This chapter is unedited.
Sakura felt incredibly warm. That was the first thing her mind registered upon waking up. She also really had a good sleep. It was strange, she thought. It had been so long since she felt this nice.
She fluttered her eyes open. It took a few seconds to adjust from the sunlight peering through her windows. She glanced at her alarm clock by the bedside table. It read at 7:48 am.
After that, her eyes focused on the ceiling. She was confused at first. It had been a while since she slept in her apartment.
She furrowed her eyebrows, not registering everything at first. But when it all sinks in, it hit her with full force.
She slowly turned sideways, careful not to make unnecessary movements.
She was met with a sight she never thought was possible.
Sasuke Uchiha. Naked on her bed. His eyes were closed, and his mouth slightly ajar.
Her eyed widened, remembering what happened the night prior. Drinking with the girls, Ino getting drunk, Sasuke driving her home, crying! Lots of crying! And then- Oh My God!
She was positive her cheeks were the same shade as her hair. She looked down, and even turned redder, feeling the soreness all over her body.
Last night was bittersweet at first. His lips were all over her. But it turned into something hard and intense. It was frustration, anger, sadness, and longing mixed together and then blowing up in full force. After all, they had been suppressing all these feelings all these years.
Sakura was worried because she probably smelled like alcohol. She thought it was truly unfair as she glanced at her side. Sasuke looked like an angel. An arm was draped around her waist, keeping her in place. He looked so peaceful at the moment, so vulnerable.
However, her mind was instantly reminded of Madara's warning. Her lips turned into a grim line, knowing all full well that things would get harder from now on. Should she tell him? But he was already having a hard time enough. She did not wish to burden him more.
She also replayed their fight last night. She felt guilt and regret all at once. If she could just take all his burden, she would do it no question-anything for him.
"Why are you frowning so early in the morning?"
Sakura's cheeks reddened; she was so deep in her worries that she did not notice him already awake. She averted her eyes as she greeted him good morning quietly.
"Hn. Good morning." His voice was slightly hoarse. He reached out to fix her fallen bangs that obstructed his view of her face.
"Uhmm.." Sakura flinched, but otherwise, let him.
"Hm?" Sasuke inclined his head. There was a small smile on his face.
But, she could not help but feel awkward. She bit her lower lip, not knowing what to do now. She cursed internally; she should have thought this first before plaguing her mind with negative thoughts.
Sasuke, on the other hand, suppressed a smirk forming on his lips. He could see the marks he left on her neck, her shoulders, and her breast. He was sure there are more on her stomach and thighs.
"Good thing you have your day off today." He remarked, his eyes zooming into a particular mark on her shoulder.
"Eh?"
He moved forward to catch her lips, but she suddenly pulled away, prompting for his lips to brush her cheek instead.
Sasuke's earlier playful mood vanished instantly. He was shocked and confused all at once. And most likely, hurt. Because didn't they resolve everything last night? No more games. No more secrets.
He wasn't able to further dwell into his thoughts, however, as Sakura covered her lips and explained rather shyly. "I haven't brushed my teeth yet, Sasuke-kun! I probably smell like beer, sweat and-"
He visibly relaxed. And what did she say? Tch. He doesn't care.
He cut her off with a kiss, just an innocent peck at first, before turning into something more. They already wasted so much time- he was merely trying to catch up.
"Hmmphh...Sasuke-kun.." She moaned. "Y-you have t-to go to w-work.." She reminded in between their kisses, but Sasuke paid it no mind.
On the other hand, Sakura's mind was turning blank. This jerk! Haven't they already had enough last night?
"Sakura..." He drawled, tempting her to give in. In a few seconds, he was on top of her. She automatically put her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Her hands found their way into his hair, massaging it slowly.
But they weren't able to continue as Ino came barging in the room, looking concerned and angry at the same time.
"Forehead! How could you not reply to my messages! I've been-" The blonde screamed, covering her eyes. "Oh my gosh! My God, my eyes!"
They were so into each other they did not hear the door to the apartment open.
Tch. Sasuke sat up instantly and glared at the blonde, obviously annoyed by the interruption. Sakura, by contrast, wished the ground would open and swallow her up at the moment. She held the blanket close to her chest, gripping the edges tightly.
"Ino-" Sakura opened her mouth to speak, to explain, but her friend did not let her.
"I'm sorry! Carry on! I'll pretend I didn't see anything! Let's go, Sai!" Ino closed the room right away.
Sai, on the other hand, looked at his girlfriend questionably as she screamed. He followed her into Sakura's room only for the blonde to pull his wrist to turn around and exit the apartment.
"What's happening? Is Sakura there?" He asked.
"Don't ask! Let's just go."
"But Sakura-"
"Just shut up." Ino grinned.
Sai was even more confused because Ino didn't look mad at him anymore for leaving Sakura last night. She looked happy. And he got even more concerned at his girlfriend's behavior as soon as they were inside their car.
Ino giggled excitedly, kissing him in both of his cheeks.
What did she see in Sakura's room? Sai could only guess.
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"Oh, god!" Sakura exclaimed, covering her blushing cheeks with her hands. She reached out for her phone and sighed as she saw Ino's five missed calls and twelve unread messages.
Sasuke, meanwhile, reached out for his discarded shirt on the floor and started fixing himself in the mirror.
"That is so embarrassing! Oh, God!"
Sasuke remained indifferent, however, like it wasn't a big deal. But then the idea of someone barging into her apartment did not sit well with him.
"How could she enter your apartment?" He questioned, frowning slightly.
But Sakura was still too concerned about what happened. "She has a spare key." She answered shortly before she babbled again about the earlier incident.
A new message from her best friend read, 'Those abs. Someone is certainly working out *insert smirking emoji face.'
"Oh, My God! How can I face her and Sai from now on! I won't be able to meet them in the eyes! And Ino won't leave me alone now!"
Sasuke almost scoffed. "We have a child together. There was nothing left for them to imagine."
"Ughhh... how could you say that." Sakura huffed in frustration. She put a hand on her forehead in exasperation.
He smirked before sitting next to her on the bed. He leaned in.
"Hey..." Sakura tried to back off, nervous about his bold approach. She closed her eyes, anticipating another kiss, but she felt a poke on her forehead instead.
"I'll be back with Sarada in the evening."
Sakura was puzzled, opening her eyes. And then she remembered her day off today. "Eh? Oh, okay."
Sasuke looked like he was about to laugh at her but decided against it before standing up to leave. However, Sakura was able to grasp his lower arm. He turned around to look at her in question. Her blushed cheeks were gone- replaced by a worried look.
Sasuke knew that expression all too well.
She hesitated for a moment. "Sasuke-kun...I..what- what will happen now? Your family.." She trailed off, unable to complete the thought.
Sasuke exhaled heavily. He didn't think that far yet. All he wanted last night was to make sure she was safe. He didn't know everything would turn out this way. He was always in control, but he didn't know anything for certain now. One thing he was sure though. When it comes to her or Sarada, his mind was always betraying him.
There were endless possibilities he had to consider now that his overbearing grand uncle was in the picture. They had to be careful.
He looked into her emerald eyes, feeling guilty because he knew he could not just blame her for everything. He was guilty of not being able to give her and Sarada a complete family. For sure, she could have chosen someone else- someone who had a normal childhood with no overweening family. For that, he was grateful. She was now by his side.
His eyes softened as he spoke. "Listen to me, Sakura. No matter what happens..." Sasuke reached out for her hand before swallowing thickly. "I will always choose you and Sarada."
Sakura felt her eyes on the brink of tears.
"Don't cry. We're going to get through this." He told her quietly, trying to reassure her despite the fact that he was scared too.
"So, just wait for me. And trust me." He quickly added.
She seemed to relax as she nodded silently before Sasuke sat next to her, covering her hands with his.
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Itachi looked at his brother suspiciously. "Where were you? You didn't go home last night."
"But I did. This morning." Sasuke went home to take a shower and change his clothes before going to the office.
His mother also asked him worriedly, thinking that he was overworking, but he brushed that off, saying he just fell asleep in the office. He ate breakfast at home just to assure her.
"You didn't answer my question, otouto."
"Don't worry. I wasn't drinking again." Sasuke did not even bother to look up at his brother. His eyes were focused on his laptop.
"You're in a good mood today. This didn't happen for the last five years." Itachi grinned before continuing. "Is it a woman?"
Sasuke choked on his coffee, glaring at his brother. Damn Itachi and his keen observation skills! "Why are you even here? Your office was nowhere near mine."
"I see," Itachi said, chuckling. He stood up to exit the office, but not before winking at his brother's direction.
Aside from his encounter with Itachi, true to his brother's words, he was in a good mood all day. He immediately approved the proposals of the marketing managers, signed every document on his desk, agreed with the suggestions in the meeting. Somehow that was even scarier for Karin. Neji was also bewildered. But the rest of the employees were just grateful their boss was easy to please. Some took this advantage to file vacation leaves.
Moreover, he already arrived later than usual, and yet he told Karin that he would be leaving early. The redhead politely asked what would she tell Madara if the elder looked for him.
Sasuke considered this for a moment, but then he just shrugged before walking away. "Tell him nothing."
"Eh?! But sir?!" Karin hurried along with her boss, who was already in the elevator.
Sasuke waved his hand, silencing his secretary.
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Sasuke went back to the mansion to fetch his daughter. He made sure to leave early so that Sarada can spend more time with Sakura. His daughter was enthusiastic, learning that she would see her mother today. His father, however, looked hesitant for a bit. But in the end, he allowed it, seeing his granddaughter pout.
Fugaku reminded his youngest to be careful, to look at his surroundings all the time. Mikoto looked worried as usual while Itachi was looking like he was holding back a smile. When Sasuke asked, what his brother told him made him pause.
"You look so excited to see her, Otouto. Even more than Sarada."
Sasuke scowled. Itachi and his mind games.
He paid him no mind and drove to Sakura's apartment shortly.
Sakura showered their daughter with kisses upon arriving.
"I miss you, Sarada." The pinkette exclaimed before ushering them inside the apartment.
Sarada happily obliged, hugging her mother as well. Their daughter proceeded to tell her Mama what it was like living with Grandma and Grandpa for so long. She also described a pretty auntie- Izumi.
That's when Sakura learned about the upcoming wedding of the year. Her smile faltered for a moment, but when she turned to face Sasuke, he did not look so concerned about it. She decided right then that she would think about everything later.
Sarada continued to babble. Sakura found herself smiling the whole time, listening attentively while cooking Sasuke's and Sarada's favorites.
While Sakura had her turned back, however, Sasuke sneaked a cookie to Sarada upon seeing his daughter's irresistible pout.
The pinkette looked at the father and child in exasperation before shaking her head in response. She gave Sasuke a look, something that tells him 'you're spoiling her. again.'
Needless to say, she knew how Sarada had her father wrapped around her little finger. And that she could never win against them. Sakura was also certain Sasuke would gladly give in to Sarada's wishes.
But she actually did not look mad at all, Sasuke noted. Sasuke was sure she was fighting a smile on her face.
The dinner was served. Sakura sat next to Sasuke, while Sarada was across from them. Sarada's giggles reverberated throughout the room as she pointed out the sauce in the corner of her Papa's lips. Sakura also chuckled lightly at the sight.
Sasuke scowled, not liking the fact that they were laughing at him.
Before Sakura could react, he turned his head to his right, leaned in and pecked her lips.
He smirked, "Now we match." Her mouth was now also covered with the brown sauce.
Sakura immediately turned red. She opened her mouth in protest, not expecting what just happened. But then Sarada squealed in delight, pretending to cover her eyes.
They both turned their eyes on their daughter.
"Papa kissed Mama!" She exclaimed happily.
Sasuke shrugged before he continued to eat, not paying attention to the pinkette's glare.
And even though she looked so embarrassed right now (hell the embarrassments she experienced throughout the day because of a certain man), Sakura wished as she gazed at the father and daughter that they could stay like this forever.
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A/N: Thank you so much for all the reviews and positive comments! I hope you also like the fluff in this chapter because everything will turn downhill in the next ones.