AN:I'm reposting at my own leisure. I really don't feel like explaining what this story will be about once again. Just know that it centers around the friendship between Sakura and Hinata. These two are the primary focus and it will be a story of how they developed an unbreakable bond. Yes, there is a M/M pairing but its purpose is to drive the plot and produce a ton of drama within the families. Their romance will be noted, but it won't be overtaking the story. So if you're not about that don't bother reading, otherwise, enjoy.

8/10/24 I have gone in and refined the shit out this story in preparation to fucking finish lol!

ch1

Sakura furrowed her brow in concentration as she fastened a gold clip into her hair, carefully arranging her fringe to subtly frame her broad forehead. For two painstaking hours, she had artfully wound her delicate locs around a curling iron, creating voluptuous, pinkish-red curls that dangled like twists of strawberry licorice. As she peered into the mirror, Sakura combed her fingers through her hair, watching the curls cascade beautifully over her shoulders. Though the style was attractive, it wasn't quite right for the evening's aesthetic; with a resigned sigh, she flung open the bathroom drawer in search of more bobby pins, considering an elegant updo as a potential remedy.

The notion of celebrating New Year's a week late struck Sakura as unusual, yet she had learned to expect the unexpected with Sasuke. They were in Germany, in the picturesque town of Meissen, where Sasuke had purchased a hilltop house boasting spectacular views of the winding river, bustling shops, and the iconic Meissen Castle. Sasuke's thriving agency afforded them multiple vacation homes, which he frequented during his business travels. Sakura seldom joined him on these trips, making their current locale an intriguing novelty. Despite nearly two decades of marriage, she could count their leisure trips on one hand—a stark reflection of their usual routines.

Reaching for the hairspray, Sakura misted her hair and pondered the true reason for their trip. It was unlike Sasuke to act impulsively. Perhaps tonight's dinner was to mark a significant new business deal—a more likely scenario than a spontaneous celebration.

Turning her attention back to her reflection, Sakura skillfully twisted her hair into a chic, round bun, the epitome of modern elegance. She then slipped into her dress, a stunning Lagerfeld creation in rose gold silk that hugged her form, highlighting the physique she meticulously maintained. At 43, she knew she still turned heads, though Sasuke's compliments were typically non-verbal—subtle grunts, nods, or the occasional knowing smirk.

Sasuke's preference for lavish gifts often compensated for his sparse words. As Sakura smoothed the luxurious fabric over her curves, she reflected on their college days when she first met him. Sasuke had exuded a cool stoicism from the start, a challenge that Sakura, ever the optimist and romantic, had eagerly accepted. She was determined to break through his icy exterior, convinced that his aloofness was merely a facade.

For four years, she wove herself into Sasuke's life, integrating into his social circles, engaging in his extracurricular activities, and showing a keen interest in his passions. There was even a fleeting thought of switching her major to business administration to share more classes with him. By junior year, Sasuke had begun to warm to her constant presence, responding to her bold comments with smirks rather than scorn, inviting her to study sessions and social events. He even started offering relationship advice after her numerous breakups.

By senior year, their relationship had blossomed into a solid friendship, marked by weekly coffee dates that stretched into long conversations. Reflecting on those years, Sakura recognized her near-obsession with him, but it had borne fruit—after graduation, Sasuke had invited her on an official date and soon suggested they start a relationship. A year of dating led to an engagement, and now, years later, they were successful and—content.

Contentment wasn't inherently negative; rather, it was Sakura's quiet acknowledgement of the predictable rhythm her life had assumed. Sasuke, fresh out of college, had thrown himself into an ambitious venture he'd been planning with his best friend during their senior year—a private company that developed specialized agents tasked with rescuing individuals from illegal services and organizations. It took them three years of relentless effort to establish the company as an independent sub-governmental entity. Their partnership with federal authorities catapulted them into high-stakes operations, from infiltrating gang organizations on the West Coast to international missions aimed at dismantling terrorist groups and liberating victims of the sex trade.

Sasuke's presence became increasingly rare at home. His commitments whisked him around the globe, recruiting agents and saving lives, leaving little room for his roles as a husband and father. The strain was palpable, and there were numerous times Sakura felt the urge to end their marriage. Yet, Sasuke had once confided in her that he chose her because he believed she would be the one to endure the tough times. And in truth, she did stay, emulating the enduring partnership her parents had modeled for her. In her eyes, family meant sticking together, no matter the challenges.

As the years passed, Sakura gradually came to terms with Sasuke's sporadic presence, which shifted her life from one of constant heartache to one of stoic acceptance. From the moment of her birth, their daughter had grown accustomed to her father's absence, developing a subdued expectation of men. The flicker of resentment in her eyes whenever Sasuke returned was undeniable, yet Sakura valued their unity above all. She considered it her duty to provide stability for Sasuke, whose professional life was anything but.

Their marriage, while stable, noticeably lacked passion—Sasuke was not one for affectionate displays, and their intimacy felt frustratingly regimented. Nonetheless, Sakura counted her blessings: a comfortable life, a beautiful daughter, and a lovely home in the States, all of which testified to Sasuke's love, manifesting not through words but through the security and comfort he provided. Committed to her role, Sakura endeavored daily to be the supportive wife she vowed to be, setting aside her grievances.

After finishing her modest makeup routine, Sakura left the bathroom and headed to the kitchen. She snatched the oven mitts from the counter and swung open the oven door. "This shit better be ready," she muttered under her breath as she carefully pulled the pan forward. She hoisted the dish onto the stovetop, the enticing aroma enveloping the room instantly. Closing her eyes, Sakura inhaled deeply, letting the rich, savory scents saturate her senses.

"What have you prepared for our guests tonight?" Sasuke inquired, standing near the island in the center of the kitchen.

"Pot roast," Sakura responded, plucking a potato from the gravy and popping it into her mouth.

"Good choice," he remarked with a smirk, moving towards the cabinets by the refrigerator to gather porcelain plates and wine glasses.

Sakura, meanwhile, sliced down the center of the roast with a knife she'd grabbed from near the sink. "Hmm, I think this needs to stay in the oven a bit longer. It's still a bit too rare for my liking." She glanced over at Sasuke, her eyes tracing the contours of his muscles as they flexed beneath his crisp white dress shirt. Her gaze lingered appreciatively on his form, particularly how the navy-blue dress pants accentuated his firm backside. A flicker of desire stirred within her, but she quickly stifled it, knowing from experience that any advances might be gently rebuffed. Instead, she complimented his attire, to which he responded with a nod and returned the compliment.

Despite the exchange, a twinge of disappointment nagged at her.

The vibration of a cell phone interrupted the moment. Sasuke retrieved his phone from his back pocket, checking the screen. "Our guests will be here shortly," he announced.

Sakura's eyebrows arched in surprise. "And who exactly are we expecting tonight?"

"You'll see when they arrive," he replied cryptically, starting to arrange the dishes on the dining table.

Sakura eyed him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. It was unlike Sasuke to keep secrets, even trivial ones like the identity of their dinner guests.

"What?" Sasuke caught her gaze, his own eyes narrowing slightly.

"It's nothing, I suppose," Sakura sighed, crossing her arms and leaning against the dining room entryway. "I'm just curious about the mysterious nature of our guests tonight. I hope it's not someone... unsavory."

"No," he chuckled, meeting her gaze with an expression that flickered momentarily with sadness before settling back into stoicism. "I would never expose you or our daughter to anyone dangerous. The last thing I need is for every nefarious individual on the globe to know who my family is."

Sakura blushed and nodded, reassured yet still slightly unnerved. "Well, that's reassuring."

"You look truly lovely tonight, Sakura," Sasuke said, his tone unusually tender, and she detected a softness in his eyes that was rare and fleeting.

"Is everything alright, Sasuke?" she asked, stepping forward. "This trip, the dinner, the surprise guests—it all feels a bit out of the ordinary. It seems like there might be more going on here, like there's something you're not telling me."

Sasuke gestured for her to come closer, and she hesitated before accepting his outstretched hand. As she approached, he drew her in close, his hands gently grasping hers as he steadied her with a hand at her waist. "Sakura," he began softly, "I need you to understand how deeply I value you. You are an incredible woman—intelligent, beautiful, witty, and an amazing mother. The life we've built together, the stability and peace you've given me—I couldn't have found that with anyone else. You are more than I ever deserved."

Overwhelmed, Sakura felt tears well up in her eyes as Sasuke continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I regret not expressing this more often. You deserve to hear it every day."

As he wiped a tear from her cheek and replaced it with a gentle kiss, Sakura realized the depth of her feelings for him, reignited by his heartfelt words. Yet, as she studied his face, she sensed an underlying worry that seemed to shadow his recent expressions of affection.

"Sasuke, is there something wrong?" she pressed, concern creasing her brow. His brief look of alarm did little to assuage her fears. Could his perilous job have finally caught up to them? Was their family under threat?

"Sakura, I—" Sasuke began, his voice strained with urgency, but he was abruptly cut off by the persistent ringing of the doorbell. The sudden interruption seemed to magnify the tension in the air, and for a moment, both remained motionless, caught in the gravity of the unspoken.

The pink-haired woman glanced back towards the door and then at her husband, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and amusement. "Of course, this would happen now," she shook her head, a wry smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Yeah," Sasuke exhaled deeply, his fingers threading through his dark hair in a gesture of frustration mingled with resignation.

"How about we save this conversation for later," Sakura suggested, her voice a blend of warmth and resolve. Sasuke met her gaze and nodded, the weight of their interrupted moment lingering between them. "Now let's go see who these mystery visitors are." She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, grounding him with her touch as they moved together towards the door.

With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, Sakura swung the door open and immediately her expression transformed from apprehension to sheer delight. A laugh escaped her as she laid eyes on none other than Naruto Uzumaki, her husband's best friend, and his wife Hinata standing on their doorstep, their familiar faces a welcome sight.