The Downfall of The Uchiha!
Pretty Boy Sasuke Had It Coming
Uchiha Empire Taking a Strike
#Cancelled Sasuke Uchiha Ruining Family Business?!
Those stupid headlines were glaring at Sasuke from the gas station register. He sighed and hoped no one in line would look back and see him on those magazines. The hat he had permanently worn to not attract attention from paparazzi or nosy people was his shield. Looking at the linoleum floor as he waited impatiently, because if they connected the dots he would lose his shit. He was already starting to lose it because the TV in the corner went from the commercial break to the news and his life had been a constant rerun on national television.
A video of Danzo speaking went on the screen and Sasuke started holding his breath. The TV didn’t play sound, only subtitles and he read along what was being broadcasted.
I must speak the truth and transparency is very much needed in the business world especially with the recent news of the Uchiha-
An elbow hitting his side, alerts him. It's his brother beside him, raising an eyebrow. Sasuke rolled his eyes, understanding the message. Calm down little brother. It’s going to be alright.
In Sasuke's hand there is a water bottle and a pack of gum while Itachi has an ice cream sandwich in his. Shuffling forward, the line starts to move quick. Paying for their gas and items the two leave and head back to Itachi's car. He had driven them from the city to Kohona. A beautiful shiny red convertible BMW that Itachi would never let Sasuke drive, his precious car.
Driving to their house on the outskirts of Kohona, Itachi blasts the radio, trying to drown out Sasuke's thoughts. Yes, his brother knew him too well, those headlines were still reeling in his mind.
It's been two weeks since the news broke and hell has reigned Sasuke's life. Pointing the finger at him as if this singular mistake would ruin his family's business for over 60 years. Right? Right? Right?
"Sasuke." Itachi looks over at him. His eyes appear over his sunglasses. One hand on the wheel, the other on Sasuke's head, ruffling his hair. "Come on, little brother. I'll make you your favorite tonight. Spaghetti with extra tomato sauce."
Narrowing his eyes, Sasuke puts on his own sunglasses. The sun is bright and right now he'd still like to be a bit pessimistic. Drowning in his own sorrows, he really wished this shit never happened.
"Thanks." He slightly pouts as he turns up the radio, some pop hit with a hook that gets inside his head until they get to their summer home.
Little Kohona Village, where his mom was born and raised before moving off to college and marrying Fugaku Uchiha. This house was his mom's childhood home, renovated before the boys were born. Throughout their summers they would stay in this house. Sometimes they'd come in the winter. Once they got to high school, the summers spent got short until eventually it had been years since everyone got together; including extended family members.
The once humble home transformed into a 10+ bedroom home with a pool and tennis court in the backyard. A beautiful big home for a big family. Sweet memories of fun summers with his brother and cousins.
Now it was going to be his fortress for solitude against the outside world. Sasuke and Itachi grab their bags and head inside the house, turning on the lights, it still looked like his memories.
"Home sweet home." Sasuke somberly says sitting down on the couch.
"Isn't it?" Her date asks, snapping her out of a daydream.
"Yeah." She agrees. She doesn't know what she just agreed to, but better to agree than disagree with the guy who's paying for her dinner and drinks.
Her date swings back his beer, the look of disgust on his face. Sakura glances up, holding back a sigh. She wishes she cancelled last minute. Shikamaru corned her on her last day at her internship at the hospital. He was a year older than her, and already in his residency. She agreed, not really wanting to go, but she had enough of eating the random leftover shit in her fridge. She’s leaving for the summer and didn’t want to leave her subletter her old food.
“I actually know him, if you can believe that.” He sniffs. Sakura doesn’t know who Shikamaru is talking about in particular, but she does know he grew up rich and connected so she assumes it's someone like him. Truth be told she's not attracted to Shikamaru. Sure he's a genius but he's stuck up and no one wants to date an asshole.
She nods her head, like she’s agreeing with him.
”Never was a fan. And look where he ended up.” Shikamaru gestures to the TV. Sakura never paid attention to the TVs in restaurants or around her. She would rather be at the hospital or in a comfy chair reading.
The TV shows a handsome young man, with eyes as dark as night. Next it shows a video of flashing camera lights and the same man covering his face. One arm is covering his eyes and the other is trying to stop their attack. The headline reads, Cancelled and Crashing! Sasuke Uchiha Lashing Out!
How dramatic.
A week later:
This is bad. This is so bad. Sakura moves around her short bangs, staring at herself in the mirror in her car. Awkwardly trying to smile to make it seem all better. Running through her hair, she rubs the ends. She cut a few inches off but it’s not so bad, she's had short hair before. The hair cut is not so bad but the bangs, god awful and short!!! She was starting to spiral.
Sakura has a big forehead and these short bangs are not helping. Grabbing her bag she rummages until she finds some hair clips. It's not too bad now, she thinks. Sakura sighs, leaning back into her seat. She can't believe she lied to the hairdresser and said, "I love it!" as soon as she was spun around to face the mirror. She tipped twenty-five percent and as soon as she entered her car she started tearing up. Taking a deep breath she starts her car. This definitely calls for a sweet treat.
She heads to Kohona Koffee to get an iced latte and a chocolate croissant. She's about to pull into a spot but then a cherry red convertible takes her spot. "Hey asshole!" She honks as she death glares the guy in the car who stole her spot. Today is not her day.
"Whatever." She mumbles and continues to circle the parking lot until she sees someone pull out in a prime spot right in front of the cafe. Sakura's mouth waters for her caramel mocha latte with whipped cream. The warmed chocolate croissant as she sips her latte and snuggles into one of the chairs in the corner. She has the newest Jiraiya novel in her bag she got from Turn the Page, the local bookstore.
Grinning, she grabs her bag and heads in.
It's been about a month and a half since Sasuke arrived in Kohona and that whole time he's quarantined himself to his house. Barely leaving the grounds only to go outside the estate, he hasn't gone into town. Enough is enough. He finishes the last of his work and closes his laptop. He made some calls and is taking some classes throughout the summer for his master’s program. No time like taken time to get more educated. He's watched a shitload of movies and tv shows too.
Grabbing his hat, wallet, and keys he heads out the door.
Itachi left about two weeks ago, and in older brother fashion feeling bad for his struggling younger brother, left his prized possession. Leaving the car behind in hopes Sasuke would go somewhere and unsure of how long it would be before he could come back. Itachi had been working remotely in Kohona for a month before getting calls from management wanting him to do press conferences.
Unfortunately, Sasuke had been "suspended" and with no work came no play. His work was the majority of his life. With family members occasionally calling but not visiting. He wondered even if his parents would come out. Or even some cousins. He imagined his shithead cousin Shisui losing his mind at being beaten at monopoly by his mom.
Nope, they were cleaning up his mess. He shakes his head. Kohona is beautiful, while it still look relatively the same a lot has changed since being a teenager. Still a lot of trees and greenery. His favorite season has always been spring. The way everything bloomed after a cold winter. He remembered there was a garden in town his mother took him and Itachi.
Once when his best friend Naruto came along to their vacation they went into the garden and Naruto had to really go to the bathroom. He pulled down his pants and peed into some bush. They were twelve. Sighing, yeah sometimes he couldn't believe his best friend.
Both of their mothers meet in the hospital. When infant Sasuke and Mikoto were on their way out, Kushina, pregnant with Naruto was coming in to her appointment. Kushina stopped by and complimented the two and as it turned out, both women had the same OBGYN.
Friends since birth. Naruto's been through it all with him, even now. With causal accquitances and some 'close' friends betraying him, in the back of his mind he wondered about Naruto. But when he acted like his normal goofy self all second guesses completely vanished.
Entering a parking lot with a bunch of stores he finds a parking spot, unaware he stole it from someone. The honking goes over his head. Nothing like an outing like a coffee shop and window shopping.
Entering the coffee shop he looks at the menu for a bit and gets in line. He orders an iced americano and while he waits he walks around the store. There's some local stuff being sold on shelves and even some t-shirts with a coffee cup. He can't remember if his mom brought him along. He does remember a bakery. Wandering around he sees a book on a table. Curious he leans over and sees the title. Jiraiya's newest novel. He'd read it about a week ago and really enjoyed it.
"Excuse me." A voice interrupts.
Looking up he sees a woman with pale pink hair and really bright green eyes staring at him. She seems irritated, he’s not sure why.
Cocking his head to the side he looks confused at the woman. She points to her book. "That's my book and my seat." She moves a bit closer. Sasuke moves out of the way but stands there as she settles into her seat. She has a monstrous drink and croissant. She opens up her book and then glances up at him.
"Yes?"
"Hm?" He asked confused.
"Can I help you?" She bats her eyelashes up at him and he pauses, not remembering his manners. The sarcasm in her voice goes over his head.
"Sorry." He quickly apologizes, stepping back. "It's just that, that's a really good book." He points to the book on the table. "I've read it. I think it's either top three or two for me."
The woman's eyebrows and mouth relax. She smiles and Sasuke is taken aback. The smile lights up her face. Going from cloudy gray sky to sunshine.
"Really?" She asks, her green eyes lighting up.
Sasuke nods, his equilibrium still slightly unbalanced by her. He focuses on the forest green novel. Way darker than her eyes. "No spoilers, but more graphic in details than his usual works but it makes sense for the plot." His eyes meet hers again. He's wearing his cap again. She leans down a bit to look up at him and he takes a step back. His heart starts beating a bit faster, he thinks. Oh, no. Relax. Relax.
"What are your other favorite books?" She asks. She then glances at the seat across from her and gestures for him to sit down. Sasuke takes a breath, reminding himself to breathe. It's going to be alright. He tries not to think too much.
"Favorite book for sure is The Gutsy Ninja." He sits down. She makes herself comfortable and leans her head on her hands.
"Really? That's mine too!" She takes a sip of her drink. "I've been a huge fan since his third or fourth release. I even went to one of his signings! He's such a jokester for someone who is a once in a generation talented writer."
Jiraiya is..something else. Sasuke thinks to himself. He's Naruto's godfather and so Sasuke knows him pretty well. Sasuke and Naruto would play ninjas as little kids, sometimes acting out missions from the novel.
"Oh-my name is Sakura!" She reaches her hand out to him.
"Sas-Sakura." He smiles, but the guard has risen. Reaching his hand to hers, something tells him to just trust her. Intrusive thoughts race back into his mind. No. He has to make a decision quick. He doesn't know which one is the right one. Quick. Quick. "Fugaku. Uzumaki."
"Sakura Haruno." She adds after hearing “his” last name. She leans her head to the side and opens her book. "I just love his dedications. They're so sentimental. This one to his wife Tsunade. So romantic." She has this dreamy look to her as she pushes the book for him to read. He already knows what it says.
For Tsunade. My partner in crime, you've made my days less lonely.
"Did you know she's a renowned surgeon? She got her start in the military and that's where they rekindled their love! From childhood friends to working in the military to lovers. Gosh, what a life." Sakura explains looking at him.
He does know. He also knows Tsunade. Naruto always teases her by calling her granny or any variation of it. He smirks at the memory when Naruto had a phase of calling her 'meemaw' for an entire year when they were fifteen.
"Yes. It is a very interesting life." Sasuke agrees.
"Do you like any other authors?" Sakura asks. She closes the book. She gingerly takes a piece of her croissant and starts eating it.
"Yeah, I've been actually into reading some poetry lately. I've bought Konan's collection last week and flew right through it."
"Really? Oh my gosh! I just love her. Her anthology co-written with Yahiko, so good." She gushes. Sakura moves her hands as she recalls one of her favorite poems and analyzing it.
Sasuke nods, he's always been well read, but this past month his nose has been in a book for nearly half his days. Any type of media has been on his radar except the news.
"Do you live in Kohona? I've never seen you." Sakura asks.
Sasuke raises his eyebrow in surprise. "Yeah, I've moved here pretty recently."
"Oh, that makes sense. I grew up here but I've been gone for a bit. I'm actually starting my residency this fall at State Hospital. I'm going to be super busy once I start so I wanted to visit my parents before the craziness begins." She laughs lightly. Sakura touches the clips in her hair and then puts her hand back.
"I used to spend my summers here as a kid."
"That's crazy our paths never crossed! Where do you live?"
"On the outskirts of town."
"Oh! Are you here only for the summer?" She asks.
"Not really sure..." He truthfully says.
"Where did you live before?"
"In Suna."
"Right where my hospital is!"
Nodding. He shyly looks at the ground. He had been there the day after the news broke for some medication. Hated how his body felt, he stopped and been pushing through the pain. He had debated on seeing someone, just to talk but there was something holding him back. Trust issues.
"Have you been to Turn the Page?" She asks.
Sasuke shakes his head. Sakura brightens up.
"It's the bookstore at the end of the plaza. Do you want to go with me?"
"Yes." He doesn’t hesitate. There’s something comforting talking to another human about entering a different world from reality. Especially since he’s been in hiding. The only nagging feeling is the lie he told Sakura about his name. Will it matter? Will he ever see her again after today?
-
That night Sasuke is eating his dinner outside. He's on the phone with Itachi. He never realized how much he loved talking to his brother.
"I went into town today."
"Wow. That's good. What did you do?”
"Got coffee and went to a bookstore. I met someone."
"Very nice. Someone? A girl?"
"Yes."
"Well what's her name?"
Sasuke pauses for a moment. He wants to keep Sakura all to himself, but eventually he would want her to meet Itachi. He had a great time with her at the bookstore. They'd spent more than an hour there talking about books they've read and wanted to read. They wandered around the store probably twice, until Sakura had to go.
"Sakura." His lips smile.
"Cute name."
"Hey!" He frowns.
"Relax, little brother." Sasuke can hear the smugness in Itachi's voice.
"I told her my name was Fugaku. Fugaku Uzumaki." The truth comes out to his brother. Part of him wishes Itachi could fix his mess. His big brother always looking out for him, but he's realized that he needs to fight his own battles, or more so deal with the aftermath.
"You did not."
"I did."
For a few moments it was silent until all he heard was Itachi's laughter.
"Oh Sasuke! Or should I start calling you Fugaku." He continues to laugh.
"Shut up! It was a mistake, but-"
Itachi's laughter fades, hearing the panic in Sasuke's voice. "You can trust people Sasuke."
"It's difficult." He admits. "But-"
"But?" Itachi sounds hopeful.
"I think she's a breath of fresh air."
There's silence on the other end of the line. "Itachi?" Sasuke asks.
"Here." Itachi pauses. "I'm happy for you."
The Next Day:
Sasuke meets Sakura at a park. She's sitting on the bench. She has two coffees and a stack of books next to her.
"Fugaku!" She warmly welcomes him.
"Hey." His shoulders stiffen at his father's name. Embarrassment heats up his cheeks, rather than the warm temperature. Truly how is he going to explain to Sakura the truth? Sorry I lied to you about my identity. Hope you don't think I'm scum like the media thinks I am!
"I brought some books!" He sits next to her and looks at the stack of books. He's read all of them. A blush creeps up on his cheeks. "I've read them."
"All of them?" She asks, furrowing her brows.
Sasuke blows air out of his lips. "Yeah. I have a lot of free time."
"Do you want to reread them? And write down your thoughts in the margins?" She asks. She fidgets with her pinkie finger.
He looks at her, "I don't really write in my books." Sakura turns red. "Oh, okay."
He grabs the stack of books and puts them on his lap. "But I'm down to. I don't have many people to share my thoughts with. You'll reread these and my notes?"
"Yes." She squeaks out, still red. She sips on her drink for a moment. "Thank you."
A few days later, Sasuke meet Sakura at the Kohona Gardens, near dusk. Sakura started working part time at a pediatrician’s office and right after work she still wanted to see him. Seeing Kohona with Sakura made him feel braver and secure.
"Heyyy! Fugaku!" Sakura waves him over. She's wearing scrubs and her hair is down at her shoulders. She has a cartoon bandaid on the side of her forehead. Her bangs fall on her face, short, but she still looks gorgeous to him.
"Sakura." Sasuke waves back. His places his hands back in his pockets.
"How was your day?"
"Boring. Yours?"
"Interesting." She points to the bandaid. "I'm a klutz."
"How'd it happen?"
"Walked into a door, if you can believe it? I was looking over a chart and boom!" She laughs, and stretches her arm up. "Oh well. It'll be good by tomorrow." She smiles.
"You should be more careful." He steps closer to her. "Yes, well thankfully no one was there to see me fall on my ass." She jokes.
Sasuke snickers and lifts his hand up to trace the bandaid. "And no regular bandaids?"
Sakura blushes, "there were, but what's the fun in that?" He shakes his head smiling, he brushes her bangs to the side. He thought she looked pretty.
The sunset is a bright orange fading into pink. The glow covers the garden and Sakura.
"Look at the lavender." She points. "Full bloom."
A week later:
It's so hot, Sasuke's lying outside on the poolside. Sakura should be here soon. He told her to just come around the house. They set this hang out when Sakura had off and realized how hot it would be. Without thinking he asked her to come over. She accepted of course, and now he's nervous waiting for her. Why was this different than meeting with her in town? Because she was entering his safe area.
"Fugakuuuu?" Sakura's voice has him alert. "Yeah?" He calls out. Each time he hears her call him that name it brings him sadness. He can't truly be himself with her, everything else was him, but his identity was fake.
"Oh, hey. Nice place."
"Thanks." She sets her stuff on the pool chair next to Sasuke. Her light green beach towel reminds him of her eyes. "It's so hot out. Knowing someone with a pool is very nice." She winks at him.
"Yeah," he mindlessly agrees looking at her as she takes off her t-shirt. Lucky T-shirt. Or unlucky.
For the next few hours they swim and laugh. Sasuke decides the sound of her laughter is his favorite melody. Sakura swims all the way to the other end of the pool and then back to the middle where Sasuke is. She's floats on her back and glances over at him. Her lips turn upwards and Sasuke swims closer to her.
"I always feel so peaceful like this." She tells him. "What gives you peace?"
Sasuke ponders her question. Peace? He hasn't know what that was since before Danzo pulled an attack on him and his family. He pointed the gun right at Sasuke and pulled the trigger. Reporters and people sticking their two cents in. Like seriously, he grew up in the Uchiha family. Business was in his blood, negotiating, and anything tied to his family is his. An outsider like Danzo trying to weasel his way in by making an attack on the youngest Uchiha member who was always trying to prove himself.
Peace was his routine. Wake up in the morning, coffee to go and a walk to his office. Work with brilliant minds and his family members. Peace was his old life. And now what was his new life? Continue staying low until the world forgets, until news outlets stop harassing anyone associated with the Uchiha last name?
He moves his arms through the water. "I don't know."
"Do you like it here?" She suddenly asks. "Sure." He says. It's the same thing he tells his mom on the phone.
"Sometimes it just takes time to adjust to a new place. New times can be frightening, you can't let yourself get taken by the current." Sakura pauses, "But even just trying to stay afloat can be so tiring. But I think that people end up where they're supposed to be. Even if it's for an hour or a few years." She glances over at him. "It can be hard letting your brain take control when it's supposed to be on your side. I think that even in hard times, it helps for the future to help navigate those times to become easier."
Sasuke listens to Sakura's words and they bring him comfort. He'd be ready next time, if he there was a next time. He was going to come out of this stronger surely.
"Little moments like this make the big picture telling," She pauses, "a hot day off with a friend in a busy week. Peaceful to me." She smiles at him.
Sasuke smiles back because Sakura made him smile, the quiet world becoming the background.
The month of June is filled with mornings, afternoons, and evenings with Sakura. Any time she has available the two see each other. It's a lovely habit Sasuke has acquired and one he can't let go of. No longer feeling lonely he has someone who lights up his days and nights. His crush on her has him feeling giddy, his heart calls for Sakura.
He can’t recall when it changed, from friendship to love for her. Was it the mornings she came over and made his coffee, black with one sugar, to sweeten him up? When she knew he preferred his coffee black, but he didn’t mind when she made it for him. Or was it when she smiled at him at the end of their nights and she would go home, reversing in the driveway while waving like a maniac? Was it when they’d share their writings in margins with each other like it was their own secret language? Or was it when she wrapped her arm around his shoulder when he confessed he missed his family?
All these moments were his with Sakura. She danced over his thoughts and the new filled memories of this sweet summer. There was a piece of him that only wanted her to be his, when in reality he didn't know what they were. He thought of vicious news media getting their claws on her. Or even Danzo. He shuddered in disgust being in his presence. Sasuke's mind wanders back to that night. He stupidly trusted Danzo, a weasel of a man and a shit ex-employee of the Uchiha Corporation. Danzo and his co-conspirator Orochimaru fooled the youngest Uchiha by promising an easy hostile takeover of the Sarutobi Enterprise.
It was not an easy hostile takeover. It was double crossing. The following morning, Sarutobi Enterprises issued a public renunciation with Uchiha Corporation. Danzo’s company Root Inc, followed suit and publicly dissemination of the company in order to drive down stock and public opinion.
Sasuke grips his fists. His face getting hot. He was so ashamed. The Uchiha had done plenty of hostile takeovers so when the opportunity for Sasuke to make his own mark in the company, why wouldn't he jump? Danzo saw a young man wanting to please his family and board members.
Public opinion of him went from rare news cycle headlines to money hungry headlines to sell drama. Fine, he expected some headlines but not in the general public tabloids crossover. Nope, Orochimaru pushed it to a dry news cycle. Guess all the reality stars were in an off-season.
They could only run the same fucking headline over and over right? Sasuke Uchiha became the punching bag of the news world. But what they didn't expect is the army of PR consultants the Uchiha hired. Keep it cool, no outburst and move the topic of the conversation. Sasuke failed at keeping his cool. Outbursting at some reporter and calling out Danzo. The consultants were right and it made him look childish and guilty. Having enough of being aware of his own actions he asked to leave the city and head somewhere, anywhere to cool off. His mother brought up the old home and Sasuke jumped at the opportunity.
The Uchiha family members and board members decided that an "indefinite suspension" would help until the next news cycle. However it kept getting dragged on. Sasuke had the luxury and personal hell of trying to ignore the news being said about him. His family and their company? Had to dodge it and work overtime to continue getting their name cleared. They were damn good at their job but it was taking so long. At first it bothered Sasuke, but now? There's a part of him enjoying his time with Sakura.
That first July weekend Itachi comes to stay. Sasuke tells Itachi that he wants Sakura to meet him. They can celebrate the Fourth of July together.
“Did Mom or Dad mention visiting yet?” Sasuke asks. He knows how busy the Uchihas are and it's short of a miracle for Itachi to have time off and work remotely. They've had to compensate for losing an employee. Sporadic phone calls keep their relationship close.
"Maybe at the end of the month..." Itachi says.
"Alright." Sasuke ends that portion of the conversation. "Sakura likes sweet things like you. Both of you would get along. She'd get along with Naruto too."
Itachi turns, grinning at Sasuke. "She sounds lovely. I'll have to bake a few things for her. Have you spoken to Naruto recently? Maybe he's free and can come down."
Naruto frequently calls Sasuke. Sighing, he realizes how unfair it is to a lot of the people in his life. He's essentially doing nothing, stuck in a place, waiting for others to come to him. "We spoke last night. I'll text him right now and see."
Sasuke: You busy tomorrow?
Naruto: Nah, Hinata's went to visit her family.
Sasuke: Want to come to Kohona for the 4th?
Naruto: OMW! :D
"He'll be here."
Nodding, Itachi takes out a notepad, "I'll have to add ramen to the list."
-
The next day is the Fourth of July and Sasuke and Itachi are in the kitchen while Naruto is on the couch playing video games. He's definitely made himself at home with his stuff all over the living room when he has his own room. Chips and soda scatter the coffee table.
"Sakura's not vegetarian, is she?" Itachi asks as he's molding the hamburgers.
"No."
"Good." Itachi is relieved.
Sasuke is slightly nervous, Sakura should be on her way here. The two brothers were finishing up prepping. Last night when Naruto arrived, Sasuke confessed his lie to him. Ever supporting and understanding, Naruto just nodded. It was slowly killing him the way Sakura called him Fugaku. Not only of embarrassment but he dreamed of her calling his real name.
Sakura: Here!
His phone notified him of Sakura's text and he dropped the knife he was holding. "She's here." He hopefully calmly conveyed. He walked over to the front door. Opening it he sees her car parked. Is it weird to say he likes seeing the sight, knowing this house isn't lonely with just him. Sakura is walking up the steps with a big bag. She's wearing a white top with a lilac skirt. Her bangs have grown and she wears them down. His mind flashes to when he first met her and that day at the bookstore. She said it was a bad haircut, but he didn't think so. She looked beautiful to him. She’s always been beautiful.
"Hey." She smiles at him. "Hello Sakura."
He steps outside the door. It's the two of them out on the porch. "Thank you for coming."
"Thank you for inviting me. I'm nervous meeting your brother Fugaku." She shyly says.
"You guys will get along. You two are similar." He says. It's the truth. Both of them are selfless in ways Sasuke is envious. The type of people you look up to. "My best friend is here too. His name is Naruto."
Sakura's face flushes red. She gives him a nervous smile. "No, no, no." Sasuke reassures her, "he's actually the opposite of me. The two of you would actually get along as well. I'm kinda jealous, you haven't even met them but I just know you’ll get along.”
Her face cools down, there's something in Sakura's eyes he can't discern. "Okay." She softly says. "We should go in."
"Yeah." He smiles, opening the door or her.
"Sas-" Naruto speaks, then shuts up when he sees the daggers shooting from Sasuke and Itachi's eyes. "SAKURA!" He shouts from the couch, getting up.
"Hi." Sakura shyly says. "Naruto?" She gives him a hug. "Yeah, yeah." Naruto says. Over her shoulder Naruto mouths, 'she smells good!' Sasuke rolls his eyes.
"And you must be Itachi?" Sakura says giving Itachi a hug. "Yes. Welcome Sakura."
"I like your apron." She grins. Itachi is wearing a girly pink apron on him. "A gift from my little brother."
"Cute!!" She says. "Fugaku said you like sweets too, so I brought some stuff from the bakery! He mentioned the cinnamon rolls were your favorite." She grabs her bag from the entrance and takes it to the island. "I brought some other stuff too. I love the Fourth! I can't wait for the fireworks later."
"Oh my god, Sasu-Sakura!" The second slip and Naruto was going to get smacked. "I-I just remembered, when I came we watched the fireworks and they're really good."
Sasuke's shoulders slightly relax. "Yes, I do remember going into town and seeing them."
Itachi nods, helping Sakura take out the food items.
He nudges Sakura, "should we spilt one?" She nods, her eyes lighting up, a smile breaking on her face.
"Alright Naruto and Fugaku go start up the grill." Itachi commands the two. Pointing to the prep, and then focusing on the cinnamon roll.
"Ay ay captain." Naruto salutes Itachi and grabs the stuff heading outside. Sasuke lingers for a second and then follows Naruto.
-
Sasuke watches the two through the sliding glass. Sakura is comfortable and laughing with Itachi. He smiles to himself. "Dudeee, you're whipped, but you should tell her the truth." Naruto says, as he flips some burgers. "She's really nice and cool."
Sasuke narrows his eyes at Naruto. "You barely know her." Sakura's blushing and covering her face with her hands. What did Itachi say to her? Sasuke's face starts heating up, and doesn't realize that he's walking back to the door.
"Where are you going?" Naruto snaps him out of it. He's right. Still, he's protective over her. "Yeah, I don't know her that well, but I can already tell she's great for you. You two would be great together."
Sasuke grumbles underneath his breath. Annoyed that Naruto stopped him, but pleased that Naruto complimented the two together.
They finish grilling and Itachi and Sakura help set up the table outside on the deck.
"Mmm looks good boys!" Sakura compliments. She grabs a plate and fills her plate. As she's about to pick a seat, Naruto pats the seat next to him. "Here Sakura!" He smiles a toothy grin to her. She smiles and nods. She begins talking to Naruto about the video game left on the TV. Naruto basically starts yelling in joy.
Everyone sits down and they begin eating. "Oh shit, this is so good." Naruto mumbles with his mouth full of food. "Itachi, you need to be wifed up."
"Thanks? But you two were the ones grilling." He points to Naruto and Sasuke.
"Oh yeah. Someone should wife me up." He dumbly points to himself. He shakes most of his salad on Sasuke's plate, who is across from him. "Dude." Sasuke chastises. Naruto and his hatred for vegetables.
"Oh yeah. Jeez I'm all over the place. Somebody should wife him up." Naruto points to Sasuke and then lightly jabs his elbow to Sakura, raising an eyebrow and winking at her.
"Leave Sakura alone!" Sasuke points his fork at Naruto. "Down dog." Naruto puts his arms up, laughing.
Sakura awkwardly smiles at the two. Itachi shakes his head. "Sakura I apologize for these two."
"Don't." She laughs. "They're funny."
"See Sakura thinks I'm funny, Fugaku."
Sakura chortles, grabbing her water to help. Sasuke turns red from embarrassment and annoyance.
"Shut up Naruto."
-
After eating and hanging out for a while, Itachi and Naruto run to the store for some last minute fireworks and sparklers to do at the house. Last minute they all decided to stay at the house and do their own little firework show and just watch the fireworks from a balcony on the second floor.
Sakura and Sasuke are on the porch watching the sunset start. It’s yellow fading into a pale blue covering the entire sky. Warmth spreads all over Sasuke’s body. Sakura is sitting in a rocking chair next to him. She hums a song and he leans back in his own chair. It’s a big chair, enough space for two people. She should sit with me, he thinks.
“It’s gorgeous out.” Sakura points to the sky. She rocks a few more times before standing up and standing next to Sasuke. He looks up slightly confused. Did he dream her up to move closer to him?
Sakura bends down to him, staring into his eyes. “Pretty eyes.” She rambles, touching his shoulder.
He doesn’t know what he’s doing. His body is moving on its own, trying to solve a puzzle he didn’t know wasn’t making sense. He sits up to kiss her. Sakura’s hair falls as a curtain, shielding their faces. It’s sweet, their kiss. Slow and certain. They break apart and Sakura walks over to the front of the chair and sits beside him.
Sakura’s arms wrap around Sasuke’s shoulders and his arms instinctively go around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He lifts her up to his lap, so she’s sitting on his leg.
She tastes like watermelon and icing. He hates sweet things but this time he can’t help but change his mind. He likes the way she subtlety moves her hips closer to him.
“Sakura.” He loves to say her name. One hand moves from her waist to her hip, pulling her closer, trying to help her get what she wants, what he wants.
“Yeah,” she stares at him, then back down to his lips. She leans in kissing him softly, when he kisses her back it’s more urgent, needy. Sakura leans her head closer, sighing.
“I know baby.” He rectifies the situation and continues kissing her. He bounces the leg she’s sitting on and that earns him a moan. He does it again and Sakura moves one hand into his hair, slightly pulling it.
Now it’s his turn to moan in her mouth. They’re both getting desperate. The kisses turning sloppy and rough. Sakura’s hand is in his hair and the other is on the side of his neck. She likes to hold on and he likes it when she turns rough.
Sasuke lets go of his hold on her hip and moves his hand down her thigh, going underneath her skirt. Feeling his fingers touch her skin, Sakura gasps and Sasuke lets go of her lips and moves to kissing her jaw line. He reaches her ear and he takes a moment. His fingers move to the inside of her thigh and instinctively Sakura spreads her legs.
“You’re being so good already.” He tells her, his mouth close to her ear.
She nods her head, “yes. Yes.” She slightly arches her back. Sasuke starts kissing down her jawline, he makes his way down to her neck. The sounds she’s making are driving him crazy. Sakura moves her hand from his neck to his waist. She lifts her hips slightly, trying to convey her wants. She reaches underneath his shirt touching his skin. “Fuck.” He groans. Her hand leaves that placement and goes further south, over his bulge. “Sakura.” She palms him and for each moan she starts getting more aggressive.
“If you don’t touch me, I’ll touch you.” She threatens, but it’s not a threat it’s a need. Her hand in his hair, tugs him again. She’s being dominant and it’s turning him on so much.
“Baby,” he whines, his fingers brush over her underwear. “Yes, yes. Please.” Sakura whimpers. She grabs the hand on her waist and pulls it up to her breast. “Touch me.” She begs.
Sasuke moves his hands and pulls her to straddle him. She’s right over his pelvis and Sakura grinds on him, “shit,” he breathes out. His hand returns to her breast and the other grips her thigh. “Touch me, please.” She begs again. Her hands go to his lower abdomen. Just as she’s about to reach under his waistband, a car blasting music pulls into the driveway.
“Fuck.” They both say.
A few weeks later:
It's Sasuke's birthday. Sakura texts him bright and early and tells him to be ready, they'll be out for a bit.
"Get in!" She shouts from the driver's seat. Sakura looks beautiful in a white linen dress. "Happy Birthday!" Sakura leans over the console and kisses his cheek. Best. Birthday. Ever.
"Thank you." He holds her stare and she gives him a shy smile. He touches her cheek. They've been dancing around their first kiss and heated make out session. Very heated make out session. Too much thought on that and it can lead him to a tense situation. Silence can be so loud but so comforting at the same time. She leans into his touch. Time moves slow when she's staring at him like this. They're in their own world.
"We should go, we have a busy-ish day." Sakura breaks the daydream. She turns up the volume on the radio, glancing over at Sasuke.
They start off at Kohona Koffee and then head off to the beach. "Summer babies should spend at least a bit of their birthday at the beach." Sakura teases.
Soon enough they reach the beach, the salt air hitting their noses. They walk close enough their hands brush past each others. Sasuke's finger twitch wanting to touch Sakura. They pass boardwalk fried Oreos and he can see Sakura twist her head to glance at the smell. He strays from her and buys an order.
"Hey what are you doing?" Sakura asks once she reaches his side.
"Buying fried Oreos. You want some?" He holds them under her nose. Her happy smile makes him happy. She nods.
"Hey wait! It's your birthday and you're buying me something." Sakura crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow. He starts walking, and he hears Sakura rushing behind him. He glances at her and just smirks. The fried Oreos are for her.
They find a good spot, not too close to the tide of the ocean. There's not a lot of people on the beach. Sasuke sets up the umbrella, while Sakura sets up the beach blanket. Once they're done, Sakura takes off her dress revealing her tiny pink bikini. Sasuke tries not to stare but fails miserably. She folds her dress and places it in her bag. She takes out sunscreen and starts placing it on her legs and moves up. Sasuke sits down and when he takes off his shirt, he subtly flexes while he waits for Sakura to finish.
He notices her blush as she notices his flex. She finishes her shoulders and holds out the sunscreen to him. "Could you help me with my back?" She asks.
Sasuke nods and Sakura crawls in front of Sasuke, sitting between his legs. He's lucky she can't his face. Sasuke's hands slightly tremble as he squeezes the sunscreen onto his hands and rubs Sakura's back. She leans into his touch and it takes all his self control to not moan. Her skin is soft and it reminds him of a few weeks ago. Regrettably it ends and he's done. "Help me?" He asks in return. Sakura turns around and nods, grabbing the bottle back. Sasuke turns around.
His back straightens as she touches it. Sakura takes her time. She starts at his shoulders and the sunscreen is cold compared to her soft warm hands. She rubs the sunscreen until it’s completely absorbed and then her touch still lingers on his skin until she moves on to a different spot. It's heaven until she's done and then it becomes hell. He turns around and leans on his elbows watching Sakura as she kneels. She offers out the sunscreen to him, biting her lower lip, "do you need more help?"
Sasuke leans his head back, staring at the blue sky. It's almost noon so it's getting hot, but the temperature is not the only thing rising. Who is he kidding himself? "Yes. Come here." He looks at her, tilting his head.
She moves close to him, on his side. Sakura opens the bottle, squirting sunscreen on one palm of her hand and then rubbing it in both. She leans over him, her hands working over the front of his body.
Holy shit.
He forces himself to maintain eye contact with her instead of throwing his head back. He's staring at her lips, biting his own lower lip as she bites hers. Sakura's hands start to go down and it takes all self control to not grab her by the waist and start a scene. "Sakura," he groans, self control slipping. "Slow down."
Her hands stop, her fingers slighting curling, only her finger tips on his skin. He was insane and she was instigating. Her fingers drag down his low stomach, close to dangerous territory. The soft fluttering touches are leaving him breathless.
"Is this slow enough?" She lowers her voice. She lowers one hand just so slightly and moves one hand up. The other hand then follows. She’s now tracing parts of his abs and its sweet torture. Her eyes drag up to his face and he slowly blinks. Slowly breathing through his nostrils. Sakura leans back on her heels. "Think I did good work?" A smug smile lines her lips.
"Yeah, good work." He grunts out, leaning up and pulling a rolled towel over his lap.
Sakura grabs hand sanitizer from her bag and cleans her hands. She offers Sasuke some and he obliges. She reaches for the fried Oreos. Sasuke follows her every movements. The way she delicately grabs the food, bringing it to her pink lips. How she licks her lips after each bite. She finishes one and as she reaches for a second one she sees Sasuke staring at her. "Hm? Want one?" She grabs it and moves it close to Sasuke lips. He moves his head back. "Sakura, no." He can smell the sugar from it.
"No?" She's such a tease. She takes it back and takes a bite from it. After swallowing, she offers it again to him. "Just a little bite won't hurt you." Sasuke making a face, makes her giggle. "Oh it might." She finishes the fried Oreo. She wipes the corners of her mouth, licking her finger.
Sasuke groans. "Tease." Sakura laughs and its a beautiful sound. "Happy Birthday."
-
Hours later the two leave the beach. "Are you hungry, for like real food?" Sakura asks. He opens the door for Sakura. "Yeah."
"I'll cook you something real special when we get back." She says. "Yeah?" He smiles.
"Mmhm. Spaghetti with extra, extra tomato sauce." She smiles. "Oh and your birthday gift is behind your seat."
Sasuke reaches behind him and sees a gift bag. He places it on his lap. They get on the highway and Sakura lowers the volume on the radio. "Go on, open it." She keeps looking at him, stealing glances, each time it makes Sasuke's heart flutter. He opens the bag and inside is a book covered. He opens the book up and it's a special edition of The Gutsy Ninja.
"I asked Naruto if he could reach out to Jiraiya for a new copy. Turns out it’s going to be a new release with a new cover! You get the first one with a special inscription.”
Sasuke opens up to the title page. Underneath the title is the inscription.
Happy Birthday! Here's to the gutsy years of your life and finding your ninja way! Jiraiya
”Thank you Sakura.” His chest is tight with emotion.
“You’re welcome Fug-. You’re welcome.” She says. She glances once more over and the look on her face seals his fate.
Inside the bag there is another gift and a card. Grabbing the card, he opens it up. It’s a cute card with two cats on the front.
Happy Birthday, I’ve cherished this summer more than you can imagine. Here’s to a new chapter in your life. Best wishes, Sakura xx
Sasuke rereads the birthday message from Sakura. The other gift is a small picture frame holding a Polaroid. Their Polaroid from the Fourth of July. It’s the two of them, smiling so wide. Sakura has red frosting on her cheeks and Sasuke is genuinely happy.
“Sakura thank you.” He thanks her again. These gifts were thoughtful and perfect. He places one hand over one of hers on the steering wheel.
“SURPRISE!”
Sasuke enters through the front door, the lights flicking on and a shit ton of his family members jump up. "Happy birthday!" They shout.
"Whoaaa!" Sasuke says, his mom and dad come over. "Mom! Dad!" He hugs them. His mom kisses his cheek and his father pats his back. He brings Sakura closer to him, "Mom, dad, this is Sakura. Sakura, this is my mom and dad." Sakura smiles so beautifully, Sasuke's breath is taken away for a moment. He smiles as he sees his mom take in Sakura so naturally. His dad leans down and gives her a hug.
"Yooo Obito. Shisui?" He points to his cousins, stepping forward.
“Sakura! These are my cousins.” He turns around grabs her hand, leading her to them. Obito is wearing a birthday party hat. While Shisui is stuffing his face with puffy Cheetos. His two goofy older cousins. He's missed them so much and their dumb antics.
“Hey!” Shisui offers them some Cheetos. They both shake their head.
“Hi!” Sakura introduces herself. Both cousins give her a bear hug. They welcomed Sakura with open arms, literally.
“All of you guys have such similar features.” She says. “I feel like Naruto and I stand out in a crowd of Uchihas.”
“Dominant genes.” Obito nods his head, looking at everyone at the house. Crowd of dark hair with a pop of pink and blond.
“Better not get lost then,” Shisui says, stopping a little kid and giving them the bag of Cheetos. “Take these away. It’s going to ruin my appetite.” The kid grabs them and Itachi grabs them right back.
“Yes you’re right it’s going to ruin your appetite. Food is ready!” Itachi points out to the deck.
It’s like the world stopped again for Sasuke. Then continued on without him. A crowd of Uchihas. A crowd of Uchihas. A crowd of Uchihas. A. Crowd. Of. UCHIHAS.
He swallowed the lump in his throat, or at least that’s what it felt like. Watching the scene unfold in front of him, he tries to rewind. How did she know? How did she find out?! And why was she acting so nonchalant?
The uneasy and sticky feeling was crawling over his body. Feeling not in control was such a sick feeling to Sasuke. He wanted to get off the nonstop ride, but it was all out of his control. Now his throat was dry, what the fuck was happening to his body. He touched his chest, hearing the thump of his heart. He watched as they continued on without him. Sasuke watched as Sakura was laughing at something Obito said.
He watched her side profile, looking at and listening to whatever Obito spewed. Feeling as if someone was watching her, Sakura looked back at Sasuke. Immediately she stopped and turned around coming back to Sasuke. “What’s wrong?” She mouthed. She repeated it again as she got closer to him.
“I-“
”DUUUDE! Your dad is so fucking funny. He was all like, “Naruto eat some vegetables, you don’t want to turn into a big pile of noodles.” Not him saying the exact same line every time he sees me. He knows I’m never going to stop eating ramen noodles. That’s my crack. My will to live, if you will-“ Naruto appears out of nowhere, his voice loud.
“Naruto shut up.” Sakura says. She’s staring up at Sasuke, worry covering her face. She can’t read what’s going on.
“Are you good?” Naruto waves a fistful of Cheetos in his face.
Snapping out of his trance, Sasuke moves his eyes from Naruto to Sakura. He stares at her face then focuses on her features.
Her eyebrows, furrowed in confusion and worry. Her green eyes focused on his face. The soft green eyes, they’re etched in his mind. Her nose, the way it scrunches when she’s explaining something she’s not fond of or if she’s way too focused. Her lips. The upturn of a smile that makes his heart skip a beat. The downturn where it makes him want to fix her problems.
”Hey S-“ Sakura says, then stops. She stares at his empty eyes. She takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders. “Come on,” she grabs his hand and leads him upstairs. He focuses on the softness of her hand, steadying him. The next breath of air he takes he feels like he’s reached the surface.
Sasuke rubs his thumb on Sakura’s wrist. She snaps her head back, stopping for a minute on the stairs. She regains focus and yanks him up. They tumble into the home library.
As soon as Sasuke enters, she closes the door and walks past him, staring out the window. The party below them continues.
Sakura plants her feet hip width apart, arms crossed. She stares out the window, you could see the buildings in Kohona. It’s still daylight out.
Sasuke watches her outline, waiting for her. The air around him changes because for the first time he realizes he’ll be okay with whatever she says. Whether it scares or soothes him.
"I knew." She says turning around. Her bright eyes shining. "I knew it from the moment you sat across from me."
"What?" He's shocked. "You knew?"
"Yes." She admits. "I knew and call me crazy, but I didn't care. I didn't care what the world was saying about you, because I got to know you." She steps closer to him, he feels the color come back into his mind, no longer squeezing him. All he can focus on is the green right in front of him.
Slowly nodding his head, it's all making sense for him, "you knew." He repeats it. He lied, but she knew. He didn't care, because she didn't care.
"I let your name slip out to Itachi. He almost didn't catch it either." She chuckles, lifting her hand up to cup his cheek. "I had no idea who you were by the way, until a week before we met by the way. I never pay attention to the tabloids or gossip from news. I watched one video and I knew they were just trying to smear you. I felt bad for you because I had seen the video of you doing a press conference for a charity your mother started. No way, was that the same guy. Well, when you cut me off in the parking lot, I thought asshole for sure."
Sasuke laughs. "You know you had me shitting myself, trying to tell you the truth. Wait. When did I cut you off?”
"Didn't want to push you. I could tell you wanted to stay hidden. Not my place to push you." She smiles, she ignores his question, that can be discussed another time. "Just to be there for you." With her other hand, she holds his hand and places it over her heart.
"Happy Birthday Sasuke."
August slipped away like soft sighs and twisted sheets. The last month of summer feels like catch up if you let June and July pass. September enters like the leaves changing colors, a new season beginning for many. Soon it'll be October. The year is passing swiftly.
Sasuke wakes one morning, the back of his hand covers his eyes. The sunlight is starting to drift in through the window blinds. He sighs in relief, mornings come easy now. He stretches his arms and touches Sakura's ghost. Her side of the bed, empty. She's gone during the nights, but she should come tiptoeing in soon.
Like clockwork, the bedroom door opens and he turns his head to see her enter. She's wearing her scrubs, her hair in a bun, some pieces falling out. She looks gorgeous. Sakura goes over to the dresser and opens a drawer. She takes off her top and shimmies out of her pants. She grabs one of Sasuke's t-shirts and puts it over her head. Taking out her bun, her hair cascades. She turns around meeting his eyes. "You're up?"
"How can I not be?"
She gives him a wry smile. "I'm sooo tired." She crawls underneath the cover. Snuggling close to him. "Can't wait to be off tonight. It's Saturday night." She sighs. "We should go out, but I wanna stay in with you." Her eyes close, her arms around Sasuke's bicep. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she turns and kisses it.
"Yes, staying in sounds good." He agrees, he'll do anything she wants. He reaches with his other hand to run his fingers through her hair. "Mmm." Sakura murmurs. "You should make French toast later. With powdered sugar." She adds.
As brazen as always, he thinks. He turns his head, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Yes, baby. Anything else?"
"Crispy bacon. Some strawberries with banana. Oh. Coffee and orange juice."
Sasuke waits for a few beats, Sakura's breathe steadies. She's already asleep. He rubs her back, soothing her.
He waits for a few more minutes before getting out of bed. He stretches his arms over his head and glances back at Sakura's sleeping figure. Entering his new kitchen, he begins working on their breakfast. When going back to the city, Sasuke found a place close to the hospital. He then asked Sakura to move in. She agreed, but was worried her busy schedule would run him off. Sasuke calmed her fears, he wasn't going anywhere. Not when she showed him she wasn't going anywhere.
Sasuke issued a public statement denouncing the actions of Root Inc., especially individuals Danzo and Orochimaru for feeding the media frenzy harassment of Sasuke Uchiha. Next, the Uchiha Corporation issued a public statement as well, backing Sasuke into their company again and thanking their allies for the not believing the hysteria force-fed to the media by the individuals hiding behind Root Inc.
He closes the refrigerator, his eyes catching on the photos. Photos of him and Sakura, and his family at his birthday party. How could he think Sakura would judge him from the word of others, rather than the contents of his own character? Relief floods his body, that part of his life was over and he was starting anew. The sun reflects into the living room and spills into the kitchen.
A new day.