Month 7
And thus began the deliberate, slow seduction of Lady Sakura. Sasuke found that he didn't need to summon any special motivation—his attraction to her had always been potent, a temptation he'd fought hard to ignore. Now, though, his biggest challenge was timing. She'd kept a certain distance these last weeks, leaving him unsure how to close the gap without overstepping.
One evening, he finally managed to secure a private moment as they ride an elevator up 300 floors to a rooftop fundraising event. Security hesitated, but he instructed them to take the next car, leaving the two of them alone. As they ascend, he steps closer, easing her back against the wall and slipping his hand under the slit of her dress. She looks scandalized, cheeks pink and eyes wide. "My lord, what—what are you doing?" she whispers.
But she didn't stop him. His fingers traced a path up her inner thigh until they met her damp warmth. He grazed her sensitive spot with two fingers, then withdrew, maintaining steady eye contact as he slowly brought his fingers to his mouth, tasting her essence with deliberate intent.
Her soft gasp filled the elevator, her eyes darkening with desire as she shuddered slightly, barely holding herself together. He offerred her a smirk before returning to his position in the center of the elevator, waiting for her to recover.
When she stepped beside him, her gaze fixed straight ahead, he caught the tightness in her jaw. "That was… uncalled for," she mutters, teeth clenched.
He raised a brow, voice smooth. "You could have stopped me." The doors opened, and he enjoyed the simmering tension between them as she moved forward, still bristling, but undeniably affected.
The second time he did this, he waited just outside their bathroom, anticipation simmering as he heard her footsteps approach. The moment she stepped out, he moved in, pressing her back gently against the wall. Taking her wrists, he pinned them softly, leaning in to plant a featherlight kiss in the curve of her neck. She blinked, visibly confused and breathless. "What—" she began, but he silenced her with a playful nip just below her ear.
He felt her melt against him as he trailed soft, languid kisses along her clavicle, up her neck, and just to the corner of her mouth, stopping just shy of her lips. He paused there, savoring her barely-contained anticipation, before he abruptly pulled away.
When she opened her eyes, they were blazing with indignation, cheeks flushed. He knew she was feeling that raw ache —and he met her glare with the barest hint of a smirk, ensuring she caught it before he retreating to the bathroom, leaving her alone in the hallway, his footsteps fading as he prepared for a decidedly cold shower.
One rare morning when their schedules aligned, as Sakura stood in her robe before the vanity mirror, applying her skincare, Sasuke moved in close behind her, catching her by surprise as he wrapped an arm around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. Only his eyes peek up at her reflection, meeting her suspicious gaze in the mirror.
Slowly, deliberately, he slid his hand inside the V of her robe, cupping her breast in his palm. It fit perfectly, soft and warm, and he was pleased to see her eyes widen in shock. After a gentle squeeze, he let go and stepped back, already halfway to the door when he heard her voice.
Her tone was unmistakably furious. "What exactly is this, Your Majesty?" she asked, flushed but grim.
He stayed silent and enjoyed her beautiful, infuriated countenance.
He didn't expect her face to crumble slightly, and was surprised by the swiftness with which she arranged her features into a cold mask. "Is this because of what I said the other night? About you being gay or asexual? Are you – what are you "teaching me a lesson?" That last part in air quotes.
"What?" he asks, completely caught off guard, and couldn't help but sound as flabbergasted as he was.
His surprise must not have been as apparent, because she was still looking at him just as fiercely, but now there were actual tears in her eyes.
Sasuke started panicking immediately.
"I'm sorry if I offended you," she told him, sounding watery and looking absolutely miserable. "but I was drunk, and didn't think you'd be so vindictive. If I repulse you that much, you don't need to make a point of it. Just… stop."
He was so bowled over by her misunderstanding of his intentions that he couldn't even stop her before she locked herself in the bathroom again.
By the time he pulled himself together, Neji was already at the door with a never ending list of appointments.
When he returned that night, Sakura was already bundled in blankets, clearly pretending to be asleep, likely to avoid him. He sighed and sat down beside her on the bed. "Sakura. Get up. We need to talk." It was almost ironic, given that talking had always been something he was terrible at.
She didn't respond, but he could tell she was awake—her breathing was too controlled, too even. She lay on her side, her hair partially covering her face. Without thinking, he reached out to brush it back, only for her to swat his hand away.
He sighed, feeling the full weight of his mistakes. He wished there were easier ways to apologize, especially to her.
"My Lady—"
"Please, just leave me alone, Your Majesty," she muttered, her tone sharp but tinged with tiredness.
He clenched his jaw, unable to think of anything else to do, so as always, he went to his choice of oblivion - work. But as he opened his laptop, drew a breath to concentrate, he found that he couldn't. Instead, he found himself browsing the internet, looking at cliched searches on "how to make up with your wife" and "aries women" and eventually found himself going down a rabit hole of research on Sakura, the Queen of Nippon Koku, clicking through article after article on her - her charity ventures, her most recent public appearances, and what she'd been up to.
By the time he managed to pull himself away, she was genuinely asleep and he's missed another opportunity.
Sasuke was used to waking up before Sakura, so he was taken aback to find her side of the bed empty. Her sheets were cold, meaning she'd been up for a while. He checked his phone, momentarily alarmed, but it was only 5 a.m. and he still had an hour before he needed to be up. Confused, he thought she'd be somewhere in the apartment, but after checking the bathroom, lounge, and the small kitchen, she was nowhere to be found.
A hint of panic flickered through him as he opened his calendar and pulled up hers (he'd synced them a while back), but she had no early appointments. His stomach sank as he threw open the bedroom door and found Tayuya and Kidoumaru on duty. His voice came out tight and curt, "Where is she?"
The guards exchanged a quick, unreadable glance before Tayuya replied, "Uh, she told Kimimaro-senpai she wanted to go home."
"...Home?" he echoed, thrown.
They looked at him like he'd missed something obvious. Tayuya clarified, "Yeah—as in, her parents' house?"
Sasuke felt a hollow ache in his chest as he stepped back into the room. Logically, he knew she hadn't left him for good, but the realization that she'd felt the need to take a break from him stung. Numbly, he checked her calendar again and saw how deliberately she'd cleared her morning. He considered calling her assistant but saw the ungodly hour and thought better of it.
Resigned, he made himself a coffee, silently berating himself for having driven her to this point. The memory of his clumsy "seduction" tactics made him cringe. Trying to see things from her perspective, he wondered how he would feel if she suddenly started behaving like he had. He would probably feel frustrated and abandoned too.
When he arrived at his private office, he summoned Neji inside. "What's absolutely essential today?" he asked, tone uncharacteristically restrained.
Neji raised a curious brow but dutifully listed four essential meetings.
"Reschedule these two," Sasuke instructed, clearing his afternoon. Then he drafted a quick email to security, informing them he'd be spending the afternoon at his in-laws' home and to prepare a minimal, unobtrusive detail accordingly.
Sakura sat in her parents' home, a place she'd rarely visited since her wedding. This morning, waking up feeling drained and defeated, she'd craved the comfort of familiar surroundings. She left Sasuke asleep, emailed Temari to reconstruct her schedule, canceled all her appointments, and requested Kimimaro to escort her to her parents. Although he hesitated, her exhausted expression must have convinced him to agree.
Now, she sat in the cozy living room, listening to Ino enthusiastically introduce her boyfriend, Sai. Sai was the artist she'd dated in France but had broken up with; apparently, he couldn't forget her, so he'd traveled all the way to Japan to rekindle their relationship.
"Isn't that romantic, Forehead!" Ino glowed, delighted by the reunion, while Sakura offered a soft smile, happy for her friend yet a little skeptical of Sai, whose overly perfect smile seemed insincere.
In the kitchen, her parents were bustling around with lunch. "What would you like to eat, Sakura?" her mother had asked. Without thinking, she'd replied, "Onigiri with tomatoes." Both parents had looked at her, surprised—Sakura had never liked tomatoes. She quickly realized her mistake; Sasuke loved them. Despite her anger at him, she missed him terribly, which only deepened her frustration. In a way, she thought wryly, she was punishing herself. Maybe a bit of distance was what she needed.
As Sai excused himself to the bathroom, Sakura and Ino finally had a moment alone. Sensing her friend's mood, Ino tilted her head. "So, what's up with Sai? Why the suspicious look?"
Sakura shrugged, glancing in the direction of the bathroom. "Nothing. I guess I just don't know him well, yet."
Ino raised an eyebrow, then looked at Sakura carefully. "Actually…why do you look so miserable?"
Sakura scoffed.
"Trouble in paradise?" Ino guessed.
"What paradise?" Sakura's voice held a bitter edge, and Ino's eyes softened.
"Guess he's being an idiot?"
Sakura said nothing, not wanting to badmouth him, but inwardly couldn't helo but agree.
Around midday, the sound of cars outside drew everyone's attention. Peering through the window, Sakura's stomach dropped as she assumed she was being summoned back to the palace for some overlooked protocol. But to her shock, she saw Sasuke stepping out of a Mercedes, flanked by his ever-loyal Team Hebi. Everyone fell silent, wide-eyed, until the doorbell rang, and her parents scrambled to open it. Ino stayed by Sakura's side, her surprised smile tinged with amusement.
Sasuke entered and met Sakura's gaze, steady and calm, his expression a blend of gentleness and determination. She narrowed her eyes, wary of his intentions, while he held her gaze, unflinching.
Just then, Sai reentered the room, oblivious to royal protocol. Being from France, he hadn't grown up caring for royalty, nor did he show much interest in respecting it now.
An awkward silence hung in the air as Sai turned to Sasuke. "Ah, more royalty," he said with a cool smile. "In France, we're more familiar with the concept's history of decline. You must understand, of course."
Sasuke's expression didn't change, though his voice grew firmer. "Perhaps we simply appreciate tradition more here," he replied.
Sai's smile didn't falter, but there was a sharp edge in his tone as he continued, "Interesting. In France, we learned our lesson. History taught us that no title or position should be beyond question."
Sasuke's expression remained calm, though his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. "Perhaps. But history also taught us that structure and duty keep a society strong."
Sai tilted his head, his tone feigned innocent. "And yet, that same structure can trap those who don't fit its mold. Tell me, does your position feel like a privilege or a cage?"
Sasuke's jaw tightened briefly before he answered, his voice unwavering. "That's the difference between duty and indulgence. Some of us choose responsibility over freedom."
Sai leaned back slightly, a mocking smirk still in place. "And some choose freedom over the weight of duty. It's... liberating, don't you think?"
Before Sasuke could respond, Ino cut in with a bright, forced laugh, giving Sai a little nudge. "Sai, honey, remember we're here as guests, right?"
Sai inclined his head, conceding gracefully, though his eyes still sparkled with mischief. "Of course. Forgive me, Your Majesty. Sometimes, old habits die hard." He offered a small bow, though Sakura noticed the lingering challenge in his expression.
Sasuke nodded curtly, his posture never wavering. "No offense taken. After all, every country has its own lessons to learn."
The exchange hung in the air, laced with tension, until Ino redirected everyone's attention to lunch, subtly tugging Sai's arm with a slight shake of her head. The thin veneer of politeness barely contained Sai's provocations, and Sakura couldn't help but feel a reluctant amusement at the verbal sparring. Yet, beneath it all, she saw Sasuke's stoic composure as something deeper—a reminder of the complex man she'd married.
It was Sasuke's first time in Sakura's parents' home, and he was uncharacteristically flustered as they welcomed him inside. Sakura's mother was kind, with a warm demeanor that immediately put him slightly at ease, while her father, jovial and somewhat unfiltered, seemed to wear his thoughts as openly as he expressed them. It didn't take Sasuke long to realize where Sakura got her habit of blunt honesty.
The interaction with Sai, however, left a sour taste. Sasuke did his best to brush it off, grateful at least to have met Ino—Sakura's closest friend, who he'd seen at their wedding but had never spoken with directly. He didn't expect her to catch him alone by the kitchen sink as he was washing his hands before lunch, with everyone else already seated at the table.
Ino regarded him with narrowed eyes, her mouth set in a firm, unimpressed line. "Listen, 'Your Majesty,' or whatever," she started, voice laced with a sternness he rarely encountered. "I don't know what's happened, but you've clearly hurt my friend's feelings."
Before he could reply, she raised her hand, effectively silencing him. He noted the gesture with a small flicker of amusement—Naruto did the same thing. "I don't know what you did because she won't say a word against you," she continued, "but whatever it is, you'd better start fixing it."
"Or what?" he asked, challenging her, though a small smile tugged at his lips.
"Or," she replied, smirking and lifting her chin in defiance, "I'll sic my boyfriend on you." She knew exactly how Sai's disdain for monarchies and his pointed commentary on France's fall from aristocracy had irked Sasuke.
With that, she marched off, leaving Sasuke both humbled and amused—very few people had ever dared to speak to him with such boldness, save perhaps Naruto. And in that moment, he gained a grudging respect for Ino, understanding just a bit better why Sakura valued her so much.
At the dining table, Sasuke was guided to the seat at the head, a spot that felt both foreign and significant in Sakura's family home. The table was filled with homemade dishes, each one radiating a warmth that was distinctly different from the lavish feasts at the palace. But what caught his eye immediately was the tomato onigiri. On instinct, he glanced at Sakura, who was now avoiding his gaze, her expression an unreadable mix of embarrassment and irritation. He remembered the time she'd made him onigiri all those months ago, and without a second thought, he served himself a piece.
After lunch, the family scattered—Sakura's parents went to prepare tea, Ino was busy seeing Sai off, and he realized that Sakura had slipped away upstairs. Gathering his resolve, he followed and found her sitting quietly in what he guessed was her childhood bedroom.
She glanced over her shoulder briefly as he entered, then turned back to the window, saying nothing. Taking this as permission to stay, Sasuke closed the door and sat on the edge of her bed, feeling a wave of familiarity wash over him. The room was undeniably hers, from the small collection of books to the comforting layers of textures and herbs in every corner, radiating that effortless warmth she always seemed to carry with her.
They sat in silence, tension lingering thickly in the air. Sasuke's desperation grew as he struggled with the weight of all the things he'd left unsaid, with how clumsily he'd handled things between them. After a moment, he finally spoke, his voice low and uncharacteristically soft. "Sakura… I'm not good at this. At us."
She didn't respond, but he could feel the resentment simmering between them. Taking a steadying breath, he continued, carefully choosing his words, each one laced with frustration and regret. "But that doesn't mean I don't want to be better."
Her fingers tightened around the edge of the blanker, and he noticed the faint tremor in her shoulders. Gently, he reached out, resting a tentative hand on her shoulder. "I know I've been distant," he admitted. "Confused, maybe. But I didn't mean to hurt you."
Her silence was heavy, and he could hear her breathing, fragile and hitched, still colored with anger. Then, slowly, she turned to face him, her gaze meeting his with a vulnerability he hadn't expected.
"If you're really trying to be better, Sasuke," she murmured, her voice raw yet resolute, "then stop holding me at arm's length. Stop acting like I'm something you have to endure."
Her words cut into him, each one dismantling his carefully built walls. He took a deep breath, grounding himself before answering. "I don't want to endure you," he whispered, a rare honesty threading his voice. "I want to understand you. To… be there for you." He swallowed, his gaze steady on hers. "But I need your help, Sakura. Because… I don't know how."
For the first time, her expression softened, her defenses lowering just slightly. She gave him a faint nod, and he felt a sense of relief bloom, like a knot finally beginning to unravel. They didn't have all the answers, not yet. But as they sat together in the quiet, her hand finally reaching out to clasp his, he knew they'd taken the first step toward finding them—together.
After tearful goodbyes with Ino and her parents, Sakura returned to the palace with him, and he was pleasantly surprised—but not entirely shocked—when she slipped her hand into his in the car, holding on tightly. A light, almost buoyant feeling bloomed in his chest, and the spot where her hand touched his felt like it was sparking with electric tingles, spreading through him in a quiet hum. He was acutely aware of her, of the quiet, charged anticipation thickening the air between them.
When they finally reached their apartment, he let her go in first, taking a steadying breath before following her inside. Today, he felt none of the hesitation or wariness that had haunted him during their first encounter. Instead, he was filled with an overwhelming need to be with her in every possible way.
He followed her into the bedroom, where they finally turned to face each other. Their eyes met, and the air practically crackled with tension. In the same breath, they both reached out—whether it was his hand finding her waist first or her fingers clutching his collar, he couldn't say. All he knew was that the next second, his mouth was on hers, the kiss urgent and hungry, his lips moving against hers in a desperate need for more, more, more.
He took his time savoring her lips, sucking gently on her bottom one before pressing past the seam of her mouth to explore deeper. She tasted like mint, sweet and fresh, and he found himself savoring her tongue, his body stirring, desire building steadily within him. She matched his urgency, kissing him feverishly, her hands tangling in his hair, her head tilting this way and that for better purchase, exploring his mouth with an intensity that spoke of long-held longing—as if she'd been dreaming of this for ages. Maybe she had.
He found his hands traveling south, untucking her blouse from her skirt, slipping his hand inside, exploring the curve of her hip, the flat of her stomach, the arch of her back, and finally settling on her breast; round, perfect, and perky under her bra. She gasped as he flicked his thumb over her nipple and her hips bucked into him lightly, wanting for friction. Desperately, he pushed her onto the bed, climbing over her in one smooth motion, not at all minding as her hands started unbuttoning his shirt immediately. In turn, he pulled her blouse over her head and she was all too keen to help him. There wasn't an ounce of self-conciousness in her today as she locked eyes with him, almost daring him to unhook her bra - a sheer, lace thing that made his mouth water.
He was impressed at her audacity today, but he also wanted to tease, so instead of giving her what she wanted, he pushed her back into the mattress, then took her mouth in a slow, sensually deliberate kiss. It was as lengthy as it was exploring, and he ground his hips into hers as he explored her mouth deeper. When he pulled back, her eyes were hazy with lust. She surprised him by pushing him away, but it was only to change positions. She slid off his shirt, which she'd somehow managed to unbutton, then straddled him, letting her hands roam over his chest, exploring every dip, every hard surface as she leaned down and pressed a hot kiss into the crook of his neck. Sasuke felt like his entire being was pure sensation as she unhooked his belt, brining her mouth to his ear, grinding into him, she whispered, "Your Majesty - I really, really want to ride you."
He inhaled sharply, impossibly turned on than ever as she nipped at his ear lobe.
"Fuck," he said, now bucking his hips upwards, highly aware that his dick was pushing into her clothed pussy. God, he wanted to fuck that pussy. He was desperate for more, gently caressing her thighs, he ran his hands up her waist and found the hook of her bra. He was lucky enough to snap it open in one go, and breathed heavily as the fabric fell off, revealing pink, puckered nipples and perky, perfectly sized breasts. He took one in his mouth, rolling his hips into her, dick harder than ever. She moaned, pressing herself into him, keening slightly as he rolled his tongue over her nipple, sucking the aereola until it was hard as a pebble, then let go with a pop. Through the haze of lust, he appreciated her turned on face, eyes closed, enjoying his touch, bucking and grinding into him, hair still tied back, wispy tendrils framing her face as she moaned, wanton and lovely. Unable to take it anymore, he pivoted her sideways into the mattress, took off his slacks and boxers in controlled, efficient motions before hooking her skirt away, nudging her legs wide open and enjoying her completely naked form for a single moment before positioning himself at the seam of her pussy.
He saw as her breath hitched in anticipation, as her hands came to her breasts, caressing in expectation of his intrusion. He leaned down, teasing her entrance with the tip of his dick and enjoyed as she whimpered her outrage when he pulled away.
"Please, please," she begged, arms reaching out to pull him in, hips bucking forward, looking for friction and purchase, and the whole licentious sight of it sent him in a complete tailspin of desire. He positioned himself at her entrance once more, took a deep breath and thrust inside her, balls deep, in one, smooth, fluid motion. Beneath him, she gasped loudly, the full force of his entry taking her by surprise. "Oh," she gasped, taking a moment to settle and closed her eyes, pulling his face in for a kiss, weaving her fingers in his hair, hooking her legs around his waist and pulling herself up so that he could reach even deeper.
"Fuck," he gasped as she tightened her pussy around his dick and ground into him in a slow, circular motion, making him feel as if his entire being was drowning in a quicksand of desire. Unable to hold himself back anymore, he grit his teeth, pulled out and fucked into her again with so much force she actually shifted under him - but it wasn't enough, no, he did it again, then again, again, again until his mind, body and soul were just a triptych of insatiable, electrifying, carnal desire. She took his thrusts in tandem, gasping and moaning a steady rhythm of, "Ah, ah, ahhh, ahhh, mhh," that triggered something raw and volatile in him.
He found himself pulling out of her slickness only to roughly turn her on her back, pulling her ass towads him until he could see her slick, glistening pussy again, and thrust himself inside her one more time. The change in position must have triggered something within her, because instead of gentle keening moans, she was now letting out full-blown screams as he pounded into her, fingers fisting into the bedsheets as he roughly pressed his hands in her hips, pressing her to him and holding her in place, teeth gritted with the pleasure of it all, enjoying the sound of his balls slapping against her ass.
"Oh, oh, yes, Sasuk-eee," she keened before burying her face in the pillow, letting out a raw, carnal scream as her pussy tightened against his dick, pulsating with the gentle shudders of her orgasm as he fucked her even harder - again, again, again, until the coil in his stomach released, his seed exploded inside her. Breathless and seeing stars behind his eyes, he fell almost on top of her, limp and exhausted. Today, he had no afterthoughts, just a pleasant hum in his mind as he almost instantly drifted off to sleep.
Queen Uchiha Sakura of Nippon Koku was on cloud nine. Drifting into the deep, dreamless comfort of sleep, she nestled under the warm, solid weight of her husband, his steady breathing lulling her further into bliss. But hours later, she woke to an empty bed. Instantly alert, her hand reached over to his side, hoping he was just beyond her reach. But the sheets were cold. Groggy but fully awake, she sat up and flicked on her bedside lamp, squinting around the dim room. It was empty, and her heart sank, immediately flashing back to the first night they'd spent together when she'd woken alone.
Sakura's eyes stung as she frantically glanced around the room again, noticing how it was filled with scattered remnants of the night before—both of their clothes haphazardly tossed, and everything wonderfully out of place. Her gaze landed on his white shirt, somehow still crisp despite their tangled hours together. She picked it up, inhaling the faint, familiar scent of vanilla bean and crisp apples that lingered, feeling an ache of nostalgia. Had he left again? The thought tugged painfully at her heart. Missing him already, she slipped into his shirt, the soft fabric a small comfort, before heading to the bathroom to splash water on her face and brush her teeth.
Returning to the empty bedroom, she sat in the middle of the bed, arms wrapped around her knees, deep in thought, unsure of what to do. That's when the door opened quietly, and Sasuke entered, looking relaxed in a T-shirt and pajama pants, holding a steaming cup of coffee. Relief and irritation warred within her as she met his eyes, but she couldn't help blurting out, "Where did you go?"
He raised an eyebrow, glancing over her appearance—his shirt loose around her frame, her hair tousled. His gaze darkened slightly.
She huffed, feeling her face warm. "Stop looking at me like that!"
"Like what?" he asked, stepping further in and closing the door softly.
"Like—" She stumbled over her words, face flushed. "Just…where did you go?" she pressed, sliding off the bed and standing.
Setting his coffee on the side table, he reached for her hand, his expression softening. "What's wrong?"
A flicker of vulnerability passed over her as she took a steadying breath. "Nothing," she sighed, trying to push down the twinge of worry. "I just…I panicked when I woke up and didn't see you there. I know it's silly. I'm sorry."
He watched her closely, his expression shifting from curiosity to a faint guilt as he understood. "I had some work to catch up on," he explained, gesturing toward his study. "Still do, actually."
"Oh." Embarrassed, she dropped her gaze, her fingers gripping the hem of his shirt. "I'm sorry. I…don't know what I was thinking."
Gently, he reached out and tipped her chin up, surprising her with a soft look. "Don't be," he murmured, and he leaned down, placing a tender kiss on her lips. The warmth of his touch sent tingles through her, leaving her slightly breathless as he pulled back.
She sank onto the edge of the bed, clutching his shirt, heart racing. He sat beside her, letting out a tired sigh. "There's still a mountain of paperwork. I probably won't be back to bed tonight."
She glanced at him, then gave a small smile. "Need any help?"
He raised a brow. "Not unless you can forge my signature."
"Wouldn't that be a trick," she laughed, her tension easing. "I can barely get my own signature right each time."
His eyes flicked to the shirt she wore, a subtle reaction that didn't go unnoticed. She answered his unspoken question easily. "I missed you," she said softly. "I just wanted…to feel close to you." Her confession drew him closer, and he kissed her again, this time more heatedly, without the hesitation she'd grown used to. His hand cradled her cheek as he guided her down, pressing her into the bed, his movements assured, unhindered. She lost herself in the sensation of his hand trailing down her face, the gentle weight of his body, the way he deepened the kiss with growing intensity.
But too soon, he pulled back, his expression filled with reluctant frustration. Duty still called. She sighed, mirroring his disappointment.
Later, she joined him in his study, her laptop balanced on her knees as they worked side by side in the comfortable quiet. When the time came for him to leave, it was a sweet sorrow—because this time, she could send him off with a kiss.
Month 8
Life for Their Royal Highnesses was finally finding a steady rhythm. Days were filled with their respective duties, evenings with shared moments, and late nights with quiet conversations before sleep. Sasuke felt a sense of contentment he hadn't known in a long time, and it fueled him to revive a project he'd set aside almost a year ago now
It dated back to Sakura's interview during the Queen's Raffle, when she'd spoken about bridging the monarchy with the people. Inspired, he had started developing a preliminary business case for a council proposal but had been pulled away by other obligations. Now, watching her tirelessly champion her mental health initiative, launching the pilot program with unrelenting dedication, he felt the same spark again. Seeing how naturally she had embraced her role as queen, his mind ignited with ideas, and he eventually dusted off his original business plan: a one-page outline on fostering direct engagement with the people.
The next step? Getting Naruto's input. They met three days later, Naruto lounging across from Sasuke with the usual stack of paperwork between them. Glancing at him with a knowing smile, Naruto quipped, "You look like you're finally getting some." Characteristically, he waggled his eyebrows, almost lasviciously, making Sasuke bristle as he said, "Or should I say, you're finally giving some?"
"Fuck off," Sasuke told him, almost gracious, and at his continued knowing look, just rolled his eyes and slid the printed proposal across the desk. "Not now, Dead Last. Just look at it."
Naruto skimmed the document, his brows drawing together thoughtfully. "Interesting," he said, nodding. Recalling Sakura's words from all those months ago, Sasuke smirked and said, "Tear it apart."
Naruto took his time poring over the proposal, his sharp eyes scanning every line. He scratched his head as he read, muttering half-formed objections until he finally looked up. "Alright, Sasuke, let's get real. First issue: how are you even going to make time for this? Your schedule's already overbooked. You're supposed to be the king, not the town's complaint hotline."
Sasuke, already anticipating this, crossed his arms. "Which is why I'd limit it to twice a year," he replied evenly. "Enough to keep it special, but not so often that it disrupts operations. This way, each event will have significant impact without overextending resources."
Naruto nodded, though still unconvinced. "Fine, but what about security? You're talking about open forums with everyday citizens. It's risky. Not everyone who attends will be there for wholesome reasons. You'll need tighter security, and it'll make the whole thing feel less accessible."
Sasuke shrugged. "We can manage security without making it feel oppressive. Besides, transparency builds trust. A heavier presence won't take away from the fact that people get direct access to address their concerns."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "I get that, but who's handling the actual dialogue? You're the king, sure, but these conversations could get… messy. What if someone gets emotional, or worse, irrational? You'll need skilled moderators, people who can steer the conversation while keeping everyone focused."
Sasuke took a moment to consider this. "I'll bring in experienced moderators, of course. I want open, productive conversations, not a free-for-all. I'm thinking representatives from my council or from public relations. They can facilitate, but I'll make the final call on responses."
Naruto leaned back, his skepticism only partially eased. "And then there's the media angle. If this is all televised, you're letting in scrutiny from every angle. Every reaction, every word, every single expression could be used against you. Are you sure you want this to be publicized so heavily?"
Sasuke didn't waver. "That's exactly the point. I want transparency. People should know where their king stands on their issues, even if the cameras catch a bad angle or two."
Naruto sighed, but there was a hint of a grin. "Alright, but just know you're signing up for more than just town hall meetings. You're inviting everyone, including critics, into your court. It could backfire."
"Let it," Sasuke said, meeting Naruto's gaze. "It's worth the risk. If I want people to trust me and this institution, I have to earn it. That means facing the difficult conversations directly."
Naruto sat back, looking more thoughtful than critical now. "Alright, but still, this sounds… intense. You'll need someone to help you prep for each meeting. Tailor responses, get the right data, maybe even rehearse. I'd say bring in Shikamaru or Neji, and Tenten can help with the finer logistics."
Sasuke nodded, satisfied. "Good point. And if we're being completely honest, I want Sakura's input on this as well. She's connected with the people in a way that I'm still working on. And…"
"And…?"
"This was - her idea to begin with."
Naruto paused, gave Sasuke an appraising look, then grinned. "Smart move. Just be prepared when the council loses their minds over this."
Sasuke smirked. "They'll manage. It's about time they adapted to change."
That night, sasuke felt invigorated. As he ate Sakura's pussy, licking and flicking and swirling his tongue inside until her mound was sensitive, wet, and lightly pulsating, he felt excited to share this new venture with her. He kneaded her ass, holding her steady as he buried his face in her thighs, relishing the way she tightened her legs around him, enjoying the way she fisted her hands in his hair, moaning wantonly, loudly, as he fucked her with his tongue.
"Ahhhh…" she moaned, as he flicked his tongue over her seam once, then twice, and then three times, before releasing her clit with a loud pop, then taking her pussy with his tongue again, enjoying the way she moved her body as he fucked her with quick, loud sucks.
"Please," she begged, tugging his hair, bucking her hips into his mouth for more, but he wasn't done yet. He pulled away and roughly flipped her over - he found that he liked fucking her from behind; there was something truly carnal about the way his dick could reach all the way inside - places he wasn't able to reach in other positions.
But today, he wanted to drive her crazier, so as he positioned her on all fours, he parted her ass, found the lips of her pussy again, all puckered and ready to be taken - but instead of his dick, he placed a wet, sucking kiss on her mound. She gasped loudly, clearly shaken as he grabbed her ass more firmly to keep her in place and ate her pussy again. He moved his mouth with fervor, lapping at her lips, sucking on her mound in a rhythmic motion as his dick ached with the need to fuck her.
"Oh, oh, ohhhhh, Sasuke!" she screamed, breathing heavier and heavier, moaning louder and louder, trying to find purchase and keep herself in position as he repositioned his hands - one on her ass, one holding her by the crotch as he slipped his tongue in deeper, faster, in a rhythm more frantic than ever until he could feel her pulsating out a liquid orgasm, crying and keening and reaching out to pull him away by the hair. "Please, please, Your Majesty," she begged as he lapped one last time, eating up the remnants of her pleasure, then flipping her around again. He breathed heavily as his eyes locked with hers - her limbs were shaking from the pleasure and her eyes were pricked with tears as she begged again, "Please, please, just fuck me with your dick."
She rubbed her thighs together, caressing her breasts and the sight of her, so disheaveled and wanton made him feel an absolute sort of possession for this woman that even took him by surprise. He pushed the feeling away, prying her legs apart and inserting two fingers into her pussy, loving the wetness that immediately pooled there.
"As you wish," he breathed, enjoying her desperate keening as he scissored his fingers inside her once before pulling them out and positioning himself above her. He looked her directly in the eyes as he put his dick at her entrance, held her gaze steady and pinned her arms to her sides as he pushed inside her, painfully slow.
"Please," she begged, "please - more, more, more," she sobbed out the last one, looking at him desperately, bucking her hips to make him go faster. But he didn't, once he was fully sheathed, he stayed there, grip on her arms tighter as he grit his teeth to keep the restraint. For one moment, an electric current crackled between them and then Sasuke took her mouth, using the kiss to anchor himself as he started to fuck her - pulling out, then in, out, then in, in a fervent rhythm, feeling the pleasure build within his body as she wrapped her legs around him, meeting him thrust for thrust, kiss for kiss. He loved the feel of his balls slapping into her wetness, of her grinding him when they fully met, of her pussy deliberately tightening on his dick as he fucked her like a mad man.
He moved harder against her, pulling his mouth away and savoring the string of saliva from where their lips just parted, breathing harder as she let out a string of, "Oh, oh, oh!" as his dick touched her G-spot. He fucked her hard, he fucked her loud, and felt impossibly electrified from the hard friction of their conjoined bodies. He grit his teeth with pleasure as she finally came around his dick, body going limp as she rode her orgasm and he rode her, enjoying the small pulsing sensations of her convulsing pussy around his cock, milking her for all she was worth, holding himself back until she was fully done before letting himself come inside her in a hard, violent thrust. It was a desperate, sweaty moment as his mouth found her nipple, body shuddering as he sucked it hard and released his cum deeply, fully, and unapologetically inside her.
When he pulled out and flopped on the bed by her side, his entire body felt like it was buzzing with the aftermath of pleasure. One look at her heaving form and he felt a deep-seated satisfaction at having taken her the way he did tonight.
After they'd both taken a moment to clean up and had dressed, Sasuke found himself wanting to tell Sakura about the plans he had been quietly developing—the idea that had been lingering in his mind, one he wanted her to be a part of. Despite the intimacy they'd just shared, or perhaps because of it, he found himself feeling a little unsure of how to start.
Sakura, still catching her breath and smoothing down her slightly tousled hair, kept her gaze averted, her cheeks tinted with lingering warmth. Sasuke shifted, searching for the right words, glancing over at her, waiting for her to fully meet his eyes.
After a quiet moment, he finally took a steadying breath. "I've been working on something," he began, his voice steady but a touch softer than usual. "Something I want us to do together."
That piqued her curiosity. She looked up, her expression expectant, though still a little flustered.
"It's about bringing the people and the monarchy closer—something you talked about when you were first… interviewed. Public forums, town halls, discussions. Twice a year, direct engagement." He paused, watching her reaction, hoping for a spark of interest. "I want you by my side for this. To help shape it."
She blinked, the initial surprise shifting into something warm and understanding as she absorbed his words. The hesitant tension between them melted slightly as her lips curved into a small smile.
"You mean it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded, the corner of his mouth lifting. "If we're going to do this, I'd rather have you there—with your insight, your drive. We could work together, make it something… meaningful."
She softened, finally meeting his gaze fully. And just like that, a new understanding passed between them—a quiet, hopeful moment shared.
The following week, Sasuke gathered his team in a private conference room—a select group of trusted strategists: Shikamaru, Neji, Tenten, along with Sakura and her dedicated PA, Temari. The objective was clear but ambitious: to bring his vision of closer public engagement to life, each of them contributing their unique strengths to shape a polished, actionable plan.
The room was buzzing with conversation as Sakura set up the projector to display their draft presentation. Papers rustled, laptops hummed, and the energy crackled with a shared sense of purpose. Sasuke had deliberately chosen a smaller, private setting for this discussion—just them, bouncing ideas freely without the formality of protocol.
Sakura, as Sasuke had anticipated, took immediate charge of the logistical framework. She had prepared extensively, pulling together detailed research that underscored the need for town hall meetings and public forums, drawing parallels from international examples and aligning them with the monarchy's goals. Her passion was palpable, and her spirit filled the room as she mapped out the structure for the sessions—how they could be scaled to reach broader demographics without compromising quality.
"So, two events per year, spaced six months apart," Sakura began, her voice clear. "We'll rotate the locations across key regions. Each event will have a set cap for attendees—say, two hundred participants to keep it manageable."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Two hundred might be ambitious for a first-time event. We have to account for logistics, travel, venue capacities, and—"
"We'll need the numbers to justify the reach," Temari interrupted, shooting him a sharp look. "Starting small won't generate the kind of impact we're going for here. If the council approves this, we need to prove it's worth their time and money from day one. Less than two hundred won't cut it."
Shikamaru sighed, rolling his eyes but clearly relenting. "Okay, sure. But we need contingency plans. Backup venues, alternate dates—everything could fall apart if even one thing goes wrong."
"That's why we're building this now," Temari insisted, not missing a beat. "We can pre-book backup venues and even secure mobile setups that can adapt if the primary location falls through. Think tents, pop-up stages—flexibility."
"She's got a point," Tenten chimed in, flipping through her notes. "Besides, we need to make a statement—show them this isn't just another royal event but a genuine effort to bridge the gap between the monarchy and the people."
Shikamaru gave a small, grudging nod. "Fine. But let's not ignore the real challenge. Assuming we get the council to approve, how are we going to convince the parliament to sign off on this? They'll push back on the budget, the security concerns, and the optics."
Neji, who'd been quietly jotting down notes, finally spoke up. "We could present this as an economic opportunity. Use the events to highlight local businesses, attract tourism—offer sponsorship packages that parliament can't ignore. It could be seen as a boost to regional economies."
Sasuke nodded thoughtfully. "Leverage. We can make the argument that this isn't just a public relations move but a way to strengthen local communities economically. Get buy-in from business leaders, then present those endorsements to parliament."
"Right, but what about the optics?" Shikamaru pressed. "Parliament will ask why we're doing this now. Why not before? What's the sudden rush?"
Sakura exchanged a glance with Sasuke before speaking up. "Because it's overdue. The monarchy has been distant for too long. If we frame this as a necessary evolution—keeping pace with global expectations of transparency and community engagement—it'll be harder for them to argue against it. Plus, we can use my initiatives in mental health as a precedent. If we show consistent progress, they'll have to admit this is a logical next step."
"You're counting on their logic," Shikamaru muttered, half-smiling. "Bold."
"But not unreasonable," Naruto commented as he strolled in, having wrapped up another meeting. "Public sentiment's leaning in our favor after Sakura's mental health initiatives gained traction. This plan builds on that momentum."
Temari smirked at Shikamaru. "See? I told you."
Shikamaru grumbled something under his breath, finally conceding. "Okay, so what's the angle with the council?" he asked, pivoting smoothly. "We can't just throw this at them and expect them to eat it up."
"Start with the economic benefits," Neji suggested. "We'll show projections for regional growth, tourism impact, and how these events could create a ripple effect in local economies."
"And emphasize the importance of public trust," Sakura added. "It's not just about money—this is about re-establishing the monarchy as a living, breathing entity that people can relate to."
"Good," Sasuke said, leaning forward. "We'll pitch it as a multi-pronged initiative—economic, social, and political."
"And if the council doesn't bite?" Tenten asked, a note of concern in her voice.
"Then we get creative," Naruto interjected. "We leak the concept to a few key media outlets, test public reaction. If the people back it, the council won't have much choice."
Sasuke gave him a sidelong look. "You're suggesting we play dirty."
Naruto grinned, then winked. "I'm suggesting we play smart."
The room fell into thoughtful silence, everyone considering the weight of their next steps. Temari flipped to the final slide of the presentation, showing a rough timeline of their plan. "So, we finalize this pitch, present to the council by the end of the month, and then—"
"Then," Sasuke interrupted, locking eyes with Sakura, "we make them see why this is necessary. Together."
A sense of determination settled over the group as they continued refining their plans late into the night. They adjusted timelines, prepared for potential objections, and rehearsed talking points.
By the time they finally wrapped up, the presentation had evolved into a strategic master plan—comprehensive, persuasive, and designed to withstand the toughest scrutiny. Sasuke knew they were ready. And more than that, he felt a quiet sense of pride in what they'd built together.
Month 9
For His Majesty, Uchiha Sasuke, the entirety of the next month was spent in endless engagements and even more endless and vitriolic debates with his Council. As Sasuke returned from another grueling meeting (thankfully, the last one for that night), tension coiled tightly within him. His initial pitch to the council had crashed and burned—their resistance to his ideas had been predictable but frustrating, and now even his father, former King Fugaku, had shown nothing but dismissal for his more radical reforms when he knew in his heart that had something like this came from Itachi, he would have at least considered it.
The irritation simmered beneath his skin as he walked back to his quarters. When he found Sakura casually lying on the sofa with a thick medical book, clearly waiting for him dressed in a simple T-shirt and shorts, it did nothing to ease his foul mood.
He paused, lingering by the sofa, feeling her gaze on him. The softness in her eyes only sharpened the prickling anger under his skin. Just as he was about to storm off to the bathroom, she caught his wrist in a firm grip, and he looked down at her, thunder still etched across his face.
Sakura's smile faded slightly, a hint of concern entering her eyes, which softened him just a fraction. Her lips curved into a gentle, knowing half-smile. "Sit," she instructed, giving his hand a little tug. Before he could resist, she pulled him down beside her.
The smugness on her face, however well-meaning, made him clench his jaw; he had the sudden, irrational urge to throw something. Without a better option, he leaned in and pressed his mouth against hers in an angry, unrestrained kiss. She kissed him back briefly, then pulled away, catching his eye with a raised brow. His lip nastily curled into a sneer at the unexpected rebuttel but he was surprised when she mirrored his expression - just as, if not more angry.
"Your Majesty," she said in the testy voice that he found annoyingly endearing. "Were you just about to start an angry fuck with me?"
Sasuke felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. The anger still churned, but it was now tinged with something else—an awkward sense of embarrassment. He turned his gaze to the floor, ashamed at his own impulsiveness.
Sakura's fingers found their way into his hand, weaving softly, tenderly. She brought her head to rest on his shoulder, her touch gentle yet grounding. "Sasuke," she murmured, her tone soothing. "I get that you sometimes need to release your anger in unhealthy ways, and I'm all about sexual expression – but try to remember that I'm not just your sexual outlet, hm?"
"I'm also your wife and I gladly share my life with you. This means," she says, squeezing his hand a little, "that you can talk to me about whatever is frustrating you. I'm very intelligent you know," she reminds him gently, not an ounce of pride in her voice. "Maybe I can give you a solution you hadn't thought of yet?"
She squeezed his hand reassuringly, her voice both tender and warm. "Tell me what's frustrating you. Maybe I can give you a fresh perspective."
Sasuke sighed, grappling with an uncomfortable blend of guilt and relief. Emotions he rarely knew how to handle. But her sincerity softened the turmoil within him, and, almost hesitantly, he began to explain the bare minimum of what had happened at the council meeting—the resistance, the dismissiveness, and his father's biting lack of support.
Sakura listened quietly, her brow furrowed in concentration. When he finished, she shifted closer, resting her head against his shoulder again. Unexpectedly, he found himself pleasantly wrung out – like all that dark energy and negative emotions had been leeched away. He found himself distractedly mulling away at this surprising turn of events, actually enjoying the warmth of her hand – the warmth of her by his side – and is surprsied when he hears her say, "Well, fuck them. Who do they think they are? Advisors?" she scoffed, suddenly passionate and maybe even angry (on his behalf, he noticed) "More like ratty regents. You better show them who runs this kingdom, my Lord!"
He blinked, startled by her boldness, and felt an unexpected surge of gratitude at her fierce loyalty. A few moments passed in silence before she buried her face against his arm with a small, sheepish laugh. He let her, savoring the warmth of her beside him, and took a deep, steadying breath.
When she lifted her head, her gaze had turned serious. "I'll do some research tomorrow, see what I can dig up on this," she offered. Sasuke inclined his head, feeling inexplicably grateful. Her tenacity and sharp mind filled him with a renewed sense of determination.
She flashed him a wry smile. "See? Talking works wonders. Next time you feel like angry fucking, at least tell me what it's about, ok?"
He felt his face heat up, embarrassed by her candidness, but her teasing softened something inside him. Leaning in, he captured her lips in a deep, slow kiss, the kind he'd meant to start with. She stilled for a moment before responding, her hands twining around him, her lips moving hungrily against his.
As always, Sasuke finds himself blushing in embarrassment and feeling challenged at the same time. So he leans in and catches her lips in the hot, wet, open-mouthed smoldering kiss that he'd initially begun with. She startled for a moment, then leaned in and relaxed into him. They untwined their fingers to get better leverage for the kiss and he found himself burrowing his tongue deeper into her mouth, feeling something unexpected and surprisingly full in his chest. She kissed him with just as much fervor – sucking on his mouth just as hungrily. He felt his cock stirring impatiently. When they finally broke apart, she nestled herself against his chest, sliding her hands beneath his shirt to feel the warmth of his skin. He hooked his thumbs under the waistband of her shorts, a thrill shooting through him as she shivered under his touch.
"Fuck, I'm turned on now," she informd him in the most Sakura way ever, and he found that he wanted nothing more than to scratch her itch.
"Good," he murmured. And, with that, he made sure to give her exactly what she wanted.
tbc
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