Hey guys! Not sure if you guys listen to kpop, but I'm a big fan of Seventeen. One of their songs is inspired by this chapter and the story in general. If you'd like, you can listen to the song while reading.
Lie Again- Seventeen
Sakura stared in shock as she tried to process what just happened. She was not aware of how much time had passed as she stood there with him so close. It's been so long since she felt his lips against hers, so long since he held her like this, so long since he'd looked at her like this.
She raised her hand and touched her lips, the feeling of the short kiss still lingering. She opened her mouth to say something, anything. But no words came out.
She, of course, always imagined what it would be like the moment they let their emotions surface again, always thought how it would be like once they sort things out, and imagined that she would hug and kiss him. However, she suddenly felt dizzy by the overwhelming sensations she was hit within.
"Wha- what- I.." She uttered stupidly, unable to form the right words to say to him.
She then noticed how he slowly wet his lips and swallowed nervously. His eyes never leaving hers and his arm still around her waist, Sakura put a hand to touch his cheek.
"Sakura..." He drawled.
He leaned in and slowly pressed his forehead against hers. His onyx eyes conveying such raw emotion she had not seen ages ago.
That's when she felt her eyes watered. She bit her lower lip, willing herself not to sob. Because she thought she was the only one who still felt this way. For a long time, she thought he hated her. She thought he never wanted to do anything with her except to be a father to their child.
He hesitantly touched her cheek as well and wiped her tears.
But then the idea of him getting married to another suddenly occurred to her. Before Sasuke could close the distance between them once again, she turned her face away.
"I.. This isn't right, Sasuke-kun." She shook her head, tears overflowing now. She pulled away in an instant.
Confused, Sasuke stared at her back as she fled to her room.
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"Stupid! You really are such an idiot, forehead girl! For someone so smart, you don't use your brain that much, huh?!"
Sakura took her phone away from her ear instantly. She was sure her best friend's outburst from the other line could be heard all the way to France.
"You do not understand! He has a fiancee! He should not kiss the mother of his child just because he felt like doing so!" She retorted, her voice quivering in the process.
For a minute, Sakura imagined the blonde smacking her palm to her face. She heard Ino's exasperated sigh before her voice became quiet.
"Do you love him?"
"What-"
"Do you still love him?" Ino interrupted before she could ask.
Sakura became silent. She recalled how she fell in love with Sasuke when they were five, how they grew up together, how they become each other's someone special in high school, how he went his way just to see her again, the first time they kissed, their fights, being pregnant with Sarada, and everything that happened in between.
And she missed him. She still misses him even if she's seeing him every day.
"You know the answer to that." She replied after like an eternity.
"Look, I'm not encouraging you to cheat or whatever. But he clearly still has feelings for you too! Sasuke Uchiha never bats an eye to any other woman except you! Do you actually think he'll be happy with that unknown Uchiha girl? Can't you at least talk?" The blonde scolded her once again.
But Sakura knew, Sasuke is a dutiful son. He is loyal and proud of his family and lineage. He respects his father and idolizes his older brother. He already made a mistake before, and he greatly paid for that.
He couldn't just leave everything behind for her, couldn't he?
Sakura sighed. "It's complicated, Ino."
"It's always complicated between you two. With the Uchiha drama and their nonsense traditions. Don't get me wrong, I'm still disappointed at him for hurting you in the past, and don't get me started with his family, but I also know you will only be truly happy with him."
"Ino-pig..." Sakura hesitated.
"Stop crying and talk to him. This happened because you two always avoid each other! Pushing him away again and again and lying to yourself!" Ino's voice raised once again.
"I don't know. He is the heir of the Uchihas. I'm just happy they did not take Sarada away from me. Asking him to be mine, isn't it too much?" Now, she was crying full force, her body trembling.
"Sakura..."
"I'm sorry, it's just..how can I tell him I still love him? I hurt him and yes! I practically pushed him away. I left! I left him! He may be the one who decided to end things between us, but clearly, I was the one at fault." She paused to catch her breath before continuing.
"You're right. I'm an idiot. I courted him for too long! And what did I do? I bailed when things just got a little difficult! And for what? To be a fucking doctor in the US? Guess what? I need him and Sarada more than my fucking license!"
She sobbed. Ino let her be. And she was grateful for that. It was like someone was squeezing her heart at the moment. The pain in her chest was magnified as her regrets set in.
"I wish I was there to comfort you, Forehead. But as your friend, this is what I can say to you. You make mistakes, you move on. You learn from them. But aren't you repeating the same thing with the way you just avoided him?" Ino explained, seemingly trying to console her friend. But then she exhaled heavily out of frustration. Because, obviously, the pinkette was too dense.
"Are you happy with the way things are now? How about Sasuke? Have you thought for a moment how hurt he must be right now? You were giving him signs, Sakura! That you are willing to take the risk again! And then you just blew him off! Again! Stop being a coward and tell him everything! What are you so afraid of, by the way? His father? That old Madara? It'll be worse if you leave things be. "
Sakura winced because she knew Ino was right. She had always been scared of the unknown, always hiding, always running away.
"No matter what he tells you, accept it! Face it! Think about your daughter. How Sarada wants her Mama and Papa to resolve their issues with their past and move on! She deserves a complete family! You're not doing this because you want him to be yours! He freaking loves you too! And your daughter! It physically hurts to see you three like this!"
Ino panted after she gave the pinkette a long speech. She wanted her friend to finally be happy, and it was too disheartening to see her act this way. Hopefully, she would make up her mind and talk things through with the father of his child.
Because, God, those two really are hopeless!
"And please... have sex already! The unresolved sexual tension-"
Sakura cut her off, sniffling. "Ughhhh... Ino."
What a way to interrupt her emotional breakdown, Sakura thought.
But she smiled, truly grateful to her friend.
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Izumi had her arms crossed as she looked at her companion scanning the menu. Itachi led her earlier to a French restaurant downtown and insisted to buy her lunch to 'get to know her more'.
"We don't need to do this, you know?" Izumi remarked.
"I want to," Itachi replied shortly without looking up.
He called for the waiter and ordered steak and salad with red wine. The food was great, and the atmosphere was cozy and romantic.
"So what do you do in your spare time?" Itachi asked her after a while.
"I organize and raise funds for charity. My father died because of health issues and I want to help those who can't afford it." Izumi stared at him, with a pout forming on her lips.
"I know, I'm boring. That's why many of my previous boyfriends left me." She added, rolling her eyes.
But the eldest Uchiha heir merely blinked at her sudden outburst. "I don't think you're boring. It's rare for someone to be dedicated and committed as you do."
Izumi felt her cheeks redden. She reached for her glass of wine and drank it in one shot. She averted her eyes and commented on how good the weather was, successfully changing the topic.
Itachi gave her a small smile, agreeing with her with a nod. He asked her if she would like a refill, to which she nodded yes.
"How about you? Any past girlfriends?" She couldn't help but be curious. He was an outstanding man, indeed. Someone equipped with good looks and money. It would not surprise her if he had dozens of girls back in Japan.
"Never had one."
She laughed loudly. It took her a few seconds before it hit her when he merely stared at her. "No way." Her eyes widened.
"You're not joking. Oh My God, are you serious?" She was absolutely stunned at the information.
"I already knew I was going to marry someone in our clan ever since I was seven. You can only imagine being the heir of Uchiha Enterprises dating...how much fuss and the ruckus it will make." He told her with a neutral expression.
She frowned at that. "That's..just so sad."
"Well, my younger brother had it worse. As you already know, I never wanted to inherit the company, so Sasuke studied the business and took over. But I knew he has the talent for it and wanted nothing but the best for him. I still think if I did the right choice." There was a sad expression in his eyes as he told her this but it flickered back to neutrality as he continued.
"Now and then, there was an arranged marriage proposal from different companies. All of which, of course, Father declined. Because an Uchiha is for an Uchiha." He informed her grimly.
Izumi scowled at the newly acquired information. How could they still follow these ridiculous notions? She was silent for a moment before she asked him. "You think the Uchihas can still change?"
"I do. I believe in my brother's sound judgment. I know he will be a more suitable leader than me." Izumi noticed how Itachi has a smile on his face now.
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Sarada's laughs echoed throughout the kitchen and dining area. Sasuke was keeping an eye on her as she tried to mix the eggs in a bowl while he was cooking okonomiyaki. He suddenly missed Japanese food and instructed one of the butlers to do some grocery shopping.
Earlier, Sarada forced her mother to accompany the said butler so she could have time to prepare a surprise birthday cake. Sakura raised her eyebrows at her daughter's antics while she eyed him cautiously.
Sasuke shrugged and told her Sarada wanted to have alone time with him. The pinkette pouted, clearly disappointed.
After what happened the other night, they were still not able to talk properly. He had been busy with last-minute paperwork before they leave for Singapore. They were already slightly behind the schedule as it is. Moreover, early in the morning today, Sarada practically begged him to help with her mother's birthday.
That's when it hit him as he checked the calendar of his phone.
March 28. It's been two weeks since they left Japan.
Sakura eventually conceded when Sarada insisted to find some strawberries. She agreed as she thought about how walking outside will clear her thoughts. And with one last look at him, she left.
These events helped him not to dwell further into his feelings and thoughts as to what happened. But that did not mean it did not cross his mind a couple of times. Whether it was in the middle of a meeting or when he was about to sleep or even when he was just gazing through the window of his car.
Why? He asked himself over and over. Because didn't she want this too? Or was he stupid enough to actually believe Naruto that she still feels the same way? He unconsciously gritted his teeth at the thought.
Maybe, she was just lonely. Maybe, it was he who gave meaning behind her actions. Maybe, he assumed.
Because, fuck, the number one rule in accounting, which he studied repeatedly, is to never assume unless otherwise stated.
The sudden shriek from his daughter brought him back to reality.
"Be careful, Sarada." He reminded her as she almost fell from the chair she was stepping into. He shook his head and focused back on what he was doing.
Sarada merely smiled and clumsily continued to beat the eggs. She was grinning widely as Sasuke praised her for another job well done. The other butler already set the table and prepared the meat to grill later.
As they went to work, time went by fast. Sasuke did not entertain any more plaguing notions as Sarada asked for his help from time to time.
The butler reminded them that Sakura will return any minute now. Sarada was still decorating the cake when the doorbell rang.
Hurriedly, Sasuke assisted Sarada to finish the words 'Happy Birthday Mama' and carried her to the table. The little girl giggled lightly as her Papa panicked. He instructed the butler to get the door and lead Sakura in the dining room.
As soon as the pinkette emerged from the room, Sarada smiled widely. "Surprise! Happy Birthday, Mama!" She ran into her arms and hugged her.
Sakura, seemingly astonished at the moment, staring at her daughter's head.
"Oh wow. I..I don't know what to say. Thank you, Sarada." She crouched down to her daughter's level and kissed her cheeks.
She consciously tucked her pink hair behind her ear as she glanced at him. Sarada tugged her mother's hand and lead her to the table. Once seated, she looked at him once again and mouthed the words thank you.
Sasuke merely nodded in her direction.
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Sarada was already fast-asleep when Sakura followed Sasuke into the living room. He was apparently checking his emails on his laptop. She was about to leave as to not disturb him, but his voice stopped her.
He glanced in her direction. "What is it?"
She sat beside him on the sofa, careful to maintain a safe distance between them. "Thank you for today, Sasuke-kun. To be honest, I kind of forgotten my birthday today. And when I checked my phone, people indeed sent me their greetings." She said softly, sincerely.
"It was nothing. Sarada insisted." His eyes focused back on his laptop screen.
After a few minutes of silence and sensing his companion will not leave any time soon, he shut his laptop down and faced her. She was biting her lower lip and playing with the hem of her skirt. "Sakura..." He started.
"We need to talk, Sasuke-kun." Her eyes gleamed and her tone became serious.
He was slightly caught off guard but he made sure that his face remained its blank and neutral expression. "What for?"
"The other night..I'm sorry. I got scared. I panicked. I wasn't thinking straight." She explained; her eyes blurry with tears again.
He blinked. He swallowed thickly before looking at her again. "Do not worry about it anymore. It's nothing." He tried to dismiss the topic, but Sakura clearly had the opposite idea.
"No. It's not nothing. You kissed me. We kissed." She emphasized.
"And you were right. It was a mistake. It will not happen again." He glared at her.
She faltered, her forehead furrowing in confusion. "What- what are you saying?" One hand clutched in front of her, like she wanted to reach out to him but afraid of doing so.
"It means exactly that. Let's just focus on Sarada. We-"
He was cut off by the ringing of his phone. He reached for it and checked the called ID. It was Itachi. With one last look, he stood from his seat and walked a few meters away.
"Nii-san?"
"Sasuke..." The voice from the other line was troubled and uncharacteristically unlike his older brother. He knew then that something was definitely wrong.
"Madara knows."
His breath hitched. Time stopped as he whipped his head back to Sakura. She looked at him questionably and tilted her head in concern.
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A/N: Ohhhhh, what will happen now?
A huge thanks to those who left me positive reviews! And advance Happy Birthday to my first love, our dear Sasuke-kun! ;)
Also, it'll probably take much longer to update now because my sister is using my laptop for her online classes. Nonetheless, I continue writing on my phone.
See you next update.