Surfs Up / SasuSaku

One Last Time

It didn't take long for Sakura to move in her things. The day Sasuke suggested it, she was already on her way back to her small apartment, gathering everything into moving boxes.

Their schedules had been hectic all week. Sasuke was now fully recovered and back in the office, while Sakura was making herself comfortable in Sasuke's new place. It was a lot different than when they would sleep over at each other's homes because now they were together 24/7.

Which she loved.

School was starting up again as well, but she completely forgot about the trip they had planned with her friends and Sasuke's friends.

"My father wants to formally meet you. I guess he wants to do it right this time," Sasuke said as he walked toward Sakura.

She was seated on the floor, taking out the suitcase from underneath their bed. "When? Today?"

Sasuke nodded. "I figured since there's no other time to do it. We still have that trip, and you start your classes soon."

Sakura stood up and dusted off her knees. "Are you sure he really wants to get to know me this time?"

"I honestly do. I think he's really trying now. Plus, I believe Itachi and Izumi will be there," Sasuke sighed. "I really think after my accident, he's making an effort this time."

"So he invited us? He reached out to you?"

Sasuke took Sakura's hand. "Yeah, I would've expected my mother to reach out... He wants to know you."

Sakura remembered her encounter with Sasuke's father at the hospital. She knew the words he told her were genuine, and she truly wanted to believe he was changing his ways for Sasuke and Itachi. She hadn't seen his parents since that day, so part of her felt nervous about "starting over."

But she wanted this, and she knew how much Sasuke wanted it too. Sakura understood that all his life, he just wanted his father to notice and support him.

Sakura smiled. "If that's what you want, then I'll do it for you."

"If I sense any malicious intent, then we'll just leave. I want to at least try, though," Sasuke kissed Sakura's forehead before leaving the bedroom.

Sakura dashed toward their closet and pulled out a simple casual dress. It was nothing too fancy, and she didn't feel the need to worry about the brand or material of her clothes. Not like last time.

She wanted to be herself and let his parents accept her for who she was. Sakura knew she wasn't in the same scene as them, but it didn't matter to her anymore. She wasn't ashamed, and what really mattered was that she loved Sasuke. That's all she wanted his father to know—that it didn't matter if she came from money or not.

What mattered was how she felt about Sasuke.

...

It felt like déjà vu when they pulled in front of his parents' large mansion. The feeling of anxiety was no longer present for her. Her objective was to get to know Sasuke's father and his family.

They were greeted by the butlers and maids and led to the dining room, which seemed all too familiar. Sakura caught a glimpse of Sasuke's family already seated at the dining table, awaiting their arrival.

The first to greet them was Sasuke's mother, Mikoto. What surprised her was that Mikoto went straight for a hug.

"Sakura dear, I'm so happy you're here. I hope the drive wasn't too bad," Mikoto smiled warmly as she gave Sasuke another warm hug. "I'm glad you're both okay."

As they were led to the dining room, Sakura was immediately welcomed. It didn't take long for everyone to be seated and situated.

"Thank you for coming," Fugaku said, giving Sakura a warm smile. She was a bit surprised before returning the smile. "Thank you for having me."