Flowers, tattoos and I love you's

32.meadow*

Hi guys, I hope you're doing good! It's been a while since I've posted but college has been keeping me busy.

There is not much going on in this chapter, more like part of the aftermath of what happened between Itachi and Sasuke and preparation for the future drama that I've been hinting.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•

"Hello, mother."

"Sasuke." Mikoto replied, her tone carrying a sharp chill. "Is this something urgent?"

He gripped the phone tightly, trying to keep his hands from trembling as he adjusted in his chair. "I just wanted to check in. You didn't call this week."

"My life does not revolve solely around you, Sasuke." She said curtly. Sasuke bit his lip hard, the tension in his body palpable. Across the room, Itachi glanced up from his computer, silently observing his brother. . " Please just get on with it, I have other matters to attend to."

"Oh—I—" He began, but his mother interrupted before he could find his footing.

"Did you get any grades back? Have you taken any tests yet?"

"My first test isn't until next week." He answered quickly.

"I trust you've been preparing thoroughly."

"I have, Mom. Don't worry." Sasuke assured her, though the knot in his stomach tightened.

"We expect nothing less than perfection. Don't forget that."

"I know, Mother." He replied, the words coming out like a reflex. He sighed softly, bracing himself. "Actually, I was calling to ask about my documents. My birth certificate and other papers—I need them to apply to college."

"They're in a box inside your father's safe in his study." She replied, her tone suddenly sharper. "But don't touch anything! I'm sure you can wait a few more months until we come back to handle it."

"But, Mom, I—"

The older woman quickly cut him off. "No buts, Sasuke. You are the child, and I am the adult. You'll do as I say, understood?"

"Can Itachi open it?" Sasuke persisted. This was his last chance—if he didn't act now, he'd have to wait for his parents to return. He wanted to apply at the same time as Naruto, and he knew if he didn't, the blond idiot would wait months for him.

"Why are you so worked up about it?"

"Hmph, it's a highly competitive university. I just want to make sure I get in. If there's an issue with my application, at least I'll have time to fix it." The silence on the other end of the line stretched out before Mikoto finally spoke.

"Fine." She relented. "Ask your brother."

"Thank you, Mother." Sasuke tried to keep his smile in check.

"Sure. Now, I really have to go."

"I understand. Stay safe, I love yo—" He started, but before he could finish, his mother had already hung up. The abrupt end to their conversation stung. It always did.

Sasuke couldn't help but wish his parents were more like Iruka. The man felt more like a father to him than his own. Whenever he was around Naruto's family, he felt accepted, like he truly belonged somewhere. He couldn't say the same about his own. Naruto may not have been Iruka's biological son, but it was clear the man loved him like his own—like he was his entire world.

Sasuke's parents never looked at him that way. He couldn't remember the last time either of them had said, I love you. He didn't understand what he had done to deserve such treatment. Or what more he could've done to earn their love.