Note: I've been updating this fic primarily on AO3, so this is me just mass updating on here on the past 5 chapters I've posted so far.
This chapter is not proofread. I am currently looking for beta readers for my fics so if you're interested, please DM me on Twitter (mikawritesss) or Tumblr (connectedfeelings).
"You're not the boss of me, asshole," the ever so charming Miss Haruno says before I see the disdain in her expression drain into what I can only describe as the physical embodiment of questioning one's existence.
It's as if she's being conjured up by the universe at every turn these days. At work, in my inner circle, and possibly, in my own family through whatever she has to do with my grandfather.
My grandfather, a man she's never met, or so she implied.
My thoughts must have bled onto my face because I'm met with a now too familiar exasperated stare.
"I am your boss."
"Technicalities." She waves her hand in the air, as if to dismiss me.
"A technicality you made clear first, might I add."
She sighs, head down, her forehead almost touching the bar table. "Don't start."
"I wouldn't go around calling strangers names. It's not very nice."
"Please. I don't need your patronizing right now, bossman. Leave me to my drinks in peace." Her body turns away from me. Her arms on the bar, a barrier between her head and the polished wood.
I should walk away. She's a grown woman. She can take care of herself, as she's made clear to Naruto numerous times. Yet, my feet stay where they are.
"I'm not a lightweight," she says, head still down, sensing that my presence remains.
"I'd hope you're not. Based on the empty glasses in front of you, you shouldn't be able to make a coherent thought."
A muffled groan. "What are you even doing here anyway?"
"I'm meeting someone."
"And just so happen to stop by where I am of all places?"
"Our paths have crossed a lot in the span of a week. It's hardly surprising at this point."
"Careful, Mr. Uchiha. I might think you're purposefully seeking me out." She lifts her head and straightens, attempting to lighten up.
I scoff. "I thought you accused me of being egotistical."
"Did I?" Feigning ignorance now, is she?
"You may have. Considering how our meetings usually go."
Amused at the absurdity of the situation, I sense a sliver of a smile from her. "Well, since you're here, might as well take a seat. I'm going to need the company after the conversation I just had."
I frown. Who was she here with? She's sitting alone. Whoever it was is long gone.
But supposedly, my grandfather is supposedly supposed to be here soon. There are too many coincidences. I don't trust coincidences.
Questions regarding our meetings arise in my mind. I'd accused the universe momentarily, but with Madara Uchiha's influence, the universe could merely be him and his machinations.
"My godmother." Miss Haruno voice breaks me out of my own thoughts. I see an attempt of a smile, but that only makes her inner turmoil more obvious.
This is new. Even at the face of unemployment and corporate embarrassment via indecent email, she was steadfast, albeit embarrassed. But even in embarrassment, she kept going and didn't let that hinder her. This side of her, this uncertainty, it's odd.
I remind myself I hardly know this woman. Perhaps what she's presented in front of me thus far has been nothing but a mask. It's hardly uncommon. People wear masks all the time. It was clear even yesterday. Despite it being a personal affair, people attended a wedding to make connections.
But with Miss Haruno here, something is clearly amiss.
"I assume it wasn't a pleasant conversation," is all I can say. I don't move from where I stand. My hands find my pants pockets as I watch her turn from her seat, her body facing me.
"It wasn't what I expected. Let's just say that."
Glancing at the empty glasses the bartender is now taking away, I notice her lack of incoherency. "You don't seem to be drunk."
"I wasn't planning on it."
"I don't think you're the type to plan out your inebriation." Case in point, the infamous email.
She rolls her eyes. "No comment."
"You like to deflect."
"And you don't?" Sakura laughs. "If anything, you're the master at it."
"Kind of have to be in this business."
There's a pause.
She bites her bottom lip as if she's debating how to broach her next choice of words. Again, it's unlike the Sakura Haruno I've encountered thus far. This hesitance, this indecisiveness. "Hypothetically speaking, what would happen if I were to quit?"
Of the things I'd expected her to possibly say, this was not an option. I've come to think of this woman as unpredictable, but based on the lengths she went to get her job back, quitting after that sounds absurd.
Judging from her dejection, she feels the same.
"Hypothetically," I repeat.
"Yes."
"Considering what had to be done for you to get reinstated and then promoted, I'd be displeased," I say, studying her features to gauge her thoughts.
"Right."
"What exactly is happening, Ms. Haruno?"
"Family stuff."
A simple answer. An understandable answer on surface level. But vague. Personal enough to warrant others to be wary of asking more questions. A shield of some sorts.
I check my watch. My family should be arriving soon, but I can't seem to step away. Instead, I take the empty seat next to her, opting to get answers. "Since you've asked me a few questions, I'd like to ask some, as well."
She seems surprised by my taking a seat, a delayed acceptance of her offer minutes ago.
"It's only fair, I guess."
"I'll be frank. I had no intention of getting you rehired until we investigated further."
"I know that."
"And upon investigation, we found your previous superior violated an astounding number of company guidelines. But there's one thing in both his and your file that caught my attention." She tilts her head, curious. Leaning forward, I ask for the confirmation I've been wanting. "You said you've never met another Uchiha apart from me, correct?"
"Yeah?" She's clearly confused.
"But your employee file stated that you're hiring was personally accepted by my grandfather."
A series of emotions pass through her face. From confusion to shock to deep in thought and, finally, realization. Something dawns on her, bringing anger to the forefront before she stands up and grabs her bag. "I need to leave."
It's instinctual. The urgency in her actions matched in mine. My hand reaches out before I could think and finds it around her wrist as she attempts to walk away. My shock matches hers, but I don't remove my hold.
Her reaction to what I told her only makes this situation more suspicious. Had she lied?
I stand. "You haven't met my grandfather?"
Miss Haruno lets out an aggravated breath as she rubs her forehead. "I haven't."
"Then what warranted that reaction earlier?" My voice lowers to a harsh whisper, aware we're still in public.
Irritation comes off her in waves. "You honestly think I'd lie about that?"
"Truthfully, I don't know what to think when my own godmother drops a bombshell on me right before you get here."
I let go of her wrist and rest my hand on the bar table, leaning in closer to speak in a whisper. "And what does that have to do with anything?"
She scoffs. "Trust me. Based on what you just told me, everything."
"Elusiveness doesn't suit you, Ms. Haruno."
"And pompousness doesn't suit you either, Mr. Uchiha."
We stare each other down. She's not willing to divulge any more than she already has, and I'm not willing to let her go without an explanation on her sudden need to leave. Whatever she knows, it appears to be pertinent information that involved the Uchiha, as well.
"Sasuke, dear?"
I still, recognizing that voice from anywhere.
Not here. Not now.
I've forgotten the very reason I'm here to begin with, and now, that mistake is coming in to bite me in the ass.
I look away from Ms. Haruno to the very interested stare of my mother flitting between me and the woman seated in front of me, a smile on her lips.
"Mother," I regard her cautiously, fully aware of the picture Ms. Haruno and I must paint with me this close to her. I move away from Ms. Haruno, creating some space in between us to see that my father is standing right behind my mother, arms folded with a curious look in his eye. "Father."
"So formal. You'd think I was a stranger with the way you talk." My mother shakes her head disapprovingly before walking closer, taking note of the woman seated before me. "And who might this be?"
I sigh.
Sakura takes this moment to stand. "I'm sorry. I was just leaving."
My mother waves it off. "No need to hurry! It's not every day I meet one of Sasuke's friends." She says the last word with a raise of her brow, the insinuation in her tone not lost on me.
"Oh, we're not friends," Sakura says, laughing in a way that only makes us seem more suspicious to the keen eyes of my mother.
Rubbing a hand on my forehead, I assess my choices. I could do nothing, and let Ms. Haruno leave, but that would only allow her to avoid answering my questions. I could leave with her and miss my chance of confronting grandfather. Or I could let my mother continue overtaking this situation, and she would no doubt manage to strong arm the woman into staying for the luncheon with grandfather.
I don't get to choose, though. Because in walks Madara Uchiha, eyes set in interest on the pink haired woman then at me. I can't read him. He shows no sign of emotion, in discontent on a stranger seemingly, possible joining our family lunch nor in the opposite.
"Grandfather," I say in greeting, and Sakura freezes.
It's an odd reaction over a man she supposedly has never met before.
"Grandson," he says. "I see you've brought a guest."
"She was just leaving."
"Nonsense." He smirks, the first sign that he has something on his sleeve. "It's not wrong to want your fiancé to meet the family."
My mother gasps, and I'm just about to deny that ridiculous statement, but I don't. Instead, my eyes focus on how still Ms. Haruno has gotten. Her earlier words come back to me.
"Hypothetically speaking, what would happen if I were to quit?"
"What exactly is happening, Ms. Haruno?"
"Family stuff."
"I don't know what to think when my own godmother drops a bombshell on me right before you get here!"
"Fiancé?" My mother parrots, elation in her voice. "Sasuke! Why haven't you said anything? Why does your grandfather know before me?"
Before I could refute anything, my grandfather speaks. "It's something I've been discussing with her godmother. I wasn't aware they were being secretive about it."
Her godmother?
Sakura's mouth is slightly ajar, and she looks as if to be on the verge of a panic attack. Instinctively, I place a hand on her back.
My father asks the question on my mind.
"Who's her godmother?"
One name.
One name, and it all begins to make sense.
"Tsunade Senju."
I stare at Ms. Haruno, stunned at the information, and she looks back at me in a way that I didn't expect.
Gone is the confidence I'm used to regarding her.
Gone is the previous uncertainty.
All that remains in her eyes is fear.