I am back! Of course with a terrible delay as always and I am veeeerry sorry for that. If I could have many more hours in a day, I'll definitely appreciate it. Haha. Silly me. :D
Anyway, THANK YOU so much for the reviews in the first chapter! And of course to those are reading this continuation of a sequel from Sweet Seventy, thank you for the reviews too!
I don't get to update in the old one so I'll just drop the message here.
I hope the sequel could be as sweet as the previous one and hope I'll get more sugar to add into it. Haha!
Alright, I don't want to rant any further so this is the update. Please enjoy and REVIEW too!
SUNNY DAYS!
(Sweet Seventy)
Two… Something new, Something Beautiful
"ACHOO! ACHOO! ACHOO! ACHOOOOOOOOO!"
Listen to that?
How it reverberate endlessly in the vastness of the bedroom; too large to be called one in fact and yes it is; this is the Haruno mansion after all. And side by side the couple lay in bed with visibly red runny noses, pale cheeks and burning foreheads. Additionally,
"I told you, I told you, I told you, Sakura-sama!"
And listen to this?
Deep grumpy vocals, knitted eyebrows and an unhappy straight lined lip;
"You are supposed to inform the House before you leave Brown's shop. Aside that it was so dangerous of the both of you to venture out yourselves, moreover, travel on a bicycle into such distance and ended up stranded in wretched weather! OF COUSE YOU ARE BOUND TO CATCH A COLD!"
Here he goes again; the most meticulous, the noisiest, the strictest and the one and only overprotective butler…
Sasori: Childhood friend and loyal butler and caretaker of the Haruno matriarch. He concerns nothing about nothing except everything about his pink haired mistress; he cares for her deeply to an overly extent sending an army of a search party to look for her just because she was missing overnight!
It was too much! Too much Sasori!
However, it cannot be helped when the little female giggled amusingly to herself before the grumpy red head as she pleases; knowing he is still distressed and upset because of her disobedient behavior.
Come on, Sa-chan. How can he expect his married miss to be obedient and not allowed to have fun with her husband once in a while when she got the chance? Moreover, it's just a night's stay in an inn out of desperation; nothing bad could happen…right?
Sasuke wouldn't dare say that he was actually worried about the same fact.
"Oh no no I don't think so! Bad things happen whenever you let your guard down!" Sasori sternly said. "Please, Sakura-sama could you at least be a little concerned about who you are?!"
The little pinkette blinked cutely and took a glance over to the dark haired male who is equally sick and resting beside her under the same covers, she giggled;
"I'm Haruno Sakura of couse. AND Sasuke-kun's wife!" she giggled merrily with flushed cheeks; redder than her fever's.
That cheeky little girl…she's always on and going about her 'status' and takes a lot of pride in it. Sasuke blushed more at her side when he snuggled closer being all happy. Sasori could feel his skin creep at the sight of the thickly spreading love from the couple. They are quite at it despite catching a cold.
"Seriously…" the butler sighed helplessly. The stubbornness of his Miss isn't anything new but still isn't something easy to deal with.
Sakura-sama is Sakura-sama. Aside from her unyielding character she is all sweet and cute…it is that invincible something that makes him wants to perpetually stay by her side.
"From now on, I will assign personal escorts to Brown's."
"Whaaaaatt?!" Sakura whined cutely and pouting her lip to show she disapproves.
Sasuke made no comment and stayed silent as he watched the two battled tongues and gazes at each other. He is impressed that the female next to him had all the energy to argue in spite being sickly.
Doesn't her head hurt from the fever? When his is aching like crazy and draining him out already.
"I am forced to this resort when you keep being disobedient; leaving to places without informing me AND my consent!" Sasori said again folding his arms superiorly.
"No Waaaaaaay!" the pinkette's voice stretched loud and high, refusing. She is about to jump out of bed if she isn't feeling dizzy and flopped onto her pillow she goes.
"Sakura-chan…" the raven male said weakly; properly tucking her under the covers once again. Seeing her endless determination is just so cute while she made a face.
Sasori sighed again. And again before speaking up,
"We'll look into it after you're well. Right now, your first priority is to get better. Your schedule is packed and you cannot afford to take more day offs when meetings and agreements have been delayed, worse, cancelled!"
Sakura pouted again knowingly. On the other hand, Sasuke didn't appreciate how informative the red haired male was; his grudge is directed towards the piling work that his wife has that could drive someone insane! He is so mad at it but…what can he do to help?
Aside from being her support, he could only comfort her by staying by her side. It's heartbreaking to be uselessly close.
Again, he maintained his silence and listened to the conversation between the two; it isn't his place to speak after all.
"Aww…you're fussy Sa-chan. Get married already!"
Sakura had the guts to rebuke without even thinking twice and she would earn another helpless sigh. Sasori is just too used to his Miss's behavior.
Yes, another fact about Sasori; he is single. Perfectly preserving his bachelorhood without bothering to pick a wife! Not to mention that he has quite a list of suitable women having eyes over him.
Sasori fits the picture of that ideal tall-smart-and-handsome pretty boy and he is becoming manlier as he goes into the years maturing in perfect ways…which Sasuke is a little envious of. Just so, this hard-worker and meticulous caretaker has no intention to be married despite how old he is getting!
The scarlet male pushed his frameless glasses a bit,
"A-hem! Sorry for being a bachelor!" he retorted.
Here they go again…
"You nag too much. And you're fussy. And meticulous. And picky. NOI-SY! All the reason why you can't find a wife!" Sasuke could see the little girl enjoys engaging into tongue battles with her childhood friend very much.
Yet, Sasori does enjoy it as well to see how clever his Miss could be.
"Oh, sorry for being fussy, meticulous and noisy! Though I do agree with the picky part," he smirked at the end, admitting.
Another, another thing about Sasori is that he is EXTREMELY picky about things. From the simplest vegetable to jewelry and women! He is just…extreme. Guess that IS the primal reason that he would remain single for the rest of his life…
Poor Sa-chan.
Sasori smirked. Sakura smirked as well. And the two exchanged cunning gazes at each other as they now engage into another level of mind battling. Oh geez…cut it out already.
Smart people are just another kind of troublesome creatures WAY too hard to handle!
And now they two even started chuckling throatily in the baddest way! Oh heavens…
Sasuke sighed innerly. He became too tired to participate even if it is only just by watching them. His headache is getting into him, moreover, the medicine has started to kick in when soon enough he just had to allow his eye lids to fall and let his mind drift off into another dimension.
It will be a dreamless dream where everything drifts and floats in a bottomless space and very soon it comes to an end. Until then, the raven begin to wake into reality once again to find the outside remained bright from the sunshine day before he comes to realize that it was only little time had passed after he had fallen asleep…right next to that pinkette.
The sight of her resting face partly buried in her soft pillow brought a smile to his heart. This is never the first he sees yet so refreshing every time. It shows how much he adored her and how much she adored him when he realizes that she fell asleep while holding onto his hand where their rings glistened all together in the rays of the sun.
It is beautiful.
He withheld his desire to kiss her no matter how eager he is now from such driving cuteness. Let her sleep…let her rest…His heart advised for his woman is a busy one and he became really happy out of selfishness that they grew sick from the cold.
At least he could see her again in bed and spend another day together even if they were to only fall asleep side by side. It is another bonus aside from the night at the inn and he suddenly began to hope for miracles to happen from it.
Hopefully. Hopefully.
Still That fate is up to the Heaven's willingness to grant.
Hopefully. Hopefully.
He smiled to himself and tenderly stared at the sleeping face of his wife; admiring her for the last time and their rings before that happiness took him back into slumber land.
.
.
"Zzzzz…Zzzzz….Zzzzz….Zzz—Hnn…Ummm…," groaning a little, the raven male opened his eyes once again to meet day;
And he is confident that the same day still remained except it has moved far into the late afternoon. Past lunch.
Sasuke is happy whenever he successfully wakes up later than his usual hours and the sense of satisfaction that he is feeling so much better than he was this morning. The fever has gone down; thanks to the effects of medicine. He felt better in no time and hopefully the pinkette as well.
Stretching his arms, he realized that Sakura had already left the bed; his side. He felt his heart sank without hesitation when he didn't expect her to wake up and leave him for work especially in a fever.
What sort of a meeting that is so important to risk her health for?
Every time the raven could not help scolding at heart with a slight frown he unconsciously made. Then again…he should be getting used to this yet…
Sasuke sighed. Long and tired.
It was then he realized his chest is heavier; a weight?
Oh, right. Sakura-chan's peculiar sleeping behavior again and this time on his tummy instead of snuggling close to him and drooling. He chuckled happily and soon all his anger was replaced by joy.
That pinkette, she loves to sleep under the covers, he thought subsequently removing the blanket just to take a better look.
There. Sleeping soundly and curled up in a cute ball like that, sucking that thumb, holding that teddy bear and black hair all messy and cute; just like an adorable …Wait!
Black hair?
Since when his wife has black hair?!
Of course not! This isn't his beloved pinkette. Moreover, this little fellow is a boy!
The Uchiha male could hardly know how to react as he speechlessly watched the little stranger being fast asleep on top of this stomach AND drooling! Ack!
Hey! Boy! Get off! How he wished he could say that but…since he is just too young and as small as his little wife, he couldn't bring himself to be too harsh, can he?
"Um…uh…Hey…?"
Sasuke gently tapped the little boy.
No response.
"…Little boy…? Hellooo…?"
No response.
"…."
Sighing innerly, the raven had no idea how to deal with this so-called stranger who sleeps soundly on top of his belly without him knowing at all! This is troublesome to begin with, moreover, he is already pretty irritated when he sees an empty pillow by his side the minute he woke up when he expects to see his wife.
"…?!"
The raven's head perked soon enough when the little boy began to show signs of waking up.
Great. Now he can get to the bottom where this young man came from. Outer space?
He is pretty cute for a little alien and is very much like his cute wife; the way he stretches himself and rubbed his eyes. After all, he IS a child. Now that Sasuke took a closer look; the boy does resemble someone familiar…
But before the Uchiha could speak, the little boy shot him a glare with crystal clear-coloured eyes; wearing an irritated look at first,
"I hate you!"
Cute he may be…NOT with that rotten attitude spewed from his so-called cute pouting lips!
Why that little!
Sasuke could hardly say another word when he was too stunned to be hated by someone who just woke up after a slumber on him! This little man has gone way too far for his size!
Angrily, the Uchiha abruptly moved and off goes the boy tumbled aside and onto the bed with his precious teddy bear fastened in his grasp. The little male frowned in knitted short black brows while he pouted angrily once more.
What is his problem?!
And what's got into this little guy? Sasuke had no idea what wrong had he done to earn grudge from a little man!
Still…he cannot deny that the child is adorable for his age; he is small and petite and beautiful in colour. His dark hair is very deep in black just like Sasuke's and eyes like clear glass of light blue. Additionally, he had fair complexion with rosiness on his cheeks although they weren't as deep as the ones Sakura has.
Not that Sasuke recalled, this little guy does resemble a lot like Philia. Ah! That explains the dark hair he got from his mother and eyes from Ross and that spoilt attitude is definitely from the Harunos.
Right…he should have realized it sooner. He chuckled to himself a little.
KA-CHA!
Before anything else, the door opened and here comes the voice of that beautiful rosette storming into the room in hurriedness;
"Sasuke-kun! Wake up Sasuke-kun! There is an emergency! My little brother is missin—Oh…?!"
The pinkette gasped at the sight of both males having a face-off with each other on the bed.
"Phil!" subsequently, she hasted over with worry in her eyes.
Sasuke was very much surprised when she immediately embraced the little one without any act of hesitation. What about him? Shouldn't he be getting a wake-up hug too? Moreover, she is hugging his newly sworn enemy!
Aha! He was definitely on the mark at that before his wife came barging in. So, this is Sakura-chan's so-called little brother, eh. Despite the two aren't blood related they do share the same roof and bear the same attitude with all that stubbornness and pride.
His name is Phil…?
Comes from Philia…right.
Sasuke sighed and pouted out of his inner jealousy as he watched how caring his pink haired wife could get towards her little brother. She patted and caressed his head while smiling; she even giggled for him too!
Ah, just look at that pampered little brat! He's getting his way with Sakura-chan which makes the raven's blood boil unhappily. It's his first time meeting with that young boy yet he had the sense of dislike when Phil becomes too clingy over his wife.
Sakura is giving all the attention to the little guy so what about him?!
"Sasuke-kun," the jealous raven glanced over to her calling. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
She asked with caringly and he nodded before lowering himself to her level as she tells him to subsequently surprising him when rested her forehead against his. The tenderness of her touch soothed his soul and once again filled it with abundance of love.
"How's your fever, Sasuke-kun?"
They were close enough to listen to each other's breath, feel the heat arouse from their cheeks from the burning blush as they indulged in such intimacy.
"Better," the male in love replied with a pause after. "You?" and his wife smiled with a lovely curve on her lips.
"Um…Me too…"
Even if it is just a moment; this is how love should feel like. It is real and irresistible.
Loving him. Loving her. It is somewhat beautiful; the exchange of sincerity of feelings is truly amazing and how it can create magic that could change something or someone so much to an extent that goes beyond imagination.
Sakura and Sasuke; they knew the both of them had changed. Even if it was just as small, it has become the better of something great.
She changed for him and him for her. They both knew despite how they cannot describe it. Overall, they have become…happier.
Just like this.
"Still you should rest more, Sasuke-kun. I am sure the cold must have got to you more than me. You sheltered me from the rain, remember?" she recalled the past in worriedness. Caressed the surface of her husband's pale cheek and gently touched his lips.
She cared for him so much; Sasuke thought out of sheer joy and it was silly of him to turn jealous over something trivial earlier. She is his despite how he is aware, he could not help reacting to his manly instinct.
If Sakura-chan were to listen to this, she would definitely giggle her heart out.
Sasuke smiled sweetly while he held the face of his lover with both his hands, warming her cheeks up a bit.
"I'm stronger. I have all means to protect you. Moreover, it is my will because I love you…my love…" and he bumped foreheads with her once again while the female blushed embarrassingly.
Sakura giggled.
"Silly man…"
The Uchiha smiled another time before he went with the flow inching closer to his beloved to scoop up a pleasurable kiss. However,
"SIS!" out of the blue in that high pitched voice and very loudly that so-called little brother called out.
Not only did he shattered an important moment, he dare stick his nose right into places he doesn't belong to; separating the couple by squeezing into that narrow space between them and acting all pampered before Sakura.
Why that little brat! Sasuke is fuming watching his precious moment stolen by some small guy who looks way too cute for his wife to resist.
Phil is cute alright with fluffy well-groomed black hair and big round jewel eyes especially when he hugs his stuffed toy in the most pampered manner. He is after all the young master in the Haruno family.
So what if he is? Sasuke could be the same if he wanted to since he had married to Haruno Sakura in the first place and has embraced the Haruno title too.
Boy oh boy how jealous can he get over a young boy and it was childish!
It cannot be helped since he is craving for love as well especially when,
"Oh, right. I almost forgot to tell you, Sasuke-kun."
The raven male listened attentively to his wife whenever she calls him in the loveliest manner. He smiled…but not for long.
"Phil's going to be hanging out with us! It has been so long since we met when he followed daddy to the States."
"W-What?!"
Her announcement almost choked him and did he least expect for something like this to happen. To think he could spend another splendid day with his wife. Moreover, the way she said it tells how she is determined about her decision and it would simply be impossible to change. Sakura is Sakura and Sasuke dare not object despite how he wished.
"Is there something the matter, dear?"
With eyes that shimmered like brilliant emeralds under the morning light and how she tilted her head sideways cutely is irresistible for him to not go against her wishes. One single 'innocent' move and he is already heads over heels for his wife and turning completely obedient!
Sasuke somehow hate this part of him; how bitterly sweet!
Especially, especially and especially how she calls him dear…
OH! THE SKY IS TURNING UPSIDE DOWN!
"….N-Nothing….." he averted his gaze to avoid meeting his greatest temptation.
"You don't like Phil?"
Sakura asks in another 'innocent' remark which makes him guilty as a man. As a man; he should learn how to stick up to things even for the most disgusting and hateful of things.
"O-Of course not…." his voice died weakly at the end. So much for lying BUT it was worth it when he could see that sunshine on his wife's face;
Her radiating character with the most beautiful smile that he had ever seen in his entire life was definitely worth sticking up to her requests.
Think again, it is about Phil: his brother-in-law…setting aside the age gap, they ARE a family in many reasons. Loving Sakura-chan is not only loving her alone but her family as well; that is what he swore before the Heavens in that holy matrimony.
It really can't be helped.
"Great! I thought you're going to object," she squealed delightfully.
Oh. Does that mean he should have objected? Whatever it is as long as his little pinkette is happy. Sasuke portrayed a smile.
"Why would I?" he lied another time.
Sakura smiled happily once more; she knew that her husband's intentions and it was all for her and that moment proved how lucky she is to have him. Such a considerate man is worth so much more than a kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you Sasuke-kun," and one more time she place another kiss at the edge of his lip. "I'll make it up to you once this is over," she winked.
The jet black male sighed helplessly at her.
"Nah. It's alright. He's your brother after all and we are family."
"Really, you're the sweetest do you know that Sasuke-kun," she said cutely.
"Nuh uh. That isn't going to get you anywhere my lady. I look forward to what you'll have for me after all this is done."
Sakura giggled.
"Of course." She giggled more before she turned serious. "Oh and another thing…"
"Yes?" he replied softly. At first he watched his cheeky pinkette hesitated; that should have warned him about something she has further in mind,
"Aside from today, Phil is going to stay with us for the whole month at the shop!" excitedly.
"…"
Speechless; it seems he guessed it right.
.
.
Waking up to greet another day alongside with the loveliness of the morning sun piercing through thin curtains while catching a hint of the bustling outside world; it is another good day's worth of life. And of course all the better when Sasuke get to wake up seeing his dearly beloved with her long pink hair splayed messily all over the pillow right next to his is the best! Moreover, he just loved how they could sleep into the later hours of the day and side by side. He would be the happies IF that little someone isn't taking up the space between them separating the two.
Why on earth!
Sasuke could not be more frustrated than this; to have his sworn enemy sharing the same bed and that little brat selfishly hogs away the blanket in the middle of the night leaving him to freeze!
Moreover, that little imposter is clinging to his beloved Sakura as if he owns her! That; is supposed to be him doing to her! It's like he had his wife robbed in broad daylight!
This is crazy! Madness! Trickery! How on earth Phil ended up staying with them top that for A WHOLE MONTH and at Brown's altogether?!
Someone! Wake him up from this screaming nightmare! To his misfortune that this is all real…But, he tried convincing himself:
It's only a month; it will only be a number of days before he gets out of here and back to where he needed to be. Far, far away with his daddy and granddaddy.
Sasuke sighed in his thoughts; he needed to be patient like he used to. Guess he isn't too shabby at this, however, he just could not shake off the fact that he is extremely jealous at a kid who his wife favours a lot more than him!
Ah…. He is so tired after being all grumpy.
Sighing again, he lazily remained on bed; staring at the bright ceiling from the glowing sunlight of another morning before he intentionally turned his head to face a pair of piercing glass-like eyes that threw daggering glares at him instead of catching a glimpse of the wonderful sight of his sleeping wife!
What the?!
What is that little brat's problem? Shouldn't he be sleeping and drooling all over Sakura rather than glaring at him first thing in the morning?
Sasuke just don't get the little guy although they are both of the same gender. Phil is quite menacing sometimes and he doesn't act like his proper age; like an adult when he knows the happenings around him. Now that reminds the Uchiha of the first impression of Sakura-chan the moment he met her.
"What…?" it wasn't intentionally but Sasuke couldn't help but to be a little irritated at the glaring child.
The two remained silent while exchanging stares as they lay next to each other; a staring contest at the start of a morning. Sasuke began to wonder if they could keep this up without fighting until the end of the month.
"I hate you!" in his petite voice, he spewed irritable words.
See! See! See!
They are bound not to last! Never a second. But what can Sasuke do? It's not like he could really pick a fight with a kid when it was he who started it! A child with a foul mouth is bad! More importantly, this kid is his brother-in-law!
Sasuke's eyebrow twitched annoyed before retorting,
"May I know why do you seem to hate me when you haven't even know me?" and in the coolest voice from controlled temper.
"I hate you because I hate you. The most!" Phil said while flapping his pouty lip.
Look kiddo. It's not nice to provoke an adult acting all cute and innocent and start hiding behind someone else after something bad broke out.
"Oh me too. I am never befriending you when you're such of a brat to begin with," Sasuke debated whisperingly to avoid waking the pinkette.
Think again, it wasn't that wise to fight with a child just out of jealousy.
"I hate you, hate you, hate you soooo much because you stole my sis away from me!"
Sasuke perked. Jerked. Paused. Or whatever the situation is called.
Come again? Did that brat said something…cute?
Pfft!
Now that's silly. Sasuke is silly! It really is stupid of him to fight with a child and end up on the losing side, guaranteed! The raven cupped his mouth from being too loud while he blushed happily.
He can't believe what he just heard from a kid. Acting the little man, eh?
He must love his sister very much or…is it really real love? Sasuke wouldn't want to think any further than that.
"What's so funny?" the little boy pouted angrily.
"Nothing. I was just wondering if you were being stupid. Heheh!" the Uchiha chuckled again and he watched the pampered boy blew his cheeks grumpily.
"I am not stupid," he countered. "I am always first in my class. So I am not stupid!"
Sasuke withheld his laughter in response watching the little boy getting all worked up on his own. Somehow he finds Phil's presence…enjoyable. Perhaps things might get better as the days go by?
Hopefully.
That would be wonderful if they could be a family and it is important that everyone would grow to like each other, especially among the Harunos. Although that might be a little too farfetched, temporarily.
"Are you listening to me?" Phil whined out loud grumpily at Sasuke which woke Sakura in return.
"Hmm…uhmm…? W-What's all the…yawn…noise…so early in the morning…?"
There she goes again; Sakura never fail to make the raven's heart skip beats at the sight of her lovely radiance and her cuteness from rubbing her eyes like a sleepy princess. He just loved the sight of her bed head.
"Morning," Sasuke wished in tender tones when he sat up and leaned over to greet her with a kiss on the forehead.
"Morning…yawn…" she smiled beautifully then retuning a kiss on her husband's cheek.
"MORNING SIS!" Phil burst out loudly and flopped right onto Sakura's tummy hugging her.
Why that little...
Two males trying to win the heart of the maiden, eh?
Sakura giggled,
"Morning Phil,"
And she stroked his dark hair with the sense of enjoyment to the softness of it. It's not like it was the same for the Uchiha's when his was coarse and unevenly trimmed the moment he touched his;
Can't compare to some 'young master' who has his well taken care of and groomed for, huh… Pouting, Sasuke gave up. This is trivial matter and he is already getting jealous all over again; he snuggled up to his beloved pinkette and childishly fought a place to cuddle her.
"Touch mine too!" he said in a mutter.
Sakura giggled amusingly out of his behavior and gently did as she was told; even if he didn't tell her, she would love him the same way…and even more. She notice that her husband is becoming quite pampered and all thanks to what they called 'love'.
It's a beautiful thing and miraculous.
It's rougher; the rosette unconsciously compared…her husband's jet black hair so deep and thick with all-that-black. It is…the most beautiful colour of all. She never failed to admire them no matter how many times her fingers had visited running them through the volumes of it and fiddling the ends of those rougher strands.
It's a man's hair; her heart was unconsciously aware again before a smile crept its way to the ends of her lips.
Indeed she is happy…
Happy to be able to spend time noticing the many trivial things, stop and think about the beauty of it…then smiled to the thought of it and fall in love all over again.
She is happy that they caught a cold when it was the only excuse that she could remain by her husband's side for another day. She is also happy when he could be jealous when it was just silly.
Overall she is happy all because of this marriage…to the man she sees as a boy; young and wonderful…adorable and loving…and most importantly, exceptionally special.
If it isn't for this boy; who has taken a liking towards her when they were only high school kids, who fell deeply in love with her and never gave up on her…
Perhaps…the sun wouldn't be as wonderful as today…?
Sasuke-kun, Sasuke-kun, Sasuke-kun…Did he ever think of the same as she did?
She really wanted to tell him how much she had fell for him; not even the phrase 'heads over heels' could describe how deep she had sunk and how she truly wish to thank him. How can she say all that?
If a single touch could express it all; she would take that chance.
Sasuke-kun…oh…dear Sasuke-kun…
She is terribly in love.
Sakura giggled with a blissful blush on her face while caressing her husband's hair.
"You're so silly…" she uttered whisperingly.
"I guess I am…"
Without a glance to spare, Sasuke remained in his comfortable position he secured; laid on the lap of his wife and indulging into a time of her tender embrace.
"How can you be so jealous over a young boy?" she said. "It's not like I am going to love another man."
Her phrase made him turn to look at her where emeralds and onyxes meet; engraving each other's view into memory before the Uchiha stretched out an arm reaching out into bringing her to meet his lips.
Short and sweet; they could hear each other's breaths from the distance they were at after the short interlock.
"Still…I am…" spoken in deep tones, he lowered his eyes to show a little of his seriousness. Nevertheless, they were tender.
"SIS! SIS!"
Phil's voice once more interrupted the loving moment of the two. It is about time that they broke apart knowing that they could no longer ignore the noisy child.
Kindly, Sakura tended to Phil's needs and it was breakfast. It is not a bad idea to have the healthy morning meal together and Sasuke already decided what to make. He rolled out of bed and fit into a shirt he could find subsequently headed towards the door.
Before he could completely leave for downstairs,
"Sasuke-kun!" looking over his shoulder he hear say, "...I am glad you did," smiling, sitting on the bed with that pampered child. He smiled in return then politely shut the door behind him.
With his back against the wooden door, there he sighed with his ears and cheeks all flushed up; cupping his mouth,
"Gosh…"
He has fallen way too deep to call it only love.
.
.
.
Listen…Hear that?
That's the clock ticking; in its near whispering silence, that old wall clock of Uncle Brown's favourite continues to tell time for as long as it works.
Ah, listen, listen…Hear that?
No doubt the sound of the dripping pipe from the back of the kitchen; Kiba must have mindlessly turned it off without bothering to check. That figures when he is in a rush to accompany Laila out shopping to stock up some of the store's materials.
Yup, Laila's back in action at Brown's after disappearing for a couple of years saying that she needed to embark on a journey to find herself… She has great vision for a female like her being adventurous despite dull when it comes to being aware of Kiba's feelings. Poor man that he has been waiting ever since. Sasuke hoped that his pal wouldn't end up waiting for a love like he did, once.
Oh, oh, hear that? Hear that?
Sasuke could hear the old lady from the shop next door screaming and yelling at her rambunctious grandchildren who should have been too playful.
All these beautiful sounds and tiny voices around, the Uchiha was able to hear them all; all thanks to the grace of peace which surrounds him as he patiently waited that the front counter of the shop. It's in the afternoon and yet there isn't a single customer!
This is trouble!
Someone! Mind telling him what sort of economy that runs this shop barren without a single soul when people usually flock and flood this famous old place leaving no bread on shelves!
If Uncle Brown were to see this, he's definitely going to fret over such terrible business. But, Sasuke could not completely put the matter at bay when he is too absorbed in countering glares and throwing daggering stares right at the ten year old who sits right in front of him.
Of course, cutely holding his precious teddy bear he is dressed in a complete set of a 'young master' attire; a cute shirt that matches his shorts tightly fastened with suspenders and his fluffy black hair that goes so much with his big glass-like eyes. Add that his dark brows are almost touching while he pouted at the adult he claimed to dislike.
He is going at it and for hours! The both of them are since the pinkette was absent after breakfast and she left her two precious men to be alone, together. Believing that they would get along…what joke!
Ah, that little guy is brows looked painful Sasuke noticed, doesn't his forehead gets tired. Wonder what's in his little head?
"I hate you," he said…cute in a way but annoying.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it already." Sasuke replied, lazily resting his chin on a supportive palm. "How many times will you continue at that until you're satisfied, little man?"
Phil pouted.
"It's Phil. And I am a man. Not little!"
Ohhhh…this little kid is acting quite an adult, eh? Sasuke couldn't help but to tease him; after all he has lots of time at hand since there is no one. Moreover, it's pleasing to watch the little guy blow up his cheeks rosy as he tried hard fighting a stand as 'a man'.
Phil is cute; children are and Sasuke began wondering if Sakura and his child would be as adorable. The thought of it made him blush a bit out of inner joy and before he could enjoy such thoughts further, there goes the doorbell jingling.
"UNCLE SASUKE!"
Oh, hey! Talk about children, it's the Uzumaki kids; Bolt and Himawari are as excited as ever shrieking to the top of their lungs whenever they drop by. Well it is better than some serious-looking child when all he knows is how to stare and glare at others.
Phil is nothing like the cheerful duo when Sasuke expects children to behave and react in the most carefree manner. Phil is just Phil; a typical well-disciplined member of the Haruno House. Guess that explains how composed and cold he reacts to even the newest things around him.
"Yo! Sasuke! Look what I've brought for lunch toda—Hey! Hey! Hey! Why isn't that Philly-boy!" Naruto delightfully exclaimed the moment his eyes caught onto the Haruno child.
It's natural that Naruto knows more than the raven does when the Uzumakis and the Harunos are closely associated in their businesses. Phil reacted nothing but stared silently and sat in composure while he hugs his stuffed toy.
"Hmm, as sour-faced as ever, eh," said Naruto referring to Phil.
"It seems you're pretty familiar with him," Sasuke added while the blonde excitedly laid the counter with lunch boxes he brought over.
Another amazing fact about Uzumaki Naruto is that…he cooks. Well enough to be of Uncle Brown's equal and qualified to be the househusband when he actually is! Hinata has never been seen working herself in the kitchen for as long as Sasuke knew it when he had the chance to have dinner at their home.
And at times like this, Naruto would bring his kids around to Brown's to have lunch. Sasuke agrees a lot when the blonde's cooking is delicious despite he had no means to admit it aloud.
"Not much. I only got the chance to meet him a few times at important dinners with the Harunos. You know the formal thingy and stuff," the Uzumaki then whispered. "He's pretty scary for someone his age; cold and emotionless especially when he stares at you with those big round eyes as if it reads minds! Oh, and he's a total brat too!"
Naruto snickered at the end when Sasuke gave him a look.
"Whispering and snickering is so not adult-like. Why not start acting like one already, old man."
My, my, Phil is very sharp-tongued for a little kid. Too sharp. Naruto could be seen fuming if Sasuke hadn't restrained him.
"Phil that is no manners," Sasuke growled intending to make the child apologize with no avail. Phil is just too stubborn? No…he's too Haruno-trained!
Sasuke began to wonder if his parents had a hard time dealing with such an ill-mannered and troublesome child. Thinking again, perhaps Phil is being prickly towards people outside his family circle. For instance, Sakura; he acts very much lovingly and obedient towards her.
The Uchiha sighed.
Let's set that aside for now, the table is laden and it is irresistible to not dig in. Moreover, Bolt and Himawari shouldn't be kept waiting when they wanted to be served already. It's past noon and that makes sense everyone is hungry. When it comes to food the children are just as excited about sausages.
If Phil could be little like them wouldn't that be sweet?
"I hate sausages!"
Here he goes again; Mr Princey is being picky about food.
"Why?" both Bolt and Himawari turned around in the most surprising way.
"It yucky!" said Phil again sticking out his tongue.
"No it's not!" both the children disagreed and defended their love for sausages. "You have to try it again!" and forked up pieces of sausages shoving them into Phil's direction.
It's adorable to watch how Phil withdraw and get worked up when he was being forced by other children. He hopped off his seat and began running away thinking he could escape not when the Uzumaki kids give chase.
Now this IS entertainment; watching the rambunctious kids' pursuit and Phil ran for his life! Naruto burst out laughing, Sasuke didn't budge an inch busying himself with his chopsticks as he watched. It's noisy but fun.
The raven smirked when Phil is being 'punished' by children of his age with sausages! How rich can this be!
"NO! NO! NO!" Phil shrieked out of panic; hugging his teddy bear while he was cornered.
"YES! YES! YES!" Bolt and Himawari inched closer waving their forked sausages.
"NO! NO! NO!"
"YES! YES! YES!"
The Uzumaki duo are having their fun teasing the cowering young master; Sasuke noticed Phil doesn't seem to fight back any further as he crouched at the corner of the room holding his stuffed bear preciously as if it is his only ally.
He's going to cry.
He really is going to cry…but he's not going to show it.
Sasuke innerly sighed before deciding to speak up,
"Kids, please come back to the table. Food is getting cold."
"OKAY!"
Obediently, the Uzumaki children returned to the table without bothering to tease Phil any further and the cowering boy remained crouching at the corner of the room. Sasuke casually walked up to get him.
"Come on you too, Phil."
The Haruno child was response-less without sparing reaction that he was listening and continues to be stubborn hugging his toy. Sasuke sighed another time; Phil seriously has too much pride for a brat. Seeing how he held back tears when he wanted to cry after being bullied but didn't. His character does reflect a lot like Sakura, Sasuke recalled; it was back when she wasn't as honest towards her feelings and hadn't placed as much trust towards other people.
Phil has become the same.
Sasuke lowered himself to meet the child in his eyes where tears were threatening to fall. It is painful watching him.
"It's okay Phil. They were just playing with you," he said in a nicer voice and still there was no reply. "Phil—"
"I hate you…uuhuu…hick…uuhuu…uuu…!"
There he goes; despite his sharp tongue, Phil is just a child of his age. And an honest one too. Sasuke smiled at heart as he watched the little boy's tears run down his cheeks and it was a heartwarming sight; to think that Phil would be any typical Haruno who shed no tears at all.
It's good. This is good…
For Phil…His presence gave Sasuke the sensation of being an adult. Moreover, a parent. This is how it truly feels to have his hands full of being a father of a child. The experience is priceless…
Gently, Sasuke reached out a hand to touch the crying boy.
"Go away! Uhuu…huu…huuu…!"
In spite he was harshly refused, Sasuke didn't give up trying to approach the boy. It wasn't easy but it wasn't too difficult either; all it needs was patience before he could wholly get the child to need him.
Carrying in his arms is a baby boy of delicate heart Sasuke thought wonderfully and gently stroked the boy's dark hair. Like his, Phil's hair is just as black and Sasuke bet anyone would mistake Phil for the child of his own.
The idea of it made his insides flutter with certain happiness also with a hint of sadness. Wonder…he wondered if he would ever have a child.
Bolt. Himawari. Phil.
He really wanted one.
Knowing it is almost impossible…That isn't something to worry when right now his shoulder is soaking wet with tears. He smiled at the uncontrollable joy his heart currently is at. Carefully, he took the boy with him to the back where they could get some fresh air in the breezy alley.
"Uhuu…uuu…uuu…"
"There. There," the Uchiha set the boy down and dried his tears. "Didn't you say you're a man?" he tried cheering the boy and it worked like a charm.
Phil quit and smudged tears away from his face despite reddened eyes. Is he that desperate to be a man?
Sasuke chuckled.
"What…sniff…are you…sniff…laughing at?" Phil scolded cutely.
"Nothing. Heheh. I was just thinking if you're actually cute."
Phil blew his cheeks,
"I am not cute! I am a man!" Yeah, yeah…sigh…what a troublesome kid.
"Aside from that. If you aren't so reserved, I am sure everyone would come to love you even more, Phil," crouching to meet those crystal blue eyes, Sasuke spoke smilingly.
And it was surprising to see the little boy held his tongue silent at the comment; he didn't react right away, thinking what to say. It is amazing for someone his age to give deep thought.
Sasuke quickly reached out a hand resting it on the boy's head of soft fluffy hair. He didn't like how Phil reacted, he didn't like the silence and he hated how the child was made to be an adult for nothing. All this reminded so much of Sakura. It's pitiful.
Phil gazed up with curious turquoises.
"Still it's okay you know. I mean…It's not like I dislike you or anything. I like you Phil. I am not asking you to change either." Shrugging his shoulders in front of the listening boy Sasuke continued. "Umm…I just…How to put this…I just want you to be happy! Yeah! I want to do what you feel like it you know. "
He isn't sure if Phil understood when the boy continuously stared with attentiveness yet he was quiet. The inner thoughts were swimming silently within those young eyes; filled with curiosities that began to doubt what he was taught throughout his childhood.
Sasuke smiled lightly and ruffled the boy's dark hair.
"It's okay. Take it easy. Since you're here and all, why not try making friends with Bolt and Himawari?"
Again, Phil replied nothing. There wasn't an agreement or a rejection. Perhaps the idea is somehow acceptable to him. Nevertheless, this child is as complicated as Sakura in the past.
To Sasuke it is nostalgic to revisit an old character of his beloved pinkette; even so, he is proud of her to be who she is today. He didn't say she had changed for the better but she changed for the better of them. Because she loved their relationship and so does he.
Looking at Phil…reminded him so much of those days.
"I hate sausages…"
Finally a response that got the Uchiha raven chuckling; he was seriously caught by surprise of this little one. Aside from prickly words, Phil could be as cute not to mention that he is much pampered.
"Alright. No sausages."
"And I still don't like you."
"…Okay…"
So there's an upgrade from 'hate' to 'dislike'? Hmm, at least it's a sign that things are getting better between them. Sasuke surrendered himself to a smile before taking the boy into Brown's once more to join the Uzumaki's.
Still Phil is reserved as how he was despite how the two children tried to approach him. They had children's small talk but Phil didn't laugh as much as the Bolt and Himawari did when all he could do was to hide behind his teddy bear. He needs time Sasuke spoke at heart observing from a distance.
"Say Naruto…"
The blonde immediately responded by glancing over towards the raven's calling.
"Is raising a kid difficult?"
Such a question brought a smirk to the Uzumaki's face,
"What do you think?" he said initially. "Of course it is. My wrinkles are showing because of the two brats; endlessly causing mischief!" the blonde complained.
"Isn't that another form of joy?" raising a dark eyebrow.
"Well, if you put it that way; yes. They do bring me a lot of happiness. They are my pride and joy after all!" Naruto grinned. "Someone's getting into family planning already, I see." He nudged the male next to him who grew redder.
"S-S-Sakura-c-chan and I…are trying our b-best…" Sasuke murmured shyly. "However…"
"Don't say it man." The Uchiha surprisingly turned over to the smart blonde who had guessed. "I know what you're thinking…because sadly to say…all of us have the same opinion."
Oh…
So the people around them understand the situation the both of them are in when the fact about Sakura-chan is too obvious to hide. Everyone knows Sakura-chan's limited capability to bear an heir.
But what if they were all wrong?!
Sasuke smirked to himself. Told himself to quit lying. It is far too obvious yet…he continued to cling onto false hope. He has braced for it; he knew that Sakura-chan is special and life would be special in many ways. He should have accepted the fact about having children. He though he did. Somehow…
Oh…
If Sakura-chan were to read his sinful thoughts, she would be heartbroken.
Naruto quickly derailed the raven's negative chain of thoughts slapping his back a bit.
"Don't even think about giving up," said the blonde with serious eyes. "We won't know unless we give it our all. You've done this before I bet this isn't something new to you."
"I know…I was just caught in the tides of confusion. Thanks for bringing me back," said the dark haired male.
"Always remember that this isn't business of your own, it's Sakura-chan's too. Hinata and I often exchange thoughts; this is what it means to be married!" the blonde slapped the other male's back harder.
"Yeah…"
"You're as soft as always! Be a man! Speak your mind!"
"Yeah…"
"Tch! Don't 'yeah, yeah' me. Oh, look at the time!" Naruto's head perked after a swift glance at the old shop's clock. "Kids! Time out! Mommy's coming home soon we'll have to get back before she does!"
"YAY! BYE-BYE UNCLE SASUKE!"
The cheerful lot left the shop taking their merry voices with them and once again Brown's regained its former silence leaving nothing but a lingering happiness. Even if it was only seconds ago, the place seemed to miss the joyful souls of those three. From the window, the Uchiha could see the trio hand-in-hand safely crossed the busy road and back into their shop on the opposite street; seeing that, the raven unconsciously smiled before he turned towards the other young raven who quietly sat across the room, sulking.
That little guy was rather down ever since he got bullied by his greatest enemy: sausage.
Sasuke strolled across and lowered himself to meet the young one in his eyes. Phil looked rather pitiful; those moist eyes that glitters are as if they were about to shed hidden tears.
The Uchiha is confident that Phil is trying his best to hold it in, he wouldn't want to be unmanly; at least not when others are around. Just like Sakura, he'll weep alone than being pitied.
Phil didn't speak not for as long as Sasuke began staring at him. The two stayed in stifling silence while they countered gazes at one another and accompanied each other in this tranquil afternoon.
"Hey…" Sasuke finally began when he could no longer take the continuous absence of sound.
"What…?" Phil muttered bluntly despite softly.
"Let's go out for a while."
Blue eyes blinked once, then twice and another time,
"Why?"
"Why?" Sasuke paused; he never thought he had to reason when he wishes to take a breather once in a while. Moreover, it doesn't seem like the shop would be any busier than this. He shrugged his shoulders, "Because. I feel like it."
He was rather surprised at himself for being obedient to answer a child's bossy question. Additionally, it is not worth it.
"Don't want to."
See.
Sasuke bothered less about Phil's opinion and decided to make him; without second thoughts, he scooped up the little boy into his arms despite how Phil began wriggling and fighting to get off. However it is amazing that the little guy didn't scream his lungs off like the rest of those naughty children. Phil is scary.
"Put. Me. Down!" the Haruno demanded in his authoritative voice but it was not to the raven's obedience.
Swiftly, Sasuke locked up Brown's and he fastened the boy who with all his might try to resist he began pacing;
Autumn, oh beautiful autumn.
What wonderful and gentleness of the breeze that was brought by as well as the miracles of beauty in colour. Such sight and lightness is a gift to man and it would give a gentler soul; Sasuke agrees to this time of the year very much aside from the pouring rain that could be troublesome. Above all else, he is loving this life when he is in love, able to love and is loved. How can he ask any more than this…
Also, he got the chance to feel what is like to be a man for the young boy in his arms. He felt fatherly.
Let it be if it was temporary. Let it be it was a feeling that was only his. Let it be a lie.
He is happy that he got to taste a desired happiness.
Yes.
Indeed…it is…
Phil quit fighting for his rights shortly after Sasuke turned to a corner and when they arrived at a small shop. It's an 'everyone's' shop with nothing fancy except selling conventional bicycles, accepting repairs and its family history; another ordinary bicycle shop around the neighbourhood!
Judging by the expression of the young Haruno master he seems to be rather fascinated as though the place has caught hold of his interest. It seems so and Sasuke is glad that he brought the little guy. Guess rich people don't visit stores like these; filled with grease and oiling and listening to the sound of clashing metal and speeches of the 'rougher' people.
This is what it is for normal people.
"Hoi there Sasuke-kun!"
"Yo."
The Uchiha greeted while he approached the man who first called out from a corner of the shop; face smudged with grease and dirt.
"Eeeeeeeyyy! Lookie here guys, Sasuke-kun's got himself a small one!"
The 'announcement' had the rest of the members of the shop intrigued by the sudden news. They all are friends after all; they got excited to see the face of Phil and the little boy withdrew himself into hiding in Sasuke's embrace when he failed to handle the many cheerful gathering people; saying:
"A shy one isn't he? Haha!"
"He's so much like you Sasuke-kun!"
"Wait! When did you made him?!"
"Why aren't we informed you've got a baby?!"
"Yeah!"
The Uchiha raven felt his face burn shyly no doubt it must be as red to be visible enough for the rest to laugh at.
"G-Guys! H-He's not mine," he muttered. "He's my brother-in-law…"
"Your brother-in-law's? Since when did you have a sister?!" said one of them confusingly.
"Of course he doesn't stupid!" another said playfully hitting the other. "That little guy is his brother-in-law!..."
"…"
"…"
"…"
By the minute they realized, everyone was silent as they stared dumbfound at the raven.
"BROTHER-IN-LAW?!" the group said in unison with their mouths agape in astonishment. Sasuke nodded earnestly and the next everyone was quiet once more before they erupted excitedly. "WHOAAAAA! FWEET! FWEET! THAT'S S-W-E-E-T!"
They clapped, cheered, laughed and anything to find the news worth celebrating for. Shouldn't it be the total opposite? But. It's these guys we're talking about and they haven't got the slightest clue about gossiping and bad stabbing about other people when they are all…simple people.
That is right.
The people around these places are merely normal people who tried to find as much happiness to live on in the hectic city life. When life is already difficult why not live to the fullest and be happy about it?
Sasuke smiled at the happy lot and subsequently brought laughter upon himself. He is in love with the kind people. They accepted without another doubt. They believed in family and friendship more than any other living being. This is how the world should be. And I am proud to getting to know them.
The place became the noisiest and the most cheerful out of the whole block; the neighbours even came around to take a look at the commotion that was taking place. As for Phil, slowly, he came out of his hiding and timidly began observing the other people around him.
Sasuke didn't expect him to join the group right away but he was glad that the fun around him managed to catch his interest. By the look in his eyes he wished to be part of the cheerful not when he wasn't confident to do so. However, he smiled.
To Sasuke's disbelief he got to see the little child smile for the first time since they met and for the first time Phil looked so much innocent and childlike. It was sincere despite small. The Uchiha could not help but to felt happy as well. He felt happier when he was able to do something for Phil. He felt…fatherly…
"Hey, Sasuke-kun! Your bike's ready!" one of the mechanics brought the two wheeled about showing off a job well done. "I've changed the broken parts, checked the brakes, give it some oiling here and there. Viola! Good as new!"
The raven male couldn't contain the smile that graced his lips seeing his beloved bicycle. It's the first he ever received from Uncle Brown as a gift to commemorate the start of his high school days and it has been the best ever!
"Haha! Thanks a lot pal. You're the best!"
Happily, he ran his fingers along the chilly metal surface of the vehicle and as well along the newly changed seat. It's good as new with a new coat of paint and everything is perfectly in place once more.
"Don't mind me saying this but why not get a new one instead of fixin' it over and over again?" said the mechanic. "It's not gonna cost you a fortune since you're freakin' rich!"
"Haha. Don't mind me saying this but I've got deep love for it."
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Very funny. Anyway, it's still good to go but….you might wanna reconsider it."
Sasuke replied with a smile before turning towards the young raven he carried in his arms.
"Hey, Phil. Have you ridden a bicycle before?" despite asking this, he knew the young Haruno has no clue what a two wheeled vehicle feels like.
Phil shook his head in denial. Thought so. Sasuke smiled again;
"Want to try?"
.
.
Cutting through the blowing winds, racing into the distance with the greed for speed and taking in all the beautiful surroundings at one time;
This is another aimless bicycle journey for the sake of killing time as well as sharing trivial beauty to the child that sits at rear. Sasuke gave it his all peddling and Phil sat quietly. Is he enjoying this? That, is a mission: to bring Phil into the world that he had missed out on its beauty. Just like how he made Sakura see it.
He is not afraid that he would fail because he believed that Phil is softer than ever, moreover, still bearing innocence he can have. He also believed that the trees, the hills, the lake, the sky and all things else that they come to pass on this journey would be something brand new to the boy.
For the boy had seen too little.
For the boy had been taught too much.
It is time to give him a little colour of what's true when all it needs is something simpler and beautiful; just like how the world is to live in.
Phil wouldn't gasp in fascination to newer things but definitely he is intrigued in the inside. He is somewhat unable to express physically when he is well taught not to.
Sasuke smiled to himself as he carried on his peddling job, taking themselves to places where the scenery speaks for itself. Let nature tell the child more about the world.
Phil is looking.
Phil is watching.
Phil is listening.
Phil is feeling it.
Phil is trying…
The young Haruno finally reached out his hand to touch the winds that crossed him. Doing his best to hold it and feeling the incapability to catch the intangible only but to know the sensation of coldness that reached him. It is the first that he felt…alive.
Outside from the brick walls of the Haruno manor. Far away from nasty studies of knowledge and historic glory. Leaving behind pride and honour.
Phil on the outside learning in a way he hardly got;
Feel. Experience. Love.
The face of the young boy lifted into another shade of colour; it was fascination and happiness. The outside has tickled the pleasure in his heart when he got to know more than what he could study. It was amazing. So does the smile on his face.
"Ah...!" the boy cried shortly when a stray fallen leaf was blown past him in the riding winds.
His exclamation of his true feelings was pure and wonderful to watch. This, is how a child should behave!
To Sasuke's happiness, sheer happiness, he ruffled Phil's dark hair and patted him on the head a bit. Phil reacted subsequently in surprise but without reject; he only took a glance at the raven adult and continued on his enjoyment.
This is good. This is good…
Sasuke spoke at heart.
"Say Phil. Want a thrill?"
Without bothering to wait for an answer, Sasuke picked up the speed on his bike and the little boy tightly cling onto the rear metals. The both are feeling the rush as well the ones in their veins.
Sasuke is having fun. As much fun as he had once with Kiba back in the days of his youth. It's the similar feeling that they could be boys, stay young and go wild. This is another memory to remember because by the time into the future…these are precious assets to bring into growing old. Looking back…it's that nostalgic feeling that brings tears makes its worth even more…
Phil…Phil…Phil…
His dark hair. His small build from the view of his back.
Phil reminds so much about his younger self. The young of him that was incapable and pitiful. If it wasn't for Uncle Brown who's heart is big and wide as the world; he might have not lived to see today or he might not have lived to meet Sakura-chan or he might not have lived to see the beauty of the world, marry the girl he loves, meet the future, meet Phil…
This is fate. It is his luck.
Therefore, Sasuke had decided to share some of his luck with this young boy hoping that he could grow up to not be the typical Haruno of past generations. He hopes that the Harunos could find more happiness and would recognize it properly, stop influencing the people of its future and love more…
Can he do it?
Perhaps?
Since he had changed Haruno Sakura.
These are beautiful challenges of a living being. Isn't it wonderful?
"Look! Sasuke-nii! Look! It's a unicorn!" Phil pointed out into the skies so wide and blue with clouds that could make figures out of it.
"Yeah! It seems like it. A unicorn soaring in the skies!" Sasuke replied cheerfully while he gazed above. "You like unicorns, Phil?"
The little boy, so innocently, nodded vehemently with hints of blush about his favourtie. A unicorn, huh…How innocent and magical can this boy be at heart. He is definitely not the Haruno he should be. He is Ross' child; perhaps he was once a good boy too before he was forced to throw away all his innocence.
But before all those thoughts about purity and Ross.
Phil called him…? He wasn't too sure.
"I like them. Very much! Daddy said they make wishes come true!"
Okay…So is he referring to Ross? Judging by Cain's character it seems impossible for him to communicate in child-like ways.
"Do you have a wish you want it to come true Phil?"
The child nodded earnestly but he didn't tell when all he does was kept staring at the unicorn-like cloud until it began to disfigure. What was it on his mind as he looked at it? Sasuke was curious.
Quietly, the two ventured into a journey of natural silence; Sasuke peddled on and Phil…all he did was to watch the world pass him by. He didn't complain or exclaim any dislike throughout the whole ride. He was exceptionally silent to the Uchiha's notice.
At that moment, he really wished to learn what's in the mind of that little person. Especially when Phill's eyes contained so many uncertainties he wished to find answers for. Until…
"Sasuke-nii…," he blurt abruptly out of the blue.
SCREECH!
Sasuke grew stunned and never before he was as stunned to the point he would put on the brakes without considering another second before he blankly stared at into those angry glass-like eyes.
"Hey! Why did you sto—"
"Say that again Phil!" excitedly, Sasuke cupped the little boy's cheeks before he could speak any further.
"Leff oo of ma faff!" Phil shoved Sasuke's hands away. "What are you doing!" his little voice shrieked.
"Call me again Phil. Call me again!" like an excited parent, Sasuke eagerly demanded. Phil blinked questionably at him.
"What? Sasuke-nii?" and that earned him a hug.
For real.
It was for real!
Sasuke scooped the boy up and held him up into the air as if it was the best feeling ever! He has never been as happy as this from the word of a child and it was acknowledgement. Aside from the 'I hate you's and dislikes it became something amazing…!
Sasuke could not contain all that happiness within himself and decided to let it out onto his expressions; his beautiful set of teeth were showing as much his laughter so loud.
He wanted to share this joyous moment, he must tell Sakura about this!
Phil…he is adorable after all. Children are.
"Put me down. Put me down!" the boy wriggled trying to get free to no avail. The happy adult decided to keep him in his embrace and very gently received a kiss on the cheek. "Eiiah! What are you doing?!"
"Heheheh!" the Uchiha grinned widely. "Come on! We'll have to go back to the shop and make a feast!"
Yes. This feels right.
Sasuke is feeling high up in the skies, above the clouds and into fantasy; the constant smile on his face proved how his heart was light and fluffy. Not because of the sunny day, not the beauties of autumn, not the friendly people but the magic of this bicycle; the gift of Uncle Brown that made wonders happen.
Despite how old, it didn't fail to make miracles work. Because of this two wheeled…Phil has grown to be an ally; a friend; a child. Because they travelled on this magic vessel things has become the better.
Carefully, Sasuke lifted the boy down from his bicycle as soon as they reached Brown's earlier than expected; he didn't even realized that it was quite a distance from the shop when he was too engrossed in his own happiness.
"Sasuke-nii," Phil's new calling was like music and it brought overwhelming joy to the raven adult. "I want to go on a car ride."
The boy's sudden demand struck the Uchiha in surprised silence; no, it wasn't a demand, it was a wish. It was something as simple and normal coming from the boy and it was as innocent. Sasuke crouched down to meet the boy's height,
"A car ride?" he repeated in the most surprising way.
Phil nodded;
"Like the ones in the advertisement we passed by before heading to the river side…I want that."
The fact that he is demanding as ever never changes still it was something nice to hear. Oh, another thing Sasuke realized is that Phil has an amazing memory and is pretty observant for a kid. If he hadn't mentioned it Sasuke wouldn't have recalled.
"I want to go on a ride like the kid in the car…with mommy and daddy…," his voice somehow sounded regretful.
As if he knew it was impossible for something simple such as 'family' to happen. Isn't that pitiful?
Sasuke quickly wrapped his arms around Phil to console him despite knowing that the boy has no idea in crying over such matters. But the Uchiha is; Sasuke silently shed a tear in the embrace and quickly drying it before meeting Phil's eyes.
"Don't worry! I am sure you'll get to go on a car ride with them. We saw the unicorn in the clouds, didn't we?"
"Um…," he nodded lightly; there wasn't a hint of confidence that could make him believe it might actually happen.
Phil oh Phil. Even a child of ten has lost hope to believe in things that might never hope for it to happen.
"Look Phil, it's okay. Really…"
And gently, Sasuke caressed the head of the child before him before taking him by the hand and they both returned into the shop. It gave them a surprise to see the presence of the pink haired female working herself in the kitchen. Of course, with her butler's assistance, Sasori. Moreover, Uncle Brown's back too!
"Sasuke-kun! Phil! Where have the two of you been?" the pinkette rushed over; she spread her arms wide to pamper her brother as soon as she saw him running towards her.
Sasuke sighed with a bit of jealousy before he talked about his and Phil's littlest adventure.
"The bicycle's back?" Sakura exclaimed her excitement and watching her husband nod she smiled rosy.
"Alright, alright, boys and girls, go wash your hands. Dinner is served in five!" said Uncle Brown.
Boy, oh boy, that pot is definitely one of the old man's secret recipes straight from tradition and it spells 'delicious' a lot! Nothing beats the best of Uncle Brown's cooking!
Everyone gathered around the table; the usual small, cramped and old wooden dining table that gave a share of happy goodness to all. Food were passed around as well as laughter is shared among the people at the table except for the little boy. Phil was obedient and he ate off his plate without disagreement. Moreover, it seems that Uncle Brown's cooking has won his taste buds over and that pleases the old man very much.
"When you were younger you were much picker on food than Phil," Uncle Brown chuckled as he recalled of the past.
"N-No I wasn't," the Uchiha defended. "Was I…?"
The rosette giggled.
"Not funny Sakura-chan…," he pouted when his wife has no intention of stopping. "Oh, by the way I have decided to take up a driving license."
Uncle Brown dropped his meat ball, Sasori accidently made his fork screech against the plate and the rosette choked on her soup. Surprised? It was out of the blue and everyone aside from Phil turned in attention towards the raven's sudden decision.
Something new is about to show up!
Thank you so much for reading the second chappie, I hope you enjoyed it and sorry for the long wait!
But please, please, please do forgive me if I am late in the future. Life has been so much busier these days and I hardly get to set myself before the computer…sob…
I missed the days when I could type non-stop every single day!
Anyways, hope you guys would still find Sweet Seventy enjoyable.
You can just always give me a PM to check things out with me or drop a suggestion or whatever it is. At least I still do have time for replying PMs….so ….
Please REVIEW too! Thank you! :D See you soon.