-XXX-
SASUKE
On Monday morning, Sakura looked at me like I'd grown two heads overnight.
"What are we gonna do?!" She bulged her eyes in horror, expression of surprise in place.
I sighed at this predictable reaction, folded the papers I had in my hands and placed them on the kitchen counter. "I told Minato that we had some important errands to run this morning, and he assumed we were going to the registry office to arrange our wedding."
"And why didn't you talk him out of it? Why didn't you tell him he misunderstood?" She asked me very good and very uncomfortable questions. I just messed up, what am I supposed to say to her?
"Whatever, it happened."
She was justifiably upset and I was annoyed at the problems this mistake of mine would bring. She got up from the table in frustration, picked up both of our breakfast plates, and not-so-gracefully placed them in the sink.
I had to admit, she could cook pretty damn well. I couldn't even remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal. Yesterday, Sakura took her car on some of her "errands", and when she came back, we had to walk at least three times from the car to the house to carry all the bags of groceries she bought. I thought she was insane, but then I was forced to take back my thoughts.
The chicken for dinner yesterday was great and the scrambled eggs this morning for breakfast were also delicious. I definitely approved of buying a new coffee maker at her suggestion as well.
Sakura was leaning over the sink with her face scrunched up. "Then let him think that, but we don't really have to do it." She turned her head over her shoulder and suggested.
"No." I shook my head "We're not getting married, we'll just get the paperwork done at the office. A friend of mine, Anko Mitarashi, works at the registry office. She'll do us a favor, I've already set it up." She released a heavy sigh from her throat and rested her hands on the sink. "Sasuke..." I picked up the check I had just written and signed from the counter where I was sitting. "I'd say it's a fair deal for my donation. A pretty generous donation." In truth, I'd written in a little more than we agreed.
Sakura looked embarrassed as she glanced at the check. "To tell you the truth, I had no idea what people in your circles consider charity." She turned to me and lowered her head guiltily. "When Kushina was talking about it, one of the ladies was pretty smug and said that any amount under a thousand dollars wouldn't be enough for it." Sakura shrugged and continued. "Before I realized what I was actually saying, it came out that you were donating five thousand dollars. Which pretty much shut her up..." She looked up, wondering if I was going to get mad about this or let her get away with it.
I shook my head at it, but it amused me a little. "Don't worry about it, it's change." I got up from my chair and turned to her. "Except you owe me now, so I'm going upstairs to get our marriage license papers." With a snort, Sakura poured her remaining coffee in her mug on her left side into the sink.
"Okay, I'm going to get ready..." Like a body without a soul, she made her way past me towards the staircase. And because it stirred a small urge in me to annoy her, I grabbed her hand and pulled her close to me, so close she was almost touching my chest.
She gasped and tried to free herself from my grip. "What are you doing, Sasuke-kun?!" I had to smirk at her futile efforts. "So you haven't gotten used to my presence enough after all, huh?" I said mischievously, because the last time she tried to proudly convince us both that nothing would throw her off. On top of that, my proximity.
"I got used to it already, shannaro!" She shouted a little away from my ear and I leaned slightly towards her. "If you admit you were wrong, I'll write you another check for that shelter." She furrowed her brow at my comment and nudged my ribs with her elbow, forcing me to let go.
"Be careful Sasuke-kun, or I'll take you to the shelter and have you neutered." I held myself from bursting out into laughter at her remark and allowed her to walk away. She mumbled something incomprehensible on the way up. I didn't know why I enjoyed teasing her so much, but I did enjoy watching her unexpected reactions and expressions, which may have always seemed similar, but in reality were always different.
…
I showed up at the Namikaze Group at the appointed time on around 2 pm. Namikaze shook my hand and offered me a seat at his private office table, where his secretary led me. This time I didn't have to wait in the conference room.
His office, like the rest of his company's building, was a ghost of success. First-class furniture, tasteful artwork, in short, everything elegant, like him. One entire wall was covered with shelves of awards and books. It made me yearn to have my own office like that.
We waited for his assistant Rin to bring us coffee and leave. When she closed the door behind her, Minato smiled at me and took one of the rice cakes from the ones prepared on the plate by his coffee. "Please, help yourself. They're very good. Although, I heard Sakura makes unsurpassed ones."
Minato referred to a part of my conversation with Sakura from Friday, and I was surprised at how good his memory was for such trivia. Sometimes Sakura still made rice cakes at home, and of course I had a taste of it too. They weren't the worst…
"You're right." I nodded and watched Minato chew and swallow his food for a moment. Then he wiped his mouth and asked, "I hope you handled things well at the registry office this morning. Did you have to wait long?" I patted my jacket pocket, trying to look proud as I did so. "We've got the paperwork done and should be contacted in 3 days about available dates."
"I'm happy for both of you." He smiled warmly at me as if he'd been a family member of mine for years. "What kind of wedding would Sakura want?" Now came the question I had no prepared answer for at all. I took a long drink of coffee to buy me some time.
I had no idea what kind of wedding ceremony Sakura would like, but I couldn't tell him that. So I decided to take advantage of the shy side of her nature. I set my coffee cup down on the table in front of me and said. "Neither of us is eager for a big wedding. We'll do it privately some day, just the two of us, her aunt, and my closest family."
"Sakura doesn't have any family other than her aunt?" Minato asked me sympathetically. "Hn." I agreed that his assumption was correct. "Sakura mentioned at the party that her aunt is in a nursing home." I concurred. "She has advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease. Sakura goes to see her whenever she has time."
"Oh, I see..." He paused thoughtfully and looked out the window somewhere behind him. "That's too bad, Kushina would have loved to meet her aunt. She was quite smitten by Sakura alone." I didn't know what to say to that. I hadn't planned on talking about Sakura at all today, but it looked like I had no choice.
"That's how she affects people."
Minato smiled broadly at my simple but accurate comment and turned back towards me. "And I can see why. She's a very kind young lady." I nodded in agreement. "I was looking at your idea for our campaign, the one you emailed me." Finally Minato changed the subject to why we were here in the first place.
"So?"
"The whole team and I agreed on the same thing. It's an amazing idea worth implementing." I smiled slightly, pleased by his praise. "Thanks." I leaned back comfortably in my chair as Minato looked me over. I could sense from him that he was making a final decision and preparing a verdict. I caught his intent gaze and waited for him to speak.
"It took a lot of effort and years for our company to create a system that actually works. A company that thrives. Determination is something that all employees here have." I wordlessly agreed. "You know, Sasuke... I rarely employ outsiders. But the ones who aren't my blood here, have been working for me for an extremely long time, and they've become my family as well. Here at the Namikaze Group, we work as a family, a team, as one."
"I'm intrigued by this fact. Most employers wouldn't even consider the approach you're taking here. I've never seen it in person anywhere."
"I know. I admit I was very wary when my son told me about you wanting to work for me, Sasuke. After all, you've made a reputation for yourself in this business." I tried not to look abashed, but more likely I was angry. Both at Danzo and at myself. "I can't change my past." I added at least a little in my defense. "All I can say is that I want something different now. I want change." I leaned forward, sincere and serious.
"I want a chance to show that I can be an asset, improve and then move up." I probably shouldn't have added that last words, because he furrowed his brow and immediately took me at my word. I didn't mean it the way it probably sounded to him. "We work as a team here. We rejoice in victory together and accept defeat together."
"I know. I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like when the work is done collectively." I decided to step out of my comfort zone and really tell him what I wanted. "I hope to know a different way of handling things than just being a money machine for the company. More than just expecting the best from me while keeping my mouth shut."
Minato stared at me for a moment, as if searching for the right words. After a moment, he finally said, "Naruto has often told me about you, and you've built a reputation in our circles. But it seems to me that the man sitting before me now is not the same man I've heard so much about. When did the change begin? Since you met Sakura?"
"Yes." I answered without hesitation. "With her help, I realized what I wanted out of life." That was definitely true. Minato leaned his elbows on the table and rubbed his chin with his hand. "I think you have a great talent, Sasuke. You could bring us a new breath of fresh air, which we would appreciate." I was glad he thought that. "I still have my doubts though..." He added, and I became wary. "But Kushina's been putting in a good word for you all weekend."
"How so?" I asked curiously, wanting to know what had earned me such trust from his wife. "She said that someone as amazing as Sakura can only love a person who has a big heart. Both of them sees something in you." I didn't have an answer to that. I didn't know if anyone ever saw "something" in me.
Minato pushed the envelope towards me. "I have an offer for you, Sasuke. Take this home with you, look it over properly, and come back to see me this Friday morning. "Can't I look at it now?" I asked him. "No. I'd like you to go over it and make sure you've read all the terms and conditions and that this is really what you want."
It was thoughtful of him to put my expectations of the job first and foremost. "If you agree, we can sign the contract on Friday and you can start with us on Monday." He remarked with a smile, but I unintentionally jumped in. "I can start today."
Minato laughed briefly and looked at me. "I like your enthusiasm Sasuke, but I'd like to give you a personal tour on your first day here. Kushina and I are going away tonight, I'd like to give her some rest from her work on vacation."
I understood his reasons. "We're going back Thursday night, so I'll see you Friday." We both got up from our chairs and shook hands. "Read this, take notes, and we'll talk on Friday. Until then, keep your fiancée occupied and then, hopefully, we'll be colleagues. Deal?" I squeezed his hand. "Yeah."
...
I opened the door to my house and frowned because I heard female voices coming from inside. Apparently Sakura had invited someone over without me knowing. I listened warily, and when the woman laughed loudly with a cry of "Dattebane!", I already recognized her. Kushina Uzumaki was here to see us.
Interesting.
I reached behind me, opened the door again and let it close with a loud bang. "I'm home." I called with a quiet smirk. Sakura emerged from the posed corner as she ran to meet me, surprising me a little. "Sasuke-kun! Do we got it?! Don't we got it?! Do we?!" She looked like her life depended on my answer as her eyes screamed with eagerness.
"I think we can celebrate that."
"We got it, shannaro!" Before I could say anything else, I felt a stabbing pain in my ears as I heard the joyful scream of this little woman who unexpectedly jumped with sheer happiness around my neck. I had to support her with one arm around her waist so she wouldn't lose her balance as she stood on tiptoes and rejoiced.
A peculiar warmth filled my chest. Undoubtedly pleased that Sakura is playing it so well. I've never been one to show my feelings in public. I never did, and it wasn't in my nature. That's why I was glad Sakura was my opposite. She never hid her feelings and made it clear exactly how she felt. Even if it was faked, she radiated a pleasant warmth.
She held me in her arms like that for a while and I didn't mind. Then I heard giggling across the living room from me. Gently, Sakura and I let go, and I glanced at Kushina and back at Sakura. "We have a visitor?"
"Kushina is here." She said with hot cheeks. "I'm sorry, I got carried away." She apologized to both of us, looking every inch the loving fiancée, full of hope.
I straightened up and Kusha's face lit up as she came closer to us with a wide smile. "Good to see you, Sasuke-kun!" She grinned at me and patted Sakura on the shoulder. "What are you apologizing for, dattebane!"
"I was just..." Sakura began. "...full of excitement." Kushina finished the sentence after her. "Does this enthusiasm of yours have anything to do with the meeting you had with my husband?" I nodded at the question directed at me, though she had to know very well whether or not her husband wanted to employ me.
Kushina happily clapped her hands together and beamed at Sakura and then at me. "Then I'm very happy, you know!"
"Hn." I felt the same joy she did.
Kushina chuckled and uttered, "I'll be going now. I think you two want to be alone now." She winked playfully at us. "You don't have to go." I wanted to convince her that she could stay here and talk to Sakura some more.
"No, it's okay." She took her coat off the rack and slipped into it. "I just brought Sakura-chan some magazines about furnishing. She said she had some time to spare right now, so she'd like to make a change around here." She looked around our house and looked displeased. "Seriously, Sasuke-kun, you should give her free hand to redecorate. This house really screams male presence."
I also looked around. It was fine by me. "It's her house now too, she can do whatever she wants here." I hoped my answer came out sincere. " Amazing! Then check out the magazines and when I get back from vacation, we'll go shopping." She giggled. "Maybe you'll be interested in the other magazines too." Sakura was flushed, and I wondered why she would be embarrassed by some magazines.
After many kisses on the cheeks and laughter, Kushina finally left. Sakura and I remained standing and looking at each other.
"Do you want some coffee?" She asked.
"Yeah..."
I followed her into the kitchen and sat at the bar. I picked up the pile of magazines Kushina had left lying there and looked at the front pages. My hand stiffened at the last two magazines. These two magazines were thick, shiny, and boldly labeled "The Perfect Wedding." I looked at Sakura and finally understood the blush.
"Is there something I should know about?"
"Kushina was asking what our plans are." She began to explain slowly, facing the coffee machine. "I told her we don't know yet and we still have to discuss everything. She felt that these magazines would help us."
I sipped from the steaming cup of coffee she placed in front of me and she sat down across from me. I sighed in relief, she was brewing truly delicious coffee. "Minato asked me about our plans too." I added, and a look of concern crossed Sakura's face. "What are we going to do? They'll keep asking us questions. Even the fake wedding reservation this morning was a bad idea..." She paused. "I don't want to plan a fake wedding too."
"I know. I didn't expect that." I sighed and took a sip from my cup of coffee.
"What does that mean?" She asked me. "I thought it would be easier." I admitted to her. "I was expecting them to meet you at the barbecue party and that would be it. I didn't expect them to be so interested in us or for his wife to adore you." I pushed the magazines away until the neat pile spilled. "I didn't expect them to become a part of my life outside of work."
"What we should do then?" Sakura waited for some solution to get out of this, or what to do next. "I guess this experiment will have to go on a little longer than I thought." I told her honestly, there was no point in hiding my concerns from her. "Three months won't be enough."
Sakura ran her fingers over one of the glossy magazines, her fingers tracing the outlines of circles, triangles, and squares. "How long?" She asked without making eye contact, eyes fixed on the wedding magazine. "How about a contract for at least 6 months with an option to extend for another 6 months?" She looked up sharply, her mouth dropping open wordlessly in surprise. "Sakura... Listen to me." She closed her mouth and nodded in agreement that she was paying attention.
"Minato admitted to me that he still has doubts about me. I quickly read his proposal in my car, and his offer is a good one." I sighed and went on. "Except he's recommending a five-month trial period." I figured Minato wanted to watch me for that time and then decide whether to keep me permanently or get rid of me. "If you left before my trial period was up or right after, it would look suspicious."
"Do you think six months will be enough?" Was the first thing she asked me. "It may or may not." I answered plainly and concisely as to the situation. "That's why I need to know if you're willing to stay on under these circumstances."
She said nothing in response, avoiding my gaze. I could feel a sense of unease and uncertainty rising in me. I couldn't make this happen without Sakura. I wanted to laugh at the irony of my fate. I had tried so hard to get rid of her at work for so long, and now fate had flipped the coin in a way that I desperately needed her to stay. Karma's really a bitch...
"We can rewrite our contract." I urged her and she finally looked at me. "Your terms are fine the way they are. I'm not asking you for more money, Sasuke-kun."
"So you're staying?"
"For a year."
"Good, that should do it. By the end of the year, Minato will see that I'm an asset to him and hopefully he won't be interested in my personal life anymore..." I rested my elbows restlessly on the counter top and brought my palms together at my chin. "I have one more thing to ask of you."
"What is it?" Her eyes screamed with confusion and curiosity. "I like security and a covered back. I want to be certain that there will be no room for doubt." Her brows furrowed at my remark. "I don't quite understand you now, Sasuke-kun..." She was obviously confused as to where I was going with this.
I gazed at her intently and then uttered the words I had been convinced all my life I would never say.
"Sakura, will you marry me?"
-XXX-
End of Chapter 17
