Surfs Up / SasuSaku

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"Well, that was interesting," Sakura said as she sulked down on the couch.

The dinner went exactly as she had expected. It was no surprise that Sasuke's father would try to intimidate her, to say the least. If anything, he failed miserably at it. Sakura could handle anything that came her way, but she couldn't stand the fact that Sasuke's father had tried to belittle her parents. No, it didn't matter if Fugaku was essentially one of the richest men in Konoha. Even if her parents struggled, they were the wealthiest people she knew. In terms of hard work and dedication.

On the other hand, she was pleasantly surprised when she met Sasuke's mother, Mikoto. Someone as elegant and beautiful as her... Sakura couldn't imagine how Fugaku had managed to win over such a wonderful woman. She could see where Sasuke got his kind heart from. It definitely didn't come from his father, but from his mother.

Sasuke sighed as he sat beside her, "Yeah, it was... but are you alright? I'm sorry if my father said..."

Sakura shook her head as she gripped Sasuke's hand. "Don't worry about it, he doesn't really bother me. I kind of expected it to go like this anyway," Sakura continued, "but I love your mother. I can see a lot of her in you... it's obvious that you inherited her kindness and gentleness."

"That's what my grandparents used to say before they passed away... I didn't really notice her traits until I met you," Sasuke laid his head on Sakura's lap. "But I promise we won't have to go through this again. I don't want to put you in an uncomfortable position."

Sakura ran her hand through Sasuke's hair. "That sounds like a plan... although I am curious. How can a woman like your mother be married to someone like your father? They just seem like two completely different people."

"Arranged marriage, that's why."

"What?" Sakura asked, bewildered.

"When my mother graduated college, I guess my grandparents were desperate to establish a more prominent name for themselves... and they knew my dad's parents were looking for a wife for him. My mother didn't really have a say in it, and the marriage happened fairly quickly. My mother... made a lot of sacrifices. But sometimes it irritates me because I wish she had stood up for herself," Sasuke sighed, "My father has always been a controlling man. He went from controlling my mother, trying to control Itachi, and now me. "

Sakura listened attentively, her heart aching for Sasuke and especially his mother. She couldn't imagine the pain and frustration his mother must have gone through in such an arranged marriage. It made her appreciate her own parents' love and support even more.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke," Sakura said softly. "It must be difficult for both you and your mother to live under such control. You have the power to break free from that cycle. You can be different."

Sasuke looked up at Sakura, "I know," he said resolutely. "I don't want to repeat the same mistakes. I want to create my own path, one where I can be true to myself and do things I want to do. Be with someone I truly want to be with."

Sakura smiled, "I just don't want you to feel that you don't have a say to anything in your life. I want you take risks and do things that make you happy. You deserve it too."

Sasuke nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. As he sat up, he looked at the digital clock before looking back at her, "Are you tired?"

11 p.m.

Sakura stretched out her arms, "Ehh maybe not go to be for another hour or so, why?"

"You look really good in that dress."