Sasuke carefully glanced at the pinkette across the room. She had her hands clasped together in prayer across her chest; she was biting her lip while looking at him expectantly. Her brows furrowed in concern as she waited for him to pick up the phone.
"Madara…sama" He answered carefully, hesitantly.
"Sasuke, my favorite nephew! It's been a while." A light chuckle could be heard from the other line. However, compared to his great uncle's playful greetings, Sasuke swallowed thickly, trying to drain down the uneasiness he was feeling.
"What's wrong?" He said after a while. His onyx eyes locked on Sakura's emerald eyes.
Madara laughed again, unaware of his favored nephew's discomfort because of his unexpected call. "Nothing is wrong. Everything seems perfect. But, you've been gone for a long time. Is Shisui not handling the new branch well?" Sasuke could imagine the elder frowning while saying this.
"No. We just need to secure a few more deals before I go home." He answered carefully.
Madara nodded in approval at that although Sasuke could not see that. And then, his tone became serious as he spoke once again. "Good. Because I'll be flying back soon to Tokyo."
Sasuke froze at that. He stopped the urge to click his tongue in annoyance and exhaled shakily. "Why." His voice so low, calculating.
"I found a suitable bride for your older brother. I'm sure you heard about Izumi. She needs to be educated about our traditions and rituals. I'm bringing her back where she truly belongs." Madara said casually.
"Is that really necessary? Itachi told me he'll meet her in Australia." Sasuke interjected so quickly he was afraid Madara suspected anything from it.
"You know why we can't do that, Sasuke. It is an Uchiha union. It has to be in Japan." The elder explained, confused as to why his favorite heir was strongly against the idea. However, he was quick to dismiss it as nothing but a pure concern for Itachi. It was no secret Sasuke adored and admired his older brother deeply.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was already thinking of his next move as he asked the elder. "When."
"Izumi's graduation will be in a couple of weeks. As soon as she left the university, she will be escorted to the nearest airport." The elder informed him contentedly before cheerfully exclaiming as he remembered something. "Oh! And by the way, I want you to meet your fiancee as well."
Sasuke scowled at that although Madara could not see him. "You are my chosen heir; it is only natural for you to get betrothed as soon as possible." Madara added enthusiastically.
"So soon? I thought we'll wait until after Itachi's marriage." By this time, Sasuke wanted nothing but to bang his head against the nearby glass window.
"I thought it over. And it will be better if you get to know her soon." Madara frowned, knowing full well how stubborn Sasuke is in the prospect of marriage. "Why, is there any problem?" Madara's voice turned skeptical, and then he proceeded to scold the younger Uchiha. "Sasuke, how many times will I have to tell you? You have to marry soon. Can you tell me why are you so against marriage?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes at that, and then an idea popped up in his mind. "Sorry, Madara-sama but I have to go. Shisui is on the other line."
"Okay. I know you'll do well-"
Sasuke pressed the end button so fast, not waiting for the elder to finish his sentence. He glared at his phone, cursing quietly. He let out an exasperated sigh before sitting on his bed. He could already feel the incoming headache due to a combination of lack of sleep and stress. Now, he also has to think about the conversation he had with his pretentious great uncle. Great, just great.
Sasuke looked up and Sakura regarded him warily. "Shisui-san?"
He actually had forgotten about her presence in his room, too irritated with the happenings lately. He shook his head. "No. I just needed an excuse for that grueling conversation to be over." He slowly raised his hand to massage his temple. He heaved out another sigh before looking at Sakura again. She seemed so nervous; her eyes uneasy, her hands fidgety.
Releasing a heavy breath, he proceeded to tell her about Itachi's marriage and his soon-to-be fiancee.
He looked at her expectantly after seemed like an hour. She just stared at him for a while after learning about his great uncle's homecoming.
"Sakura?"
"Oh." Sakura tried to hide the pain in her eyes before she looked down at the floor. "I see." She added. Sasuke looked more annoyed rather than concerned. It pained her even more how he seemed to be unbothered with the prospect of marriage with another. He began to explain that they should not worry about Sarada for a while since Madara's focus is on Itachi's marriage.
However, none of that registered in her mind. Her mind kept on replaying the words of him having a fiancee. Even if she knew all along that there was nothing between her and Sasuke, it still hurt. What they had, have is just Sarada. She tried to remind herself. She nodded to whatever he was saying, pretending to be listening, but he seemed to know her too well as concern took over his features.
"Are you okay? Nauseous again?"
She looked up and the way he looks at her had her wishing (not for the first time) he was not born an Uchiha. She cursed at his family, his immeasurable wealth, the power his surname holds. She loveslovesloves him with every fiber of her being. She loved him ever since they were kids and just the prospect of him being with another woman tears her apart.
A tear escaped her left eye.
Sasuke stood up in an instant, alarmed at the sight of her crying. "Hey, what's wrong?" He put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a once-over, already examining her body for any sign of pain.
She wanted to reach for his hand and place just above her chest where she was hurting, but she knew there was nothing between her and Sasuke-kun. She has no place whatsoever in his life except for being the mother of his child. Whatever they had the past few weeks must have been her imagination. She was probably lonely with nothing much to do. And if the rejection a while ago was not a clear indication of where they stand, she did not know how much more hurt she could take.
It sure was funny for her to think they could get past whatever conflicts they had in the past. Of course, she hurt him before. She said words to him that even after all these years, she still regrets. And although she was just overly emotional, and very pregnant at that time, it did not lessen the hurt that crossed over his handsome features that day. She apologized in an instant, but the damage was done.
She could still remember that fight that eventually concluded their messy relationship. It was raining heavily. She was crying as she chased him out of the apartment. But he just looked so tired, so done. And then, he was just gone in an instant.
After that day, nothing was the same. He turned ice cold. All those tender and meaningful looks he gave her turned into glares. He never messaged or called her unless it concerns the baby. He showed up to every doctor's appointments, all the while, interning in the Uchiha Enterprises and going to classes.
She was certain he seldom sleeps at that time. When she expressed her concern over it, he snapped at her. It did not take long before each of their conversations turned into arguments. Then one day, she woke up realizing he just stopped talking altogether in her presence, choosing to focus on their baby's needs.
It turned worse when she told him she would be leaving Japan again to finish her studies. At that time, she just got out of the hospital after delivering Sarada. He was carrying their child and the way he looks at Sarada made her swallow guiltily. Although in her defense, his family wanted to hide Sarada for the time being. The best solution was to keep her daughter with her in America, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi and media.
Expecting shouts and fights, the pinkette was startled when he merely tore his gaze from their daughter then looked at her before nodding silently.
Soon, the thousand-miles distance from each other tore them apart completely. Sasuke focused on his career and studies, while she juggled medical school and Sarada. Only after two years, she decided to come back to Japan to follow in Tsunade-sama's footsteps.
There are too many unspoken words between them. Everything just turned into a pile of mess.
Sasuke's voice then brought her back to reality. He asked her again if she was okay. Whatever she was feeling now, she totally deserved it. That is what she thought as she examined his face. She felt guilty looking at him, concern evident in his deep, onyx eyes. She thought it would be better if he kept on regarding her coolly rather than confuse her with those lingering gazes and undeniably subtle touches.
She needed to get out, she thought. She could not bear to face him for a while. She needed to save the little dignity she still had.
She shook her head after a minute or two. "I'm fine.. I'm just relieved. Sarada can live a normal life for a while." She remarked shakily. She then reminded him of his meeting before she left him with his jumbled thoughts.
Sasuke stood there awkwardly, mouth slightly ajar, staring at the door confusingly.
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Shisui eyed his companion in concern as the latter talk to one of the clients not too far from his office. His little cousin was obviously not himself today. He was entirely distracted throughout the meeting with the clients and Shisui had to ask him four times if he was fine and if he was listening.
The younger Uchiha merely shrugged, but Shisui could tell. Exactly after the presentation, Shisui's phone rang. He excused himself as his best friend's name flashed on the screen. He answered it after making sure he was out of earshot. "Itachi?"
The stress and uneasiness were evident from Itachi's voice as he asked how were his brother and his little family doing. Shisui tried to reassure him that they were doing well and even praised Sasuke as brilliant as a young businessman.
"I can totally tell why Madara-sama wanted him to succeed the company," Shisui remarked. However, he did not conceal the truth and told Itachi of his younger brother's earlier behavior.
"He was obviously conflicted with what's going on. His secretary back there in Japan seemed like she was going to pass out by the minute every time I hear them talk through the phone. You can hear the tremble in her voice." Shisui sighed before continuing. "Earlier, he seemed so distracted. I caught him staring into nothing the entire time. I was just relieved the investors don't seem to mind."
It was Itachi's turn to sigh. "Please look after him. Madara is onto us. He may be focusing on my marriage with Izumi now, but Sasuke is still his favored heir. I have the feeling that he wanted Sasuke to succeed him because he can be persuaded and controlled more than me."
"Yeah, yeah. That's because you're too stubborn, Itachi. Madara-sama will get constant headaches if you lead the main branch."
"I just think that the Uchihas think too highly of themselves. It is the 20th century and yet, we continue these unnecessary traditions. I thought we agree on that, Shisui." Itachi frowned.
"I'm on the same page as you, you know that. But, our great uncle will not change. I don't think he ever will. You know that as long as he lives, he'll try to control our family. Just like what is he doing with your father and now, Sasuke."
"I know. This is why it is necessary that we protect my niece at all costs. They already manipulated Sasuke enough for him to succeed the company. I cannot stand by and let Madara take away Sakura and Sarada."
Shisui swallowed hard at that, looking back at his younger cousin. He thought how lucky he is for having Itachi as his older brother.
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Ino smiled widely as she looked outside through the glass windows. The sun was up and shining; people were walking down the streets. She just opened up her flower shop and waiting for her frequent customers to drop by. All the bouquets she arranged were already prepared and ready for pick up.
She put on her apron before preparing to water the plants. She was humming as she tended to the sunflowers when the familiar ring to the door alerted her of a guest.
"Welcome to Yamana-" She turned around only to freeze at the sight of her unexpected visitor.
The guest smiled at her awkwardly; Ino can see how uncomfortable he is as he looked everywhere but her.
"Kiba? Hi? Uhmmm…what brings you here?" She looked at him confusingly.
The said doctor is in his simple white shirt and jeans. He looked so hot as he brushed his hair with his hand in discomfort. "Hi, Ino. I'm sorry if this is sudden, but..uh..can you help me?" He trailed off.
"Sure. What's up?" She put down the hose and quickly turned off the faucet. She led him behind the cashier where they can sit on a long wooden chair.
Kiba looked at her nervously as he scratched his head. "You know how much I like Sakura, right? And how I'm serious about pursuing her."
Ino nodded at that before looking at him expectantly again.
"Uh, well..the thing is I wanted to surprise her once she's back home. I've been thinking that there is no right timing for this and I should make an extra effort. I finally had her agree on a date, and then she just left because of unfavorable circumstances. I need your help so that this could work. What flowers does she like the most? I can also get something to Sarada. I just need your opinion since you're her best friend is all." He practically rambled, finding the right words. "Will it be okay if I fetch her at the airport?"
Ino eyed him guiltily, knowing full well the truth. "Kiba…" She started, but Kiba gave her a pleading look.
"Please. I swear, I will not hurt her. I will make her happy." The surgeon had his eyes downcast, desperate.
By that time, Ino thought how lucky her best friend is, keeping the good-looking guys by herself. She tried not to roll her eyes at that. She redirected her gaze to Kiba and gave him a sad smile.
The blonde sighed, exhaling heavily, thinking how to comfort the said man. He seemed like a nice guy, decent-looking, kind, and funny. It only made it harder for Ino not to break his heart. "Kiba, I know you're trying your best, but I just don't think this will work. It's not about you; she never looks at men that way. She just stopped looking for a potential..partner."
"Why…it's been five years since she got separated from Sarada's father, and since then, she never dated. What's wrong? Please tell me so that I can do something."
Ino pursed her lips; she felt caught in between. But, Sakura will certainly kill her if she helped Kiba in any way, knowing who holds her heart still. "You can't do anything. It's Sakura's choice."
And then Kiba paused for a moment before asking. "What about that Sasuke?" His face turned serious, getting Ino caught off-guard for a moment.
"I can't tell you that." Ino's eyebrows furrowed at that, crossing her arms across her chest. She was now irritated.
"It's him, isn't it? Does she love him?" He continued to assault her with questions, and the blonde merely shook her head in exasperation.
"Kiba...it's complicated. And I'm not the right person to tell you all these things. I'm not sure how you found out, but you know how the Uchihas are. You must not tell anyone about this. Sakura and Sarada are already having a hard time enough. If you truly care about her, please do not do something stupid." Ino warned, now glaring at the surgeon.
Kiba regarded Ino warily before sighing and exiting the shop altogether.
Meanwhile, Ino sent a quick text message to the pinkette, practically nagging her for being naive and careless (and for giving false hopes to hot men).
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As soon as Sasuke went back to their private suite, Sarada jumped up and down giddily, asking her Papa questions about London. If only Sasuke knew earlier how a simple dinner could make his daughter happy, he would've arranged it sooner.
He had called Sakura by the afternoon asking her and Sarada to dress up. He did not wait for her response as he ended the call, turning his attention to his laptop once again. He had asked Shisui's secretary to book an entire restaurant without thinking. His earlier conversation with his great uncle plagued his thoughts, he decided he needed a distraction, anything to clear his head. Sakura's suggestion to take out Sarada was not bad as long as they take caution, he supposed.
Seeing his daughter smiling widely at him as they waited for Sakura, he knew he made the right decision. Sarada beamed at him once again as she explained that she is wearing her favorite dress because it is a special occasion. Sasuke then eyed his daughter. A cute pink ribbon is placed carefully on her hair to match with her puff-sleeved floral tulle dress and equally pink sandals. She looked absolutely adorable.
If he is another man, he would definitely swoon at the sight. For a certain reason, his older brother came into his mind. He did not further dwell into the thought, however, because Sakura emerged into the living room, looking bashfully at him.
He swallowed hard as she walked slowly towards him, her heels clicking against the floor. She had light make up on and her hair slightly curled. Sasuke could not help but focus on her lips coated by lip gloss making it even more appealing.
"Is it…too much?" Sakura trailed off, asking him consciously after a minute of silent staring. She was wearing a one-shoulder ruffled olive green dress that ended just above her knees. The grip on her black handbag tightened when he continued to openly stare at her.
Sasuke seemed oblivious to her discomfort as he surveyed the dress that practically showed her curves and long legs. She just looked…captivating even after she lost some weight.
"Oh gosh, Sasuke, you did not tell me where are we going. Just give me a second to change. I'll-" Her panicky ramblings finally caught his attention as he shook his head and told her she looked fine.
"Are you sure?" She asked him once again.
But this time, Sarada interrupted before Sasuke can speak. "You looked so pretty, Mama."
Sakura giggled at that. "Thank you, my dear. You looked pretty too, Sarada."
Sarada beamed at her before reaching for her mother's hand. "Let's go, Mama. I'm hungry."
The drive to the restaurant was uneventful save for Sarada's curious questions about London and Sasuke patiently answering her. As soon as they arrived, the manager and two waiters bowed their heads. "Mr. Uchiha, it is an honor for you to visit us." An old man greeted us, smiling at Sakura and Sarada as well.
He led them to a nearby table wherein the appetizer was already served. Sasuke ordered for them, knowing full well Sakura will not dare to order something after seeing the menu. And then, the manager and waiters left them for a while.
Sakura took this opportunity to express her concern to her ever so wealthy companion. "Did you just rent out an entire restaurant?" She raised one of her eyebrows in concern.
Sasuke merely shrugged. "What? You're the one who told me to use my Uchiha powers, didn't you?"
"Well, yes. But still." Sakura frowned.
"So? Sarada is happy. You do not need to be concerned about anything else." Sasuke then helped Sarada slice her bread as the latter grinned at her Mama, too happy to notice her concerns at the moment.
Sarada enjoyed the view of skyscrapers at night. She also loved the food although it was totally different from what they eat back home. Her Mama also allowed her to eat some ice cream even if it's already a little late at night. Most of all, she loved having her Papa and Mama with her, eating together, and sharing stories, bonding like a family.
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Sarada grinned ear to ear as she brushed her teeth inside the bathroom of her Papa's room. They were now back in the suite and she had changed into her pajamas. "Papa, I'm so, so happy. Thank you so much!" She exclaimed a second later after she gargled.
Sasuke gave her a small smile and ruffled her hair. "Anything for you." He also helped his daughter dry her hands afterward as they settled down to the bed.
After a few minutes, a knock on the door resounded. Sakura opened the door and found Sasuke and Sarada sitting on the bed, leaning on the headboard. Apparently, Sasuke was telling her a bedtime story judging by the book in his hands. However, as much as she would like to see the father and daughter spending more time together, it was already past ten and Sarada needed to sleep soon.
"Come on Sarada. Let your Papa sleep now. Say good night." She coaxed sweetly. She took a few strides towards her daughter who was now pouting endearingly at her.
"But can't I stay here? I want to sleep next to Papa. Please, Mama." The five-year-old insisted, looking up expectantly at her mother.
"Sarada-" Sakura sighed exasperatedly, but Sasuke did not let her continue.
"It's fine." Sasuke waved his hand dismissively, much to their daughter's delight. Sarada turned to her father and buried her head on his chest. "You're the best, Papa!" She beamed once again, giggling.
Sakura then smiled lightly looking at the exchange before saying good night to her daughter. "Okay, you win. Just don't stay up too late. Papa has work tomorrow. Give Mama a good night kiss?"
But Sarada pouted once again, redirecting her gaze at her mother. "Mama, can you stay here too?" She sat up and reached for her Mama's hands.
"What- No." The panic in her emerald eyes fixated on Sasuke, but the man did not seem to care.
"Please? Pretty please." Sarada was using that puppy eyes trick again, knowing no one can ever resist it, squeezing her hands tightly.
The pinkette looked up only for Sasuke to shrug. And then, that's when she thought of an excuse. "But the bed is not big enough, sweetheart. Papa will not be too comfortable. He needs to wake up early tomorrow. Maybe next time?"
Sasuke clicked his tongue in disapproval. How ridiculous, he thought. The bed is big enough for three people to occupy. He caught himself rolling his eyes at that. Now, Sarada turned to him sadly, her earlier excitement and the spark in her eyes gone. Sakura was clearly passing the blame on him. But she was certainly mistaken if he would allow that.
"Of course, your Mama can stay too." But the minute the words left his mouth, he could not help but notice the flimsy nightgown she chose to wear. It was not enough to cover her teasing cleavage and smooth skin. He averted his gaze, cursed himself for putting them into this situation. Because, why can't he just shut up for one second and agree to Sakura?
Meanwhile, Sakura stared at him as if he grew two heads. She opened her mouth to argue but Sarada squealed happily and downright pulled her to the bed.
She scowled at Sasuke, but he quickly averted her questioning look much to her confusion. Was he not the one that leads them to this situation? Frowning even more, Sakura busied herself shifting her body to get Sarada to be more comfortable. She covered Sarada's tiny body with the blanket and kissed her forehead.
Sarada, settled in between her parents, looked up to her mother and her father simultaneously. She kissed both of their cheeks and said goodnight, thanking them again for today, completely oblivious to the awkward atmosphere she just created.
Sasuke, on the other hand, cursed inwardly as he put the book on the bedside table. Sarada already had her eyes closed, still smiling. However, the pinkette turned her body to face the wall, clearly annoyed.
It's going to be another long night without sleep.
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A/N: It's been a busy month for me. I had things to take care of, but I'm just happy things are all over with my previous work. I also changed my username, hope it's not too weird for you. Anyway, hope you guys are safe. Thanks for reading!
Also, please leave me a review. It definitely motivates and all the more inspires me to write.
*It has also come to my attention that I write interesting plots but some of the grammatical errors could be distracting. English is not my first language, and I'm actually writing to improve and widen my vocabulary. With that, I need a beta- someone who has the time to proofread my work before I update my stories. If you're interested, please leave me a message. Thank you so much.