Chapter Twenty

I do not own Naruto

"My mother was murdered when I was a boy... It took me quite some time to get over her death, I adored her and losing her at so young an age was really hard on me, especially considering the fact that my father then turned into an alcoholic and eventually ended up drinking himself into oblivion. I was sixteen when he died. I will admit I resented my father even then, at the time of his death, but when I came of age and Itachi revealed the truth to me about his death, being that he had actually taken his own life... Well, I've loathed him ever since that day."

Sasuke paused only to take a sip of his drink before continuing. "Something changed in me then, I lost all faith in humanity, save for my brother. It was when I was on the brink of insanity myself that I started really being around Naruto and he showed me a way of life I could live with. For a long time, I spent my days, all of them, drowning myself in booze and women who I couldn't of cared less about." His eyes met mine as I stared at him with wide, watery eyes. "I decided so many years ago, that I would never have anything more than a meaningless affair. Sex is one thing, but how could I allow myself to love anyone, when I've witnessed first hand how dreadful it can be?..."

Sasuke trailed off momentarily, leaving my heart aching in a way I didn't know possible. He looked down at his drink thoughtfully, and feeling suddenly parched, I drained the entire glass of water I had. I was feeling nervous, anxious and miserable now. I couldn't even bring myself to gaze at him anymore. I didn't know what to think, or how to take his words. Why did it hurt so much to hear him talk in such a way? Is this what Naruto was trying to warn me about when he told me that Sasuke was incapable of love? I just couldn't allow myself to believe that. Sasuke was so loving and caring... He just wasn't seeing it for himself.

"And yet here I am, so lost and confused with myself, because of you."

My eyes rose to meet his when he'd spoken then and his words warmed my cheeks considerably. His eyes had softened and he was giving me the sexiest half-smile I had ever seen.

"You've got me going against everything I believe in. I never wanted to let anyone in. I never thought it would happen, not so easily. After everything that has happened... I just, I can't... I don't know." Sasuke stumbled over his words, seeming flustered and at a loss which was highly unlike him.

"It's okay, because if all that hadn't happened... We wouldn't be here together right now." I told him shyly, my firm beliefs of everything happening for a reason speaking for me. Sasuke was so special to me, I knew without a doubt I was meant to meet him and not just for any old casual affair.

"Come here," He ordered, a playful smirk on his face. I couldn't stop myself from grinning as I got up to sit back down next to him. We gazed at each other in silence for a long time. Sasuke lifted one hand to cup the side of my face, his thumb ghosted across my cheek as he stared down at me with an intensity in his eyes that was breathtaking. "Do you have any idea how much you mean to me?"

Blushing furiously, I shook my head without thinking because damn it, how could I?!

"I intend to show you, so don't worry." He chuckled and then sealed his promise with a kiss.

...

...

"You're pregnant, aren't you?"

. . . ?

"I knew it, you've got a glow about you." Itachi seemed nothing short of ecstatic and all I could do was stand there and blink at him. "But why is it that you are hesitating to tell Sasuke?"

"I'm just not sure how he will take such shocking news... I don't know what to do right now." I told Itachi honestly and he sighed but in a knowing way.

"Sasuke is troubled, but he cares for you very much. Please, don't forget that; even when he's on his worst of days."

Swallowing nervously, I nodded, but I still had no idea what I was going to do or what or how I could tell Sasuke. I wasn't in any rush to do so anyway. I had no intentions of ruining all that we have by telling him something to important at the wrong time. No, it would have to be perfect, I would wait until then and surely, the time would come.

"I'm ready if you are," Sasuke had returned from the restroom and I nodded in understanding as he wrapped his arm around me in a way I was coming accustomed to.

"I'm ready."

"See you, Itachi." Sasuke bid farewell to his brother who gave me a sympathetic pat on the head before we were off.

"Sasuke," I begun once we were in the car, but I felt such a hesitance that I couldn't even fathom saying anything at all. What could I say after all that he'd told me?

"You don't need to say anything." He said softly while taking my hand in his. "It felt kind of nice telling you about my parents, like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I haven't been able to let go of all that frustration over all of these years but now, I feel almost like I understand."

"Understand?" I asked, confused. What was it that he was understanding exactly?

"I never understood how my father could throw away his own life, leaving behind his two sons all because he supposedly couldn't live without my mother... Even though I tried to make myself believe there were no such emotions, I've ran from them my entire life; effortlessly avoiding any type of contact that would lead to any such feelings... And then I met you."

...

...

Even by the time we made it home to the Uchiha Manor, my mind was still reeling from Sasuke's words. I felt sure I was in a state of shock, because I hadn't even been able to say anything in response to him, and worse, I hadn't said one word to him then entire ride home, or even when we got out of the car. I had all but ran straight for Ino's room and now as I sat there, staring at her sleeping form; I felt so terrible.

I knew I loved him. I loved him so much, it hurt. Nobody had ever meant as much to me as Sasuke did, other than Ino... And now the tiny life that I was carrying inside me. Even though I hadn't been to see an OB yet, I felt in my heart and soul that there really was a baby inside of me, Sasuke's baby. My baby. I never thought I could love the thought of something so much, but I did.

I had decided not to say anything at all to Sasuke, until after I'd seen the doctor; and I had an appointment just over a week away. I knew that somehow, someway, I would be able to make it until then at least. I felt so hopeful now though. After everything Sasuke had told me tonight, I was sure that he would accept our child and love and care for it to the best of his ability.

After whispering goodnight to Ino, I left her room with a wave to the nurse who sat in the corner of the room. I was really hoping it wouldn't be awkward when I seen Sasuke, after I had left him so hurriedly and without a word. He had to think I was a heartless slob. I groaned miserably at the thought as I began the long journey up the stairs, to our room. I was sure he would be there already, probably already showered. I could smell his intoxicating scent just at the thought and I sighed.

"You sure are making a lot of noises, Sakura... Not that I'm complaining because they don't sound too bad."

"Naruto!" I shouted, my heart suddenly hammering with fear. He had come out of no where to be suddenly hovering right over my back. I laid my hand over my chest, willing my heart to slow down to normal.

"Didn't mean to scare you," He threw his hands behind his head and chuckled mischievously. "everything okay, you seemed to be pretty deep in thought."

"I was," I told him honestly. "But, everything is fine."

"Okay then, um... Sasuke doesn't know I'm here but I need to have a few words with him so could you send him out for a couple of minutes?"

"Yeah, sure." I nodded just as we finished ascending the stairs. I opened the door and walked in, giving Naruto a slgiht glance as he leaned casually against the wall to apparently wait for Sasuke.

"Finally, I was starting to think you may never come to bed."

"I'm sorry," I gave Sasuke a shy smile when I noticed his shirtless form coming towards me. I was already blushing and avoiding his eyes. "N-Naruto is here to see you, he's waiting outside of the room."

"Oh hell..." Sasuke groaned. "I'll only be a minute." And after giving me a quick peck on the cheek, he left the room.

I went straight into the bathroom, ready for a hot shower. I didn't understand all this nervousness I was feeling all of a sudden and I was eager to at least try and wash it all away. I spent a long time in the shower, thinking over everything that had happened so far between me and Sasuke and of all that was yet to come.

When I was finally out, dried and wrapped snugly in one of my favorite robes, I left the bathroom to find Sasuke seemingly fast asleep in bed. A deep frown crossed my features then. I had nobody to blame but myself. I was the one who had taken her sweet time in the shower, as if I didn't have Sasuke waiting here for me. Now I felt even worse than I did earlier.

I was disappointed in myself but I knew there wasn't much I could do about it now, I sure wasn't going to disturb his sleep when he needed it so much. I wanted him to rest even more than I wanted to finally spill my heart out to him; and so, as easily as I could, I slipped into bed next to him and cuddled close. Even in his sleep, his arm automatically wound around me and I closed my eyes with a content sigh. I could never get tired of this.

A/N: Thanks for reading, hope you liked it and are looking forward to more!

So much is about to happen and I'm really excited to see what you guys think. ;)