konnichiwa! hihihi hehe...guesh wa! here's the eight chappy n there's more good news! i was actually good this time and wrote more than i usually write! XD it was hardwork :sweatdrop: hehe i wrote it in a rush of unknown inspiration that kicked my procrastination habits all the way to some helpless priest of a japanese temple while i was on my quest to kidnap sasuke...buh dun worry! he ish well in the hospital. my procrastination habits weren't, um, that bad...XD now i must go do something random. ja ne!
Conflict?
Sasuke gathered the things thrown all about the room and left the room with everything in his arms. Sakura wondered why he didn't call a maid. He came back into the room after a few minutes with people in white coats following him. She watched them talk to Sasuke while he listened deep in thought. A red-haired lady in her early forties came over to her and checked her temperature and pulse while the others occupied themselves with other tasks that Sakura couldn't identify. Doctors..?
Sakura shivered as she felt like she was being watched. Her eyes rested on Sasuke and soon her suspicion was confirmed. Sasuke had been watching her out of his eye and looked away when he realized that Sakura had caught his gaze. Eh…?
The doctors left after they spoke to Sasuke briefly. He had only nodded in response. Sakura watched him timidly. His handsome face was troubled. His beautiful dark hair was a little tousled making him look even cuter. Blushing slightly, she turned to look out the window.
"Ano…who were all those people?" Sakura asked after a minute.
"My private physicians," Sasuke answered.
"Oh…" He has private doctors? Wow… "So…ano, am I alright?"
"You will be," he said matter-of-factly.
"Ano, don't you need to tend to the company…? Who's filling in for you since you're not there?" Sakura asked confused.
Sasuke looked out into the garden. He seemed to be watching the small birds at the little creek intently. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he turned to leave and simply said, "There are more important things in life."
He left the room and two maids stepped in. Sakura was aware that they were there to heed to her every need.
"Hajimashite, yoroshiku, Sakura-san," the maids said and bowed. One was probably in her fifties and the other in her thirties. The older maid seemed really sweet and friendly.
"Eh, hajimashite, yoroshiku," Sakura said and bowed her head slightly.
They smiled at her and she smiled sweetly back, but couldn't push the probing thoughts out of her head. She just stared at the door. His answer had taken her by surprise. What did he mean that there were more important things in life…? I mean like…his company is really important to him…I remember my first day on the job; he was so…evil and self-centered? It's kind of strange for him to be so laidback about it now…
Night approached and Sakura got bored from sleeping. She could still see the sun going down into the light purplish blue sky. Suddenly having an urge to get up, she sat up and looked for something else to wear other than the cute cotton pajama-like dress she had on. Welll…I wouldn't want to dirty this, now do I? That Sasuke just needs to buy the best of everything, doesn't he? This little cotton dress probably costs more than what I pay for regular clothes.
Sakura suddenly stopped to think if Sasuke had already had the dress in storage in the house or he specially bought if for…Ahhhh what am I thinking! Oh wait…that's right. I'm not thinking! Laughing like a silly little girl to herself, she continued on her quest for something to wear.
Scanning the room, she saw a beautiful soft pink kimono robe laid out on the dresser. Creeping gingerly to it, she put her hand on it and felt how soft it was. She hugged it like a teddy bear because it felt so nice. When she was just about to think of something related to 'him', she stopped the thoughts dead in their tracks and just wrapped her kimono tighter around her and stepped outside. The rush of cool air was refreshing. Looking around, she could tell that the garden was specially landscaped. It was absolutely breathtaking with beauty. That Sasuke really put in a fortune for this…That Sasuke must have more money than the Emperor himself.
Sakura suddenly laughed softly to herself when an image of Sasuke with the Emperor's robes on popped into her head. Then her laughing stopped when she realized the devastation and chaos that would occur if Sasuke really became the Emperor. Oiii….
Reverting her attention back to the garden, a huge grin appeared on the pink-haired girl's face. Lush greenery was everywhere. The whole garden snowed in soft pink. Fragrant scents hung on every branch of the garden. She looked back at the house and saw that it really wasn't a "house" at all. It was more like a gigantic mansion. The mansion probably took up more than several acres, not including all the facilities it would probably housed. She stood on tiptoes and peered around. She caught glimpse of a gigantic swimming pool complete with a refreshment bar and beautiful scenery. There were much more that she couldn't see. There also several guards she could see around the place that most definitely had guns…Maids and butlers were also stationed at every possible place of the mansion. She stood watching awed for a few minutes, but then shivered to think who would be unfortunate enough to be living with Sasuke. Oh wait…that's me rite now, isn't it?
Sakura turned back to look at the garden. She couldn't help thinking of how clever Sasuke was to have such an exquisite mansion and yet have a section of it completely traditional and beautiful. Realizing that her attention was once again diverted, she tried to focus on the garden. Tall sakura trees covered with sakura blossoms were scattered throughout the garden. Sakura smiled with delight when she found a slow trickling waterfall. She looked into the shallow crystal clear water. A pale-faced girl stared back. She splashed the water and her image soon disappeared.
Standing up, she decided to walk around the huge garden. Small colorful birds flew to and fro. She was showered with soft sakura petals slowing floating to the ground every step she took. Sakura lie on the soft grass under the trees. Tired, she fell asleep. Meanwhile, in the house, everyone was rushing about because they didn't know where she was.
Sasuke walked into her room and ran a hand through his dark hair. Dammit, it's a hell of a time for her to be playing hide and seek. Looking out into the garden, he realized that she might have gone out. He stepped outside and waited till his eyes adjusted to the dark. Walking among the sakura trees, he spotted Sakura on the grass in the pink kimono he got for her. His heart got caught in his throat as he feared the worst. He rushed over and shook her. He checked her pulse and finding it normal, he let her go slowly so that she wouldn't catch him holding her. Sakura opened her eyes slowly and looked around a little dazed. The sky had turned a pitch black and the moon was already high up in the sky glowing softly. Stars also filled the sky shining like diamonds. She looked at Sasuke, yawned softly and tried to get up. Finding herself a little weak, Sasuke helped her up.
"Were you out here the whole time?" he asked between pursed lips. He slipped his hands into his pockets and turned his back on her as he walked back to the looming mansion.
"Eh?" Sakura blinked. She didn't understand why he seemed mad. Following slowly behind him, she plopped back on the bed once inside the room and sat up in a flash when she saw that he was still in the room staring at her with an odd expression. "Ano…doushite no?"
"Heh, nothing," Sasuke simply said. Her dark-haired boss now stared at her with dark, unwavering eyes. She couldn't decipher the odd expression on his face. It was a mixture of anger and something else. It confused and terrified her. She didn't know what he might be angry with her now since she didn't do anything wrong. Sakura jumped when he suddenly spoke.
"Dinner's going to be late today. It's at nine." Then he left without another word. As soon as he left, the maids stepped in again.
"Sakura-san, come on now," one of the maids said. "You need to take a bath first."
"Hai," Sakura said cheerfully even though Sasuke lingered at the back of her head. She stepped into the bathroom and turned back embarrassed and confused when she saw that the maids had followed her in. "Eh…"
"Nani, Sakura-san?" they asked.
Apparently, they were going to help her take a bath…Sakura's face turned a deep red as she tried to explain that she could take a bath herself. When they finally left her alone, she blew a sigh of relief and sat down on the bathroom's carpeted floor. Wow…you don't need to do anything yourself in this house, eh, mansion.
Sakura emerged from the bathroom half an hour later refreshed and ready to "take on the world" or Sasuke for that matter. She suddenly stopped in her tracks when she realized she had no clean clothes with her. The maids only smiled and went to the closet in the room. They pulled it open and an impressive display of brand name clothes shone in front of her. It ranged from casual clothes to active wear to evening gowns. There were even several pairs of different shoes there for her. Sakura stood there for a couple of moments just dumbfounded. When she finally recovered, she shook her head and stepped shyly towards the clothes.
"A-Are those for me..?" she asked incredulous.
"Hai, Sakura-san," the maids smiled. "Sasuke-sama had a few young maids go out to specially buy these for you. He wanted to make sure they fitted your taste." The maids winked and laughed to themselves. Several more maids knocked and crowded into the room. They beamed at Sakura.
"Looks like Sasuke-sama likes you," they all teased her. "He usually just buries himself in his work and never notices any woman. No matter how beautiful or whatever she is. We were getting worried, but hey, he seems to have some sense left. We're SO glad that he's brought a girl home." Sakura found her face warming up. Once again, her cheeks nearly matched the color of her hair. The maids looked at her, and then asked, "Well what are you waiting for? The young master is probably waiting for you impatiently. I bet he'd be glad to see you in one of the dresses he bought for you. And yes, he bought the dresses himself. They were very expensive."
"Eh! He only brought me home here because I was really sick. There's nothing else. He's my boss. My, eh, caring boss…" Sakura covered her face in panic. "Besides, I can't accept all this…it isn't right! I just can't take this!"
"Don't be silly, Sakura-san!" they all said. "You'll break his heart if you don't!"
At that, Sakura's face burned up. "I'm going home!" She frantically tried to gather her things, but the maids overpowered her and forced her into a dress. They had picked out a slender black dress. It was simple and yet beautiful in its design. The strategically placed diamonds were well placed and complimented the dress beautifully. The dress glittered when she moved. Waterfalls of tears fell down Sakura's animated face as she thought of what horror she'd have to face at dinner with Sasuke. Oi.
The maids also made her sit there while they styled her hair into pretty waves and put on long, glittering earrings for her.
"You have to sweep him off his feet!" they all said as they all primped her up like a doll.
When they were done, they led her to the dining room at which she tried to escape several times. They had to walk through huge hallways filled with fancy lights and huge portraits of the Uchiha clan. The hallways seemed endless. The ceiling was tall and decorated with extravagant designs. All furnishing or decorating of the mansion was lavish and expensive. Sakura breathed deeply. Okay I'm alright…I'm alright…nothing wrong with this huge, intimidating, scary house…hehehe…
Treading carefully into the huge dinning room, Sakura was once again blown away. The huge room could have served at least fifty people. Yet, there was no one there except Sasuke at the table and the maids stationed there. Some were putting dishes on the table and the others waiting on him. The huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling was magnificent and beautiful. The crystals sparkled and shone with a glow. The room wasn't elaborately furnished, but still was simply gorgeous.
"Konbanwa," Sakura said softly. Does he live alone in this humongous mansion?
Sasuke responded by nodding without looking up. Sakura walked awkwardly up to the table and he looked up for something else, but his gaze stopped on Sakura. He put down his glass of champagne and coughed an awkward ahem. Picking up his glass of champagne again, he said, trying to sound like he was inattentive, "You look nice."
"Arigato," Sakura said softly. "Ano, you look nice too." Her cheeks were blushing fiercely while she played with her hands bashfully. She stood there awkwardly wondering where she should sit. When she realized that she was free to choose, she sat down across from Sasuke at the huge table. A maid brought her a glass of champagne, but Sakura didn't drink and preferred water so the maid went and got her a glass of water instead. They seemed to be just sitting there waiting for all the dishes to arrive when someone's familiar voice made Sakura nearly choke on her water.
"'Ellooo," Kano said playfully as he strode into the room with all the confidence of a kangaroo. (A/Nßeh why a kangaroo, you ask? I don't know…XD). Sakura choked back her water and coughed. Kano looked at Sakura, grinned widely and waltzed over to her. Taking her hand and kissing it, he flashed her one of his heart-melting smiles and said, "Sakura-chan, ogenki desu ka?"
"Eh, hai, eh, hehe, ano, konbanwa, Kano-sama," Sakura said trying to gain back what little composure she had.
"Yo, Sasuke-kun," Kano called to Sasuke.
"Konbanwa," Sasuke said carefully.
"Guess what!" Kano said cheerfully turning back to Sakura. "I got you somethinggg!" Kano had been hiding a teddy bear and a bouquet of red roses behind his back. Sakura touched the teddy bear. It had a red ribbon and it was made of the softest material. She smelled the roses and couldn't help but smile.
"Arigato, Kano-sama," Sakura smiled graciously and bowed.
Kano pouted a little and looked at Sakura with the most heart-melting smile. "What happened to Kano…kun?"
Sakura blushed and smiled shyly. "Eh…I guess it won't hurt for me to call you Kano…kun."
"That's right!" Kano grinned handsomely.
Sakura glanced quickly in Sasuke's direction and was met with the same odd, cryptic expression. He gave a small awkward ahem and Kano chuckled. "Sasuke-kunnn, I'm sooo jealous of you. You got to spend an entireee afternoon with Sakura-chan hereeee."
Sasuke just said 'heh'. He continued swirling his champagne in his glass. Sakura could see the hard line of his jaw. Is he…angry?
Kano went and plopped right down in the seat beside hers. Dinner started. First were the appetizers, and then the main course followed by dessert. The dinner was great. All throughout it, Sakura kept very quiet while Kano kept up lively, mostly one-sided chatter with Sasuke and always gave Sakura his full attention. Kano never failed in piling Sakura's plate with food as high as it could go. Sasuke would watch silently with his usual cold expression.
When dinner ended, Kano wiped his mouth elegantly and stood up. He bowed and thanked Sasuke for a great dinner. Sasuke only nodded back in return.
"Sakura-chan, I wish you a full recovery in Sasuke-kun's hospitality," Kano said with Sakura's hand in his. His usual charming smile was mesmerizing she couldn't help looking into his handsome brown eyes. He then kissed her hand and stood up. Sakura stood up timidly and also excused herself from the table. She said goodnight to the two young men and returned to her room.
They watched her tiny figure disappear. Sasuke, with a calm but slightly irritated expression, and Kano, with a calm and cheery expression, faced each other. There was a slight hint of tension in the air and the two old friends watched each other carefully. Kano was the first to break the tension. He laughed softly and spoke.
"Funny," he said, still smiling. "Are we after the same thing?"
Sasuke kept his eyes on the champagne he was swirling in his glass. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Well, if that's how you treat the case…" Kano said, the charming smile still on his face, but his demeanor serious. "I just want you to know, my good friend, Sasuke Uchiha, that I fully intend to make Sakura mine."
hihihi again! hehe did u like the ending? onegai shimasuuu, review XD
