A/N: I always feel like I get this stuff out REALLY late…which I usually do. This one might be especially late because I didn't even start writing it until about a week after the last update :( whoops…sorry…Anyways…this chapter is dedicated to…
y-in-flame! Thx for everything, love! Your reviews are always much appreciated!
Hope you like it :) Thx for everything!
Thx for the reviews, faves, and alerts, everyone, they are VERY much appreciated!
ENJOY!
-x-
Honestly
-x-
Ah, Christmas.
I used to love that day; used to wait up all night for Santa, even longer for my parents' calls.
Not that I minded my parents never being around for Christmas. I always had Kakashi—the man had always been my stronghold, my sanctuary.
What kid didn't love Christmas—honestly, what person didn't love Christmas?
(Other than Scrooge, he does not count).
Can you think of any—just one person?
No?
Ha, that's funny. Because, guess what?
I can.
Who could that one bitter, uncaring, callous, jaded individual be?
Yours truly, of course.
And why?
Because Christmas marks the day on which tall, slutty, gorgeous Santa Claus with her split-end free red tresses came ZOOMING down the chimney to eat, not only all the cookies left out for her on the plate, but the one I had been personally reaching for at the bottom of the cookie jar.
She snatched it when it was only mere centimeters away from my own digits and curled her perfect lips into a devilish smirk before taking a small, delicious looking bite of said cookie and chewing on it ravenously.
I watched her, and watched her—over and over that scene went through my head—as she ate my delectable cookie—MY delectable cookie—and before I knew it, it was gone.
All save for the crumbs now littering my living room floor—memories of him as mine, before this demonic Santa came and took my cookie—my Sasuke—all for herself.
Santa seemed like such a nice man…
Honestly…
Chapter Six: I Can't Help That She Gave Me Fever
I awoke the next morning bright and early, intent on getting the house work done before it got too late in the day. I still hadn't gotten gifts for any of my family or friends, and we were but a week and a couple days away from Christmas and with the extra money I got with Sasuke, I'd be able to blow them away with the gifts I picked out.
I knew it was the thought that mattered, but who doesn't like seeing a big hunk of wrapping paper surrounding something that can't even fit under the tree with your name on it?
I know I like that.
For some reason, it took me a little longer to hop out of bed this morning, and my head throbbed with every step I took. I sneezed every two seconds, and haggard coughs shook the household, but I trudged on anyway.
Sasuke hates a dirty house, and by how much I was sneezing, I could only guess the dust count in the house was a lot over what it should be. I sniffled as I felt liquid dribbling out of my nose in an unstoppable manner, and gripping on to the staircase, I tried to balance myself as yet another sneeze wracked my body.
Speaking of which, my body ached—hurt so badly, I couldn't believe I was walking, let alone conscious. I tried to silence my groaning, not sure if Sasuke had awoken and left yet, and scared of the wrath he would unleash if I got him up from his beloved beauty sleep.
I had finally made it down the steps (couldn't believe I was in one piece—I deserve a prize) and started walking to the kitchen when I noticed someone at the table eating.
A burglar! A burglar! My mind was freaking out, and then I wiped my watery eyes.
Oh, it's just Sasuke.
The young musician looked up at me and I smiled, but he only gave me a look of disapproval. Had I awoken that late?
"Sakura, are you crazy?" He put down the onigiri rolls he was eating and began walking towards me. "What are you doing out of bed?" he questioned worriedly.
I raised an eyebrow, too astonished to say a word. Was I dreaming? Was this a trick question?
What the hell was this?
"What…what am I doing out of bed?" I repeated softly, not sure if I was hearing right.
He looked at me like I was the stupidest person on earth. "Yeah, why are you down here?"
I looked to the side slowly, sniffling a little (man, what was up with my nose today?) as I scratched the back of my head. "Well, I was going to start cleaning like I do every morning, but—"
He shook his head, getting up from his seat. "But nothing." After walking over to me, he put his hands on my shoulders and looked at me straight in the eye before turning me around and starting to walk me up the stairs. "There's no way you're cleaning today…"
I tried to stop walking, but my legs felt all jelly-like and wouldn't listen to my commands. "Is this an early Christmas present?" I'll admit I was kind of in a daze, so I probably sounded really ignorant when I spoke. I guess I deserved his next insult…
"What?" he asked incredulously as he guided me into my room. "No, you idiot, you have the flu."
Hmm…I thought it was just the dust build-up in the house. But as I looked around, I noticed everything was clean. I didn't remember doing that…had Sasuke…?
"You're so dumb," he snubbed, shaking his head with distaste as he helped me into bed and under the sheets. "Someone who was just accepted into one of the greatest medical schools in the world should know when she's sick."
I pouted. "I thought it was just my dust allergies…" I admitted pitifully, snuggling into the blankets. How could I not have noticed all the extra warm, wool blankets that had accumulated on my bed?
"Does it look like there's any dust around?" inquired the Uchiha snidely.
I sneezed before resuming my pouty face. "No…" I rasped out softly as I rubbed my itchy nose. My throat was honestly beginning to hurt a lot…
Sasuke's eyes softened and he paused before reaching over to the bedside table and grabbing a tissue. He wiped my nose and instructed me to blow, and not seeing any other way to get the disgusting boogers out my nose, I did so. Placing the dirty napkin in a trashcan next to the bedside table, he sighed, caressing my cheek with the back of his hand lightly. I mewed softly and closed my eyes; his cool hand felt so perfect against my burning hot face. I had forgotten how awful it was to have the flu; just a few seconds earlier I had been freezing.
He bent down, kissing my forehead. "I'm sorry that you're sick," he murmured silkily, but his tone still held little emotion. His fingers continued to dance against my warm skin, traveling from my cheek down my collarbone and back and it felt wonderful—I could feel myself slowly drifting off to sleep.
"Are you thirsty?" he asked.
I nodded, taking his other hand in mine, and gingerly playing with his fingers—something that I did when I was really tired.
Tired? I had just woken up!
Why was I so tired?
That's right—I was sick. My body needed more rest. Geez, had it been that long since I had looked at any biology textbook?
"Alright," he whispered, this time stroking my (probably matted) hair. "Matsumi, could you bring in some orange juice?" he called.
That opened my eyes.
Matsumi?
Who the hell was Matsumi?
I voiced my concern, beginning to sit up a little and stare at the boy with confusion. "Who's Matsumi?" I asked softly, before looking around worriedly. "This Matsumi is in the house?"
He sighed, easily shushing me by pushing me back down on the bed.
Well, how rude!
"Calm down, Sakura, Matsumi is the maid," explained Sasuke a little too calmly for my taste.
"The maid?" I screeched, though it was hard as my throat was starting to give out on me. "I thought I was the maid…"
As much as I hated running around and cleaning everything for Sasuke, I had grown accustomed to it. I was the maid, and that's how I kept myself useful. What would I do if some other woman was marching around doing my job? I'd feel stupid—like I wasn't earning my own pay check.
He gave me an amused look and then chuckled lightly. "You are, but you're sick and I can't have you spreading your disease amongst my things," he whispered and then smirked, only making me pout even more. I knew that he was using keywords to say he just wanted me to rest.
That and he sure couldn't make his dinners himself.
Honestly, that kid…
"I didn't know you liked your job so much." He cuddled into my neck and placed a kiss there. "I should have you stay forever…" he moaned longingly.
I would admit that that made me feel a little better, and I began to comb my hands through his hair gently. "You know I can't," I murmured, closing my eyes. "Now, honestly, who is this Matsumi girl—"
"You called, ma'am?"
I gasped, my green gaze flickering to the door. My eyes instantly met fiery auburn, and then cascaded down wavy onyx locks.
Sasuke rose off of me and looked at the beverage in the girl's hand before nodding her direction. "Ah, thank-you, Matsumi." He gestured towards my bedside table. "Right there is fine."
The petite young woman placed the cup down before snaking her hands behind her back respectfully. "It was my pleasure, Mr. Uchiha." I gave her a look of pity—or was it jealousy? It's just that…I had never reached such a humble level when serving Sasuke. I mean, he was such a self-righteous prick if you didn't get to know him that well…
Did she know him like that…?
My eyes soon became suspicious instead.
Don't even think about it, Girly Pants. He's mine, mine, mine; there's already too much competition, anyway. So you had better take a number and—
Ooh, there's a bendy straw in my juice!
"Would you or Miss Haruno like anything else?"
Sasuke shook his head, a pleased glint flittering through his eyes as he watched my own eyes light up at that pretty friggin awesome drink he gave me.
"No, not right now." He chuckled. "And though it may seem that Miss Haruno will be satisfied for the rest of her life with that straw, I think she may need to receive her lunch in the next hour."
I was honestly too engulfed in my drink to care that Sasuke was making a fool out of me.
Matsumi smiled, nodding. "Of course. I have already started making a nice broth." She looked at me this time—and though she seemed all work and no play, I could tell she was harmless. "Miss Haruno, would you like broth or udon noodle soup? I have both downstairs."
I smiled too, trying to be as friendly and reasonable as my flu would allow me. "Either is fine," I answered and then laughed. "You can seriously call me Sakura. I'm not that special."
"She speaks the truth," muttered Sasuke, who instantly got a punch to the arm.
"Watch it, Uchiha," I warned with a pointed glare his way.
He smirked before kissing me on the forehead. "Alright, gotta go to work." I frowned, remembering that he had to finish up working with Karin-the-fugly-bitch-who's-actually-really-pretty on the music video for his newest album, and seriously considered deleting all the songs from that album off my iPod, and/or committing SUICIDE.
"Yipee…" I commented deprecatingly, giving him a small, one-time fist pump in the air as congratulations.
He chuckled softly and then sent his finger along my jawbone swiftly. "I'll see you later, Sakura. I'll try and make it quick." And with that he left, leaving me with my arms crossed in the bed.
After I took a few seconds to have a brooding party with myself, Matsumi took a step towards my bed, hands still behind her back.
"Miss Haruno?" I gazed up at her, reminding the girl to call me Sakura. "Ah—Sakura. It is apparent that Mr. Uchiha cares for you very much. He does so much for you."
I raised a pink eyebrow her way, shaking my head. "Do you know where he's going, Matsumi?" She did not show any sign of confirming she knew or not, so I continued. "He's going to work with Karin, Matsumi. Her legs are fucking ten yards long," I complained.
Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed, and it was the first time I saw the woman show any emotion. She took another step forward.
"Yes, I suppose her legs are ten yards long." She paused. "But that will not make up for her sleazy attitude, her bitchy morals, nor the useless tactics she tries to win Mr. Uchiha over with." I gawked at the onyx-haired girl—wow, my sentiments exactly. "She depends on the fact that she is beautiful, and is too pompous to take a hint and leave." She put her hands behind her back again and sent me a strong look. "She's haughty and she's diluted and you, ma'am, have nothing to worry about."
"It's Sakura," I corrected.
She nodded. "My apologies."
I smirked. "No worries. Matsumi, I think we're going to get along perfectly."
Sasuke fortunately took care of me most of the time I was sick, even sometimes missing crucial practices with Karin. He slept in a chair next to my bed sometimes because I wouldn't let him in the bed, frightened he would get sick too. I began to become more confident with my and Sasuke's relationship, though. Matsumi had been right; Karin didn't stand a chance. The ass wouldn't let me go out in the snow, though. Blahhh, being sick is boring.
Most of the time I had Matsumi there with me, and we trash-talked Karin—the only fun I had for days. During one of our many conversations, we stumbled upon why she was there—how she had gotten the job in the first place.
One word: Asuma. He's so fucking lazy. Poor Matsumi was an intern working under him during her break from college—chick's only twenty! Why couldn't that Asuma guy just hire an actual maid or something?
'Cause he's too busy sniffing his money, that's why.
Honestly, that kid.
After a few days, I was feeling a lot better, and my fever had gone down considerably, so Sasuke finally decided that it was time to get back to the reason I was here.
Cleaning.
Woo Hoo.
I think the scariest thing about me starting cleaning again was that I was actually excited. It felt like everything was where it was supposed to be. Though, cleaning again came with its repercussions as well.
Cleaning and taking up secretary work meant I was well again, being well meant that Sasuke was able to spend less time watching over me and more time at work, and working meant Karin.
Ughhh…
Karin…
I scrubbed the floors with very little interest, a peeved look taking over my features. The last thing I wanted was that girl spending more time with Sasuke than I was. I knew his work was very important to him, but did that mean succumbing to Karin's every wish? It just didn't make any damn sense. I'm glad I don't have a shishou…
Suddenly I felt arms snake around my waist from behind, and I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding. My shoulders relaxed—shoulders I didn't even know had been tense to begin with—and my eyes closed.
I had been so caught up in my thoughts about Karin, it had almost felt like I had invisible, sound-proof walls around me; I hadn't even heard the short alarm signaling the door opening.
I put the Swiffer against the wall before turning around as to face the person who was holding me and pecking the owner of those arms lips.
The guy leaned in again, deepening his kiss and instantly my lips were on fire. Every time he kissed me like that, they were—it couldn't be helped.
I didn't want it to be helped.
When his lips rose from mine, he smirked at seeing my star struck face, mumbling something about how it never gets old before kissing my nose.
Obsidian eyes devoured me. "How's your day been?" he questioned, playing with the ends of my pink tresses.
I cocked my head to the side, smiling. "Oh, there's just nothing like a long day 'o' cleanin'!" He rolled his eyes, and shook his head, commenting on how I had wanted my job back not too long ago. I laughed, before my jade orbs widened in mock-excitement. "How was working with Psychotic Bitch today? A pain in the fucking ass as always?"
Sasuke sighed, his hands falling from my waist. "Sakura, honestly, it's not flattering when you curse. Be a lady…"
I smirked, knowing I had hit a sore spot. But as much as I understood why Sasuke was dealing with Karin, I didn't understand why he thought everything was okay. Because it wasn't. It sucked thinking about how at any time, Karin could have Sasuke at her beck and call and I couldn't—that I was stuck with, what I hated calling it, the leftover time.
"Sakura…I told you I've got this under control. Maybe you should just give her another chance…"
Uhhh, not quite, love.
I crossed my arms. "Sasuke, are you listening to yourself? First off, no—you don't have it under control. That's part of the problem, your shishou's in control. Secondly, you're crazy if you ever think I would give her another chance." My eyebrows furrowed. "Um, flashback, Sasuke? She threatened me."
He frowned, swiping his hand through his gorgeous hair. "Sakura…"
"I can't help that she gave me fever, Sasuke," I said, rolling my neck along with it.
He sighed again. "Sakura, I… Wait, what?"
I decided to give it up.
No one ever understood my odd dialect.
Sasuke continued regardless. "Putting what you just said aside..." I pouted. "I know it sucks, Sakura. I know that it's uncomfortable, but you have to understand that it's not easy for me either. This thing with my shishou, Sakura…it's complicated," he tried to explain, but I only put my hands on my hips.
"I don't like guys with complications, Sasuke." I smirked. "I'd appreciate if you told me how I started liking you."
His eyes softened when he looked at me and he lifted me off of the ground, burying his nose into the crook between my shoulder and my neck. He moaned into my skin, and I honestly thought I would lose consciousness right there.
"My Sakura…" he growled softly as I wrapped my legs around his waist. He lifted me on to the countertop and moved his hands to my upper thighs, making me swear I had fallen ill again, my temperature rose so quickly. He leered at me, before bringing a hand up to my chin and positioning my head so that our foreheads were touching. "Every time you speak exactly what is on your mind, I wonder the same thing." We both shared a small chuckle and then he kissed me.
Not just a soft peck this time, but a hot, open-mouthed kiss. Without a beat, as if I knew exactly what he was doing, my tongue shot into his mouth too, and we battled it out. The leftover hand on my thigh moved up to my face where it was used to move me deeper—if humanly possible—into his mouth. I didn't know how much longer I could go without breathing, but I couldn't wait to find out.
His mouth started traveling lower, biting and nipping at my neck hungrily and I purred, tearing my hands through his silky, onyx locks.
"Sasuke…" I moaned as his hands made their way under my shirt and started groping at my breasts.
I took short, quick breaths as he quickly removed my shirt and pushed me even more onto the counter, hopping on top of it himself. I felt so naked in front of the young Uchiha, but I knew I still had too much on in order to be satisfied. He smirked down at me, practically consuming my body with his eyes and then licked his lips.
He leaned down, so he was on top of me, his lips mere centimeters away from my ear. "You look simply delicious, Sakura," he whispered, before biting the outer shell of my ear. "I can only imagine what you taste like." I shivered, yet my body felt so warm with him there.
And then, of course, the bell rang.
Are you FUCKING serious?
Really?
Are we being fercereal?
I sighed, and he grunted, continuing to kiss my jaw languidly.
"Don't go. It's not important." He said in between kisses, and while my body tried to stay…
Exhaling deeply again, I let my fingernails softly massage his scalp, giggling at his child-like behavior "And how do you know that?" I felt him scowling against my skin. "I have to, baby, it's my job." The doorbell rang again and I looked him in the eye. "If you don't let me go, they'll just keep ringing," I predicted, smiling sweetly at the boy.
He sighed this time, laying his head on my chest as the doorbell rang thrice in a row. Damn, these people were hella persistent!
He growled, hopping off the counter and helping me down. "Dammit. Alright, get the door, Haruno. And quickly."
I picked my shirt up off the ground and hastily pulled it on before shuffling to the door. Who wanted to see Sasuke so badly that they came in the middle of a snow storm? It was supposed to reach TEN INCHES by nightfall! I hoped to Kami-sama it wasn't Karin. She would interrupt at a time like this.
I swore. If I saw any cameras, I was going to freak out too. Imagine—A Sasuke Uchiha interview about what he was going to do for Christmas. Who cares? He's just like everybody else! What are YOU going to do for Christmas, and would you like me to stick my camera ALL UP IN YOUR BUSSINESS while you're doing it?
I say this now, but if I hadn't had the opportunity of working for Sasuke, I'd definitely TiVo that shit…
I frowned, now I was just getting all worked up. Standing on my tip-toes, I looked out the peep-hole and—
Holy.
Shit.
Hey, at least I got my wish. It was Karin, and it definitely wasn't any interviewers.
"Sakura, who's at the door?" questioned Sasuke from some distant place behind me.
My eyebrows furrowed and I bit my lip, tears threatening to fall. Hesitating, I put my hand on the doorknob, still frightened to open the door itself.
…
…
…
"It's my parents."
Sasuke was quiet after that. I could only imagine that he was just as surprised as I was. What were they doing here? How did they find me? I chewed on my lip thoughtfully, my whole body shaking as different questions passed through my brain.
"Well, you're going to have to open the door at some point," said Sasuke, giving me a stony-faced look. I didn't know if he was being rude or trying to comfort me, but nothing seemed to matter when all I could think about was my parents' surprise visit.
I clenched my hands around the doorknob and finally opened the door. I didn't even try to smile at the disgustingly joyful faces of my parents. The way they looked at me…as if they had seen me only that morning when mother cooked me breakfast, and father kissed me on the forehead before rushing off to work—a fantasy that would never come to fruition.
They smiled at me and the more I looked at them, the more I wanted to slam the door in their faces or, throw up because I was so nervous. But despite them not acting as my parents, they still were my parents.
I forced myself to wrap my arms around my shivering mother as she grabbed hold of me, pulling me into a strong embrace.
"Oh, my Sakura," she murmured into my hair. "It's been awhile…"
Not even close to as long as it usually is, I wanted to say, but I kept my mouth shut. And then she looked at me with those bright green eyes, and those repulsively perfect dimples.
Amazing. Both of my enemies have red hair. It's a freaking sign.
"Mom, Dad…" was all I was able to get out, but I knew it wasn't the excited sound they wished to hear. If they had noticed my uneasiness at them being here, they didn't pay it any heed, for my dad had asked if they could come in, but before I could say anything back they had entered, leaving me to shut the door.
A new wave of discomfort washed over me as I noticed them eyeing Sasuke, before my mother—who, as I had previously said, always spoke for the both of my parents—smiled brightly at the Uchiha and walked over to him after taking off her (obviously expensive) gloves.
"And you must be Sasuke Uchiha. I've seen you on TV a few times; it's quite an honor seeing you in person." She held out her hand, attacking him with her deep dimples. "I'm Rena, Sakura's mother."
After my father introduced himself, Sasuke took my mother's hand, shaking it and nodding sincerely. "It is a pleasure to meet the both of you," he said, eyes emotionless as always. I wondered how he could keep a straight face with these intruders in his home.
Though I knew deep inside the only reason I wanted him to be uneasy was because I was uncomfortable myself.
My fists finally clenched, and I narrowed my gaze at them. "Why are you here?" I asked, finally voicing my concern. I knew my darkened jade orbs wouldn't do much, for my parents liked to play pretend.
In their pretend world everything was alright and they had never left. I wanted so much to snap them back to reality, it hurt sometimes.
My mother's face finally contorted into one of worry as she looked at me as if thinking, 'oh that bothersome girl, I forgot she was even standing there' and then grinned. "Oh, Sakura, your father and I have wonderful news!"
I crossed my arms and looked at my parents expectantly.
My mother's long red braid swung behind her back as she walked towards me, and I was engulfed by the smell of Chanel perfume. She tried to hypnotize me with her dimples, but I refused to comply.
"Sakura…dear, we know that are last talk did not go over so well," she began, feigning regret. "But your father and I wish to make amends. We understand that you're young, Sakura, so it's okay if you get cold feet sometimes…"
I tried to follow her nonsense, but couldn't keep up. "Cold feet…? What are you talking about?"
Her eyebrows raised and she placed her hand on my arm, as if through contact she could help me unravel her hidden messages. "You know…it's hard moving as far as Oto. But I promise to be there as much as possible, and in no time, it'll feel like home again."
The only feeling I could muster up was disgust—that and anger, I guess. I scowled, before taking a step away from my mother, her arm dropping from my shoulder.
I shook my head at her shocked face. Was she completely retarded, or did she just choose not to understand what I wanted to do with my life? "I can't believe you," I scoffed, jade eyes hazed over with repulsion. "You still think I'm going to that school, don't you?"
She seemed nervous this time and then she licked her lips and dimpled me again. When will she ever give that up?
"Well, of course, dear. Where else would you go?"
She was definitely retarded.
"To KU! You know—the school that I've already applied to?" My voice was starting to rise, and I felt a little embarrassed with Sasuke standing right there watching. Family issues that I hadn't had to deal with for the past month were flooding back, and I couldn't stop the hatred that found itself seeping through my tone.
My father took a step toward me, his aqua gaze unreadable. "Sakura, we've talked about this," he sighed.
"Yeah? Well, obviously you weren't listening," I snapped bitterly, eyes narrowing in his direction.
He sighed again, this time louder and then rubbed his temples as if he felt pressure, as if he was the one that wasn't able to get his point across. How dare he…he had no idea how I felt.
"When are you going to stop chasing this dream?"
I felt myself choking up, but I knew the tears wouldn't fall. I was too blinded with rage to cry. All I wanted them to do was go away and never talk to me again. I knew I sounded like an adolescent child that wanted nothing more than permission to go to the concert that everyone was going to, but yelling was honestly the only way anything got past these people's thick heads.
I scoffed. "Oh, chasing a dream…" I mocked hoarsely. "Wow, amazing, you talk like you have a child," I jeered coldly.
I saw my father's jaw tightening, but I stood my ground. "Now, you watch it or—"
"Or what?" I challenged, meeting him head on. I refused to listen to him and then continued icily, "Face it; you never acted like my father, so there's no reason for me to act like your daughter."
I knew that it hurt him to hear that. It hurt him because it was true, and I could tell that he was just standing there trying to tell himself that it wasn't; that it wasn't his fault that he was never around.
But it was, and there was no justifying the fact that he had only seen his child on three occasions in the last few years.
I saw my mother's lips start to thin, and I knew she was getting angry. But I didn't care. I wanted her to be as angry and as hurt and as pitiful as she had made me.
"Listen, Sakura, I don't know where you got this attitude, but it needs to stop. Your father and I have sacrificed so much for you and all you ever do is reflect on the bad things in life," she criticized callously. Did she even listen to herself speak?
"That's only because there are no good things when it comes to this family, Mom! I honestly can't think of one time where I was actually happy with having you people as my parents!" I knew it was harsh, but if the truth was to ever come out, now was the time.
"And we're trying to fix that!" said my mother. "We're helping you with your future, what more can we do?"
I growled in frustration and held my head in my hands. "God, can you both seriously be that dense? No, Mom, you're helping me with your future! I want to go to KU, why can't you two be okay with that?" I yelled, eyes wide and annoyed.
My mother started off quietly, and her eyes flickered around like she was embarrassed. "Sakura, we don't have the money for—"
"Stop acting like we don't have the money! We're fucking loaded, Mom!" I snorted, wanting to laugh at the fact that in their pretend world we were actually poor.
My dad's gaze darkened as he glared daggers at me. "You will watch your language, Sakura Haruno," he scolded. My mother's eyes looked sadder every time I glanced at her—as if those gorgeous, emerald irises were going to magically turn into tears and fall right out of her eyes.
Her face was starting to scrunch up and she looked as if she was finally understanding that I wasn't her little Sakura, and I wouldn't let her live through me, that I wasn't hers to keep. I saw tears begin to run down her cheeks and wondered if at some point the color would run from her eyes and stain her shirt, leaving her eyes bland and colorless.
I closed my eyes before I turned on my dad. "Stop telling me what to do!" I commanded. "You haven't given me an order my whole life, what makes you want to start now?" His scowl only grew darker, causing his wrinkles to deepen. It was then that I truly noticed that my parents were getting old—that they weren't the same beautiful, perfect couple they looked like when they were younger. My mother's faultless crimson locks…they looked less red every time I saw her.
I looked back at my mother, eyes still cold. She had tears staining her cheeks, but her eye color was still intact. "And your unwillingness to help me with the money for KU doesn't matter anymore, Mom, because as you can see, I had to get my own job," I said, gesturing to the house they were standing in.
She was sobbing now—full out sobbing with noises and everything. And I wondered if she was finally at her breaking point.
"Oh, you call fucking a superstar a job?" My heart stopped and for once I showed emotion other than anger. Betrayal. "I thought I raised you better than that," she blubbered, furiously trying to wipe her tears away.
The words are stuck in my throat as I watch her, burning my insides. I don't know what to say as I look at my dad. He looks as if he had just said all that to me, and wanted to take it back more than anything in the world. Sasuke stood unmoved, but I wasn't surprised—it actually comforted me in a way to see that someone in the house was stable.
"Excuse me?" was all I could muster.
She was acting hysterical, a total mess. "How does he pay you, hm, Sakura?" she sniffled. "By each deed—by the hour?"
"Rena—" my father desperately tried, as he reached out towards her. She only moved out of the way of his touch, as if his hands would sting her like her words stung me.
I shook my head; not even sure that this was the person who gave birth to me anymore. "You know nothing about me," and with that, I took a step back of my own.
Her eyes narrowed dangerously, and I swore I saw her spring green eyes turn black. "I guess I don't," she seethed through gritted teeth. "You're nothing more than a common whore!"
I gasped slightly and held my breath, but only because I believed if I had breathed at that moment, I would throw up. My own mother… Tears threatened to fall, so I just turned and left; ran straight to my room. I noticed my dad trying to come after me, but a body stood between him and me. It was Sasuke's.
"I think it is time that you leave now," said Sasuke's calm voice, but even I could hear the displeasure laced into it. He was angry.
By the time that I had entered my room, I was hiccupping like crazy. Warm tears were racing down my face, and there was no way to stop them. I couldn't even see where I was going, so I just slid against the wall and crumpled into a little ball on the ground. Pitiful, I know.
I couldn't remember a time I had cried so much—a time that I had felt so much pain and hatred. What made my mother assume that I was like that—that my morals were so bad? I tried to control the bawling and moaning so much that I only started to cry harder in frustration.
The door opened to my room and I immediately knew it was Sasuke. He bent down into a crouching position and caressed my cheek, and in my delirious state, I swore I saw his eyebrows furrowing ever so slightly in concern.
My hiccups were shushed by him as he leaned forward and kissed my forehead, telling me that everything was alright, but I knew it honestly wasn't. Sasuke then carefully lifted me, and placed me in the bed, hugging me to his chest. His soft shirt, and quiet whispers comforted my tears, but it didn't heal the wounds my mother had left.
He let me cry into his arms for what seemed like eternity and finally, he said something above a whisper. "I'm sorry that I made your parents think that of you. I understand their suspicion." I wasn't looking in his eyes yet, because I was too busy melting into his big, strong embrace.
"It's alright," I hiccupped, but then decided that enough was enough and wriggled out of his embrace, wiping the tears from my eyes rather roughly to show him Sakura Haruno wasn't some little girl that cried all day. "They're retarded, anyway…" I hadn't realized how childish my comment was until I noticed his amused gaze on me. I couldn't help but wonder what his expression was when my parents and I were fighting. Did he think finally think I had cracked, that I was crazy?
"You're blushing," pointed out the boy blandly.
I sighed. "That's because I'm embarrassed. I'm sorry that you had to see me and my parents like that," I apologized as I shook my head. "It's just all so humiliating…"
He raised an eyebrow. "Embarrassing?" I nodded. "Humiliating? Sakura, I'm an Uchiha." He positioned me so that I was sitting on his lap and straddling him, my face mere inches from his own and then he smirked. "My family embodies those things."
I traced the contours of his face with my fingers, laying feather soft touches along his nose, eyes, and jaw bone. "Really—you Uchiha?" I cupped his cheek with my small hands and sent my thumb over his lips. He kissed my fingers lovingly and I flushed pink for some reason. "You all seem so perfect."
His jaw tightened instantly and he grabbed my hand, holding it in his own as he fixated his questioning gaze on me. "You see me and my brother and you think our family is perfect?"
My bubblegum-colored eyebrows knitted together. I had forgotten about the brothers' relationship with one another—and I always knew there was something a little more than sibling rivalry between the two, especially on Sasuke's behalf. "I'm sorry. I forgot about you two…" I admitted.
"Hn," he grunted, before looking me straight in the eyes. "Would you like to know the story behind it?"
My eyes quickly widened and I gasped. "Sasuke…you'd tell me that?" As I had recalled, he didn't want to tell me about his family problems. I didn't blame him. Families were always a touchy subject when said families were screwed up, or in any case, I supposed.
"You told me about your family, it's only fair."
I gave a small smile and then leaned forward, pecking the Uchiha on the cheek. "Okay," I relented sweetly.
Sasuke stared at me for awhile before sighing and beginning his explanation. "Itachi was, and still is, a genius. He was always able to catch my parent's attention and they gloated about him since the day he was born," he started. "Itachi had a modeling career under HS Entertainment with Hiruzen Sarutobi as his shishou at the age of eleven. He made it look so easy, and I always wanted to be able to do something like that with my life, following my brother like a lost puppy."
I pictured a little Sasuke trailing behind a little Itachi and wanted to smile, but knew it wasn't quite the right time to do so.
"After awhile they realized he was multi-talented, and he instantly started his music career with his friend Shisui. They had some little alternative group that in the next year got so popular it was crazy. I always watched from behind, entering every talent show I could and studying my brother to see how he did it. Itachi still got all A's in school and everything seemed fine." I saw Sasuke swallow thickly and suddenly I felt my stomach drop.
"After awhile, he began drinking and doing drugs. People tried to talk to him about it, but he never heeded their words. Even when his shishou and our parents told him to stop, he disobeyed and dishonored the family, but he was so famous by then, some people chose not to care, and there was nothing anybody could do about it.
"He even got Shisui into rebelling and he ended up over-dosing and killing himself. Shisui was related to us in a way that still confuses me, but Itachi and Shisui were like brothers, they were so close." Sasuke glared down at the bed, his voice filling to the brim with malice. "And because of Itachi's antics, Shisui ended up dying. Some people still blame Itachi for it.
"Even after that, Itachi ran away from both us and his shishou and joined a famous association for musicians and the like in Ame. Everyone thought our family was crazy, and my mother became really sick." He scoffed. "Only a couple years ago did Itachi return and ask for my parents' forgiveness and only after Itachi disgraced our family did my parents start noticing me. They told me I had to choose a different path; be the total opposite of Itachi. And it was so hard seeing that I had…" He scowled, his eyes almost taking a reddish tone.
I knew that he didn't want to admit to looking up to his brother, wanting to be exactly like him so I just nodded my head, showing him that I understood.
"And Ino?"
He raised an onyx eyebrow at me, suddenly snapping out of his moody state. "Oh, you noticed that?" I nodded. "I had always liked Ino, and Itachi took interest in her early on, too. She had been my best friend since around kindergarten, and Itachi acted as the older brother. Ino always liked older boys though…" he trailed off, shaking his head.
"Seems like her," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "But you won her in the end." I smiled.
His face brightened considerably from the gloomy expression he had had on previously. "Aa. I won her in the end," he repeated. "Sakura, I'm not saying all this stuff so you can feel sorry for me."
Since when was he the master mind reader? Had I been that obvious? Of course, I was going to feel bad for Sasuke, but only because I knew what it was like to have a screw-up of a family.
His face became stony and emotionless again as he continued. "I'm saying this so you don't feel alone." My heart fluttered. "We might both have messed up families, but you need to stop thinking about them because we're each other's family right now." He reached out and touched my hair and then smirked. "So stop crying, you big baby."
I grabbed his face and pulled him into a kiss, mirroring his smirk.
Yup, two fuck-ups make a pretty interesting family.
Every time I thought about my parents' unwelcomed visit, I thought about school.
I thought about school and how close I was to leaving Sasuke for good.
It had only been a few days since the fight between me and my parents, but it was already Christmas, and I started classes a week into January. AKA, I had a little over a week with Sasuke left, and I was seriously panicking.
I honestly didn't want to leave the kid.
For the past few days, Sasuke had been doing over a bagillion things with the Karin girl because they were getting ready for the release of the video. It was a big deal, because it was the main song on Sasuke's new album and they had a press conference not too long from now in Suna.
Ah, Suna…the place that started this whole journey…
I had just finished up giving all my presents to my friends and Kakashi and it was around noon when I pulled into the driveway of Sasuke's mansion. I closed the door to the Mercedes and bounded up the stairs, opening the door to the house.
"I'm back!" I called, only to be answered by Sasuke's mellow voice saying he was in the parlor. I wiped my silver, platform pumps on the rug and stripped myself of my Burberry coat, hanging it in the closet next to the door.
I joyfully skipped to the parlor and upon seeing the model, jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly. He hugged me back, before setting me on the ground and stealing a kiss.
"Merry Christmas, Sleepy Head, I'm glad you're finally up," I jeered, beginning to slip off my shoes.
He rubbed his eyes with a yawn. "You know I've been busy lately, Sakura, don't start." I giggled and he looked at me before giving me a smirk. His expression looked empty, though, as if he was off in a far away land or something. It was kind of creepy, I wasn't going to deny, but I figured it was because he was so sleep deprived after having to spend what seemed like a LIFETIME with that red thing (Karin-poophead).
"I like your sweater, Sakura. You look beautiful in it." I looked down at the royal blue cashmere sweater I was wearing and then grinned at the boy, trying to hide my blush.
I will admit—the bright blue color does pop in comparison to my hair.
I raised a rose-colored eyebrow at the boy and bit my bottom lip in thought. Sasuke had been really nice for the past few days after seeing Karin, and I mean painfully nice. He complimented everything I did, helped with the cleaning, made me breakfast, and at one point I'm remotely sure he even smiled.
Yeah, THE Sasuke Uchiha!
I wish I could have captured that Kodak moment…
I brushed a hand through my hair and looked at him, feigning surprise, jokingly. "Wow, complimenting my clothes? Where'd that stick that used to be up your ass go?" He replied by kissing me on the lips, then the neck, then my nose.
See what I mean? No rude retort, no nothing!
I mean, I like creepily nice, Sasuke (I think?), but it just wasn't Sasuke…
Oh well!
He probably just got attacked by the Spirit of Christmas Past or something…he'd be back to normal by New Years!
He grabbed my hand. "I want to show you your present." He started dragging me towards the front door.
"Yay, presents!" I cheered, rather enjoying New Sasuke.
Sasuke opened the door and then covered my eyes with my own hands. "Stay here, and don't open your eyes until I say so." He handed me some earplugs from his pockets. "Oh, and wear these."
I put the earplugs in and the proceeded in closing my eyes. I was smiling from ear to ear, not even caring that my toes were obtaining frost bite from standing in snow. I wondered what it could be!
After about thirty seconds or so, I felt Sasuke pulling the earplugs from my ears. "Open your eyes," he murmured softly. I flung my hands off my eyes and almost passed out.
…
…
…
"AN ESCALADE!" I shouted as I pointed towards the shiny, silver-colored vehicle.
OMG, he bought me fucking Escalade! Do you comprehend what that means?
I'LL BE BIG PIMPIN'!
I was pretty sure I was crying, but by the time he passed me the keys with a smirk all I could do was glomp him before I let out a yell and sprinted to my new car. I hopped around it about seventeen times (still screaming, mind you), before I jumped on it, embracing as much of it as I could.
I ripped the big pink bow off the top with a (happy) grunt and then proceeded to sit in the front seat of the car, grasping the steering wheel with a huge happy-go-lucky smile on face. I honked the horn twenty times and then rolled down the window.
"Sasuke! Sasuke, do I look sexy?"I questioned boisterously, too drunk off of life to care what the neighbors might think.
"Undeniably," he replied.
"Get in!" I ordered, and he chuckled walking down the steps and situating himself in the passenger seat.
I looked at him all wide-eyed. "Can I drive it?"
"It's your car," he shrugged, to which I let out another squeal and sped off, intent on driving this baby for hours.
This was honestly the best Christmas I had ever had.
After driving around the whole subdivision twenty times and honking at little kids playing in the snow, their parents had had enough of us and threatened to call the police if we didn't go home immediately. I didn't want my baby taken away, so I reluctantly drove back to the house. Whatever, those fools were just jealous…
When we got home, I instantaneously sat Sasuke down in a chair in the parlor and put my hands behind my back. I wanted to give him my gift, but after I received his, I felt like I was giving the boy a half eaten hotdog or something.
"So," I started, still slightly giddy from my joyride. "It took me forever to figure out what to get you…because you have everything," I said dryly. Sasuke shrugged as if saying 'this is true'.
"But!" I exclaimed, slightly startling the boy with my energy. "I finally found the perfect gift!" I whipped my hands from behind my back and placed the small item in his hand. "TA-DA!"
He looked at the trinket and then back up at me. "It's a key," he said dully.
"Yeah!" I said, nodding my head. "It's the key to my dorm room for KU!" I saw his eyes slightly widen, so I decided to continue. "Sasuke," I whispered, and then tried to carry on with the rest of what I wanted to say, but couldn't find the words to do it. "I like you so much." I tried to keep away from the real L word.
I glanced up at the ceiling and shook my head. "I like you so much I can't even explain it in words. I…I—" I clapped my hands, forming an idea. "I like you more than KU!"
I could tell he was at a loss of words, but I couldn't totally read his expression,
"I like you more than…more than I hate Karin! I like you more than my Escalade!"
I paused.
"Ok, maybe I took it too far there…" He raised an eyebrow at me and then I smiled. "No, no I didn't! I do like you more than my Escalade, Sasuke, the truth is: I like you more than anything in this world."
I looked sincerely into his eyes, though I still couldn't tell what he was thinking. Was that…remorse? I continued regardless of my fears.
"Sasuke, I don't want this to be the end of us. I like you so much; I wouldn't know what to do without you in my life. That's why…"
"Sakura, I'm sorry. I can't accept this key."
My heart sank as my eyes widened. What? He didn't want to be with me? I had thought… My eyes instantly began to well up with tears.
"What?" I asked hoarsely.
He stood from his seat and looked at me with sad, sad eyes. Had I done something wrong?
"Sakura, I like you, too. I can never get you off my mind, and you're the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to me. I cherish you more than anything in this world." He stepped closer, his eyes slightly filling with what I thought to be lust. "When I'm around you, I struggle with control and whenever I touch you, I want nothing more than to kiss you and make feel every bit of pleasure that you deserve…"
I shivered at his burning gaze, tears falling along my cheeks. I didn't understand why he was telling me all this. He had just denied my offer. "Then why…?"
He looked down and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Because of my job. My shishou and Karin…" He shook his head and then looked me straight in the eye, a hint of hatred running through his now opaque eyes. "I've just received the acknowledgement of my parents, Sakura. I can't be like him," he said through gritted teeth. "I hope you understand. I'm sorry," he whispered, bringing me into a hug.
I wanted to hate him, be angry at him for telling me all of that, and then crushing every chance I had. But I couldn't. It made total sense. I understood his predicament, and I couldn't shake myself from his arms.
I didn't want to.
My arms slowly wrapped themselves around his waist, as I felt him kiss my forehead, my eyes closing as more tears seeped out.
I rubbed a consoling hand along his back, knowing that I wasn't the only one finding this hard to swallow.
"It's okay," I murmured into his chest. "I understand."
Yes, Sasuke…I understood why we couldn't be together.
What I didn't understand was why I, knowing that you could never be mine from the beginning…
Still fell in love with you…
Honestly…
A/N: Alrighty! There's the chapter that I took forever to get out...meh, and it's not even that good...it felt rushed at the end and...idk, tell me in your REVIEWS?
y-in-flame, I hope you liked it, dearest! Hopefully, I can get the next chapter up sooner! Thing is, I always say it and then I end up getting it up a month later :( Root for me, guys!
And honestly, the more reviews I recieve, the more I want to update so...
AHHHH, the next chapter is the last though DX I will truly miss this story, and I hope everyone had fun with it!
REVIEWWW!
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