Hey, guys, I wasn't sure if I wanted to post this or nor, as mot of you know, lemons are foreign territory for me, eventually, I told my self that I am a coward and I decided to let you guys be the judges.

Enjoy

warning: Mature content

Sakura sighed delightfully as she soaked in a hot tub filled to the brim with bubbly steaming water. She stretched one shapely leg, dangling it off of the edge of the tub.

Her reddish blonde locks were gathered atop of her head in a silky mess, damp from the steam, and her face was devoid of any cosmetic products.

Her eyelids slid open when her phone chimed. She growled, irritated at the interruption, and reached over for a towel, to dry her hands.

Sakura retrieved her phone from the nearby bench and unlocked the screen, she narrowed her eyes at the new message.

I'm in town, I'll meet you tonight.

For a second, she was overcome with the urge to dump the device in the water she soaked in, and then thought better against that waste of material.

That arrogant prick! She thought. How could he send her a message, just like that, expecting her to obey and jump to do his bidding, as if she were some obedient medieval wife?

She sneered much like a tigress and bounded out of the tub, splashing water all over the shiny tiled floor. She stepped into the shower and yanked the knob, quickly disposing her skin from the suds.

"Mika," She called out as soon as she stepped into her room, wrapped in a burgundy bathrobe, her hair covered with a towel, she shouted Mika's name once more when the maid failed to answer quick enough.

"Yes, madam?" The young brunette answered, bobbing her head in a respectful greeting, tucking a stray lock back into her bun.

"Did you throw that invitation to the centennial?" Sakura asked over her shoulder, walking into her massive closet.

"No, madam." The maid denied, "Would you like me to dispose of it, now?"

"No." Sakura exclaimed, "Get it, I am going."

Mika raised an elegant eyebrow, "Madam?"

"Don't question me, just do it." The rosette countered, eyeing a red dress hanging in her closet, her bewitching green eyes landed on a pair of black heels, half out of its box and she smirked. "Now, Mika."

"Alright, madam, as you wish."

Sakura removed the towel from her hair and the reddish blonde locks tumbled all the way to her buttocks. Feeling determined, she reached for her hair dryer.

You just might have the surprise of your life, dearest Sasuke of mine.

Sasuke Uchiha sipped lazily at his glass of champagne. He was standing at the far corner of the ballroom, halfheartedly watching the couples dance in celebration for the 100th anniversary of the island's independence.

He glanced at his watch, eager to leave the stuffy room, his bowtie clung to his neck in a suffocating manner. Unconsciously, he palmed his phone, willing the device to vibrate. He sent the text message an hour ago, and yet he did not receive the minx's reply.

His grey eyes glanced at his mother, chatting happily with a few of her oldest friends, his father was engaged in a serious conversation with Kang Toro, the head of the Kang Compound for Importation, Sasuke shook his head, his father would forever be himself, eager to strike a business interaction, everywhere and anywhere.

Oh, how he envied his brother at times, the disowned Itachi was not obligated to attend foolish social interactions, unlike him, not that Sasuke was too keen on following a career in music, like his brother did, consequently heralding Uchiha Fugaku's eternal anger.

Suddenly, the dancing couples, were not dancing anymore, instead, they all gazed at the entryway of the Uchiha manor, eyes as wide as saucers, and mouths hanging open.

Sasuke would have found it comical, oh, he would have, had he not glanced at the entryway himself and found himself much in the same state.

He caught her handing her black coat to one of the servants. His grey eyes nearly dropped out of their sockets when they fell on her dress, if it could be called that.

It was a scandalous piece of red fabric really, more reminiscent of something that a woman might wear to the bedroom to please her lover than to a party as important as the centennial. It was just a touch shorter than her knees, contrary to the flowing gowns of the women occupying the dance floor. The red silk incased her lovely breasts deliciously, and then a coat of red lace covered her collarbones.

The fabric clung to her every curve, much to his dismay, attracting the attention of every male in the hall.

She marched further into the room, the sound of her black pumps echoed in a delicious click breaching the silence of the room.

Her long, luscious locks hang low, again, unlike the updo's that the women here ported, the unique color of her hair clashed wonderfully with her vibrant red dress.

As she approached, he could see the smoky colors that shadowed her bewitching green eyes, and the hoop diamond earrings that hang from the delectable lobes of her ears, as well as the bracelet that adorned her dainty wrist.

She walked towards him as if she hadn't a care in the world, as if all was swell, he could do nothing but stare at her.

She smiled slyly at him, the dimple he knew so well curving in her cheek. "Hello, Sasuke, missed me?"

Anger boiled in his insides, gnawing at him, and threatening to erupt, he inhaled deeply, trying to rein his anger in.

Slowly, but surely, the buzz resumed around them, until the ballroom was in motion once more. Discreetly, he gestured with his head towards the French doors leading to the green gardens.

The rosette took the hint and followed him, three paces behind him, scanning the artifacts that adorned the hall.

Fresh air greeted her as she stepped onto the green grass, she immediately scoped her surroundings, looking from him. The rosette walked further into the gardens, stumbling into the thick foliage of cherry blossom trees.

Her wrist was pulled and she tumbled onto a hard chest, a giggle erupted past her lips, painted a shameful red.

"Do you think it's funny?" He hissed into her ear, like a snake waiting to strike, instead of scaring her, the hiss evoked feelings ever so familiar, shivers trailing down her spine, and butterflies fluttering in the center of her belly.

She giggled once more, knowing that that would infuriate him further. The male behind her gripped her long locks and tugged, pulling her head back.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?"

She sneered, twirling to meet his gaze, taking a step back and rubbing at her scalp, she could not deny the fact that his rough manhandling aroused her, as it always did. "What was I to do? Do you think that I am your plaything, Sasuke? You come and take me as you please, when the mood strikes you?" She jeered. "Well, I am more than just a convenient whore, Sasuke, I am sick and tired of you treating me as one."

He advanced, as if to intimidate her. She was suddenly all too aware of his broad shoulders, stretching the dark material of his tux, his lean waist, and the flat landscape of his abdomen that she fondled so often. Her gaze dropped below his waist and she licked her lips.

The Uchiha caught the gesture, mesmerized for a moment by the tantalizing movement of the wet muscle. "You agreed to the terms, Sakura, I-"

"Yes." She interrupted. "I did agree, so?" She challenged. "I just might not agree anymore."

"This arrangement does not work like that, Sakura."

"Exactly," She exclaimed, "That," She jabbed a finger at his chest, "is what infuriates me, arrangement," She spat the word as if it was vile, "You speak like I am some sort of-of a-a whore, your whore," She sighed, "I am not your whore, Sasuke, I am not." She clenched her hands in the fabric of his tux and buried her face in his chest, inhaling his spicy, male scent.

The Uchiha sighed. "No, you're not my whore, nor you are anybody's whore, Sakura, but," He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing, "You know why I keep what we have in the dark."

"Yes, yes." She whined childishly, "You don't want anyone to know of your liaison with a certain Latin dancer," She sighed lustfully, "That's a shame, when did a good, sexy salsa ever do anyone any harm, hmm?"

She plastered herself to her lover's body for emphasis, nuzzling his chin lovingly. The Uchiha growled then bent his head to capture her lips.

The rosette poured herself wholeheartedly into the kiss, moaning keenly when the Uchiha captured her tongue between his own lips, she all but melted when he started to suck gently.

She fisted his jacket, then unbuttoned the dark garment when it was no longer satisfactory, she slid her hands up and down his back, over his pristine white shirt, and he took possession of her soul in one kiss.

He broke apart from her, holding her at the shoulders. His breath came out in short staccato, much like her own. She smiled sweetly at him, and he could not find it in him to return the action.

Her smile dropped. "Look, if you're so angry, I am sorry, I just needed to-" She was cut off when he clasped her wrist and began dragging her back where they came from.

"Sas-Sasuke, what are you doing?" In her heart, she somehow knew what he planned, and as her mind screamed at her to stop him, her heart smiled and wanted nothing more.

"Giving you what you want." He answered briefly, still dragging her. This time, the dancers were oblivious to their entrance, caught up in a lively country dance.

His parents were standing to the side, enjoying each other's company, alone, thankfully, his mother giggled at something his father said.

"Mom," He started when he was near them, Sakura glanced at him with panicked eyes, suddenly feeling less like the confident minx and more like the insecure girl she really was, "Dad, there's someone you need to meet."

The Uchiha turned to Sakura, "Sakura, these are my parents." Sakura stupidly bobbed her head in greeting, plastering a shaky smile on her face, she tugged on Sasuke's wrist relentlessly, trying to stop him, trying to tell him that this isn't what she wanted.

"Mom, dad, this Sakura," He smirked at her, a rascal's grin, then finished, "My wife."

She didn't know whose gasp was louder, hers or that of his parents, Uchiha Fugaku looked like he was in danger of suffering a heart attack, the medic in her began to calculate the shortness of his breath and the drops of sweat rolling down his face.

"Is this some sort of joke?" He finally said, growling out the words in a low menacing tone.

"No, father, this is Uchiha Sakura, my wife." Brazenly, he kissed his mother on the cheek. "I'll bid you, good night, then."

With that, he grasped Sakura's hand and exited the manor. Tears gathered in her eyes but she remained silent, as they got into his Austen Martin and drove off into the night.

They arrived at the house he purchased for her shortly, the maid greeted them with a smile, but that soon fell when she noted the tense atmosphere between the two.

Once in their bedroom, Sasuke began to undress, he threw his jacket haphazardly onto a chair, his shirt soon followed, and then his pants.

Like a good wife, Sakura picked up the garments, and neatly hang them in the closet. She heard the sound of the shower running and she bit her lip.

Then she sighed and she reached for the back of the dress, luckily, the dress had popper fastenings which made it easy to take off, she slipped out of her heels, and let the red fabric pool at her feet.

Sasuke did not say anything when he heard her come in to the shower, he did not do a thing when she began to wash his back, then rain soft, loving kissed on his skin.

"I missed you." She whispered against his ear, licking the lobe slightly, "You were gone for the longest time."

Sasuke's lips turned up in a smirk, the minx could always entice him, no matter how rotten his mood was, hell, he wanted her right now, even though, he might have just got himself disowned.

"Didn't you miss me, too?" Her hands trailed down his torso, they played at his narrow hips for bit, then skimmed all the way to his thighs, caressing the wet skin.

The Uchiha growled, irritated at her teasing, he clasped her dainty hands in his, forcefully pulling it to where he wanted most.

A low grunt escaped his lips as she stroked him, kissing the space between his shoulder blades, lovingly.

His hips began to move out of his own volition, until he could not handle it anymore. He spun around, pushing his wife towards the wall, trapping her with his elbow.

His lips captured her own, forcefully claiming what was his, she moaned, a deep guttural sound. His hands travelled down her sides, then up again, claiming the heavy globes of her ample breasts. The rosette moved relentlessly against him, eager to get more of him.

His callused thumbs fumbled with her rose nubs. Air became a necessity, and he tore his lips off of hers, he placed wet kisses on the column of her throat.

The Uchiha located her pulse point and sucked, drawing keen, whiny noises from her. He bent his head and latched onto her left breast with his mouth, fondling the other one.

His free hand trailed down her torso, cupping her firm , flat belly, then skimming lower, until he was touching the most intimate area of her body. Sakura all but screamed with pleasure, a pleasure which he had denied her for the past three months.

Briefly, he concluded that she was ready and positioned himself at her entrance. With one strong thrust, he was sheathed deep inside her, he groaned, stilling for a few heartbeats to relish the moment.

Sakura gasped for air, her leg came up to wrap around his waist in a movement that she'd done so many times, it was almost as if they were dancing a sultry tango.

The Uchiha began a movement as ancient as time, her sheath was gripping him so tightly, he was enveloped in welcoming, and delightful heat.

Sakura raked her fingers down her husband's back, taking his earlobe into her mouth and whispering encouragements into his ear.

Sasuke heeded her requests and moved faster, until he could not control his thrusts anymore, they were both panting, eager to reach that familiar, utter bliss.

Sakura could feel the telltale knots starting to form in her belly, frantically, she sought his lips, claiming them fervently.

Her back arched, and she felt herself take a free fall off of the edge, Sasuke growled, low, in her ear, eager to follow her. Her walls clamped down on him, she tore her mouth from him and cried out.

Dipping his hips strongly, Sasuke spent himself inside her, he continued his erratic thrusts until she went limp in his arms, he slowed down gradually, until he was still, yet not ready to leave her warmth.

They breathed in unison, both gasping for air, and hanging on to each other for dear life. Sasuke was the first to recover, and he was aware once more of the water still showering over them.

He pulled out of her, lowering her leg to the floor and holding her under the water. They washed each other's bodies, sneaking fervent kisses in between.

Somehow, they stumbled onto the bed, wet skin and all, still worshipping each other until each brought the other over the edge once more.

Sasuke rolled to his side, his hand covering his face. His wife followed suit, laying her head on his sweaty chest. They would have to take another shower, separately, since she knew that they had no hope in simply washing if they did take the shower together.

Sasuke curled an arm around her possessively and plastered her to his side, his other hand went to her face, caressing the side of her face, then her upper lip.

"I cannot believe," He whispered, "that I just destroyed my life for you, and yet I can't keep my hands off of you." His lips turned up in a smirk, "Minx." He chided.

Sakura smiled slyly at him. "That's why you love me." She countered. "And," Her eyes trailed downwards, "I didn't mean for you destroy yourself for me, I," She sighed heavily, and climbed on top of him, caressing his chest, "I was hurt, I mean, Sasuke, I love you so much, and it hurts me to be your dirty little secret, I wanted to get back at you." She admitted guiltily, "It was stupid."

The Uchiha shook his head. "Not anymore, Sakura, you're not my secret anymore, if dad doesn't land himself in the hospital, I am sure that he would bite my head off tomorrow."

She turned up her lips. "Sasuke, do you think that he'd disown you? I mean, you said that he hadn't talked to Itachi in years."

"No, I don't think that eloping is as bad joining a hard rock band." He shook his head. "He just needs to calm down, think it through, then he'll ask to meet you and he'll like you, mom would too."

"And if he asks what I do?" She raised an eyebrow, in a clear challenge.

Sasuke sighed tiredly. "Then, we'll have to tell him the truth, don't we?"

Sakura scoffed, "Yeah, he'd sure get a heart attack then, don't joke, Sasuke." She placed her chin on his smooth chest.

"No, Sakura, I mean, sure, doctor is not on dad's list of Top Ten Career Choices, but he'll have to deal."

"Doctor?" She echoed, unsure.

Sasuke began to stroke her sides, "Yes, Sakura, a doctor, you love Latin dancing, I know, hell , I love it when you dance, and yet, it's not who you are, you are an intern who did what she had to do to pursue a superior education, dance or no dance, Sakura, you'll be a doctor in no time, it's your dream. That's who you really are, that's who I married."

Sakura's hand flew to her face, trapping the tears that trailed down her cheeks. She never wanted to show him weakness, she never wanted to cry in front of him.

"Sometimes, sometimes, I wish you didn't convince me to marry you, Sasuke." She whispered, "Sometimes, I wish that dumbass of a best friend of yours hadn't dragged you to the club on his bachelor night." She giggled tearfully, "It was kind of fate, wasn't it?" She surmised, "If Ino hadn't dragged me to the club as well, we wouldn't have met, or fell in love, would we?"

Sasuke scoffed. "Yeah, I am sure fate wanted to set up a dirty little dancer and an uptight lawyer."

Sakura giggled, a heartfelt sound that made Sasuke smile, "Well, after the way that you swept me off the floor, swaying your hips like a pro, I wouldn't call you uptight."

Sasuke laughed lazily, rubbing her back in slow circles. Feeling that he was quickly tiring, Sakura kissed his cheek and bid him goodnight, holding him close.

"Sakura," Sasuke whispered tiredly, when she hummed in reply, he said, "That dress, the one you wore tonight,"

"What of it?" She mumbled.

"If you ever wear it outside again, I'll burn it." Feeling satisfied, he drifted to sleep, leaving his wife struggling not to giggle.

Sasuke has always been possessive, glaring at fellow med students that get a tad too close, barking at waiters when they stare at her for one second too many on the rare occasion that he takes her out.

When Sakura married the son and heir to Fugaku Uchiha, ruler and modern king of Oto Isle, she did not know what to expect, she knew that it would be hard, it was hard, and yet she would not trade it for any marriage.

Sasuke woke up fairly early, the sun streams were barely visible through the drapes, he reached for his wife only to come back empty handed. He frowned, opening his eyes, the sheets were rumpled but cool to the touch, signaling that she woke up much earlier than he.

He sat up, rubbing his hand across his face, then headed for the bathroom. After he showered, he donned a pair of grey sweatpants and a black wife beater.

He found his wife in the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune, she was swaying her hips slightly, and watching over the stove. Something was sizzling in the pan and the scent of eggs and bacon invaded his nostrils.

She was dressed in a red pair of shorts and a whitish camisole that showed the butterfly tattoo on her lower back, Sasuke shook his head. His wife has never been the kind to be shy over her body, not that she had any reason to be, she was always outgoing with her clothes, going for vibrant colors and bold outfits.

The toast machine beeped and she turned to get it, her eyes landed on him then and she smiled brightly. "Good morning, baby, sleep well?" She asked absentmindedly, placing the food on two separate plates.

"Yeah, you?" She hummed her agreement. "Where's Mika?"

"Gave her the week off."

Sasuke smirked, she always did that when he was around, she'd hired the maid at his request, accepting the girl's help with the daily chores, and yet whenever he visited, she made sure that they were alone, and that she provided anything he needed.

"Come, your food will get cold." She tucked a damp lock, from a recent shower no doubt, behind her ear and placed the two plates of food on the small dining table.

She poured a red beverage into one cup and an orange juice into another.

"Is that tomato juice?" He asked, already licking his lips, absentmindedly, in want of the tick red liquid.

The rosette smiled knowingly. "Yup, made it just now."

He felt like kissing her in gratitude, he also noticed the slices of tomatoes on his plate. Even though she despised the fruit, not vegetable no matter what anyone said, she still had it ready in the fridge, for him.

"Come on," She urged, "Don't just stand there." She pecked his lips when he finally moved to the table, caressing his cheek.

"How long are you staying?" She asked, sipping her cup of orange juice and taking a bite out of her sunny-side-up eggs.

"Just the weekend." He replied, catching the quick fall of her expression, the way that her lips turned down, and her eyes lost the sparkle, instead they were shiny with a thin film of moisture.

"I want you to come to the city."

She kept her head down when she replied, "Well, of course, silly, I only have this time off, I'll be back in two weeks."

Sasuke shook his head. "No, Sakura, I don't mean the city as in the hospital, I want you to stop living in limbo, I'll find a new job for Mika, you won't need her in the penthouse."

He waited for the implication of his words to sink in, watching the shift in her expression, from sad to excited, to confused.

"Sas-Sasuke, you want me to-to…" She couldn't seem to find the words, the right words.

"I want you to live with me, permanently, in my apartment in the city, we'll think about what to do with this house, two weeks should be enough, right?"

Her eyes watered, and she sniffled much like a child, biting her lip to keep herself from wailing, she bound out of her chair and into his arms.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and rained kisses on his face. "You're serious, right? You won't change your mind? I can be your wife for real, now?"

Sasuke nodded. "Yes, Sakura, you're not my little secret anymore." He sighed, holding her closer in his arms as she straddled his thighs, "Sakura, the things you said yesterday, well," He sighed exasperatedly, he hated it when he couldn't find the right words, "It made a lot of sense, what you said, I shouldn't have to hide what we have because it's not bad, and it's not shameful, I am not ashamed of you, Sakura, or of what you did, I was a coward to make you believe that I am, and that's going to change." He nodded firmly, "You're my wife, and that's the way that you'll be recognized from now on, I won't hurt you anymore."

Sakura shook her head and laid it against his firm chest. "No, Sasuke, don't say that, you never hurt me." She kissed his throat, "You're always good to me."

"I'll take time off, and then I'll take you on a belated honeymoon, off of the island, anywhere you want. We could even have a real wedding-"

"Shh," She whispered, placing her finger on his lips, "It was real to me, Sasuke, so, so real, and everyone that mattered to me was there, Ino was there, the idiot, too. I even got to put on a white dress, it was good enough."

Sasuke nodded, burying his nose in her pink curls for the moment, after a while, he finally said, "I left my phone in the living room yesterday, get it for me?"

She nodded and slid off of his lap to fetch the cellular device. Sasuke took the chance to rub at his temples, mentally, he readied himself for the chaos that he ensued and that he'd now face.

Sakura returned and slid the black device onto of his lips, she began to gather the plates and pile them on the sink. Sasuke toyed with the phone then shook his head.

"What's up?" She asked, turning to wash the dishes.

"I had my phone off, I am trying to decide whether to turn it on, or not." He finally sighed and pressed the on button.

"How bad is it?" Sakura called over her shoulder, trying with all her might to feign calmness, even though her insides were flipping at the thought of the consequences of Sasuke's confession.

"Just twenty three missed calls, I thought they'd be more."

Twenty were from his father's part, thirteen from his personal phone and seven from his secretary's phone, the remaining three were from his mother.

He shook his head and pressed redial, the phone barely rung and he heard his mother's frantic voice.

"Sasuke, thank god, I've been trying to call you all night long."

"I had it off, mom, how's dad?"

"As well as could be expected, he's furious though. Sasuke, sweetheart, was last night some sort of joke? Some misplaced humor perhaps?"

"No, mom, it's as serious as any marriage is, Sakura is my wife, legally my wife." He replied, Sakura was leaning against the sink, her head bowed. He snapped his fingers at her to catch her attention, when she looked up he shook his head not to worry. It's fine. He mouthed.

"Well, that is…sudden, I'd like to know what this is about, Sasuke, ok?"

"I'd like that as well, but it shouldn't be where dad is, you need to understand first, and then, maybe you could make him understand."

"Sure, of course, Starbucks?"

"We already had breakfast, how about you meet for lunch? Just you and her," He could see Sakura shake her head frantically at him, "And I need to talk to dad."

"Ok, sweetheart, we'll meet in the café by the town's square at one o'clock, is that alright?"

"That'd be great." He replied, then added, "You'll love her mom, just as much as I did, just give her a chance, ok?"

"For you, I will, Sasuke, I will."

Sasuke hang up the phone then stood. "She said she'll meet you in the café near the town's square for lunch."

Sakura nodded dejectedly. "What am I supposed to say?"

"The truth, " Sasuke replied, "Don't leave out a thing."

"Ok, Sasuke, if you say so."

At twelve thirty, Sasuke was dressed in a pristine black suit when Sakura emerged from the walk-in closet.

He raised an eyebrow at her choice of attire, she was dressed in a black dress, short sleeved and reaching all the way to her knees. She slipped on a necklace of wooden beads which covered her neck and the skin exposed by the square neckline. A beige wrap blazer was draped over her arm as she slipped into her tall beige heels, her hair was gathered in a messy side bun, while her nails were painted a nude color.

She took her place at the dresser and applied basic makeup, going for neutral colors. Sasuke nearly coughed with surprise when she slipped the blazer on, tying the bow that secured the beige fabric.

"Sakura, is that you?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't mock, I want to make an impression, meeting your mother in my hippie's clothes as you call them, didn't seem like a good idea." She shrugged. "Are you meeting me for dinner?"

He grunted his agreement. "Do you want to go out or…"

"No." She replied, "I feel like cooking, I'll make your favorite, so don't be late." She tapped his chest in warning, reaching up to peck his lips in a chaste, sweet kiss.

When they pulled apart, he reached for his keys. "I'll drive you."

Sakura arrived at the designated café just in time; she feared that she would go into hyperventilation in nervousness. The rosette took a deep breath and walked forward, her beige pumps clicking against the pavement.

The door chimed when she entered, her eyes landed on the Uchiha matriarch almost immediately, she swallowed nervously.

Uchiha Mikoto was a vision in her prim and proper brown wrap dress, her legs were crossed elegantly, accentuating the brown heels she wore, Sakura admired the way that the women artfully did her makeup, not striking, yet beautiful, pearls rested against Mikoto's neck.

Sakura approached her table, unconsciously adjusting her blazer, Mikoto stood when she spotted her, she put out her hand for and Sakura shook her hand.

"Mrs. Uchiha, it's an honor."

"An honor, indeed." Mikoto returned, "Please, do sit." She gestured with her hand to the seat, Sakura smiled demurely and took her seat.

Everything about Mikoto Uchiha screamed elegance and good breed, no wonder Sasuke was always so pristine in his clothing and manner, he had a mother such as the formidable woman sitting before her.

"I took the liberty of ordering lunch, I hope that agrees with you."

Sakura nodded hurriedly. "Of course, it's…fine." The rosette inhaled. "Mrs. Uchiha, I-"

Mikoto held up her hand. "Sakura, is it okay if I call you Sakura?" She continued when Sakura nodded her agreement. "When Sasuke was young, he was very fragile, prone to fever, stomachaches and every other illness you could imagine, I am not sure if you know this but he was born premature." Mikoto sighed, "I've always coddled him, trying to protect him any way I could, I guess you could imagine my shock when my baby announces that he married a woman that I know nothing about, woman of questionable origins."

Mikoto seized her daughter-in-law with a pointed look. "Miss Sakura, I am not usually a discriminating woman, I don't look down on people, and I taught my boy not to look down on people; so I will ask you right now, one question that you have to answer."

Sakura nodded dumbly, feeling her pulse quicken, and her skin begin to clam.

"Can you, knowing Sasuke's social status and position, be a wife for him? Sakura, Sasuke is the heir to a business empire, the Uchihas run this island, and he is a successful lawyer in his own right, I am not critiquing your person, but can you fit into his life?"

Tears gather in the corners of Sakura's eyes, out of all the questions that she imagined her husband's mother asking her, that was the one that she feared the most. Her heart hammered in her chest, she could feel the beats in her temples, her breath shortened and she felt her windpipes closing and her lungs collapsing on her.

"I," She started but the words that she practiced in her head all morning failed her, all of the sudden, she felt like the illiterate fool her father accused her of being. A tear slid down her cheek and she stumbled out of her chair. "I-I am sorry, M-Mrs. Uchiha, I c-can't d- I-I am sorry."

She all but flew towards the door, outside, she heaved for breath, she walked at a brisk pace for a block or two, fighting the tears and gasping for a breath or two; she clawed at her throat, loosening her blazer until she shrugged out of it all together, draping it over her arm.

Reaching the town's square, she collapsed onto a chair. Her mind danced with turbulent thoughts, and her hart ached. Mikoto's words struck a nerve, she echoed the very same doubts that Sakura had before agreeing to marry Sasuke.

In one second, the Uchiha matriarch shattered every hope that Sakura harbored for the past two years; she reminded her about the nobody that she was and how she was unsuited for the Uchiha heir.

It didn't matter what she said to her, or the excuses she made, love surely wouldn't change anything, in that one answer to that one question that Mikoto asked, Sakura knew the truth. Mikoto knew it, and there was nothing to change that.

As if on cue, her phone vibrated, knowing who it was, she reached into her clutch and pulled out her phone, she wiped at her eyes and cleared her throat.

"Hey, baby." She greeted softly, hoping that the Uchiha wouldn't detect her anguish.

"Sakura, what happened? Mom said that you bolted."

"I know, I know, baby." She replied, her voice starting to quiver. "I j-just had to, uh, I could-" Her voice shook and she cut herself of in fear of choking in sobs.

There was a long pause then, "Where are you? I'll come get you."

Sakura inhaled deeply and shook her head, cursing herself when she remembered that he couldn't see her. "No, no, I'll stop by the supermarket, I'll get a few things and I'll start on dinner, don't worry, ok?" She swallowed. "Ok, baby?"

"Ok, I'll get there when I can; see you later."

The phone call ended and Sakura picked herself off of the bench, with sure steps she headed towards the town's supermarket.

Once in the house she slipped out of her prim clothes and slipped into a floral blue maxi skirt, a pink tank top and a crocheted square top.

She started sorting her groceries, she started on the onigiris, preparing the tomato based filling, then the rice.

Sakura sat at the table, rolling up rice balls. Once finished, she moved to the steaks, preparing a side dish of roasted cherry tomatoes.

In spite of herself, she cracked eggs in a bowel of floor. A smile adorned her face as she shaped a pie crust and placed it in the oven, Sakura wiped her hands on her apron and peeked into the fridge. Rubbing her chin to figure out a proper filling; absentmindedly, she reached for the carton of strawberry's remembering her husband mentioning that they were Mikoto's favorite.

It was almost like she didn't know what she was doing, as if someone else took over; she took the pie out of the oven, wrapped it in tin foil and left a note for her husband.

It was only when she rang the doorbell to the Uchiha manor, pie in hands, that she realized where she was, it was too late, though, she took a deep breath and smiled at the housekeeper.

"Hello, is Mrs. Uchiha here?"

The maid seemed shocked, seeing a rose haired girl in blues and pinks must have been a shock, she could only nod. "W-why, yes, and who might you be?"

Sakura raised her head high and smiled, "Mrs. Uchiha." She replied. "I am Mrs. Uchiha, and I would like to have a word with my mother-in-law."

"I-I d-don't know what to do, please come in, I'll talk to the Mrs."

Mikoto seemed just as shocked. "Sakura," She glanced at the treat in Sakura's hand then back at the rosette's face. "What are you doing here?"

"Mrs. Uchiha, I prepared a strawberry pie, for you." She shrugged. "Sasuke said that it was your favorite, and I made it for you." She smiled. "The thing is, Sasuke said a lot of things, about you, about his father, about Itachi, and I was always a bit envious," She rushed out, she felt like she was on a spree. "Just a bit, see I never had a family, well, not never, never mind, really." The rosette waved her hand in the air to dismiss the matter.

Mikoto stared at her as if she was crazy, she covered her mouth with her hand, to mask her shock no doubt.

"You asked me this morning, if I was right for your son, well, truth is, I don't know, really, I don't know, I mean as-" She turned towards the maid and placed the pie in her hands, "Here, this is getting hot. "

"Where was I? oh, yes, I have absolutely no idea if I am good for Sasuke, but I do know this, that woman you saw this morning, in a prim black dress and a blazer, that wasn't me, hell, the blazer isn't even mine, I borrowed it, from a friend, to get to an interview, and I never gave it back." Sakura inhaled. "I guess that says something about me, I borrow things that I always forget to give back, I dress in colorful clothes," She picked up her skirt then let it fall to the ground, "Or, in your son's words, in hippie's clothes."

Mikoto could not help but giggle at that, she looked at the rosette as if she lost her mind, and Sakura thought that that might be true.

"I make pies, randomly, they're the best things I make, my mom taught me how, I make them and I give them, just like now. The thing is, Mrs. Uchiha, I am weird, I am really bizarre, like extinct species bizarre, it's crazy, but for some odd reason," She barked a laugh, "With some miracle, your son loves me, and I love him, too, I don't know what that changes for you, but that's the truth, and the only truth I know. I'll tell you everything about me, how we met, why we met, and then you can judge." Sakura shrugged her shoulders in surrender, biting her lower lip, and wringing her hands.

"Sit, Sakura." Mikoto finally said, "We'll talk."

Sakura nodded, feeling relieved that the Uchiha matriarch did not kick her out on the spot for her sudden bout of insanity.

She sat carefully on a crème colored couch, Mikoto smoothed her pencil skirt then gracefully lowered herself onto the opposite armchair.

"Tell me, what makes you so special, to my son, I mean?"

Sakura laughed nervously, rubbing at the back of her head, a habit that she learned from her husband's best friend. "I don't know about special, but I'll start from the beginning." She tucked a loose tendril of hair. "I am an intern, well I was, I am starting my residency after this time off." Mikoto seemed surprised.

"I hate to give you a sob story, but you see, my father took off when I was nine, and even before then, he wasn't all that great, my mother got sick when I was eleven, she lasted for about four years and then she passed away."

"I am sorry for your loss." Mikoto said tactfully.

"It was a long time ago, you see, mom was a doctor, so her insurance covered all the expenses, but when she died," Sakura huffed, "there was no one to cover my expenses, I was fifteen and with no family to speak off, no source of income, so I did the only thing I could do,"

A haunted look took over Mikoto's expression, her lips parted and her eyes widened, "Sakura-"

"No, no, no, it's nothing like that, my mom, she was a great cook, she taught me a lot of things and I grew almost just as passionate with food as she was, with help from some of her friends, I landed a job at a restaurant," Mikoto sighed in relief, "It paid fairly well, I worked hard and got scholarships so I wouldn't worry about tuitions and I rented a room with a nice lady, she was a Latina, and she loved to dance, she taught me, and I picked up on it, falling in love with it, as I got into college, the job in the restaurant didn't cover the daily expenses anymore, the textbooks, the field trips etc." She took a deep breath. "I joined a dance group, we did contests and we danced in these big shows, it paid much better than the cooking job, it was never dirty, it was never bad and I was never ashamed of it, Sasuke was okay with it too, but I was the one that suggested to keep it a secret, it wouldn't do for Sasuke Uchiha to associate himself with a woman that danced her way through college." She smiled at the older woman, "Sasuke and I met at a club, two years ago, I was dancing for the heck of it by then, and we just instantly liked each other, besides, he was a good dancer so," She shrugged.

"Sasuke ?" Mikoto echoed disbelievingly, "Sasuke danced?"

"Yeah, he's quite good at it, comes with the genius brains I guess, anyway, we started seeing each other, by the third month he asked me to marry him, just like that, I didn't agree until two months after that, and we've been together ever since."

Mikoto remained silent for a good while, then she sighed and she straightened her skirt, crossing her legs at the ankles. "Well, I suppose it's my turn to judge, now."

The rosette nodded, feeling self-conscious, "Yeah, yeah, it is."

"Let me tell you this, Sakura, I cannot begin to pretend that I understand this, what you and my son share, it's odd, for two strangers to simply fall in love, I am still not sure if you love my son, or love the life that he gave you after the hard time that you suffered through, I cannot relate to that, however, I am glad that Sasuke picked a tough woman, if you plan to blend into Sasuke's life, you need that, the toughness, you're a survivor, god knows you'll be doing a lot of surviving."

The older woman stood, straightening her outfit. "Dinner is served at exactly six forty five, Fugaku doesn't seem to be planning to join us, so we might as well start without him."

Sakura opened her mouth to decline just as the front door opened and footsteps rapidly approached. Her husband appeared, he made a beeline towards her and plastered her to his side, she bowed her head in embarrassment, a blush taking over her face.

"I got your note, are you okay? You sounded real off to me earlier."

"She's as fine as she'll ever be." It was Mikoto that answered. "Come on, you two, it's six fifty, we're already five minutes late, Rina, set up an extra spot."

Sakura felt a sudden crush of relief bubble inside her, she wasn't a fool, she knew that it would take a while, even years, for her to be accepted completely, but looking at her husband's amused face, she was ready to face anything.

"Come," He urged, "Wouldn't want to upset the general."

Well, um, I am blushing like crazy now, but I guess that's the beauty of FFn, you could post all the things you need and no one would judge your character for it.

Well, any feedback is appreciated, I'd love advice, what did you think of the plot?

Hirokiri, I appreciated your review on Teacher's love, you are right, I do find myself inclined to historical fics, in fact, you'll be happy to know that I have several plots in my head, I just need to figure out which one to execute first.

ps. I started a Polyvore account, from now own, I'll post the links for the outfits in each story on my profile page, so check them out.