The Mystic Riders 20
a/n: Sorry it took so long people. Its been hectic. Mostly about my novel and things. But here it is the last and final chapter of this story. Then I'll start working on my other stories. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: don't own naruto…
Sasuke leaned back against a tree in the gardens of his home. His bangs shadowed his eyes. It'd been almost a year since he'd lat set eyes on Sakura. Fire Storm was laying a short distance away sunning himself. The golden tinges that he got from the Sun Stone hadn't left once the power faded. He sighed tiredly. Most times anymore while he was alone he thought about Sakura. Somewhere on one of his missions he'd heard rumors that she had to marry a Dragon Rider but there wasn't any word on who it was. Whoever he was he was one lucky bastard. Many times he thought about going after her but decided against it many more times. She deserved someone better than him.
"We should go see her Sasuke," Fire Storm murmured.
Tilting his head to the side he looked at his partner through half lidded eyes.
"What for?" he asked finally.
"To at least congratulate her on her upcoming marriage."
Sasuke gave his partner a half smile. There was a lot of pain deep within him over the news that Sakura would marry someone after she said that she loved him. His mark was nothing more than a tattoo a black reminder on his skin that he was once bonded to someone so deeply. Once she released him everything that he could feel through the mark vanished. On some days he missed the feelings.
"I screwed up big time didn't I?"
"You made your choice and it wasn't her, but you could become her friend to be there for her. She did save your ass Sasuke."
Shaking his head he looked up into the branches of the tree he was under. Everyone reminded him constantly that Sakura had saved him in more ways than one. He knew they were trying to drive him to go to her but he couldn't do it. If someone else could make her happy then he'd let her go to be with that person.
"Sasuke!"
Looking towards the voice he saw Koori, as of six months ago his brother's wife. She was five months pregnant. Getting up quickly he rushed to her side and steadied her. Itachi would kill him if anything happened to his wife while he was away. Rather than being tortured by his bother painfully he did what he had to, to keep Koori and the baby safe.
"What's wrong Koori?"
"I got a message from Kaji."
This could mean a lot of things and most of them hurtled towards being bad news. He didn't know if he wanted to hear it or not but decided to hear the older woman out.
"Most messages from your sister don't cause you to panic like that, most times."
"Sakura's going to marry a Dragon Rider from Fire to form an alliance between Grass and Fire. They're throwing a ball so she can meet the Riders of our country."
Sasuke cringed inwardly. Most of Fire's eligible Riders wouldn't be any good for Sakura at least in his head. Most of them had one thing on their minds and Sakura probably wouldn't like that. Then their were those who sought power through others. They'd think they'd be able to Kage if they marry Sakura but Sasuke knew better. Sakura would be Kage. For a brief moment he wondered what Kyo thought on this matter.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"You'll have to go Sasuke."
"I can find a mission…" he tried.
Honestly at this point he didn't want to watch her fall hard and fast for some other idiot that would end up bragging that they picked up what he threw down. In his head that thought made him cringe more. The look in the older woman's eyes made him flinch. He knew what she was thinking before she even opened her mouth.
"You owe it to this girl to apologize for your stupidity towards her."
He growled softly. If there was one thing he knew it was that he owed Sakura a lot more than he could ever give. This was his chance to make it up to her by letting her go.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Sasuke snapped finally.
"I'm your sister-in-law Sasuke," she growled.
"And?"
"Is this still about Karin?"
Sighing softly he knew this would come up eventually. He didn't let anyone that he knew know that Karin was dead.
"Karin was killed a few days after the battle with Orochimaru."
Koori gaped at the youngest Uchiha. "She'd been attacked by something with claws."
"Then you should go…"
"Just drop it Koori, I'm not going."
He huffed and stormed away from the older woman. Hauling himself up on Fire Storm's back the two darted towards Konoha determined to get a mission so he wouldn't have to attend the so called ball. The function would just piss him off if he went. Shaking his head he focused on the trip. Once he arrived he stopped at his apartment in the city and showered and changed. Something white on his desk stopped him. Confusion creased his brow. Picking it up it was an invitation to the ball they were holding for Sakura It was dated for tomorrow evening. He threw it down and stormed out the front door. Sasuke went to the Hokage's tower to get an assignment. Tsunade was working on some paperwork when he entered. She looked up and sighed with relief.
"Tsunade I wish to ask for a mission."
"Good you got one…"
"Good… wait… what?"
She had a small smile on her face. He was confused. Tsunade hoped this was the push the two blockheads needed to be together as it should be.
"The Kusakage hasn't shown up and she was due in three days ago. She needs to be here for the ball tomorrow night."
His eyes widened. That wouldn't give him much time.
"She's a Unicorn Rider she shouldn't be that hard to find."
Tsunade gave him an indigent look.
"Her partner is a King Stallion. If they don't want to be found they won't be. Since you've had dealings with her in the past I want you to go find her."
"No," Sasuke said simply.
The Uchiha normally never said no to a mission from the Hokage but right at this moment he didn't want to force Sakura anywhere. He didn't want to go after her because he'd hurt her so badly. If Sakura wanted to stay hidden he was more than willing to let her stay so.
"Sasuke," she said in a warning tone.
"No, I'm not going after someone that doesn't want to be caught dead in my presence."
"You have no choice Uchiha. I am your Kage you have to do as I say."
He growled out curses under his breath. Shaking his head he gave a curt nod. "Good, you can start now. Her brother lost her not long after they passed into the borders of Fire."
Sasuke looked at her. He knew Kyo wouldn't loose Sakura that easily. He was a hanyou after all. His tracking skills would've caught Sakura easily. He had a suspicion that Kyo let her go. Sasuke couldn't blame Kyo for letting her go. Sinking deep in thought he left the Hokage and went to his apartment to pack his traveling bag. Once he was done he went to the landing field. Fire Storm looked at his rider curiously.
"She gave you a mission?"
"Apparently the Kusakage decided to go on an adventure without telling anyone, and Tsunade wants us to get her back before tomorrow night."
"Sakura? Missing?"
Sasuke nodded his head. He didn't want to go looking for her like this. Hauling himself up onto his partner's back he sat there. "So where do we start?"
"I think I know the place. Come on."
The dragon launched himself into the skies. He looked around making sure no other riders were watching him.
"Where to?"
"The Fire Temple."
The dragon darted towards the Fire Temple. Sasuke thought on what he was going to say to her when he saw her but he kept coming up with blanks. He'd hurt her so badly. She had a year to get over his sorry ass. He wouldn't blame her. Fire Storm dropped down in the courtyard. The monks only stopped for a moment to eye the rider before moving on with their daily work. Sasuke looked around. One of the head monks came out to greet him.
"Ah Uchiha-san what brings you here?"
"I'm looking for a Unicorn Rider."
The man just gave a curt nod.
"Her stallion is in the stables. You might want to speak with him before approaching his mistress."
Sasuke nodded his head. The monk walked away. The Uchiha looked up at his partner.
"Good luck Sasuke. You'll be lucky if Shadow Dancer don't stomp you into the ground."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence Fire Storm."
The dragon just laughed at his rider's sarcasm. He launched himself up into air and vanished. Shaking his head, Sasuke went to the stables. The black stallion in question was pawing at the ground while looking at another Unicorn. Sasuke figured he was in conversation with the other Unicorn. The white unicorn looked at him before turning his attention to the black stallion again. The hulking black Unicorn turned to look at him.
'Hello Sasuke.'
He gave a curt incline of his head.
"Shadow Dancer."
'She's been waiting for you.'
"I know," he admitted softly.
'Don't keep her waiting anymore.'
Sasuke knew that was a veiled threat that the stallion wouldn't hesitate to carve into his hide with his hooves. He turned right back around and went towards the temple. If he had to guess he knew where she'd be. Fire Storm had mentioned that Alexial was talking about the room. He'd only seen it once but he remembered where it was. When he reached the room he hesitated a moment before entering. The scent of the candles and incense tickled his nose. She was kneeling in her Kage robes minus the hat in the middle of the floor. She rose quietly and lit one of the green candles. She was murmuring something aloud but he couldn't make out what it was. Out of common courtesy he didn't say anything until she was done.
"I figured you'd be here," he finally said.
He saw her shoulders tense. A flinch escaped him knowing that it was his own fault in the end. Then she relaxed.
"I wanted to visit before my Kage duties prevented me from getting away."
"You caused quiet a stir when you didn't show up in Fire like you were supposed to."
"None of them want me as I am. They just want the prestige that comes with marrying a Kage."
"They'll force you to marry to form ties with Fire."
She wouldn't face him and he couldn't blame her. Even though his mark was dormant since she released him he could still feel the rush of her heart beat.
"I'll put it off for as long as I have to."
He felt the pull he tried to ignore since he met her. Moving forward he touched her shoulder. She flinched at his touch. He decided to take the leap.
"Sakura marry me?"
Her shoulders shuttered underneath his hand.
"Why?" she finally asked.
"Because I couldn't stop thinking about you since you walked away and I…"
"Guilt then," she said finally.
"If it was guilt I wouldn't have asked."
"Then why? Karin…"
"Is dead."
"A last resort then…" she muttered bitterly.
He turned her around. Tears were pooling in her eyes. Carefully he cupped her cheeks and brushed her tears away.
"Don't cry Sakura. The reason I didn't go after you was because I was afraid," he admitted reluctantly. "I hurt you so much…"
Before he could finish her lips were against his. He was shocked at first but then pulled her closer. He pulled back reluctantly.
"Marry me," he asked again.
She smiled softly, but he had a feeling she wasn't going to make this easy for him and she had ever right to do so. As far as he was concerned she should've rained down hell on his head for his stupidity.
"Tell me why first."
"It's not your title or your body even though it's very nice. Sakura I…"
A soft giggle escaped her lips. Her eyes were dancing merrily as she watched him squirm.
"I love you too Sasuke."
His dark onyx eyes met bright emerald. Leaning down he nuzzled her cheek with his nose.
"Marry me."
She looked up at him seriously.
"All right," she finally murmured softly.
He smirked and leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. Before he could deepen the kiss someone cleared their throat. They saw a monk standing at the door with a small smile on his face. Sasuke then looked down at Sakura and then got an idea.
"Shall we?" Sasuke asked. "Since we're here."
Sakura looked up at him.
"Then we go home?"
He was confused for a small moment then realized where she meant.
"Then we'll go home," he agreed. "For a short honeymoon then I'll have to report back to Fire to tell Tsunade I'll be transferring my duty to Grass."
The Unicorn Rider started laughing softly. They followed the monk into the office area for the head monk where he married the two. Once the paperwork was done they retreated to her parent's cottage in Grass.
Sasuke smirked as he carried his wife into her parent's old home. Sakura was blushing madly and he couldn't help but snicker a little bit inwardly.
"Nervous?" he breathed seductively in her ear.
A shiver ran down her spine at the sound of his voice brushing across her ear.
"A little," she murmured hesitantly.
The smirk vanished from his face. He didn't want to scare or hurt her anymore than he'd already done.
"I won't hurt you Sakura."
She reached up and brushed his bangs aside with a small smile. He leaned into her gentle touches. Even after everything her touches were soft and loving.
"I know you won't."
A gentle rush of warmth ran through him centered on his back. He rested his forehead against hers. She smiled as they reveled in the feelings that they'd never thought they'd be able to feel again. The gentle pulsing let them feel the heartbeat deep within their partner. Sasuke carefully started undressing his wife. He couldn't help the small smirk as a gentle blush stained her cheeks. He leaned down to brush his lips across hers. He could feel her hands hesitantly run over his back and work up underneath his shirt. A shiver ran down his spine as her nails gently scratched his back as her hands explored the expanse of his back.
"Sakura," he breathed softly against her ear.
She looked up at him. "Are you sure?" he asked softly.
"If I wasn't sure Mr. Uchiha I wouldn't have married you."
He just grinned down at her.
"Well Mrs. Uchiha shall we?"
Taking a step forward which made her take a step back. He just kept smirking till he backed her up against the side of the bed and she fell backwards on it. Knowing he couldn't crush her smaller form he followed her down and locked lips. His hands ran up underneath her shirt and unhooked her bra as they kissed. Smirking into the kiss his hands moved towards the front and underneath the loose fabric of her bra. His hands ran over her breasts causing her to pull back from their kiss and moan heatedly. He looked up at her. Her eyes were fogged with a passion haze. She reached forward and tugged at his shirt. With a tug and a few movements his shirt went flying across the room. Then he helped her with her shirt and bra. Those too went flying across the room to some unknown spot. Sasuke stared down at his wife in appreciation. A blush stained her cheeks and it started to creep down her neck to her chest. Leaning down he kissed her lips softly. His fingers moved slowly over her breasts as he kissed her lips.
"Sasuke," she whimpered softly.
He smirked as they kissed.
(okay people you get the idea. I'm not exactly good at writing lemons so use your imagination.)
Sasuke sighed softly as they flew towards Grass. He agreed to take her back and then return to fire to get the transfer orders so he could join his wife. Sakura was curled against his chest as Fire Storm flew through the clouds. A smirk crossed his features he'd worn his little wife out. He knew he'd have to get her a ring. It hadn't been something on his 'to get' list until he went looking for Sakura at the Fire Temple. Sighing tiredly he watched the clouds pass beneath him. Tsunade was going to be pissed but he really didn't care as long as he could stand beside his wife. Fire Storm dipped lower. He knew that they were almost there. Nuzzling his wife's cheek with his nose he tried to rouse her. She stirred a bit.
"We there?" she mumbled tiredly.
"Almost there."
Her sleepy eyes looked up at him. It made a shocking rush of emotions run through him as he looked at her as she looked up at him like that. It was still taking him a bit to get used to having their mark again. Her smile was small. It made his heart jump a bit. Fire Storm landed gracefully on the tallest building in Grass. The building had a huge flat roof and had a small green house in the corner. Carefully he slid off his partner's back. Holding up his hands he gestured for her to slide down into his arms. She slid down and landed in her husband's arms. He placed a small kiss on her lips.
"I'm going to miss you Sasuke."
He just grinned down at her.
"I'll be back as soon as I can with my transfer orders Sakura."
She nodded her head. Kyo came rushing out but paused seeing the pair standing together. The fox hanyou just smiled softly. Sakura turned and headed inside past Kyo.
"Take care of her for me until I can come back."
The fox hanyou dipped his head in understanding before vanishing inside. Sasuke sighed softly before he remounted his partner and they rook off back to fire. He had a feeling that something bad was going to happen.
That something bad happened as soon as he stepped into his Hokage's office. She was spitting mad.
Tsunade glared at her Rider. Sasuke stared back just as heatedly.
"Where have you been?"
"I had to escort the Kusakage back to Grass."
"I told you…"
"I was not bringing my wife back here only to throw her among wolves only wanting her power."
The Hokage gaped at her Rider. She didn't want to believe what she'd just heard. Sakura actually agreed to marry this upstart.
"Wife?"
"Yes, I found the Kusakage at the Fire Temple and I asked her to marry me she did. The head monk there married us. We retreated to her family home. So yes, my wife. So I formally request transfer orders so I can return to my wife's side."
The older woman's eyes narrowed dangerously. Sasuke had just thrown a wrench in her plans for a peace agreement.
"You just fucked up Uchiha without collaborate with me first I will have your marriage annulled."
"You can't do that," Sasuke snarled. "It won't change anything Tsunade. I'll still be married to Sakura."
"I'm not giving you those transfer orders."
Sasuke could feel his eyes changing. Then his sight bled red. "You don't scare me Uchiha. If you defect I'll consider it an act of treason and declare war on Grass."
"Would you really sink that low? I don't see what the hell the big deal is… Sakura married a Fire Rider, me."
Sasuke glared at his Kage. "If I have to defect I will. My wife comes first now."
"Prove to me she's your wife," Tsunade challenged.
The Uchiha just smirked and yanked free a rolled up scroll and handed it to her. It was their marriage license, signed and stamped by the head monk of the Fire Temple.
"You will fulfill your duties as a Rider before I hand you over to Grass."
Sasuke cursed under his breath, things like that could take months to get done. "Do this and there will be no fight when you leave."
He wouldn't be able to leave the country to see his wife at all. The Laws state if a Rider is to transfer countries to an allied village legally he would not be allowed to go into said boarders of transfer country.
"You intend to keep me away from my wife for months on end?" he demanded haughtily.
"It'll teach you a lesson Sasuke about taking care of your wife after everything you've put her through."
"You punishing me punishes her too."
"You will be exchanging letters. Carried by one of my fastest Riders. So go to your apartment and get everything in order to go to your wife. I will send a messenger to you for later."
Sasuke nodded because really in the end he didn't have much choice in the matter. He went to his apartment quickly and wrote a letter to Sakura. A knock on his door made him start a bit. Getting up he opened the door to reveal Kakashi. Something clicked right then and there in his head when he looked at Kakashi for a long scrutinizing moment.
"You're Kyo's Father."
Kakashi tilted his head to the side in confusion.
"I don't have children Sasuke and you of all people should know that."
Sasuke smirked. Kakashi didn't know about his son who was a carbon copy of himself except for his mother's eyes. He remembered Kyo talking about how he'd never met his father because he was a Dragon Rider and Kyo and Kyouran were Unicorn Riders.
"After you give this to the Kusakage go as for Kyo or Kyouran."
"Why?"
"Because Kyouran misses you."
Kakashi was confused seriously but he shrugged his shoulders and left Sasuke laughing softly at his evilness. This was payback for every mean thing the silver haired Hatake had ever put him through when they were training with weapons.
Kakashi arrived in Grass a few days later. He took his time because something about what Sasuke had said struck a chord in his head. The name Kyouran was familiar to him but he couldn't place where that was from. Shaking his head he went inside the Kage's building and up to the top floor. A woman was sitting at the front desk filing her nails.
"Can I help you?" she asked without even looking up from her nails.
"I have a letter for the Kusakage."
The woman held out her hand for it but as per Sasuke's instructions it should only be given to Sakura. His lone eye narrowed at the woman's hand.
"As per my instructions it's only to be handled by the Kusakage herself."
The woman got up and went into the Kage's office. A moment later she came out and gestured for him to go in. A male sat behind the desk. His spiky silvery hair was all over the place.
"About time you got here Sasuke."
The man's head came up when Kakashi didn't answer right away. Shock was written all over the kid's face. "You're not Sasuke."
"I have a message for your Kage from Sasuke."
"My sister isn't feeling well today so I'm taking her place for a bit."
"Then I suppose you'll take me to her so I can deliver the message to her?"
The boy got up and went to the window after writing something down. Opening the window a hawk of some sort jumped dropped down onto the window ledge. Tying the message to its leg he sent it on its way.
"Care to sit.. I didn't catch your name."
"Hatake, Kakashi Hatake."
For second he thought he saw the boy's hand tremble. Shrugging it off Kakashi sat down after the kid did.
"It shouldn't take long Mother's with Sakura now."
As if on cue a woman carrying Sakura came through the front door. She was completely ignoring him as she carefully placed Sakura on the couch. A black hanryo dragon lay across her belly. Then did the woman turn to face him. He saw her start when she got a good look at him. Sakura saw him past Kyouran's body. She recognized Kakashi because of Kyo.
"Kakashi?" she asked in disbelief.
His eye narrowed as if trying to remember something.
"This is my father?" the boy asked drawing the attention of both adults to him.
"Kyo," Kyouran started. "Yes, he is."
She turned to Kakashi. "Kakashi this is your son Kyo."
Then did it click. He remembered a dark night and being ambushed. He'd been beaten pretty badly and this woman before him, Kyouran he remembered, nursed him back to health. Upon his recovery he took her out to dinner. He'd had too much to drink and things happened. Kakashi felt blood rush to his head and passed out. Kyouran rushed forward and caught him. Sakura just giggled a bit at Kakashi's reaction.
"He seems to like passing out at your feet doesn't he mom?"
Kyouran shook her head and picked him up and laid him down on the window seat. A letter fell out of his pocket. She could smell Sasuke's scent on it and handed it to Sakura.
"From your husband."
Sakura opened it and read over the contents. A sad look crossed over her features.
"What is it Sakura?"
"The Hokage is keeping Sasuke to fulfill his duty to her. He's worried it'll take months."
"Sakura you know he has to."
"I know but what if..."
"It'll be all right Sakura we'll keep the Elders off your back till your husband comes home."
Kyouran tried to reassure her daughter but there was only so much the demoness could promise.
"But your duties as the Demon Kage..."
"Can be done from here. If issues come up I will be notified."
Sakura nodded her head knowing that Kyouran was probably right.
"So this is really Kyo's dad?"
Kyouran laughed softly. Kakashi groaned softly as he finally came to. She leaned over him.
"Welcome back to the world Kakashi," Kyouran said.
"You... they told me you had died."
"I almost did. I managed to escape the destruction."
"Kyouran I... Didn't know."
"Considering the times Kakashi most children with opposite Rider parents don't know their fathers."
Kyo watched the interaction curiously. He'd always wondered what his father was like and here he was before him.
"Is Sakura mine too?"
The older woman looked to the pink haired Kage and smiled softly.
"No. Sakura was adopted into my clan unofficially. Much like you in fact. You were what eleven when we met?"
Sakura nodded her head. "She was learning the ropes of being a Rider. Hunter's cornered her."
Kakashi looked at the Kage and she shivered. Knowing he had to get off that subject he decided to speak with the Kage.
"Is there something you wish to send back to Sasuke?"
Kyouran helped Sakura to her desk without having to be asked. Kyo stood up and let her take her seat. Her hanryo curled up on her lap.
"Kyo why don't you take your father on a tour of the village while we wait for Sakura to finish writing a letter to her husband. Maybe you can take him to meet Kaho too while you're at it."
"Mom," Kyo groused while turning red. "Come on Dad."
Kakashi rose to follow his son. "I'll introduce you to my partner and maybe I'll get to meet yours. Kaho will probably be at the stables."
The older Hatake just nodded his head and walked out the door.
Sakura looked up at Kyouran.
"Are you happy to see him?"
Kyouran nodded her head. "Maybe if it's okay with Tsunade we could send some Unicorn Riders to live in Fire Country. Kind of like a trade. If, you Kyo and Kaho would like to go to be near Kakashi."
"I'll think on it. I'd have to find a replacement as for Grass, but that won't be a problem."
"What am I going to do about the Elders? They're pushing marriage again."
"To who?"
"The Mizukage's oldest son."
"You're already married so that's not going to fly. Besides Haku already has a partner."
Sakura chuckled. It wasn't a wifely know fact Haku was the Mizukage's oldest. Which was the way Haku wanted it when he met Zabuza. Sakura couldn't blame him for wanting the quiet life. She had a feeling when his brother became old enough he'd hand the title over so he could live peacefully as he wanted with who he wanted, and that was the Ranger Zabuza. Kakashi returned a few hours later with an idea what his son was like. He retrieved Sakura's letter and left promising to return to his newly discovered family.
Six Months Later
Sasuke cursed Tsunade. He was about ready to just give up and leave. Sakura's letters kept getting more and more distressing as the months went on. Those damned Elders in her Village kept pushing and pushing. He was going to give them a ear full when he got to Grass. Storming into her office he slammed his hands down on the wooden surface making it vibrate.
"I'm leaving and you can't stop me. Those idiot Elders in Grass are pushing my wife to marry despite her telling them she'd married already. I even got a letter from Kyo stating that I need to be there because they've started spreading rumors that she's a whore."
Tsunade knew about those so called rumors. Sakura sent her a letter not to tell Sasuke that she was pregnant. The last one nearly broke her heart. Deciding that she'd tortured the Uchiha long enough. She shoved two scrolls under his nose.
"One is your transfer orders and the treaty draft. Have her review it and send a copy to me. Then we'll meet sometime down the road to finalize it. Also make sure she sends the transfer papers for three of her Riders to me."
"Just like that?" he asked hesitantly.
"Sakura's parents were my friends so you better take care of her Sasuke."
He took the scrolls and rushed from the room. He ran home and gathered some clothes. He'd startled his sister-in-law. He got his bath things first and threw them into a bag.
"Sasuke?" Koori asked as she came into the room watching his scrambling.
"Can't talk gotta pack and head to Grass."
"Sasuke just pack a few changes of clothes and send Fire Storm back when he's rested to get the rest of your things. We'll pack for you."
He nodded his head and shoved a few more clothes in his bag before closing it and leaving.
"Send a message to Mother for me would you?"
She smiled and nodded while shifting the baby on her hip. Sasuke leaned down and kissed his niece on the head and headed out to the landing field where Fire Storm waited. He hauled himself up on his back.
"Going to Sakura now?"
"Yes, in a few days I'll send you back to get more stuff is that okay?"
The dragon just snorted at his partner and Sasuke took that as an okay. They sped towards Grass. The good thing about Red Dragons like Fire Storm was the fact that their wings were aerodynamically shaped for great speeds. It took Sasuke three hours to get to Grass. Fire Storm landed softly on the roof of the Kage building. He slid down off Fire Storm's back and straitened himself up. His fingers combed his hair to some semblance of control. His hands went to his pocket to make sure the ring he'd bought his wife was still there. It was thankfully. Going downstairs he waited a moment to compose himself. The woman at the front desk stopped him.
"Can I help you?"
"I'm here to see the Kusakage."
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but I don't need an appointment to see my wife."
The door opened and Kyo came out. Sasuke could see the relief on the younger man's face.
"Sasuke?"
"Where is she?"
"Let him go Maya. He's allowed to come in without an appointment."
Kyo led Sasuke into the office.
"Where is she?"
"She wasn't feeling well this morning and those idiot Elders upset."
"Pushing issues that shouldn't be pushed anymore."
Sasuke's eyes flashed crimson."So I sent her home to rest."
The treaty and transfer papers crinkled in his hand as they fisted in his anger. He put them down on the desk. Kyo looked at him in confusion.
"Treaty draft and my transfer orders."
"I'll leave those for her then. Go on Sasuke's she's waiting. It's the biggest house in the village on the edge of the woods behind this tower."
Sasuke nodded his thanks to his brother-in-law. Before rushing up the stairs to the roof. He got up on his partner's back in a hurry.
"Easy Sasuke what's wrong?"
"Those Elders are pushing Sakura again towards a marriage she can't commit to."
"But She's..."
"I know. Come on biggest house in the village on the edge of the woods behind this tower."
The two rose and looked around a moment before spotting the house. Darting forward they landed in the backyard. Kyouran rushed up and shushed him before he could speak. She gestures for him to follow. When they reached the area where Sakura was Sasuke's heart stopped if only for a second at the sight. He couldn't stop the stupid grin that spread across his face. Sakura was leaning against Shadow Dancer. She was pregnant and her name sake was falling all around her. His smile vanished when he saw the tear tracks on her face. She was bit paler than normal which worried him. Anger coursed through him for a second before he calmed. It wouldn't due to upset his pregnant wife. Moving forward he sat down beside her and stroked her face.
"Sakura," he murmured softly.
Her eyes fluttered for a moment before she looked at him. A smile and a happy sob escaped her lips as she threw herself at him. Sasuke caught her mindful of the baby. He nuzzled her throat. Their eyes met and at that moment he felt like there was nothing wrong in the world. Sasuke pulled out the ring box while holding onto Sakura in one arm and presented the ring to his wife. She smiled up at him and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He slipped the ring on her left hand. He brushed his lips across hers.
"I'm home Sakura."
She nodded happily.
"Sakura-sama!" Someone called.
Sasuke could feel her flinch. Shadow Dancer rose gracefully and snorted in annoyance. The couple rose and Sakura stood behind Sasuke holding onto the back of his shirt. A trio of old men came walking out. The looks on their faces made Sasuke's blood boil. He put his arm out to block them from even remotely thinking about approaching his fragile wife.
"Who the hell are you?" Sasuke demanded.
"We..."
"Wait you must be the stupid ass Elders that were pushing my wife to marry when she already is."
"We have no proof that..."
"And your Kage's word isn't good enough."
"What good are the words of a whore...?"
Before Sakura could stop him Sasuke launched himself forward and slammed his fist against the older man's jaw. He grinned maliciously as he heard a wet crack. The Elder went down. Sasuke threw their marriage license down at the Elder's feet. One of the other Elders picked it up and read it over.
"Sakura is an Uchiha and has been for almost seven months. You call my wife a whore one more time in my hearing distance or that of anyone that respects my wife you better watch your back."
All three shook knowing Uchiha didn't threaten they promised punishment. They hauled their companion up and stumbled away. Sasuke turned to look at his wife. She was shaking a bit. He felt bad for doing that but if they didn't respect his family then hell would be paid.
"Sakura... I.. uh..."
She threw herself into his arms and started kissing him fiercely. Sasuke chuckled as they kiss.
"Welcome home beloved."
He smiled. Finally he was home. A place he belonged where someone loved him for him despite his faults. Shaking his head he led his wife back to her partner's side. He lay back down. Sasuke leaned against him and put her across his lap. She drifted to sleep surrounded by her husband's scent and the gentle rhythm of his heart beat. This was where they'd always belonged side by side, forever.