Sorry for the wait. I've been working, moving to a new house, preparing for the fall semester, and getting ready for the Anime Convention that was in my town. I know... i know... no excuses. But I am settled and ready and have started writing again.

As always... thanks to those who have commented. and those who have emailed me repeatedly to tell me to start writing again... love the threatening encouragement.

hugs and kisses to all. hope you enjoy...

Chapter 37: The Naming of an Uchiha

Sakura was still cradled in Neji's arms when they reached the gate of Konoha, her eyelids struggled to stay open, but failed. She could hear the sound of people, familiar voices, but could not make out what they were saying. Was she really home? She felt herself being laid upon something soft as her eyelids final obeyed her and cracked open slightly. The blue sky above was beautiful and clear, just as she remembered it to be. She had to be home.

A hand squeezed hers, "It's going to be okay, your safe now." A wave of long blonde hair caught her eye. Ino.

The sound of crying shot her eyes open. Her son. She struggled to sit up, she had to get to him, he needed her, he needed his mother. Someone pinned her down, "Sakura, stay down, he's okay. You need to rest and heal for a bit." The crying stopped, and Ino sighed, "See, calm down. We are taking you to the hospital to rest and then you can see him." Ino smiled down at her, "He's beautiful by the way. Just like his father." Sakura smiled back and shut her eyes once more thinking of her husband and knowing when she opened her eyes again, she would see her son.

Her eyes slowly opened, florescent light blinded her causing her to lift her arms in defense till she adjusted. She felt the stiffness of her muscles as she attempted to sit up and failed. At her third attempt the door swung open and in stepped Hinata, freshly cleaned with a tray a food that made her mouth instantly water. All she could do was lay where she was as Hinata made her way across the room.

"I'm glad you're awake. I thought you might be hungry." A hesitant smile on her lips.

She was suddenly brought back to reality and her appetite disappeared, "Where is he?"

Hinata placed the tray on the table, "He's fine. Eat. Regain your strength, and then I'll bring him here."

Sakura met Hinata's gaze and held it for what seemed forever. When it was apparent that the white eyed girl would not budge she sighed and motioned for her to bring the food closer. Hinata helped her sit up and placed the tray in her lap. Sakura nibbled on the fresh cut apple slices and took small bites of white rice. Finally, she had to break the maddening silence.

"Have you heard from the boys?" her voice soft, almost breakable as she picked at the rest of the food, having lost her appetite.

Hinata looked to the ground, "No, there is no word from Naruto or Sasuke. The others returned and are being treated, nothing to serious." She looked up with a fake smile plastered on her lips, "We have nothing to worry about; you know how our men are. They'll be fine." Her voice shaking towards the end.

Neither wanted to admit how worried and frightened they were, knowing full well that all they could do was sit and wait for their loved ones to return. She could only imagine what Hinata was going through. The romance between her and Naruto had just started, she would have very little memories of them together. Sakura on the other hand had their team days, their marriage, their child. A pain stung her heart. The thought of loosing Sasuke after everything they had gone through felt as if someone had thrusted a kunai into her heart and twisted it. They were going to be a family.

As if on cue a knock brought her from her thoughts and entered Tsunade gently holding a blue, cloth wrapped bundle in her arms. Sakura was in awe as she saw a tiny arm reach up and disappear. A flutter of joy filled her as she reached for him, her arms extended as far as they could to finally truly getting to hold her son. Sakura was so entranced by the sight before her that she did not notice Hinata has taken the tray of food from her lap and place it on the table. Tsunade smiled at her and brought the small bundle closer. It seemed like forever when she could finally reach him, feel the weight of him in her arms. Bringing him to her chest, she looked down was met with the same dark eyes as her husband. A single tear came rolling down her cheek.

"He is a beautiful five pounds four ounces, fourteen inches long perfectly healthy little boy." She smiled, "He's a fighter, just like his father. Stubborn too, but he sure seems happy to see you."

Sakura did not reply, but continued to stare at her son, "Hey there, sweetie. I missed you."

He responded only by reaching up and giving her a small smile, but that was enough for her. With her free hand she brushed a finger over the soft skin of his hand. He suddenly gripped her finger and gave a small cry of amusement, the smile still on his face. Joy filled her as she looked at Tsunade, "He's so strong." The tears came again as she looked back at him. Sakura was amazed. She and Sasuke had made this, they had a child. She saw so much of Sasuke in this small bundle in her arms.

A sudden tap at the door couldn't even break her gaze from the small bundle in her arms. She could hear Tsunade open the door and the sound of someone one entering the room, but even that could not turn her eyes.

Hinata stood, "Shikamaru, I thought you were resting with the others."

He cleared his throat as he approached the foot of the bed, "I was, but then I heard Sakura was up. I need to speak with her."

Sakura still refused to look up as her son's grip tightened on her finger. His strength amazed her. He would become an excellent shinobi, just like his father. Everything about their child reminded her of him. What would happen if he never-?

"It's about Sasuke." This got her attention. She looked up at the lazy shinobi with a hint of tears in her eyes, "He asked me to deliver a message."

"Hinata, let's leave them alone to talk." Tsunade motioned to the girl but made no move to collect her son which she was grateful for. Hinata only nodded and followed her through the door, shutting it behind her.

Sakura watched him as he moved around the bed and sat on the seat that Hinata once occupied. He looked at the floor his fingers touching in the same pose he had when he was thinking intently. He took a deep breath before he spoke, "First, we are all glad to have you back, you don't know how relieved Ino is too see you and-."

"Shikamaru!" He paused and looked up at her, "Please." Her voice almost breaking.

He cleared his throat, "I saw him, as I was leaving the battle to meet you and Naruto. He asked me to deliver a message to you." he looked down once more, "What a drag, I knew I would be bad at this." He took a deep breath before continuing, "He wants you to be happy. If something happens to him, he wants you to move on and find someone else. He also says that you were the best think to ever happen to him."

Tears tickled from her eyes. Why would he say that? Why would he want her with somebody else? She needed to see him, to speak to him. Why did he leave her alone again?

Before she could speak he said, "He also said to tell you that his name is Akira."

Sakura looked down at her son who smiled up at her. Akira. Sasuke had named their son Akira. He hadn't left her alone. She had him, a piece of him was right here in her arms. Sakura pulled him closer and placed a kiss just above his brow and cried silently, "Akira."

Yes... another cliffhanger.... no yelling please... but feel free to comment....

by the way. the anime convention was fantastic.... i had lost of fun.