I Don't Own Naruto.
Sorry for the late chapter update things have bene chaos. Be warned I think this is a rather slow chapter, but let me know your thoughts. Please Review I love reading feedback. Thanks and Enjoy!
Happy 12 Days until Christmas of those who celebrate it!
lenabui98 & Nixbloodlust I hope this chapter clarifies things
Sasuke sat up in bed playing with pink strands of silken hair. He had been playing with Sakura's hair for the last hour as he watched her enjoy much needed sleep.
Last night had stepped Sasuke and Sakura over the bridge from a fabricated relationship into a real one. Sasuke smiled at the thought.
No more fake smiles, from now on there would be legitimacy in everything they did.
Sakura stirred and felt a smile tease her features when new and old aches swam in her muscles.
"Good morning Ms. Smiley." Sasuke's deep rigid voice had Sakura's face warming with a blush.
"Morning to you too Sasuke." Sakura sat up as Sasuke kissed her forehead.
"How're you feeling?" Sasuke eyed Sakura carefully for any signs of pain.
"I'm fine Sasuke. Better than I've been in a very long time." Sakura giggled when Sasuke gave her a lazy smirk.
"I was talking about your head. You took a Vicodin yesterday and downed half a bottle of my best Chardonnay." Sasuke tucked a stray pink strand behind Sakura's ear.
"Like I said I'm fine. Besides I'm the doctor you know just in case you forgot, I know how drugs and alcohol work. Taking those meds in the morning were out of my system long before the Chardonnay."
Sakura pulled aside bed sheets and walked to the bathroom allowing Sasuke a refreshed visual of last night's activities.
Steam poured from the bathroom moments later giving Sasuke motivation to get out of bed and see what the doctor was up to.
Sakura lazily stirred her coffee while inside her nerves sat on end. Sasuke during their bathroom antics had told her of a little family get together. So, today Sakura was off to meet the infamous Uchiha family as a whole.
The thought alone had Sakura on edge.
All her years with a strong foundation and not having the jitters, yet meeting Sasuke's family threw that out the window in a heartbeat.
She was terrified.
Making an impression on Sasuke's family about a relationship that technically just started seemed like mission impossible.
Sasuke had chosen that moment to creep up behind Sakura and kiss her neck while holding her around the waist.
"What's wrong Dr. Haruno? Stage fright doesn't seem like a thing to bother you."
"You have the ability of a mind reader."
"No. Just very observant. When a woman stirs her coffee to the point she bends the spoon something is wrong." Sasuke released his hold and spun her stool around.
"People for the last month or so have seen us splashed on every bit of press release believing our story. Now that this is for real I just feel like we have to play catch up. Meeting your family Sasuke is huge, but they think this is been going on for a lot longer."
Sasuke shook his head and crossed his arms.
"On the contrary, they are very much informed on the real situation. My annoying ass brother made sure of that."
Sakura sighed loudly, "Oh thank a higher power. I was worried they'd freak or something."
"My mother will love you. My brother will be curious. My father will be, well, he'll be himself. He tends to have random mood swings."
"Family trait?"
"Ha. Ha. You're hilarious."
Sakura stood up on her tip toes to kiss Sasuke. Even in inch heels he continued to tower over her.
"Alright since we don't leave to see the family until a little later what do you want to do in the meantime Ms. Haruno? I have a few good ideas..." Sasuke looked into green eyes playfully with a lifted flirting eyebrow letting his sentence hang in the air.
"I'm sure you do, but we need to get some fresh air. How about we just hang around town? Maybe call some of your coworkers?"
Sasuke shook his head disapprovingly in an almost pouting way.
"I like having you all to myself today. The other Guardians at the moment are either enjoying time off or on some mission."
Sakura rolled her eyes and brushed past the Uchiha toward the door thinking a single word on the way.
'Men.'
Late morning sun did little to chase away the chill outside as light snow flurries danced in the cafe window.
Sakura shivered when the fireplace and her sweater lacked to give warmth, this winter was more cold than snow.
"You can keep your coat on if you're cold, no one will judge you." Sasuke spoke broadly as people milled around in the cafe.
"Press haven't been stalking your apartment lately you know." Sakura played with her hot coco absentmindedly
"Yea I know. They don't fend well in cold weather but they still are catching a few shots. Look two tables over."
Sakura looked over the mass of tables to see just what Sasuke said, an amateur paparazzi snapping shots with his phone.
Sakura bit her lip in thought and allowed herself to play a bold move. Reaching her hand out to grip Sasuke's shirt she pulled him across the table for a good kiss.
Sasuke pulled away after a moment to see Sakura turning red.
"Someone's getting bolder." Sasuke smirked when Sakura tried hiding her smile.
"If he followed us all the way here he earned the good shots."
"Hn."
Silence filled the space for some time as the couple just enjoyed being out.
The cafe had a high wooden ceiling and large open fire place making it feel like a comfortable cabin. Large windows allowed most light to be natural while small candle center pieces did the rest. Over all Sakura felt cozy in the busy little cafe.
Sasuke excused himself to pay the bill while Sakura continued to drink her cocoa and watched people struggle through the cold outside.
Green eyes lazily scanned over bundled up people rushing to get to warmth but paused when meeting a pair of familiar irises.
Outside the cafe stood a man she never intended to see again.
Black short cut hair was tousled by the gusty winds, while black empty eyes stared steadily back at horrified green.
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut hoping the man was her imagination.
"Something wrong?"
Sasuke's voice snapped Sakura from her fear as she exhaled heavily.
Looking at Sasuke she saw confusion and worry in his expression and began laughing it off.
"Oh yea. I'm fine. Something got into my eye." Sakura rubbed one eye in an attempt to make her story.
Frown lines marred Sasuke's forehead at her lie but let it slide.
Being helped into her coat Sakura scanned the window again only to find no one there.
Mentally berating herself Sakura shook the whole thing off, blaming it on exhaustion.
Saying a final thanks to the store owner the couple ventured back into the cold.
Crossing the street with hurried steps Sakura was grateful climbing into a preheated car.
"I love remote start cars." Sakura warmed her fingers against the car vents as Sasuke shifted into drive.
"You and me both."
"Is that why you sign on with high end cars, because of their fancy luxuries?" Sakura giggled at her question and only laughed harder when Sasuke's one eyebrow corked up.
"Yes actually. Plus these cars handle well."
"Aw my poor Sasuke."
Sasuke only shook his head in response and rolled his dark eyes while maneuvering the slick roads.
A few moments passed before the Bluetooth signaled an incoming call.
"Uchiha."
"My baby boy!"
Sasuke resisted the urge to 'Hn' at his endearing mother and instead remained silent.
"Sasuke? Hello? Fugaku did I dial the right number, because he's not-"
"Yes mother you dialed the right number." Sasuke's voice was gentle but Sakura bit back a giggle as he rubbed a hand against his face unshaven face.
"Well you should respond when your mother calls! It's not every day I call my little boy let alone see you. Itachi and you are always away now doing something, while I settle with your father's company." A gruff muffled voice was heard in the background as Sasuke's mother used her light soothing tone to calm someone.
Sasuke turned helpless dark eyes on humorous green and mouthed an apology to Sakura as his parents continued to talk on the other end.
Sakura smiled and gave Sasuke a chased kiss for support.
By now the voice of Sasuke's mother and father were loud as the two argued.
"Mother-"
"Hold on Sasuke. Oh Fugaku you know that's not what I meant."
"Mother-"
"I said hold on. Fugaku!"
"Mother!"
"What? Why are you yelling! I am your mother Sasuke Uchiha!"
"I had to get your attention."
"Get my attention? I was talking with your father and I had to get your attention earlier when you said nothing. Both my boys grew up so quiet, I could never get more than a few syllables..." Sasuke's mother continued to rant into the phone.
Sasuke threw his head back against the headrest in frustration and closed his eyes as he came to a red light.
Sakura gave a small smile before placing her hand over Sasuke's larger one.
As the light shifted to green Sakura kept her hand over his while he shifted the car.
Turning off the main road Sasuke's mother continued her list of complaints.
Itching to hit 'end call' Sasuke grit his teeth instead.
"Mother give me time."
Before his mother could utter another word he ended the call.
Sakura looked out her frosted window to watch the scenery change. Skyscrapers slowly shifted to one story businesses before changing completely into spread out homes. Sakura had never driven to the countryside of Konoha and excitedly took in its quant beauty.
Her small hand gripped harder onto Sasuke's as each second she got more excited.
Lazily driving along the route he knew by heart Sasuke only smiled at Sakura's childish wonder.
Towering trees covered in a dusting of snow lined either side of the small two lane road.
Hitting his turn signal moments later Sasuke let the car tires crunch over fresh snow and dead leaves with ease. Looking from the corner of his eye he smirked when he heard quiet 'OH's' and 'ahs.'
The private drive way pulled away from the main road before thick trees hide it from view. Climbing the hill, snow covered the vast acreage of land leading up to a lone house.
From far away the house seemed small almost like a shack but as the couple got closer the true features came into focus.
Winter sunshine reflected off a large bay window that took up the entire front of the home. The A frame two story log home was complimented by two towering pines on each house corner. A circular drive way lead to the large front door, while a frozen garden bed sat in the middle of the circle.
Placing the car in park Sasuke bit back a joke on Sakura's awed behavior and let her be.
Getting out of the driver side Sasuke made his way quickly to the passenger side to help Sakura maneuver the slick ice.
"I know staring is rude, but this house is incredible. You lived here?"
Sasuke simply nodded and clasped her hand and went to the large red wood doors.
Without even knocking a door swung open making Sakura jump.
"Wha-"
"Good evening Master Sasuke...and Mistress?" A butler with pulled back white hair and glasses dressed in a formal suit greeted the couple while eyeing an oblivious Sakura wearily.
Sasuke noticed the lingering stare and sent the man a threatening glare, "Kabuto. This is Sakura. Sakura Haruno."
Kabuto snapped his gazed to the floor immediately for fear of losing his job because he gawked at Sasuke's partner.
"Apologizes Sir. Everyone has been waiting in the study. Is there anything I can fetch for you?"
Sakura snapped from her sightseeing and finally caught up to the idea of a butler.
'I knew Sasuke's family was wealthy. Having a butler though that's like a whole different level.'
Not familiar with being waited on Sakura allowed Sasuke to take over, "I think two small glasses of white wine will be fine Kabuto."
Sasuke helped himself and Sakura from their coats as he spoke before Kabuto bowed and headed off.
Holding Sakura's small hand in his own Sasuke began a quick tour in an attempt to ward off the family meeting.
Inhaling heavily Sasuke opened the study door.
Books lined one wall while the opposing one was littered with artifacts and paintings. Over stuffed lounge furniture scattered the vast room while the fireplace on the back wall crackled lightly. Curtains drawn open allowed soft light to filter into the beige carpeted room.
Facing out a window Sakura took in a broad shouldered man with almost shoulder length black hair. The man wore simple dress pants, dress shoes, and a white button up.
Sitting lazily in a chair Sakura had to blink a few times before seeing an almost exact copy of Sasuke. Long jean clad legs crossed at the ankles lead up to familiar dark eyes and features. Sasuke's brother had long dark hair fastened into a ponytail that lie over his left hoodie clad shoulder.
Green eyes finally found final form in the room and Sakura felt her eyes grow in size.
Sasuke's mother stood a few feet away with her glossy raven hair falling freely down her back. A warm motherly smile touched her eyes and lips. The woman wore a simple blue blouse with a black skirt that show cased her toned legs. Sakura mentally shook from the idea of going outside in the cold with a skirt on.
"Welcome home baby!" Sasuke's mother spoke in a soft tone and walked over to her son hurried let before quickly kissing his cheek. Turing her warm dark eyes to mesmerized green Sasuke's mother hugged the awkwardly still female.
"You must be Sakura. I am so happy to finally meet the woman who snared my final baby. I was getting worried."
Sasuke coughed at his mother's comment earning a clipped laugh from the pinkette.
"Took you long enough little brother to get here. I almost feared I wasted my day off."
"Good to see you too Itachi." Sasuke's tone was borderline annoyance.
Itachi gracefully stood from his chair, "Oh I see you enough at work, I actually only cared to meet this one." Sakura held out her hand politely greeting the elder son.
Kabuto chose this moment to enter the room with four glasses of white wine and one of Scotch. Passing the drinks around the man left as quickly as he came in.
Sasuke allowed Itachi to pull him toward their father while talking over recent stock changes and paperwork that would demand signatures tomorrow.
Sakura barely noticed the separation as Sasuke's mother held her complete attention, while sitting down on a couch close to the fireplace.
"Where ever are my manners? As you have figured out I'm Sasuke's mother, Mikoto Uchiha."
Sakura sipped her wine before trusting her voice. "It's an honor to meet you Mrs. Uchiha. I must say you look beautiful today."
Mikoto waved off the words, "Mikoto is fine dear. And thank you. My sons thankfully didn't inherit all their father's traits."
Sakura laughed along with Mikoto as they continued to talk.
"Itachi tells me you are a doctor? That's a very impressive field, tell me how do you stomach some of those things?"
"I mostly work directly with patients, but I have done a fair share of operations. I've sadly taken...leave just recently. Lots of outside activities have been keeping me away. I looked forward to returning." Sakura gripped her wine flute harder as the lie left her lips.
"Kizashi has always been a controlling man. Worse so than my own husband, but that doesn't excuse his behavior. He is causing you obvious pain by keeping you away from your work. I can see it in you."
Sakura looked at Mikoto in confusion, "See what? And how did you know?"
Mikoto laughed lightly, "You're a natural healer for people, and I can just imagine how well you do in medicine. Itachi has always been the watchful older brother, and so he keeps tabs on Sasuke."
Sakura's mouth formed an 'O' in understanding.
"You remind me so much of your mother at this age." Mikoto eyes seemed to haze over with memories before she continued to explain, "Fugaku and I were placed in an arranged marriage at a young age but grew to love each other over time. When we went to college it was the first time I met your mom. We were roommate's freshman year, you look so much like her. Her looks and personality had Kizashi wrapped around her finger in no time. The four of us got extremely close but by the time senior year crept by Kizashi and your mother hardly talked to Fugaku and I. Unfortunately our friendship dwindled away quickly after graduation. I lost a good friend and when I saw the obituary it was like losing her all over again. I tried contacting Kizashi but by the time I found him Sasuke was working for him as your guard. I was shocked to say the least that you were their child but you hold so many traits of your mother Sakura." Mikoto's eyes glistened with unshed tears while Sakura took in the news.
A gruff voice turned Sakura's attention toward the men, "Kizashi always portrayed himself as a good man, but it's sad to have learned his actions were all an act."
"What do you mean?" Sakura's voice was guarded as her gaze slipped from Fugaku to a curious Sasuke.
"I did some of my own research when Sasuke decided to use blackmail toward my former colleague. When I found harassment charges order by your late mother I was disgraced. Kizashi has fallen greatly since I knew him."
Sakura's green eyes widened as did Sasuke's.
Itachi allowed a moment of silence to fill the air before interrupting. "I do love these family gatherings but I would like to head home. It's not often I open up personal time."
Itachi rolled his shoulders before serif his empty glass upon the fireplace and starred his farewells.
Sasuke pulled Sakura to his side as they watched the others.
"Sasuke, I thought when Itachi has a day off you take over the work load."
Sasuke nodded his head, "You're right. However his version of 'day off' is actually him only having one meeting today which allowed him to leave early. All the major paperwork and things are caught up so we both have time to ourselves today."
Sakura gave a small 'him' in understanding.
"We should actually get going as well Sakura, I got a text from Naruto earlier asking us to join him and Hinata to an early dinner."
Mikoto have a small sad smile but kissed her son and hugged Sakura none the less before they left.
"Oh, Mr. Uchiha your home is beautiful and thank you for allowing me to come over today." Sakura looked steadily into hard eyes before they softened with a smile.
"You are very welcome Sakura and working as long as I have pays off."
Sasuke rooked his eyes before ushering Sakura to the door.
Opening the passenger door Sakura quickly kissed Sasuke's stubble cheek. "By the way I forgot to mention this but the stubble look is throwing me off."
Sasuke smirked before muttering something about a shave and climbed into the car.
AN: Again sorry this was a slower chapter. This story came together at frist really well in my mind and now I feel like a lack being able to add the excitement to the actual story. Please Review. Next Chapter I plan to have more action and drama.