Chapter 18 – As It Tore Through Them
The sarcastic way she addressed her was not lost on Sakura, her green eyes narrowing fractionally. "You pretended to be drunk."
"Do you really think a few shots will put me in that state?" demanded Ino with a look of annoyance. "What am I? Fifteen?"
But she'd started to strip. Had Shisui not brought it to her attention when he did, Ino would have been topless on the makeshift stage, in front of everyone. Didn't she care? Didn't she care that her second parents would have seen everything? Or was that what Ino wanted? For everyone to see everything? To prove that she was her polar opposite?
Someone new was on the karaoke and Sakura did her best to tune the awful singing out (she had a feeling it was Kiba), though part of her rejoiced, knowing it would be pissing Fugaku off. Was she worried for Mikoto? Without a doubt. But, she had already insisted on staying overnight. That would give him time to cool off, wouldn't it?
An order to stay out of her things was ignored when Ino advanced on her dressing table, critically assessing the makeup she found there. Of course, none of it was the high branded stuff she used, as Sakura never really saw much point in it all. As long as the pigments were good, the wear time was decent and it was cruelty free, it didn't matter what brand it was.
Reaching out, she picked up a lipstick, blue eyes focusing hard on it before it was lowered once more. It had panic blooming in her chest before Sakura forced herself to calm down – she'd wiped the lipstick off Itachi's lips before he opened the door to Shisui. There was no chance there'd been any on him.
"Things seem pretty intense around here," said Ino offhandedly. The next thing to be judged by her was Sakura's charm bracelet from Sasuke, one he'd been adding to every so often. Or had he? Was it Mikoto who purchased all gifts that were supposedly from him? "Scary, even."
"Scary?"
Languidly, Ino's gaze trailed over to her, pinning Sakura. "You're scared." Just when she went to argue, she was interrupted firmly, her best friend saying, "You can't lie to me, Sakura. Even when we fall out, we're still family."
The words squeezed her heart.
It must have been obvious, because all pretences dropped and she turned, giving Sakura her full attention. The worry from earlier that day was back, though certainly more intense this time, accompanied by a faint fear. Or was it anxiety? "What happened, Sakura?"
She opened her mouth to speak, but annoyingly, the words wouldn't leave. It was like someone was choking her, refusing to let her share the horrific ordeal she'd been through, as well as the revelations. Gods, what did she do? Did she tell Ino? Could she tell Ino? What would Sasuke do if he found out? Would he be angry with her? Would he feel betrayed? Hurt?
"Oi," Ino said worriedly and stepped forward, guiding Sakura backwards and to the bed when she began trembling. "You're freaking me out now, Sakura. What happened?"
"He…" Her hands couldn't be stilled and she restlessly tried to find something to grab, something to use to anchor herself. Breathing became difficult, the pathetic, shallow breaths making her head swim. "Gods, he… Ino. H-He…"
"Breathe," she ordered, sitting beside her. Their hands clasped together tightly, the sides of their heads bumping lightly. "Talk to me when you're ready."
Would she ever be ready? It was one thing admitting the truth to Itachi. But as time progressed and Sakura became so painfully aware of how bleak her future was beginning to look, she couldn't help but agonise over everything. One day, it wouldn't be almost, it could be something darker. Surely that was how it started out for Mikoto?
Would Sasuke ever cross that line, just as she crossed one herself?
Weakly, once she'd managed to calm herself somewhat, she managed to confess, "He forced himself on me."
Blue eyes went wide before a deep rage showed, twisting those beautiful features into a scowl and she pulled back, their gazes locking. "I've always thought Fugaku was a dirty-"
What? Fugaku? "N-Not him."
The rage switched with horror. And denial. And upset. "But…"
"Please," begged Sakura in an almost cry, trying to pull her hands free. "I can't hear how you think he'd never do something like that–"
"I would never say that–"
"Are you sure? Your face says something different."
Ino frowned somewhat, making it clear she was trying to compose herself. "Give me a break, Sakura. This is…" She took a long, deep breath and allowed her to pull her hands free. Her own came to the ends of her dress, focusing on straightening it out to lessen the risk of creases. "I don't even know what to think."
Well, Sakura supposed that was fair. Dumping something like that on somebody who'd idolised Sasuke for such a long time, expecting an immediate, well thought out response was asking for the impossible. However, the very least she'd hoped for was for the girl who was supposed to be her best friend to believe her without thinking twice about it, just as she had before, when she believed it to be Fugaku who forced himself on her. The doubt she'd seen was excruciating, like Ino was causing her physical pain.
"How…?"
"Did it happen?"
At her shaky nod, Sakura sighed, gaze averting to the door while she fought through the overwhelming fear of sharing the experience. The entire time, she felt Ino's intense blue eyes searching her features and she reached for her hand again when she stuttered through the feeling of Sasuke forcibly spreading her legs, giving himself access, pinning her to the sofa.
Compared to others' stories, Sakura knew hers was pitiful. After all, he never actually raped her. What did she have to be so afraid of? Why did she feel uncomfortable kissing him? He never went through with it. He stopped. He eventually stopped when her repeated nos got through to him. She was no doubt overreacting.
But if that was the case, why couldn't she stop the shaking of her hands?
"You know what everyone will ask, right?" questioned Ino. "What's forcing you to stay?"
"Are you asking that?"
"No. I know you too well. I…" Another troubled frown. Another sigh. "I understand how you're feeling too well. I guess I would probably stick around, too."
"I don't know what to do," she whined helplessly, another round of tears beginning. How long had they been up there? It had to have been at least half an hour, if not longer. "I feel like all I do nowadays is cry. I can't even kiss him anymore, Ino. All I picture is the feeling of him…"
There was a deep breath. The down turning of her lips. Then, despite the obvious displeasure, she said to her, "We're going to fix your makeup and we're going to get back out there." When Sakura was about to argue, Ino interrupted her delicately, holding her gaze, saying, "And we're going to have fun, okay? No boys allowed."
Getting drunk wasn't going to help. How hadn't Ino realised that yet? Sure, it was fun, but not when it was being used to escape problems, not when said problems would still be there in the morning, seemingly worsened by the inevitable hangover.
"I can hardly avoid Sasuke-kun on his birthday," she muttered, using that as her excuse instead. To bring up her painfully obvious alcohol addiction was the fastest way to an argument. No, it was best to stay on Ino's good side when she'd had a drink, otherwise a fight would break out. It always did.
Ino sighed again, asking her, "What did he say after it happened? Has he tried to earn your forgiveness?"
"That's the worst part," Sakura said, whining again. She watched Ino as she made her way to the dresser, picking out the makeup that'd been used earlier that day. Alongside the makeup, she grabbed makeup wipes and her brushes. "He's been trying so hard to make up for it. We talk now and we're closer than ever, but it feels impossible to get over."
"It kills me to say this," she murmured and in that moment, Sakura could see the pain visibly on Ino's features as the girl sat beside her on the bed, legs crossing. "But don't give up on him, Sakura. I think if things were to end now, he'd go completely off the rails."
Not really what she wanted to hear (since it didn't really help her problem, only supported Sasuke), but the support was appreciated massively. For Ino to finally support her relationship with Sasuke, to understand how important it was, meant so much to Sakura – no, it meant everything to her.
"He needs you," she added quietly, eyes drawn to the different shades of red eyeshadow, waiting as Sakura wiped her makeup off. "And maybe the intensity of his feelings scares him?"
Perhaps, but she found herself not wanting to listen to Ino's words. It would only add to the never-ending list of excuses her mind continuously came up with whenever he hurt her. How was she ever supposed to move on or grow from what had happened if she kept making excuses for him? What Sasuke had done was wrong – there was no excusing it. He'd told her that himself.
As always, Ino was gentle and careful while redoing Sakura's makeup, taking extra care when it came to reapplying the false eyelashes. It also didn't surprise her in the least that her makeup looked even better than what she'd managed to do with it, the eyeliner perfectly straight and the contouring highlighting all her best features.
"We'll arrange something soon, okay?" said Ino when they left the bedroom. "Just the two of us."
That sounded long overdue and exactly what she needed.
"Sakura."
Her flinch at the sound of his voice pissed her off, already making her irritable as Sakura turned to face Sasuke, frowning at his confusion.
"Why have you redone your makeup?"
He'd noticed that? Her frown deepened and she rubbed at her arm nervously. How was she supposed to tell him about her breakdown? That it was because of their relationship and how it was starting to weigh her down? That, earlier that day – on his freaking birthday – she'd been making out with his brother?
There was so much that she had to confess, so much that everything tried, all at once, to come out first, effectively rendering her silent, unable to voice a single confession.
"Were you upset?"
Only a foot of distance separated them now, stirring that inner conflict as Sakura felt both fear and longing. As much as she wanted him to hold her, she wanted him to leave her alone.
She tried to smile. "I'm fine now."
He frowned. "Why were you upset? You looked like you were having fun on stage."
It wasn't a jab, Sakura noticed, confusion swirling within her. She would have thought that he'd be beyond pissed – she'd made a spectacle of herself, in front of his friends and family, but more importantly, in front of his father. Going to his party dressed the way she was was one thing. To act the way she had on stage, cursing and dancing with another boy, was clearly the wrong thing to do. Fugaku had been livid.
"Did Father say something?" he asked, still trying to find out what was wrong. "You talked to him after, right?"
"Not really," she answered truthfully. "I just…" Sakura sighed and shrugged. "I don't know. I feel lost, kind of."
"We can go and talk, if you want," Sasuke offered. He spared a glance over his shoulder, rolling his eyes as Naruto returned to the stage, dragging Kurotsuchi along behind him. They were in good spirits, though there was no denying their blond best friend was bordering on being completely wasted. "Nobody will miss us while he's up there."
She rubbed the back of her neck, taking in the sight of the extravagant party. It'd be horrible to take him away from it when Mikoto had spent months planning it, but she knew Sasuke needed a break from it as much as she did. He was no doubt feeling overwhelmed with being the centre of attention. How many people were there? At the very least, there was a hundred in attendance. It was louder than she'd ever thought possible for an Uchiha party, filled with dancing and laughing, effectively bringing the otherwise museum-like atmosphere to life.
And all of that was too much for him.
So, she held out her hand, smiling when he took it without hesitation, allowing her to lead the way.
"I guess you can have your gift now," she said, teasingly. "But you can't be mad at me, okay?"
There was a very brief tensing of his muscles before Sasuke forced himself to relax. "It makes me anxious when you say things like that."
The honesty had her glancing over her shoulder in surprise, but she reined in the shock, remaining calm for him. Why would he want to open up to her when she overreacted every time he did?
"It involves your car," she admitted, holding her breath.
More tension, but he surprised her by saying, "Okay."
When they reached the front door, she came to a stop, frowning. Her gift was out in the driveway, hidden beneath a large cover that Mikoto had kindly found in the garage. It wasn't luxurious, plain black in colour, but it hid it from view, which was all she wanted, since he'd certainly be able to notice the differences straightaway.
"Okay? Did you hear me?" she asked, laughing nervously. "I took your car."
"You drove my car?"
There was no annoyance or upset, though and it had her frowning again. Where was her boyfriend and who the hell was standing before her? That car was his baby. He loved it to the point of turning down offers of newer cars. Hell, Fugaku had asked him if he wanted a Ferrari for his birthday and he said no. He was offered a Bentley and he turned it down. Why wasn't he freaking out about her messing with his car?
"Yeah," admitted Sakura, heart hammering away in her chest. "You were busy yesterday and didn't notice I took the keys."
"I noticed," he told her, smirking. "Mother told me it was being serviced when I questioned her."
She blushed. Of course he'd noticed his keys were gone. "Why aren't you mad?"
His smirk softened and Sasuke closed the distance between them, free hand coming up, gently touching one of her curls. "I know I can trust you, Sakura."
Green eyes narrowed, half out of suspicion and half playful. "You never let me drive."
"You only asked to drive it once," he corrected.
"And you said no."
"I only just got it," he told her like that was all the explanation he needed. When she continued to playfully glare, Sasuke smirked, adding, "I don't like sharing."
The words threatened to give him a reaction he would have no hopes in understanding, making her heart race, but Sakura quickly schooled her expression, instead smiling. "So I can drive it?"
"Are you insured to drive it?"
Always a loophole. "Is Itachi?"
"Yes."
That surprised her. "Why?"
Sasuke shrugged. "We're all insured to drive each other's cars. In case there's an emergency."
Well, that made sense, she guessed. "So you've driven his Bentley?"
He smirked again. "Do you really need to ask?"
"Then why don't you want one?" she questioned out of curiosity. "Fugaku-san said you could have one, too."
Another shrug. "I like my car."
Oh.
Oh.
It was Sakura's turn to smirk, the teasing look in her eye not lost on him. "You don't like change."
"Hardly," he replied with a snort. "We've changed, haven't we?"
It wasn't a dig, but it hurt, nonetheless. The truth in his words stung her. "Yeah, I guess we have."
"I like my car," he then said, trying to lighten the tension. "That's all there is to it."
"You love that car," she argued with a chuckle. "It's okay to admit that."
"Why would I say I love a car when I haven't said it to y–"
"Sasuke?"
Not now, she mentally screamed at the asshole who interrupted them. Green eyes were undeniably furious as she looked over at one of their friends, Kiba. Like Naruto, he was quickly approaching the completely wasted category, but that didn't lessen her murderous anger at all.
He'd been about to confess to her. Either he was going to admit he loved her, or that he didn't.
Either way, their relationship had been ready to change.
And fucking Kiba interrupted him.
The brunet swayed slightly, grinning at them. "Sorry, did I interrupt something?"
"Yes," Sasuke told him simply. Was he just as annoyed as her? He'd been interrupted twice now. First when he was about to compliment her, and now. Of course, he was annoyed. He hated being interrupted. "You did."
"Sorry," he said, though didn't look apologetic in the least. "I need to take a leak."
"Use the downstairs bathroom," he muttered, indicating to the door to their left. "We're going now anyway."
That sobered him up slightly. "You're leaving your own party?"
"Hardly," he snorted and reached behind him, pressing down on the door handle. "I'll be back shortly."
"For more shots?"
Dark eyes rolled. "Sure."
"Hell–"
"Kiba?" she called out, eyebrow twitching.
"Yeah?"
"Go away."
"Aw, c'mon, Sakura–"
"Now," she snapped.
The sight of her anger had him scurrying to the bathroom and she turned on her heel, eyes imploring Sasuke to continue where he left off.
He didn't. She knew he wouldn't with Kiba so close. He'd be too embarrassed to show how he felt. "I like that you can scare people twice your size."
Knowing the moment was well and truly gone, Sakura sighed and tugged on his hand, reaching for the handle. "Are you ready for your present?"
Interest had him allowing her to open the door, following closely on her heels when they left the house entirely. It seemed to surprise him that she left the gift on the driveway, rather than in the privacy of the garage, but Sasuke didn't question her, instead staying where he was at her order, leaving her to approach the car by herself.
By the time she reached it, she was shaking.
It wasn't missed by him. "I trust you," he reminded her.
But there was definitely anxiety there, she noticed. Rightly so. No matter what he said, that car was his baby.
"Are you ready?"
"Just do it."
So she did.
And the silence she received worried her, forcing her to glance Sasuke's way through her eyelashes, gauging his reaction, wondering if she should run for the hills.
He seemed shocked. "You…"
Had changed the colour of his car. "This is the start."
"How could you…?"
"Afford it?" she questioned. Shakily, Sakura smiled. "Alongside saving for university, I've been saving for your eighteenth birthday for years, Sasuke-kun." A pause and she bit her lip. "This is the right shade, right?"
He nodded.
"Do you want to see the rest?"
Instead of having a plain black car, his was now a deep shade of blue, almost navy. The shade was listed as 'Balmoral Blue' and from the few times Sasuke had mentioned it, she'd made sure to write it down. He'd only been thinking of having the colour changed, not wanting to ask it of his father while turning down other cars. That man didn't see the point in upgrading a current car. He simply changed them altogether. She doubted he even knew how to change a tyre, whereas Sasuke wasn't afraid to get dirty fixing his up, learning whatever he could to keep it as long as possible.
"What else have you done?" he asked, approaching her when she held out a trembling hand, the other unlocking his car. She noticed his minute frown at the feeling of it.
So far, it was going well. He wasn't angry. Just shocked. "Well, I know you didn't like the ceiling being grey."
He stopped. "Sakura, this is…"
"Don't say it's too much." She smiled. "I've been saving a long time for this."
"What would you have done, had I decided to get a new car?"
Her smile widened. "You wouldn't."
"Am I that predictable?"
"You're one of the most unpredictable people I know."
Once more, he allowed her to pull him closer and she opened the door for him, watching closely as Sasuke leaned into the car, hand coming to rest on what was usually her seat. When he looked up, she noticed the surprised satisfaction that flitted through his eyes, telling her that yes, he liked it.
Another unsure smile.
"I didn't want to mess with anything I didn't understand, like the electrics and stuff," she admitted and she saw him nod gratefully, turning slightly to assess the dashboard. Then, he paused, hands momentarily stroking the seat. She smiled again, heart in her throat. "I had new covers fitted. No offence, but Naruto made your backseat smell funny."
"No amount of cleaning would get it out," he confessed, back of his neck burning.
She fidgeted restlessly, making another admission as she told him, "I lied about the electrics."
He froze. "Sakura…"
"I drove it to the garage it was bought from," she assured him. "They upgraded the speakers for you."
Pulling out of the car, he turned, frowning down at her. "You walked out of your job, Sakura. You could have used this money to live on, instead of having the stress of working alongside university."
Without a doubt. It would have covered her for at least six months too, but she'd purposely saved as much as she had, knowing what it would cost to get the changes Sasuke wanted for his car.
"Don't you like it?"
He sighed. "You know I do. It's everything I wanted to do."
She smiled, heart feeling lighter and she held out her hand, grateful when he took it. "There's one last surprise. Well, two, but one isn't for your birthday so you don't get to find out until later."
His eyes were glued to her heels as she began walking backwards, guiding him to the back of the car. It warmed her heart seeing his concern, but there was a different emotion entirely when their eyes met and she saw the genuine happiness there, his dark eyes seeming lighter, like the past few months – hell, the past year – had never happened.
"Close your eyes," she instructed.
He did so without hesitation, her heart skipping a beat in response.
She opened the boot, then turned him slightly so that while he would see what was in there, she would still be able to see his reaction.
"Do you remember how we felt under the stars at the cabin?" she asked quietly, taking his hand once more. "How free we felt? When there was no-one around telling us what to do or how we're supposed to feel?"
He swallowed, nodding.
"Open your eyes."
When he did, it wasn't the surprise that melted her heart. It wasn't the content. It wasn't the way he gently reached out, touching the picnic blankets, snacks and flask (that had yet to be filled with his favourite tea), breath leaving him shakily.
It was the way he turned to face her, eyes soft, lips pulling upwards at the corners.
It was the way he murmured, "I love you."
Damn it, it looked like she would have to redo her makeup a second time, Sakura thought to herself when tears quickly filled her eyes, not even giving her the chance to stop them when they spilled over and slid down her cheeks.
Hand finding the nape of his neck, she tugged him closer, their height almost perfectly level in her heels, allowing her to kiss him without strain on either part.
The kiss was perfect, reminding her of how she felt before, back when they were younger, when his kisses would make her giddy and ecstatic, leaving her a mess of goo and disorganised thoughts. And that was before his hand cupped her cheek tenderly, like she was the most delicate thing in his life, one that he had to protect and take extra care of.
Parting from the kiss, he smiled faintly, brushing his lips to her face, catching her tears, making her smile with him.
"Are you sure we can't leave the party now?" he asked.
It wasn't because his mind was filled with perverted thoughts. She'd noticed how stressed he was getting throughout his party, unable to cope with the constant attention and being pulled in every direction by his guests wishing to spend time with him. In his own words from that night at the theme park: he was used to coming second. The sudden shift in attention was too much for him.
"And break Mikoto-san's heart?" replied Sakura sadly. "We can't, Sasuke-kun."
"After what she's done–"
"She's still your mother," she interjected gently and reached up, stroking his cheek. "You know how scary your dad can be. She's had to deal with him… how long exactly? Twenty-five years, at least?" The fact had him glancing down at their feet, scowling. "She's exhausted. If giving into him grants her some peace? If she can rest easy for a day? Let her," Sakura said, going against her own speech earlier that day about making a statement. "Let her use me."
They had no idea how horrific the abuse was. Not even her sons knew the extent of the torture she was forced to live with.
How the hell could she have been so selfish?
"No."
She looked back to him, eyes wide as he met her gaze seriously. "N-No?"
"We're not my parents."
Hearing those words being repeated back to her had Sakura smiling sadly and she stepped even closer, embracing him.
"We're not your parents."
Well, Naruto was well and truly wasted.
"I cannot apologise enough, Mikoto-san," said Minato for the hundredth time. "Naruto is-"
"Always welcome here," was all she said, smiling politely.
After throwing up for the fourth time, Naruto had finally made it to a bathroom with the aid of Kisame, who'd settled him in front of the toilet before leaving. It wasn't until Yahiko went to check on him ten minutes later that they discovered he'd passed out at some point, snoring into the toilet.
At Mikoto's insistence, his parents began the gruelling process of taking him up to one of the spare bedrooms, which she'd repeatedly assured was pretty much his anyway. Sasuke was the one to lead the way, their fingertips lingering when he pulled away from her, unwilling to let go.
She smiled after them, shaking her head at the sound of Naruto retching once more.
"What a weakling."
The mutter of disapproval had Sakura biting back her grin. "That's what happens when you stop hanging out with us, Ino-Pig," she told her, giving her a haughty side-eyed glance. "We all lose our tolerances for alcohol, since there's no-one to keep up with."
"Then I guess it's a good thing I'm sticking around," she said, tone knowing, making the hairs on the back of Sakura's neck stand on end. "It seems a lot of things need straightening out."
She quickly turned to face her, eyes pleading. "Please, don't get involved, Ino."
"Why?"
Gods, how much had Ino had to drink? Her stance was too defensive, telling her she was ready for a fight. "Because it's not necessary. We're okay–"
The disbelief showed even in her laugh. "No, you're not. You're far from okay."
"It's my relationship," she said more firmly, glaring yet pleading all at the same time. Was she to be the one on the receiving end of Ino's alcohol induced rage? "He…"
A blonde eyebrow raised, pushing her, almost mocking. "He…?"
Sakura swallowed. She knew how much her next statement was going to hurt her best friend, but it needed to be said. She had to know how far they'd come. She couldn't let her jeopardise that. "He told me he loves me."
And there it was, for the entire party – for the world – to see. Ino's hurt, shining so brightly, making her sour mood falter, giving way for the heartbreak that had her chest quivering ever so slightly. Suddenly, she couldn't look her in the eye, gaze going to the side, but the tears were impossible to miss. It felt like they scorched Sakura's cheeks when they fell soundlessly down Ino's.
Only once had Sakura seen such open devastation on Ino's face and that was when her parents announced their divorce. The first thing she'd done was call Sakura, demanding her to come round. When she arrived, Ino had been screaming and shouting at her parents, cursing at them and damning them, but when they were alone, she'd crumbled. The weight of her anguish taking away all ability to breathe or think. All Ino could do was wail into her arms.
And now she'd just caused her second major heartbreak.
"He loves you," she whispered, smiling sardonically. It looked odd when mixed with her tears. "Of course he loves you."
Her stomach twisted. "Ino…"
"You're perfect Haruno Sakura," she snapped suddenly and Sakura flinched at the raising of her voice, quickly looking around them to find that yes, they had gained the attention of others. She noticed Kurotsuchi nudging Itachi, frowning in their direction and she bit her lip, unable to look him in the eye as he was proven right once again. "You're the one everyone loves to be around. The one who has everything fucking handed to her."
Her breath left her when she was shoved backwards, forced to catch herself when her heel threatened to give way under her.
How much had Ino had to drink? While she wasn't falling over herself or throwing up like Naruto had been, Sakura knew that it would be just as much. No, she would have drunk so much more than him, because her body was used to the abuse now. That didn't mean she didn't feel the buzz, though. It didn't mean she didn't get drunk.
"While you were too busy focusing on Sasuke's ogling her, you failed to notice Ino-san's envy."
Why was Itachi always right?
"You've got the perfect fucking family," she yelled, shoving her again. "You've got your scholarships." Another shove and Sakura was winded when her back connected with the wall. "You've got your little fucking modelling shit going on." Even though there was nowhere else for her to go, Ino continued shoving and Sakura noticed many making their way over to them hurriedly. "You've got the perfect fucking boyfriend, right? Right?"
No. They were entering dangerous territory.
Ino's smile was harsh. For the first time ever, she didn't look beautiful. She looked too angry. Too vicious.
"If only everyone knew what he was really–"
"Stop–" someone started to demand.
When she moved to push her again, Sakura batted her hand away, not even trying to hold herself back from hurting her friend. Why should she? There was nothing holding Ino back, was there?
"Stop it," she demanded, keeping her voice low. Not that there was really any point when the DJ stopped the music, wanting to hear the altercation.
Everyone was watching them, Sakura noticed, but only a handful had come to try and separate them – Itachi being one of them, she noted, but wasn't surprised. Shisui wasn't far behind him, followed closely by Karin.
"How many times does a person have to hurt you for you to realise you're better off without them?"
Too many.
Something serious must have been wrong with her, because even in that moment, being humiliated and assaulted, Sakura couldn't stop thinking about Ino's heartbreak. She couldn't stop thinking that it was just the alcohol talking.
"Why?" slurred Ino angrily, those tears never ceasing for a moment. "If he loved you so fucking much, why would he–"
Was it her love for Sasuke that had her lashing out? Was it her need to protect him? Was it her own fear of others finding out about what he did? Of being branded?
Whatever it was, it had her slapping Ino, making the other guests gasp in shock, looking amongst themselves in disbelief, but she paid them no mind, just like she refused to acknowledge her parents standing, apparently only just realising their daughter was involved in a fight.
Weakly, Ino raised a shaking hand to her reddening cheek.
Sakura swallowed, pretending not to notice the stunned men and Karin behind the blonde.
And then Ino was launching herself at her and Sakura winced as her head hit the wall, her hands instantly trying to push her away, to go to her head to check to see if she was bleeding. There was no dizziness, but the sudden yanking of her shoulders when Ino tried to throw her to ground, almost succeeding due to the high heels, certainly threatened to make her dizzy.
Even when Shisui tried to get a hold of her, Ino struggled, kicking out at her and Sakura was only partially ashamed to admit that she hit back, swinging for her.
Itachi's arm came around her chest, pinning her momentarily to his body. "Stop it, Sakura."
"Yeah, fucking stop it, Sakura," Ino screeched. "Stop lying to everyone!"
"Shut up," she screamed just as loudly, ignoring her mother's demand for them both to calm down. She hadn't even noticed her parents approaching. "You don't know anything–"
"I know enough!"
"No you don't!"
"Ino, stop," Karin pleaded, coming to stand in front of her, only for Kizashi to pull her out of the way when Ino kicked out again.
"Ino–"
The spit that flew through the air had Sakura lunging again, sickened as she felt it trickling down her neck, stopping on Itachi's arm. In the brief flinch of disgust on his behalf, she attacked, throwing herself (and him) into Ino and Shisui.
It was the typical girl fight, though in her mind, it was much more serious than that as she clawed and pulled at the blonde, yelling angrily when her hair was pulled harshly. Only when a strap on her dress was snapped did she get more serious, fists flying blindly, satisfying her when it struck Ino. It wasn't where she was targeting, but the fact she landed a hit pleased her. Managing to hurt her back pleased her.
"Bitch–"
"Stop," her mother begged.
The arm around her grew more restraining and her world spun when Itachi did, pinning her to the wall with his body. His body heat, the pressure, would have had her blushing if it weren't for the fact she was already red with anger. It did, however, extinguish the fight in her somewhat, his calming words soothing her.
"You're better than this," he murmured lowly in her ear. "Don't let her drag you down with her."
"C'mon," Shisui grunted, manhandling a seething, screaming Ino out of the garden. Karin followed closely, head hanging in shame, cheeks on fire with her blush. "I think it's time you went home."
"Sakura, how could you embarrass yourself like this?" her mother demanded, hand on her chest. "We're–"
"Perhaps now is not the time to scold her," Itachi interjected smoothly, not even sparing them a glance over his shoulder. Then, more quietly so that only she would hear, he warned, "Hold your dress. I'm releasing you now."
It was a good thing he'd warned her, Sakura realised with immense mortification. He'd literally been the only thing covering her breast.
She couldn't even look him in the eye as she stomped back into the home, tears filling her eyes as she rushed passed Sasuke, trying to ignore his calling after her, confused. Naruto's parents weren't far behind them and she heard Kushina telling him to go after her.
Gods, she wished she hadn't, but at the same time, she was so grateful for his comfort, especially when they entered her room and he saw the state she was in, his dark eyes wide with shock and rage before he was pulling her to him, his embrace secure and comforting.
"What happened?" he asked when she choked back a sob.
"I-Ino. She…" She needed to get a hold of herself, but damn it, she was so hurt. Her head was banging, her new dress was torn, her scalp ached and back felt stiff, telling her that it was possibly grazed (no doubt from the wall). Above all of that, however, was the cruel sting of betrayal that continuously jabbed at her heart, each hit connecting mercilessly. How could Ino attack her like that? How could she use what she'd told her in confidence against her? "I thought I could… could confide in her a-and-"
"What the hell is her problem?" he snarled, but not once did he let go of her.
It was Sakura who pulled away, stumbling back onto the bed, the strap of her dress clasped tightly in her hand, keeping herself covered. "Sh-She loves you," she whispered brokenly.
Sasuke took a moment to look around her room, pausing in his response until he spotted her robe, tugging it over her shoulders and allowing Sakura to release her dress once she was certain her breast would still be covered.
"What do you want me to do?" asked Sasuke, frowning when he took a step back to look at her. "Do you want me to avoid her?"
Avoid her? "Are you even friends when we don't hang out as a group?"
He thought about that. "She tried to come over a few times, but you were always here."
Yes, Sakura remembered all those times. She was sure Fugaku did, too. "When I'm not here?"
"Not that I can recall."
She ran a hand through her hair, wincing at the ache she felt from the slight pressure on the back of her head.
It had Sasuke scowling. "Did you hurt your head?"
She nodded. "She pushed me into the wall."
"Do you feel dizzy or sick?" he questioned, seeming worried. He approached the bed carefully, making her heart ache as she realised he was worried about scaring her, before gingerly manoeuvring her head, searching the back of it. "There's a lump."
Yeah, having her head smashed into a wall would do that. "No, I don't – feel sick or dizzy, I mean."
Disbelief had him pulling back, looking down on her. "She attacked you like this because–"
"Because I stupidly thought she'd be happy for us," answered Sakura, lips turning downwards. There was a muttered curse that she missed, sounding like a growl, but she didn't care to ask him to repeat himself. "She started screaming about how perfect everything is for us," she said, voice bordering on whiny as she fought back her need to cry. "And then she just started pushing me and I lost my temper and hit back and–"
"I should have been there," he muttered.
No, she was glad he wasn't. She didn't want to know how he'd feel knowing she told Ino about what happened.
Gods, what would she do if Ino told anyone? Sasuke would hate her, wouldn't he?
Before he could say anything else, she whined, "What about my dress? What am I supposed to do now?"
"We could always leave," he suggested. "I think the party will be ending soon anyway."
She wanted nothing more than to leave the party, she truly did. But they couldn't do that after Mikoto's hard work, could they?
Reluctantly, she shook her head, gaze drifting to the window. The party was still in full swing, quickly forgetting about the fight as they resumed the festivities. Soon enough, they would start looking for the birthday boy, wanting to include him once more.
"Can you turn around a second? I need to check my dress to see if it can be fixed."
Wordlessly, he turned, but quickly moved towards the window when he found he'd still be able to see her in the mirror, the act making her smile faintly.
Sasuke certainly wasn't all bad. At times, he was the sweetest guy she knew. At times, he was a total nightmare. But weren't they all? Sakura was not afraid to admit that she was just as bad as he could be. Hell, she had mood swings that gave Sasuke whiplash at the best of times and they were definitely more frequent than his.
She looked to her dress, feeling out the strap to see if it would be possible to fix it. It had hardly even put a dent in her bank and it showed in the flimsy straps, telling her that it wasn't salvageable. To try would only make it an eyesore.
What was she supposed to do? She–
What was that?
Frowning, Sakura flipped the fabric that had fallen from her breast, eyes widening a fraction. There was no malice in her calling herself an idiot, her smile indicating that all was well – no, better than well, she told Sasuke when he asked what was happening.
Going to the other side of the dress, Sakura grinned before saying aloud to her boyfriend, "It's salvageable after all."
They were uncomfortably flimsy, but it would definitely hold out for the rest of the party. After warning her boyfriend not to turn around, she stood and shuffled the dress down to her waist, not bothering to check on him since she knew he would never betray her trust in such a way. Then, while biting her lip to hold back her glee, she popped the hidden clasp on the back of the dress, changing the intact left shoulder strap to a halter neck, taking only a moment to adjust the length of it so that she would be comfortable.
How the hell hadn't she noticed that before? As flimsy as the little brass clasps were, they weren't invisible. Had she known the dress had multiway straps, she would have tried out all the different styles of it.
But that hardly mattered, anyway. She had to redo her hair and makeup!
"You can go back to the party if you want," she told Sasuke once she decided it was safe for him to turn around. "This could take a while."
He shook his head, coming to sit beside her on the bed. "I'll wait for you."
"You don't–"
"It won't be easy going back out there after your fight," he told her simply, his dark eyes curious as she began reapplying the eyeshadow for the third time that day. It wouldn't look as good as when Ino had done it, but it would do. "You'll have to face my parents."
It would be best dealing with them straightaway, Sakura thought, mentally agreeing with her boyfriend. "How bad do you think it'll be?"
He sighed, making her heart sink.
There'd been no point in rushing. Fugaku hadn't wanted to stand within shouting distance of her, let alone talk to her. He'd stated, in a single, clipped sentence, that they would discuss the incident after the party.
Mikoto hadn't even looked at her.
Her parents were disappointed, although Sakura wasn't too sure who they were upset with the most. Their daughter, who had allowed her anger to get the best of her and lashed out at her oldest, closest friend, who was clearly fragile. Or the girl they thought of as one of their own becoming so inexcusably angry, wasted, attacking the person who was like her sister.
Who was worse? Her, knowing how vulnerable Ino truly was, knowing how hurt she would be, yet still choosing to tell her Sasuke was in love with her, or Ino for reacting the way she had? It didn't seem to matter. She still received unwanted attention either way, so she supposed they were as bad as each other.
"A lot of people seem to have it out for you," noted Kurotsuchi when they reluctantly continued Sasuke's rounds of the guests. As she had been for the majority of the party, she hung off Itachi's arm, though seemed worse for wear now as the night dragged on, the amount of alcohol consumed showing on her flushed features and lidded eyes. "I feel like I'm gonna be questioned at some point – like there's gonna be a huge who dunnit scandal."
"Great," Sakura replied with vague surprise and disbelief, cutting Itachi off from whatever the hell he'd had to say in response to that. "I'll make sure to leave clues of some kind behind for you."
Apparently not catching onto her sarcasm, she grinned. "That'd be spectacular."
"What're you doing after this?" Sasuke asked, though it was obvious he couldn't have cared less if he tried.
"Well," Kurotsuchi purred, leaning closer to Itachi, fingertips trailing up his chest. "We were planning–"
Did she really want to hear their plans?
"–on going to a few clubs," she continued softly.
She met Itachi's eye, unsure as to whether he could see the emotional conflict going on within her. Could he tell her words were killing her on the inside? Knowing that she would be in his arms just as she'd been earlier that day? Would he kiss her like he had her? Like she was the only person who mattered to him? Like nothing else mattered? Like she was so safe and loved and wanted?
From the way he'd kissed her, Sakura believed it was safe to assume that Itachi was not a virgin. No, he'd known exactly what to do, especially when it came to grinding–
She had to shut the thoughts down and not because it would show on her cheeks.
"Then we'll probably head back to my place–"
Itachi's mouth opened, ready to interject.
Sasuke beat him to it. "The epitome of class."
It was clear in the minute frown that Itachi did not appreciate the uncalled for jab, even though Kurotsuchi laughed at it.
"Life's too short to be waiting years to have sex."
Green eyes widened, her breath leaving her like Ino had shoved her into the wall all over again.
Sasuke was the one to voice their betrayal, scowling, snapping, "You told her–"
"I didn't," Itachi assured them, equally stunned. He looked to the woman continuing her ministrations, frown more obvious now. "How did you find out?"
She snorted, then giggle to herself. Not once did her fingers stop drawing dainty patterns. "There's so much tension around here, so it's obvious someone's not getting laid."
"How–"
"Like it matters," snapped Sakura, feeling humiliated for the hundredth time that day. "What matters is that people know, Sasuke-kun."
"Why does that matter?" asked Itachi. "People knowing?"
Why the hell did he have to get involved? Why was he asking her questions regarding her sex life with his brother? Gods, she needed to get out of there.
"Because it has nothing to do with anyone else what we do–"
"Or don't do," Kurotsuchi added with a grin.
She was losing her temper. She could feel it in the reddening of her cheeks, in the shaking of her hands, the ticking of her eyebrow.
"Some men prefer women who aren't easy," Sasuke threw in nastily. Had it not been for his own humiliation and anger, would he have used that cruel smirk of his, Sakura wondered. Instead, he was straight faced. Somehow, that was worse. "Saves a trip to the clinic the next day."
Was Kurotsuchi even aware of how she was coming across? Sakura doubted it. She doubted the woman even understood how big an issue it was for them. But, in that moment, filled with so many different, conflicting emotions, after the day from hell, she found herself lacking sympathy. No, her pride had been harshly abused all day long and she was tired of it.
Gods, where was Naruto when she needed him?
Oh, right. Passed out.
"C'mon, Sasuke-kun," Sakura tried while coming to stand in front of him, features pleading when her back was to the others. "She's drunk–"
"So was Ino," he argued with her, scowling.
A nerve had well and truly been struck for him, it seemed. "That was a lot different." It'd been building for years.
Instead of arguing further with her, he breathed in deeply when her hands came to his chest, one soon moving further and tilting his head downwards, forcing him to look her in the eye.
Then, he released that deep breath and nodded, gaze averting.
"Did I say something wrong?" asked Kurotsuchi, her cheerfulness dropping.
She decided not to answer, especially not when she noticed his parents watching them closely, probably knowing it was a confrontation of some sorts.
Instead, she smiled up at her boyfriend, taking a step forward, coaxing him into walking backwards. "C'mon," she said quietly. "It's not worth losing your temper over, right?"
"It's bullshit," he muttered and turned, hand finding hers effortlessly. "It's an issue if you sleep with someone and an issue if you don't."
A bit hypocritical of him to say, given the fact that he'd been calling her out on wanting to sleep with Itachi on the first date.
Frowning, she stole a glance over her shoulder at the couple, heart giving a painful squeeze when she saw Kurotsuchi standing in front of him, hands daringly low on his stomach.
But while she was preoccupied with whatever the hell she was doing in the middle of the party, Sakura found his attention glued to her, his dark eyes apologetic.
Would he sleep with her?
Kurotsuchi was an undeniably beautiful woman with legs that went on for miles. Itachi was a single man. There were no commitments that he had to uphold. No woman waiting for him. If he wanted to, he was well within his right to go home with Kurotsuchi.
Would it be a problem if he did?
Did she really have the right to be upset?
A/N - Soooo last chapter was officially the most popular... I wonder why? ;-)