Friends & Family   von dragonfighter
                           (The Clumsy & The Lonely)
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                         Kapitel 17: Step 17 - Society
                         -----------------------------


Society describes a certain number of people who communicate and interact with
each other. You can be part of a society or be in good company. Being in good
company actually means being comfortable in the crowd that surrounds you.
Society can also consist of friends, but in a society you will generally always
find a person with whom you can get along and a person with whom you won’t get
along at all. Sometimes people just enter such occasions because of their spouse
and sometimes this is the reason why a person feels relief.
 
Sighing with glee, the young woman puts her cup back on its saucer. The faint
clink of ceramics colliding is completely lost between the rest of the noises in
the café, as it is a constant component of the background noise in the room.
“Is it going to stop raining at some point? This gloomy weather is just so
unbearable!” The blonde in the group sighs a little frustrated and looks out
of the window, at the with rain soaked street. It's been raining again for two
days. “Well, to be honest, I don't even know what’s your problem. I actually
always find this autumn rain nice. It's somehow calming and it makes the air so
fresh and pure." Sakura says with a smile, leans her elbow on the table top and
puts her chin on her fisted hand. Her eyes directed towards the street outside
the cafe, the smile on her lips slowly fading as she looks spellbound at the wet
ground. "You're right there." The Hyuuga agrees. Sakura looks around at her
somewhat surprised, seeing into her smiling face. The Haruno also smiles again
and turns her gaze outside once more. This time, however, her gaze rises in the
direction of the sky, towards the dark gray clouds. “Well, at least the
thunderstorm stopped. After all, that's already something.” Ino sighs again
and then looks at her cup of coffee. Tenten can't help but smile and look at her
friends.

The blonde looks briefly at the ceiling before looking around the rest of the
café. The four of them are sitting quite separated from the rest. There is a
step that leads up to them and around their table there is a fence that kind of
works like a wall around the elevation and on this wall there is also additional
glass which goes way up to the ceiling. “Say Sakura. How is it going between
you and Sasuke now? I mean, last week at Kiba’s you two cuddled quite a lot
together." The Ama then finally asks with curiosity. Somewhat surprised, said
woman looks around from the street to her friend, a gentle smile pulling on the
corner of her lips. “Last Monday we decided to have a relationship from now
on. Or at least we decided to try. After all, it was his mother's wish for us to
get closer and we can't live next to each other like roommates forever. At some
point it would come out and the paparazzi’s will notice too.” The pinkette
explains as she stirs her tea a little shyly. “Do you even know how to have a
relationship?” The blonde asks back a little skeptically. “Those there even
exist a patent solution for this? If so, you probably don’t know it, because
otherwise you'd be the one who's married now, not me." The Haruno says and grins
a bit maliciously towards the end. Offended, the blue eyed woman crosses her
arms over her chest.

Laughter fills the four ladies' small room. “Cuddling up to one another
doesn't necessarily mean that you are in a relationship.” It comes in a mumble
from the Yamanaka and demonstratively looks through the window towards the
street. “I know, I know, it’s just, we both just have no idea how to have a
relationship let alone how a marriage works. We take our steps slowly and do it
the way it feels right to us. At the moment we just cuddle a lot and give each
other comfort. You haven’t ever been in this situation and I seriously wish
that you will never get to live through it. It’s just that if i let go of him,
it feels like i’m completely alone. Imagine yourself being pulled into a
stormy sea. The only thing your eyes are searching for in such a situation, is
something that you can hold onto so you won’t be pulled deeper and get
swallowed." Sakura explains, as she becomes quiet and also a little sad towards
the end. "Sasuke and i are trying to orientate ourselves on the relationships of
our parents and by all means, i am happy about every single tip you give me." A
soft smile lays on her lips while she says those words and look at her friends
individually.
 
"I think that the way you two take your steps together, is completely okay.
Especially since you are new beginners to it. You can have a relationship in
different ways and I believe you will do it just right by going your own
pace.” Tenten smiles confidently.
 
"How was the evening for you, did you get home safely?" The blonde finally
changes the subject and looks around with interest. “I probably fell asleep in
the car on the way home.” The brunette woman admits with a shrug of her
shoulders. “Oh don't remind me of it. The evening was a total mess. One
embarrassment after another! I ran into the balcony door, fell and landed in a
bush, at home I ran into the door frame and then apologized to him, when I took
off my pants I somehow managed to get my foot tangled in it and then I also fell
off the bed and waved him hello." Ashamed, the young Haruno puts her hands over
her eyes as she explains her clumsiness from that night. "You actually remember
all of that?" It comes completely astonished from the blonde, watching her best
friend shake her head with a sigh. "No, Sasuke told me everything." Actually,
the Haruno doesn’t remember a thing, but she could swear that something
important happened after the visit at Kiba’s. Especially after Sasuke asked
her, even if just once, if she really couldn’t remember anything. She knows
that their was something, but she just can’t tell at all what that was.
Frustrated, she lets out a deep sigh and then looks at the blue haired woman
opposite her, who almost does not take part in the conversation at all, sitting
there so quietly. "And how was it with you Hinata? You went home on foot, as far
as I know." Sakura asks and takes a sip from her tea. Ino too takes a sip of her
hot drink, as she looks interested towards called woman. Suddenly the Hyuga
turns red and looks embarrassed at the table. "I... ended up in bed with Naruto
again." She then admits shyly.
 
When the Yamanaka hears this, she is about to spit out the coffee from her mouth
in a huge fountain, but manages to stop herself and instead chokes on the hot
drink. "Hinata!" The Ama exclaims in disbelief, while Sakura presses the
fingertips of her right hand to her forehead and thus covers her eyes before she
shakes her head. "You know that you don't have to get drunk and then literally
jump into bed to get closer with each other? That it can be done differently,
for example, by going on a date?” The Haruno says with a somewhat doubtful
look. Ino, who slowly calms down from her shock, puts her hand flat on her
chest. “You changed so much ever since you got a crush on him. I never thought
that you are so easy to bang.” Shocked at the Yamanaka’s words, Hinata looks
towards her accusingly. “Ino! That’s literally awful what you said!” She
can’t believe what she just heard, but the blonde woman doesn’t think of
backing down from this. Especially not now that she got the opportunity to fix
things. “Oh, is that so? How comes what i said is so horrible, but you can
shame others without being questioned?” The blonde asks with a huff, watching
the Hyuuga girl looking at her in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
Hinata asks back, obviously not understanding at all what she means with it.
Sakura looks back and forth between her best friend and Hinata, worried for an
argument to start and ending in someone leaving hurt. “Girls... please.”

Ino just lets out a sigh and shakes her head in response. “Do i really have to
remind you what you said to Sakura the last time this happened? She just asked
you how it happened, since normally you would first get to know someone before
you get intimate with them, we all were equally confused because you acted so
out of character, but you literally felt the need to shame her for still being a
virgin. Now look, after all that shaming, you did the same again and landed in
bed with him after drinking yourself half unconscious. Did you even consider her
feelings when you said that to her? Now, don’t you think that compared to what
i said, you were much more insensitive? Even worse is that you still haven’t
even made the slightest effort to apologize.” The Haruno doesn’t like where
this is going, seriously fearing that this is going to escalate. “Ino...
please, it’s okay...” She puts her hand on her best friends shoulder, but is
surprised by her serious look. “No, Sakura. It really is not okay. I know
you’re trying to hide it, but in reality you aren’t okay about it either.
You are just trying to make it seem okay in order to avoid conflicts, because
you’re scared that this could escalate, but your feelings matter too. You
can’t always act like your feelings weren’t hurt. You deserve to get an
apology. She has to understand that what she did was wrong. We all are friends,
but i’m still your best friend and i can’t stand to see how much it hurt
you. You can deceive anyone but me! I can see through that mask, missy! We both
know the reason about you being afraid to love and therefor never having a
boyfriend or sex before. We know and that’s why i want this cleared now.
It’s long overdue, so you’re welcome.” Tenten has to smile at Ino’s
words. To her the blond somewhat looks like a caring big sister. “Well, i
don’t know as much as you all, but i can tell that Ino is kinda right. I
don’t think either that it would be so hard for a friend to just apologize for
a mistake. We are between friends, not strangers.” “Of course i am right!”
The Yamanaka says with a huff, making the brunette woman laugh in amusement.
“Girls...” it comes softly from the pink haired woman, looking at her almost
empty cup. Sakura can’t believe that her best friend really took an
opportunity out of this and defended her. She had to smile slightly. A moment of
silence overcomes them. Hinata fidgets around until she lets out a sigh, making
the Haruno look up at her. “I’m sorry Sakura... Ino is right after all. I
shouldn’t have let my frustration out on you that day and hurt you. I let it
all out on you while you just tried to help me. I wasn’t careful at all and
now it happened again.” Sakura smiles, relieved, that things took a good turn
after all. “It’s okay, really.” She can see the relief in Hinata’s face
as well, as Ino just lets out a sigh. “Well, now that you understand and
apologized to her and she was so generous to forgive you, i too will
apologize.” Hinata has to smile at the blonde words “Well... since you gave
me a good point, I can’t really blame you anymore. I really shouldn’t have
said that after all. I’m truly sorry. Also about my second time with Naruto...
I really don’t do it on purpose. It just happens all the time and I really
don't know why." The blue haired woman mumbles, towards the end her cheeks
turning all red.
 
"It's obvious that you two are interested in each other, you already kept
looking at each other like that during the wedding preparations. The only
problem is that you two keep adoring each other from afar and as soon as you are
drunk you jump over each other. I seriously don’t get why you won’t just
face each other already, or at least try it with a date." The Haruno explains
and smiles encouragingly at her blue haired friend. “What about Naruto though.
I personally don't know him that well, so I can’t really tell anything about
him and whether this beaming man is just a ripper and just wants to have fun
with our little one here?” Ino then says and looks at the brunette woman, who
has known the Uzumaki for a long time.
"No, Naruto is not a ripper, really. He’s more like a total chaot." The Ama
shakes her head with amusement, just by thinking about it. “I don't think
Naruto has any of these thoughts either. You should have seen how he looked at
Hinata through the back-view mirror when she looked at the invitation cards I
had put together." The pink haired woman smiles amused. “You really should
consider talking to him soon and clear this up."
 

 
                                                                                
    ~> * <~
 

A bright smash sounds through the place as the ball hits the wall and bounces
back to the floor. Gasping quietly, the blonde man runs after the ball to play
it back against the wall with a certain amount of force. A relentless battle for
victory has developed between the two teams.
 
The sweat has covered their skin in thick lines, breaths comes out in gusts
while their hearts are racing from exertion. They have been playing for almost
an hour now without having taken a break. With a powerful kick, Sasuke smashes
the ball against the wall. The Inuzuka lets out a quiet, desperate shout and the
ball hits the wall at the back, before it bounces and rolls slowly to the center
of the room. "I guess it’s a draw." Sasuke remarks with a shrug of his
shoulders and looks at his friends, with whom he has come to play squash.
Meanwhile, the women are making themselves comfortable in a café. The Hyuga
nods in agreement and tugs at his shirt, which sticks to his body like a second
skin.
 
Briefly Sasuke rummages through his sports bag and finally pulls out his water
bottle. Naruto and the others too sit down next to him to drink greedily from
their own bottles. “So, you and Sakura are seriously working on your
relationship now? Together?“ The Hyuga asks the black haired man with
curiosity, who has supported his elbows on his knees. “Yeah, we're trying
somehow. We don't really have a plan, but we’re trying.“ The Uchiha answers
with a soft nod and tugs a few times at his sweaty shirt. Since they are already
here since two hours, the room is quite heated and so it’s still unbearably
hot even if they aren’t moving around any longer. "Hm." It comes from Neji as
if he’s laughing. "When you consider that you never have been in a
relationship before, let alone ever been in love, it probably isn’t easy.”
He then says with a smile and looks up from his water bottle, in the direction
of the Uchiha.
 
“I can't quite agree with you Neji. It’s true that he never was in a
relationship, but when it comes to being in love... I remember a time when we
were still at boarding school, it was the last year, so at that time we just
didn't know you yet. Back then, Sasuke and I were at boarding school with
Ryosuke. On the weekends we were often at home, but mostly because of our
parents events and such. After a weekend sometime in spring, between April and
May or something, Sasuke came back to boarding school and was somehow completely
different than usual. I know he was always a quiet person, but at that time he
was so unusually lost in thoughts and then he would even almost smile softly. He
even was friendly towards us, even if only for a few minutes.” It comes from
the Uzumaki, as if he can still not believe it after all those years.
 
The Uchiha has to snort softly at the blonds explanation. Of course he knows
which time Naruto means and what had happened. For a moment he succumbs to the
melancholy of the old days and remembers a day in April which lays back almost 8
whole years. His lips slowly curl up into a soft smile. "See! That’s exactly
what I meant!" The blonde suddenly exclaims and points to Sasuke, who startles
out of his thoughts. Grumbling, his features turn into a scowl. "But as far as I
know it's also the case with Sakura, right? I never heard about her having a
boyfriend before." Naruto then asks further and leans a little forward to be
able to look past his best friend and towards Kiba.
 
Said man looks a little surprised before he smiles and nods slightly. "Right,
but you know, Sakura was a little different back then. Through her parents’
work, she already gained a lot of attention, sometimes from the paparazzi, and
so she tried to be a girl like everyone else. A simple girl who goes home to a
villa after school. Even back then she was really clumsy and therefore felt
embarrassed often. She was even a bit shy and never talked to guys a lot, except
with me. Not even when she turned 16. But back then she had such a time too. It
was in April, i think, it’s been 8 years now since then. After she came back
from a weekends trip, she was often in thoughts and looked all dreamy and
suddenly she was all red. Well, that continued for a few weeks, but then her
parents died and she changed in order not to burden Ryosuke additionally with
her problems, since he already had the whole corporation weighing on his
shoulders.
 
Sasuke sighs softly and looks at his bottle, but all he can see is the image of
the Sakura that he got to know at the amateur golf tournament. The Sakura who
was still living in a seemingly perfect world, with her parents still alive.
"But you already know how to French kiss, right Sasuke?" The blonde next to him
suddenly asks with a huge grin on his lips. Brought back from his thoughts, the
black haired man looks at him perplexed. All he could think is, where this
suddenly comes from. "Shall I tell you the secret of how to do it correctly?" He
asks and wiggles his eyebrows conspiratorially up and down while Kiba has to
suppress a laugh which leaves his lips as an amused snort. Sasuke raises an
eyebrow skeptically. "The secret is," The Uzumaki begins in a conspiratorial
whisper. "You automatically know how it works when you do it." A broad grin lies
on the lips of the blue eyed man, when he finished and took a mouthful from his
water. The black haired man just shakes his head in disbelief and rolls his
eyes. Just how did he get such an idiot as a friend? He still doesn’t
understand.
 
“Let's take a shower. The girls are waiting for sure.” Neji then says before
he gets up. A moment later they follow him and move out of the room, towards the
changing rooms with the showers. After everyone has quickly showered off their
sweat, they slip back into their clean clothes and rub their hair dry before
they pack up their things and wait for the chaotic blond man to get done as
well.
 
Together they leave the sports center and step out into the fresh air. The rain
has finally stopped and is not expected to return in the next few days. The
Uchiha's gaze falls on the opposite side of the street, where he can make out a
few paparazzi. Letting out an annoyed groan, he and his friends head in the
direction of the café, which they enter five minutes later, of course not
without being followed by the paparazzi. A gentle smile shows up on his lips, as
he walks up to his wife and gives her a peck on her lips when he comes to a halt
right next to her. Smiling, she looks up at him and strokes his hair. "You
should go to the barber again, your hair is getting so long." She notes and
holds on to a strand. He sighs annoyed, which makes her grin.
 

 
                                                                                
   ~> * <~
 


Dense clouds crowd around a place in the sky, making the water appear dull
because it cannot reflect the bright blue of the sky. Not a single raindrop has
fallen since noon of the previous day and the sun is expected to return in the
up coming days. Even if many would have wished for sunshine at that day.
 
"Sasuke!" Said man hears the voice of a young woman, who lengthens the "e" at
the end of his name, as they arrive at the port of Tokyo. “You said that the
company party is going to take place on a yacht. This is a cruise ship!” It
comes from her with indignation. The black haired man, however, just shrugs his
shoulders calmly and looks at the huge white ship in front of him. “How do you
want to get all the employees on a yacht? 2500 people alone are already working
in the central and then all the branch offices, so at least we don't have to
stand on each other’s feet. Besides, it's only a small cruise ship." He
replies calmly and reasonably and then looks at the bridge that leads to the
ship, some of the employees are already there and are slowly being let on the
ship. "Come on now." He then says softly and takes her hand to pull her with him
onto the ship.
 
The two wait next to each other in silence and endure the procedure. A little
bored, the pink haired woman takes one of the advertising brochures that are
displayed next to the jetty. Her eyes gaze over the pictures and lines of text
with the informations. There is a certain level of noise around them, as the
employees around them are already very excited about the ship and the
celebration. It takes a few minutes before the couple board the water transport
vehicle. "Sasuke. The ship has 500 cabins, three restaurants, a casino, 5 bars
and much more. That must surely be quite expensive to rent!” The green eyed
woman notes while following the Uchiha, who follows the railing before he goes
to the left and enters the interior of the ship. “It wasn't really. The Uchiha
Corporation has been in a long partnership with the shipping chain and supplies
any equipment that is needed here and from what we have in our assortment.”
Sasuke explains and shrugs his shoulders again, before he leaves the hall and
goes through a door into the large hall. Many of the employees are already
gathered here. The Haruno looks around briefly and examines the ship's own
dining room. On a podium-like place she can see Fugaku, next to him Misuki and
Itachi, as they are talking to each other.
 
A smile showing up on her lips, as she walks towards her in-law family. The
black haired man also makes his way towards his family and so he and his wife
walk towards them, as if it had been silently agreed on. Misuki is the first to
notice their arrival and the pink haired woman smiles happily. "Hello."
Itachi’s wife almost calls out and takes two steps towards her, to immediately
give her a hug. "Hello Misuki, nice to see you." The Haruno responds with a
smile and gives her a quick squeeze. "Sakura." Fugaku's voice sounds and the
addressed woman looks up at her father in law. A smile lies on his lips but in
his eyes she can see how difficult it is for him. Misuki immediately lets go of
her, so that she can hug the head of the Uchihas and also comfort him a little.
After all, Mikoto was always his companion at such celebrations and now she's no
longer there. "Hello Fugaku. How are you?” She asks gentle and caring, patting
his back lovingly. "It's okay.” He explains quietly to her and then breaks the
hug so that Itachi can also greet his sister in law. Smiling, she waves at him,
while Sasuke greets his father with a simple handshake, as well as Itachi and
Misuki.

"Sakura you look really pretty, a real feast for the eyes." It comes from the
oldest of the group, after briefly examining his daughter in law in her dress.
"What luck that Sasuke got you before you might have found someone else." Itachi
remarks with a teasing grin,  whereupon he gets a scowl from his little brother
in response. It seams his little teasing is a success after all. "Thank you
Fugaku, too kind of you." It comes from the pink haired woman with a slight
shade of red on her cheeks. "I think she has made herself way too beautiful for
today." Sasuke says casually and moves his dark grey orbs interestedly on his
brother's tie. His wife's hand lays gently on his back, making him look at her
as he can feel her lips on his cheek. "Thank you." She whispers to him, because
he indirectly complimented her and then lets go of him again. Sasuke looks at
her a little surprised. Last week he said that she looks beautiful in the
knitted dress, but today's dress beats the last one by far! Her black dress ends
in the middle of her thighs and has short sleeves, a v-shaped shawl collar in
rib knit adorns her neckline and a gold chain belt with a black bow is loosely
wrapped around her waist. She also wears white skinny jeans and a white leather
bolero, as well as black pumps, of course, so as not to look too small next to
Sasuke.
 
"How does the process of the evening look like?" The young Haruno explores
interested and stands next to her husband, who has again calmly buried his hands
in his trouser pockets. “The ship will cast off in half an hour, then we will
open the party and then everyone can actually do what they want. Everything is
open and so you have a certain range of activities until we dock again this
evening. Sakura nods in understanding and smiles at the brown haired woman next
to Itachi. “I wanted to find a friend of mine. You hardly know anyone here, do
you want to accompany me, or stay with Itachi?” She asks with a smile. In a
way she feels sorry for Misuki, at such festivities as a real estate agent, she
doesn't have much to do with the employees and therefore has no acquaintances
among them. "I would be happy to accompany you." The brunette woman replies
happily. "Well. See you later then.” Sakura nods and leaves the group of men,
accompanied by Misuki.
 
Misuki follows her sister in law silently through the crowd while she lets her
gaze wander over the employees of the Uchiha Corporation. She briefly glances at
her and smiles. “You know Sakura, I really envy you for being able to work in
the company.” It suddenly comes from her and attracts the attention of the
Haruno. "How so? Do you suspect that Itachi could cheat on you?” She asks
cautiously but also shaken. The Uchiha smiles and shakes her head. "No, no,
it’s not that. It’s just that I would also like to be around Itachi all day,
or could just go to his office if I feel like it." Misuki confesses and looks
somewhat embarrassed into her green eyes. Somewhat surprised, Sakura returns the
look before the smile slowly returns on her lips. "Oh, I see. But when you look
at it that way, you and Itachi have the much sweeter story. Mine and Sasukes,
however, are nothing in comparison" She tries to cheer up her blue eyed
companion. "I don't really know your story at all." The Uchiha remarks after a
brief thought.

“That’s explained relatively quickly. Ryosuke and I went to an amateur golf
tournament about 8 years ago, which was connected to charity and all, and Sasuke
was there too. Sasuke and Ryosuke were at boarding school together at the time
and already knew each other. So, when it was my turn i was too enthusiastic
about it and after I hit the ball away i hit Sasuke’s forehead with the bat
and injured him. That's how we got to know each other. Ryosuke didn't introduce
us afterwards and i stayed away from boys at that time anyway.” It comes from
the pink haired woman and smiles because her explanation has grown a little
longer because of her rambling. "There is something else which nobody really
knows, probably not even Fugaku or Itachi, but then I apologized to him so many
times that he just kissed me in order to silence me.” She then admits and even
blushes slightly. "I don't know what’s your problem, you story is cute too."
It comes from the brunette woman with a smile.
 
Smiling back, the Haruno turns her attention back to the path in front of her
and passes a corridor, evades an opening door and continues to look around for
her friend. "Haruno!" She can hear another female voice before she can keep
looking around. “Not now, try again later!” The pink haired woman shouts out
without even looking around for the owner of the voice and makes a dismissive
gesture, as she continues undeterred. She quietly hears an angered snort that
makes her grin. "What was that just now?" It comes astonished from the Uchiha.
Sakura laughing softly in response. “That was Karin Kaseguchi, Sasuke’s
number 1 fan. Her obsession for him has reached a level, the whole Corp. knows
her. She practically hates me for being around Sasuke so much and that i get
along so well with him, but she literally still doesn't know that I'm his wife,
even though she reads all the magazines about him. In any case, she tries to
make me down somehow with her bitchy moves. But in the end she’s just a show
off who can’t even do that right, because it always backfires completely.”
The pink haired woman explains calmly and shrugs her shoulders. "Strange woman."
Is the only thing Misuki comments and shakes her head before it turns silent
between the sisters in law again.
 
For a few minutes they walk side by side in this pleasant silence, until a laugh
gets the Haruno’s attention, makes her stop and look to the side. "Natsuki!"
She calls out happily and approaches the woman she shares her office with. The
addressed woman looks up in surprise. "Hey, Sakura!" It comes from her in
delight and pushes the man who is grinning next to her a little to the side.
Misuki and Sakura slowly come to a halt next to her. "Stop it now!" They hear
the Hondo say in amusement in the direction of the man. "Hello." The Uchiha
smiles at the two, but rather decides to stay more in the background. Grinning,
the pink haired woman watches her colleague, who is getting a little red in the
face. "Um, that's..." She begins shyly, but is interrupted by the man. "Usui
Takumi from the graphics department." The green eyed man introduces himself and
offers Sakura his hand all business like. "Haruno Sakura. Nice to meet you too."
She replies with a smile and politely shakes his hand. "Ah, the legendary Haruno
Sakura, Karin's greatest enemy." He grins knowingly and lets go of her hand.
"Oh? I didn’t know that I’m so popular at work." Sakura laughs in surprise.
"I was also in the design department, but Karin has annoyed me way too much and
that's why I switched." He explains and shrugs his shoulders calmly. "This is
Uchiha Misuki, she is Itachi's wife." The pink haired woman then finally
introduces her sister in law to the two, who immediately bows politely. "Ah, the
Uchiha women in a double pack." Takumi smiles quietly and bows too. “Well, if
you're in good company already, let's move on. Have you seen naruto anywhere
around?” The Haruno asks thoughtfully. Natsuki smiles and just shakes her head
in response. "Okay. See you later!" She then says, before moving away together
with Misuki.
 
"How long have you been married to Itachi?" Sakura breaks the silence between
them while they are both looking for the blonde man. "Four years." Misuki
answers with a smile. Sakura laughs amused. “Is it tradition of the Uchiha
family that men marry at the age of 26?” Only once, the brunette woman shrugs
her shoulders when they hear the unmistakable loud voice of the Uzumaki and
follow his laughter. “Hello you two!” It comes from the blue eyed man as the
two women come to a stop near him. "Hello." Misuki greets him while the Haruno
waves him hello too. "What are you doing here? The celebration is about to open.
We should all meet up in the dining room.” He explores, a little confused.
“Is it that late already? We were looking for you! I still have something to
say to you. But we can do that later, too.” It comes from the pink haired
woman, which is why Naruto pulls a scared face. A laugh comes from Misuki's
lips. "Let's go into the hall." The brunette woman finally suggests and takes
Sakura's hand to set in motion by gently pulling her to said place. "Ah, someone
misses his husband." Sakura grins with amusement, but follows her immediately,
as does the Uzumaki.
 
Together they return to the hall which is already full. Bodyguard-like, the
blonde man pushes through the crowd to create a safe path for Sakura and Misuki.
They follow him close and when they come to a stop in the first row, Fugaku goes
to the microphone. "Good day, ladies and gentlemen. We are pleased that you all
came to today's celebration. As a former business owner and current board
member, I have the honor of opening this celebration. Like every year we thought
about something to celebrate the existence of the Uchiha Corporation. At this
moment the ship is leaving the port and does not dock again until this evening.
The whole afternoon you have the chance to hang out in the casino, any bars,
clubs and restaurants and have fun. For the colleagues from the branches and for
those with a longer journey, the cabins will be available to stay overnight from
this evening. I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon today and I wish you a
lot of fun!" The voice of the oldest Uchiha sounds over the speakers. Loud
clapping can be heard as it ends and he leaves the podium again. An moment later
the employees are already streaming in all possible directions again.
 
Itachi approaches them with a smile and immediately puts a kiss on Misuki's
lips. Sasuke and Fugaku also join them. Sakura looks around searchingly before
groaning in annoyance. "Now he just ran away!" She growls softly. “Who?” Her
husbands asks a little puzzled. "Naruto. I wanted to talk to him and he just ran
away.” She explains and Misuki laughs in response. "Maybe that's why he ran
away. He got scared as soon as you announced it to him." She explains with a
soft giggle. "Really, I shouldn’t have told him beforehand. First does
nonsense and then runs away." Sakura sighs with a shake of her head. 
 
“Shall we go look for him?” Misuki suggests kindly. "You don't have to come
with me, you can stay with Itachi." The pink haired woman waves off with a
thankful smile. "If we look for him together, it'll be much quicker." The
brunette Uchiha tries once more and immediately pulls her sister in law with
her. "Okay." A grateful smile lays on her lips and when she looks back at the
Uchiha men, she also understands why Misuki wanted to leave. Some gentlemen,
older men, possibly from the board of directors and department heads have joined
them. Quite understandable that she wants to leave so desperately. A lot of
women like to spend their time with their husband, alone or when they are with
family or friends, but some just don’t like to stand by his side when he has
to talk to colleagues about work.
 
The two women leave the hall through the door and after a short walk enter the
promenade deck, which connects the deck of the bow and stern. Despite the rain
in the past days, it is not cold, but neither is it warm. The temperature is
okay and since there is no wind, one doesn’t have to feel like freezing when
standing on the deck for a long time. The two walk along the railing and finally
reach the stern of the ship. Some stand around here and gather in small groups.
"Hey, you two." Natsuki stands at the railing, waving. Briefly, the pink haired
woman throws her sister in law a sideways glance to see what she is doing, since
she was very reserved earlier. A small smile on her face steers the brunette
towards the Hondo. "Where did you hide mr. Takumi at?" Misuki starts a
conversation with a grin and looks around briefly. A light shade of red suddenly
appears on the Hondo’s cheeks. "You are really cute together." The pink haired
woman comments with a smile, which is why Natsuki turns a shade redder. Misuki
and Sakura smile at each other and start giggling.
 
"Let's get something to drink first." Suggests the flustered woman and
approaches the bar on the ceiling. The other two immediately follow her. When
everyone has a drink in their hand, they return to the railing and gaze for a
moment at the rushing sea. "So you are married to Itachi Uchiha?" Natsuki takes
up a topic from earlier. Misuki nods softly as a yes. “How long has it
been?” Natsuki continues to explore with interest. Sakura stands next to them,
happy that the two seem to get along so well. "For almost four years." Misuki
answered the questions, dutifully. "How long were you together before?" The
Hondo continues to ask with interest. "Three years, we met five months before we
became a couple." It comes friendly from the Uchiha. "Oh. Please Misuki, tell
her how you two meet each other!” Sakura then integrates herself in the
conversation. “It’s so sweet!” Misuki has to laugh at her sister in
law’s reaction, nodding to show that she has no problem with doing so.

“Well, I'm a real estate agent by profession and Itachi looked for an
apartment after graduating and contacted me. That's how we got to know each
other.” She begins and looks at the glass in her hand, loving. “So Itachi
told me what he wanted for an apartment and then I looked for a few for him, but
he always had something to complain about with every single one. There no
window, too noisy environment, too small, too big. He always found a reason to
make me keep looking. But as it is, we always talked a little while I was
showing the apartments and so we got to know each other a little better. I was
slowly running out of apartments and when I went to visit the twelfth apartment
with him, he finally asked me if I would want to go out with him. I was very
impressed by his charm and his friendly and open manner and so I said yes. He
finally took the twelfth apartment and one date turned into two, then three and
yeah.” Misuki still smiles loving when she has finished speaking. "How sweet!
I didn't even know that the Uchihas can be sweet, but what Itachi did is almost
pure sugar!“ Natsuki swoons, touched and enthusiastic.
 
“One of the sweetest stories I've ever heard.” The Hondo then continues with
honesty and takes her smartphone out of her handbag. "Don't you want to tell
them again so that I can record them and always have something to believe in
dream men existing?" She asks herself and looks up almost hopefully. Misuki
looks at her perplexed. "I don't think you need my story for that, Takumi will
show you why you can believe in dream men." Misuki says with a genuine smile.
Natsuki sighs softly. "I don't think so, I just don't have any luck with men"
Natsuki responds, a little dejected. “Have you already recorded the story of
Sakura and Sasuke getting to know each other?” The Uchiha asks instead.
"Right, I don't even know it!" The brunette notices and smiles at her pink
haired colleague. "It's not interesting, really. Nobody wants to hear a story
about blood trickling and clumsy girls." Sakura tries to fend off, but Natsuki
has already switched on the video function on her smartphone and is holding the
lens towards the green eyed woman. "Sure! It’s definitely at least as cute as
Misukis!” It comes enthusiastically from the Hondo.
 
Sakura sighs resigned and takes a look at the sea, a smile pulling on the corner
of her lips. "Well, look who we have here?" It suddenly sounds behind her.
Instantly Sakura rolls her eyes and groans softly. "Karin, don't you have any
friends on the ship that you can annoy?" She asks and looks bored at her.
"Firstly, that’s none of you business and secondly, who are you even dragging
around with you?“ The Kaseguchi asks a counter question and looks at Misuki
with arrogance. "I don't know what it's got to do with you, but this is Uchiha
Misuki." The pink haired woman replies, pressing on the ‘you’ to show her
who is middling in other peoples businesses and grins gleefully, while she
doesn’t miss how Natsuki is filming everything with anticipation. "The wife of
Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke's sister in law." As soon as Sakura introduces her
sister in law, the Kaseguchi immediately turns pale and looks around briefly.
“Speaking of which. Since you are so good friends with mr. Uchiha, where is
his oh so great wife and why doesn't she walk around with her, instead of a
looser like you.” The redhead gets back to her arrogant mood and points to
Misuki with a nod. “Sasuke's wife is already here. She's talking to a
colleague. Oh, yeah, you don't even know that yet, do you? She has been working
for the Uchiha Corporation for some time now and often visits Sasuke in his
office. Oh damn! I wasn’t allowed to say that!“ The Haruno says with a
laugh, only to slap her hand over her mouth and looks scared around.

"Well then, thanks for the info. And by the way, cute outfit. Did you get that
in pretty too?” Karin grins arrogantly once again. Sakura just looks down at
herself and then at her two friends. A smile pulls up on her lips. "Funny that
you out of all people would say that. Sasuke thinks I'm pretty, beautiful even.
And just as a little info, I think you took a turn around the wrong corner
earlier. The brothel was three blocks away.” Sakura says and winks at her at
the end. Karin immediately turns red in fury and turns around in frustration.
"You're just jealous!" She hisses out, which makes Sakura laugh while she
follows Karin with her eyes, who is wearing a bright red dress with a black
corsage lacing on the back and which ends just below her bum. “Nice ass Karin!
Is it real or are they implantations?" She then calls after her. Laughing,
Misuki holds on to the railing, while Sakura is careful not to spill anything
because she laughs so much. Satisfied, Natsuki starts grinning. “Nice, finally
I was able to film it. Now I always have something to cheer up and your
Karin-look is so wonderful too.“ It comes from the Hondo and watches the
video. "My Karin look?" The green eyed woman asks, laughing at the fact that she
just named her look. “Yes, whenever you mess with Karin, you have that
look.” The brunette grins and holds the cell phone towards her colleague, to
show her what she means. Misuki also looks interested at the video and at
Sakura's face. “I really always look like that?” The Haruno explores with
surprise. The look that Natsuki means says a lot at the same time and is
difficult to describe. It goes from; I'm-not-afraid-of-you-whatever-you-do,
you-won’t-be-able-to-make-me-down-in-the-slightest,
you-can’t-be-serious-right? up to an amused, serious, disparaging look.
 
"Oh yes." Natsuki nods. "Can you send that to me? My friends also want to see
how I finish her off.” The Haruno asks amused. "Sure, but why did you tell
Karin about your work?" The Hondo asks with interest, and Misuki also looks at
her. “Can't you imagine what this Sasuke-obsessed woman is going to do? After
all, her desk is right next to the office door and from there she can see the
hallway with Ayame's office door at all times. Well, at least I think it'll be
fun." The pink haired explains with a shake of her head. That woman really needs
a reality check as soon as possible.
 
"Here you are!" Itachi approaches the group of the three women. He gently
presses Misuki a kiss on her lips when he gets to them. "Are you having fun?" He
explores with a smile. "Sure, you just missed Karin showing off." His wife grins
at him. The black haired man laughs. “May I kidnap my wife?” He looks at the
other two women, who are smiling. “Sure, after all she's your wife. Where's
Sasuke?” The green eyed woman notes, looking around. "He's still talking to a
few department heads.” He answers shortly, watching her nod in understanding.
He then walk away, together with his wife. Envious, Natsuki looks after them and
watches as he takes his wife's hand and crosses his fingers with hers while she
leans her head on his shoulder. "I want that too!" The Hondo whines out, which
makes Sakura giggle. "I’m sure everything is going to be fine. I'll go and
look for Naruto then." The pink haired woman says and then walks after Itachi
and Misuki but turns around again, grinning when she can see the Takumi arrive
next to the brunette.

With a gentle smile on her lips, the Haruno looks back to the front, puts her
empty glass down at the bar and then goes inside the ship to look for her
husband's best friend. A few minutes pass as she wanders through the ship,
through the casino which is overcrowded and everyone is in a good mood playing,
drinking and smoking. She searches some of the bars and also the restaurants.
Finally, when she almost searched over the whole ship and now approaches the
dining room again, she comes across the blond, young man.
 
Laughing, he turns away from his colleagues, who are walking back towards the
dining room, and immediately stops, frightened. Not two steps behind him, the
pink haired woman stands, her weight on one leg and her arms crossed, she looks
at him with a haunting look. “Brave to steal away from me like that, but that
doesn't make things any better either. We two will talk to each other and
now.” The Haruno says in a calm tone and her look tells him that she doesn’t
allow any arguments. Sighing, he lets his arms hang down. "I don't even know why
you want to have a serious word with me.” The Uzumaki mumbles with
resignation. “Do you actually use your brain sometimes, or where do you leave
it all the time? Especially when you're drunk, you turn your brain completely
off, don't you?” She begins immediately. Naruto looks up in surprise. "I don't
know why you and Hinata always end up in bed as soon as you've had a few too
much drinks, but it can't go on like this. I noticed from the start that you
care about Hinata. I just don't understand how it happens that you end up in bed
again and again, but shy away from trying to know more about each other.
Although exactly that is not even Hinata's way! Your thoughtless actions will
cause problems and at some point they will no longer only affect the two of
you.” She explains with a sigh and suddenly she is no longer as strict as she
started. Unwillingly she has to think back at the argument it has caused between
her girl-friends. "I have no idea about love, but I think you should take
another way before you break anything, maybe even other people’s bonds." She
smiles at him gently and pats his shoulder, while he just looks at her with wide
eyes. “And because of that.” She continues, already taking out her
smartphone and unlocks it before typing around shortly afterwards. "Here."
Holding out the device to him with Hinata's contact details on the screen, she
look up at his perplexed eyes. "You will now call her and ask her out on a
date." She instructs him sternly.
 
The Uzumaki swallows with a nod and hesitantly pulls his cell phone out of his
pocket. He unlocks the cell phone and types in the number, which he immediately
saves in the contacts. He looks uncertainly into the eyes of the Haruno, who
gives him an encouraging smile and puts her smartphone away again. After taking
a deep breath, he then calls up the number and puts his cell phone to his ear.
“Hey Hinata, it's Naruto. Sakura gave me your number." He starts and then
listens briefly. "Yes, I wanted to ask you if you have time next weekend and
maybe you would like to go out with me?" He speaks into the line and then
listens to the Hyuga again. “Saturday sounds good. I'll pick you up at 7pm,
okay?” He asks and nods afterwards. "Good, I'm glad, see you." The blonde
smiles slightly and finally hangs up. "And what do I do with her on Saturday?"
He asks when he notices that he has no clue what to do. "Where should I know?
You already had dates before, so think of something yourself. Preferably
romantic and it should be fun! You've already been to her apartment twice, so
you should have noticed something about what she likes!" The pink haired woman
shrugs her shoulders and walks past him into the dining room.
 
A smile steals on Fugaku's face when he sees his daughter in law, who approaches
him and his sons. "Have you found Naruto yet?" He explores immediately. Sasuke
also looks around in the direction from which the person his father is talking
to comes from. A relieved smile curls up his lips when he recognizes his wife.
“He and Hinata are going out. Maybe someone wants to bet how long it will take
for them to get together?” She smiles and stands next to the youngest Uchiha.
"Look at that." Fugaku exclaims with astonishment. "It will take a long time
before they become a couple.” Itachi just notes. "I say that it will happen
this year." Sakura claims with a shrug. "The way they looked at each other at
the wedding, I give them two months." Fugaku too goes in. "At least half a year,
I can’t give this Chaot less time!" The second oldest of the three Uchihas
shakes his head. "I'll give him until January." Sasuke says, staying close to
Sakura’s claim. The pink haired woman laughs in amusement at their claims.
“Tell me, didn't you run into Misuki somewhere? She wanted to look for you.“
Her brother in law notes and looks around briefly. "She is? No, I didn't meet
her, maybe she's with Natsuki, I'll just go look for her.” Sakura quickly says
and then disappears again.
 
"It's nice that our wives get along so well." Itachi notes, briefly looking
after his sister in law. "Otherwise Misuki would be really bored out here."
Sasuke also looks after his wife until she has disappeared through the door. He
smiles slightly. "Mum would be happy." He whispers softly and then turns away
when he sees board members approaching his father. He looks around, hoping to
find a quiet spot, and finally stands at one of the windows. Sighing, he lets
his hands sink into his suit pockets and looks out at the wide sea. He really
would like to go to one of the rooms and stay there until the end of the
celebration, but he knows he cannot move away from the celebration or be absent
without a plausible and valid reason, after all, he's one of the managing
directors. He hears one of the doors opening and closing again. But he doesn't
look around, not really caring who enters or leaves the room.
 
"Nice hiding place." He can hear his best friend and leans against the wall next
to him. "Says the person who ran away from a woman. I heard that you’re going
out with Hinata?" Sasuke just replies bored and gives the blonde a quick look,
seeing his grimacing face he makes at his remark, but surprisingly he just
ignores it. "Yeah. Sakura more or less forced me to ask Hinata and only left
when I hung up.” The Uzumaki explains with a sigh, rubbing his hand over his
neck. The Uchiha snorts in amusement. So that's how she arranged it. "I'm going
out with her next Sunday and that's the problem." Naruto then continues. "What
kind of problem? It’s not like you never had any dates before." The dark grey
eyed man asks with confusion, because he doesn't understand what the problem is
supposed to be. “Sakura said that too, but i just don't know what to do with
Hinata. Should I just take her to the cinema? That’s just gonna look shabby
and then she might think I just want to get into bed with her again.” Sighing,
Naruto shakes his head and looks at the ceiling at his own words. "Then come up
with something else." The Uchiha just says with a shrug of his shoulders and
takes a step backwards so that he is now facing his best friend. "Yes but what?
Sakura said I should think about what I saw in Hinata's apartment in such a way
that I can somehow establish a connection or something, but I can't think of
anything." The blonde utters desperately and grumbles around. "Then go with her
to where you met each other." The Uchiha suggests and looks out at the sea
again. “Basically not a bad idea and it will be well received by women if you
still know how and where you met, but if only it hadn't been in front of the
shopping center!” The Uzumaki lets out another desperate sigh. “What am I
supposed to do with her at such a place? Go shopping? Sakura said it should be
fun and romantic."
 
Sasuke briefly looks at his best friend and slowly lets his gaze wander to the
floor. The place where they met, how they met, it should be fun and romantic.
The black haired man closes his eyes and finally smiles. He raises his head
again and looks at Naruto. "Then you have to ask Neji." He shrugs his shoulders.
“I can't ask Neji! Or?“ The blonde looks uncertain at his best friend, but
Sasuke just shrugs his shoulders again. “I definitely have a tip for you.”
Sasuke then starts and looks his best friend straight in the eyes. “Which
one?” The blue eyed man explores, hopefully. “Don't get drunk.” With these
words the youngest Uchiha turns around and goes back to his father and brother.
"Are you making fun of me right now?" it comes angrily from the blonde who
follows him immediately. "Do I look like I am? Don't worry and enjoy the party
today. You still have a week to come up with something.” Sasuke just says back
bored, not even looking over his shoulder. After a moment he can hear the
chaotic man hum to his right.
 
Sasuke looks around with an indifferent look as they slowly approach his family.
In general there are few people in the dining room, most of them are definitely
in the casino and try their hand at gambling, while others take the opportunity
and get drunk in the afternoon. "Mr. Uchiha?" Suddenly a voice sounds from the
side. "Yes?" He asks coolly and looks around at the Kaseguchi with just as cold
eyes, but stops with Naruto. “I noticed that you haven't had anything to drink
yet? May I get something for you?” The redhead asks with a sugar sweet smile.
She has crossed her hands in her lap and with her upper arms she tries to lift
her breasts slightly so that they get even more emphasized by the tight dress.
"No thanks. I am able to get myself something to drink if I feel like it." He
replies coolly and looks bored into her face, not reacting to her attempt to
draw his attention to her breasts. "Of course, I don't dare to doubt that."
Karin briefly bites her lower lip, probably a sign of displeasure because he
turned down her offer.
 
“You will certainly prefer to have a drink with your wife. Surely she's here
today too?" She says and then smiles seductively. “Although I haven't seen her
yet. If she isn’t here, I'll be happy to look after you and distract you a
little for the next few hours.” As if it were to be a miracle cure, she also
blinks with her fake eyelashes. “No thanks, I have no need for any
distractions." He says bored and looks stubbornly on her face as she is now
beginning to stretch her chest out even further. "At least Sakura and I are
here." The blonde says supportively while he looks at the redhead
condescendingly. “I noticed that you spend a lot of time with mrs. Haruno,
especially in the office. I am not sure why but I think your wife is not
entirely enthusiastic about it either." Karin replies a little bit snappy and
smiles knowingly at the end. “I see no reason to have to justify anything to
you. You should celebrate with your colleagues instead of making advances here.
And now leave me alone, I have far more important things to do than talk to you
about my relationships, that are none of your business.” He dismisses her and
after an emphatic look he goes with Naruto back to his family.
 
"I only notice the difference now." It then comes from the blonde man.
Questioning, Sasuke looks at his best friend for a moment before looking forward
again to avoid bumping into someone unnecessarily or running against something.
“When Sakura is around, you're not that cold anymore. Naruto grins and hits
the black haired man with a light blow on the shoulder. He just snorts because
it is ridiculous in his eyes. "Who is defrosting our fridge?" Itachi asks with a
grin when he hears the Uzumaki's words. "Sakura. As soon as she's around, he's
not that cold anymore." The blue eyed girl repeats what he just said to his best
friend. "Bullshit." He only utters in response and snorts softly. "No no. Naruto
is right." Itachi notices. "But it was about time anyway.” Another snort can
be heard from the youngest Uchiha, which only makes his father smile lovingly.
Sasuke shakes his head slightly and looks between his father and brother into
the void.
 
"Sasuke?" A soft voice sounds from the side. Annoyed, he turns his head towards
said person. "What?" He almost hisses before his eyes catch two people.
Startled, his wife takes a step backwards at his grouchy mood. As soon as he
recognizes her, the coldness and the annoyed expression disappear from his eyes.
"Hey." He utters briefly and the corner of his mouth rises, showing no traces of
his former mood. "Sasuke you should really stop 'flash freezing' people with
your gaze. At least spare me. That really scared me just now." She utters
quietly, while she doesn't dare to step closer and seems a bit tense. He gently
grips her hand and pulls her towards him, where he puts an arm around her waist.
"I'm sorry." He whispers to her and gives her a quick squeeze. “Why do you
look like that anyway? I haven't seen that look on you in months. Especially not
in this intensity.” It comes silently from the woman in his arm. He sighs
annoyed. "Kaseguchi." He whispers only briefly. He can immediately feel how she
relaxes in his arm. "You can look at that woman like that at any time. You have
my consent.” The Haruno then suddenly exclaims with a smile and brings him to
snort in amusement, while he lets go of her.

“You see? That’s exactly what we mean. Sakura is there and suddenly you’re
smiling." Itachi grins at his brother and puts an arm around Misuki, who was
previously standing behind the pink haired woman and is now joining him.
"Bullshit." Sasuke Exclaims once again. "She is a walking disaster." The green
eyed woman looks up at him, offended at his choice of words. "It can’t be that
bad." Fugaku then says with a smile, trying to defend his youngest daughter in
law. “Only last week when we were at Kiba. A drinking game made everyone
except Neji and me drunk. In addition to becoming a child, she ran into the
closed balcony door, then managed to fall and sit in a bush, she ran into a door
frame and apologized to me for it, when taking off her pants she got tangled up
in it and in the end she fell off the bed saying hello.” The more the youngest
Uchiha says, the wider his grin becomes while the others suppress a laugh. "At
least I don't keep letting my pen roll underneath my table so that I hit my head
every time I pick it up!" The Haruno replies with a grin. Naruto automatically
bursts out laughing. "It's impossible for that to happen to him!" Itachi says in
disbelief, who looks at her with wide eyes. "Yes, yes. The last time was only
last week before lunch.” Sakura nods. “Yes, my head had to suffer because
she startled me. Three minutes later, I had the back of her hand on my face
because she stopped and Feld the need to throw her arms backwards." Sasuke says
while rubbing over his right cheek, which had to suffer from the impact. He
still remembers how it burned like crazy.
 
"I don't think you two get bored that easily." It comes amused from the blonde
haired man. Sasuke averts his gaze and looks at one of the doors, where he
discovers the Kaseguchi who turns away with a jealous look and leaves the room.
Disinterested, he looks at his smartphone to find out the time, only to roll his
eyes. So far they have only killed two hours of time and there will be five more
long hours before they will be able to return to the port at 8pm. "Naruto, I
would be careful, otherwise your face will cramp up and you will have to walk
around with that grin for the rest of your life." The pink haired next to him
notes. A little surprised, Sasuke looks up and at his best friend, who
immediately closes his mouth and looks at her a little anxiously. Laughed goes
around the group while the blonde pouts, realizing that it was just a joke. A
smile adorns the youngest Uchiha's lips. “Do we want to go have a drink? We
haven't even moved out of the room yet." He finally says and looks at his father
and brother. The others nod in agreement and so the group goes to the promenade
deck.
 
The pink haired woman walks in silence next to Sasuke and follows the others,
who go towards the stern in a good mood. In general there is a quite good mood
on the ship. Only the dark grey eyed man is not really enthusiastic about this
celebration, but as the boss he cannot simply steal away from it. His father had
introduced this annual company party to give the employees the chance to talk to
the management without obligation and to show them his appreciation. A good idea
in itself, if only he didn't hate it so much. Always these endless discussions
about work. If only the employees would at least dare to speak to him or Itachi,
that is. Both of them are in a different position as the boss of 4,000
employees, compared to when their father started with only 10.

"Here." A female voice sounds next to him. Surprised, Sasuke looks up from his
phone and at his wife. Smiling slightly, she is holding out a glass with a brown
liquid to him. "Thank you." He replies silently and takes the drink from her to
take a sip and has to smile slightly. Lemon iced tea. Actually, he never told
her, but she always brings him lemon iced tea by herself. Suddenly something
else catches his attention. The Hondo is at the other end of the stern and gives
the impression that she’s about to jump into the air out of joy. Amused, he
turns his gaze to his wife who still stands in front of him and seems to be
studying him. With a nod of his head, the black haired man points to the
brunette, beaming with happiness. Sakura also looks around and smiles slightly.
As if she wanted to ask for his permission she turns her gaze back to him.
"Don't play drinking games." A small grin lies on his lips as he tells her that.
Surprised, she halt’s in her movement, right when she was about to step
towards her. His words just triggered a memory, that she was trying to remember
so desperately ever since she woke up with that hangover. ‘Please stop
drinking so much... can you do that for me?’ The conversation they had when
they were cuddling in bed and she was completely wasted. Yes, that was the
important thing she forgot. She remembers it now. A soft smile forms on her pink
lips, but instead of showing that she remembers, she just cheekily sticks out
her tongue at him and then walks over to the Hondo, who immediately begins to
talk with a broad smile. A gentle smile shows up on his lips as Sakura is
infected by the joy of the young woman. After a quick look at his family and
Naruto, who are standing in a good mood in front of the bar, talking to each
other, he empties his glass in one go and sets it down at the bar before turning
around and standing by the railing. Taking out his smartphone, he turns around
and leans against the railing, bumping his feet against kind of against a base.

For a moment his attention is focused on his wife, who is standing on this low
pedestal and the railing only reaches her underneath her bum, before he looks
down at the device in his hand and concentrates on the game. With one hand in
his pocket, he taps around on the touch screen. To the others, he must now look
very busy, while in reality he’s just playing a simple game. "That is
confiscated for the time being." It suddenly sounds next to him and for a moment
he is reminded of his mother, who always takes his smartphone away when he takes
it out at such celebrations. His gaze wanders to the left, where he expects his
father or Itachi, but definitely not Naruto. Said man briefly looks at the game,
only to lift his eyebrows. "Really. This is a company party and you are playing
games?” He asks confused, while he presses the home button and then locks the
screen. “Give it back, Naruto. What if I get a call?" The black haired says
annoyed and holds his outstretched hand in the direction of his best friend.
"What call? Everyone is here. The company won't contact you, your family is here
and Sakura is over there. The possibility that Tenten will call you is really
low and if she does and can't reach you, she would try to contact me next.
Besides, I'll check the cell phone anyway if it should ring.” The blonde says
and puts the smartphone into the pocket of his jacket. "You'll get it back at
the end of the day." Naruto says with a grin, obviously enjoying his show. The
black haired man just looks dumbfounded at his best friend, not being able to
believe that he just said something smart for once. Sighing out completely
annoyed, the Uchiha hides his hands in his trouser pockets. It seems that he
will have to find himself something else to kill the time.

Laughing, the pink haired woman stands on the pedestal. “Why should I tell you
the story of how Sasuke and I got to know each other now? After all, Takumi
asked you out on a date. I hardly believe that you will need the story any
more.” The Haruno notes confused. Her gaze is laying on her co-worker,
Natsumi, who still holds the camera lens towards her to record the story. The
blue eyed woman just looks up at her pleadingly. "Oh please, Sa-" "Haruno!" An
incoherent but loud voice interrupts the Hondo, making the both of them look to
the side. "Karin. Do you have a problem again?“ The pink haired woman explores
with an annoyed sigh. "Yes, you! You're always in my way. Sneaking up on mr.
Uchiha, his family and friends. You think you're super great because of the
attention you get, but you're not!" It comes from the redhead, who seems to be
quite angry. "Say are you drunk?" The Haruno explores when she smells the
alcohol from afar. “Get out of my way already!” Karin only screaches and
gives her a powerful push. Startled, Sakura’s eyes widen when she feels the
bar of the railing on her thigh and her feet separating from the floor.

A frightened and panicked scream attracts the attention of Naruto and Sasuke,
who look around in surprise. "Clumsy overboard." The Kaseguchi calls out
indifferently and slightly wobbles away, as drunken as she is. The Uchiha's eyes
search for his wife, who had just been standing at the railing a minute ago, but
he can’t find her. Worried, the black haired man pushes himself off the
railing and runs across the deck, followed by Naruto, to the Hondo, who is
looking down over the railing and into the sea. His eyes widen in shock when he
sees his wife in free fall towards the sea. Her eyes are fixed on him, staring
up at him.
 
"Sakura!" His desperate scream can be heard across the whole deck. Panicked, his
eyes fixate on her, fading out everyone around him. He sees only her and below
her the dark sea. He can make out a small smile on her lips, before she
disappears into the sea and gets swallowed up by the water that pulls her down
into the darkness. Only slight waves and a few air bubbles remaining on the
water surface.

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