New chapter! Yes!
Well, there isn't much I can say but thanks for the review(s) and sorry for the long wait.
Hmm…Let's start shall we?
Enjoy!
SUNNY DAYS!
(Sweet Seventy)
Four…We All Have Our Own Selfishness
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Sakura's Point of View
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Here I am.
Like the usual;
Taming my inner self to obedience towards meetings that I hold dislike very much when there aren't many things new but bad news and to make urgent response to harshening economic conditions and people from the Board were just overly prudent. That, adds to how boring meetings could be.
I so much wanted to yawn; I held it in and tried not to make a face.
This is silly!
Moreover, I am tired. I haven't slept well enough since the evening I set myself to the place far away from home; across the vast ocean.
It has been two weeks since…
Sasuke-kun.
He might not notice but I was watching, the figure of my husband standing below from the height the helicopter that I took off in…I see it in his eyes; he didn't yearn for me to stay knowing that I cannot be kept but I do see that he knows he'll be missing me for some time.
And that has become truer each day that passes and each day that counts more from the moment we didn't see each other; in the mornings or during the night.
My bed was just me alone leaving my side empty without a partner to snuggle up to. I never thought how I've come to adapt so quickly on needing another person by me during sleep and I have never thought it would be difficult to get used to being alone despite how busy I was.
It became me yearning for Sasuke-kun.
Yes…I am deeply missing that man to the extent that sometimes I would feel a little pathetic of the woman I've grown to be. But I guess this is how humans are made to be.
"Alright, this meeting ends at this point of our discussion," I announced at last and scurried away as fast as I could.
I wanted to leave that stale room so much that I have no intention of slowing down and turning back by the calling of those people from the Board. I just need some time for myself.
I want to go home.
I sincerely wished to go home.
Just so I never got the chance;
I, as President of the Haruno corporations have been engaged with too many duties. It's not a title that I am proud of when the responsibilities that rest on my shoulders are far heavier than it seems. I don't think anyone would understand except for my best and dearest childhood friend and caretaker.
Accompanying me is Sa-chan to wherever and whatever duties have taken me. He has never failed his role; I understand that his services to serve were no longer out of an obligation from the long years we stuck up to each other. I do feel bad for taking his life as a man he could be.
He would want not to be married or take days off to spend on himself and he rejected any gifts I tried to give. I no longer have any ideas in getting him to accept my kindness. I am in his great debt.
"Sakura-sama, it'll be bad for you to rush out into the open like this without proper clothing!"
It is just like Sa-chan; to hurry over to cover up my bare shoulders.
Standing at the balcony in this height of a building is amazing. It is where everything beneath me is within a hand's grasp and the feeling of dominance is overwhelming. More importantly, I feel flying.
Like I could go into the distance by just an arm's reach.
It's a feeling I would love to give to Sasuke-kun not when he always refuse to come to my offices saying that he's just a bakery boy and all fitting for only a small shop. I always chuckle back at him for being humble and belittling himself.
Sometimes I do wonder if he is Heaven's child; having a kindness that no one else could be compared with. He just doesn't feel human when he's being too gentle and he gives me the brightest feeling that flows out of my chest.
Like an angel,
He holds me in his magical arms and gave me powers to live, learn, love…
"What's on your mind, Sakura-sama?"
Sa-chan asked me out of the blue that brought me back into reality where here I am feeling the brushing breeze while spacing out into the distance.
"Was it a pleasant thought? You're smirking to yourself much."
I laughed.
Out of embarrassment, out of being happy I let out my voice cheerfully.
"Indeed. Indeed…Sa-chan…," then I gazed into where the far off mountains were still visible within the distance then let silence grow a bit before, "Sa-chan..."
"Yes?"
"How long has it been that I've left home…?"
That scarlet butler of mine would smile gently before speaking,
"Shall I cancel off the rest of those unnecessary meetings and arrange the earliest flight?"
Sa-chan understands me well; too well that I am grateful.
"Please."
.
.
Once again, I see clouds.
It's the white that froths in the smoothest way and stretching its way beyond the endless horizon of blue. Like wonderland.
And I see the shining gem of the planet that glows brilliantly.
The sun so beautiful.
As expected of my capable partner, I managed to board the earliest flight. It would be as quick in the blink of an eye and as swiftly…I would be home within the day that's still bright.
At this rate, no longer, no farther,
I will be home soon.
I cannot wait to go home.
I cannot wait to ease my longing.
I cannot wait to fall into that remembered embrace I loved dearly.
However,
I almost forgot the most important thing.
"Sakura-sama?"
Sitting by my side the crimson haired caretaker must have noticed the slight change in my expressions, therefore he was curious.
"Sa-chan, please arrange an appointment to Ochima-chan's as well," I gave order.
He didn't nod obediently like usual and wear a different expression,
"What if I disagree?"
He knows what I am up to and he knows what I intended to do. I understand his refusal to obey.
"And why so?" I asked on purpose; prepared to be stubborn.
"I don't want you to be unhappy."
"How can you predict?"
It's a stupid question coming from me. He knows. I know.
Sa-chan didn't answer; not daring to speak unnecessary words that he bears in mind. Sadly, I knew what it may be. We both were too close to not know each other's thoughts.
"Please arrange it for me."
I gave strict subsequent order and Sa-chan didn't fight me. He nodded finally in acknowledgement to my wish despite he is still fighting my decision at heart. I do feel some guilt for being selfish when it comes down to my stubbornness once I made up my mind about something; knowingly, I never listen to anyone when the moment comes. Not even my trusty companion even when he strongly is against it. He is doing his best for me when I am not taking it.
We were both silent during the journey when there were no other topics we could indulge in aside from issues about work. Sa-chan left it as it is and so do I; all we did was allowed our physical to rest when it was obvious the both of us individually had a lot in mind.
.
Dazzled.
My breath was captured by the sceneries that I almost seemed foreign and forgotten from the times that I was kept away. I cannot take my attention away from the view that passes outside the window of the vehicle I am riding.
I am back in the city; the place where I belong and where my heart does.
Two weeks was more than enough to make me ignorant about the happenings around this growing city. It changes along time and it has no intentions to wait for me to catch up.
It isn't something new to look at the emerging of another new building or the construction of another skyscraper or anything else that is new. However, I am well aware how surprised I can get at the first glimpse of it. It's like I have become more human than I usually am…
All from the doings and the love I have been nurtured with by the person I love.
Because of this love.
I am about to do something important.
That would change my life.
Sasuke's and mine.
Again. I am going to beg forgiveness from my heart when the next time I decide on something, it would be another selfish desire thinking that it is for the best. I hope it does.
Here, now, I am headed to my doctor, Orochimaru-sensei or Ochima-chan to my own convenience and liking. The man has been a family doctor, to be precise, my personal doctor who take care of the littlest of things that happens in my body. It was he who took the heart out of pity to save a poor soul like me when my case was unwanted by many other doctors.
Coming home, he is the first I pay the visit aside from Sasuke-kun that I should have.
.
"Wow! There's a new black mamba in the collection!" I stared amazingly at the serpent that behaves threateningly behind the glass.
I have prepared no explanation to speak of and I get completely swept away by interest and amazement towards Ochima-chan's venomous collections. He loves anything that concerns to poison. He is weird but a clever man.
"All the way from Africa!" he winked.
"Sakura-sama!" and my worrywart butler would try to pull me away from the container that contains these wonderful deadly creatures I come to adore.
"I always love how you spend time appreciating my prized exhibitions but that isn't the reason you pay me a visit I presume, Sakura-chan?" he smiled the eerie smile like I knew since I met him.
Dust my dress, I began to head towards the doctor who had the file ready, set on his table and prepared for me to read. It's the report from the medical examination I have requested to perform weeks ago before I was suddenly busy.
Ochima-chan continued to look at me without a word firstly and my heart did not pound to the suspense that he habitually dragged on. It's not that I am getting used to his style but in fact I am rather mentally prepared; I somehow knew the answer stated in the results that was confidentially kept in that file.
Well, it's obvious actually…
All the reason why Sa-chan didn't want me to do this. He did his best to protect me from being disappointed. I appreciate his deed but…I still have to do something. I have to set things clear and straight to the inner stubbornness that almost refuse to accept the truth about my 'special' being.
I need to confirm that I may be incapable to bear children…no…I have failed.
Sasuke-kun might have thought of this, his friends would have their tongue slipped about the idea and no doubt everyone…they just didn't want to hurt my feelings. I know, I wanted to tell them…but I was just another coward to express that thought and kept dragging.
"Hurry and give it to me," I said and the doctor casually handed over the file.
I flipped it open without seconds of hesitation; I must admit that I am not good at reading medical reports but…I don't see anything I expect to.
"Is this really mine?" I asked looking up from the documents.
"You doubt it?" Ochima-chan just isn't as direct especially when he is prepared to tease me to his pleasure.
"I don't. But I don't see anything I want to. This is an ordinary report isn't it?"
The smirk he wears tells how accurate I am and his laid back manner is mocking me when as if he didn't take me any seriously. The papers in my hands are clearly mine and showed no negative indication; a healthy person I am.
"It is."
I sighed loudly.
"Does that mean I have no chance at all?" my voice is leaving me.
I am not afraid of the outcome, I am… Staring at Ochima-chan's expressionless face, I felt my chest grow heavier and listen to the resounding words I start to hate:
I have failed.
I HAVE failed!
"I don't know."
Ochima-chan finally said.
"Orochimaru-sensei please this is no time to be dragging around. This is grave matter to my Lady!" my loyal partner stood up for me when strength has drained out from me. I thought I was braced for this.
I overestimated myself.
"I don't know." He affirmed without wavering. "How would I know if I have not taken efforts to find out?"
I grew quiet. His silent hints were clear on his expression; he is confident that I am able to understand his intentions. Ochima-chan is also doing his best for my sake. He didn't want me to be unhappy as well.
"Then…" I paused.
Everyone intended to listen to what I have to finish.
"I think that is the only solution, is it?"
The man in his robes of white leaned backwards; laidback, he shrugged his shoulders a bit,
"I always believe you're a smart girl, Sakura-chan." He articulated. "And I hope to believe that you're as wise."
I became silent at the end of his statement then I nodded before proceeding towards the exit since there is no longer a need to prolong this consultation. It wasn't the one I expect but I know he is watching my back, always have been and as always I am selfish to come over whenever I am in need.
.
After the brief visit, it was already the beginning of sundown and it's finally time for me to head home; to Brown's and back into the embrace of my dear husband that I expect so much he would receive me. No doubt he would make a face, shed a tear and love me so much.
Indeed I am a woman in love for I am anticipating all this without any effort in the back of my mind. And the thought will become real soon enough as the vehicle stopped at my desired destination and the door opened for me and I paced to the doorway of the shop.
I cannot wait. I cannot wait to see that expression of his!
I am craving to see my beloved Sasuke-kun, touch his dark hair, smell the scent of dough on his hands and steal the warmth of his skin.
I am itching to revive all of these wonderful addictions as soon as I burst open the door, listen to the merry jingle of old and make my presence known. On top of that, I hope to give him the biggest surprise of my unannounced arrival home.
Sadly,
It was all me.
The natural senses to react somehow left me the second my eyes set on the raven male standing at the counter; Sasuke-kun is thinner, paler and sadder.
I didn't gasp and my feet just stood at the door and instantly the heart blamed me for it.
My dearly beloved husband…
He didn't run to me in the instant I appeared or stand there on the spot shedding tears of worry, missing or anything.
He had a pause before coming up to me then grabbed my wrist to pull me closer and did I fall hard into his chest. And I have not imagined that he would immediately hold me as roughly and the next thing I knew is that we were headed for our room upstairs on the third floor.
He threw me on bed and stared at me with a stranger's eyes. And we began exchanging gazes that felt so foreign; like enemies engaged in a coincidental meeting. It was terrifying before it all crumbled the moment the raven male collapsed onto my small body he had forgotten how to be careful in the past. He was never rough with me, afraid of me being too fragile. But not today.
It was only two weeks and judging by the looks of this readable man; bad things must have happened during my absence.
All the more when I hear him weeping silently; it was audible in my ears and I feel him trembling out of exhaustion from all the strength he gathered to hold up till I am home.
My dear, dearest baby boy; I thought he'd be safe on his own that he isn't.
With all my love I stored especially for him, very gently I stroked his growing black hair and held onto him as much my arms could reach his larger physique.
My dearest, loveliest baby boy; how hurt is he to have forgotten his true self?
I am not wrong about my feelings when I do miss the character which I am used to receiving loads of love from. It is his turn to be absent. I held my desire to question and being patient is the best thing to do despite I have a lot to tell. All my selfishness has to wait… Let him cry to sleep and I will pat his back to soothe whatever hurt he has bottled up in him.
"I love you…Sasuke-kun…"
It's the heart's honest whisper; I do not care whether my confession was heard, I just said it with feelings as whole. The both of us will remain in this position until the both of us go into slumber.
It's alright.
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End of Sakura's Point of View
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.
Here it comes;
The new light,
The blades of it that seeps through the loose curtain and illuminating the room from darkness. It does not warm up the place during this season unlike the previous when summer is hot.
The ceiling;
Yes, it's is the ceiling that she recognizes very much; a thankful fluttery feeling drew over her as she lay staring at it. Not the fancy ones but the one that grows older in time.
Then the walls with unfashionable wallpaper and the cupboard so stuffed that could hardly fit another garment more and the de-silvering old mirror and etcetera that she comes to meet at the beginning of a day.
This is beautiful repetition.
This is home.
And beside her was warmth.
The pinkette turned her head to find the sleeping male; listen to his breathing that was audible to the point of snoring. Lovingly, she reached out to sweep away those stray bangs that cover the face of his. She is glad that he didn't wake from her touches no matter the slightest like he usually would. It proves he is exhaustion and there must have been sleepless nights for him.
She snuggled closer and held him;
Listen to the rhythm of that young heartbeat; perfectly soothing and alive. She smiled to herself subsequently plant a kiss where his heart lives within and finally with that lightest gesture it managed to bring the male to wake.
The raven blinked, continuously, trying his best to fight away the grogginess from the early stage of waking up but it seems too much for him to handle. He blankly stared at the female before him.
All he could see was a silhouette due to the brightening sunlight beaming behind her as though an angel has descended to greet his morning. No doubt he sees her smiling at him.
It's beautiful.
If he weren't so sleepy, he would have…
"Morning…Sasuke-kun…," the loving woman smiled, reached out again to move away his falling bangs and pressed her lips onto his forehead.
Ah, yes. She inhaled his scent which was a blend of buttery dough and of his own; the usual and it soothes her. Moreover, proving to her senses that the man she now holds is the real deal, not the one that appears in her dreams.
She is home.
Yet, she could still feel loneliness.
Resting her cheek against the forehead of the raven, she listens to his breathing that grew steady; Sasuke has returned into slumber. She smirked to herself and has no intentions to disturbing the tired soldier when she believes he must have fought hard in battles during her absence.
At heart, she had to apologize.
Softly, the pinkette slipped out of the bedroom; leaving her precious lover to rest more and left for breakfast herself.
Downstairs as usual;
Kiba and Laila were already at work. Ovens were steaming and the kitchen is hot. The two were busy yet they did greet the pinkette's arrival. Everyone has their manners kept in check and that makes a healthy environment, says Uncle Brown. Sakura glanced around and her mind questions when she didn't see the veteran like all days. He should be an early riser.
"Hmm? Uncle Brown is not awake yet?" said the Haruno as she made her way towards the refrigerator to pick up a carton of milk.
Then she sat at the dining table that was laden with toast and jam. There was also cheese to her delight and Laila was kind enough to serve her a cup of coffee. The female sighed a little bit so did Kiba who'd sunk into silence to the pinkette's notice.
"Something is wrong?" asks Sakura.
"Well…"
Laila hesitated; she turned to Kiba with asking eyes for permission, instead, the Inuzuka approached closer and spoke up up to what the Haruno needs to hear.
Sakura is after all, family.
He talked, detailed about almost everything; it was true that Sasuke had rough nights staying up with worry taking care of Uncle Brown and fear haunts him whenever and wherever the elderly tries to go on his own.
It was stress.
"I…see…"
She didn't manage to choose the right words at this point of time except lower her head with her finger touching her chin. She never saw this coming, therefore, she felt some guilt rush her insides; the feeling that it was regretful for not calling home after so long.
Why didn't she call home?
It's shameful with an excuse for being too busy to make minutes of time to ask home. She felt disgusted at herself and is unable to look into the eyes of the people around her, be it Kiba or Laila…especially Sasuke.
Oh, how she felt guilty.
"Good morning, everyone!"
The voice of the old man made everyone turned their heads towards him, they were caught by surprise when they heard no heavy footsteps coming down from the stairs like usual.
Uncle Brown smiled cheerfully at the startled youngsters and in return they greeted him the same; it was best to break away the dull atmosphere that they were once on before the man came.
Subsequently, Uncle Brown took a seat at the dining table as well; sitting before Sakura he reached out for toast and casually spread on some butter. The pinkette quietly stared while her eyes traced his every move: a habit whenever she has a lot in mind.
"Want some Sakura-chan?"
It startled her when he caught her staring. She turned down the offer and greedily glug down a glass of milk that met her fill.
"It's good to see you home, Sakura-chan," said the kind elderly. She is too glad to be back. "The boy is still sleeping?" he refers to Sasuke.
And she nodded affirmatively to see Uncle Brown's obvious relieved expression. Everyone has it tough during her days of absence…
During mornings like these, it is natural to have the peace and quiet draw over except for the radio which sits at the corner that sings and broadcast the daily news. Other than being busy, the bakery is just as tranquil. However, this isn't it.
The atmosphere that was supposed to be isn't here. Not today. Probably it won't be for a while.
Everyone was quiet and no one spoke a word. Sakura didn't dare to speak up and for the first time she find no appropriate topic to break the building tension that it dominates. Everyone in this room just feels linked; as if they were being sensitive to each other's thoughts and were too afraid to speak up.
Kiba did his job.
Laila helps him.
Uncle Brown,
"Sakura-chan."
Startled, the petite pink perked a little.
"Yes, Uncle Brown?"
"If you're not too busy, would you care to accompany me to do some shopping after breakfast?" the man smiled in the gentlest way aside from his senile appearance.
"S-Sure." She nodded.
"I'll take you Uncle Brown. It's better that—"
Kiba quickly interrupted in the most obvious way that he is concerned about the old man. Sadly, the man insisted that Kiba is best suited to watch over the store until Sasuke comes.
"But—"
"It's alright, Kiba. Sakura-chan is here with me. It'll be alright." Uncle Brown gazed towards the pinkette.
"Of course! You don't doubt me do you, Kiba?" Sakura quickly spoke up.
The Inuzuka hesitated long before he gave in agreeing. He sighed at the end; proves how much worry he has and he isn't too confident with the answer forced on him.
Sorry Kiba.
If Uncle Brown hadn't made a hint winking, the pinkette might not be as obedient. Relying on her intuition, perhaps the elderly has private words to speak only with her.
The two did do some shopping going to stores that Sakura thinks Uncle Brown goes during an occasion; slightly different from the usual, she noticed and didn't immediately voice her curiosity until they were done and got on a bus.
She sat by him.
No less she is sensitive to the surrounding public that began to watch her; it's written on their face how cute of a grandchild she is to Uncle Brown being next to him.
'It's DAUGHTHER-IN-LAW you nosy people!' she corrected at heart.
Still she had fun from the misunderstanding and took the advantage to tease them a bit to earn a few candies and compliments. Moreover, it seems that many hardly recognize her as a famous individual which makes it relaxing too. It was amazing of Uncle Brown to play along as the loving 'grandfather' and so they exchanged secret laughter after that.
They both had fun.
So much that Sakura didn't notice the different direction that the vehicle was heading to until recently. It wasn't to Brown's when the journey went further from the city and into the outskirts after passing the main bridge. She became worried and blamed herself for being too playful to the extent that they rode the wrong bus home!
"Easy, Sakura-chan. We're on the right track."
Uncle Brown said without the slightest worry.
For sure?
The pinkette had to check and she peeked out the window; watching the sight of that cluster of city skyscrapers disappear further away into the distance. And soon the bus began travelling towards the mountains where trees and small hills were coming into sight. They are currently very far away from the shop.
Will everyone at Brown's be worried after leaving for such a long time?
Sakura doesn't know. However one thing she was assured that Uncle Brown knew what he was doing. He had something he needed to tell her…perhaps show her.
And there it is.
"We'll be getting off here."
He said and the pinkette followed. She is curious alright, from the start but this isn't the right time to be asking until they both got off a small bus stand; old it was, surrounded by thick trees and bushes.
Uncle Brown took lead indeed; walking some distance and climbed steps of some hilly grounds before they entered into an isolated village. A small living place for its people with rice fields, a peaceful place. However, it wasn't the end of their journey to where the elderly needed to go when his destination goes deeper from the entrance of the village they entered.
They were greeted no matter if they were just strangers. Perhaps they do look a vulnerable 'grandfather and grandchild' pair?
"It's just a little farther can you still keep up, Sakura-chan?" Uncle Brown turned towards Sakura who denied despite she was exhausted from the long walk.
She was too curious to let herself rest; she needed to know what Uncle Brown has in store and it became clear the moment they arrived. There was nothing fancy except for the smiling people that were there; they greeted the man as soon as he appeared with the warmest. Uncle Brown in return was comfortable with everyone.
It shouldn't be his first time around by the looks of things.
Watching from behind, Sakura was no less glad for him but…
"Sakura-chan, I would like to introduce you to someone," said Uncle Brown.
The pinkette obediently did and was presented before a middle aged man in glasses neatly dressed in casual clothing and has a stethoscope hung around his neck. He greeted with a smile and a real gentleman.
No doubt a doctor even without introduction and he is founder of this care center for the people in this village not much to Sakura's surprise.
"I am honoured to be able to meet with someone renown such as you Ms. Haruno," said the doctor. "Mr. Brown mentioned you pretty much often how lucky he is to have you as his daughter-in-law."
Sakura hid her bashfulness that grows out of the compliment and it didn't stop her from remembering something important,
"Uncle Brown, you have something to tell me right?" she had been waiting ever since he had her accompany him and the elderly understood he owes her an explanation.
"I am going to be staying here soon."
He said.
She understood,
"What do you mean, Uncle Brown…?" still she asked.
"I have decided to live in this place for the rest of my days. It's peaceful and nice here. Being away from the hectic city is more suited for someone like me."
A retirement.
It's an agreeable idea for someone his age and an understandable one. Despite it would make that soft raven unhappy about the decision. This place…it is pretty far off from the city; with cleaner air and less negativity, certainly a better place.
However.
"Please don't tell Sasuke. Not this place."
Sakura stared blankly at the man who told her words she failed to comprehend; those were sad, sad words to begin with.
Her chest was stricken with a painful beat. She cannot accept the fact about the elderly's decision that she feels irrational. She understood what he meant and what he intended to do.
"Then why tell me?" she didn't mean to be blunt when it was Uncle Brown who was harsh in the first place. If Sasuke were to hear this… "You know I'll tell Sasuke-kun. How can I not?"
"I hope you won't."
He expects her?
No way! She would never do something that would hurt her husband.
"Why Uncle Brown? What's with all this suddenness?" she asked with her eyebrows arched unhappily.
The elderly smiled gently at her disapproval,
"An old man like me should best withdraw."
"But—!"
"Ms. Haruno, I do second Mr. Brown's decision. It is important for a senior to live a quality life far from the hectic in the city. Moreover, this village has quite a population I can assure that Mr. Brown won't be as lonely," said the doctor out of kind consideration. "Although I too do not agree with his other decision."
Uncle Brown did all means to retain his stubbornness and have the doctor quit convincing him.
But this is not what it is all about.
"I am sick, Sakura-chan."
Uncle Brown emphasized.
"I may live long but my memory can't."
"So what?"
So what if this old man has amnesia? It doesn't mean that he is down to the option to step out from the lives of the people he met just because he is sick! She is not buying this!
"I don't see any reasonableness in this. You think you've become a hindrance? Don't think about it, you know Sasuke-kun loves you! This is not heroic Uncle Brown!"
Sakura didn't bother to mince her words.
"I am going to tell Sasuke-kun about this!"
"Don't Sakura-chan! Please listen to this foolish man's request. I am old…old enough to walk into my grave any day. So please don't put me in distress and let me live by my selfish decision."
"It is selfish enough!" she gritted her teeth until she notices the elderly man's bitterly smile.
"His mother is coming for him."
He uttered.
Sakura couldn't interpret at first, her head perked surprisingly when she did. His mother? Sasuke's mother? It was disbelieving when she thought her husband was an orphan himself. She is surprised indeed when she heard nothing from Kiba or Laila this morning except for Uncle Brown's case.
Perhaps they knew nothing about it.
And so what about Sasuke's mother? So what about it?!
"Also. I've plans to close down the shop so that Sasuke could go back to his real family; his mother is waiting to make him the heir of their company. It's better than being a bakery boy that's got no future."
Full stop.
That's it?
That's all he has to say to her?
He decided everything on his own, assume the best on his own?
What's this? A redemption? Why does he make himself sound a sinful man taking in someone else's son?!
"You're such an idiotic OLD MAN! If Sasuke were to be concerned about his future career, he would have long left!" she snapped. "What's wrong? What WAS wrong?!"
She doesn't understand whatever the words she was forced to listen to. This old man is sulking about something that she can never understand. First he was scared about his own sickness then he's withdrawing his guardianship.
What's wrong?!
"Please Ms. Haruno, I understand what you're feeling but will you listen to the request of Mr. Brown for now." The doctor waltz up to the pinkette whisperingly. "His condition is unstable so far and he may be unclear."
"Doctor. I may be sick but I am clear which is why I have to say everything when I am still able to." Uncle Brown expressed seriously. "I'll be moving in next month. I hope you'll accompany me too, Sakura-chan."
Tch!
"Why tell me and bring me here when you're trying to keep it secret?" she clenched her teeth, fighting away threatening tears.
"Because you're smarter, Sakura-chan. By understanding I believe you'll do what's best for everyone, for Sasuke. I am assured the day you married my boy."
It's true that she understood his intentions. It's too bad she understood…
"I am not and I don't sell insurance and I don't agree to this!" her voice shivered. "Why Uncle Brown? Isn't this…too harsh on yourself?"
The denied as he shook his head.
"People come and go. I think it's fairer to the woman who has grieved for many decades just for this reunion to arrive. I am blessed to have spent my happier share with Sasuke more than enough days to count. I think it's time to let go what's not mine initially."
"But that's…normal, Uncle Brown…"
"If you still see me as Uncle Brown then please let go Sakura-chan. I am after all going to forget Sasuke one day. At or out of my will that is…"
The pinkette began to shed tears. This is terrible. Terrible. Why must he sound as if he's walking the end of his days?
She got to understand the feelings that welled up inside of the tenderer Uchiha; Sasuke has been enduring so much bitterness. Both Uncle Brown and him are.
"Please promise me. Don't tell Sasuke…"
.
Riding the bus back to Brown's has become different in feeling; it was heavier and stiffer between the elderly man who stares out of the window and the pinkette that was busy with her phone. Even if it is only for a while, her mailbox was flooded with annoying messages; both important and unimportant. To reign as the chair is somewhat she begins to doubt of her own caliber; it is tiresome for sure and it grows when she things are becoming messy at home.
She shunned away her duties taking no responsibility to sort into the matters of whatever mails she received and planned to save it for later. What she need is some time out and riding on a bumpy bus is more than enough to make her drowsy.
It has been a while since she had ridden on a public transport and recalling it was with Sasuke months ago before she became busier. And she hadn't had the chance to go traveling with him on the bicycle they loved so much. It wouldn't be far but just far enough where no one could reach out to bother them;
The hilly top where they pledged their love remained their best hiding spot so far. Despite she knows there is no place on this planet that Sasori doesn't know about her whereabouts. He was being kind to stay silent.
These were priceless sweet memories solely bought with time and they are well stored for sure. But Uncle Brown…
Sakura peeked at the man beside her and he is still gazing the outside world that passes; is he trying to intake as much as he could when his memory is able to?
It's sad isn't it? When one just didn't expect to lose those precious moments he thinks he could bring it along until his end.
She can imagine that feeling; if she were to forget or be forgotten…
"Uncle Brown, we're arriving to our stop soon," spoke the pinkette intentionally to shake off the stale silence between them but the man retained his gaze in the outside.
He didn't hear her?
"Uncle Brown, we're arriving soon," said with a gentle touch on his hand to gain his attention and she was successful.
"Yes?" he turned his head.
"We're about to arrive, Uncle Brown." She repeated out of kindness.
"O-Oh, is it? Thank you for telling me," he smiled. "You're such a nice young lady, miss."
It hurts.
Suddenly she felt the pain; staked in the heart. Her emotions were empty and she could hardly react with the proper words.
This is so cruel.
Towards the kindest man to be repaid with a cruel fate. Is there no reward for someone who did his best good in this world? Why punish the good when the bad is worth living better out there?!
Heavens.
Why is there this unjust befall upon this man?
Sasuke-kun…
She wanted to cry…for her husband, for Uncle Brown…
"Uncle Brown, it's me. Sakura, your daughter!" she held the man's hand out of frustration of being forgotten. "Don't call me some young lady…," muttering inaudibly.
"Hm? Daughter? I don't remember being married though, haha…but I do have a son," and he began telling proud stories about the boy he loved dearly despite he failed to recall his name.
At least.
"It's Sasuke. His name is Sasuke, Uncle Brown. Please remember it at least…," she told him.
Yes, the very least.
It doesn't matter if the names of everyone he met were erased from his memory but not the name of his son.
It hurts deeply; is the only thing that Sakura can feel and understand the sensation that her husband must be enduring. And another thing…
About Uncle Brown's promise;
She is about to betray her own husband. She might be hated…
Or that was what she thought;
"Kiba? Sasuke-kun? Laila?"
The Haruno female called out loudly when all she could hear was nothing but her own voice that reached throughout the silent shop. Making another effort to call again and was answered by the lingering silence that was starting to grow weirder when the shop's front door was unusually locked during this hour of peak.
Lucky that Uncle Brown had kept a spare key with him.
"Perhaps the Kiba and Laila went out," said the elderly Brown back to his own self.
Sakura was relieved a bit and nodded as she headed for the stairs taken to the third floor of their room; Sasuke may still be snoozing away into the afternoon, it is not unusual for someone whipped out and seeing that his shoes were still in its proper place she is confident that the sleepy head is upstairs.
It made her happy when she got the chance to wake him up in the nicest way or maybe she might fall asleep along with him.
Yeah, that would be nice.
But.
"I am not saying this out of suddenness!"
Laila?
The voice was muffled and coming from upstairs.
Sakura lightened her footsteps to avoid the creaking wooden flooring of old; if it wasn't for her curiosity and if the voice hadn't been coming from her room, her heart wouldn't have pounded uneasily.
She needn't peek when the door was carelessly left ajar wide enough for her too see matters that were going on easily. All she did was simply watched whatever was happening inside the room and the sight of the first thing was enough to make her heart stop:
Laila's bare back, her perfectly white laced bra and her shirt was left wrinkled on the floor.
"I am serious…" Laila said again approaching the raven male. "I can help you…You know I can when Sakura couldn't."
Sakura held her breath, forgetting the will to breathe at during moments that made her heart race in fear, listen to it pound intensely in her ears.
What is it? What is it that she can't and Laila can? And the only thing that rushed into the rosette's mind was the only thing: children.
Sakura unconsciously froze. Sasuke is cheating on her? If it is a fact, she cannot come to accept and believe. No! Stop! Sasuke-kun would never do such a filthy thing that would hurt her!
Even…if…Sasuke isn't the one cheating in the first place, she is unable to bear the expressionless man who allowed the approaching woman touch him, plea to whatever she wishes from him and,
"I love you, Sasuke-kun…"
That's all for this chap and hope you enjoyed it!
REVIEWS please and thank you! :D
NOTE: Well, I gotta apologize to my dearest Laila (of whom I borrowed the name from) for making her the 'villain' in the story. It wasn't an initial plan but it gotta go with the flow of things, right? So…Hope you don't mind dear Laila out there. :D