Clothes. Purses. Jewelry. Perfume. Food. Money. Sasuke.
Everything Sakura wants sits in front of her, sparkling in all of its newness, in all of its expensiveness.
Sasuke kisses her hand, showing her his romantic side, showing her how committed he is to her and this relationship. Sakura blushes and giggles.
"I love you," he says, but it's a struggle for him. It comes out forced, hoarse, and strained. "I love you so much, Sakura."
Sakura beams. The hug that comes with her happiness suffocates Sasuke. "I love you too, Sasuke!"
It's a shame. A shame that he bends so easily to her will, to her tears, and to her whining. The guilt consumes him, making him spineless. It's like a black hole with no end, continually falling through her demands and her cries, tiring himself out in the process.
It's abuse.
But Sasuke doesn't know that. He believes that Sakura gives him all he every needs and wants: love. The only price he must pay is giving her every piece of himself to her and only her.
She doesn't appreciate the things he does since she begs for more.
A glutton. That's what she is. But who can blame her?
Her boohoo sob story of growing up poor has everyone giving her sympathy. She's perfected the puppy dog eyes and the pouty lip. It's worked on everyone, especially Sasuke.
Now, she's sucking Sasuke dry of every penny he has. After inheriting everything, Sasuke has butt loads of money to spend. He's even paying for her college.
"Sasuke, let's go on another date!" Sakura says, embracing him tighter. His cheek pressed against her collarbone, pushing in his soft flesh.
"We already did. Two dates actually," Sasuke coughs out as she squeezes him tighter.
"Sasuke." Her tone soft, yet it warns him of the dire consequences of refusing her. "I want another date."
Sasuke hums, a slight whine behind the baritone noise. He closes his eyes and cringes.
"Sakura, I'm tired, please."
Sakura huffs while she scans the things he bought her. "Fine." It isn't enough for her, she needs more.
I deserve to be spoiled. After everything I went through.
It's her mantra. It's the thing she uses to justify her need for more.
The manifestations of greed and gluttony would be impressed by her sins, for she had everything.
Or so she thought.
...
Something Sakura doesn't have anymore is Sasuke's attention. Although he may be with her, may be looking at her, talking to her, kissing her, she doesn't have his attention.
His gaze and his thoughts always wander back to [Name], who, while hungover, is returning books to the shelves.
Yep, [Name] returned to work. She was an hour late, but she blames it on the faulty bus system. Reena and May know [Name] couldn't get off the floor this morning. They even know about her crazy ramblings of the whereabouts of Sasuke.
Reena tries her best to give [Name] a smooth workday, promising that she'll be able to take the day off tomorrow.
"Take the day off," Reena suggests as she hands [Name] another small task. "And go on a date with Sasuke."
"I keep telling you," [Name] sighs while taking the note. "I'm not looking for love."
"And I say you're full of shit." Reena adjusts her glasses, no longer looking at [Name]. "You can't be just friends with a hot, rich guy. You have to ride his dick at least once."
[Name] snorts to stifle her laugh. "Gross."
She climbs upstairs as the hangover pounds at the sides of her head. The adult section extends to the upper floor, and the banned books are located there too. Her task for right now is to stop the horny couples from kissing in the dark corners of the erotica section.
How come Reena couldn't do this? She's the one who saw them.
[Name] grumbles and approaches the couple—who are too lost in their own passion—to notice her. She clears her throat and narrows her eyes.
"Excuse me," she starts. The couple pulls apart, surprise all over their faces. They try to stutter out an explanation but [Name] brushes it off. "Yeah, whatever. Go do that somewhere else please, not here. This is a library, not Makeout Point."
"Sorry."
"Sorry."
The two stand up and leave immediately while some parts of their dignity remained.
With a sigh, [Name] returns the books they had out back into their places. She picks up one small book with the title MakeOut Paradise and remembers the promise she made with Sasuke.
"I haven't even touched that book." She shakes her head and chuckles. "I should probably read it."
She absentmindedly flips through the pages as she makes her way back downstairs.
I wonder how far he read through it.
Sasuke fills her mind, and she thinks about him, but not the way he dreams about her. She wonders how his health is doing, if he took his medication, if he's having a good day.
She reaches the bottom of the stairs and gazes at the book.
"I should call him."
...
Sakura depends on Sasuke. She doesn't know it, but she does. His constant need for her affection, the way he kisses her, the way he spoils her, it's all she depends on. She needs his love; like some weirdo cartoon villain, she feeds off of it.
In simple terms, Sakura is a leech. A parasite.
While she forcibly cuddles Sasuke on her futon, she sucks out all the heat from him and squeezes out any drop of love he has left for her. Sasuke's grown accustomed to her tight embrace, but today is different. His bones feel like they're snapping from her hugs.
He shifts uncomfortably underneath her. "I need to get home Sakura."
"No," she whines. "Stay awhile."
"I've been with you all day, please, I have to get home."
Sasuke's been using please a lot to Sakura's distaste. It makes her feel like a bad guy; like she's holding him hostage. Unknown to her, that's exactly what she's doing.
His phone vibrates in his pocket before a soft jingle rings out. He shakes free from her hold. "See, that must be mom calling me for dinner."
Sakura huffs and sits up from their cuddling position. She's always hated how Sasuke was a momma's boy. How he always ran home to his adoptive mother when she called, but can hardly hold a conversation with his own girlfriend. "God! You're not a child anymore! You're what? Twenty three? When are we going to move in together, Sasuke?"
"I," he hesitates but keeps his mouth closed. Sakura gives him a fierce glare, awaiting his answer. He gulps. "Soon. Okay?"
Sasuke reaches into his pocket, surprised to see it isn't his mother calling, but it's [Name]. He suppresses a smile and heads to the bathroom to take the call.
Softly, he closes the door behind him, blocking Sakura's view of him.
"Hey," he mumbles into the phone.
"Hi, how are you?"
His heart flutters in his chest. God, he's been thinking about her all day.
"I'm doing good. I'm about to head home soon."
"Really?" There's a pause, and then she hears [Name] sigh. "I don't want to seem weird or anything, but do you mind if I come over?"
"Sure."
"Okay. Send me the address, and maybe we can talk about the book. See you soon."
Ah, right, the book. Sasuke's smile falters.
Of course. That's why [Name's] calling, not because she likes you or anything.
"Yep, see you."
The conversation doesn't last as long as he thought it would, much to his misfortune. But the tingling feeling in his chest makes him happy nonetheless.
Sasuke leaves the bathroom, not too surprised when Sakura stands at the door with her arms cross.
"Your mom, right?" She hisses, the skepticism poorly hidden behind her awkward smile.
He nods with an eyebrow raised. "Yeah."
Sakura glares, but that cruel grin is still plastered on her face. "Tell her I said hi when you get home."
"Will do," he promises and kisses her cheek. He reaches for the front door, but Sakura clears her throat. He forgot to say it.
"Love you."
"Love you too."
Sasuke quickly escapes after that, hauling his ass home so he can see [Name].