Chapter 30

Kami, how can Naruto be sooo stupid?! The pink haired medic thought as she marched on the hospital's hallway, the patients and employees of the Konoha hospital move out of her way, as they probably predicted that they could be swept away with the obvious anger she was emitting. She was on fire. She's definitely fuming. The nurses and interns knew exactly when to avoid the raging number one medic of Konoha.

She reached her office, pulled out the door from its hinges, threw it out in the corridor and stood in the middle of the office. She was trembling…with fury as she remembered what happened awhile ago.

Flashback

"Naruto…you—" Sakura gritted her teeth as she tried to control her strength from crushing the teacup she's holding.

"S-Sakura-chan, please listen! I..I just did what I thought was good for Teme. Please!" Naruto said as he backed out to the corner of the room, waving his hands in front of him.

"What's good for him, huh?! And haven't you considered what's GOOD for me? You baka Naruto?!"

"Hiiiiiii! But he is our friend Sakura-chan," Naruto shrink in fear. "And..And…Tsunade baa-chan is in dire situation. If only you could see those wrinkled bags were cornering her to agree with them. I had no choice!"

"Friend? That idiot didn't even consider me as a friend until a few days ago! And where does that put me in this situation you baka! You know I had a child! You think they would believe it the lies you lead them to believe!?" Sakura shouted, stomping her feet on front of Naruto. She was fully aware that Sasuke is listening behind them.

"Uhm, actually they did not. That's why I ran here to tell you guys. Just…just listen first. I had to tell them that you and Teme are going out. The situation is deeper than you thought it is! We need this to work out so that the council will leave Sasuke alone! They said they wanted to validate it first and will send 'observers' to confirm!" Naruto said.

"What?!" Sakura said. She could not believe it. What kind of mess is this!

"Please, it's only temporary! You can pretend that you two are a couple and when they believe it, I think they'll leave you alone…err..until such time that Teme will find a wife…right Teme?"

No answer. When Sakura turned around, Sasuke was not there.

Sakura's mouth gape. "This is unbelievable! That bastard! He left the situation to me and Naruto when he's the one that needs to solve this problem!"

More irritated, she grabbed Naruto who had turned white when Sasuke was not in the room anymore.

"Listen up you stupid Naruto, I WILL NOT JOIN IN THIS CHARADE AND I WILL NOT PRETEND TO BE HIS GIRLFRIEND!"

After that, Naruto woke up and found himself in one of the wards in hospital.

"Pretending…that's just plain stupid. Why not Karin instead? Or other women who's obviously ogling with him. Why me? Stupid, idiot Naruto!" Sakura mumbled.

Its as if you want other women to be in your shoes right now! Pretending to be his lover, it's not so bad right? You once make lo-

Just shut up!

"No mercy huh?"

"Shishou!" Sakura exclaimed upon seeing Tsunade at the entrance of her office. She was looking at the door lying in the hallway.

"Three broken ribs, broken nose, dislocated jaw, and dislocated left shoulder and cracked spine. You didn't hold back on Naruto,"

"That just serves him right," Sakura frowned.

Tsunade chuckled, "I guess I have the idea why. Oh well. The brat better stick to Naruto's story,"

"Why Shishou? It's just one of those foolish demands from the council. They can't dictate anything to an Uchiha, they probably know that,"

"Yes, that's why they used the daimyos in this. Unfortunately, they have already issued a summon to one of the nieces and it's only a matter of time before she arrives. The brat will have no choice over this. It maybe a silly move from the bastards, but this is a serious matter. It's either he accepted the proposal. If not, a war could ensue. The royalty won't accept being shamed by declining a proposal," Tsunade picked up the door and leaned it on the wall. She then looked at her, "Are you bothered?"

She flinched. Of course she's bothered! To think that Sasuke's proposed-supposed-to-be-wife will be coming to Konoha, probably that could end up with a wedding is a big deal! And no doubt, the girl, whoever she is will fall to the Uchiha. He's a legend, a good looking man, powerful and an Uchiha. Who wouldn't want a man like that?

"Of course not!" She trembled upon saying it, and she knew she swayed. It hurts like hell just thinking about it.

You're getting good on lying aren't you?

It's better to lie to myself than to get hurt over and over again and wanting something I could never have in the end. Which one is the worst?

"If that's the case, then we have no problem. We will just tell the council that the proposal will proceed," she said as she proceeds to walk in the corridor.

I don't want that. I don't want Sasuke to be with other girls.

Sakura didn't dare to look at her Shishou. Her mentor could probably see the turmoil inside her in this situation.

SxS

It was Sunday and at seven in the morning, many people were already bustling about. There were shop owners opening their stores and civilians and shinobis alike strolling in the busy street, either to go to training, shop or just minding their business. To most people, this was a typical and normal day, with nothing important to do, a time to rest, and no need to hurry.

For Sakura this was one of those days.

When she woke up that morning, she never really wanted to do anything, except maybe go back to sleep, and have a hearty, delicious breakfast afterwards. Then, read some medical books. Then, do a general cleaning around the house. This is a great chance for her to clean the house and just relax since her daughter won't be home for a few days.

With a great, big yawn, Sakura stretched her arms in the air, working the kinks out of her muscles and went to the bathroom and do the morning routines.

Naruto's little antics yesterday are still on her mind. Even what her Shishou told her.

Would she really let things go as they were?

Sakura tried not to think about such complicated nonsense anymore, and shut her mind into oblivion. Today was her day-off and wanted to spend it with much relaxation as much as possible. After she had cleaned the house and put the washing machine into auto mode, she stretched and yawned once again. The air is cold and it's so good to snuggle on her comfy bed. She closed the heavy curtain again and went back to her bed. She snuggled comfortably in her covers, sighing. She closed her eyes, her mind now drifting into nothingness. The world was fading away.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

She opened her eyes with a snap. And snarled at the door.

Who would be in their right mind, bother to open a door when the weather was this cozy?

Not her.

"Ignore it," she muttered to herself, closing her eyes back and snuggling deeper into the blankets. Maybe if she ignored it, the person—whoever the stupid person knocking this early was—would just go away, and assume that no one was home. Or that the resident inside was still asleep. Or—

BAM! BAM! BAM!

—maybe she could just strangle said knocking person.

With a growl, Sakura threw the covers off her body—she immediately shivered, as the morning air swept through her thin, white tank top and soft silk shorts. Placing her feet off the bed, she shivered again, as her bare soles touched the cold, hard floor. She blindly rooted around for her slippers, the one with pink little cat designs on them.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

The slippers weren't found. Cursing at her unfortunate luck, Sakura growled some more, standing up on her bare feet, and trying not to let the coldness get through her. She brushed her long hair with her fingers that fall on her sleepy face. She stalked outside her bedroom, shutting the door loudly. She grumbled, as she felt the house rattle at the force. Sakura had a pretty good idea who was at the door—it had to be either Ino-Pig or Naruto (whom she assumed had already made it out of the hospital and walking like nothing had happened, again, thanks to Kyuubi residing inside his body, his healing ability is astonishing), because no one else visited her place this early.

BAM! BAM! BAM! And the knock on the door was definitely demanding.

Glaring, Sakura opened the front door, and opened her mouth, prepared to give the blond (male or female, it didn't matter) a piece of her mind about disturbing peace and sleeping schedules.

She stopped, as the sight in front of her prevented her brains from functioning, and saying a single word. She turned from glaring to gawking in a matter of seconds.

It wasn't a blond.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Wait, how did he know my house?

The person standing in front of her doorway had the nerve to remain silent, and look at her with...nothing. No emotions.

It irritated her a lot, she wanted to roll her eyes. She still remember what happened yesterday…the ass had the nerve to leave her and Naruto in that room, minding the predicament they both were in…and now he has the gall to show his blank face on her door!

With another, more severe glare, Sakura put her hands on her hips, and huffed righteously. "I asked what—oofh!"

She didn't get to finish her sentence, because the next moment, as swift as lighting, Uchiha Sasuke had swept in—and he had taken her in his arms.

Bodies close. Arms entwined.

Lips near to touching.

It was safe to say that her sleepiness had vanished completely.

SxS

He didn't let her finish the last sentence. Not because he didn't want to, but because out of the corner of his eye, he was already seeing movements.

With refined, graceful speed, he swooped in, and took the still-in-sleepwear Sakura in his arms. He molded their bodies close, ignoring her gasp, and the alarmed look coming into her eyes.

Sasuke hugged her, as a man might hug a lover.

She froze. He didn't let go.

"Sasuke-w-wha...?"

He felt Sakura's hands come up, as if intending to push him away. Not wanting that to happen, because it would ruin everything, Sasuke did the only thing he could think of—the only thing that wouldn't look the least bit suspicious to anyone watching them from afar.

He took her hands firmly, kissed her fingers one by one. He pulled her closer, hugging her even tighter. Then he leaned down, and put his mouth at the junction of her ear.

It was soft—and he tried his very best to ignore that.

"Don't move. Someone is watching us."

He felt her stiffen in his hold—but she didn't budge, nor move.

The council wasn't joking when they said they will send 'observers' that will validate what Naruto had told them. At first, Sasuke thought it was foolish to get serious with what the council demands and if he ignore any of their plans, they will eventually leave him alone. Guess he's wrong. He underestimated the old geezers. Just this morning, since he has no session with the mednin, he was planning to spend his time training in the grounds. After that probably go home and meditate and read some of his family's scroll.

He had sensed them since the sun was still below the horizon, leaping here and there, hiding in the shadows but taking a few distances from the manor. He didn't bother to take any actions since he knew they were from Konoha, probably an ANBU who regularly visits him every now and then, taking their assignments on observing him. Even though he was reinstated as a shinobi and citizen of Konoha, he was fully aware that some of the council is still observing him. He had been a criminal once and trust is something that was tough to build. Society might forgive but some people don't forget. He didn't mind. He had earned what he deserved and earned what he should. That's enough. He knew they will go away if they confirmed what they wanted to confirm and will leave him alone.

He's wrong. The people surrounding the manor were not from ANBU and they did not leave him alone.

He just realized that they were probably the 'observers' Naruto was talking about.

They're here to confirm if what Naruto did tell them, about him and Sakura being lovers was true.

Damn.

He went to the Godaime, passing it out as asking blueprints from the Uchiha archive section. In there, the Godaime told him about everything.

The council initiated a proposal to expedite the Uchiha Restoration and he was going to marry an unknown girl, a royalty….yes, without his permission and consent. The last Uchiha wanted to run that moment and hunt the council one by one and slit their throats and hung them in Hokage Mountains. The Godaime stopped him. She said unless it was proven that he already has a girlfriend whom they assumed he will marry someday, the proposal might be off and avoided. The Godaime mentioned Naruto's plan and right now it's the only feasible thing to do.

Go on with the plan of Sakura being his lover or marry an unknown woman.

Which is which?

He would rather consent with Naruto's stupid idea. The last resort would be to kill the wrinkled bastards. No, he will kill the wrinkled bastards one of these days…

"W-What is happening?" Sakura whispered back.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Sasuke heard Sakura whispered as she was starting to push him away again.

"I said don't move, Sakura," he whispered again so she's the only one who could hear him. He placed a hand on the small of her back to stop her.

"Tell me what's happening?" she hissed.

Irritated that the 'observer' might also be a skilled ninja who can read mouth movements, he placed a hand and smooth out her jaw followed by his mouth. He traced his lips on her jaw and stopped at the junction on her ear once again.

She smelled good…so fucking good its turning him on. Unconsciously he closed his eyes and inhaled deep.

Yes, she smelled the same as five years ago.

His hold tightened around her once more. He could feel her, her warmth. He just realized, Sakura's wearing close to nothing. He could feel the tips of her breast brushing on his chest.

Not good. Definitely not good. This is turning him on.

He felt her shiver.

"I'll explain later," he whispered his mouth brushing her skin, his breath warm.

Kami, he wanted to nip her skin. It felt so heaven and smooth. He wanted to run his tongue on her skin, bite her, suck her skin until it bruised.

Kami, he wanted to mark her, like five years ago…right here, right now!

She stiffened again and was about to move from his grip. He realized, not this time, he won't let her move away from him this time.

This is getting annoying.

He had to stop her or the pretend will be busted.

With a sigh and grumble, Sasuke did the only thing that came to his mind at that moment. He pulled her back to him.

He moved his head and kissed her.

SxS

Sakura couldn't understand what's happening anymore. First, it was Sasuke who was in her door this early in the morning, suddenly hugging her.

And now kissing her?

Kami, she's dreaming isn't she?

A kunochi was supposed to be prepared for anything. ANYTHING

But she wasn't.

She wasn't prepared for his mouth to be on hers, and for her to feel nothing but...him.

And wonder.

And...hunger.

Her lips tingled, in a way she didn't want them to. His lips were kissing hers, but not really—they were just there, warm on hers, and soft. Hard. It was a direct contrast, one she couldn't understand. Her own lips were closed, and there was no tongue involved. On the outside observer, it was believable enough to convince them that they were indeed lovers, and that this was indeed a kiss of passion—his possessive hands on her waist and their intimate position were enough proof of that. But the kiss...it was nothing. No movement. Nothing. Their lips were just...there.

So why, instead of just her lips, was her whole body tingling now?

And why did she suddenly have this want to...open her mouth and let him kiss her deeper?

To let his tongue come in, and conquer? Kami, this is so different from that night.

Yes, it's different. She could still remember, she was giving up on him. And then, he was kissing her. But it was a punishable kiss.

This one…what is it this time?

Ah yes. A kiss for pretend. Their eyes were on each other. One shocked, one expressionless. His onyx eyes were dark, and darkening.

She couldn't seem to look away.

Suddenly, before she could think of anything else, his lips moved—slow, and subtle. But she felt it. Her lips moved back. And her eyes fluttered close. She felt fire racing through her skin, and it took her a moment to realize that his hands had started moving. Those warm, big hands. His body was closer, the heat radiating in waves, and making her feel something she couldn't understand, much less try to analyze. Her breath hitched. Slowly, his lips continued moving.

Their mouths were still closed, but a sound from her throat was coming...

SLAM!

It took Sakura a moment to realize that there was a loud bang, followed by her back being gently pushed against a wall. His mouth had disentangled from hers, but his hands were still on her skin. Every part of her body was now...aching.

Slowly, Sakura opened her eyes. She stared.

Onyx eyes stared back, revealing nothing.

His mouth was only inches away from hers. His hands were just below her tingling breasts. Just below, and if he only moved them, up...just a little more...

She stared. He stared back.

Then he abruptly, quickly moved away.

"That was close. You were being stupid as always. But I think that was enough for them to leave me alone…for a moment," It took Sakura a moment to understand, due to the loud pounding of her heart, and the incoherent thoughts and images in her head. After understanding, it took her another moment to realize, exactly what he meant. Her eyes widened.

It was, to say the least, enough to shatter her temporary dazed state of bliss.

With a shocked look, Sakura's jaw dropped.

"Wha—I—what are you talking about?" she blurted out. "First off, you came here knocking on my door then suddenly kissing me without my permission then—"

"You were about to blow the cover," he interrupted, "That's what I said about you being stupid."

She gaped. She gawked. Then she glared.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" she hissed, pushing herself off the wall and coming to stand in front of him. "What cover?!"

He gave her an annoyed look. "There was an 'observer' for the council, a few meters away from here, disguised," he just said.

"Observer—…" then it dawned to her about what Naruto said last night. "I didn't agree to Naruto's idea!" Sakura said.

"Look, I didn't agree to this either. But there's no other way. Pretend or let there be a war. Which one?"

"This is NOT my problem Sasuke. So don't drag me into this. I don't care whether you marry some girl from god knows where or…or-" Liar. You do care about the marriage thing. Her innerself butt in.

"Unfortunately Sakura, you're in for the ride. You were signed up by the dobe so play the role. Because they just witness some credible fact that you and I are now lovers. Thank Naruto for this mess,"

Sakura's mouth gape. She could not believe this. Why her?

Why not? Her innerself said again.

Sakura leaned on the door for strength. God she don't want this. Why is it that the more she tried to get away from him, the more the odds that they were getting closer to each other?

"H-How long is this going to take?"

"Who knows,"

She put a hand to her temple. A headache is coming. Kami she wanted to kill Naruto. She wanted to kill the council.

And she wanted to hate herself…

…for in the deepest part in her heart, she was hoping for a little something like this.

She remembered something.

"Wait, I-I…uhm..I already have a kid," she could not look at him in the eye, "would that be a conflict in the situation? I mean…surely…"

"I don't care Sakura. And if ever, they don't have a say to it or anyone for that matter. My choice is no one's business," he said, with a hint of seriousness, like he was dealing with a business proposal, "beside's this is just an act that we both have to play with until we make them believe what they wanted to believe,"

Just an act.

She looked at the floor. It feels like she was slapped in the face. Right. Everything will just be a pretend.

"….Hmn," she mumbled.

What now?

How will she do this? How can she act around him? What does he expect?

There were so many questions on her mind.

But it end up in one single decision.

Everything that will happen from here on out will just be pretend. A stage created by Naruto and they will be the actors. The council will be the audience.

And they should act like it was real, to satisfy the audience.

This is absurd. She thought.

But that kiss.

That kiss was real.

What they did was just an acting, but the kiss…

She stayed there like eternity, without any of them making a move, her, leaning on the door for strength as her knees will be giving up on her, while her eyes still looking down at the floor…him standing there, probably staring on something or what, she doesn't know, until his hands move towards her…

…and move towards the door's knobs behind her.

"Don't put a meaning to that kiss, Sakura," he suddenly said as he twisted the knob of the door.

Her head snapped swiftly towards him as she moved out of his way as fast as she can. What do you expect? She said to herself.

Her pride swelled up on her.

"Of course. I was just surprised," Good job on not stuttering there. Although her heart was pounding like mad on her chest and heat crept up towards her cheeks. She won't back down. She won't be humiliated.

"Hn," he just said as he opens the door, "at least we understood each other,"

Her expression begins to toughen as she straightened her back. Before he could completely make it out of the door, she called out to him, "Sasuke, if you could refrain from doing it…like kissing…o-or something like that…I would appreciate that. I wouldn't want to explain things to my daughter, if she ever finds out,"

"She won't. This will be between you and me and the people involved. It will be done even before your daughter comes home," he just said.

"Good. At least we are on terms with some things," she said as she gave him a small smile.

Sasuke was now outside her door when he turned around and smirked, "Why, did that kiss…aroused you?"

Sakura's eyes slowly widen as her mouth opened in shock, "W-What?"

Sasuke gave her that devilish grin. That naughty side of him that's so rare to appear, it would the first time she saw this side of him. He was so sexy with the way he lifted his mouth to sneer, though his eyes tell her otherwise.

Those same deep, darkening eyes, slowly travel down to her neck…then to her chest. Then he smirked again.

Sakura looked down. In shock. In stun.

…and in horror.

And squeaked.

Heat made its way to her face making her blush as red as a tomato as she immediately brought up her hands to cover herself discreetly.

Oh my god!

I am dreaming!

She slammed the door on his sexy, devilish and smirking face.

The scene in the door was taken from In Nine Months, with permission. Edited.