Sakura smiled as she gazed absentmindedly at her companion. Their classes just ended when the rain suddenly started pouring. Now, they were stuck in the classroom watching the sky darkened further.
He's really handsome, she thought.
His onyx eyes, pointed nose, grim lips, sharp jaw. He's the definition of perfect.
"What is it?" His voice brought her back to reality.
Blushing furiously, she averted her gaze to the floor. "Nothing..I just thought that Itachi-nii is sure taking a long while."
"Aa."
The comfortable silence settled in once again. It's a routine, being close next to him. They had been childhood friends, after all.
She was contented, she told herself. Just having study sessions with him, having been there for him whenever he had fights with his father, having impromptu weekend getaways, seeing him grunt in response to her silly jokes, teasing him whenever she got higher marks than him, having him accompany her whenever, wherever.
But until when will she able to stand next to him? He's an Uchiha. He's the heir to a multinational company.
High school is ending. Will she see him again?
"What's with that expression?" His question stopped her musings once again.
Her eyes widened before brushing it off. "I- no- it's-"
"Tell me, Sakura. It's me." His lips set into a frown, mirroring her earlier expression.
"It's just...I will miss this. High school. The library. This classroom. Kakashi-sensei." She giggled when he snorted at the mention of their teacher.
"Oh, I know you're gonna miss him too. You're his favorite student." She teased him playfully.
He said nothing, but he turned his head elsewhere.
She smiled sadly before continuing. "I will miss my girl talks with Ino-pig. Naruto's ramblings about ramen."
She paused and her cheeks reddened as she blurted out.. "and of course, you, Sasuke-kun." She tucked her pink hair behind her ear, her eyes glued on the floor.
She could feel that his eyes were now focused on her. She shifted uncomfortably and looked back to the sky.
For a few minutes, neither spoke. The sound of the raindrops hitting the roof filled in the silence.
"Aa. Me too."
Sakura whipped her head to her right. He was still staring at the sky above. The rain had passed and the sun peeked out once again.
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Sakura hugged her daughter close to her chest as the flight attendant announced their arrival at Tokyo airport. Oblivious to what is happening, Sarada merely smiled at her mother complaining how tight her Mama's hold was.
She stole a quick glance at Sasuke from the corner of her eye. He seemed so disturbed, his jaw was set and his eyes were focused on nothing in particular. She could see the tension in his whole body as he gritted his teeth and tightened his hold on his seat. The sight worried her even more.
Sarada continued to babble about how she missed everyone and that she could not wait to tell everything to her Uncle Itachi. She hugged her doll as they prepared to get off the plane. Sakura held her daughter's hand tightly knowing it will not take long before she was out of her grasp.
Itachi welcomed them with a resigned expression. Sakura learned that he was in Australia when he found out about Madara and only got back a few hours ago. Sarada let go of her Mama's hand as she hugged her uncle.
Itachi smiled at his niece and ruffled her hair. "Hey, Sarada. Did you miss your favorite uncle?"
The little Uchiha nodded eagerly. She smiled widely as she showed her new doll gifted by her Papa.
"It's pretty," Itachi commented. He then shoots a nod of understanding in Sasuke's way, and Sakura knew then that her time was up.
"Sarada-chan, can you go to the car first? I have something to tell to your Papa and Mama." Itachi once again smiled at his niece.
Sarada nodded in understanding, but before she was taken away by one of the guards, Sakura held her daughter's hand. She could feel the tears gathering in the corner of her emerald eyes, but she held them back. She crouched down to her daughter's level, taking in her daughter's features to her memory, afraid that she won't be able to see her for a long time.
"Sarada, baby. Listen to Mama." She started, putting both of her hands on each side of her chubby cheeks. "I have to go back to the hospital and save many lives. I have to help Tsunade-baa and Aunt Shizune. So you have to stay with Papa for a while. Always listen to him and to your uncle, your Grandpa, and Grandma, okay? Be a good girl."
Sarada nodded, and her Mama smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too, Mama. I promise I'll be a good girl."
Sakura hugged her tightly, closing her eyes. She kissed her baby girl's forehead.
It did not take long before Sarada was taken away by one of the guards, and Sakura stood up, waving goodbye to her daughter.
Meanwhile, Itachi sighed in exasperation as he looked at the interaction between mother and child. He thought that things were not looking good at this point. As soon as Sarada was out of sight, he gave Sakura a sympathetic look.
For a few minutes, no one talked, comprehending the new situation they are in. Itachi could tell his little brother was in disarray. He was sure Sasuke's mind was bombarded with questions and heavy thoughts.
He then shifted his eyes to the pink-haired woman. He could tell she wasn't able to sleep. The light in her emerald eyes gone, her lips fixed into a thin line. She looked so stressed and worried.
"No one knows what will happen from now on, but we'll do everything in our power to protect Sarada." Itachi addressed Sakura.
But the medic did not even bother to look at him. Her eyes were fixed on the ground.
And then ever so quietly, she whispered. "Will I be able to see her again?"
Sasuke swallowed thickly at that. He could feel something inside him broke hearing her soft voice. He averted his eyes, knowing that Itachi was studying him at that point.
"It will be her birthday in two days. Even just for the last time, Sasuke-kun, please." Tears slipped from her eyes then. She raised her head and pleaded with him.
Itachi remained silent watching the two. Sasuke seemed so conflicted about everything before, but as Sakura's tears came, Itachi knew, his little brother found his resolve.
Sasuke slowly approached the mother of his child, stopping a few meters in front of her. "I promise. You will see her again. I will fix this."
"But how? Sasuke-kun, I'm scared!" She exclaimed, more tears trailed down her cheeks.
"I promise, Sakura." He cut her off. His voice emphasizing how much he meant it. "Trust me."
Sakura opened her mouth to argue, but no words came out. And she found herself nodding as she looked into his eyes. "Okay. I trust you."
Sasuke released a heavy sigh. "Don't go back to your apartment. It will be better if you stay with Yamanaka for the time being. Just in case. I'll let the bodyguard drive you there."
Sakura shook her head. "No. It's fine."
"Sakura.."
Again, Sakura was left agreeing as she looked into his eyes. "Okay, thank you, Sasuke-kun."
As she was escorted by the guard to another car, Sasuke turned his head to his brother. "Nii-san, tell me what you think. What should we do now?"
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Madara waited patiently inside the Uchiha mansion. He could see the tension in both Fugaku and Mikoto's shoulders as they kept their heads down, avoiding his gaze. They were all seated in the living room and the maids prepared some tea for them.
He could not blame them. He did not even bother to reprimand them, did not tell them how he found out about Sasuke's secret daughter. He straight-up ordered Sasuke to be back in Japan in an instant so that he could meet Sarada.
He also did not question them about what exactly happened to Sasuke and how did they allow this to happen. All he wanted now was to meet Sarada and correct all the past mistakes.
She is of the Uchiha clan. And she should be raised like one.
He wasn't sure if he was mad after finding out. But he sure was disappointed that they kept this from him for so long.
Madara wasn't able to dwell further into his thoughts as one of the maids announced Itachi and Sasuke's arrival. Fugaku and Mikoto stood up in an instant, their tensed expressions mirroring each other.
Itachi came into his view first; he politely bowed his head as soon as their eyes met. He was followed by Sasuke with a little girl clutching his hand.
Sasuke also bowed his head. And so did his daughter.
Madara stood up from his seat, smiling lightly. "Finally. Nice to meet you, Sarada-chan."
The little girl is no doubt an Uchiha. Raven hair and onyx eyes. He could see her resemblance to Sasuke.
Sarada raised her head and smiled at him. But the child turned her attention in an instant and ran towards Mikoto. "Grandma! I miss you!" Sarada proceeded to hug Mikoto's waist. "Look at this doll Papa gave me! It's really pretty!" She exclaimed loudly.
Madara carefully observed the interaction. Mikoto was still tensed, but nonetheless humored his granddaughter and hugged her in return.
"I miss you too, Sara-chan. I'm glad you're back." Mikoto said, but she was already ordering the maid to take care of the child. "Sarada, go back to your room first, okay? Get some rest. Your Grandpa and I are excited to hear all your stories later. Change some clothes first and get some sleep."
Sarada nodded before waving her hands to Fugaku and surprisingly, to Madara as well. Madara chuckled lightly before waving his hand back to the child.
However, as soon as Sarada was out of sight, the heavy silence settled in.
Madara then turned his attention to his favored heir. "Sasuke, sit."
He did as he was told, followed by Itachi and their parents.
"Now, let's proceed, shall we?" Madara's voice sent shivers through Mikoto's skin. She carefully watched as the elder drank his tea and ordered the maids to leave the room.
He quietly regarded his clansmen. He frowned as his eyes landed on its current head. "Fugaku, is there something else you're not telling me?"
"Nothing else, Madara-sama."
"I hope you're telling the truth now because as you can see, I'll find out everything sooner or later." Madara once again sipped at his tea before looking at Sasuke.
"Now, Sasuke. You are my chosen one. I believe you know our traditions, our culture, our values. I've seen you grow up and become the Uchiha's pride. You know full well that an Uchiha is only for another Uchiha, right?"
Sasuke remained silent as the elder continued. "Your daughter, Sarada, is an Uchiha, like us. Her surname must be changed as soon as possible. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Sasuke responded, his eyes glued to the table.
"Good. She is to remain here in the Uchiha mansion. She should learn our history and be raised like one. She needs to know her position as the future of this family. I will take care of everything." Madara then looked at Itachi.
"Itachi, I'm assuming everything is going well with you and Izumi? You must be more patient and understanding of her."
With that, Itachi nodded quietly.
Satisfied, Madara stood up from his seat, intending to go to his room. However, Sasuke's voice stopped him.
"Madara-sama, Sarada's birthday is coming up. I intend to have her mother come over."
The elder turned around. "Oh?"
Fugaku glared at his youngest while Mikoto looked more worried than before.
"Sarada needs her mother," Sasuke added.
"Sakura Haruno, is it? I've heard about her. Tsunade's apprentice. Pretty. Seems wise too." Madara commented, suppressing a smirk.
"Fine. I'll allow it. You don't have to worry about her visiting her child." Madara heard the quiet sigh of relief from Mikoto, but he paid no attention to it. "However.."
He walked calmly towards the door before looking back to Sasuke. "I trust that you know by now, Sasuke. Your relationship with her cannot exceed more than it's supposed to be- co-parents to your child. An Uchiha is only for another Uchiha. This applies to everyone. And especially to you, the next head of the clan."
With a final glance, Madara left the room. What he did not see was the relaxed shoulders and relieved sighs as soon as he closed the door.
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Sakura got buried with a lot of paperwork as soon as she got back to work. She examined all her patients' charts all the while contributing to the ongoing research conducted by the hospital.
Tsunade warned her to slow down and take it easy, reminding her about what happened a few weeks ago. But Sakura quickly dismissed it. She missed doing her work, but she knew by now how to take care of herself. Moreover, she was practically left with nothing to do now that Sarada is staying with Sasuke. It's only been a day and she already yearns for her daughter.
She couldn't help but worry about her little girl. However, she focused her energy on her work instead. She knew this constant stress and overthinking would be the death of her. Besides, she had her full trust in Sasuke. He loves Sarada as much as she does. She was fully aware that he will not let anything happen to their daughter.
And she knew she was right.
Early in the morning, Sasuke texted her about Sarada's 6th birthday.
This time, they would celebrate it in the Uchiha mansion. Although a little nervous about meeting Madara, her earlier worries about not seeing her daughter subsided with ease. She thought that as long as she would be able to see Sarada, everything would be fine.
She planned to go to a nearby bookstore later to buy a gift for her daughter. She was growing up fast and Sakura couldn't help but get teary-eyed as she recalled every memory of her. Sarada's first words of Mama, her first giggle, the day she first stood up with her own feet, her first birthday, the day she said I love you to her, her first day of school.
The sudden knock at her office reverted her back to reality.
Ino, with one of her hands on her hip, walked inside, frowning at her. "Forehead, why are you crying? Missing London already? Do you have some British accent now?"
"What-"
That's when she noticed tears on her cheeks. She quickly wiped them with the back of her hand. "Oh. It's nothing. It's just Sarada will turn 6 tomorrow. I just got nostalgic."
Ino smiled sadly. She took a seat in front of her table and put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "There, there. You always get like this."
"I know. I'm sorry."
Ino then studied the pink-haired medic in front of her. "So?" She trailed off, looking at Sakura expectantly.
"So what, Ino-pig?"
"You and Sasuke. Have you talked to him yet? I didn't ask yesterday because you've been panicking about Sarada."
A loud sigh escaped from Sakura's lips. She put a hand on her forehead and massage the area slowly. "We were interrupted. And then we got busy. I got preoccupied with packing our things and him with his last-minute office duties so that we could get back in Japan right away. We were so worried about Madara we hadn't had time to discuss things."
This time, it was Ino who sighed. "You know, that was the rare chance God has given you! And now that his overbearing grand-uncle is back, do you think he'll let his precious heir near you? You know this, Sakura."
"Then maybe, it wasn't really meant to be. Maybe, it's time to let go." Sakura pursed her lips, feeling the tears gathering in the corner of her eyes once again.
The blonde suddenly stood up. "Oh no, no, no. My dear Sakura-chan, you cannot be like this! I thought we talked about this!"
"But what should I do? It's over!" Sakura raised her head, meeting the angry blue eyes of her best friend.
"It's not over until you try!" Ino countered, her voice rising a bit.
"After Itachi-san's wedding, I know he'll be next. Sasuke's a dutiful son. I can't just-"
She was unable to continue as Ino slammed her hand on her office table. "Sakura, listen to me! You can and you will. At least try. I don't want you to regret this. Tell him everything."
Sakura was unable to form coherent words as she sobbed lightly. She thought that she could forget being strong for a while and let her best friend comfort her.
The blonde went around the office table and hugged the pink-haired medic. "It will be fine. You already went through a lot, and against all odds, you've raised Sarada well. You achieved your dreams and you were highly-praised as a doctor. But none of these dreams matter if he's not beside you, right? You've loved him all these years, why not just say it one more time?"
Sakura did not reply and instead, held into Ino's embrace longer.
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Sarada's birthday was celebrated by a simple afternoon gathering in the garden situated in the Uchiha mansion. The maids prepared all the youngest heir's favorite foods and even decorated the garden with balloons.
Sarada wore a blue dress with the Uchiha symbol on the back. It was paired with cute black shoes and her short hair was pinned with red clips. She smiled widely as she was escorted by her maid to the venue.
She was excited to blow her cake and make a birthday wish. She would also like to see what her Uncle Itachi gifted her this time because he gives the most interesting presents. She also longed for her mother and could not wait to hug and kiss her.
However, her smile faded as she observed no signs of pink hair in the area.
Sasuke, seeing his daughter on the verge of tears, gathered her in his arms in an instant. He lifted her up and brought her to the center of the table. "What's wrong, Sarada? Everyone came here to wish you a happy birthday."
Yes, her Papa is here, so is her Grandpa and Grandma. Her Uncle Itachi smiled reassuringly at her. And even Grandpa Madara is present. All black-haired. No Mama. No Aunt Ino. No Grandma Tsunade.
"Where's Mama?"
"Your Mama will be here shortly. I promise. She just had an emergency in the hospital." Sasuke reassured her.
"Can't we wait for her? I miss her, Papa. Can't she just stay here with us?"
Madara frowned at that and Sasuke could feel the tension in the air upon hearing his daughter's words.
However, it did not take long as the maid announced the pink-haired medic's arrival.
Sarada wiggled her legs, asking her Papa to put her down. As soon as he did, Sarada ran into her Mama's waiting arms. "Mama! Mama! I miss you!"
Sakura crouched down to her daughter's level to properly return the hug.
"Me too, baby. Sorry, Mama was preoccupied with the hospital. Happy Birthday, Sarada! I love you always." She kissed her daughter's cheeks.
"I love you too, Mama."
As soon as Sakura stood up, her emerald eyes clashed with onyx. So many unspoken words between her and Sasuke, but this was not the right time. She bowed her head to Fugaku and Mikoto's direction before waving to Itachi.
She then turned slowly in Madara's direction. His calculating gaze scanned her up and down. It was as if he was examining her. She could feel he did not approve of this, and she would never be welcome in this house if not for Sarada. Swallowing her nerves, she bowed slightly, but of course, he made no acknowledgment of her presence.
Sasuke then walked forward towards her. He held into Sarada's tiny hands to guide her in the designated seat once again. Sakura followed, and she sat next to Sarada on her right while Sasuke on the left.
She was glad she was far away from the elder to avoid any sort of confrontation. It was around that time that Mikoto initiated singing happy birthday to Sarada.
Sakura turned her focus on Sarada and smiled widely. One of the maids lit the candles and Sarada closed her eyes to make a wish. After she blew them, cheers and claps echoed the area.
Sarada grinned widely and thanked everyone. She opened her gifts and loved each one of them.
They ate in silence afterward as Sakura tends to Sarada, afraid that she might get a stain on her new clothes. She dismissed the thought that they already dressed her with the Uchiha symbol on her back.
Mikoto, however, set aside her worries. "It's okay, Sakura-chan. Sarada can take care of herself, right?" To which Sarada nodded eagerly.
Sakura then excused herself to use the bathroom. Approximately five minutes after, she was intercepted by Sasuke in the living room.
"If my grand-uncle asked you to talk to him privately, make an excuse. Don't talk to him alone. Got it?"
It made her nervous but Sakura merely nodded seeing how serious Sasuke's expression is.
But as soon as she got back, Madara was already seeking her out. He stood up and walked towards her seat.
"Haruno-san, is it?"
"Yes, Uchiha-sama."
Madara, like the Uchihas, had a stoic expression. He talked in business-like and go straight to the point.
"I have matters to discuss with you. Will you accompany me inside?"
"Oh..I-"
But, she was cut off by him. "Sasuke told you not to, am I right? Don't worry. I meant no harm. I just want to talk things about Sarada and how things will be different for her from now on. Rest assured, I will not take your daughter away from you. You may visit her here as long as you please."
A few seconds passed by and Sakura was compelled to follow the Uchiha elder inside the mansion.
Sasuke gritted his teeth as he saw the exchange. Before he could get to her, however, his father held him by the shoulder.
"Father..."
"I understand your feelings, Sasuke. But you must not interfere. Do not let Madara's doubts grow further or she will be in danger." Fugaku muttered quietly.
"He probably suspects you have feelings for the mother of your child and that she's an obstacle he needs to eliminate. We have to avoid that at all costs. Do you understand?"
Sasuke turned to his father. As soon as he saw the seriousness in his father's eyes, he clicked tongue in frustration because he knew his father was right.
They have to be careful from now on. If he has to marry a stranger to protect her, he will.
Although he hoped they would not come to that.
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A/N: Sorry, this took a lot longer than expected. I focused on job hunting the past month, but to no avail, I am still unsuccessful. I took a break to write this instead because my anxiety is slowly creeping in again. Hope you enjoyed reading! Tell me your thoughts!