[Fanfiction] [Naruto] [Remember]
Title: Remember
Author: angels_archives
Series: Naruto
Rating: M+
Genre: Romance, Angst, Family, Humor, Friendship
Status: Complete
Comments/Warnings:
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and related trademarks. This applies for the whole story.
"You're late," Sakura said smilingly as Momiji entered the dining room. She was fixing a tray of food on the counter when her eldest daughter sat down on the table.
"Sorry Mama! I was talking with Papa," Momiji said with a wide smile. Her dark eyes were telling her mother how much she'd missed her father.
"I know dear, I was waiting for you to get back so I can bring this to him." She gestured to the tray. Momiji nodded and turned her attention to her siblings. "Momiji-chan, can you take care of them? What is it, Yuki-chan?"
She knelt down and smoother her only son's hair. Yuki looked like the smaller version of his father because of his delicate features and dark hair. He even inherited his father's determination and quiet patience. "I want to see Papa too."
"Sorry Yuki-chan, maybe later. It wouldn't be fair to Natsumi-chan if I bring you along without her. Later." Sakura promised and then planted a kiss on his forehead. "Mama will eat in a little while. Go to Onee-san now."
Yuki smiled at her. He was her little man because he kept his twin sister out of trouble and avoided them himself. "Yes Mama."
Sakura got up and took the tray from the counter. She waited until her children started eating before going up the back stairs. The guestroom where Sasuke stayed in was located in the second floor of the vast Uchiha mansion.
She entered the room quietly and beheld the sight of her husband looking out the window. A pleasant wind blew the curtains in and brought cherry blossoms inside. Sasuke laughed a little before picking up them up and smelling their heavenly aroma.
Her heart melted at his actions. Before, Sasuke didn't like it if she took her children out to have their own private flower-viewing during spring. He said he hated that cherry tree and would cut it down if he'd had any chance until Momiji told him that she loves it.
"Sakura, can you hear me?" His deep voice snapped her back to her senses. He was looking at her worriedly. She smiled quickly and laid the tray atop the bed before pulling up the chair so she could sit. She didn't miss the diminutive and was secretly delighted.
"I should be the one asking you that," Sakura said as she handed him the spoon. Tsunade-sama told her that although he's lost his memories, he could still do ordinary things like reading and eating. But that didn't stop her from showering attention to her almost estranged husband.
"Thank you. Mmm… they look delicious!" Sasuke said as he inhaled the dreamy aroma of chicken soup. There was also a glass of water and some was a simple meal but it looked like it satisfied him. "Did you cook this?"
She nodded. "Yes, I did. Do you like it?"
Her husband sipped cautiously before nodding vigorously. Sakura let out a long breath and smiled at him. "That's good to hear. You should eat lots to regain your strength."
She turned her gaze on the blue sky outside the window so he won't see the thin film of tears in her eyes. Painful memories had risen up from where she had buried them.
"You call this cooking? It tastes worse than poison!" Sasuke said furiously as he got up from the dinner table. He accidentally knocked the bowl to the floor. It shattered into pieces and spilled the soup Sakura had tried so hard to make. "A proper wife should know basic skills like cooking and cleaning! You're worthless!"
Sakura covered her mouth to keep from crying out. She'd slaved over that soup for hours in the kitchen to try and please him. She had hoped to win his heart by showing him she could be the perfect wife. It hurt to know that she'd failed.
"I-I'm sorry Sasuke-kun… I'll do better next time…" she managed to choke out. He sent a glare towards her direction.
"I'd rather die than eat these atrocities you call food, woman." And with that he walked out of the room, leaving her standing in the shadows. Her tears fell rapidly and she quickly tried to suppress them. It was only the first year of their marriage and she had hoped to please him but only earned contempt.
"Sakura, are you alright?" Sasuke's urgent voice pulled her out of her reverie. His hands were gripping her shoulders tightly. "You're crying!"
"I-I am?" she said softly. Her hands reached up to touch her face and sure enough, thin trails of tears were flowing steadily. Sasuke released his hold and took several deep breaths. His eyes told her that he was very worried. "I'm okay; nothing to worry about… it must be because I'm hungry…"
Sasuke's eyes widened. "You haven't eaten yet? You should have told me!"
"N-No… I'm okay…" Sakura stuttered as she realized how strange their situation was. Sasuke was actually worried about her. "D-don't bother about me…"
"Nonsense, Sakura-chan… Here, open your mouth," he said quietly as he held out his spoon towards her. His eyes twinkled when he saw her blush rosy pink. That urged him to continue on what he was doing. "Oh come on, Sakura-chan, don't be shy."
Sasuke watched her part her pink lips and accept his offering. He smiled to himself as he daintily scooped up soup and made sure she was watching when he ate it. He knew their saliva was mixing together and it amused him to see her blushing because it was almost the same with kissing.
"Sakura-chan, want some more soup?" he asked, smiling sexily.
"N-No, I'll eat later," she murmured as she bowed her head to hide her burning cheeks. She wasn't an inexperienced teenager anymore and she couldn't understand why she was so affected by his actions. But, God forgive her, she liked it!
"If you say so," Sasuke said and then ate the pills dutifully before downing it with the glass of water. He decided that it was time to ask some questions. But before he could open his mouth she got up. "Wait, I'm going to ask you something…"
"I'll be back later." Sakura said shortly. "Then we can answer all your questions."
Sasuke nodded and watched her walk out of the room. He realized that he liked teasing Sakura because she got so pretty whenever she blushed. She must've sensed that and left quickly.
He lay back on the bed and watched the cherry blossoms outside his window. It must have been so much fun to have her as his wife.
oOoOoOoOo
"Mama, I want to go see Papa! I want now!" Natsumi said as she stomped her foot. Her emerald green eyes were flashing. She was ten minutes younger than Yuki and everyone spoiled her because of it.
Sakura sighed softly and wiped her hands on her apron. She was washing the dishes and was thinking about what happened earlier. She smiled at her daughter indulgently. Unlike Yuki who was calm and obedient, Natsumi was lively and stubborn and used to getting her own way.
"Natsu-chan, I understand you want to see him. But right now, you can't. He's resting," she said as she smoothed the soft dark hair. "You will see him soon. Okay?"
The little girl nodded quietly. "Okay. Mama, Onee-san said Papa couldn't remember us. Is that true?"
Sakura smiled painfully and continued to stroke her daughter's hair. She told Momiji because she was already old enough to understand and because it was better to tell the truth than cover it with lies. "Yes, he doesn't," she said eventually.
"Why? Did something happen to him?" Natsumi asked as tears formed in her eyes. She adored her father very much because although he spent more time with Yuki and Momiji he understood her more than her mother did.
"Yes, but it isn't for you to worry about. You'd better go to Yuki-chan and play with him. You'll see Papa soon enough, when he is better," Sakura promised and pressed a kiss on her daughter's brow.
"Promise?" asked the little girl and smiled when her mother nodded. She went out the kitchen door to search for her siblings and left her mother to her thoughts.
Sakura finished washing the dishes and hung her apron on the rack. She sat down on the kitchen table where the family always ate. The dining room was big and stuffy and she was uncomfortable with it. So she arranged for them to have their meals in the warm and cheerful kitchen.
She wasn't in the mood to clean or cook or do anything for the matter.
Ah, but you're in the mood to talk with Sasuke, Inner Sakura said slyly.
Suddenly she wondered if her alter ego was right. She knew he was going to start interrogating her when she left him. There was nothing to stop him from knowing but she firmly reasoned with herself that he wasn't ready yet. She wasn't ready yet.
But sooner or later she'd have to answer him.
oOoOoOoOo
Sasuke was staring out the window with boredom written all over his face. He didn't know why but he felt that bed rest didn't agree with him. It was as if his body was used to doing strenuous activities and didn't agree with lying around and doing nothing.
He was still confused by the events although he was sure of his company. Questions plagued all his waking hours.
Who was he? What happened to him? Why did he lose his memory?
He wanted to know the answers and it seemed as if Sakura knew all of them.
His eyes gazed on the blooming flowers. She was as beautiful and as sweet as the flowers she was named after. He could see the tenderness in her eyes and he knew she was telling the truth about them. But what puzzled him was what had caused such painful tears to fall from her eyes?
She loved him. He could feel it in his bones. Yet the pain in her face told of untold anguish.
Sasuke realized with a jolt. Did he cause that?
The door opened. He looked sideways and gazed upon her.
Sakura grinned to him before sitting down on her usual perch. Her long pink hair was still tied up in a girlish ponytail except for a few stubborn strands that framed her face. The expression on her face was serious.
"Fire away," she said simply. "I understand you want to know what happened."
"What happened to me?" Sasuke blurted out. That was the first question that came on his mind.
"You met an accident. You were declared alright except for that wound on your forehead. They called me up and you were brought home. Sasuke-kun, you were asleep for almost two days. I was afraid for you. Thank God you woke up this morning." Sakura explained as she slowly reached for his right hand and squeezed it. It was half of the truth but she pushed away the feelings of guilt.
Sasuke nodded steadily and felt reassured. That was one question down. "How long have we been married?"
"Eight years, why did you ask?" said Sakura, her eyebrows knitting together. "We were only nineteen. It's a bit young but it didn't matter."
"Nothing, I was just curious." Sasuke said quickly. He didn't want Sakura to know the reason behind his sudden curiosity. "What do I do for a living?"
"You're a Jounin and the best in the village. Kakashi-sensei was very proud of you," she replied but when she noticed the puzzled look on his face, she hastily added, "He's our perverted but skillful teacher back when we were genins."
"Why did you cry earlier, Sakura? Was it something I did?" Sasuke asked out of the blue. She looked taken a back but she smiled bravely.
"No, it wasn't. I can't help myself. Don't worry about me," said Sakura brightly "I should be worrying for you."
They carried on a comfortable conversation until Sakura left to check on the children and cook dinner. Sasuke can't help but feel as if she was holding something back from him.
He set his lips in a determined line. I must know more.
…..
To be continued…
Author: angels_archives
Series: Naruto
Rating: M+
Genre: Romance, Angst, Family, Humor, Friendship
Status: Complete
Comments/Warnings:
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and related trademarks. This applies for the whole story.
"You're late," Sakura said smilingly as Momiji entered the dining room. She was fixing a tray of food on the counter when her eldest daughter sat down on the table.
"Sorry Mama! I was talking with Papa," Momiji said with a wide smile. Her dark eyes were telling her mother how much she'd missed her father.
"I know dear, I was waiting for you to get back so I can bring this to him." She gestured to the tray. Momiji nodded and turned her attention to her siblings. "Momiji-chan, can you take care of them? What is it, Yuki-chan?"
She knelt down and smoother her only son's hair. Yuki looked like the smaller version of his father because of his delicate features and dark hair. He even inherited his father's determination and quiet patience. "I want to see Papa too."
"Sorry Yuki-chan, maybe later. It wouldn't be fair to Natsumi-chan if I bring you along without her. Later." Sakura promised and then planted a kiss on his forehead. "Mama will eat in a little while. Go to Onee-san now."
Yuki smiled at her. He was her little man because he kept his twin sister out of trouble and avoided them himself. "Yes Mama."
Sakura got up and took the tray from the counter. She waited until her children started eating before going up the back stairs. The guestroom where Sasuke stayed in was located in the second floor of the vast Uchiha mansion.
She entered the room quietly and beheld the sight of her husband looking out the window. A pleasant wind blew the curtains in and brought cherry blossoms inside. Sasuke laughed a little before picking up them up and smelling their heavenly aroma.
Her heart melted at his actions. Before, Sasuke didn't like it if she took her children out to have their own private flower-viewing during spring. He said he hated that cherry tree and would cut it down if he'd had any chance until Momiji told him that she loves it.
"Sakura, can you hear me?" His deep voice snapped her back to her senses. He was looking at her worriedly. She smiled quickly and laid the tray atop the bed before pulling up the chair so she could sit. She didn't miss the diminutive and was secretly delighted.
"I should be the one asking you that," Sakura said as she handed him the spoon. Tsunade-sama told her that although he's lost his memories, he could still do ordinary things like reading and eating. But that didn't stop her from showering attention to her almost estranged husband.
"Thank you. Mmm… they look delicious!" Sasuke said as he inhaled the dreamy aroma of chicken soup. There was also a glass of water and some was a simple meal but it looked like it satisfied him. "Did you cook this?"
She nodded. "Yes, I did. Do you like it?"
Her husband sipped cautiously before nodding vigorously. Sakura let out a long breath and smiled at him. "That's good to hear. You should eat lots to regain your strength."
She turned her gaze on the blue sky outside the window so he won't see the thin film of tears in her eyes. Painful memories had risen up from where she had buried them.
"You call this cooking? It tastes worse than poison!" Sasuke said furiously as he got up from the dinner table. He accidentally knocked the bowl to the floor. It shattered into pieces and spilled the soup Sakura had tried so hard to make. "A proper wife should know basic skills like cooking and cleaning! You're worthless!"
Sakura covered her mouth to keep from crying out. She'd slaved over that soup for hours in the kitchen to try and please him. She had hoped to win his heart by showing him she could be the perfect wife. It hurt to know that she'd failed.
"I-I'm sorry Sasuke-kun… I'll do better next time…" she managed to choke out. He sent a glare towards her direction.
"I'd rather die than eat these atrocities you call food, woman." And with that he walked out of the room, leaving her standing in the shadows. Her tears fell rapidly and she quickly tried to suppress them. It was only the first year of their marriage and she had hoped to please him but only earned contempt.
"Sakura, are you alright?" Sasuke's urgent voice pulled her out of her reverie. His hands were gripping her shoulders tightly. "You're crying!"
"I-I am?" she said softly. Her hands reached up to touch her face and sure enough, thin trails of tears were flowing steadily. Sasuke released his hold and took several deep breaths. His eyes told her that he was very worried. "I'm okay; nothing to worry about… it must be because I'm hungry…"
Sasuke's eyes widened. "You haven't eaten yet? You should have told me!"
"N-No… I'm okay…" Sakura stuttered as she realized how strange their situation was. Sasuke was actually worried about her. "D-don't bother about me…"
"Nonsense, Sakura-chan… Here, open your mouth," he said quietly as he held out his spoon towards her. His eyes twinkled when he saw her blush rosy pink. That urged him to continue on what he was doing. "Oh come on, Sakura-chan, don't be shy."
Sasuke watched her part her pink lips and accept his offering. He smiled to himself as he daintily scooped up soup and made sure she was watching when he ate it. He knew their saliva was mixing together and it amused him to see her blushing because it was almost the same with kissing.
"Sakura-chan, want some more soup?" he asked, smiling sexily.
"N-No, I'll eat later," she murmured as she bowed her head to hide her burning cheeks. She wasn't an inexperienced teenager anymore and she couldn't understand why she was so affected by his actions. But, God forgive her, she liked it!
"If you say so," Sasuke said and then ate the pills dutifully before downing it with the glass of water. He decided that it was time to ask some questions. But before he could open his mouth she got up. "Wait, I'm going to ask you something…"
"I'll be back later." Sakura said shortly. "Then we can answer all your questions."
Sasuke nodded and watched her walk out of the room. He realized that he liked teasing Sakura because she got so pretty whenever she blushed. She must've sensed that and left quickly.
He lay back on the bed and watched the cherry blossoms outside his window. It must have been so much fun to have her as his wife.
oOoOoOoOo
"Mama, I want to go see Papa! I want now!" Natsumi said as she stomped her foot. Her emerald green eyes were flashing. She was ten minutes younger than Yuki and everyone spoiled her because of it.
Sakura sighed softly and wiped her hands on her apron. She was washing the dishes and was thinking about what happened earlier. She smiled at her daughter indulgently. Unlike Yuki who was calm and obedient, Natsumi was lively and stubborn and used to getting her own way.
"Natsu-chan, I understand you want to see him. But right now, you can't. He's resting," she said as she smoothed the soft dark hair. "You will see him soon. Okay?"
The little girl nodded quietly. "Okay. Mama, Onee-san said Papa couldn't remember us. Is that true?"
Sakura smiled painfully and continued to stroke her daughter's hair. She told Momiji because she was already old enough to understand and because it was better to tell the truth than cover it with lies. "Yes, he doesn't," she said eventually.
"Why? Did something happen to him?" Natsumi asked as tears formed in her eyes. She adored her father very much because although he spent more time with Yuki and Momiji he understood her more than her mother did.
"Yes, but it isn't for you to worry about. You'd better go to Yuki-chan and play with him. You'll see Papa soon enough, when he is better," Sakura promised and pressed a kiss on her daughter's brow.
"Promise?" asked the little girl and smiled when her mother nodded. She went out the kitchen door to search for her siblings and left her mother to her thoughts.
Sakura finished washing the dishes and hung her apron on the rack. She sat down on the kitchen table where the family always ate. The dining room was big and stuffy and she was uncomfortable with it. So she arranged for them to have their meals in the warm and cheerful kitchen.
She wasn't in the mood to clean or cook or do anything for the matter.
Ah, but you're in the mood to talk with Sasuke, Inner Sakura said slyly.
Suddenly she wondered if her alter ego was right. She knew he was going to start interrogating her when she left him. There was nothing to stop him from knowing but she firmly reasoned with herself that he wasn't ready yet. She wasn't ready yet.
But sooner or later she'd have to answer him.
oOoOoOoOo
Sasuke was staring out the window with boredom written all over his face. He didn't know why but he felt that bed rest didn't agree with him. It was as if his body was used to doing strenuous activities and didn't agree with lying around and doing nothing.
He was still confused by the events although he was sure of his company. Questions plagued all his waking hours.
Who was he? What happened to him? Why did he lose his memory?
He wanted to know the answers and it seemed as if Sakura knew all of them.
His eyes gazed on the blooming flowers. She was as beautiful and as sweet as the flowers she was named after. He could see the tenderness in her eyes and he knew she was telling the truth about them. But what puzzled him was what had caused such painful tears to fall from her eyes?
She loved him. He could feel it in his bones. Yet the pain in her face told of untold anguish.
Sasuke realized with a jolt. Did he cause that?
The door opened. He looked sideways and gazed upon her.
Sakura grinned to him before sitting down on her usual perch. Her long pink hair was still tied up in a girlish ponytail except for a few stubborn strands that framed her face. The expression on her face was serious.
"Fire away," she said simply. "I understand you want to know what happened."
"What happened to me?" Sasuke blurted out. That was the first question that came on his mind.
"You met an accident. You were declared alright except for that wound on your forehead. They called me up and you were brought home. Sasuke-kun, you were asleep for almost two days. I was afraid for you. Thank God you woke up this morning." Sakura explained as she slowly reached for his right hand and squeezed it. It was half of the truth but she pushed away the feelings of guilt.
Sasuke nodded steadily and felt reassured. That was one question down. "How long have we been married?"
"Eight years, why did you ask?" said Sakura, her eyebrows knitting together. "We were only nineteen. It's a bit young but it didn't matter."
"Nothing, I was just curious." Sasuke said quickly. He didn't want Sakura to know the reason behind his sudden curiosity. "What do I do for a living?"
"You're a Jounin and the best in the village. Kakashi-sensei was very proud of you," she replied but when she noticed the puzzled look on his face, she hastily added, "He's our perverted but skillful teacher back when we were genins."
"Why did you cry earlier, Sakura? Was it something I did?" Sasuke asked out of the blue. She looked taken a back but she smiled bravely.
"No, it wasn't. I can't help myself. Don't worry about me," said Sakura brightly "I should be worrying for you."
They carried on a comfortable conversation until Sakura left to check on the children and cook dinner. Sasuke can't help but feel as if she was holding something back from him.
He set his lips in a determined line. I must know more.
…..
To be continued…