"Hey, hey ." Sasuke says, alarmed and rushing to his side, "Gaara-"
The redhead only gags and vomits again, looking faintly pained but completely exhausted all the same.
He's about to ask what's wrong, until he remembers that morning sickness is a normal symptom of the omega's assumed current condition.
That pretty much told Sasuke everything that he needed to know.
Sasuke looks at Gaara, and his heart skips a few beats, just short of starting to pound. Then he's alarmed once again when Gaara pukes once more, sounding distraught. He wraps his arm around him, kneeling close and looking at him in obvious worry. The omega shudders and gasps, clearly grappling with discomfort.
"I…" Gaara starts before he gags and vomits once more, starting to shiver slightly. Sasuke grimaces.
It sounds painful, and Gaara looks so pale. He also briefly wonders how Gaara left the bed without him noticing, but then again he probably was very careful about not waking Sasuke up. It's a fleeting thought, but it pops into his head nonetheless.
"I'll be right back." He says gently, rising to quickly head to the kitchen. He fills a glass with some cold water and then rushes back. Thankfully the children aren't awake yet, so he doesn't have to worry about them for the moment.
"Here." He says, putting the cool glass in Gaara's trembling hand, "Drink this."
He does, taking careful, short sips. Gaara finally sits back on his legs and takes a steadying breath, just trying to get his breath back.
"Better?"
"A little, yes." He says, grateful, "Thank you, Sasuke."
"You should lie down for a while." Sasuke says, frowning in worry, "That looked rough. Maybe we should have the doctor come to you instead-"
The omega shakes his head.
"No, I...I'd rather go to the medical ward instead of having them come here." Gaara says, taking another deep breath, "I'll be alright, I promise. I just...need a few minutes, is all."
Sasuke searches his eyes for a moment, before he nods. Gaara leans into him, clearly low on energy. Sasuke's eyes fall on bright red hair, green eyes and pale skin. Then drops to Gaara's stomach, still flat. For now. Sasuke's mind wanders for a moment, wondering when they conceived. Which time was it-? Another fleeting thought, but it pops into his head all the same. He doesn't know if his alpha inclined instincts have any say in how fascinated Sasuke is by Gaara and what they've created, but he doesn't think it really matters.
"Gaara, let's get you back to bed." Sasuke says, gently helping Gaara to his feet, "Then once you've gotten some rest we can visit the doctor."
He isn't really surprised that Gaara didn't want to bring the doctor here instead.
The omega usually wasn't fond of anything outside of his most trusted and beloved people and things inside his home, even without his senses probably going crazy due to pregnancy. Hence why some were allowed to get so close to him. Sasuke, included.
And, well...Sasuke skimmed some of those biology books pretty well. Pregnant omegas would be even more picky about who was allowed so close and into their space.
A doctor wouldn't be ideal for him to bring to the house right now. It would probably just irritate Gaara, and Sasuke doesn't aim to make any of this harder for him. He should be catering to the omega's instincts, not going against them. Gaara would be even more driven to keep himself safe, as he should, and Sasuke wouldn't do anything to make him uncomfortable when he's carrying.
He settles Gaara on the bed, adjusting his sleep yukata.
He wraps a blanket around the redhead, who looks up at him with a slightly dazed expression.
"Rest a bit, okay?" Sasuke says, frowning at how green Gaara's pale complexion looks, " I'll take care of breakfast, and the children."
Gaara frowns, "You shouldn't have to do all of that yourself, I can-"
"Gaara, it's okay." He assures him, smiling a bit, "Rest."
Gaara opens his eyes slowly, pale and clearly still feeling very sick. Sasuke frowns and pushes red hair from his forehead, trying to think of what to do to make the omega feel better.
Before he can come to any conclusions, Gaara speaks again.
"I think it's pretty obvious now." He says quietly. He sounds tired , and Sasuke feels the worry start to mount again.
"Are you alright?"
Gaara looks up at the ceiling, frowning, "I'm...not sure yet. I think it'll be...easier when I know for certain, even though it's already quite obvious…"
Sasuke watches him work through his words and pick through his feelings, just observing the emotions flitting through Gaara's expression.
Apprehension. Fear. Something like cautious hope.
Sasuke nods and sits on the bed next to him, gently so as not to jostle him.
"Or maybe it'll be harder?" Gaara finishes quietly, "I don't know..."
"Would you be...comfortable if it turns out that you are?"
"Yes, I just...am anxious as to whether it'll go how it did last time."
Sasuke frowns and studies his face, trying to articulate what he wants to say next.
"You know that's normal and completely understandable, right?" Sasuke asks him, "That's what would be going through anyone's head right now."
Gaara looks surprised for a moment, green eyes meeting Sasuke's and betraying his shock. He guesses that Gaara never thought about it that way before, or allowed himself to think that his anxieties were completely normal and not at all strange. Sasuke can only imagine how worried Gaara must be. He's been through this before, and Sasuke can't even begin to imagine what it must feel like to have someone die inside of you.
If anything, Sasuke is surprised that Gaara is more steady than he figured he'd be.
"Hey," Sasuke says, "However it goes, we'll make it okay."
Gaara nods, a look of gratitude in his eyes.
Gaara manages a short nap and once he wakes, they wrap around each other for a while in comfortable, easy silence before they're distracted by a knock at the door. The children are still asleep, so there's not much to be done until they wake, and the living room is for once free of toys and coloring books scattered about, so they can reluctantly untangle from each other and answer the door without tripping over Shinki and Sarada's teddy bears or toy cars. Sasuke opens it with Gaara at his side, and they find themselves faced with Kankuro looking a bit hurried and ruffled, clearly having just rushed over.
He rushes to speak before either of them can greet him.
"Hey! I heard what happened with Shira, you two okay? I was at a conference so-"
Sasuke steps aside to let him in.
"Yes, we're fine." Gaara smiles lightly, "Thank you, Kankuro."
"And the kids?" he asks, running a hand though his hair.
"They're alright as well. Shinki was a bit concerned but he's been assured that everything is fine."
"Good." Kankuro sighs in relief, folding his arms and frowning, "Gaara...look, I'm sorry. ANBU didn't get there in time because I told them to give you some space a while ago, just so you and Sasuke could have some semblance of privacy-"
"None of this is on you, Kankuro." Gaara says, "Don't apologize. I...appreciate that. It was very thoughtful, thank you. Really."
Kankuro rubs a hand down his face again. Sasuke wants to say something in response to the guilty look on his face, but he's distracted once Kankuro speaks again.
"What the hell got into that fucking idiot, anyway?" He says through grit teeth, "I knew he was sending you flowers, but-"
"We've handled him." Sasuke says, simply annoyed at the thought of the other alpha.
Kankuro looks between them, questioning.
Sasuke offers, "I broke his wrist. He grabbed Gaara."
Kankuro's eyes cloud over in anger for a moment, before what Sasuke says finally registers. Then he simply pauses and looks at Sasuke, surprised.
"Oh. Well." Kankuro says, eyebrows raised, " Good . I'll make sure he's transferred and punished to the fullest extent, I'm on my way to read the report ANBU filed, but I wanted to see you two first to be sure."
Sasuke nods, "Thanks."
Kankuro waves off his gratitude, looking slightly amused, "Don't worry about it. You two won't be running into him again. ANBU will make sure of it."
Then his face goes serious and drawn, like he's deep in thought about something troubling.
"Does he...know that you two are together?"
Gaara and Sasuke share a look.
"Probably." Sasuke says, "I guess it is a bit obvious."
"That could be a problem."
"I'm aware." Sasuke sighs, running his hand through his hair. Shira could tell the council, and he knew that Gaara knew that too, judging by the worried look the redhead shoots him. Then they'd have to deal with the government before they were ready to. Sasuke feels a flash of anger. Why couldn't they just be left alone?
Kankuro sighs, "We'll cross that bridge once we get to it, I guess."
When they step out Gaara doesn't tell Kankuro exactly where they're going, simply saying he needs some air. The older man seems to accept this, heading off to wake up the children when they step out the door, accepting his brother's unspoken request to stay with Sarada and Shinki a while before he goes to ANBU's HQ.
"You didn't want to tell him." Sasuke says, looking at Gaara thoughtfully. He takes his hand and still feels as grateful when he feels Gaara's fingers intertwine with his own. Like the first time.
"I wanted to be sure, first." Gaara says, "It could still just be something else. I don't think it is, but..."
"No, that makes sense, I just wanted to be sure you were doing okay." Sasuke tells him.
Gaara doesn't seem to know what to say, but his eyes go soft and fond, as they usually do when he's with Sasuke. Sasuke feels his face color a bit, and he can't help squeezing his partner's hand.
The medical ward is not far from the residential wing, and Sasuke can tell when they arrive because it becomes a lot more clinical, unlike the rest of the mansion. Offices are replaced by medical rooms filled with scales, beds, cabinets and machines that send a chill down Sasuke's spine. Medics rush about, bowing to Gaara as they pass and hurry on their way, seemingly disinterested with the fact that their Kazekage is gripping Sasuke's hand like a lifeline.
He leads Sasuke towards the head doctor's office. It's a sizeable space filled with medical tools and cabinets that reach to the ceiling. Sasuke fidgets. He hates doctors.
The woman sits at the desk, her eyes on a scroll that she scribbles away at, completely absorbed in her work.
"Doctor Miya." Gaara greets. The woman looks up in surprise, eyes lighting up in recognition. She stands and nods at him before bowing low, smiling.
"Lord Gaara, hello! This is a surprise, I never see you down here." She cheers, "What can I do for you today?"
"I hope you've been well, it...has been a while, hasn't it?" He says, "I've...had some nausea and dizziness. I'd..."
Sasuke squeezes his hand.
Gaara pauses before he takes a breath, "I'd like you to test for pregnancy."
She looks surprised, but she quickly gathers herself and nods, looking between them, eyebrows raised, "Yes, of course, Lord Gaara." She says, "Let's start with a test to see if I can detect a fetus. And then we'll take your temperature. Will your companion be staying?"
Sasuke squeezes his hand, giving him some quiet reassurance. It seems to work, and Gaara looks more steady and settled. He leans toward Gaara, offering comfort.
"Yes. He stays." Gaara says quickly.
"No problem. Now, because of your sand, doing a blood test would be a bit...difficult. So I'll use some medical ninjutsu to try and sense for a fetus." she says, "It could take a few minutes longer, but we'll have an answer all the same."
Sasuke squeezes his hand again, eyebrows raised like he's asking 'Is that okay? Should I tell her to stop?'
Gaara looks at him fondly for a moment before he squeezes back.
'I'm fine. Thank you.'
Sasuke nods. The doctor returns, and her eyes land on their intertwined fingers, though they both don't pay her any mind. They needed contact. To know the other was there.
"If you would get on the medical bed Lord Kazekage?" she asks, gesturing to the bed, covered in sanitary paper. Gaara does, and he keeps his grip on Sasuke's hand, unwilling to let go. Sasuke can feel Gaara's anxiety, and his scent seems to take over the task of settling him. Either way, Sasuke sees some tension leak from Gaara's shoulders, and feels somewhat accomplished.
"Are you ready?"
Gaara nods.
He watches her settle her hands over Gaara's abdomen. They start to glow, and Gaara lets out a quiet breath, leaning back and clutching Sasuke's hand.
Sasuke only barely stops himself from brushing red strands from Gaara's forehead, where they almost fall into his eyes. The minutes tick by rather quickly, but they just look into the other's face, eyes tracing every movement of their partner's expression. It's like the doctor is no longer there, until she breaks the silence before too long.
"Well, would you look at that? Lord Gaara…" she starts, grinning, "Congratulations, you're pregnant! How wonderful!"
She smiles, looking surprised but happy to deliver the news, she steps away to write something on a chart, but neither of them are paying attention to what that could be.
They're too busy looking at each other again.
Gaara's eyes widen and a look of awe dawns on his expression, before his eyes dart to look at Sasuke in surprise. They knew, but...
She pauses and looks between them, before her gaze settles on Sasuke again.
"Are...you the father?"
Sasuke runs a hand through his hair, feeling a bit light and floaty. They suspected , but to have it confirmed …
They were having a baby. A little bit of both them, growing inside Gaara. He's surprised once again with how life has vastly changed yet again. A good change, though. There have been a lot of those lately.
The doctor's words finally register, but Sasuke can't tear his eyes from the redhead who's also staring at him with the same level of astonishment on his face.
"Yeah. I am." Sasuke says, smiling a bit. He can't really help it.
"Mm," she hums, nodding in understanding before her expression goes serious, "I...assume the council isn't aware?" She asks, turning back to Gaara. The redhead sobers and finally tears his eyes from Sasuke's with obvious reluctance.
"No, they aren't." Gaara says, "And they don't have to know until I tell them."
Thankfully, she seems to understand immediately.
"Of course, I've kept many secrets, Lord Kazekage. I understand." She nods, "I'll seal your recent medical files so only I can see them. Would you like to give your siblings and your alpha access?"
Sasuke feels his face color at her words. He is, isn't he? Something in him bubbles in satisfaction when she says it.
"Yes, thank you." Gaara says, sitting up, "I appreciate that."
"Sure! I'll keep you up to date on what to expect from week to week, so I'm scheduling you for next Tuesday. We'll meet weekly, just so I can keep an eye on you." She smiles, "You're about six weeks. Since you're still very early on, your baby is actually only about the size of a blueberry, and should be due next May. Isn't that exciting?!"
Gaara squeezes his hand, eyes wide.
So tiny . Just a little glimmer of a life. A tiny flame. Like Sarada and Shinki started out. They'd become people with dreams and their own unique thoughts and feelings. Sasuke looks at their children, and sees so much of who they can be . Everything they could do. How happy they could be, throughout their entire lives. And now, there was someone new to dream about as well, who Sasuke can imagine how their life could turn out. Happy and whole. Someone new to protect. Someone new to cherish, to teach. To nurture, just like the two children Sasuke and Gaara already had.
And Sasuke can't find it in himself to regret that. How could he? Why would he? He (and not for the first time) wishes his mother could meet their children, and the baby when it comes. She'd love them all. He's sure of it.
Sasuke sort of wants to cry. It's so strange.
They've crafted a family, and so long ago that word used to hurt , but now... now it just makes his chest feel tight and he can't help feeling happy .
And at the same time, Sasuke can't believe that everyone starts out so small . That this is even happening. And yes it complicates things, but who cares? Sasuke's life doesn't stop just because the world chooses to make things complicated for him as soon as he tries to move on and do what he wants for a change.
The doctor pulls him from his thoughts.
"Unfortunately the nausea won't go away for a while, and morning sickness doesn't strictly happen in the morning either, so you should eat small, frequent meals to make sure you're still getting nourishment for yourself and the baby. Even if it's just dry cereal, or crackers. No raw fish or caffeine, though." She says, "I'll also be sending you back with a prenatal vitamin, and some vitamin B6 and B12, for the nausea." She tells them, taking notes on her scroll, before she looks back at Gaara, "You've always been a bit underweight, Lord Gaara. So I want you to try to eat . You need to gain a bit early on to be able to carry safely. You'll most likely start showing pretty soon, judging by your size. Eventually I am going to have to have you step back from work for a while, sooner rather than later. Since you've previously suffered a miscarriage, we need to keep your stress at a minimum, since your body is most likely sensitive from the trauma. I'm sure you know, but it's very rare that we omegas get pregnant again after a miscarrage. You're quite lucky, but I don't want to push it."
Ah, that explains why pregnancy didn't cross Gaara's mind, Sasuke thinks. Gaara probably thought he simply couldn't.
Gaara pales, "I can't work?"
"Just for a few weeks, while you're at your most crucial point. You miscarried at eleven weeks, so we just want to clear that hurdle and then I'm sure some light work won't be an issue." She says, looking apologetic, "We don't need to submit any notice for your leave just yet, but I would suggest delegating your work to whoever you can, for your health, and the baby's as well."
"Right." Gaara says, looking thoughtful, "I understand."
"Now, I know this is a lot of information, but I'm always available to answer any questions you may have." the Doctor says, "The baby is developing a lot during this time, so you may find yourself feeling a bit off, you may even start nesting without noticing it. That's normal. Next week we'll be able to sense for the heartbeat and such. We'll also do some tests for any vitamin deficiencies. Since your baby is currently developing their facial features and joints, if you're feeling a bit more tired than normal that's probably why."
"So soon?" Gaara asks. He and Sasuke glance at each other in surprise.
She smiles, "Indeed, they're growing approximately 100 brain cells a minute, isn't that nice?"
"Wow." Sasuke says, trying to process the information.
"No worries, I'm here to see you through it. I will see you both next week."
"Thank you."
"Of course, Lord Gaara."
She looks at Sasuke and blinks up at him.
"Just keep an eye on him. Make sure he's not stressing himself out, and make sure he's eating. He'll need your scent and so will the baby." she says.
Sasuke nods.
Kankuro leaves to catch up with the ANBU when they come back. Gaara flits around the apartment, almost buzzing with anxiety. Sasuke takes his hand multiple times and the omega settles each time, his scent going warm and sweet. He finally and fully settles once they cuddle up on the couch with Shinki and Sarada to read them a few stories before dinner.
Gaara sticks to plain tofu and miso soup, his stomach still sensitive but his doctor's words in the back of his mind (and Sasuke's).
Sasuke sighs in relief once Gaara actually manages to stomach the entire meal.
They're in bed for the night when he finally asks. It isn't his intention to force Gaara to talk, but he needs to make sure.
"Are you okay?
Sasuke pulls the blankets around them.
Gaara looks up at him, smiling gently, "Yes. At the doctor today...and...now...you seem happy. I hope I'm not bringing you down, or-"
"No. Don't say that." Sasuke says, burying his face in Gaara's neck, "You didn't. I know that this is difficult for you, I get it if you need space."
"Hm." Gaara says, frowning. He goes quiet, and Sasuke knew from experience that something was bothering him.
"Gaara? Talk to me?" Sasuke asks, pressing closer. Gaara's scent washes over him, and he stops himself from giving into every instinct and pressing flush against the omega (who smells like home ). He didn't intend to smother Gaara, or deprive him of his space if that's what he needed-
"It's nothing."
"Gaara..."
"I just...I don't think I need space ." Gaara says slowly, face red.
It takes him a second, but he gets it.
He knows what Gaara is saying. He couldn't say it, but he knew what the redhead meant. Sasuke feels his own face go a bit red.
Gaara needed him close. He didn't need space, he needed Sasuke .
The redhead was terrified, and understandably so. Sasuke wordlessly pulls him close. They're pressed close and flush, their scents wrapped together and melding. Gaara relaxes and exhales a small breath. Sasuke smiles into his hair, feeling settled and safe.
It's so strange, feeling safe after having not felt this for years prior. Now he feels it all the time.
"You're happy, I can tell." Gaara says. He can hear the smile in his words.
"I'm used to having a large family." Sasuke says, "At least, I was. I guess this just feels...good."
Gaara's eyes go soft, and he nods, taking his hand.
"I can imagine." He says, "I've only ever had my siblings, really. So I guess I don't really know what it's like, but it sounds nice."
Sasuke lets him piece together his thoughts, despite the fact that Sasuke wants to assure Gaara that he is Sasuke's family now.
Now that the pregnancy was confirmed Sasuke was... thrilled , really. He's happy . He didn't fully expect this, but he accepts it. He's kind of surprised by how easy it was for him to accept it and look forward to it.
But he also recognizes that he has the privilege to do so. Gaara had very specific feelings about something like this.
"You know..." He starts, looking Sasuke in the eyes. They're guarded, and there's still that distant pain, but Sasuke can sort of...peer into his head almost, and understands what Gaara feels as well. Somehow it was still so new, being able to understand what someone was thinking this intimately.
There was fear in Gaara's eyes, but then there was...determination. Hope. Happiness.
"I'm excited. " Gaara says, still looking terrified, "I'm... so excited. And that's why I'm… very scared. I'm even scared to say this to you, because I don't know how to - I -"
Sasuke stays quiet, letting the redhead work through his thoughts for a moment, even though he wants to reassure him immediately once again. After a moment of thought he continues.
"I just mean to say that I...I'm very, very happy, and I...already want them so much, but that... scares me. Because-" Gaara says, looking away and quietly starting to tremble a bit, "I just...don't want you to hate me if I lose them, or be horribly disappointed if-"
" Hate you?" Sasuke says, incredulous and confused, "Why would I-? Gaara, even if that were to happen it wouldn't be your fault. I could never hate you. I just want you to be okay, above everything. I don't want you worrying about that, I understand why you would, but I need you to know that wouldn't happen."
He presses his nose to Gaara's neck before he scents him, pheromones leaking from him to soothe his distressed partner.
"I need you to trust that I wouldn't do that to you." Sasuke breathes, scent wrapping around the omega nestled close to him.
"I know. It's not you, it's more...old fears resurfacing, i suppose." Gaara says quietly, "Of course I trust you, Sasuke. I'm sorry that it sounded like I didn't. I didn't mean for it to come out like that-"
"I know, I just wanted you to know that I could never hate you, or blame you."
They just lie together for a moment, savoring the comforting air of understanding between them, pressed close and warm. After a moment Gaara speaks.
"I...I'll be fine." Gaara says, looking at the moonlight cast on the wall, "I always am. I...Sasuke, I'm excited - it's just that makes me...even more wary."
"I know you are. I could see it." Sasuke tells him, "When she told us - your eyes...you were happy."
Gaara looks at him in surprise.
"Of course. Of course you knew."
"I can read you pretty well." Sasuke smiles, "I know it's easier said than done, but...please believe that I couldn't hate you, even if the worst comes to pass. Gaara...you've already made me really happy. We don't have to have a baby to prove it. You know that, right?"
He's sort of surprised how easy it is to say. Articulating his emotions has never been this easy. Maybe because Gaara actually listens to him, and respects what he has to say. He's never being judged.
Even if we lose them…." Sasuke starts, "We'll be sad - I'm sure we'll be sad for them, but nothing in me could ever blame you . It wouldn't be your fault at all. You...rebuilt me piece by piece. Brick by brick. I'm grateful, and I…"
Sasuke's chest tightens and he can't help staring at the omega against him.
Those three little words bounce around his head, and he almost says them, they're so close to tumbling out of his mouth and it even surprises him-
If it wasn't for the look of pure fear of Gaara's face. He knows the redhead struggled with love - and the concept of it - even now, but Sasuke wanted to say it.
But at this moment, he gets a revelation. It would only put pressure on Gaara to say it now. He was burdened enough. Already so...afraid. So torn up. Carrying a life and stressing about whether he could properly nurture them.
Gaara didn't need this right now.
And while what Sasuke has to say is true, Gaara possibly wasn't ready to hear it. He was raw, and sensitive, and springing this on him now would only pressure him into saying it back or stressing about it. He glances at the self-inflicted scar on Gaara's forehead.
'Love', carved into pale skin. Crafted with pain during a night of tragedy.
Gaara was already so, so wound up and scared. Gaara's history with love has been tumultuous - paved with pain and distrust.
Now wasn't the time. It wasn't in Gaara's best interest. And Sasuke feels a sense of pride that he understands this, and is confident in what Gaara needs at the moment. Gaara looks at him with naked eyes - like he's silently begging him not to give him anymore than he already has. It makes the Uchiha sad for a moment, because Gaara deserved more, but it's like the omega didn't know this. That he deserved to be happy as well.
Gaara didn't fully understand how Sasuke could... love him and be okay with that.
Sasuke smiled softly instead, taking his hand and feeling settled.
"I care for you." He says instead, just as fond, "I just want you to be okay. No matter how this ends. I'll still be here. You don't have to believe me right now, I know it's hard, but even still...it's true."
It almost amused him how balanced their relationship was, considering what Sasuke was used to.
They helped each other - in equal measure. Now it was Sasuke's turn to help Gaara.
Sasuke didn't really know relationships could be like this before. With someone who didn't judge you. Who was just as hurt but didn't expect you to fix them. Just wanted you there because they genuinely liked you.
Gaara presses close in an instant, face in Sasuke's neck and breath ghosting against him. His scent goes sweet and warm, which makes Sasuke want to sink into his skin. The omega radiates gratitude at his words, and Sasuke hears him quietly speak after a while.
"What do you think...they could be like?"
He sounds fragile and cautious, like even asking could cause something horrible to happen. Sasuke's scent goes smoky and strong, comforting. Gaara relaxes further, letting out a breath.
"I've been wondering that." Sasuke says, "Been thinking about it a lot."
"...Me too."
He smiles into the omega's hair, "A red-haired Uchiha."
Gaara laughs, watery and light, "That would be interesting."
"Mm."
Gaara is quiet for a moment before he says, "Your eyes."
Sasuke doesn't know what to say.
"I...hope they're like you." Sasuke says before he can stop himself. Gaara made him do that.
"I...was hoping they'd be like you, actually."
Sasuke blinks in surprise, "I- me ?"
"Of course." Gaara says, "You're wonderful."
Sasuke's chest tightens at his words.
"I haven't taken care of a baby in...a very long time." Gaara says.
Sasuke thinks for a moment, "Me either. How do you think we'll do?"
"I think...between the two of us, we'll be fine."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." Gaara says, "We'll be very sleep deprived, though."
Sasuke smiles, "I think we'll be okay. We're good at forgoing sleep."
"That's true."
Sasuke presses close to him, needing his scent.
They were going to have a new baby. Right under his hand, there's a flicker of a life growing - safe in Gaara's body.
Gaara nuzzles into his neck, seeking more of his scent and presence.
"They might be calm, like you. Or quiet, like the both of us."
"Hm." Gaara hums, "Or they'll be the complete opposite. As long as they're happy."
"Yeah." Sasuke says, "They will be. Like Shinki and Sarada."
"They'll be thrilled to have a new sibling," Gaara smiles into his neck, "They'll have a lot of questions. I wonder what we'll tell them."
"The truth, I guess. In the simplest terms." Sasuke asks, amused at the thought.
Gaara actually laughs, and Sasuke feels himself brighten. His partner's scent goes honeyed as Sasuke presses closer to him. Something about being so close to Gaara in the quiet, peacefully dark room as they talk about their new baby was comforting. Safe.
Sasuke's nose meets the omega's neck, breathing deep. His brain latches on to the feeling of the gland under his lips right under Gaara's skin, temptation coursing through him.
Stay with me.
Being so close to his scent gland was dangerous, and Sasuke knew that, but he didn't want to move. The urge to claim him was the strongest it's ever been, and Sasuke's brain can't think past it - doesn't want to. Before he knows it his teeth are pressed to sweet, fragrant skin.
"You can, if you want to." Gaara says softly in the dark, sounding breathless. The moon casts light along the walls as it spills in through the window, letting the breeze drift into the room.
Something Sasuke almost snaps, but he forces himself to ask, "Gaara...are you sure?"
It's almost torture to wait after Gaara's given his permission, but he has to to be sure. He would hate himself if he wasn't sure. This was about the both of them, not just Sasuke wanting him. It had to be a decision they both were sure about. And well, Sasuke already knew where he stood.
He wanted him. He wanted to keep him.
Mine.
"I have...wanted you to for a while." Gaara says, face red, "I just didn't know when to ask..."
Sasuke takes a steadying breath, "I've been wanting to. I just didn't want to rush you."
"We said it should be perfect." Gaara says, moonlight cast across his face as he looks at Sasuke in heart-stopping fondness, "And I...really like this moment. I like how I feel right now."
Sasuke finds himself pulling Gaara closer, feeling a bit fragile himself. He feels gratitude well up in Gaara's words. Yes, this was perfect wasn't it? Sasuke's heart clenches again - almost painfully - at how his partner looks at him. With fondness, affection and that softness that Sasuke needed to feel like it was all worth it.
Stay with me.
His heart starts to pound.
Finally.
"Please." Gaara breathes. Something about how he sounds makes Sasuke's blood run so warm that he has to tamper down the steady growl that builds in his throat. He shoves his face back into Gaara's neck, inhaling that perfect scent. His lips graze his mating spot, blood running hotter as every second passes. He wraps his arm around Gaara and pulls him close, so, so close-
He bites down and as Gaara's flesh meets his lips he can't help gripping him tight. He wants, he wants, he wants, he wants-
It's a burning need to possess. To keep. To have.
Gaara's skin is so soft under his fingers, and Gaara's lips found Sasuke's neck as well, inhaling the Uchiha's scent. Their scents mingle as Sasuke bites down, the blood of Gaara's scent gland winding between his teeth.
Gaara lets out a precious, breathy sound that makes Sasuke want to keep him right here, just like this, clutching Sasuke like a lifeline.
"Stay with me." Sasuke sighs into his neck once his instincts are satisfied that his mark is deeply embedded, the blood of their mating smearing across his lips.
Gaara's hands tangle in his hair, fingers running against his scalp and his breaths panting against Sasuke's neck.
It felt good.
"I'm not going anywhere." Gaara assures him.
They don't get to sleep for a long time.
Sasuke supposes they've already made a baby, so it's not like they have any reason not to fall into each other, and Gaara obviously agrees judging by how he crawls into Sasuke's lap and presses against him. If anything their instincts pushed them together harder.
And if Sasuke bites him again sometime during that night, then it can't really be helped, can it? Especially when it seems like Gaara barely seems to mind.
They wake naked and intertwined. Sasuke rubs a hand down his face, immediately settling into contentment at the feeling of Gaara's body pressed against him. His eyes fall on red hair and the love kanji on his mate's forehead.
Mate.
He bonded Gaara last night. Sasuke's heart clenches and he can't help raising his hand to brush the red strands falling into Gaara's closed eyes.
Then his gaze falls on the bloodied mating mark he's bitten into the omega's neck. The mark is red and glaring - deep and claiming - and something deep inside Sasuke is immensely satisfied with that. He can't tear his eyes from it or the love bites he's sucked onto his skin around it last night.
His hand travels from his hair to his stomach, still flat and hiding their baby from the world for the moment.
Sasuke can't pull his eyes from Gaara's sleeping face as he tries to grapple with the affection that crashes over him, like it so often did these days.
He doesn't know how long he stays like that, just staring at him and pressing his hand to his mate's stomach and just enjoying the quiet of early morning. Eventually Gaara begins to stir, sleepily wiggling closer to Sasuke before his eyes slowly and sleepily open.
He slowly presses his fingers to the bond mark bitten into his neck.
"Let me see." Sasuke says, leaning down and gently moving Gaara's hand. It's bleeding sluggishly, but it was clotting just fine.
"Sasuke?" Gaara asks, looking at him curiously. The Uchiha shakes himself out of it and stops staring, though it takes some effort.
"It's...healing well so far." he says, "Does it feel okay?"
"Yes," Gaara says, rubbing his eye, "I feel a bit...light. Bonding fog, I think. I've heard of it, but I suppose it's real."
Sasuke presses closer, and Gaara curls into him. Green eyes are hazy and half-lidded, and he blinks slowly. He's relaxed, though.
Sasuke inhales his scent, warm and comfortable.
Gaara continues being sick every morning from then on, and usually stays in bed a bit longer than he's used to, at Sasuke's request. He gets his work brought to the apartment, and then delegates it to some workers via ANBU. Thankfully it seems easy enough, so Gaara can focus on simply trying to keep his food down during the bouts of nausea.
Sasuke brings him a mug of soup broth every morning (or miso), to settle his stomach and get some nutrients into him without making him sick. He wonders how Gaara's supposed to gain weight to carry the baby when he can barely keep anything down. Gaara is a rather thin, short person, so he desperately needed all the calories he could comfortably consume, especially as the baby grew. Now that he knows that soup seems to be alright, Sasuke starts thinking of ways to make it so Gaara could eat it and it would give him and the baby the right amount of nutrition. The vitamins have been helping a bit, but until the morning sickness passed it would be difficult for Gaara to gain weight. It was already hard for him, considering his body type.
Akumi-chan curls up with him every morning along with one or both of the children, purring and doing what she can to lend comfort as Gaara pets her idly in wordless gratitude while he sips his morning cup of hot soup.
Thankfully it doesn't upset his stomach at all, and Gaara's grateful.
Getting sick every morning looks just as draining as Sasuke imagines it must be. He watches as the omega sleeps, keeping the children occupied and making sure Gaara is alright as he rests. His mating mark is healing nicely, and Sasuke makes a note to ask the doctor to take another look at it next week when they visit for Gaara's checkup.
When he wakes after a short nap after breakfast Sasuke is in the living room with the children, helping them fill out a few of their coloring pages. Gaara looks well-rested, and Sasuke feels a sense of relief course through him at the sight.
"Father, you're awake!" Shinki says. Sarada simply shrieks the redhead's name, grinning.
"I'm sorry I slept for most of the day, everyone." Gaara says, gently picking up Sarada and placing her on his lap as he sits in her place at the kotatsu, "What are you doing?"
"Coloring!" Shinki says, "Sasuke is helping me stay in the lines. Look!"
"That's very nice, good job you two." Gaara says, "I'm glad you're having fun. Then can I help you, Sarada?"
"Yeah!" she smiles.
They sit there for an hour or so, helping the children and enjoying the warmth between them all. How nice this felt. Sasuke couldn't help wondering how they would react to a new sibling. What they'd both say when they told them. Though - knowing them - they'd both probably be incredibly excited.
"Sasuke?"
"Hm?" Sasuke frowns, opening his eyes, "You can't sleep." he observes, "What's wrong?"
Gaara looks at him, his gaze slightly troubled.
"Don't you think this is a bit...soon?" Gaara asks that night, looking slightly worried in the dark.
Sasuke thinks for a moment, before he turns on his side to face him.
"I think...that's one way to see it, yeah." He says, "But I also think...we know that we chose each other, so whether it was now or later doesn't really matter. I found that you understand me, and I understand you. We feel safe together, right?"
"Of course, I trust you implicitly."
Sasuke smiles, "Us being together is a good thing that we both want. And a baby doesn't change that. I just...I think we can handle it. We survived war, all our lives."
Gaara blinks at him, looking a bit surprised before he smiles the tiniest bit.
"When we started talking - really getting to know each other, I was kind of struck by how much I liked how you thought." He says, "How you say things."
Sasuke feels his face go red almost instantly. Gaara often said things like that, things that made Sasuke reevaluate himself, and how he interacts with people. The redhead didn't gush, but he often pointed out Sasuke's strengths, and it never had anything to do with his power, chakra, bloodline traits or jutsu. He focused on other things, unlike others. He's still sort of struck by how Gaara focuses on how Sasuke operates as a person, and not his power or anything like that. It was refreshing how Gaara saw more than how dangerous Sasuke could be.
It always made his face warm.
"I..."
"You don't have to say anything, I just wanted to let you know. Thank you, Sasuke. I needed that." Gaara smiles gently, before closing his eyes.
Sasuke suddenly has that thought again. Three little words.
I love him.
Gaara drifts off to sleep as Sasuke's eyes stay glued to his face, heart pounding.
I love him. So, so much.
The next morning is quiet and peaceful, like the last. They're folding some of the children's laundry and placing them in their dressers, side by side as they sort and fold little shirts and dresses.
"We...should tell Kankuro and Temari soon, would that be okay?" Gaara asks, looking at him curiously. Sasuke smiles a bit. Gaara's hair was still a mess from sleep and being sick as usual, but thankfully the omega was feeling a bit better at the moment. Sasuke's hair falls in his eyes and he hurriedly pushes it back, not wanting his view of Gaara obstructed.
"Of course. We'll tell whoever you want." he says, "Do you want to go on and tell the kids, too?" Sasuke asks.
"I think...we should wait." Gaara says, "Just in case. If something happens...I don't want to sadden them or make them anxious. Or confuse them if we tell them they'll have a sibling and if it doesn't happen..."
Sasuke reaches over and squeezes his hand, "I understand. That's a good point."
"Are you sure that's alright?"
"It is. It's about what you're comfortable sharing, Gaara. Nothing else." he says, "Did you want to tell anyone else?"
Gaara gives him a grateful, fond look before his expression turns thoughtful.
"There's the village, but - it just…feels a bit private . If I tell anyone else then the council will know before we're ready to face them. That, and..." Gaara says, face going red, "I don't...like having to share everything about my life with the masses all the time. I just...I want this to be just for us for as long as possible. Our family, I mean."
Sasuke's heart warms. He understood. Of course he did. The need to keep this between their small circle, to keep it safe like a treasure. Neither of them were very fond of strangers in their private affairs. This was their family, of course Gaara would want to keep it close. It felt too personal, too wonderful and private to be shared with those that weren't close to their hearts.
"Of course. Gaara, it's your decision." Sasuke assures him, taking his hand, "You're the leader here."
"Sasuke-"
"I mean it," he says, "When it comes to this, it's up to you. I'll give my input, but this is about you."
"It's about you as well." Gaara says, though he sounds touched even though he's slightly muffled by Sasuke's shoulder as he leans into him, "They're your baby too."
"I know, I'd just prefer for you to be comfortable." Sasuke says, "I don't mind who we tell, or when."
Gaara kisses him. Sasuke pulls him close, needing the press of Gaara against him.
The peace only lasts until that evening.
Kankuro walks through the door once Sasuke opens it after he knocks insistently and makes a beeline right for the kitchen, gently asking the children to play in their room. Gaara looks at his brother in surprise, and Sasuke closes the door and braces for something coming.
The tense set of the man's shoulders tells Sasuke that he isn't going to like what he has to say. The puppeteer's eyes are sharp and annoyed, which seems to immediately set Gaara on edge as well. Sasuke has the strange urge to usher him from the room. Neither Gaara or the baby needed the stress-
"Got this delivered to the head administration office this morning."
He hands Sasuke a letter, stamped with the official Konoha Council ensignia. He knew enough about their long-winded and annoyingly complicated diplomatic letters that he knew to skip to the end. He spotted his name a few times, but the last sentence sums up the document in a few words. He feels a stronger flash of annoyance.
"'Uchiha Sasuke is not approved by the council of Konoha on the account of the shinobi in question still being listed in Konoha's bingo book'." Sasuke reads, before narrowing his eyes. Gaara stills.
"Konoha's council is trying to rescind your documents to work as a liaison for the Sand." Kankuro says, looking irritated, "It's a bit late for them to try to pull that, but this is clearly their first attempt to-"
"They never removed you from their wanted lists?" Gaara says, looking both confused and outraged. Green eyes are blazing .
"No." Sasuke says, "They wanted to keep me on a short leash. Regular check-ins with Naruto, thorough mission briefings - things like that."
Gaara fumes, eyes going dark. Sasuke has the urge to get him someplace quiet, where nonsense like this couldn't upset him-
Kankuro folds his arms, "Well, your transfer was approved by the Hokage, so this is just an intimidation tactic, and nothing more. They can't physically drag you back, and this doesn't mean anything since it's already been approved by both Kage anyway, but we should be braced for them trying more...aggressive measures. And soon."
"I'd like to see them try." Sasuke says, "Bingo book or not."
"And...Naruto - he's alright with this?" Gaara asks, still looking angry and clearly having difficulty with the fact that Sasuke was still listed as enemy shinobi.
Sasuke gives him a half-hearted shrug and a concerned look, "He did what he could, I guess. I'm not even sure if he knows, actually. We don't...talk, like we used to."
Gaara looks horribly sad suddenly, and Sasuke is immediately alarmed for a shocked second. He's about to ask what's wrong, but he's interrupted by Kankuro, and the expression is gone from Gaara's face just as quickly. He wonders if he imagines it.
"Well, we know they're on the lookout for you." Kankuro says firmly, "Now we can prepare for when they try something else. I need to talk to Temari. You two are to stay in the apartment, I'm sending more ANBU to watch you."
Before he walks out the door he turns to look at them both, "Gaara, you're off work for the next few days."
Gaara opens his mouth to speak, but the puppeteer raises a finger.
"This is just the start. You two need to lay low. Who knows what they'll try next? It would be foolish to have you two running around the village when we know they're after Sasuke, and we don't know if they've gotten the drop on the fact that you two are together." he says, "Trust me, little brother."
Gaara sighs, but nods.
"Alright."
"I'm gonna see what Temari says." he tells them, "If you two need anything then just have the ANBU send for it."
Then he's gone.