CHAPTER 23 COVER
Sakura is sleeping on a bed with a black blanket laid on her. Sitting opposite her is Sasuke leaning against the bedpost sleeping while Sachi is on his lap asleep as well. The door is ajar and you could see the figure of Makoto looking at them from outside.
WANTED: A PINK HAIRED WIFE
Summary: Sakura gaped as she looked at the sign before doing a double take. Yup, she wasn't dreaming. There, on the sign in front of the mansion, was stating that Uchiha Sasuke needed a wife. And it was her lucky day she became the hired wife.
Disclaimer: YOU CAN'T MAKE ME SAY IT!
CHAPTER 23
She felt her breath hitch at her throat as she stilled, an intense heat filling the room suddenly. She didn't even dare to blink an eye. She just stood there.
But as he uttered those words like he did a year ago.
She felt that shield she tried to build the past year crumble.
"Don't leave me alone…"
And she stayed still as a single teardrop rolled down her cheek when his lips descended upon hers.
-x-
She froze, not knowing what to do exactly. She didn't know if she should push him away or kiss him back. She didn't know if it was right or wrong. She wondered if he had some alcohol in his body too, for him to be doing something like this… "Sasuke…" she murmured. He pulled away a couple centimeters, letting her speak. She looked up at him with her half lidded eyes, she blinked slowly.
"This is wrong… you have Makoto… and she makes you happier than I ever will. Please don't do something you will regret…" she whispered to him, feeling tears at the corners of her eyes. She turned away, her face to the side as he looked at her. "I'm not the person you should be with. Makoto could make you happy… she truly loves you."
It was silent for a moment before he spoke up. "And you...?"
His question took her in surprise as she turned to look at him, her eyes completely open and widened. She didn't reply to his question. She simply looked at him with sadness in her eyes. She closed them, unable to look into those dark pools any longer. He leaned in towards her, letting his lips tease hers, millimeters away. "Sasuke please…" she whispered softly, letting the tears rolled down her cheeks.
A gentle thumb rubbed the tears away as he leaned in closer, his lips gently upon hers. "Just tell me…that you won't leave me alone…" he whispered. He softly nipped her bottom lip before leaning in closer, pushing her against the door. He deepened the kiss, finally kissing her for real. She didn't reply to his comment but just kissed him back.
That was enough for him. He wrapped one arm tightly around her waist, pushing her towards him. Her own arms lay limply at her sides, unwilling to move. His other arm wrapped around her shoulders, unwilling to let her pull away. The kiss spoke of his frustration, the things that he went through the years she left him. Her kiss spoke of how she missed him… of how…
They might never be together again…
She sat on the couch with him lying on it with his head laid on her lap. He was wide awake though… she ran her fingers softly through his deep dark hair. She giggled softly, remembering how it resembled a chicken's behind so much. She frowned when she thought of his words earlier. Don't leave me alone… and you? Just tell me… that you won't leave me.
She couldn't reply to any of those questions. She pondered, if he would be better off with or without her.
"Do you… love me?"
His voice broke her from her thoughts once more as she looked at him with those beautiful jade green eyes of hers. She remained quiet for a couple of minutes before letting her voice escape through her mouth. "Sasuke-kun… I… I…" he looked up at her, expectant for her answer. She turned the other way, sniffing as she blinked back some tears that threatened to escape.
"Even if I love you… even if there's a possi-… possibility that I may be deep in love with you. Deep, deep, deep… love. But I know that- we both… we both know, that… there is no way we could ever be together again, Sasuke-kun…" Sakura breathed as she let out a deep breath she'd been holding since he asked her the question.
He sat up from her lap, placing a soft hand on her cheek. He looked at her through half lidded onyx eyes, "If you are in deep love with me… I promise you I will do whatever it takes to be with you… Sakura… I… I-!" he was cut off when she placed a slightly trembling finger onto his lips, silencing him.
She let two trails of tears roll down her cheeks before she wiped them away with her other hand. She closed her eyes as she leaned her head onto his chest. "Sasuke-kun… please don't say those words. Those three words. Those words weren't meant for me," she said, her voice slightly muffled as she pressed her face against his chest.
His own voice was starting to get slightly raspy as he replied, "If they weren't meant for you… then who was it meant for?" he knew the answer. Her answer. There was only one person that might fit into the description.
She smiled up sadly at him as she let her own hand caress his cheek; she rubbed a thumb over his eyelid softly as she planted a kiss on his forehead. "You know exactly who. She deserves those words more than I ever will. She loves you and she's not afraid to tell you that she does. She was here for you when I wasn't, and I owe her that much. I owe her… your love."
He groaned as he pressed his forehead against her own. They both opened their eyes to look at each other. Sasuke shook his head slightly as he wiped away some tears rolling down her cheeks. "We can't be together…" he repeated in a mere whisper. She sobbed quietly as she nodded. He nodded at her, "…right…" he murmured.
But as he closed his eyes, he felt something roll down his own cheeks. Something he was deathly against. Tears. Sakura smiled softly as she wiped away his own tears. "Don't cry… it'll be okay…Sasuke-kun…" she whispered to him softly, settling her lips onto his. He wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her closer to him, deepening their kiss.
If there was one person that could make him cry… it would be her. It hurt him to know that she wasn't going to be by his side.
And it hurt her to know that she had questioned herself many times before.
Why did I end up falling for you?
"So we're going shopping again today, and you want to come? Only me, Hinata-chan, and Tenten-chan are going though, Temari said she was busy today," Sakura smiled as she heard Ino's voice through the phone. "Besides, you sound a little beat up, is something right Forehead? You're not like yourself, and Tenten's not at the hotel with you."
Sakura sighed as she leaned against the wall, sitting down with her knees brought up to her chest. "I'm fine Ino-pig… and I don't think I'm going shopping either. I think I need some rest today, is that ok? If you want me to go, I'll go though," she said as she reached up to grab the cup of coffee from the counter table.
She sipped it carefully before placing it back onto the table. "Sakura…daijoubu?"
Sakura rolled her eyes, leave it to Ino to be nosy. "Aa…I'm fine. Oh, I'm going to take a shower right now, you can come over to my house for a sleepover later ok?"
"Huh, oh no. There's something different going on tonight and you're definitely coming! We're going to dinner at this fancy restaurant; Naruto says Sasuke's going to do something REALLY awesome! You're coming whether you like it or not Sakura!" Ino's voice was demanding and not open for any protests.
Sakura sighed, nodding to herself. "Alright…what is it? Formal or like… casual? And where?" Sakura asked as she looked up at the clock.
12:09
"Just casual I guess, he said wear whatever you want, it doesn't matter. And we don't know yet, but I'll pick you up at 6 so be ready by then!" Ino's voice was chirpier than before; glad to hear no protests (she wouldn't accept any anyways.)
"Hai…" Sakura murmured quietly as she let out a deep breath inwardly.
"OK, see you later than Sakura!"
Sakura looked up as she put the phone in her purse. She sighed letting out another shaky long breath.
She was dressed in a form hugging dark denim short sleeved wide v-neck dress with three large buttons at the top and a small red belt secured around her waist. On top was an unbuttoned matching denim vest and around her neck and trailing down the front of her body was a silky indigo colored light scarf wrapped around her neck once. She had on stunning red pumps and her hair was in soft waves.
There was a light indigo colored eye shadow applied to her eyelids and a pale rosy pink lipstick that made her lips look soft and pouty. Sakura sighed as she looked in the mirror, making sure she looked alright. After making sure it was ok, she grabbed her navy blue handbag and escaped through the hotel door.
She locked the door and turned to walk down the corridor of the floor quietly, making as less noise as she could.
"SAKURA!!"
Well so much for that. Sakura looked up in surprise to see Tenten grinning at her. She blinked in surprise, looking at Tenten with a newfound curiosity. "You seem… happy, Tenten…what's up?" Sakura tried to smile the best she could, even if she wasn't happy for herself, she could be happy for her friend, right?
Tenten took a deep breath in before beaming at Sakura. "Neji-kun's asked me to be his girlfriend!"
Sakura's eyes lit up, truly happy for her friend. "Really? That's awesome," Sakura smiled brightly, making it seem as real as she could muster.
Tenten nodded repeatedly before looking at Sakura worriedly, "Ne, if it's so awesome, how come you sound so dull? In fact, your usual bright complexion seems a bit…down today." Tenten noted as she laid a soft hand on Sakura's shoulder.
Sakura looked at her, trying to find an excuse. "Iie… just a bit tired I guess, I didn't get much sleep last night at um… Sasuke's place."
Tenten giggled, looking at Sakura with a hint, "My, my, that sounds a bit suggestive my dear girl!" Tenten laughed as she saw Sakura's surprised expression. Sakura widened her eyes, realizing how suggestive it really did sound. "Now, was it because of the alcohol darling…or…" Tenten raised her eyebrows up and down, "Was he… a bit… rough?"
Sakura squeaked, turning bright red before slamming a hand softly on the brunette's head. "You PERVERT TEN-CHAN!" Sakura cried out. "Wait till I tell your boyfriend what kind of girlfriend he has," Sakura smirked triumphantly, seeing Tenten's horrified expression.
"N-No!!"
"Oh yes!"
"You wouldn't dare!"
"I would SO dare!"
"Oh yeah?"
"Hell yeah!"
"Well… I won't tease you anymore if you don't tell him," Tenten pouted, obviously defiant to accept the fact she lost in their little argument.
Sakura giggled before nodding, "Alright, if you say so!"
…
"I might just…have crossed my fingers…"
"OH NEJI-KUN!!"
"NO!! STOP!!"
"Haha…"
"Sakura-chan,"
Sakura looked up in surprise only to widen her eyes slightly when she saw Naruto's bright cerulean blue eyes gazing into her own jade ones. She paused before smiling softly at him, "Naruto…" she replied. She looked at Tenten only to find the brunette had long escaped the crime scene. Sakura inwardly rolled her eyes, just like her to go running off when I need her…
"I didn't really talk to you that much since you came back," Naruto started off as he leaned against the wall of the restaurant. Sakura stayed quiet as she nodded her head. Naruto looked at her to see her staring at the ground, "So… how was life in America? Must have been pretty exciting huh? At least, I've heard that from Tenten," Naruto grinned sheepishly.
Sakura found the courage to look up at him and smile brightly in turn, "It was alright, I missed you guys though. But Tenten and I made some friends over there especially with our boss, he's a charmer," Sakura giggled as she looked at him, trying not to look in his cerulean blue eyes. She looked up into them accidentally when she felt his hand brush against her cheek softly.
She parted her lips, unable to let words slip out. He smiled softly at her; she felt tears brimming in her eyes as she took in the way he looked so… loving. "Sakura-chan… I… I wanted to say… that before you left, I-!"
"N-Naruto-kun!"
Naruto pulled his hand away from Sakura hurriedly when a third voice reached their ears. Sakura immediately recognized who it was and sent him a small smile before turning to walk away. Naruto sighed as he looked at her retreating back; he looked over to the left though to see Hinata. Hinata stared at him for a while before walking to him silently.
"Hinata-chan, what's up?" Naruto said casually as he sent a boyish grin her way. She blushed slightly and sent him a small shy smile.
"Um…about last night, I'm s-sorry I got d-drunk and made y-you carry m-me h-home… I wanted to say um… thank you… and about what I said last night in the club when I was…drunk. Um… I was drunk, I'm sorry…" Hinata murmured the last part, her eyes clouding over… it was no lie… "So um… I guess… thank you."
Naruto looked at her for a bit before letting out a sigh, focusing his gaze on the darkening sky above. "No problem I'll always be there for you… well uh, I guess I'll see you inside, Hinata-chan!" Naruto grinned at her one last time before turning to walk inside the restaurant.
Hinata stared at the ground for a while before turning to look back up at the doors of the restaurant.
Sakura-chan…
Sakura stared at the glass of wine in her hand. It looked so delicate… she inwardly let out a sigh as she looked up cheerfully at everyone sitting at the table, listening in their current conversation once more. Ino was beside her with Temari on her other side, Hinata sat on Ino's right while Tenten sat beside Temari next to Neji. Sasuke sat at the opposite side of the table with Makoto and Naruto on each side of him.
Sakura's gaze fogged over as she saw Makoto smiling gently at Sasuke while he conversed with Shikamaru about something relating to his current album or so. Then…
Onyx met jade.
She hastily turned away quickly seconds after their gazes clashed. Makoto didn't seem to have noticed the small interaction for she was talking to Sai softly about something. Sakura looked over to Ino and let out a smile when the blonde was addressing her. "So Sakura, anything exciting happen today?"
She could practically feel Sasuke's gaze on her.
Sakura raised an eyebrow at Ino, "Exciting? Well since when did you become so caring Ino-pig!" Naruto looked over at Sakura as a small smile lit on his face. Ino twitched as she threw herself in another argument with the pink haired girl.
"I've always been caring Forehead!"
"…Huh? What? I'm sorry, I accidentally thought I saw Pinocchio or something, but it was just you… and your lies!"
"Why you!! Forehead!!"
"What? Cat—oops, I mean—pig got your tongue, Ino-pig?"
"HARUNO SA-!"
"Ahem." Sasuke looked at the two ladies amusedly. "If you could both be quiet," Sakura looked at him and flinched. Ino simply glared at the Uchiha. Sasuke rolled his eyes. "There was a reason I held this sudden dinner… and this is the reason…" Sasuke said. He stood up, and looked at the whole table.
Sakura felt her mouth run dry when she saw him arrive in front of Makoto, Makoto looked at him in surprise.
Sakura felt her breath hitch in her throat, knowing exactly what he was going to do. She didn't have tears brimming at her eyes. She didn't feel her heart stop. She didn't feel her life feel as if it was going to crash and burn right then and there. She didn't feel like she was going to die from this. She didn't feel as if her wings were going to fall and rip apart…
Because… she knew that… there were no more tears left to fall. There was no more surprise because her heart had already taken the biggest stabs. Her life didn't need to crash and burn right there; it already did… a year ago. She didn't feel like dying… because she was already dead inside. She didn't feel as if her wings were going to fall and rip apart… because she didn't have wings.
Wings were for the people that would give up their life for their loved one.
Not for ones that ran away in their beloved's time of need.
This is just...
He knelt down on one knee in front of Makoto. The girls all around the table gasped loudly. Makoto widened her eyes, feeling a smile about to take place upon her face.
What they had to do… what they…
He smirked at Makoto adoringly, as he reached in his pocket for something…
Were meant for. And not meant to be. This was just…
He trailed his hand out… clutching a red heart shaped velvet box… he looked up at Makoto…
Another thing that pinpointed where they were to go. Because…
He popped open the lid, revealing a beautiful simple gold banded ring with a single heart shaped diamond on it… Makoto's eyes were brimming with tears now.
They could never be together.
"Marry me."
And they never will.
Kanashimi no mukou kishi ni
(On the opposite coast of sadness)
Hohoemi ga aru toiu yo
(is something called a smile)
Kanashimi no mukou kishi ni
(On the opposite coast of sadness)
Hohoemi ga aru to iu yo
(is something called a smile)
Tadori tsuku sono saki ni wa
(But before we can go there,)
Nani ga bokura wo matteru?
(is there something we're waiting for?)
"I…"
Before they could find their own happiness… they had to wait… wait for something… to happen… once more…
"…love you."
…Makoto…
:.To be Continued.:
Credits:
Ending song—'Only Human' by K
Lyrics thanks to The Cherry-Blossom Garden
Notes:
THIS IS NOT THE END.
This is the second part of a three parted chapter(s).
Yes this was a shorter chapter.
Review please, 20 reviews for update.
Lots of love,
XOXO Kaze-Chan