Sakura glanced sideways to her companion. He was quiet like the usual, assisting their daughter with her seat belt in front of him. They were currently on the custom-built private plane, which is more like a luxury apartment, by the way, owned by the Uchihas. The plane has four reclining seats in front, a sofa, and television in the aisle, a dining table on the back. If you go further, there is a private bathroom as well as a king-sized bedroom across from it.
It only took two days before they were packing up their suitcases and Sasuke picking them up and leading them to the extravagant plane. Sakura had the littlest details of them suddenly going to London, something like visiting the newest branch of Uchiha Enterprises.
There were two pilots, four crews, three bodyguards aboard the said plane. One of the crews was demonstrating to her how to recline her seat, but she could not pay attention to any of it. Her thoughts had been a jumbled mess as soon as Sasuke told her of his great uncle's movements.
As a mother, she could not let Sarada be found by Madara. She can't let them turn her daughter into a puppet. The Uchihas always kept to themselves, had a strict way of living, and not to mention, too many rules to follow. Sakura wanted Sarada to be free, to pursue her own dream.
Honestly, Sakura had no idea what their future holds with Sasuke's family on their move once again. She was definitely okay with Itachi and Mikoto. Sasuke's mother has always been sweet and caring, but his father, Fugaku, is somewhat reserved and quiet. She is not particularly close with the man but has no hostile feelings towards him either, personally, that is. But that doesn't change the fact that the man intimidates her. He had a huge influence on how his youngest son turned out to be. Sakura felt mad thinking how he raised his sons. That is why they're leaving in the first place.
Directing her gaze towards Sasuke again, it pains her how he once revealed he never actually dreamed. From the moment he was born, his future was already completely planned out.
It was then that the blonde flight attendant's voice interrupted her train of thoughts. "Ma'am, we are about to take off. Please fasten your seat belt."
Sakura merely nodded in response. She then smiled as Sarada's giggles resounded all over the plane.
There is a small smile on Sasuke's face as he listened to Sarada's ramblings. At one point in time, he took out his phone, taking pictures of his daughter in the process. Sarada, in return, smiled and posed sweetly.
After a few minutes, the plane took off.
Sasuke, with one of his hands under his chin, felt her staring at him for quite a while now. He carefully turned his head to face her. When their eyes met, he frowned at her. The pink-haired doctor instantly averted her eyes to the window.
Sarada, however, did not notice the tension between her parents and looked through the windows, pointing at the clouds excitedly.
"Papa! We're flying! The clouds!"
The small smile, Sakura observed, had returned onto Sasuke's handsome face.
Sakura thought she had seen hints of the old Sasuke back, remembering the forehead kiss. But he had become the usually stoic and cold man he used to be for the last five years. He avoided her like a plague once again, did not talk to her unless necessary, and regarded her with a blank expression.
She exhaled heavily. This is going to be a long flight, indeed.
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As soon as the plane landed, Sakura's phone buzzed. She took out her phone from her pocket and stared at the name on the screen confusedly. Why is Kiba calling her? She thought before swiping the answer button.
"Hello?"
"I've been calling you for hours. Care to explain to me how you just fled to another country to avoid our date supposedly today?" The sarcastic yet teasing tone from the other line had Sakura's eyes widened.
"Oh my gosh, Kiba. I totally forgot. I swear I'm not ditching you..it's just complicated." She tried to explain; she fought the urge to smack her head into the windows of the plane.
"Yeah. Tsunade-sama told me about Sarada. I understand, but I hoped you could have at least called me." The head of the hospital must have covered for her saying along the lines of helping Sarada to get over the trauma of seeing her mother unconscious on the floor.
"I'm sorry again, Kiba." She said afterward, regret evident from her voice. Sakura could swear she saw Sasuke rolling his eyes from her peripheral vision. But, she paid him no mind.
"Yeah. Yeah." Sakura could totally see Kiba waving his hands off from the other line. "Stay safe and bring back some souvenirs."
As the call ended, the plane stopped moving altogether. The crews got busy and then after a few minutes, she carried her daughter who was sleeping into her arms. Sarada instantly held into her mother's embrace.
His first cousin, Shisui, greeted them warmly as they descended the stairs of the plane. He shook her hand, smiling lightly.
He and Sasuke exchanged some business-related updates. Apparently, Uchiha Enterprises started its operations in the United Kingdom merely eight months ago and Shisui is the one managing it. Sasuke's visit would mostly consist of meeting foreign investors and clients.
The three bodyguards closely followed them as they were escorted to the awaiting Maserati SUV. The driver greeted them and Sakura smiled politely. She and Sarada got in the car along with Sasuke while Shisui and the guards had ridden another car. The ride to their accommodation had been uneventful. Sarada had been fast asleep and Sakura took her time to admire the beautiful architectural landmarks of the city. She looked in awe as they passed by the famous London Bridge. Sasuke, on the other hand, looked bored as usual keeping his eyes on the road. They arrived at the hotel soon after.
The manager welcomed them. She was dressed in formal attire with light makeup on. After a few pleasantries, she led them to the highest level of the building. Soon, they were greeted by two butlers wearing a black suit and tie as they walked inside of the suite that took up the entire floor.
It is a 1,800 sqm wide expansive three-bedroom suite that features a walk-in dressing room, separate living room, kitchen and dining area, intimate workspace, and a guest bathroom. The walls were painted black, gray, and white. Not to mention, the magnificent views you can enjoy through the glass windows.
Again, she was reminded of how different her world with Sasuke's. She smiled sadly at that.
One of the butlers, Joe, then showed her to Sarada's room wherein several stuffed toys were already laid on the bed, cute little accessories such as hair clips and ribbons placed on a vanity table nearby. Sakura then carefully deposited her daughter on the bed. The little girl stirred but did not awake.
She silently glanced one more time at her child before closing the door.
The other butler, Paul, then approached her. "Ma'am, Sir Sasuke wishes to inform you he will be attending a meeting with Sir Shisui tonight and not to return until late in the evening." Only then did she notice that he was gone along with Shisui.
She blinked twice before smiling sadly. "Oh. Okay. Thank you for informing me."
"We've also brought your suitcases to your room. Would you like me to help you with unpacking?"
"Oh, no. I can do it myself later."
"Is there anything else we can provide assistance with? Perhaps, serving you a glass of champagne?" Paul pressed on.
Sakura shook her head, not used to this kind of treatment. "It's okay. I'll just rest for a while. You can take a break too."
The old man nodded. "Okay, Ma'am. Joe and I will be leaving you to rest. You may contact us through the phone at any time."
"Thank you." She said softly before the two left the spacious suite.
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After a few rings, Itachi heard the deep voice from the other line.
"Itachi…not you again."
"Obito-san, I know I am asking a lot, but you are the closest person to Madara. You must know his plans." Itachi persuaded once again. He had tried to call the said man a few times before, intending to convince him to keep him updated.
He was alone in his room, purposely lowering his voice. Their father must not know any of this too. He could only imagine his father scolding him if he learned about his inquiries against the head of the Uchiha.
Itachi filled his older relative in regarding their present situation. And although the older Uchiha understands, he still felt scared going against Madara.
"And it will be foolish to do what you are asking me to. You know our great uncle, probably more than me. He'll kill me once he finds out." Obito replied seriously.
"No harm will come to you. We just need to know his plans ahead in order for us to take the necessary precautions." He guaranteed.
Itachi heard Obito clicked his tongue before exhaling heavily in surrender. "Fine. But you do not contact me anymore. I will tell you everything you need to know." He paused, waiting for Itachi's agreement.
Obito, who was in his office in New York at the time of the call, locked the door and proceeded with caution. "Someone is reporting directly to him about what is happening there in Japan. Most probably someone working in the company. He knew Fugaku-san runs the company for now; he starts to wonder where your brother is. He is also getting impatient since Sasuke always brushes off the idea of marriage."
Itachi frowned at that. But Obito continued. "He will soon contact your father because of this. Madara wants you to get married soon as well."
Now, Itachi was even more displeased. "I take it that he already found the most suitable brides for us?"
"Yes. The first one named Izumi is living in Australia, currently finishing her major in Business Management. Her mother is the famous Hazuki Uchiha- you know the one who got exiled by Madara for marrying an outsider? But he is now seeking her only daughter. Madara said something along the lines of it's time to keep the Uchiha clan pure."
Itachi swallowed hard at that, taking all the information at once. If Madara chose to hunt and investigate the one he expelled from their clan before, what will stop him from taking little Sarada. Not to mention, he will be forced to marry that woman Izumi. He doesn't think he will ever be ready to settle down, and with a long lost distant relative no less.
"And the other one?"
"Naori Uchiha. I'm sure you've heard about her too. The smart, kind, beautiful, young Naori. She is highly regarded by Madara because of her father, Yashiro-san. I see her here in the office from time to time too. Madara wants Sasuke to meet her and consider her as a potential wife."
Itachi let out an exasperated sigh. He thanked Obito before ending the call. He gritted his teeth before pacing back and forth across his room, trying to think of their next move.
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True to Obito's warning, Madara called his father a few hours after.
Itachi was about to contact Sasuke when one of the maids informed him that his father is requesting his presence in his office immediately. He let out a deep sigh before leaving his room.
To his surprise, his mother was there as well. He knew what will this be all about, but he masked his feelings well. He kept his calm and seated next to his mother.
"Itachi, our head mentioned to me that it comes to his attention that you're already of age to get married. And more so than any other Uchihas, he wanted to protect our lineage. He believed that you and Sasuke are the future of our family." Fugaku started.
"So, he thought it would be best for me-me and Sasuke- to marry someone he selected, did he not?" Itachi said with composure. His mother squeezed his hand lightly, seeing his expression darkened considerably.
"Yes. And I agree. You should meet your bride the sooner, the better." Fugaku regarded him with a straight face.
"But what about Sasuke? I will not stand by as you force him to marry a stranger knowing his heart belongs to another. Sakura and Sarada will be devastated." Itachi challenged his father this time.
Fugaku scowled at that. "That is why you have to stall Madara. Marry that woman, Izumi. Contact your brother and instruct him to visit another country."
Itachi, on the other hand, directed his gaze to his mother who looked at him with regret. "Itachi, I know you must feel that it's unfair, but it may not be all that bad. Your father and I were arranged too, you see, and I am happy. I'm sure you'll find happiness too."
He squeezed her hand in return. After a minute of thinking, only then he chose to speak, finding his resolve. "I understand. However, I will not let Madara do the same for my little brother. He already suffered enough. I will protect him and Sarada until the end." Itachi averted his eyes, his expression turned completely serious.
At that, Fugaku and Mikoto shared a look of concern but chose to remain silent.
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Sasuke missed provoking her. He realized this after three days of living under the same roof. It's not because he was closely paying attention, but he could not help but observe. She looked so tired, so restless the past few days although the purpose of this quick getaway is to take off their minds with the issues they left in Japan.
Comparing to her sarcastic remarks and quirks before, she had been quiet, unsettlingly silent. They barely talk so there were no fights and any other disagreements as well. She mostly kept to herself, focusing all her attention on Sarada.
She never bothered to even notice him whenever he was around. And although he reminded himself it should not concern him, but it did. He convinced himself that if she was not her usual self, Sarada will be greatly affected. And that's all it is. But of course, he was only fooling himself.
The urge to ask her what is wrong is there, but his pride kept him in place. He continuously avoided her as well. However, it did not mean he was fine with this awkwardness in the air. It was slowly consuming him. He wanted to shout at her; he needed to let this all irritation out.
After all, he is accustomed to consistency, and with her in that state, he is dying for things to go back to normal. He wanted her to hiss at him, glare at him.
As the butlers served their food, she smiled sadly again. She seemed worried, anxious even. He could not blame her; he felt the same glancing at their daughter who was eating happily.
"Mama? Are you okay? Are you sick again?" Sarada's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, Sasuke observed.
"Oh no, sweetheart. Mama is fine. Just a little distracted?" The hell you are fine.
It did not take long when Sarada entered her room and the butlers left them. Sasuke seized this opportunity to let out his growing annoyance towards her. After all, what does he ever do good? Rile her up to engage in arguments.
"Enjoying your stay here, huh?" There is a hidden sarcasm judging from the tone of his voice.
But to his even further frustration, she looked at him sadly, too tired to engage in any conversation. He was expecting she would be back by herself by now with her witty comebacks. After a while, she forced herself to stand up from her seat. However, as soon as she turned around, she gripped the back of the chair to stabilize herself. Instantly, his brows furrowed examining her well-being.
He stood up in alarm as her body swayed a little bit.
"Tch. You annoying woman, don't you dare faint again." He grabbed her forearms and guided her to sit again. Too weak to protest, she let him.
His heartbeat had certainly quickened, he could feel it. He was definitely worried and there was no use denying it. He suspected she was trying to stay strong as to not worry their daughter.
"I will call a doctor." He said after a while, but her arm held into his, keeping him from taking a step any further. He looked up at her to study her expression. She was shaking her head at him.
"No. I'm fine. Maybe just a little stressed? I had a hard time sleeping the past few days, probably because of the time zone." Did she really think she could convince him otherwise? When in fact, her eyes looked dead and the way she raised her hand weakly to massage her forehead is making him even more anxious by the second.
Did she really think only Sarada got affected by her sudden fainting back in her apartment? Sasuke could never erase that memory in his head even if he tried to.
"No, you're not." He replied shortly, trying to pry her arm away.
"Sasuke-kun, please." His eyes widened slightly at that.
Okay, it's a bit unfair when she called him that because anything he had to say is completely rendered useless. He never heard her call him that for a long time without sarcasm in her tone. He was suddenly brought back to the times where things were simple. He and her just enjoying each other's company.
"I'm okay, really. I am a doctor; I know my body more than anyone. I just need to get full sleep." Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
And before he could stop himself, he was opening his mouth and trying to comfort and reassure her. "If it's you overthinking about Madara, don't worry too much about it. I'll protect Sarada even if it's the last thing I would do." He vowed.
Sakura's eyes watered at that. "I'm sorry." She wiped her tears. "I'm weak and nothing but a burden to you again."
He chose to direct his gaze elsewhere, uncomfortable. He was a mess inside; he could feel a stabbing pain in his chest. He wanted nothing to stay away from her, but his concern over her health prevailed.
In the end, he guided her to her own bedroom, making sure she is comfortable. And then, he was turning off the lights and closing the door slowly.
Sasuke found himself in the shower afterward, throwing his head back. He was beyond confused. He realized his earlier frustrations towards her vanished into thin air at the sight of her, unwell. He stayed like that for almost an hour before throwing himself into the bed. Looks like he would not get any sleep tonight.
One thing is for sure though, he brooded, she will always be his undoing.
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A/N: A little short, but things will progress accordingly in the coming chapters.
Totally unrelated to the story, but I've been suffering anxiety and depression before. My current job puts me under a lot of stress. I told one of my bosses about it. And in the end, I thought of quitting after a considered leave. However, the company that I'm working for is such a pain in the ass. It puts me under more stress because they want me to present a medical certificate to allow me to go back to work. God knows how hard it is to book an appointment with a med professional in the midst of the pandemic. Not to mention, the lockdown. I'm just too tired, honestly.
Anyway, please leave me a review. Have a good day and keep safe!