Chapter 33
The afternoon sun was bright. The sky was clear blue. The air was brisk. Sanguine jolliness soared along with the summer breeze.
Within the household of a certain young aristocrat, however, a gale of storming clouds swirled with unbreathable tension behind the walls, lurking under the roof of the condominium, the mood stiffened with each movement rigidly performed.
Freshly brew teapot on the tray, Sakura carried it to the living room where she resided. Hesitantly walking, her hands were weak and Sakura worried that in any moment, the tray would collapse on to the ground from her scrawny poise.
Forcing a smile, emeralds were unable to make contact with the auburn hue. She bent over to place the tray gently on the glass surface and suddenly stiffened once she heard Hana's words. Never would she expect to meet the woman again so soon.
"No wonder." Her voice was smooth. "Sasuke is so fond of you, Sakura." Implying, her language filled with sardonic tone. "Because of your domestic skill, of course. And I apologized for the unannounced stopover… We must have interrupt-?" She glanced to the kitchen counter where all the unprepared ingredients were.
Shaky, she answered, "It's n-nothing. We were ju… uh…I was going to finish making lunch…uh." Awkward it was. She couldn't even breathe right.
"Quite late."
"Y-yes. There are a lot of thing needs to be done." She didn't like how Hana was acting oblivious with her questions and comments.
"How handy you are. You must be taking care of everything for him. Sasuke is really clueless of these things, I bet. Judging from all the maids, he had fired. He must be quite demanding too." A glint of amusement sparked in her in eyes. Hana tormented the poor soul. "But I'm sure it's not the only lovable trait he sees in you." With a haunting smirk, Hana scanned her eyes up and down the petite curvy form. The meticulous gaze made Sakura's comfort level dropped heavily.
"I'm s-sorry." Quickly, she excused herself to scurry back to the safe section of the kitchen. Knife in hand, Sakura hastily chopped the carrot to cubicle pieces. 'Oh…' Mentally groaning, she could not believe what had happened in the past fifteen minutes that had rushed by so fast but left behind a huge impact. Of all the time and situation to be found in, they had to see Sasuke and her right after thatand worst, Sasuke's father almost got smack with her bra by him. Then there she was, greeted them with only a tiny towel to cover the essential of her bareness.
"Ooh…" Quietly weeping, Sakura was mortified when Fugaku told them to get dressed. Hurried back to her room, she dug through the closet to find the most appropriate attire to put on. A moment later, walking out, Sasuke's office door was shut. Therefore, she figured they had business to talk about and proceeded to the living room to see Hana sitting on the couch with 'the look' on her face as if purposely waiting to see her and just her. That 'talk' a few days ago, still fresh in her mind, Sakura told herself not to think of strayed thoughts. She believed in Sasuke's affirmation. Nothing that Hana said would mess her mind.
Perhaps, she was too quick to say that.
Hana's voice abruptly tore through the silent room. "Oh my. Look at this. Wow." Sakura never felt that much pressure impaling on her, not even when working under the Warden, was she that fretful? "I'm jealous. My maid can't even prepare anything near this." Hana falsely exclaimed her excitement.
Sakura turned around with a timid smile. Even the dull-minded ones could understand what she meant.
[...]
"I still don't see the need of such action."
"Sasuke. I'm not here for your input. I want you to give up the thirty percents of the I.L.C. share in your hand. I will reimburse the value with double amount." Fugaku was impatient in his speech. Since the moment they walked inside the office, he went straight to the point. Clearly, there was nothing else that they could talk of.
"Hn." Turning around, Sasuke leant against his desk to see his father sitting in the armchair with his eyes intensely looking at him. Grimace, he tried to figure out the reason why his father would want the share. There was hardly a lead to where this would go to.
"There is no need to make a decision. You will do as I say. I prefer the transaction immediately made by tonight." Fugaku stood from his seat. "The money already transferred to you."
Insulted, Sasuke was furious. It was not the first time and he detested his mind for obeying such ridicule order. Controlling his outrage, his hand clenched tight in his pocket. Jaw locked tight, not saying a word because of his insolence.
"This conversation will be kept between you and I." It was always like that. It was always business related. Hardly, had they conversed about anything besides the welfare of the company and the money in his pocket. As if the only relation they had, was of boss and subordinate, nothing more. The money he spent to raise Sasuke and his study, was part of the invisible agreement.
Fugaku didn't waste valuable time. He swung the door opened and stepped out. As he entered the hallway, Sakura was in the middle of walking out of the closet room from hearing the door harshly opened. She had been moving around nonstop to get away from Hana with the excuse of needing to finish tiny tasks around the house.
Making a glance at the pinkette, without turning around, Fugaku blankly said to his son. "I'll just think of this as something you do to pass the time." Then without continue his march straight out of the apartment with Hana smoothly followed after.
Sakura stood in shock after hearing what Fugaku said. And with a slam of the front door, she was awestruck by another violent scorn of racket in Sasuke's office. Frightened, she flashed to the entrance to see Sasuke trashed his office. The broken shards from the glass globe on his desk covered the floor. The books and folders scattered across the side. Papers fluttered from his ruthless throw. Sasuke stood in the middle of the room in rage. Anger blazed with massive force from him. Chest rose up and down heavily from holding his breath for so long.
"Sa-sasuke." Worried, she tried to get closer to him. 'What did they talk about?' But, a raise of the hand, he stopped her from walking in to the hazard mess. The display of raging action calmed his state of rampant mentality. Slowly he returned to his composed phase.
In his mind, Sasuke told himself to remain torpid. The time would soon to arrive. He should not let his juvenile emotion despoiled what he had fabricated for so long.
No. Nothing could.
[...]
"Fugaku." Hana looked ahead, staring at the closed metal door of the elevator.
"..."
"You don't really mean…?" She turned to him, questioned his silence. Hana couldn't believe what he had said just before leaving. It was like an approval he had just given them.
Fugaku answered without making eye contact. "No." His voice was stern, unwavering. There was definitely a double meaning in his words before parting. He didn't just say that because he didn't care, and not bothered with such infamy. He wanted Sasuke to lose his guard and when he least expected, forced him to face reality. One way or another.
"I see." Relieve, Hana let out a sigh. It would be quite a pandemonium for the reputation of the Uchiha if such relation existed. To have a tramp contaminated the name of a notable family. A blemish would only be dirtier if it neared unworthy grime.
"Ah. It's almost two. You need to …"
Hana's words drown out as Fugaku no longer cared to listen nor pay attention. His eyes focused on the blinking light of the elevator floor buttons. In the short time interval, his mind evaluated the environment he was in not long ago. His condo, the last when Fugaku was at the flat was perhaps a year ago. He couldn't recall. There was hardly an aura in the room. It had no sign of life or habitat. Everything was blunt and desolated. But, just now, he had not left the floor for long. The strange lingering atmosphere refused to part from him. It was a completely different mood when he walked through the door. Bright and extravagant, it was not because of the pricey décor but the light that shone through the clear glass wall. Sasuke hardly pulled them away or had he? Then there was that calming scent. The aroma was so foreign yet so familiar. He couldn't pinpoint its identity exactly.
o-o-o-o-o
"Uhm!"
BAP!
"Uhm!"
BAP!
The baseball was thrown and rebounded into his mitt with force. Sasuke vent off his leftover frustration using the poor object.
Bap Bap Bap…
"Is Sasuke-nii alright?"
"He's…Well, he's troubled." Sakura tried to explain to the young mind.
Sitting on the near by hill, Sakura and Ryu sat on the green field with their knees brought to their chests and palms cupping their cheeks. Both looked at the male as he skillfully chucked the ball into the wall.
"I hope he'll feel better…" Although he wanted to join too, but the strange act of Sasuke made the boy recoiled, chosen to sit beside Sakura, and enjoyed the picnic she prepared.
Sakura looked down to the tiny body next to her. "Aw. Sorry Ryu. It supposed to be a fun day for you. But …Sasuke-ku-"
"Ah. Quite a distressed lad isn't he." A sudden familiar voice spoke up from behind.
"Mr. Masaki." "Grandpa!" Sakura immediately stood to bow in greeting with Ryu letting out a big grin. The old man with his wrinkled eyes, stared at the young youth with solemn on his face across the field then to his girlfriend.
"Sasuke-kun had a rough morning."
"Work related?" He took a short pause. "Family?"
Hesitated, there wasn't a positive answer. Sakura couldn't find the right word to describe the situation. It was everything jumbled into one big calamity.
"As expected…" Already had a clue in his head, Mr. Masaki was surprise a while ago to learn of Sasuke's background for a civilian as typical as he. With his understanding, Mr. Masaki knew. Such position came a demanding responsibly and Sasuke seemed to be someone who would not neglect the importance. The way he talked and interacted, his body language said it all.
"Perhaps he needs some guidance. It hard to go about, clueless, you know. Young people these days." He referred to them, too young to comprehend the rights and wrong. "It's unhealthy to keep it in or…throw a tantrum." He joined the pinkette and his grandson in watching Sasuke.
Green orbs widened. She looked up to the gentle face. As if he could read her concerned expression and Sasuke's troubled mind, Sakura was elated and yet embarrassed. She had hardly done anything to help eased Sasuke's dilemma. Being with him was just not enough. She felt aversion to her inability to accomplish anything. Sasuke had a tender character but as far as she knew, he had only shown it to her, maybe a hint of his tolerance to the usual gang. However, that was it. Regarding his family, business relation, he hardly spoken of them much. She understood that he do not want to be bothered with work at home. Then again, even if he did, would she able to understand and share his tribulation? What did she know about the transaction between companies? And she definitely had not live long enough to give him advice about life. 'What kind of Angel am I?' The question frequently popped up in her head and this seemed to be a great situation for it to be floating in her head again.
"Mr. Masaki." Sakura returned from her moment to see Sasuke walking up the hill. He gave the elder a respectful bow.
"Ah. Quite an elaborate picnic you have." Masaki tapped his chin with his index finger. The picnic basket was partially halfway emptied with Ryu's help.
"Will you join us?" Sakura asked.
"Nah. Nah. I have to meet some old friends by the west park." His hands were behind his back. "My wife pestered me to remind you to join dinner with us tonight."
"Ah. W-" "We'll surely be there." Sasuke answered before Sakura had the chance.
"Alright. Have fun." He nuzzled Ryu's head and the kid pouted from the gesture. Little mouth mumbled goodbye to his grandfather.
[...]
"No. Like this."
"Uh…"
"Ryu. You have to push against your torso and bend your knees a little more."
"Okay."
"Try it." Taking a step back, he watched as the small body tried to take a full swing. Seeing the boy jumped around in happiness of his success, Sasuke felt a pang of strangeness in his body.
"I want to join my school baseball team next year." He shouted out as Sasuke bent over to pick up the ball.
"Aren't you a little short?" He gave the kid a haunting smirk.
"I'll eat a lot and grow taller. I'll grow ten whole inches taller." He fisted his hand to show his enthusiasm.
"In ten years. Maybe." Dropping the ball into the tiny mitt, Sasuke tell him to continue with a wave of hand.
In the same spot on the hill, Sakura sat to watch Sasuke and Ryu. 'They look like brothers.' She smiled tenderly when Ryu grinned his big smile. Sasuke relaxed more as he continue his instruction. Looking at Sasuke as he enjoyed the moment, she questioned his relationship with his brother. 'Itachi…' Were they always like so? On purpose or because of circumstance that made Sasuke distanced himself from his brother. She had not had much interaction with the older Uchiha. Clearly, she could tell that Sasuke and his father, their bond already hung by the thread, waiting to snap. 'There must be some way…'
"Ahg!"
A shout made Sakura looked up from the grass blades. Sasuke was crouching while holding his head with Ryu worriedly biting his fingers.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry…" Accidentally released the ball too early from his hand, Sasuke took a full blow in the head from the boy. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm…"
"It's fine Ryu…" Calming down, Sasuke stood up with his hand massaging his head in circular motion. A little dizzy, but he didn't care, not that major of a wound.
"GAH! NO, IT'S NOT. Your nose's bleeding!" Pointing his little finger, Ryu was in shock to see a stream of red liquid running down the older male's face.
"F-" "Sasuke-kun, what's wrong?!" "-och."
[...]
The crowded park was lively with children running and screaming. The sound of the ice cream truck echoed a distance away. Mayhem was the only word to describe the ground. From toddlers to graders, their parents were exhausted from keeping up with the fleeting feet.
Giggling non stop, Sakura sat on the bench near the playground with Sasuke's head on her lap. One hand holding an ice-cream bar on his head, the other held one for her own treat.
"Hn." Annoyed, he didn't mind the position he was in but the place he was at. The playground filled with hundred of screaming kids would be the last place he want to be.
"Keep your head up a little." She couldn't void her silly laughing voice.
"Hn." The ice cream felt sticky in its bag. His nose had stopped bleeding for a while but Sakura persisted to prevent it from trickled down again. He didn't argue. Although hiding, it felt pleasant.
"Uhm…" After a while, she patted his shoulder for him to sit up, but he didn't respond. "Sasuke…" Whining, Sakura had learned to rely on her ultimate weapons, whine and puppy eyes. It got Sasuke every time.
Finally got up from the soft pillow of her thighs, he looked around. It was irritating, the scene in front of him.
Sasuke looked at the foreign scene of familial kinship. As long as he could remember, his fate spiral without a direction from that day. The father, the mother, and the siblings, these terms hardly influenced his life the way it should be. Both of his hands never been held at the same time by two people. Words of encouragement hardly ever praised him. Not that he needed it.
Through years, he had learned of its worthlessness. It did nothing but filled one's mind of false confidence. And he, had had enough of lies.
Sakura returned from tossing away the finished ice-cream and sat down next to Sasuke. Wrapping her arms around his, she made a comment. "Ryu really loves the play ground." Emeralds observed as he energetically played with the neighboring kids. It was sweet and understanding of him, knowing that Sasuke doesn't enjoy the place. He didn't mention anything about it. But once they got to the ground to get ice, he immediately sprung to the monkey set.
"Hn." He raised an eyebrow of agreement. As a kid, who wouldn't?
A couple, a few feet from them, yelled from their bench to call back their son. It was nearing time to go home and prepare dinner or perhaps go out. It was a beautiful Sunday after all.
Then one by one, kids from the playground exited with their parents.
"Man…Ryu. You're so lucky. You don't have anyone to nag you home." A chubby kid kicked the sand. He was prolonging his time but his parents wouldn't stop bickering.
"Yea. I bet you don't have to brush your teeth, bath, or eat slimy green stuff…" Another made a comment.
"I wish I could be you."
"…" Ryu stood a stare at the ground. He couldn't say a word. It was hard to say anything. Uncomfortable, he fidgeted.
"You can stay here and play all you want." They definitely didn't know what it was like after everyone had parted. The playground turned from merriment to seclusion. The feeling of left behind and wanting to hear those words was painful.
Suddenly, "Kiddo, let's go home."
He didn't react at first, knowing it wasn't meant for him. Then with a knock on the head, Ryu looked up to see Sasuke's towering form. The other kid joined him with their mouths gaping wide.
"Whoa. He's like four feet tall." Sasuke twitched to be the center of attention and swarmed by kids.
Overjoyed but concealed it, Ryu acted as a normal kid would act. "Aw. Can't I stay?"
"No." Sasuke answered bluntly.
"Ryu. We should go." Sakura's gentle voice spoke up from behind.
"She got pink hair!"
"Lady why are you wearing a wig?" A hand rose up to ask the question as though he was in class. Amused, Sakura waved to the tiny bodies looking up in amazement.
"Let's go." Impatience, Sasuke dipped his hand into the pool of kids and pulled out the right one.
"Bai bai." Sakura waved her hand and followed after as Ryu was dragged away, also waving to his friends.
The walk to the Masaki household was short. But it felt like a mile long in Sasuke's time. Not because it was a bad thing but he couldn't describe the sentiment of his mind at the moment. Sakura holding his hand tight on one side, Ryu took his other hand. The three of them walked in sync, although it was hard for him because of their tiny steps. But he didn't mind.
Awkward, but he didn't mind.
They greeted Mrs. Masaki at the door and soon later, her husband returned home.
The house was lively from the clattering in the kitchen and Ryu's enjoyment of his cartoon show on the TV that was loudly played. In the garden, on the patio, Sasuke was engaged in another game of Go with Mr. Masaki.
"Why don't we change the objective of the game tonight…" The old man took a sip from his teacup and clear the game board.
Confused but went along. He wasn't much of a player but learning a new formal activity was useful.
"Play it so, that you lose the pieces in your hand. The loser in turn wins."
That should be easy enough. Sasuke thought it would be effortless to do so. But it was far from his expectation. Sitting there for a moment, he stared at the board. If he made the next move, on A spot, then Mr. Masaki would force to take the pieces. But then the next next move, Sasuke in turn would have to win a greater number of piece. Then if he made a move on the B spot, he would win a little but would loose a greater number of pieces on the next move. Too engrossed in thinking, he was cluttered for a minute. It was more restraining than the normal rule.
To lose was to win, something he had subconsciously been doing. Sasuke always planned ahead. He played the people around him like a flute player would on a pipe. His finger manipulated the action and control of the sound, or their mind. He read the unreadable, expected from what had not yet materialized. His mind constantly at work, hardly ever break from scheming.
"It's hard isn't it?" Masaki asked the raven head again. "To win by losing."
"Hn." He agreed. Sasuke knew well. He had suffered from it for too long.
"It's actually isn't Sasuke. Quite easy." His finger tapped on the board. "I've use this analogy to my students. To tell them, if they cannot read their own movement, neither can their opponent. But for you."
'What about me…?'
"You read too much into things. The first time you played, it was out of inexperience. I thought you were a prodigy. But the more you learn, the more you know. Your mind starts to think ahead, and I can read you like an open book."
Obsidian looked up from the board, counting the wrinkles on his face, his face ages from his years of living. Contentment never parted from his expression.
"Let's take a break." He refilled Sasuke's cup of tea. "And take a look at the board. Tell me what you can think of."
Puzzled, he answered. "Stones?" Unsure, he couldn't read what this man was thinking.
"Look again."
'What is this for?' Sasuke looked back down at the board. It was just a plain wooden Go board. "A seahorse...?" The formation of the black pebbles, he used the only tiny ounce of imagination and creativity he had.
"Really?" The old man raised his eyebrow and bent his head to look at what Sasuke saw. He followed his finger and traced the outline. It did look like a seahorse. "Perhaps I didn't word this question right. I'll just say it."
Sasuke was more confused. What was he trying to say? This moment was too sentimental for him to compose.
"Imagine...The Go pieces are the essence of your life." His wrinkle hand hovered above the board. " Every piece is a decision you've made, the possible right or wrong choices. " He emphasized on the last word.
"…"
"I'm sure you are a very capable at what you do but you are young. You can make mistakes." He took a short pause. "Take it and let it go as experience. But don't let it pull you away from those that care for you..."
Sasuke sat there to let the word fused his mind, sunk into his brain.
0-0-0
"Gah. I ate so much." Sakura rubbed her tummy when she entered their home. Slipping off her shoes, Sakura stretched her arms high. "Good thing we walked or I have no idea how to ease this." Midway into living room, Sakura noticed Sasuke hadn't turn on the light. The moon phase was over, the clear night sky darkly inked. Stars covered the horizon, shining its reflection.
"Sakura." Before she could spin around to tell him to turn on the ligh, Sasuke was already behind her tiny form and pulled her into his arms. Her face pressed to his chest.
"Yes?" She giggled from his act. Sasuke had been acting strange since dinner. She noticed his weird gestures and formal speech pattern. It was utterly cute and awkward at the same time. Sakura rested her head, relaxed her body.
"I was raised by Teyaki, a personal butler in England since I was twelve. Retired already. He was … a someone." He couldn't pick a word to describe his position. It was annoying but he was there, the old man surprisingly still alive after so many years. "Are you listening?"
Took her a moment, but she realized the situation. Her arms wrapped tighter around his back as he continued. "No wonder, you don't know how to take care of yourself." Even though he declared to live alone in college.
"Sakura. He only dropped by my dorm once or twice a month."
"Suure." She giggled by his defensiveness and cuddled deeper to him
"I couldn't differentiate between left and right when I was younger. I like eating tomatoes. I actually hate classical music but it's the only thing that relaxes my mind. I got arrested once for vandalizing a teacher's room with Naruto. I started driving before I got my license. There was possibly once a month, I would visit the doctor when I was in college."
"For what?" Sakura raise her head, clearly concerned.
There was a long pause. "Accidents."
"Sasuke-kun. Was it really accident?"
He took a moment then answered. "No." He deserved it.
"You were such a troublemaker." She giggled.
"Ah." What else could he do? College was an easy path for him. Sasuke never had to study a subject. He breezed through it like a normal daily routine. "I hate ice cream. Though I found a new liking for cake … made by an angel. Not a lot but I can let some slide." He felt Sakura grin wide against his chest.
"I used to hate eating at home." He still didn't know why there was a big family size dinner table. It did nothing but taking up space. "I hate sleeping alone...now."
Blush. Sakura's face slowly turned red.
"I collect more wines than I could drink in a lifetime. I am not an alcoholic." He defended his hobby. "This building was built with my own money since I started making it since I was … 16-15?"
"How exact-?" About his drinking problem, she was going to let that slide.
"Stock. Investments." He didn't care if she knew. "I can play any types of sport, learn any languages but I can't speak it well. I hate playing instruments but I know how to play the saxophone."
"Ah." She was enjoying this.
Didn't really plan this out well, he was defeated by his own awkwardness. After a pause, Sasuke decided.
"I lost my mother when I was seven. My father, I don't acknowledge him. I considered myself a single child." Sasuke's voice was too calm too collect. It was odd. "I knew nothing of my mother's family until my grandfather died of Alzheimer's and send for me." He said it so easily that made Sakura perturbed in his arms.
"There were-are rumors of me not of Uchiha blood. I've lived in the shadow as the second heir. I was given the position in the corporation to keep up the image. They don't seem to care nor pay much interest in what I do though, as long I keep it secretive. Not that I comply to it. It amuses me that they have not removed my name from the family." He said it with no drawback. Until then, his action had not concerned another's feeling. "I'm sorry. For what happen." The scene in his office, the tantrum he threw. "I couldn't…"
Shaking her head to tell him it was alright, Sakuradug her body deeper into his chest more and more, a strange pang of discomfort struck her nerve. As though, she could feel his troubles. All the pain he couldn't show was surging through her veins.
"…"
"Sakura."
"…"
"Why are you crying?"
"B-because y-you're not."
"Am I supposed to?"
Watery emeralds looked up, in darkness. She couldn't read his expression and with her blurry eyes, it was harder. But she knew it was a veal he used to cover his state of flaw. "I'm sorry Sasuke-kun…I haven't done anything. I-I … I really want to help-"
"Really? For someone who could make me talk this much. To what extent are you intended to do to me?" He gently cupped her cheeks. "Sakura. I'm only a human."
"Sa-sasuke-kun…" Hesitantly, she replied to him. "As of now, so am I." Her hands touched his hands on her cheeks.
Another barrier was torn. The mighty Ice King was stripped bare to the center of his heart. The protective layers of frost around his heart were weak against the warmth of this Angel. He had exposed to too much. Too much interaction had made him fragile.
o-o-o-o-o
o-o-o-o-o
"Kurenai. You know what you have to do."
"Sure. Sure. I'll have Shika send it to you once I'm done." She took the check from his hand and whistled at the amount. With a smirk, she looked up and said, "As soon as possible."
"Hn. Also take this to him while you're at it in London." Sasuke gave her a sealed white envelope.
"Will do. Anything else?" Kurenai stood up from her chair. Their current location was at a busy restaurant during lunchtime. It was too much of a commotion to notice the scheming secrecy.
"Nothing. This will do."
"Very well." Gathered her purse, Kurenai took a sip from her drink before leaving. "Have fun tonight!" She knew where he would be going. A glare from him sent her off to the airport.
The black haired woman disappeared from his sight. Sasuke let out a short sigh and looked at his phone for the time. It was nearing one. There weren't much work during mid week. He planned to return to the office to clear out what need to be signed and make his exit for the day.
There was something much more important later in the afternoon.
[...]
Two hours earlier than usual, Sasuke entered the condo in wonder to know what his Angel had been up to during the time he was not home.
'Does she ever pay attention to the door being opened?' He questioned the girl's sense of awareness as his step led his body further into the house.
"No wonder." He gave a short chuckle to see the girl sprawled over the sofa for an afternoon nap. Quietly removing his jacket and tie, he put it aside along with the briefcase in hand.
Pink bang lightly fluttered by the soothing wind from the opened doors. Emeralds hid under the closed lids. Pouty lips, plumb cheeks flushed. Sakura was oblivious to her surrounding, as always. So weak, so fragile, she was vulnerable to his devious intention.
Another inquiry popped in his head. He didn't know because of her lack of sleep at night, or because of boredom. Sakura was always languid. An easy napper, she could drop and sleep anytime, anywhere.
Raising an eyebrow, Sasuke had this grin on face when his eyes landed on the girl. Dragging his gaze from the tip of her toe to her paled thighs, he mentally peeled the scrawny article off her delectable body.
Sitting down next to her tiny feet, his callused hand palmed her knees frivolously. He leaned down to pucker his lips and gave the soft patch of skin on her thigh a buoyant kiss. Then making his way down, from her mid thigh to her knee, his hand held her leg gently and lifted it up to his access. Slowly, a trail of feathery kiss made its way down her ankle.
"Uhmm… moahhh…" Sasuke was encouraged by her sweet vocal, moaning out the pleasurable feeling running up her sides. Lifting her left leg higher, he placed a kiss under her thigh. A glimpse of the exposed pink undergarment made his blood rushed. His lower region gradually built up the tension.
Steadily, he gave a smooch right on the back of her knee where the thinnest part of skin was.
"!" Overly sensitive, from feeling the arousing touch, a jolt of ticklish sensation speeded to her brain. Out of reaction, Sakura flexed her leg without knowing and tightly locked Sasuke's head with her leg. A quick moment of struggling, he pulled his head out and fell to the floor from the lack of balance.
THUD.
"?!" In daze, Sakura jolted up, still feeling lethargic from the nap. "Sasuke-kun!" A hand brought to her gaping mouth. She found the said male on the floor, holding his neck. "What are you doing there?" She looked at the clock. "and home, at this time?"
Pulling his body back on the sofa, Sasuke should have learned his lesson by now. But he was just an average male, something learned but hardly ever remembered. Clutching his jaw, he wondered if it cracked. "There's an event to attend today." Moving his neck around, Sasuke told her about a formal dinner they would be going. "But it's still early."
Sakura crossed her legs to give him more space to sit. The movement feasted his lecherous gaze of her toned legs, and what in between.
"Ino is dropping by later with the usual preparation." Like any planned event, the stylist would show up at his door on demand. "We still have some extra time before that." Sasuke placed his cool hand on the soft thigh. With a push, Sakura was down on the soft cushion again. "Now what is it? That I just heard you say…" He climbed above to ambush the body in the trap of his limbs. She probably made a cake a moment ago. The sweet aroma hummed from her body.
Blush. "I didn't say anything!" She was certain she didn't. She was asleep. What in the world, did he hear? No. What in the world, did he do?!
"Are you sure?" His hand ran down her side, making its way under the dress and up. A harsh intake of breath, Sakura felt the roughness of his hand. Smothering over her stomach, the rhythm of her breath was obvious.
"Sas-s…" What was this? It was barely a minute and her body was already reacting to his touch. She could sense it. Her toes tightly curled. Her legs fidgeted under him. Hands crumbled the collar of her dress. Sakura writhed when her bum was squeezed tenderly.
Hovered his lips next to her ear, he tickled the rim with his words. "Perhaps this." A free hand on her knee and bent it. "Will remind you." He slid down between her legs and with the hand on her bent joint; he kissed the inner side of her thigh. Then ran his other hand to her gem with his head followed.
"Oh!" Immediately, Sakura sat up to push his head away. He was getting way way too close to her…
"Already this wet. Sakura, what were you dreaming about?" Sasuke pressed his finger up to her core. The soaked feeling from the garment was enticing. He could feel the sultry cream.
Blushed. "I… wasn't dreaming…" She shook agitatedly, choking the words as he continued to finger her lightly, with air-kiss touch. The thin layer of the undergarment was sodden, wet to his feel. Hooking two digits behind the slip, Sasuke used his knuckles to stroke the swelling folds. With each movement, Sakura let out a soft moan. Her eyes clenched shut. Knees were shaking. Her stomach squeezed and breathing was hard.
"Then what were you asking for more of? Hm?" His free hand left her leg to roam the supple skin. Obsidian looked up to the widened orbs. A smirked grazed on his lips. Faster than lightning, he pushed up to kiss her possessively.
"Mmmh!" Knocked back down, Sakura's arms instantly shoved against his carved chest. The feel of his rippling muscle made her fingers tingled. Sakura was losing way too fast from the arousal infecting her sanity.
Broad hand wasted no time to pull down the pink garment, but not off. As they kissed with fever, his shirt was removed, her dress was forgotten. The unclasped bra was hanging by the inner of her arms.
"Oah…" Giving in, she couldn't protest the hot blood man and his urge. Undeniably, she wanted more but the subconscious of her mind told her not. She didn't want to greet Ino, who would be coming soon, messily dressed and in a flustered state. But, Sasuke paid no heed attention to it.
He was rather excited.
Vrrm…Vrrmmm.
"…" Didn't want to be bothered.
VrrmmVrrmm…
"uhm…Sasuke-kun … uhm…I can feel your phone vibrates." She patted against his shoulders. A chance for her to escape but … not quite.
"Hn." Irritated, he pulled out the phone and put it on speaker on the floor. "What." Clearly showed his dissatisfaction, Sasuke returned to nipping Sakura's shoulder. Knowing the person on the other end could hear her moan, Sakura clutched her mouth shut. She groaned at Sasuke's persistence.
-"Sasuke."- It was Itachi's voice.
Definitely could not make a sound, not even a squeak. Sakura couldn't even bear to breathe as Sasuke lifted his head to glare at the phone. His face was pissed.
"Hn." Not caring, his attention returned to Sakura. Amused to see the girl's face fluffed from clutching her mouth to muffle her moan. Ecstatic, he latched his mouth to her erected nipple and watched as the girl's face reddened. The situation and her state of timorous turned him on more. The tightness of his trouser was too uncomfortable.
-"Do not try anything tonight. The elders are not the people you should be frank with."-
"Does it even matter if I go?" He replied without lifting his lips from her tender skin. Mad to keep any sound escaping, Sakura's body thrashed from his torturing tease. The hot breath, the slick feel of his tongue flickering her tip was tormenting. Muting all her pleasure was not an easy task.
-"Of course it does." -
"Hn." Sakura looked like she would explode any moment, no pun intended. His fingers continued to work its magical pace. Slipping in and out of her sensitive lips, Sasuke smirked against her chest when he felt it tightened. As quick as his pace, every muscle of her body contracted. Crying out air into her palms, Sakura's eyes rolled back from the quick explosion. Her back arched, feet in the air. Every toe coiled tight.
Exhausted, limply, she fell flat on the cushion seat. Hands still covered her lips. Her chest rose up and down madly. Shoulders pushed forward, to keep her hand steady, but still shaking.
-"Do not do anything impulsive."- Itachi left out the word 'again'.
"I doubt they'll notice I'm there." A moment of silence, Sasuke reached down with his free hand to turn off his phone but Itachi gave out a comment before the conversation ended.
-"Remember. They only expect to see you."- He didn't make any reference to what Sasuke said earlier.
Knowing that it ended. Sakura released her hands to breathe. "Bwah…" Any longer, she would pass out for sure. "Sasuke-kun, you're so mean!"
She sat up with all her force, breathing hard and pushed Sasuke away. He in turn, was entertained by her display of actions. Wrestling naked surely had tons of fun in it.
[...]
"Sasuke-kun. I'm scared." Biting her lips, she looked up to him as they rode the elevator down to the garage. No matter how she tried, her heart was beating hard from the nervousness.
Giving her a tight squeeze by the waist, he comforted her with words. "It's only a dinner. Don't worry."
"But I wasn't inv-"
"Sakura, you're coming with me. Just ignore anything the elders will say and the others. We'll be in and out before you know it." He assured her. A rebel he was, if he was going to attend the event like they wanted him to, he wasn't going alone. Now that she was with him, Sasuke needed to make it officially known, widely.
Permanently.
Emerald glanced up to see Sasuke's stolid face. What was he thinking? Itachi even said right after he ended the talk, only Sasuke was to go to the dinner. But when Ino showed up, he still insisted Sakura to accompany him.
Ino spent the next hours with her assistants to glamour up the two, more so with Sakura.
She was now dressed in a side shoulder lustrous cream silk dress with a deep wine and gold obi sash tied by a strand of gems, stood to wait until the door opened. Her hair was up on a side bun with tiny bow braids and a crystal hair ornament to touch up. Her face was clear of any sign of make-up except for the gloss on her lips, which made her more kissable.
Obsidian stare from behind his fallen bang. Fixed the black tie over the maroon dress shirt with white collar and cuff, it felt rather hard to breathe. He buttoned up the dark jacket and put his hand in the pocket.
Ding
"Ready?" Showed her his elbow.
Hesitated but she proceeded to wrap her hands around his.
o-o-o
"Master Sasuke."
Once he stepped through the front gate, Sasuke was greeted with a line of maids. Differ from the ladies working at the Uchiha manor. The servants from the Ancestor manor were much younger, in their twenties. Their expressions were more rigid and professional.
"Your father, Master Fugaku and Master Itachi with his wife are at the main hall with the elders." Although astound to see the girl, the head-maid didn't not show any changes on her face. Sending two maids to escort the couple to the main hall, she stood behind to order the others to begin preparing the entrance way in preparation for the incoming guests. It wasn't just a simple dinner. Panic boiled inside her.
Sakura walked along side of Sasuke with poise. Head up high, she conspicuously held his arm tightly, fearing her feet would trip from the height of the heels.
But the consciousness did not avert her attention from the surrounding. She felt like she walked through a castle of an imperial estate.
It was a long walk until they entered the main hall. Anxiety slowly built up inside as their steps was getting closer. By custom, the maids knelt down to slide the doors open for them to walk in. Emerald met the dark orbs and immediately pulled away from Sasuke's arm but he kept a tight hold of her hand. Fear registered her mind when all the gazed focused on her. It definitely wasn't because of her pink hair.
Seated on the velvet cushions, the four out of the five elders of the Uchiha family were enjoying a moment of peaceful conversation with the Uchiha monarch. Itachi was a seat behind Fugaku with Michelle. The two of them appeared to be a wedded couple with prestigious manners.
Mimic Sasuke's action, Sakura bowed her body deeply. Lifting her head up, she was surprise to see the unchanged expression harboring on every face in front of them. It was as if, none had acknowledged his courtesy or the lack thereof.
Sasuke didn't care. It was expected.
"Ah Sasuke. You actually show up…and on time." The third elder was a woman neared sixty. "And this is-"
Sasuke nonchalantly answered. "This is Sakura." There was a pause for the dramatic silence. "My girlfriend."
A clanging sound of Fugaku resting his teacup down broke the silence after the last two words he said. Sakura lowered her head, shyly looking ahead. Standing in the middle of the room while everyone else seated was unnerving, even the servants in waiting were kneeling by the corners. Sakura felt like being interrogating for something she'd done.
The fifth elder next to the Third made his comment. "We didn't foresee to see you joining us tonight." He addressed the pinkette.
"There had been words fluttering around." The Second, sitting on the left, lifted his teacup. "Tis the first time to see you."
"Words? What words?" Saying it was a frivolous thing that he would never pay attention to, the First found it rather an eyesore to see.
"I wonder what made you decide to have her escorting you tonight. Aren't you afraid to show such a beau? She might be swept away." The Third looked up with her head leaned to the side. She was known for her way of bending words, a smooth talker that could persuade anyone in any given situation. Observing the girl, decently, she had the look and the manner of the high class. But the luxury on her body was not enough to cover the blemish background or the lack there of.
"Indeed. Indeed. A beau, quite exotic." The Second stroke his beard. "I've never seen such vibrant hues." He was a notorious player in his younger days. "Where did you two encountered?" He said it as if they meet by chances under the red light. The answer was unneeded.
Gulp, she knew it. Although no one showed resentment, not even Fugaku since he had hardly opened his eyes, Sakura could feel the bickering tone. "I-I'm sorry for coming, uninvited." She gave them another bow.
"No worry. The more the merrier." The Third's hand waved easily, making her kimono sleeve fluttered. It was usual, though the first time to see the girl by his side. She figure Sasuke would do anything to keep it a secret. Her keen eyes rested upon the young male, uninterested to what was exchanged, then to the girl. "Enjoy tonight." Her words had no special meaning but held an animosity that Sakura could not place her mind to relax.
[...]
"Sasuke-kun, this is not an average dinner right?" What was she saying? Of course it wasn't. Sakura glanced around to see the maids rushed through the house in fashion and stride to keep the manor in top position.
"Hn." Sasuke could care less. He was only there as a scarecrow of the crowd. Thinking in his head, they shouldn't have came early. It wouldn't be for another hour when the 'social gathering' start.
"What exactly is this dinner for?" Good question, maybe he should pay more attention to the inviters when they dropped by his office.
"It's just a social thing. There's rarely a purpose behind it." He said it as it was. There were times it was only for a mere painting exhibit. There weren't enough banks in the world to store their money. Time was something they could afford to waste away.
"Why was there an empty seat on the far right?"
"Hn. That seat belong to the Fourth. He doesn't usually show up for anything." In fact, Sasuke wasn't sure if he had ever met him face to face. The Fourth elder was a strange man. But either way, he was no different than them.
"Ah. Like you."
"No."
Sakura smiled cheekily as she looked up to see Sasuke's aggravated face. He sat on the tatami mat with his elbow on the bent knee. His gaze looked out to the Zen garden.
The two of them resided there in stillness and watched the scenery. Sasuke bemused at how ironic it was for such tranquil atmosphere to exist with the wall of the manor. Feeling a shift of Sakura's body next to him, his heavy hand lifted to place on her head. Confused, Sakura blinked her eyes as he pulled her head to his chest. She turned a bit to fix the position.
"…"
It felt nice. They stayed like that, wrapping in each other's existence.
The wooing wind streamed inside the room with feathery touch. The short interval of time was prolonged in their mind. The dimension that was questionable to the mind.
"What?" Sasuke, in irritation, raised his voice at the body kneeling at the door with her head bowed.
"Your father has asked for you." Her voice was calmed, unwavering to his ill temper.
"Hn." With a wave of hand, Sasuke ordered the maid to wait at the side of the door. 'Sakura…' he surrendered to her oddity. She was asleep, again. What was he going to this susceptible Angel? Didn't want to wake her up, Sasuke gently peeled her loose arms from his torso. Laying her on the soft floor, he covered the feeble body with his jacket and stood up to walk out. "Stay here." He ordered the woman as he strolled away, knowing well of his destination.
The maid kept her head bowed until Sasuke disappeared around the corner. Finally with no one looking, curiosity got the best of her, she glanced inside the room to see a scene that would came out from a painting.
'Whoa…' Had the late afternoon light been that colorful?
[...]
"Uhm…" Fluttering her eyes, Sakura woke up to an empty room. The sun had set and the room was brightly lit by the electrical light source. 'Sasuke-kun…' The first thought came to her mind was his missing warmth. Startle for a minute, she sat up to scan the room.
"He's currently with my father." Calm, velvet voice informed her.
Shock by recognition, Sakura turned to the voice. Face to face with the older sibling, her body froze in spot.
"I apologize for intruding but this is also my favorite room of the manor." Itachi passively gazed his eyes at the garden, feeling the harmony from the rocks formation.
"Ah." Truthfully, she lacked the knowledge to understand the Zen garden. It looked nice and pretty but when looking at it, she puzzled to try and perceived the unreachable.
"Have you been well?" The last time they met was short and brief.
"Very. Thank you." Sakura forced her voice to sound self-assured and not like how her inner was, a mess. She could feel her heart still rapidly beating from shock.
"Sasuke was being his abrasive self and dragged you along didn't he?"
Blushed, Sakura remembered when Itachi called. They were in the middle of … 'oh…' The thought made her groaned in petrified. Eye contact was avoided at all cost. She couldn't bear to look at the him.
Downright, he knew. Itachi was too familiar with the noise to be clueless. But he had to act so, the girl was panicking in her spot. Sasuke's jacket would be torn to pieces soon.
"Always like that. He hardly ever drops his immature act. Constantly acting on his own without thinking. Sasuke is going to make others' reliability to him dive because of his impulsive act. It's a hazard to his future."
"I'm sorry, but…what's wrong with this?" How did her coming with him anything wrong and hazard?
"Sakura are you that naïve?"
She didn't quite understand his question.
"To be blunt. I'm quite amazed." The comment made Sakura turned her head to meet the longhaired man. "You're special. Sakura." He stretched out the words. "I've never thought Sasuke would settle."
"…"
"What is your secret?" He brought his hand to his lips. "I'm intrigue to know what part of you that interests him?" Sakura was red, a rage of rarity feeling stirred inside her. What kind of girl did they see her as? Even when no one knew the truth, Sakura believed such impression on a human being based on the name and past was wrong.
Itachi found it interesting to see the girl riled up in anger. It didn't even look like anger. "I guessed he was bored. And there are those who are willing to sustain his craving by all means. For you to stay with him, I wonder … how much?"
That did it. Standing up, it was hard to sit there and had the words intentionally ridicule her. "Excuse me." And she walked straight passed him to the door. About to leave the room peacefully, but his last sentence made Sakura stomped her body out in extreme fury.
"It's rather a smart move, instead of one big check. A lifetime warranty of security is much better isn't it, along with the extra benefits. I'm sure." Without pulling his eyes from the garden, Itachi continued his words. "You are a better investor than any of us."
Actually, before Sakura was completely out of the room. She gave Itachi an answer to his question.
"It's priceless. If you don't understand what it means, look it up."
His ears no longer heard the stomping of her heels. Itachi lowered his eyes and gave a wide smirk. "Sasuke, how lucky you are..." His lips touched the rim of the ceramic cup. How had it turned out like so? Quite interesting.
[...]
It hurt. Those words hurt like arrows impaling her chest. Giving up from walking on heels, Sakura settled by a big blossom tree to find her composure. She wasn't fit to walk in heels like these. Forgotten on the side, they laid by her feet on the ground.
Even though they didn't have a clue. It hurt to hear the assumption. Even though it wasn't real. It still hurt.
Then again, it would be strange not to question it. All of a sudden she appeared. News flashed that they were dating. Who in their right mind thought it was nothing out of the ordinary.
Sasuke had to be a rich kid from a problematic family with decades of prestigious history.
Sigh. Something told her, they would actually believe the truth than this.
'I can't go back to the room. Oh… Where's Sasuke-kun? Why am I always lost? Wah...' Staying at the location under the blossom tree, Sakura was like a lost bunny finding a way back.
Another sigh, Sakura took out her cell to call Sasuke but… 'He's with his dad.'
"!" Then the sudden sight of a group of maids made Sakura relieved. 'I can ask them.'
[-]
"-is true. She's from an orphanage. I heard it from the ladies at the manor."
"I bet it's like a one of those forbidden romance."
"But bringing her straight here to meet the elders without a warning. That's really…"
"No one said a thing."
"More like no one cares."
A hush of tone, one maid huddled everyone closer to keep their secret. "You know why...Master Fugaku and the elders could care less, in the future all the fortune would pass down to Master Itachi. Why would they care for a non-blood."
"He's nothing like a puppet with retractable string?"
"He's digging a grave for himself if he continues to defiance them."
"That's why not even the Sagara want to have anything to do with him."
"I bet keeping him is just to shut the rumors away."
[-]
'Sasuke-kun… Is this what you have to go through…all these years… hearing this?'
Hands clutching her mouth, emerald watered. Sakura leaned against the wall of the building on the side. Her chest burned. Sakura imagined a young Sasuke in her head growing up under the environment unfit for a young mind. She had heard it from him but the way he had said made her not realizing until clashing it, experiencing it. Silently choking a sob, she glanced to the side to see that the corridor was empty.
The phone quickly saved her from the moment. Quietly, Sakura answered the caller. "Sasuke-kun."
-"Sakura. Where did you run off to again thi-"-
"I-I really want to see you…"
[...]
'See me?' Wondering why all of the sudden she would say that. Sasuke grimaced to hear her broken voice over the phone line.
-"I want to see you right now."-
"Where are you?" Swiftly, his steps quickened.
-"I-I don't know."-
"Look around." He didn't know why. But he too, needed to see her. She was crying. Why was she crying?
-"T-there's a big c-cherry blossom t-tree."-
The phone pressed tight to his ear, Sasuke stopped short to look for a sign of the cherry tree she could be at. 'F*ck' There was a forest of giant cherry trees. How was he to know her location?
"What else is around you? The color of the roof of the nearest building by you." His step moved with speed to find her. Damn it, why did the manor have to be this big.
-"Uh. A red roof."-
'East side.' "Sakura, walk along the path. You'll come to a lake. Wait for me there. I'm coming." He turned his body around. The front main hall needed to be crossed to get to her.
-"Sasuke-kun."-
"What is it Sakura." Her voice softened. He felt more at ease.
-"I really want to see you."-
"Ah." He kept on walking, walking, and walking. He would not stop until she was in front of him.
[...]
-"Me too."-
The way his voice was made her body fluttered. Sakura held the phone to her chest and brushed her blurry eyes with the other hand. Never had she felt so troubled and bothered.
How could they treat him like so? Sasuke was bone and flesh.
'Sasuke-kun…It hurt more than this…right?' What she felt then, must only be a needle prick compared to him.
Can you guys guess what's coming soon, for me to update so fast? hue hue hue...