Tsunade's prosperity was hard to decipher when taking a step into her humble home. A sense of messy design clashed with the cleanliness and atmospheric charm. The improper placement of decorations was questionable. It was as if Tsunade was on a budget after buying out the two-story house. But that theory was quickly dismissed when spotting several people in professional attire; her maids and butlers. One conclusion was made when seeing the decor though, Tsunade lacked any interior design.
Passing the living room which was the 'picture' room of the house, many frames of familiar and unfamiliar faces was thrown at him. In his opinion, it was too overwhelming for a gathering space. Not like he'd openly critique; he would be asking for days of detention for doing so.
Beyond it was the classy dining room; spotless and probably Sasuke's favorite place in the house seeing how terrible the entrance design was. Whoever had control of remodeling this space deserved an applause. Right at the center, the crazy amount of food could not go unnoticed. A lengthy dining table holding what seems to be several huge dinner courses was way too much for 3 people. A waste of table space and a waste of good food.
By the time they were seated, nothing but silence remained. All they did was patiently wait for utensils and cups to be placed in front of them.
Squirming in her seat, Sakura wore a nervous smile. If anyone should be nervous, it's him. He had to consider whether anything Tsunade throws at him is a test of some sort. Which explains why he pulled in Sakura's seat for her and quietly complimented her on the side.
Their principal had never spoken once they arrived. But after being given an entire bottle of wine to enjoy for herself, her booming voice echoed across the halls.
"My god, the tension is incredible. You, Uchihas, are always so quiet! Lighten up!" A glass was almost offered to them before she pulled back her own hand. She exclaimed, "Oh, that's right! You two can't drink yet!" followed by sounds of laughter. "Don't be shy! Eat up, eat up!"
Sakura glanced over at her partner and so did he. Both nodding their heads to say their thanks at the same time. "Itadakimasu (thanks for the food)."
His hunger screamed for a bite of the delicious plate near him. But he wouldn't let his objective go unnoticed. So before he dug in, he wanted to be straightforward with Tsunade. A discussion during big meals like this was needed to keep the silence at a minimum. Plus, this was his opportunity to bond with Sakura's guardian. Based on what Itachi informed him, being on good terms with the 'mother' only gives benefits to the partner. Also, Sasuke knew better than to get on Tsunade's bad side.
"Tsunade-sensei...I'm sure you're aware of why we're here."
"Oh Sasuke, no need to be so strained. Plus, I already know about you two. Our school loves rumors and you were the talk of the town last week." Her glass of wine was nearly finished as she slowly chugged it.
Haruno's plate was stacked with curry, fried chicken, tempura, and onigiri; with soba and miso soup right beside. "Eh? What are you two talking about?"
Her question was ignored though as Sasuke proceeded to say, "Then am I allowed to assume you approve of us?"
Tsunade chuckled behind her wine glass. "Must I answer such an obvious question? Here I thought you had a brain." Her smile was the most comforting that moment and Sasuke was pleased to no end.
"Hn." A smirk grew as he was watered with acceptance.
. . .
Lunch at Tsunade's was a compelling experience. The principal actually ate this time and teased Sakura about her appetite. Sasuke was the only polite eater with manners mimicking royalty. At least, that's what Haruno and Tsunade thought.
The young Uchiha really couldn't accept the fact that nearly all of the food was almost gone. He wasn't even done with his plate but the women here ate as if there was no tomorrow. Furthermore, Tsunade got drunk and started to spit food everywhere and the pinkie scolded her.
To escape this environment, he headed to the bathroom in which he found was needlessly luxurious.
While the man was gone, Tsunade and Sakura returned to civil roots. With a napkin, the principal wiped the crumbs sitting on the side of her lip and asked her 'daughter' an embarrassing question. "Did Sasuke propose to you?"
Haruno nearly choked on her own spit. "Eh?!"
Her stifling expression entertained Tsunade. "I mean look at his formalities! He acts the same way like a fiance!"
"B-but-" the small thread of Sasuke's sweater seemed perfect to fiddle with, "he didn't! We just got together?! It's too early for that!"
"Goodness, you're so pink! And I'm not talking about your hair!" Her face was beginning to be a matching asset to her gorgeous, unique locks. Tsunade snickered at her flustered tone. "Gosh, don't look so worried! It was only a question!"
"Shush!" The pinkie covered her face with both hands. "Sasuke would never propose...."
Tsunade disagreed. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."
Her words would not help Sakura's case today. All she would think of from this moment on is the idea of being Sasuke's bride.
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It was already foreshadowed that they'd be going to several places; Sakura already expected such. However, the place in question could not be anticipated. This was unforeseen!
"Let your imagination run wild!" declared a round lady with the most brightest smile Sakura has ever encountered.
It still never registered in her brain that Sasuke actually booked a class where they'd mold clay into dishware. When did that disinterested bastard ever take a liking to arts?
Her hands clutched onto her creation of a thin plate that she preset in her mind would be painted white and have a peculiar design of vines and flowers circling its interior. Sasuke molded a small bowl, fit for rice, and began painting it all black. Would any of her friends believe her when they hear how invested Sasuke is in making this bowl perfect? Then again, Sasuke doesn't like half-assing things. It reflects what kind of person he is. A man's pride is the last thing they'd want to lose. Sakura guessed her lover wouldn't want to proudly claim making an ugly bowl. No one would.
Brushes were laid on paper towels that sat on paint-spilled wooden tables. A variety of color palettes were for their choosing and the only colors Sasuke picked was black, white, and red. But she shouldn't be talking, all she's using is white, light brown, and pink.
Throughout the whole session, they didn't exchange much words. Both were focused on painting and between the other couples, they were also very quiet. But that hour wasn't wasted, the two were the only ones to finish their product and their instructor praised their efforts.
"Wow! So nice~! A beautiful couple with their beautiful art. Oh! May I take a picture for our customer wall?"
Spread all over a decorated wall were the multiple polaroids of previous couples. The Uchiha and Haruno duo watched as their photo was pasted next to a pair of newlyweds. Leaving the art studio, they were able to take a second copy of the photo and their clay art.
Before Sasuke stuffed his bowl in a tote bag, Sakura was able to catch the use of red and white paint; it was for his family's symbol: a fan. He teased about how the both of them made their art personal. Sakura's plate was painted with cherry blossoms just like her name and Sasuke's was his family's symbol.
"I wonder why you brought me here of all places. Doesn't this kind of thing bore you?" asked Sakura, her hand just millimeters away from touching his.
The hint flew over his head and his reply was composed yet it could mean multiple things. "Does it matter? I thought this thing would be fun for you. Plus, wouldn't it be useful? For y'know?"
If Sakura thought logically, Sasuke would be referring to the dishes usefulness in everyday life; nothing more, nothing less. But as she ponders on Tsunade's teasing remark, the simple, ambiguous reply became assumingly complicated. Her mind did happy backflips at her own guess. Might he be implying their dining set would be for perfect use when they live together?! Bringing it up was never an option but she still couldn't help but wallow herself up in her thrilling scenario.
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Every stop got out of character for him. It baffled her that she found herself standing in front of a photo booth with Sasuke. Of all her knowledge she had of him, this man would never voluntarily be seen even 10 feet near it.
Her star-struck gape amused the young Uchiha. "What? Don't want any evidence of this day ever happening? Alright...suit yourself."
"Wait!" Her cheeks flushed. Out of his own free-will, he encouraged more photos to be taken despite already having one. If this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, she had to take advantage of it. "Of course I want it! Do I have to admit everything to you?!"
His snickers made her ears tingle.
In that tight, small booth, only a thin curtain hid them away. A bright screen illuminated the options of what kind of design the photos borders should be and how many does one desire to take.
One tap and the option of 4 pictures, 2 copies was taken. The act got her timid and made her think, He wants this as a keepsake, too?
The booth catered seats and it was slightly above the mall's floor. Sasuke had his foot tapping against it with impatience or was it because of embarrassment? The curtain didn't exactly cover them, Sasuke can be seen clearly.
Amidst the many choices, Sakura couldn't help but choose the most cutest one with filters that splashed the photo with hearts, bunnies, and glitter. She could hear his disapproval as he clicked his tongue.
"You're trying to humiliate me, aren't you?"
"Shh! The camera is about to take our photos!" The screen counted backwards from 10. "First pose we should...hm....oh! Smile! C'monnnn, Sasuke-kun. A big, big, big smile for me please!"
The memory of his mother encouraging him to smile in their photos flashed and Sasuke caught himself genuinely smiling at Sakura's similar attitude.
As soon as the countdown was to be over, he scooted a bit closer so their shoulders would softly brush then warmly smiled; the edge of his lips slightly tugging.
"Say cheese!" said the scripted monitor as the two smiled beside each other.
Her heart raced as she couldn't wait to carry the photo strip of Sasuke smiling. But as soon as she turned back to him, his happy facade disappeared and his face turned ecstatic after peering out of the curtain.
He was distracted by something outside and with only 5 seconds left on the clock for their 2nd picture, she decided to kiss him on the cheek. Catching him off-guard on camera is pretty rare. She had luck on her side today as moments like these were always worthy remembering.
Her wish came true because right when her glossed-up lips pecked the soft skin of her lover's, his eyes dilated and his eyebrows jumped while keeping a stoic expression.
"...I wasn't ready." His averting eyes was never more adorable than right now.
The 3rd pose came with two filters where one was a cat and the other was a bunny. From his angle, he wore the white-pink bunny ears.
"Aww, you look cute!" mocked Sakura.
"You better not send these photos to anyone." He annoyingly told.
"Whattt? Why not?"
She didn't know how but he always knew how to make her freeze up. "These photos should only be seen by us." Into her ear, he whispered, "You just wait and see."
"Yeah, right. I'm going to post this everywhere!"
Their last picture and their pose was undecided. They only had 20 seconds to decide what to do before the camera clicks and Sakura treated it as if they were going to die.
"Sasuke, hurry!! Gimme ideas!!" She was freaking out while Sasuke stayed relaxed.
"Come here real quick then." An arm slithered around her waist and tugged her closer towards his chest. The same hand then placed itself on her chin, tilting her head up. His eyes stared straight at the lips that kissed his cheek earlier. Even with his soft touch, he can practically feel the warmth of Sakura's face.
5....
The countdown was slow and Sakura could not be thawed.
4....
Staying still and patiently wait was all she could do.
3....
It almost felt degrading to see Sasuke's sinister grin watch her grow shyer and shyer.
2....
Was time frozen like her?
1....
"Say cheese!"
. . .
Within the photo booth, you can hear a machine quickly print out their photos; 2 copies as requested.
Sasuke, just a few feet away, sat on an empty bench surrounded by vending machines. Her back faced him and his eyesight stung her.
In a few seconds, it would be finished. In a few seconds, she'll be able to see not only Sasuke's rare moments of expression but also her reaction to the last pose Sasuke wanted. So she patiently waited; insisting Sasuke to wait over there. While, a group of middle school boys hopped in and asked her to let them know once she retrieved her pictures.
The sound of photo paper quietly alerted her as the 2 copies finished printing. Her attention immediately directed to their 4th photo and there, clearly seen, was her shut eyes and lips puckered up to what she believed would be Sasuke's lips. Horror drowned her previously nervous features.
From behind, the 2nd copy was snatched away and Sasuke held a pleased smirk. While Sakura had the impression they'd kiss, all Sasuke did was hold her chin and smirk down at her. "With this, you won't be able to show anyone our photos, huh?"
Beat red; she was beat red from the face down. His method of teasing was beyond Sakura's imagination. Cruel, yes but also strangely sweet? Maybe Sakura was crazy, after all she did fall in love with this guy.
With sarcasm, she replied, "You're so romantic," and punched his arm as a slight part of her revenge.
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Just a few stores away within their local mall was an average-sized arcade fit towards all ages. The line of claw machines immediately caught Haruno's eye. Prizes within consisted of exclusive plushies, figures, gadgets, shoes, expensive brands, gift cards, etc. And the prize Sakura desired the most was an 8 inch tall bear and bunny duo figurine; both animals holding hearts.
However, this fun-filled area was not part of Sasuke's plan.
"Pleaseeee, Sasuke-kun!!!" She hoped her pleads got through to him. "You said the movie would start in an hour!! Let's kill some time!"
Initially, he wanted to buy snacks and drinks for the two of them, find their seats, then take a small nap and Sakura would wake him up. Had he known there would be an arcade, he'd at least have brought some change.
But Sakura did not beg just so he can pay. The girl has some sense in her, who would go out without their wallet? All she needed was his approval. A nod was enough for her to dash towards the quarter machine.
Astonished, Sasuke silently watched her only put a single dollar bill in for 4 quarters. The lingering question stuck in his tongue was swallowed when Sakura, on her first try, caught hold of a medium-sized bread-loaf plushie.
"Dammit!!!" Her frustration confused him. "Sasuke-kun, hold this!" Once more, she attempted to grab the box but this time, she caught thin air.
"What's with you?" asked the young Uchiha.
Without a word, she pointed to her desired item.
Why has Sasuke never seen Sakura this needy before? They've known each other for a good amount of time yet they lacked seeing each other in their different states. It perplexed him how she'd react to his 'fun' state.
"Let me help then." The slight touch of the controller gave him a reality check when he remembered he was terrible at these. He could already sense Sakura's urge to laugh when he completely missed her wanted item.
Her red face that wanted to burst into laughter was held in though. "Ah, it's ok, Sasuke-kun. You can still help me get more coins."
He rather she said nothing at all; his embarrassment surged when facing his uselessness.
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Across his sharp face was a fresh look of dismay. How can he even begin to explain his choice of a good movie was terrible? "...That was boring." Such a simple plan ruined by his own dreadful film option.
The pinkie watched his face drop in dread and tried to hold in her laugh. "...It could've been worse."
"I assume you only said that to make me feel better."
"...Oh, Sasuke-kun," reassured Sakura, as she patted his back, "You remind me of an out-of-touch father trying to bond with their teenage daughter."
"...hn." With that line, there was no way he could muster a response.
To his surprise, he still got a kiss to the cheek. "But...you did this for me, right? To make me happy, right? It's the thought that still counts."
Exiting out of the theater, one can easily spot the singular trashcan overflowed by various empty plastic cups and popcorn bags. What once was a quiet sanctuary has now revealed their bright reality. Awaiting them were staff members holding brooms and dustpans, wearing unenthusiastic looks as they're aware of the monstrosity the theater floors are. The poor staff, Sakura thought.
The seemingly expensive-priced watch strapped onto Sasuke's wrist read 6:33 p.m as they passed by the cardboard cutouts of upcoming movies. Their noses met the fresh smell of butter popcorn that anyone would drool over. But there was no time for popcorn on the run or extra candy. Their last stop wouldn't require that.
"So what if the movie sucked? I can finally know the whole point of this date!" An excited shrill screamed towards the young Uchiha. "You made me wait all day so I expect nothing less!"
There was no room to fit the extra plushie Sakura won so she had to put it between her chest and Sasuke's back and hold on to it for dear life as they cruised the streets. He chuckled at the soft feeling. "Who do you think I am? I never disappoint."
"Oh yeah? I'll be the judge of that." Her snarky words, disguised as a flirtation attempt, was then drowned by the booming car radio slowly driving past them. How could she not recognize the model that drove them home just a few hours ago?
"Sakura-chan!" Peeping out of the vehicle's window revealed the whiskered-face Uzumaki who lowered the radio's volume while. "What the- Sasuke?! Are you guys on a date?!"
Sasuke's tongue clicked in annoyance. "Tsk, why are you here, dobe?"
A cloud of enlarging pride floated above Naruto's satisfied self. "Unlike you, we're being good lovers and buying gifts for our girlfriends!"
"'We'?" Sakura densely questioned, completely forgetting she knew the owner of the vehicle. Until a peeping long-haired figure emerged from behind the ramen lower, her answer was revealed. "Oh! Hi again, Neji!"
After a polite wave to the pinkie, he directed his attention to the young Uchiha. "Damn, what's taking you so long?" Based on Sasuke's deepening frown, their sudden appearance didn't amuse him. In fact, he looked rather impatient; seeing how rapid his foot-tapping became. "Quit stalling and hurry up already."
"Idiot." A sharp look was shot at Neji. "If you two would leave, I'd be heading there already-"
"OHHHHHHH!" Just before the two caught sight of the couple, Neji chatted about Sasuke's 'plan'. It excited Naruto that he understood the basis of their small talk. Uzumaki almost launched himself out of the driver's seat when he grabbed his childhood friend's hands and looked her square in the eye. "Sakura-chan, Sakura-chan! From all my years of knowing that bastard, he has never prepared for a date before." He leaned into her ear and whispered, "If the date ends up shitty, cut him some slack."
With a click of his tongue, an irritated fist clutched Naruto's shirt collar and pulled him into his lethal-filled gaze. "Say that again, dobe?"
Anyone would grow powerless at such a glare. But Naruto was too proud to be defeated. "Your terrible with romance, teme! It'll be a failure!" Silliness and stubbornness characterized the whiskered-teen very well. It comes to show how childish he is whenever he retaliates by sticking his tongue out. As he drove away, they can hear the distant laughter of Neji's.
The bumper sticker in the back window of Neji's vehicle was his family's symbol. The similarity between Hyuuga and Uchiha was just too obvious. Even Sasuke's helmets were both customized to have his family's fan symbol there. Haruno glanced up at her tall lover and as he gazed at her, she warmly smiled.
He wasn't sure what was on her mind but he assumed it had to do with their last destination and Naruto's idiotic words. "Never listen to him, he doesn't even know what I'm going to do for you." Through surprisingly irked pouts, he spoke with disfavor. "He'd never believe I'd do this. 'Terrible at romance'? I'll show him."
It was the first time she's seen him so competitive. She started to believe whether this date was to prove himself or he genuinely planned this out for her. Ever since Naruto and Neji came, she'll put her money on how he now has two reasons for this date.
. . .
Zooming past grocery stores and toy shops, then through quiet suburban neighborhoods, they came across Konoha's community park. The main one and the biggest one in the district.
Scattered around Konoha, there have been small playgrounds for any kid's amusement and she recalled those memories. Whether this huge park was in-the-making when she was out of town didn't matter because all thoughts had vanished the moment she spotted the falling leaves of the many cherry blossom trees. Losing track of time, there is no wonder why this amazed her. Had she known it was in season, she would've arranged a picnic with Sasuke.
Seemingly so, he thought one step ahead of her because as they both hopped off his motorcycle, he led her, by the hand, to a gorgeously-decorated spot. Flower string lights hanged on the low branches of the trees that lit up the dark area. A round table covered in red-satin cloth had a flower vase sitting on top. Purple lilacs, the same ones Ino sells in her family's boutique. If she looked up the meaning behind these flowers, she'd learn it represented first love or the beginning of it.
The metal chairs with gray cushions on opposite ends of the table had an intricate design, similar to the outdoor 'living room' in Tsunade's backyard.
At first glance, the plates and shiny utensils were immediately notable. After a few nights of tidying her partner's mansion, she'd have definitely memorized it by now.
The whole setting gave her the idea that everyone pitched in to help Sasuke. As tough as it is to imagine, he actually asked people for help. She wanted to ask if he felt embarrassed and why he went through such lengths to do all this.
But questions were such a trivial thing when your lover pulled you by the waist and into their arms. What use would it be to understand the purpose? With nothing but butterflies flying in her stomach, she accepted the beautiful choice of location and decided to absorb all the fun she'll be having.
"That dobe would never top something like this."
But of course, men will find any way to ruin anything. "Oh shut up, Sasuke-kun. How about you tell me all about what we're having for dinner?"
Her impatience was comical. So, before he replied the arm planted around her waist shifted to her petite shoulders. "Hn." His eyes locked with the emerald earrings he bought her at the beach house earlier that day. "You have any guess what advice your guardians gave me?" Her sage eyes looked up at him in curiosity. "They suggest I never let an annoying girl wait."
"Ugh! Screw you, guys!"
"What? Does that upset you?"
"Of course it does! Gosh, are you trying to see me smile or do you want to feel my wrath?"
"Oh wow, so scary."
"Sasuke-kun! Stop being sarcastic!"
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after some thinking, i've decided that after all these wonderful years i will be ending 'I Just Want You'. this is the second to last chapter and the next update will be the very last!
hope this date-centered chapter was a fun read for you all!
thank you for all your interest in this story; my readers are the most valuable of all!
since school has ended...have an amazing summer!!!