HELLO THERE :) - no you are not hallucinating, I didn't take a whole month to update, just twelve days :))
To make-up for all my prolonging and lack of SasuSaku action... I'm hoping this chapter delivered because it is my steamiest yet... FINGERS CROSSED!
WARNING: Sexual content ahead, viewers discretion advised. - MAN, Ive always wanted to do that haha.
Special thanks to all who followed/faved and of course to my amazing reviewers,
ILoveSxS,JakuraAngel,Guest,Xiaholica,Guest,Childofthecosmos,BookWormFT,JessiCeleste89,Jacward,guest,luvsasusaku.97,kitanalao,
Guest- Ah, thats the absolute worst :/ ...I hope your feeling better! But knowing the chapter update helped lighten your spirits really did the same for me :)
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Disclaimer- I do not own Naruto...
...Proceed with caution and enthusiasm, reader :)
Chapter Twenty: Delving Deeper.
You're the light, you're the night
You're the color of my blood
You're the cure, you're the pain
You're the only thing I wanna touch
Never knew that it could mean so much, so much
...So love me like you do ...Touch me like you do...
What are you waiting for?
"If you heard the truth, would you believe it? ...Even if it was dark, and grim?"
She nodded rigidly,"Who am I to shun truth?"
Something akin to praise crossed his features before he nodded,"I was out of the country for the company and so, my father had chosen Sasuke to lead the meeting with Akimaya Co. that fateful day. He was fourteen at the time and a lot was at stake, but Fugaku's regulations were to be followed, under all circumstances. All the leaders of our clan were present for the event, including Setsuna Kuranami - my fathers right hand... The meeting went well - better than they had hoped and there was much promise in Sasuke."
"But - I'm confused, didn't I attend the banquet in celebration of the partnership with Akimaya Co. last month? ...Are there two different Akimaya Co's?"
A sullen expression overcame Itachi,"No, there is only one, Sakura, you will understand in a moment... Fugaku Uchiha had the reputation to be a guzzler but he was not an alcoholic... That night, he remained late at the office with Setsuna and a few others in celebration of the joint venture. My father had his fill of liquor... And so did Sasuke."
Heart wrenching in dread and fear, Sakura's green eyes watched the man before her critically,"What happened Itachi..?"
The rosette pumped her legs harder, just as her heart jolted in the same severe manner it had when she sat with Itachi in her dorm hours earlier...
...When she had learned of everything.
Her whole body was numb - immersed in the brisk, icy air and she pressed on still... Not ready to stop just yet, not when her mind kept tracing back to his words...
"It was past midnight, and Setsuna poured another glass for a highly intoxicated Fugaku... Sasuke, having alcohol in his own system and being as young as he was, disproved of Setsuna overindulging an already tottering Fugaku... Setsuna was quick to verbally reprimand him, and remind him of his place. Sasuke's clouded system ensured that an argument would ensue, and it did... That is where the minor disturbance further magnified... Setsuna soon encouraged Fugaku, prompting him to take action and my proud and stern father blindly did so... He struck Sasuke, sputtering dissatisfaction and rebukes at his lack of manners and respect before leaving the building in furious haste... Unhindered, Sasuke quickly followed after him, insisting they call for the company chauffeur or that he drive but Fugaku was beyond hearing and reason with the poison running through his system..."
The tremors fluctuating through her body intensified when his eyes drew downcast, and hard.
"Sasuke dove into the moving car, and begged my father to stop, to pull over, even as Fugaku continued to curse him in anger..." He paused, and brought his dark gaze back to meet hers,"After midnight it was a fairly dead street, but he lost control regardless... Because he was already dead before the car went careening."
"W-what? I - I don't understand..."
He watched her closely,"He was poisoned Sakura... The car accident was the result of an unconscious driver."
"Who poisoned him... Setsuna?"
"Yes, I later found his real name to be Setsuna Uchiha - a wretched half-blood and merely a pawn... I've been gathering Intel on the actual man responsible for years, and am awaiting for the right moment for his ruin."
Sakura's brows dipped in anxiety,"Who is-"
"Do not concern yourself Sakura, that is my burden to bear."
She swallowed the log in her throat,"So then, Sasuke blames himself for what happened..?"
Itachi nodded,"When Sasuke regained consciousness at the hospital, he was distraught and unreachable... When he later became aware that Fugaku had been poisoned and Setsuna was responsible, he lost what control remained. Setsuna was in hiding and was planning to leave the country but my stealthily perceptive, little brother managed to find him somehow, and..."
A hanging moment passed at his pause and she was nearly hyperventilating.
"And - What, Itachi?"
Those piercing onyx irises regarded her with caution and wariness,"When I had gotten news, I took the next flight out but it wasn't soon enough... I found him in Setsuna's hotel, blood-battered and manic... Sasuke had nearly pummeled him to death."
Her legs buckled and she skidded to a stop, hunching over as vile rose up her throat. Emptying the orange juice she had downed for breakfast, Sakura stumbled a little ways down before collapsing on her knee's.
"Oh my God,"Hands flew up to her mouth as she choked back her tears.
"I was able to revive Setsuna, and had him dealt with legally... I concealed Sasuke's actions but all across the country, everyone spoke of Uchiha Fugaku's death and of the son who survived, but was unable to stop and save his intoxicated father from ramming into the pick-up truck."
"B-But, didn't they know he had been poisoned? There was nothing Sasuke could do-"
"There were several different stories published, some were half-truths but most were far-fetched lies. That, is media Sakura, it couldn't be helped. Akimaya Co. got wind of the events and reconsidered the partnership, cutting all relations with us... Six, long years later - we've rebuilt the empire, exceeding all expectations and doubts, and Akimaya Co. comes running back, appealing for a second chance... We've concurred, as long as they abide by our contract and rules."
Akimaya Co... That's why Sasuke was so distraught the night of the banquet... And maybe that's why he's been pulling back from her? His memories have resurfaced, his past pain triggered...
This was what Sasuke didn't want her to know..? This is what he feared would alter her perception of him?
So many things raced through her mind at the reveal as she began piecing things together...
His aloof and detached demeanor...
The fight on the football field - had they taunted him about this..? Was that why he quit?
The racing alley - his only source of complete control and bursting adrenaline that satisfied..?
'The dark secrets that encase the Uchiha family,' as her father had so bluntly put was misconstrued... Any secret Itachi kept in the dark was because of Sasuke, to ensure his brother was blameless.
"Tell me Sakura, have you ever been tormented by what you did not do?"
She solemnly nodded her head, watching him closely.
"My brother needed me, and I wasn't beside him..."He paused, his jaw straining strenuously,"He was alone those first three days, and that is where he fell apart... With time, healing, and effort, Sasuke's soul was eventually restored, but his spirit remained broken... I believed that had died in him, until you came along Sakura Haruno..."
Her heart thundered against her rib-cage.
"And now, as he struggles to put this last demon to sleep - he is evading me, even as I swore to myself to never leave him again..."
Silent tears streamed down her eyes as she watched his features contort into regret and self-hatred.
"I love Sasuke with all that I am, Sakura... That is why I've come here, to save you both from yourselves... Because he needs you, just as you need him."
A sob escaped her,"He's evading me too... I don't know how to reach him!"
He stood and leaned low, gripping her forearm,"No, he isn't evading, he is delaying..."
Delaying...
Renewed resolution took hold of her.
Pushing off the concrete with straining muscles, she walked with purpose.
Her green eyes immediately drawn to a charcoal figure in the distance. There, parked in a smaller lot Sakura had overlooked, was Sasuke's motor-cycle...
He's back on campus..?
She had never been to his dorm before... But, that would change soon.
After finishing the excruciatingly emotional run, bathing until the water turned cold, and asking around for Sasuke's precise building and dorm number, Sakura stood before the secluded building that looked more like a large condo.
Breathing deeply, she adjusted the white, cotton sleeves of the loose sweater curling up at her hips and tugged her black skinny jeans up before approaching the door.
Heart pounding like a drum, her fisted hand froze just before connecting with the door.
What would she say to him..?
What if he doesn't answer the door..?
Swallowing down the knot forming in her throat, she knocked - one, two, three times and waited.
...And waited.
Shifting on her feet, Sakura knocked again with a little more force, and gave it another minute.
No shuffling at the other end, and no evidence that he was actually in there.
A dejected sigh left her lips as she absentmindedly put her hand on the door-knob, mentally and physically awaiting it to be stiff and locked but instead found it turning, and her body nearly tumbling inside.
Righting her footing, Sakura stood frozen.
He left his door unlocked..?
Automatically taking in the tinted room before her, she stepped inside the warm room and away from the cold air behind.
Her green eyes widened at the spacious and luxurious dorm of a room..?
No, there were several rooms here... She stood in the living room, its dark furnishings and little decor made it appear sophisticated and clean. To the right was another room and far left, beside the kitchen was a small flight of spiraling stairs...
It really was a condo...
If the lack of color didn't scream Sasuke, she would have mistaken the dorm for the head-master's.
Sakura felt anxiety pool into her belly, urging her to leave... but her resolve of steel magnified.
She could do this.
Closing the door behind her, the rosette wouldn't leave until she was sure he wasn't here.
Opening the room to the right to find an empty, plain bedroom, she closed the door and approached the flight of stairs to the left.
One step rising after the other, she gripped the railing and proceeded up to what she knew to be the loft.
She would just check, and if he wasn't here, she would come back later when he was.
Stepping into the shadowed room, her eyes squinted, trying to adjust to the lack of light - the ebony carpet and bed-set not helping the cause.
An unlikely sound resounded and she stood stiff.
Shallow breathing instantly registered and her gaze flew towards the king sized-bed, at the center of the broad room.
Heart racing, and her own breath becoming shallow, Sakura advanced toward the bed with slow, silent steps.
She neared to find his pale, naked torso perspiring and shaking, his face - etched with pain and agony.
Sasuke...
He was having a nightmare.
Was he re-living that day..?
It wounded Sakura, piercing deep into her soul and she was reaching for him without another thought.
"Sasuke, wake up-" Words halting at the scorching skin beneath her hand, green eyes widened in understanding.
He was running an alarmingly high fever too.
Racing into the bathroom across the room, she grabbed a small bowl, filled it with cool water and grabbed a wash cloth.
Making her way back, the rosette twisted the drenched cloth until it wasn't dripping, hoisted herself onto the tall bed and crawled near his laid, restless form.
His chest was heaving too hard for the small breaths barely escaping his lips.
Sakura sat beside his body, leaning on the hand she placed on the other side of his torso, she bent closer.
With a gentle hand, she brought the cool cloth to his feverish forehead, and Sasuke immediately winced at the contrast against his hot skin, but his eyes remained creased shut.
She continued for sometime.
Dipping it back into the water, ringing it out and dabbing it all across his face...
Somewhere in-between, her hand moved of its own accord, brushing the black locks of hair that had fallen over his fraught, strained features.
Even twisted in pain, he remained painstakingly beautiful.
Sakura felt moisture running down her face, and wasn't able to catch the abrupt tears until they were spilling over her chin and onto his chest.
...Had she become so numb again, the sting of tears didn't alert her?
Mentally scolding herself, she brought the towel down to his toned bust and began to gingerly wipe the tears away.
The sudden, sharp rise of his chest had Sakura perplexed, though she remained engrossed, continuing to swipe the cold cloth up his pale collar bone and against his neck.
"Sakura..."
Jade, glossy eyes widened in surprise and traveled up to his face.
Entrapping, half-lidded - black eyes regarded her with disbelief and wariness.
He looked so exhausted and lost... and fragile, a sob erupted from Sakura's lips before her hands could cover her mouth.
Your making the situation worse, get it together girl! She mentally berated.
Sasuke's hand rose weakly, reaching until it connected with the hand covering her mouth.
His dark eyes widened fractionally at the contact, and his fuller hand covered hers completely - bringing it down from her face,"Another Dream..." He uttered hoarsely, before releasing his grip on her and slanting his eyes shut.
The fever had him confused, and possibly suffering from some hallucinations..? He had reality mixed up...
Sakura leaned low before him, cupping his face,"No, Sasuke... I'm here... I was worried, and I came - your door was unlocked and I thought I'd-" Her words remained unfinished as his hands suddenly shot out, grabbing her by the shoulders.
"Sas-" Sakura gasped as Sasuke jerked her forward - with a strength a feverish man should not possess, causing the rosette to twist onto her back beside him - and his body, hovering over her own.
She couldn't speak, she couldn't breathe.
He watched her peculiarly, as if astonished that she had yet to disappear.
Bewitching obsidian depths narrowed,"Why are you crying?" He intoned weakly, but his anger easily noted.
"I - You - Your running a high fever, you need a cold bath!"
Nice wording, She mentally head-thumped, feeling her anxiety intensify.
Sasuke dipped his head until he was a breath away, and after a weighted moment his blood-shot eyes sealed shut and temple pressed against her own.
"Why are you crying Sakura..?" He uttered in a low coaxing whisper, stroking her cheeks, and ridding them of their tears.
His tender voice and actions had her eyes glazing over all the more and she closed them, taking in a deep breath. Her next words would be irreversible, she would not be able to un-say them but that was alright... Because - they were imprinted on her bruised and battered heart... She recognized it - this feeling, this sensation that had her swaying on her feet and had long since wreaked havoc on her soul. There was no turning back now.
"Because... I've become so attached to you - it scares me to death... And when you hurt this bad and push me away, it breaks me to pieces..."She paused, her voice breaking,"I cry, because... I love you."
Sakura felt every muscle in his body stiffen.
No doubt, whatever explanation he had waited for, it had not been that.
The silence that followed was deafening.
Sakura opened her mouth to say something - but his body slackened at once - his full weight dropping and meshing against hers. Heart slamming against her rib-cage, she wondered if his fever had blacked him out.
After the shock wore off, her hands lifted, running up his back and with the intent to check his forehead again but the choked breath and words whispered against the column of her neck had the rosette's every movement ceasing.
"I killed him."
Swallowing the colossal of a lump in her throat, she shook her head,"No, you didn't."
He buried his face into her neck completely.
"If I hadn't run my mouth - he would have never gotten into that car to leave-"
Unable to remain silent, when she knew the truth, Sakura spoke her next words delicately,"Sasuke, he was poisoned... It didn't matter if he drove-"
"It did matter!" He snapped, gripping the sheets beside her head, he pushed up onto his hands and knee's glaring down at her bitingly,"When I angered him, the poison accelerated into his blood-stream and the gash on his head caused by the fucking accident had the venom pumping to his brain all at once!"
His words had Sakura feeling sick to her stomach and the internal unease must have come across on her face because he turned away, tumbling off the bed with trembling legs.
"Sasuke, stop this!" She cried, pulling out of the bed after him,"If Setsuna's poison hadn't killed your father then, he would have just tried again another time... Why are you taking it upon yourself - Setsuna did this!"
He swayed on his feet and his hands shot out against the wall to steady himself,"There wouldn't have been another time..." Sasuke's fist beat against the wall, but lacked enough force to do any real damage,"Setsuna didn't cover his tracks at all - we found the poison in his desk, and I immediately knew the dumb-fuck was following somebody else's orders... But even if it was planned, even if he wasn't the main offender,"He pressed both palms flat against the wall, and bowed his head low,"I wanted to kill him... Even now, I still dream of Setsuna's death by my red hands."
No...
She refused to believe that.
Sakura cautiously stepped closer so as to not startle his half-conscious state. She moved - until her chin was resting on the bicep out-stretched towards the wall, and wrapped her arms around his torso.
Watching all the unguarded, afflicted emotions reflect on his face, the seams around her heart stretched further and she spoke softly, consolingly,"You could have killed him, but you didn't... Because that's not who you are," His shoulders shuddered but no sound came from his lips,"That day, your father was proud of you - they were celebrating you... Deep down, you know that the alcohol and poison messed with his emotions, because he loved you..." Her hand reached up to cup his face, and draw it to meet her eyes,"I'm so, so sorry for all that happened... I cant even begin to imagine how you coped with something so crushing and unbearable,"She paused to catch her breath,"I know it took years, but you got past it then, and you will get past it now... So you have to let this go - you have a family that loves you dearly, and amazing friends that idolize and adore you... And me - who doesn't see you any differently - maybe with more respect and admiration than before..."
His shaking body eased up, and labored breaths slowed some, giving the rosette a form of relief.
She knew it wouldn't be that easy, he would never be able to let go... But, the life-changing tribulation made him who he is today... And she was certain, his fathers chest would swell with pride at the sight.
It wasn't until her tears dried that she barely heard him whisper,"I'm undeserving..."
Without warning, his frame slackened and Sakura yelped, holding onto him as she stumbled back. His face pressed into the column of her neck and Sakura began to panic.
His skin was still scorching...
Pulling his unstable body along, she lead him into the bath.
Whether he complied or she had to force him - he was going to soak in ice-water.
Hopping down the steps after feeling certain he would be alright alone, another important thought arose.
What did one eat when running a fever..?
Her mothers voice echoed in her head, giving instruction to what she had taught Sakura in the past.
Opening the fridge, she noted its contents with determined intent - except there wasn't much to work with... Aside from both drawers being full of ripe, red tomatoes(oddly enough) a carton of milk and some other condiments displayed on the shelves, there wasn't much food. Opening the freezer, her eyes were assaulted with a blinding-neon orange casing of - coconut flavored ice-cream... Her brows dipped in question at the out-of-place looking desert... Since Sasuke didn't fancy sweets much, it was probably Naruto's. And though it wasn't yogurt - ice-cream held some probiotics and more importantly, it was cold.
Incapable of resisting her favorite flavored ice-cream, Sakura put a little of the creamy goodness into a cup for herself and nibbled away as she began washing and cutting some fruit - packed with vitamins to go along with the ice-cream.
Rinsing out the opulent black-berries, she was reminded of Sasuke's dark eyes... Blood-shot, unclear and unfocused - the expression was ingrained into her mind.
A heavy sigh left her.
She'd much rather be the one hurting, than to witness him hurting... It was unnatural - to behold the intimidating, confident, and fearless Sasuke Uchiha so, so irreparably broken.
Feeling her emotions swell until they were throbbing within her, Sakura quickly disengaged from her thoughts and began setting both the fruits and ice-cream on a small tray before making her way back up the spiraling stairs.
Was twenty minutes enough time for him..?
Hesitantly approaching the half-closed door, she balanced the tray on her hip before cracking the door open a bit further to seek him out.
The bathroom door across the room was open and empty.
Her attention was then drawn to the bed to find the covers open, and Sasuke sitting back against the wall. He was fully clothed in his usual dark attire, leaning comfortably back against the wall with his arms loosely crossed across his chest, and eyes closed.
Was he asleep..?
The rosette could imagine how impossible sleep must have been the last few days - weeks even...
She pushed forward with soft steps, so as to not disturb him, and moved to set the tray down on the small desk beside the bed.
"When did Itachi visit you..?"
Seafoam-green eyes widened and body stood rigid... How was she supposed to respond to that?
From her peripheral vision, Sakura could see that his eyes were still closed, though his body language was taut and tense.
Inhaling deeply, she understood that the truth was the smartest way to go. Straddling the edge of the tall bed, the rosette pulled herself up and crawled over to sit beside him.
"Early this morning... He's been looking for you."
Stifling silence ensued and Sakura's prior light spirits dispersed.
He was obviously vexed and disconcert, but the reason why had her anger spiking.
"Does it matter if he told me..? Its been weeks since we've really talked, and even if I'd come here without Itachi's knowledge you still wouldn't have confided in me..."
His dark eyes fluttered open, shifting toward her,"You don't know what your talking about."
Sakura's eyes narrowed as something akin to offense and betrayal unleashed from deep within her being - consuming her,"Would you have, Sasuke?"
The only indication that he had even heard her was the strain of his jaw... He uttered no response, said nothing in his defense.
God, it hurt.
Fighting the pestering tears forming in her eyes, she turned away from him and reached for the bowl of fruit.
Setting it between them, Sakura cleared her throat, making sure it wasn't tight with emotion before she spoke,"You probably don't have much of an appetite, but they'll expedite your recovery..."
Again, no words.
They were soundless for sometime and the rosette began to feel foolish.
He clearly needed space, and she needed to leave. So, she would do precisely that.
"I'm gonna get going-"
Her announcement remained hanging, as she was abruptly gripped by the shoulder and dragged across the silk sheets, over to kneel between Sasuke's legs.
Gulping at the curious and unexpected actions of the unreadable Uchiha, her green eyes traveled up to meet his. The raven-haired boy was glaring down at her with a fierceness that sent prickles of goosebumps all across her skin.
"I told you to stay off campus after eleven."
Her jaw nearly dropped.
...That was it? That was all he had to say?
Pink brows dipped in disbelief,"I'll be within the gates... There's no reason for me to-"
"This isn't up for debate."
...The nerve of him!
Couldn't he just ask her to stay like a normal human being?
Why did he have to speak indirectly, and in analogies and - and!
Incredulity overcame her,"Your unbelievable!" She wrenched her arm out of his hold and barely moved an inch before she was thrust back, more forcefully. His scowl was downright petrifying but she was reaching her own limits.
"Stop dictating me around!"
She wrestled to free herself but he was relentless, and it took zero effort.
"There's no reason for me to stay!" She panted, shoving him hard and barely managing to sway his upper body. Growing frustrated, she began sputtering irrelevant indignation's,"I took care of myself long before you showed up! And clearly, I'm no longer wanted here anyway-!"
"Don't fuck with me Sakura!"
Reaching his limited time of patience, Sasuke easily tossed the rosette onto her back - locking her arms above her head. Looming over her, his knee's were bent on either side of Sakura's hips and chest was nearly grazing her own.
Her body tensed with the suppression of her swirling emotions and she fought back her betraying tears,"Let go."
"No."
"Let me go!"
Smoldering black eyes abandoned their anger and regarded her intently - remorse reflecting deep within its recesses,"I would've told you..."
Irrevocably, he was finally addressing the cause.
Heart palpitating, a whimper left Sakura's lips as tears over-lapped the rims of her eyes.
Even before they could travel down the dip of her temples, he was wiping them away.
"I swear, I would've..." He whispered, releasing his grip on her arms. The structure of his pale jaw strained further as he confessed,"Just not now - not when the self-loathing and hatred recurred," Sweeping her persistent tears away a second time, he closed his eyes, leaning his head against her own, and after a long stretch of her sniffles, he uttered bitterly "I've cut you open," gripping the sheets beside her head,"For that, I should let you run and never look back," Sasuke's strong hand slid up the dip of her exposed shoulder and caressed the elegant slope of her neck,"But I cant... and I wont," His hooded, black irises locked with hers and within a blink of an eye his lips were hovering over her own,"Because that day, at the Hyuuga residence - in the midst of your own chaos... I looked at you, and I saw myself."
That day at the Hyuuga's... When she cut her back open and was on the verge of falling apart all over again.
Sakura's body shuddered from the force of her cries - completely overwhelmed by his searing words. Her heart was breaking and mending at the same time... Because he saw it too - he felt it too... This undeniable, almost supernatural connection to the other.
Then his lips were pressing over her own in a gentle, sweet, closed-mouthed kiss.
Fluttering butterflies danced in the rosettes belly as hope and love pierced through her doubt and anxiety.
...Sasuke.
The disorienting haze was clearing.
His mouth was pressing over her own for the third time, and he was easing himself down on her, when the unexpected sweep of his tongue had her inhaling sharply.
How he had her tingling by such subtle gestures was beyond her.
She was nearly sobbing just moments ago.
When his lips parted from her, Sakura cracked her eyes open to find him watching her bizarrely. Something akin to confusion and curiosity etching his features.
Why was he looking at her like that..?
Opening her mouth to question him, she was immediately silenced - as her lips were recaptured and thrust further apart as he delved in greedily.
She gasped, her whole body prickling with unexpected electrical sparks...
Sakura had long since given into his effortless seduction.
The raven-haired boy ceased his unanticipated kiss too soon - slitting his dark gaze open to display amusement.
Goodness, the expression had her insides squirming and bunching together.
"Naruto's coconut flavored Ice-cream, Sakura..?"
Dumbfounded, the rosette felt her face flush hotly, and found it nearly impossible to speak...
"Um - I brought you s-some too..?"
The corner of his lip tilted upward, and he leaned low to nip at her lips,"I just had my fill."
She stopped breathing altogether and a devilish smirk crossed his features.
Before she could even react or form words, he was rolling off her body and laying onto his side, beside her. Completely bothered and fighting to keep her breathing steady, Sakura turned onto her own side to watch him in utter bafflement. His breathing was uncomprimised - and body at complete ease, as he popped a black-berry into his mouth.
How..? How the hell did he get her so riled up with a few short, but undeniably addictive kisses and remain unmoved himself?
It wasn't fair dammit!
But then again... If they continued to kiss, it would lead to other things, maybe that's why he stopped..?
But, she didn't want to stop... There was no better time, no better understanding, or trust in one another than now.
So, then... How would she approach this?
Hearing several crunches, Sakura blinked out of her thoughts and found Sasuke biting into a red, ripe strawberry. Consuming every bit until the stem remained, he tossed it into the small pile he had created on an empty plate, before reaching for another of the scarlet fruit. She watched in fascination, and lust... Shamefully envying the way his mouth encircled the fruit, and teeth dug into its flesh so delectably - so tantalizingly, she felt something jolt within her lower belly.
Who knew something as simple as watching him eat, could get such a reaction out of her?
Having felt her eyes on him for sometime, Sasuke drew the fruit back from his lips, and innocently offered her a bite.
This was it.
This was her opening.
Be sexy, be sexy, be sexy! The rosette inwardly chanted like a mantra.
Making sure to lock eyes with him, her ivory hand floated up to grip his offering hand, and brought it up to her lips. She held his eyes, as her plump lips separated and enveloped the fruit - biting into it sharply, making sure there was an emphasis on its crunching flesh. His features were inconceivably unreadable as he proceeded to finish the fruit and toss the stem into the plate.
Sakura internally deflated at his lack of reaction.
She needed to heat things up... To light the damn fire.
He popped another black-berry into his mouth and her green eyes followed the movement of his hands, waiting for the precise moment for her next course of action. Seemingly sensing what she wanted to do, the young Uchiha slowed his movements. Bringing the berry up to his mouth, he caught her eye and she immediately leaned in - successfully stealing the fruit from his lips.
Instead of finishing what she started, and kissing her to Venus and back - like Sakura had hoped, he nonchalantly shifted off his side, and onto his back.
Sasuke reached for another strawberry, and ate the fruit in such a carefree and unaffected manner Sakura lost all control and sense...
What was with him?
Beyond frustrated and losing all dignity and pride - she humiliated herself further. Pushing onto her knee's, Sakura threw her right leg over his body, and straddling him - glared fiercely.
The raven haired-boy folded one arm underneath his head and continued to eat the strawberry with the other while watching her - as if she was a science project ready to explode.
Why wasn't he taking action? She was practically throwing herself at him, it didn't make sense...
Maybe he was still feverish..?
Her hand was flying up to his fore-head even before the thought fully formed.
And, Sakura was caught off guard by the velvety laughter that followed.
Somehow, that angered her further,"You think this is funny?" Her eyes narrowed down at his laid form.
"Hysterical," he uttered, before his hand was reaching for the fruit bowl once more. Out of sheer impatience - and though she would never admit it - desperation, she snatched the bowl away and set it on the counter beside the bed before facing him again.
Exhaling a shaky breath, she would put it on the table...
She would be bold.
"You know what I want, Sasuke... Do you want me to beg?"
He was silent.
Watching her with scrutiny - weighing all her actions and words.
And the rosette - anticipating his unresponsiveness for silent consent, got onto her hands and knee's - and dipping her head, she gently pressed her lips to his a second time. He kissed her back at first but soon withdrew...
This damn fire kept flaring out.
Sitting back on his abdomen and feeling beyond foolish, her anger surfaced to hide the shame she was feeling,"Don't you want this..? Are you still not feeling well? God - What is it?!"
After a hanging moment, the air around them thickened at once.
He became unmasked - something so severely sinful glinting in his eyes, she forgot how to breath. Within an instant, he sat forward coming face-to face with her, his gaze shifting from her eyes, to her lips. Strong hands lazily traveled up the length of her thighs, until they came to rest on her hips. Bringing his lips to her ear, Sasuke's cool breath trickled the soft hairs at the nape of her neck and she nearly shuddered.
He nipped her ear-lobe, whispering,"Your not ready," just as his hands squeezed her hips, causing her frame to flinch back - almost proving his point.
Her ability to process information was prolonged by his utter sexiness...
And when they did process, she was affirmed that he did in fact know, that she was a virgin and clearly, didn't believe she was ready.
She swallowed down the buzzing emotions and unwaveringly met and kept his gaze,"I'm ready, there are no doubts... I want this."
"Prove it."
Okay, then - she would!
Hesitating for a split-second to come to terms with her thoughts, Sakura's hands were gripping the ends of the loose, cotton sweater adorning her. Bunching up its edges, she began lifting the soft fabric up, revealing the pale flesh of her abdomen and eventually the swell of her breasts, strapped by a lacy white bra. Throwing it over her shoulder - and allowing it to fall to the ground, Sakura's long rosy locks shifted to either side of her shoulders, almost curtaining her exposed front.
Facing him once more, her pulse thundered within her at the appreciative light in his eyes... Sasuke's hands released her hips and ghosted up Sakura's naked sides, relishing in the accentuated curve of her love-handles. Knowing what she had to do in order for him to believe she was ready, she closed her eyes as small hands reached back to unclasp the bra at her back. The lacy straps fell over her shoulders and the reality of her actions - only then - began to set in...
Was she really ready to bare herself completely..?
To be completely vulnerable with this man?
She felt the beginnings of unease and insecurity settle onto her tense shoulders until - a firm hand on her neck and abrupt pressure against her lips had her distracted for the moment.
Both of Sasuke's hands cupped her face, as the softness of his lips, and caress of his tongue became her central... Unhurried, and reassuring.
He didn't touch her anywhere else, but with the sensual rhythm of his mouth over her own - he might as well have.
Soon enough, the weight was lifting off her shoulders, and she began easing her bra down the remainder of her shoulders, and eventually off. Still - his hands remained locked around her jaw and neck, though the kiss was steadily becoming more needy - hungry... He kissed her senseless - only parting when the burn in their lungs became too strong... But Sakura was burning all over and he hadn't even touched her yet.
Wanting to feel his warmth, her hands were sliding under his shirt and caressing his toned abdomen. The thrill had her unconsciously tightening her thighs around his hips and Sasuke inhaled a sharp breath. Encouraged, she pressed the palm of her hand against his lean, warm body, and began sliding it up toward his chest, only to fall short. He suddenly snatched her wrists out from under his shirt, and crossed them behind her back - just as their lips tore apart.
Both heaving for breath, Sakura's darkened green eyes watched as the predatory spark in his own gaze consumed him. Before she could comprehend it, their positions were reversed. Feeling her naked back come into contact with the dark, silk sheets beneath her, Sakura fluttered her heavy eyes up to find Sasuke straddling her. His arms reaching over his shoulders, and gripping the collar of his shirt - he began bunching the material up and over his head.
Sakura's ragged breaths intensified as apprehension pooled into her belly. His lean, alabaster body above her nearly sent the rosette into cardiac arrest. From his wild blue-black locks falling over the bewitching features of his face - to the broad display of his muscular shoulders, over the taut outline of his abs down to the narrowing of the waist where dark sweat-pants hung loosely off his hips - revealing the jaw-dropping adonis-belt that appeared to be carved - it was so defined... He was undeniably and irreversibly perfect.
Was it possible to be so provocative and un-measurably beautiful - at the same time?
No, he couldn't be human... A dark angel - maybe, come to entice and ruin her forever.
Easing down on her, he held her close, searching her eyes deeply before sealing his mouth over her own.
(- - - - - - - - - -)
...Love scene is undergoing construction...
(- - - - - - - - -)
Sakura managed to find her voice enough to whisper the words engraved on her soul.
"I love you..."
There was no doubt in her mind - she knew he loved her, but she evaded the pull of sleep in some anticipation that he would possibly say it back...
Sadly, the rosette either fell asleep and missed it, or he had yet to confess.
One thing was for sure - she would get it out of him regardless...
...
..
.
*End Chapter.
Though it pains me, I'm gonna say there's may be two or three chapters left and this story will be complete...
Thank you lovelies, appreciate you all :)