as handsome as always, the woman thought. He was like a deity that came to the world to lead and captivate it. The man on the other had was stunned at the goddess in front of him. She was lovelier than he anticipated. Part of him was glad that despite her workaholic self, it seemed the pinkette managed to maintain her health. The man in Sasuke wanted to topple the table separating them. He wants to hold her in his arms and inhale her scent. It has been so long, how could he have endured this long?
Sakura saw the desire in his eyes. The man across her is in turmoil. She is no stranger to these looks, as many have glanced at her that way. However, those past occurrences made her feel disgusted. She did not want not be desired by those strangers. But with Sasuke, looking at her that way, she felt the urge to jump into his arms. It has been so long. The wait was driving her crazy and now he is here.
"Thank you for coming." The man managed to say trying to keep his voice calm. Sakura understood what he meant. Part of her became happy because she almost missed this chance. She is not expecting him to say more but lo and behold, the Uchiha managed to say another phrase. "You look beautiful."
The comment made her cheeks flushed as her hair. She has heard this compliment many times from different people. But coming from Sasuke, it was another level. It was like the seal of approval among all certifications. The words made her speechless as the pinkette continued to stare at the good looking man across her.
The absence of reaction made Sasuke waver. Was she not happy to see him? Is he the only one excited for this meeting? Has she moved on and made future plans without him? The thoughts made his heart ache. Sasuke's body began to shiver as the frustration is creeping up inside him. However, he tried to take a deep breath. Why was he being worked up when there is no exchange words yet. He waited and prepared for so long so he could not miss this chance.
The pinkette began to feel the Uchiha's irritation. But he was trying to be patient. Wanting to pacify him, the woman held out her hand and reached for the celebrity's hand. The contact of their skin ignited a fire within them. Sakura bravely tightened her hold. She managed keep eye contact and smiled meekly. Her eyes shimmered as jade orbs looked directly at the rock star. "Sorry to keep you waiting Sasuke." The girl managed to utter apologetically.
The onyx eye man with equal vigor held her hand back. With the sexiest voice that ever landed on her ears, the pinkette was stunned with his retort.
"I will never grow tired waiting for you, Sakura."
