"So where are we going for this trip?" Sakura asked, turning to face her husband as he drove. "It's a surprise, but we'll be there for two days" Sasuke told her, as he smoothly merged onto the highway. "But I barely have any clothes left to wear, and Sakiko doesn't either and we're running low on diapers" Sakura said with a pout. "We'll go shopping when we get there, get anything you want" Sasuke said, while placing his hand on her thigh. "Wow I guess we should fight more if this is the result" Sakura said playfully, as she placed her hand over his. Sasuke just rolled his eyes at her words, wondering how he made it through a month without her.
The family made a few stops on their road trip, one to feed and change Sakiko, and another to get Sakura an iced coffee. But two hours later they finally made it to their destination, "Sasuke-kun we haven't been back here in so long!" Sakura exclaimed with a smile. "Ah we haven't, I thought it would be good to go back to where it all started" Sasuke replied, as they both got out of the car.
Sasuke had taken them to the park that was located close to where they went to middle school and high school together. "I figured we could walk around some, reminisce on things" Sasuke suggested, as he got the stroller out and placed Sakiko inside. "This is very thoughtful, thank you Sasuke-kun" Sakura said sweetly, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek. Sasuke then gave a small smile to the woman he loved, as they made their way down the sidewalk.
"I used to watch you shoot here all the time" Sakura recalled, as they arrived at the park's basketball court. "Ah, not only that but you rebounded for me too" Sasuke added, remembering young Sakura chasing the ball after every shot he took. But their moment was interrupted by a few loud gasps and small voices coming from the playground area.
"No way, that can't be him!"
"Why would he be here of all places?"
"We have to make sure!"
Then three little boys came running up to them, to Sasuke in particular, cheeks flushed as they looked up at him in amazement. "Are you really him?" the oldest looking one asked. "It depends on who you're asking for" Sasuke replied back, amused with them. "You're Sasuke Uchiha aren't you?" the smallest one asked with sudden courage. "Ah I am, who are you three?" Sasuke replied coolly.
"I'm Eito" the oldest boy said before introducing his brothers, "And this is Habiki my second little brother, and then that's my littlest brother Takuma" he said proudly with a smile. "I see, it's nice to meet all of you" Sasuke said genuinely, seeing how happy they were.
"Can you take a picture with us?" Habiki asked, as he tugged on Sasuke's pant leg. "I can, do you have a phone?" Sasuke asked, realizing that he left his in the car. "Mama always gives us this one to use when we come to the park if there's an emergency, and this is one!" Eito giggled, as he got the phone out of his pocket. "Your Mama sounds like a smart woman, I can take the picture if you'd like" Sakura chimed in, enjoying watching them all interact together.
"Thank you Miss" Eito said, as he gave the phone to her, before running back to Sasuke. Eito and Habiki came and stood on both sides of Sasuke, while Takuma struggled to find a good place to stand. Sensing his frustration, Sasuke scooped the boy up and sat him on his right shoulder and placed his arm on his back to hold him in place.
"Everyone say cheese! 1,2,3!" Sakura said joyfully, as she snapped some photos of them all together. The boys were all sporting wide, toothy grins, while Sasuke had his usual stoic but content expression on his face.
After the photos, Eito asked Sasuke if he would play with them before he left. Sasuke looked to Sakura first for approval, and he found it in her nodding at him and taking a seat on one of the benches to tend to Sakiko.
So that's how Sasuke found himself going down all the slides, swinging, and climbing across the monkey bars and jungle gym. All while talking to the three boys and making sure they didn't hurt themselves.
He played with them for about thirty minutes before they finally started to slow down and tire out. "Thank you for playing with us, Papa is gone and Mama has to work a lot so we're always here alone" Eitho explained, a sad expression on his face now. "I see but even if it's incomplete, family is the most important thing in the world. So cherish these moments with your brothers, and know that your Mama loves you even if she can't always be there" Sasuke told Eito, mind drifting back to his own parents, but before his thoughts could consume him, he added "I can send you and your brothers some signed jerseys and basketballs too if you want" hoping to cheer the boy up some. And it did, Eito's face instantly lit up, he thanked him over and over before he told Sasuke his address and last name to put on the package.
"I had fun with you guys but I can't keep my wife waiting anymore" Sasuke told the three boys looking up at him. They were sad that he had to go but understood, as they all hugged his legs and thanked him. Sasuke patted all their heads and said, "You three get home safely" as they let him go and took off towards their home.
Sasuke made his way back over to Sakura, who had been watching the whole time with Sakiko in her lap playing with a stuffed animal. "That was very cute to watch" Sakura said, as she picked some stray wood chips from the playground out of his hair. "They're good kids, I'll donate some money to this park so it can get updated for them" Sasuke told her, thinking about who he needs to call for that. "You're such a good man Sasuke-kun" Sakura said sweetly, as she stood up and motioned for Sasuke to follow her.
So they made their way down the sidewalk that led to their middle school, they walked through the courtyard together, recalling old memories. Then they walked to their high school, "I can't believe how it hasn't changed at all" Sakura marveled, as they arrived at the front entrance. "Ah they've always been very traditional" Sasuke said, remembering how strict they were on the most insignificant things.
"Do you remember what happened over there?" Sasuke asked, pointing over to the front of the gym. "Of course, how could I forget?" Sakura said with a slight blush, recalling the precious memory.
"You did so good Sasuke-kun!" Sakura said breathlessly when she finally saw him, she had been waiting outside the gym for him to come out.
"Ah thank you for coming, you didn't have to wait for me though" Sasuke replied, not liking her being out alone at night.
"I'll always wait for you, no matter how long it takes" Sakura said without thinking, then turning red at how her words sounded.
She tried to back track, but Sasuke cut her off, "What do you mean by that?" he asked softly, onyx eyes boring into her emerald ones.
"I mean that I'll always be there for you Sasuke-kun, whether we're together or not" Sakura explained bashfully, cutting her eyes from his.
"How about we be together then? And then I can always be there for you too" Sasuke proposed, trying to play it cool even though the tips of his ears were burning.
Sakura was taken back by his words, she had an inkling that he returned her feelings but she had been too afraid to say anything. But now that she knew he felt the same, she could express the affection she'd been holding in. She pulled on the sleeve of his jacket, causing him to crouch down some. And when he did, Sakura gently pressed her lips to his, hoping that she was doing it right.
Sasuke initially tensed up at the sudden contact, not expecting her to be so bold. But he then relaxed into the kiss, molding his lips to her's, and placed his hands on her waist.
They stayed like that until the need for oxygen broke them apart. Sasuke placed his forehead against hers, now feeling more out of breath than he did during his game.
"I could get used to this" Sakura teased, enjoying seeing such a stoic man be caught off guard.
"Tch don't be annoying, let's go get something to eat" Sasuke huffed, as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along the way.
"That feels so long ago, especially considering where we are now" Sasuke stated, eyes going to her wedding band and Sakiko in her arms. "It does but I wouldn't change it for anything, this life we've built together means everything to me" Sakura said, voice slightly cracking as some stray tears fell from her eyes.
Not expecting her to start crying, Sasuke pulled her close to his chest, careful not to squish Sakiko in between them. "Thank you for never giving up on me" Sasuke whispered to her, running his hand up and down her back. "I don't think I could even if I tried, I love you too much. Even though sometimes I just want to punch you in your handsome face" Sakura said, now laughing at her own words and wiping her tears.
"Tch, let's head back to the car and then go shop at whatever stores you want" Sasuke said, as he took Sakiko from Sakura and placed her back in the stroller. Once back in the car, they headed to the grocery store to pick up some snacks and diapers. Then they went to the mall, which Sasuke normally despised, but getting to see Sakura try on different outfits would get him through it.
"What do you think of this?" Sakura asked, as she stepped out of the dressing room and looked at herself in the large mirror. She was dressed simply in a long sleeve navy crop top, with high waisted denim shorts. "Ah I like it, what do you think of Mama's outfit?" Sasuke asked Sakiko, as he peppered kisses on her chubby cheeks. This caused Sakiko to break out into a giggle fit and clap her small hands together.
"I'll take that as a yes!" Sakura said happily, as she went back into the dressing room to change clothes. She then tried on a few more outfits, and ended up getting each one. "Thank you Sasuke-kun" Sakura said sweetly, while intertwining her arm with his. Sasuke hummed in approval of her words, lightly kissing her head as they walked to the baby clothes store.
When they arrived, Sakura's eyes went wide at all the cute baby girl clothes they had. Sasuke was even a little excited to look around, considering how much he loved to get Sakiko dressed.
So the couple began browsing around the store and picking out new onesies, dresses, shirts, pants, and everything in between for Sakiko. But at this point she had fallen asleep, tired from being out all day and content taking a short nap in Sasuke's strong arms.
They came out of the store with two large bags filled with clothes, "I can't wait to get home and wash these so she can start wearing them" Sakura said excitedly, thinking about how cute her baby girl is going to look.
"Ah we'll head home tomorrow afternoon, I want us to sleep in" Sasuke informed her, as they walked back to the car. "Okay Sasuke-kun that sounds good, did you book us a hotel for tonight?" Sakura asked, as they made it to the car and she started bucking Sakiko in. "No, I've got us somewhere better to stay" Sasuke told her, while putting the bags in the trunk and then starting the car.
They had been driving for about twenty minutes whenever Sakura started to realize where they were going, but she decided to just stay quiet until they arrived. They pulled into the driveway of a small house, Sasuke turned off the car and looked to Sakura, "Surprised?" he asked. "Very, I always wondered if you and Itachi kept this house or not, since you two never mentioned it" Sakura replied, now with even more memories flooding back.
Sasuke had taken them to the house Itachi had bought whenever they moved from the city. The brothers had contemplated selling it, but decided against it since the house held a special place in their hearts. So they kept it, and Itachi would come by every so often to clean and make sure no one had broken in or trespassed.
The couple made their way inside, Sasuke getting the bags, and Sakura picking up a drowsy Sakiko. When they walked in Sakura felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her, "I remember the first time I came over, I was so nervous and just wanted to make a good impression" Sakura spoke, mind wandering back to that day. "Ah but I assured you that Itachi would approve of you, and I was right of course" Sasuke said with a smirk, remembering the younger version of his wife standing in the same spot.
"How do I look Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked nervously, as she looked over her appearance once more in the mirror. "You look beautiful" Sasuke said softly, running his hand over her soft pink curls.
They had been dating for three months, and tonight Sakura was coming over to have dinner and meet Itachi for the first time. And since Sasuke's parents had passed away, Itachi was the one she wanted to make a good impression on.
She was dressed in a long sleeve black v-neck blouse with red flowers and green vines, with a pair of denim jeans and black combat boots. She had applied some light makeup and curled her long pink hair, she had even painted her nails red. Sakura looked nothing short of stunning but Sasuke could understand her nerves, knowing how much Itachi's approval meant to her.
Satisfied with how she looked, Sasuke and Sakura bid her parents goodbye and then headed out the door. The drive went by quickly and when they pulled into the driveway, Sasuke pressed a long kiss to her forehead, reassuring her without any words.
"Itachi we're here" Sasuke called out, as they made it inside and took off their coats. "There you are little brother" Itachi said back as he came out of the kitchen, and continued, "You must be Sakura, I'm so glad to finally meet you" he said genuinely. "Yes I'm Sakura and I'm glad to meet you too, thank you for having me over" Sakura said all at once, realizing that she probably said too much. "Of course, dinner is almost ready so make yourself comfortable" Itachi said with a small smile, as he went back into the kitchen.
When Itachi was gone Sakura released a big breath that she didn't know she'd been holding in. "See, he likes you" Sasuke said with a grin, while pulling her onto the couch with him. "How can you be so sure? He probably thinks I talk too much" Sakura said with a sigh, while resting her head on his shoulder. "Trust me, he likes you" Sasuke said, trying to calm her nerves.
The couple sat on the couch together for a while before Itachi told them dinner was ready. Sakura was nervous at the beginning of the meal, but as it went on she felt herself getting more comfortable. Itachi had a very peaceful aura and he made Sakura feel like she belonged, like she was a part of the family.
Dinner had ended and it was nearing the time that Sakura's parents wanted her home, so they walked to the door and Itachi told Sasuke to go start the car since he needed to talk to Sakura. Sasuke reluctantly agreed but gave Itachi a look that said, "Don't say anything negative to her" before heading out.
"Before you go, I just wanted to say thank you for believing in him, you've helped him so much since we moved here. Mother used to be the only one who could get through to him, but you've become that person and I can't thank you enough" Itachi told her, feeling grateful for the pink haired girl.
At his words, Sakura felt tears begin to well up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. But she pulled herself together to say, "He means so much to me, thank you Itachi" while giving him a hug. He returned the hug before saying, "Of course, and you're welcome here anytime Sakura. But Sasuke is probably getting impatient so you better get going" Itachi said with a small smile, as he opened the door for her.
"Sakura bid him goodbye, before heading out the door and getting into the passenger seat of Sasuke's car. "What did he say to you?" he immediately asked once she got inside. "Something that made me cry" Sakura said to tease him, knowing he would misunderstand her words. "What do you mean, he made you cry?" Sasuke asked, suddenly feeling upset with his brother. "They weren't sad tears, I promise" Sakura whispered, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Sasuke returned her embrace, now understanding the meaning of her words.
"How about you give Sakiko a bath and get her dressed for bed, while I unpack and set up her bassinet" Sakura suggested, while handing Sakiko to her husband. "Ah sounds good" Sasuke agreed, while walking to the bathroom with Sakiko in his arms.
So the couple went and did their tasks, and reconvened whenever Sakiko was starting to get fussy because she was hungry. So Sakura started feeding her, while Sasuke called a local pizza shop to order them dinner.
After she was fed, Sakiko fell asleep on Sakura's chest, completely wiped out from the day's events and not being on her usual schedule. "Looks like someone had a long day" Sakura thought lovingly, as she headed to the bedroom and placed Sakiko in the bassinet. "Is she asleep already?" Sasuke asked as he sat down on the couch. "She is, don't you know being an adorable baby is hard work?" Sakura said with a grin, as she came and sat on his lap. Sasuke immediately wrapped his arms around her waist and Sakura made herself comfortable by tucking her head into the crook of his neck.
"We're okay right?" Sasuke asked meekly, now remembering the whole point of their trip. "Yes Sasuke-kun, we're okay" Sakura reassured him, turning her head to place a kiss on his forehead. Relieved by her words, Sasuke brought their lips together, both of them savoring the feeling of being so close with the one they loved.
But they were interrupted when the doorbell rang, "I'll get it" Sakura said while giving him one more kiss, before hopping off his lap. Even though Sasuke was slightly irritated at the interruption, he couldn't help but feel grateful at how things turned out. Sakura was still by his side, Sakiko was still his precious baby girl, and Sasuke truly couldn't ask for more.