1

by FicReader21

for me only

Fugaku breathed deeply inhaling the sweet scent of the orange and rose honeysuckle bushes that surrounded the mineral onsen. Sakura had recommended he take some time to relax and refresh himself there after the previous evening's exertions and he'd taken her up on the suggestion. It hadn't been a bad suggestion.

… however he was beginning to wonder if she was ever going to join him.

Hours. He'd been there for hours. He'd soaked his aching, if sated muscles, he'd drank tea, he'd read the newspaper…

… and he couldn't believe Sakura had not. Shown. Up. Yet.

Was she… was she being honest when she said she thought he needed to rest and recuperate? Did she find him… lacking? Did she find him disappointing?

Did she find him boring?

A bit self-consciously he looked down at his scarred, if still firm, chest. A memory rose, unbidden, from the Team 7 dinner several weeks earlier. In the memory, there was Sakura, staring dumbfounded at Itachi's glistening chest as he'd arrived fresh from the shower. It had taken some prompting from her former team lead to distract her. Compared to Fugaku's eldest son, who was in his prime, what did Sakura think of Fugaku's form?

Swallowing down the uncertainty and shame that rose in him, Fugaku shoved his feelings of inadequacy aside. Sakura had made it more than clear that she did not care for his sons. Under other circumstances, Fugaku would have taken offense at this. Now, thinking back over their time together, he realized he was grateful for her decisiveness. Very, very grateful, he thought, remembering certain intimate acrobatics from the previous night.

It was then that he remembered how much her headstrong nature had bothered him during their initial day of travel, and he chuckled. No, not much could intimidate her.

From behind him, in the traditional onsen inn, he heard the slide and soft clack of the interior doors, and the gentle brush of a familiar chakra signature.

"Sorry I'm late, I had to deal with something on my way over," said Sakura, hurrying to meet Fugaku. "How are you feeling? I brought some massage oils, if you'd like a backrub? I know we tested a few boundaries last night," she said, a hint of cheekiness in her voice.

"Wash up and join me," said Fugaku, looking up at Sakura, fondness rising in him.

As Sakura quickly undressed, she added a touch of sauciness to her walk when she disappeared to the bathing cubicle, winking at Fugaku over her shoulder. Fugaku smiled in spite of himself.

Minutes later he held his hand out to Sakura to escort her into the water with him, and pulled her into his lap, delighting in the way she moved and settled so comfortably against him. Noting the looseness of her hair, he gently snapped a sprig of honeysuckle from a nearby bush, and with his other hand, twisted Sakura's hair up and off her nape, fixing it in a loose French twist with the honeysuckle.

"Thank you," said Sakura.

"My pleasure," said Fugakura, settling Sakura comfortably in his lap. He sank lower in the water, so her shoulders were partially submerged, ensuring she would be warm enough in the humid air. A sense of peace and fulfilment spread through him as they cuddled together in the water with nothing between them.

"What kept you?" asked Fugaku, stroking Sakura's shoulders as he leaned back against the edge of the onsen. His voice was a low rumble, content and relaxed now to have her in his arms.

Sakura let out a soft sigh. "Someone accepted too many low-rank missions. There aren't enough academy students to handle them. No one realized that two chunin did the intake at the same time until I found the scheduling error. It took a little while to untangle. But now we have a surplus of C- and D-rank missions."

Snuggling closer, Sakura massaged Fugaku's legs arms, occasionally sending pulses of healing chakra through him to loosen his joints and muscles. At a particularly stiff joint near his groin, Fugaku groaned softly in relief and appreciation.

"Anyway, it's not a bad thing to have extra missions. It's just that some people will be wondering why there's a bit of a delay in fulfilling them," said Sakura, working Fugaku's deeper muscle tissues with strong hands.

Nodding, Fugaku listened and considered Sakura's situation.

"I thought it was only the morning that you were working at the Tower," said Fugaku.

Sakura sighed. "Well, your sons came to find me and it took me a while to shake them off my tail. I swear, they need a hobby."

A muscle in Fugaku's jaw ticked. The boys were bothering Sakura again?

Mindful of his… companion?, Fugaku massaged the tension from Sakura's neck and shoulders.

"Oh yes, keep doing that, that's nice," murmured Sakura, exposing more of her neck to Fugaku. He was happy to oblige.

"How is your schedule looking this coming week?" asked Fugaku, nibbling down Sakura's throat.

Sakura's breath caught as Fugaku found one of her sensitive spots, and she arched sinuously in his lap before purring softly.

"The disciplinary was revoked, but my missions were still postponed or reassigned. I'm local for at least a week or two. I'll be assisting at the Tower for a few hours a day, maybe popping into the hospital for consults? Nothing crazy. It's actually a bit of a break, the way it worked out."

Perfect.

"Why?" asked Sakura.

"I have a suggestion," said Fugaku. The nature of his touch shifted from relaxing to teasing, his fingertips travelling further and further down Sakura's front until they began to trace circles around her pebbling areola..

"I'm all ears," sighed Sakura happily. Scooting around, she turned to face Fugaku with heavy-lidded eyes. Beneath the warm water of the mineral bath she cupped his readiness, feeling it pulse and throb.

Fugaku smiled and kissed the crown of Sakura's hair, inhaling the honeysuckle and sweetness of her natural scent.

"Hold onto the side of the pool," Fugaku whispered in Sakura's ear, turning her body to face the wall of the bath.

Her cheeks pinking, Sakura smirked and did so, looking at Fugaku over her shoulder. "Is this where you want me?"

"Spread your legs," he ordered, coming behind her. "Kneel on the ledge under the water."

Ever the gentleman, he lent a hand, caressing her thighs open just wide enough to cradle his yearning need.

"That's the way," he breathed, pressing himself to Sakura's back. It was then he noticed the faint handprints bruising her hips, the evidence of the previous evening's reunion.

"You're marked."

"Hm? Oh." Sakura looked at Fugaku over her shoulder again. Loose tendrils of her hair curled around her face in the onsen humidity. She avoided his eyes a moment before turning, of all things, shy. "I like them. It made it more real." She glanced away. "I told you I missed you, when we were apart."

When Fugaku traced them with his fingers, he found they matched his grip perfectly.

"They don't hurt," promised Sakura. "I like that you marked me. I hated erasing the others, from our first time."

Something primal twisted in Fugaku, and he swallowed, heat and need rising in him stronger and stronger.

"You want to be branded?" he asked, voice thick. He wet his lips with his tongue, stroking Sakura's flank. The expanse of her pale, otherwise flawless back faced him. Taunting him, Tempting him.

Reaching forward, he leaned closer, pressing his chest to Sakura's back. His hands settled on Sakura's breasts, cupping them possessively.

Sakura's quick intake of breath and nod sent his blood coursing through him.

"May I mark you, Sakura?" whispered Fugaku in her ear. He began massaging her tender breasts, teasing and plumping them exactly as she liked, for he was very attentive to her reactions and had made full use of his Sharingan the evening before to memorize her most sensitive places.

Her mewls of pleasure and nod confirmed it, and when Fugaku's hand moved lower to test her readiness, she writhed in his arms.

"Yes, please," breathed Sakura, pressing into Fugaku's lap and spreading her thighs wider. "Please."

Sakura's trust was heady, intoxicating Fugaku.

"I want you to leave these marks on until they heal, is that clear?"

"Yes,"

"I want you to touch them every night when you think of me."

"Yes."

"And I'm going to start with this," said Fugaku, lips pressing down on the junction between Sakura's shoulder and neck, just as he entered her with a soft male grunt.

"Ye- ngh! " Sakura shuddered in Fugaku's arms as he pulled her taut against him, stretching her and exposing her clit to the gushing water jet his arm had been protecting her from.

Sakura's gasping pants, her uncontrolled trembling, her nails digging into the flesh of his forearm, all spurred Fugaku on. His teeth grazed the skin of her pale, flawless neck, exposed as it was with her hair twisted up and away. He soothed the raw skin with soft strokes of his tongue as he set a languid, pumping pace inside her.

"That's it," he crooned, gently redirecting Sakura's body away from the jet of warm water when he felt she'd had enough. "That's it. How was that?"

Still trembling, Sakura let out a shaky breath, clutching Fugaku's arms as they cradled her to him.

"Incredible," she said, smiling up at him with exhilarated eyes.

"Would you like a matching one on the other side?" asked Fugaku, eyeing the passion mark critically.

Still snug inside Sakura, Fugaku felt her internal squeeze and had to swallow or risk unmanning himself. Well, that answered that.

Starting his rhythm inside her anew, Fugaku leaned down to kiss Sakura's throat once more, this time on the other side. Gliding his hands up, past her breasts to the undersides of Sakura's arms, he raised them up and brought them behind his neck.

"Hold them here, that's it," he said encouragingly. "Ready?"

Sakura nodded, loosening her body in preparation.

"That's it," praised Fugaku.

When Sakura squeezed and writhed in his arms this time, he smiled, matching his bite on the other side.

"More," begged Sakura as he suckled her skin.

Fugaku's eyes widened in surprise.

"More," she repeated.

As his lady demanded…

Squeezing her mound, he brought her closer to the jet, feeling Sakura jerk against him, and set a more demanding, vigorous pace inside her.

"Yes… yes… yes!" she chanted divinely, moving her body with his.

Her head fell back and she stretched further, tightening her grip around his neck.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

It was Sakura's demands that pushed him over. Growling in his throat, Fugaku gave in to his urges and unleashed himself, setting a punishing pace with Sakura and her body, her shouts the greatest aphrodisiac he'd ever encountered. His heart pounded in his chest, pushing him harder.

She was screaming now, heedless of their location in the open air bath, of other patrons who may be languishing in their own private pools nearby, beyond the separation screens.

Now, now she was screaming his name, and Fugaku had never felt more virile, more powerful in his life. Water splashed around them, the steam thick with the chakra buildup between them, and yet all Fugaku could feel was Sakura in his arms, and all he could hear was her chanting his name like a god she was begging for mercy.

When Sakura suddenly squeezed down on Fugaku's member hard, his vision blurred, his blood pressure dropped through the soles of his feet and he surged inside her with a burst of a roar. He barely caught himself from crying out her name, biting it off at the first syllable.

Oh kami, had he caught himself in time, he wondered, panicked, even as he unconsciously continued pumping in and out of her, possessed by his need.

Breathing harshly, Fugaku shuddered, his consciousness weakening as he felt Sakura drawing the ropey, sticky essence of his seed from him, sucking it greedily into her body, leaving him spent in a way he hadn't experienced since his early forays into sexual exploration. And still he kept going, coating every inch of her womb. Trembling, Fugaku lay his head in the crook of Sakura's shoulder, encircling her with his arms as he supported both of them against the edge of the onsen.

"Are," he swallowed, his voice raw. Oh kami, he was still going. Where was it coming from? He couldn't still his hips. Unable to help himself, he pressed exhausted kisses to Sakura's cheeks and throat. "Are you okay?" he mumbled, cheeks warm as he continued to gently ride out the aftershocks.

By this time Fugaku normally would have been too sensitive to keep going. For whatever reason, the capricious kamis had meddled with him that day, his stamina charging and recharging him beyond his limits, for reasons he could not entertain. He just couldn't stop.

"Mmmmmmm," purred Sakura, snuggling in his arms. She rubbed her face against them, sighing in contentment. "Very much so."

Grateful, and swelling with male pride at how well he'd satisfied his lover, Fugaku relaxed. His chest still thudded with his racing heartbeat, but gradually it slowed the longer they cuddled at the end of the warm onsen.

"Good girl," Fugaku praised, kissing Sakura's cheek.

The instant the words left his mouth he felt Sakura squeeze him one final time, just enough to set him off on a last ejaculation of surrender inside her. That was it. He was done.

Gasping as his vision darkened around the edges, Fugaku grit his teeth, his expression stoic.

"Hah," panted Sakura after a small moan of pleasure."Sorry, that was… I have a praise kink."

"Good to know," wheezed Fugaku, wondering where his knees were.

"Is it okay if we stay like this for a little bit?"

Thank kami.

"Of course."

Sakura smiled at Fugaku over her shoulder and let her head rest against his forearm, sighing contentedly.

They remained entwined for several minutes longer, each gathering their thoughts, until Sakura's nose began to twitch.

"Do you smell that?"

"Hn?"

Lifting her head, Sakura looked around. Her eyes widened as she bit her bottom lip and pointed up.

A portion of the overhanging roof was on fire.

Shit.

That was… unfortunate.

Fugaku's cheeks burned as Sakura casually summoned a small water jutsu to put out the blaze.

"An Uchiha thing?" she asked innocently when the last of the smoke cleared.

Fugaku gave a long suffering sigh, though didn't feel too bad when Sakura giggled and kissed his cheek.

"I didn't mind," she whispered in his ear. "I found it kind of… hot." she teased.

"It sometimes happens to younger men in the Clan who struggle with control."

At Fugaku's mild frown, Sakura's expression softened, and she bit her lip, admitting, "It was worth it."

Releasing Sakura, Fugaku gazed down at the matching passion marks that adorned her neck and shoulders. His possessive streak reared its head, demanding more, but his stamina begged for rest. Gently he traced the edges of the marks, watching the gooseflesh appear under his fond touch. Sakura shivered, her eyes darkening once more. The glow of hunger warmed between them again.

Yes, it was definitely worth it, he agreed.

"Good thing I invited you and not them," said Sakura.

Slipping from the comfort of Sakura's body, Fugaku tilted Sakura's cheek to face him, and kissed her, gently at first, then more deeply.

She accepted him. His age, his faults, his lack of control. She welcomed them, in fact.

Him, not his sons.

Not other shinobi.

Him, and him alone.

Fugaku knew he was blessed by the good things in his life: Mikoto, their children, his position in the Clan and in the Village.

And as he and Sakura settled into a more gentle round of love-making there in the pool, he thanked the kami again for permitting him Sakura, as well.

In their get-along shackles once more, Itachi and Sasuke presented themselves to the Hokage. Though the messenger had provided a strange meeting place. Rather than at the Hokage's office, they would be meeting her down at the mission board.

"Uchihas," greeted Tsunade, arms crossed at her chest. "So good of you to join us."

Itachi and Sasuke bowed, eyeing each other for any chance of one-upmanship that they could pull off without insulting their esteemed leader.

"I've been informed that you are both under temporary leave from your demanding roles as… well, you already know," said Tsunade as she waved off formality. She began walking down the hall to the mission desk. "You are, however, cleared for certain, alternative duties."

"We are more than ready to return to our—" began Itachi, only for Tsunade to raise a finger.

Silence.

Sasuke smirked at his brother.

"It just so happens we've had an influx of missions perfectly suited to your talents."

Sasuke and Itachi's ears perked up.

Then they glared at each other.

Tsunade could already sense the competition building between them.

"You will work together to clear this roster of missions," said Tsunade, stopping before a bulletin board that was temporarily labelled, 'Overflow and Bullshit Work'.

Itachi blinked.

Sasuke paled.

They both swallowed.

"Your first task is a D-rank mission, to be completed without the use of chakra as the client believes that chakra would interfere with his organic fertilizer processing."

Itachi became expressionless as horror bloomed on Sasuke's face. Already he was shaking his head, but Tsunade smiled beatifically at them.

She lifted a pair of shovels.

"The client was quite content to offer you a place to stay for the week, on his farm, to ensure that you don't upset your homelife with your… fresh aromas."

"Week?" asked Itachi.

"A full seven days! Yes," said Tsunade with relish. "You have been volunteered, on behalf of the Society of Uchihas Community and Charity Committee, to complete these tasks as a way to build amity and goodwill between shinobi and civilian organizations."

"SUCCC?" asked Itachi.

"Never heard of it," said Sasuke.

"Yes," affirmed Tsunade. "This is SUCCC's work."

Bestowing upon them their rusty-nailed shovels, Tsunade led the Uchihas to the back of the Tower, where a donkey and a sour-faced farmer waited.

He—the farmer—gave the pair of Uchihas, who'd arrived in fine clanwear, a skeptical look and spat at the stone street.

"These two pretty young things can work labour?" he asked.

"I assure you, they have strong backs," said Tsunade, clapping Itachi and Sasuke between the shoulder blades, launching them forward. "Please use them as you see fit."

"May I—" began Itachi, but Tsunade shoved him harder, sending him careening after the farmer and Sasuke.

"Remember, we have a whole board full of community activism opportunities for you for when you return!"

"I—"

Sasuke turned wide eyes on his Hokage, pleading.

Tsunade's smile showed teeth.

"See you in a week, boys!"

"What's all this?"

Whistling while he worked, Fugaku nailed down the last of the cedar planking that surrounded his freshly installed Jacuzzi. He smiled widely as he got up, and went to greet Sakura with a kiss. In her hand she carried her overnight bag, as he'd suggested. He took it from her and tucked her hair behind her ear, kissing her nose.

Around them night had fallen in the Uchiha compound. Neighours had turned in for the night, sending children to bed, merchants had pulled up their signs and gates, and lights glowed in bedroom windows throughout the compound.

On the property of the main house, the gates were closed, only the side-gate unlocked for Fugaku's anticipated guest. The wisteria-covered walls surrounding the main house offered privacy, and their scent perfumed the air. The koi swam slow and low in their pools as Sakura crossed the small bridge to reach her lover.

"Well," said Fugaku, an arm around Sakura's waist. He pulled her in front of him, wrapping his arms around her, and together they meandered to the hot tub, taking in the quiet jets, soft LED underwater lighting, and the neatly placed citronella candles lit around the edges, giving them a private, outdoor, luxury suite.

"With the boys being off on missions for the next week or two," he said, kissing her throat. "I thought we could get to know each other better here."

Smiling up at Fugaku, Sakura felt her cheeks warm.

"We're hardly strangers."

Fugaku chuckled.

"No," he agreed. "But neither of us needs to rush away, this way," said Fugaku meaningfully. "Come."

Taking Sakura's hand, Fugaku led Sakura inside. He brought her upstairs and opened the door to the master bedroom. Sakura's eyes widened.

"It's different," she whispered, stepping inside.

The bedspread had changed, for one. And some of the furniture had been removed. Moved, or replaced. The family photos remained, but where before Fugaku had maintained a small altar for his beloved first wife, now he kept a vase of flowers.

"I added Mikoto's things to her family altar, in the living room," said Fugaku, noting Sakura's focus. "She's still a part of our life."

"And she'll always be," agreed Sakura, smiling fondly.

Fugaku moved to the closet and casually opened the door, before making his way to the master ensuite bathroom and turning on the lights.

Following his lead, Sakura noted that he'd cleared half the closet, installing fresh shelving and adding some of her favourite toiletries. The new boudoir he'd installed, to the side, held a fresh hairbrush, pins in the style she liked to use, and the same cosmetics she used at home. Her eyes warming, Sakura stepped into the bathroom. Fugaku steered Sakura, his hands on her waist, to the double sinks, where a new toothbrush in a new cup sat splendidly at their own sink, across from Fugaku's.

Swallowing, Sakura looked up to meet Fugaku's soft eyes in the mirror.

"Join me for a dip in the hot tub?" he said, pulling her close, his chest to her back. He leaned down to kiss her cheek.

"I didn't bring my suit."

Fugaku smirked.

"... Did I mention it's clothing optional?"

"We'll be busy for weeks at this rate," groused Sasuke as he slogged through the field of manure.

"Hn," agreed Itachi, trying unsuccessfully to ignore the smell. After three days it still hadn't grown on him.

"At least Sakura is looking after Father," said Sasuke with some relief.

"Ah."

"That's the third time this week," remarked one Uchiha to his neighbour as they stood smoking outside on their porches.

Before their eyes, another fireball that burst from the main house and shot up into the night sky.

Their eyebrows rose as they looked at each other, shaking their heads.

"The boys are away at the moment," said one. The other nodded.

"Maybe it's a new jutsu," said the other awkwardly. The first nodded.

They swallowed, cheeks warming as a third fireball, this one three times the size of the first two combined, exploded across the sky.

Clearing their throats and avoiding their gazes, they bid each other goodnight.

Rumours began to spread through the clan.

Their clan leader had found a new flame.

TBC

Chapter 3: The Boys Are Back in Town

Chapter Text

Sakura woke to find Fugaku cuddling her from behind in his large bed. It had been odd, at first, waking in his room in the Uchiha compound. It was still odd, if she was being honest with herself. But with the boys still away on their work duty, it had provided Fugaku and Sakura a much-needed opportunity to just be themselves around each other without hiding or sneaking about.

Well, sneaking about inside.

They were still cautious when they were outside in the 'real world'. It seemed Itachi and Sasuke had given the Uchiha sentries at the gates blanket permission for Sakura to move about the Uchiha district as needed. All to look after their father, the clan head, Fugaku. Which meant everyone reacted respectfully toward her, and no one confronted her on why her healing sessions involved Fugaku blowing massive-scale fireballs at night, over and over. Apparently, some of the children in the district had taken up staying up late at night to see the 'special fireworks'. This was mentioned, very casually, when Sakura was within earshot of a group of grandfathers recently taking their grandchildren to the shrimp pond to fish. Sakura's cheeks had warmed but she'd dutifully pretended not to have heard a word. She and Fugaku had tried to keep things under wraps thereafter.

The thing was, Sakura was accustomed to being around the Uchiha district. Being a teammate to Sasuke, Itachi and Shisui, it was normal for her to come find them, or for them to meet together, dine together, spar together, among the Uchiha. Sakura may not look like an Uchiha, but she was more than welcome among them. It had made her relationship more comfortable than it otherwise might have been.

She had noticed that while no one resented her, there were some uncomfortable glances on occasion, within the district. Once she was out in the village, no one bat an eye at her comings and goings.

So Sakura was quite sure that the Uchiha Clan had a fair idea that there was more than met the eye between herself and Fugaku, but they were holding it close to the vest and not gossiping about it outside Clan walls.

All in all, it was a very nice arrangement.

Unfortunately, 'the boys'—Itachi and Sasuke—would return in a day or so.

"I have to work late tonight," said Sakura over her shoulder to Fugaku, still wrapped in his arms. She brought his wide, scarred hands up to her lips to kiss each one before pulling the covers away and start getting ready for the day.

"Hnnn," he mumbled sleepily. "I'll meet you after for supper."

On her way to the washroom, Sakura canted her head.

"Meet you for dinner here?" she asked, stopping on her way to the ensuite washroom.

"At work. We can get supper in town tonight."

In town, thought Sakura confused. But that would mean, in front of other people.

"Unless you would prefer I not," added Fugaku a half-beat later. He was more awake now, looking at Sakura with uncertainty.

"Shishou said...," said Sakura quietly, leaving the rest of the sentence hanging between them.

Some of the animation melted from Fugaku's expression.

"Ah," he said in understanding. "I'll have supper ready for you here."

Forcing a smile, Sakura nodded. "I'll grab dessert on my way back," she promised.

"Dessert is always ready when you're here," said Fugaku, voice low and teasing.

Fugaku's intention had her smiling, and Sakura leaned down to kiss his cheek. "It certainly is."

"Hospital or Tower today?"

"Tower for the morning, late shift at the hospital after," said Sakura, grabbing her towel.

"Hn," said Fugaku as Sakura disappeared into the shower.

Sakura's schedule suited Fugaku's purposes very well that day. As she waved goodbye and headed to the gates of the Uchiha district and out to the main village, Fugaku leaned against the doorway of his home, waving occasionally to his fellow clansmen and women. When Sakura had initially stayed the night, most of the clan had kept their distance. Now that they were used to seeing Sakura set off from the Main House in the morning, they greeted her like one of their own and had resumed their normal activity.

Deciding he had a bit of free time before he needed to convene clan business at the business office, Fugaku brought his cup of tea to the steps of his front veranda and sat down, watching his clan go about their morning. It was peaceful and reminded him of exactly why he'd fought so hard for so many years, protecting the village and his family.

One of the elder members of the clan, Hiro, waved at Fugaku and made his way over. Fugaku's brows lifted and he made room for Hiro to join him.

"You've been looking healthier recently," noted Hiro, setting down his walking stick. He leaned it against the steps and carefully settled his old bones on the step below Fugaku's.

Fugaku offered him a cup of tea, and Hiro accepted with a nod.

"I've reached the age where I can almost pass things along to the boys," said Fugaku. "It took me longer than it should have to give up that responsibility."

Looking out among the passerby, Hiro made a small noise in his throat.

"Sometimes we need to be ready just as much as they do," said Hiro, making Fugaku smile softly.

"There are things I'm looking forward to getting back to. It's made me feel young again," said Fugaku.

Hiro lifted his cups to his lips and gave Fugaku a knowing look. "Really?"

Arching a brow at the elder, Fugaku held Hiro's eyes a moment, analyzing his response.

"Which one sent you out this time?"

"The ones who specialize in tea."

Fugaku's expression sagged in mortification, and he looked away a moment.

"What do they want now? And Sasuke took care of that for Itachi, by the way. They should have known that those two balance each other out. Mikoto raised intelligent sons." Fugaku paused. "Mostly."

"They inherited some things from their father," said Hiro. "Or," he sipped his tea, "was it the other way around?"

Fugaku's stomach clenched, but only mildly.

"I have no secrets," Fugaku said mildly.

"Not from the clan, no. Most are happy enough with how things are," agreed Hiro. "However."

Fugaku turned away from their fellow clansmen, on patrol, and greeted Hiro's sharp gaze with his own narrowed one.

"However?"

"The boys are due back soon. The clan knows what's going on, but do the boys?"

"Officially, there is nothing going on."

Hiro held his gaze. "Officially."

"By order of the Hokage, there is officially nothing going on," repeated Fugaku. The tea in his cup had gone cold, but he finished it regardless.

Understanding reached, Hiro nodded and finished his own cup a moment later.

"And Hiro," said Fugaku, offering the elder his walking stick once more. "Kindly ask the others to keep their tea to themselves. Officially speaking, no one can afford any accidents."

His wizened face a study in nonchalance, Hiro nodded and waved goodbye to Fugaku.

Next, it was time to pay the clan council a visit. There was some business to attend to.

By the time Fugaku made it to the Tower, it was past two in the afternoon. He waited only a little while before Tsunade saw him, and he thanked his stars she was in a good mood.

The Hokage greeted Fugaku from behind a mountain of paperwork at her desk, and a distinctly alcoholic-scented teacup.

"Don't waste my time. Out with it."

Tsunade's blonde head was down as she scribbled a response on a scroll, so Fugaku waited for her to finish her sentence. When she kept going, he straightened and spoke up.

"Sakura has been staying at the Main House for the last few days."

"I know."

Not squirming in his seat at all, Fugaku rested his hands on his thighs.

"Are the boys still due back tomorrow evening?"

"Yes."

Fugaku straightened his back and shoulders.

"And the mission surplus?"

"There's enough there to keep them busy for a little while," said Tsunade. She looked up at Fugaku for a moment. "At least another 4 days, depending on how competitive they are about it."

Swallowing his sigh of relief, Fugaku's shoulders sagged minutely.

"Thank you," he said genuinely.

Still scribbling, Tsunade nodded. "Anything else?"

Fugaku's last request tickled on the edge of his tongue, but he furled it back in and shook his head. "No, thank you."

"Dismissed."

With a respectful bow, Fugaku stood and made to leave. He'd almost reached the door when Tsunade said,

"She's happy."

The Hokage's words froze him in place.

"She's happier than she's been in a long time," admitted Tsunade.

Warmth swelled in Fugaku's chest until Tsunade continued,

"But she understands this is temporary. Don't forget that."

"Ah," said Fugaku, voice even.

He waited until he'd left the office and closed the door behind him before he attempted to clear the lump that had suddenly appeared in his throat.

It was nine thirty before Sakura returned to the Main House that night, her legs aching and her back begging for a reprieve from the stress of standing and bending all afternoon and evening across her patients. She was rubbing her dwindling chakra into her sore lower back when she smelled it.

Wrinkling her nose at the rank smell of raw fertilizer, Sakura pressed on, trying to get to the Main House faster. To her growing irritation, the closer she got, the worse the smell became.

Wait a second, she thought in dawning horror, remembering back to nearly a week earlier, when Sasuke and Itachi had been sent off on their work duty, weren't they sent to—

Sakura arrived at Ground Zero to find Fugaku torching his sons' clothing in the firepit in the rear courtyard.

Disappointment fractured through Sakura, especially seeing the hurt and frustration in Fugaku's eyes as he looked up to see her.

They stared at each other a long moment before Sakura set down her take-out box of cheesecake on the veranda, and with a sad smile, nodded goodbye to Fugaku.

When he came inside later that night, the boys' gear nothing but smoldering ash, Fugaku did not remember the last time his sons had shared a bathroom, but it had to have been when they were young boys. It seemed this past week had taught them much about bonding. It had certainly reminded him of what was important.

Without a word, he set the carton of cheesecake in the fridge. Hopefully he would be able to enjoy it with Sakura later.

Morose about missing his last night at home with Sakura, Fugaku set out the supper he'd intended to share with her, but would now be for the boys. Shaking his head, he reached out for the candles to put them away before his nose wrinkled once more at the lingering smell. Instead, he swapped them out for a half dozen scented candles. And incense. He opened the windows for good measure. His irritation growing with each inconvenience his children caused him, Fugaku wondered if he could cajole any of the aunties in the clan to clean the house for him tomorrow if he were to make a sizeable charitable donation to one of their causes...

With a silent sigh to himself that he would make time to speak to Sakura the next day, Fugaku ascended the stairs to the bedroom floor of their home.

"If you hog that shampoo, I'll spill your entrails all over the floor," snapped Sasuke.

"We're on our third bar of soap because you tried to eat one to clean yourself from the inside out," reminded Itachi coldly.

Fugaku's grip on the stairway railing clenched tighter.

"Use the body wash!"

"You use the body wash!"

Closing his eyes, Fugaku took a deep breath—and immediately gagged from the whiff coming from the bathroom.

His eyes narrowing to slits, Fugaku's nostrils flared—he gagged again—and he went straight to his room, closed the door, packed his bag, and left.

It was almost midnight when Sakura felt the light twang of her traps resetting themselves. Bleary-eyed, she rose up on her elbows in bed and promised herself she would not kill the intruder if he was a friendly ally, but maiming was fair game.

When a tall, familiar silhouette knocked on her bedroom door, whispering her name softly, she relaxed and slumped back to her pillow.

"Hey, I thought..."

Fugaku shucked his clothing and piled it neatly on her dresser, where she always kept a spot clear for him. He slid under Sakura's blankets and kissed her gently before wrapping his arms around her and sighing contentedly.

"I missed you," he said.

Sakura couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. "I missed you, too."

Sakura woke with a broken cry and a pleasant, earth-shattering shudder the next morning. From behind her, Fugaku kissed her throat and chuckled against her back. Sakura's heartrate took its time in slowing as Fugaku cupped her, soothing her still-pulsing lips with his calm, strong hand.

"Morning," he murmured against Sakura's throat.

"M-morning," she panted, her knees not quite up to holding her up yet. She fell back down onto her mattress again, languid and deliciously sated. "Was that a sorry-we-missed-cheesecake apology?"

"Closer to an I-think-it's-time-the-boys-moved-out apology for ruining our night," said Fugaku darkly.

Sakura rolled onto her back to look up at Fugaku, brows raised.

"I thought they moved out when they got wives?"

Fugaku's smirk bordered on dangerous.

Itachi answered the door the next morning with a furrowed brow. He wasn't sure what his father had gotten up to, but he couldn't find him anywhere. Itachi was sure his father didn't conduct clan business on weekends, unless absolutely necessary. He would have notified him or Sasuke if he was called away.

It was with some consternation that he found the clan marriage committee, en masse, on his doorstep.

"Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke," said the leader in his long, black robes. He scowled at Itachi in abject disappointment. "We're here to set things in order."

Curious as to the noisy reception at the front door, Sasuke appeared at Itachi's shoulder.

"What's going on?" Sasuke asked.

Itachi's eyes narrowed.

Shaking out his robes, the leader announced, "We're here to arrange your omiai."

Sasuke barked out a laugh.

The leader's dark eyes shone, then narrowed. "Both of you."

Fugaku's hips met Sakura's joyously as they came together that morning in union. Fugaku couldn't help smiling, his heart lifted every time he met Sakura's eyes or grin, or heard her happy gasp or sigh.

"What's gotten into you?" asked Sakura, laughing at Fugaku's enthusiastic kiss. "Definitely not complaining," she added, smoothing her hands down his chest.

"Things that I put off for too long I made a priority," said Fugaku, stroking Sakura's rear.

Tilting her head, Sakura looked at him carefully. "I'm happy for you. You seem much freer," she said after a moment. "Speaking of, would you like to go to the festival tonight?"

"Festival? In town?"

Tautening her body to fully enjoy the way Fugaku felt so deeply seated inside her, Sakura let her head fall back with a lusty moan. "Yes," she said, stretching the word out. "We could make up for that dinner we missed last night."

"Yesterday, dinner together in town was a bad thing," said Fugaku. His hips slowed as he watched Sakura's expression shifting. He gripped her hips gently, his pace relaxing.

"Yes," said Sakura, her touch on Fugaku's chest shifting, becoming hesitant. "But I don't want to keep sneaking around. I enjoy my time with you, Fugaku. I know it's unconventional, but I love our debates, we're considerate of each other's responsibilities, and, to be honest, this is the best sex I've ever had in my life."

Fugaku's shock must have shown in his eyes, for Sakura leaned down and kissed his lips reassuringly. "The earlier sex wasn't bad, but this," she said, stretching herself on him again and purring. "This is what I want to wake up to every day."

Words dried up in Fugaku's mouth at the honesty in Sakura's expression.

She sighed through her nose. "It was just a thought," she said, leaning back.

But Fugaku's hands lifted from Sakura's sides to cup her face.

"You want to have supper together, in public? You're... comfortable with being seen with me?"

"Of course," said Sakura, as if Fugaku was an idiot.

"You know what people will—"

"I am the Hokage's apprentice. I am the second most prominent nin in Konoha. And I am the best medic in all the nations," said Sakura. "I'm one of the top five most dangerous nin in the Bingo books, holder of the Yin seal, and also an adult. I know what it means, Fugaku."

Fugaku blinked, still taking in Sakura's words.

"The Hokage was very clear with me that we were to keep our relationship private," said Fugaku.

The spark that ignited behind Sakura's eyes inspired both longing and primal fear in Fugaku.

"I'll speak to her," said Sakura. She leaned forward and down to nuzzle Fugaku's throat. "If she says yes, will you come with me to the festival?"

Reaching down and behind her, Sakura began stretching and stroking Fugaku's sack, just the way he liked. Then she began moving her hips again in an enticing rhythm.

"If she gives permission, I'll give you anything," promised Fugaku with a thick voice, not completely coherent in his thoughts given how Sakura was handling him.

Sakura smiled down at him predatorily.

"Good boy," she praised. She was rewarded with a savage cock twitch inside her.

Setting down the cart of Tea country's most beloved and expensive late summer wine that afternoon, Sakura knocked on the door to the official Hokage residence then let herself in.

As expected, she found her mentor in the study, reading up on gambling strategy in politics.

"You come bearing gifts," said Tsunade, spying the casks Sakura had begun to stack inside the office.

More and more casks arrived and Sakura stacked each one neatly around the room, creating a pseudo-wall around the Hokage.

Tsunade's gaze had sharpened to ice picks by the time Sakura finished.

Shoving her chair out of the way, Tsunade stormed to Sakura and raised a glowing hand to her middle. Sakura firmly deflected the intrusive chakra, staring at her mentor hard.

"I'm not pregnant," said Sakura.

"Then what the Hell kind of apology is this?" demanded Tsunade.

Sakura lifted her chin.

"It's not an apology."

Tsunade's glare hardened.

Sakura handed her the first cask. "I want to go public."

Grabbing the wine, Tsunade turned away from Sakura and threw herself into her chair again.

"No wonder you brought so much."

Tsunade was quiet, too quiet, for a long minute.

Sakura stood her ground, waiting.

Finally, Tsunade sighed.

Sakura smiled.

TBC - Final chapter coming soon!

Chapter 4: Super Swimmer

It was a conditional acceptance, but Sakura would take it.

Reviewing the scroll Tsunade had given her, Sakura looked up at Fugaku. Her brows furrowed as he shifted in his seat. They sat, appearing to any others who happened to spy them, as doctor and patient. "What's wrong?"

"It's personal."

Sakura arched a brow.

Fugaku's glare was mild, and his cheeks reddened. "This isn't something I'm used to having an audience for."

Fugaku's scarred hand clenched the plastic specimen bottle with a frustrated grip.

Sakura thought about it and considered that for Fugaku's generation, there were definitely some more conservative aspects of his sexuality he may not be entirely ready to shake off. Hm. That wouldn't do if they were to adhere to Tsunade's list of requests.

Perhaps he needed some inspiration?

Glancing around her office at the hospital where she had summoned Fugaku to go over some 'test results', Sakura stood. She moved deliberately to each window, and, one at a time, began to slowly pull down each blind. Fugaku watched her, stoic until Sakura added a certain sway to her hips as she took her seat again.

Without missing a sensuous beat, she stretched her legs wide.

A slow smirk crossed Sakura's lips as, holding Fugaku's gaze, she brought a hand to the top clasp of her red-and-white top.

It popped open.

"...oops," she said innocently.

It was early afternoon when Sakura's guest alighted upon her apartment windowsill.

"Yo," greeted Kakashi. "No company this time?"

Sakura laughed at Kakashi.

"I warned you that one of these days you would end up with an eyeful if you insisted on coming at deliberately stubborn times."

"Ah." Kakashi rubbed the back of his head.

"Thank you for respecting his privacy," said Sakura. "I wasn't sure who else could be trusted."

Kakashi's eye-crease grin was a split-second late. Sakura's heart froze in her chest.

"These weren't shared with anyone, were they?"

"No," confirmed Kakashi, holdout out the scroll to Sakura. Sakura bit her tongue to hold back her question. Kakashi knew this was important.

Sakura let out a small sigh of relief.

Kakashi's shoulders relaxed as he watched her.

"You're going to do it, then?"

Sakura looked up, surprised. Her hands tensed on the scroll.

"Remember to keep your head up, no matter what," said Kakashi. "He is a clan head. It's his privilege to be associated with you. Use your swagger."

Sakura snorted, but her expression fell a bit at Kakashi's words. She looked down, pressing her lips together before letting out a long breath and looking up again.

"You anticipate trouble," said Sakura.

Kakashi shrugged, pocketing his hands.

"I know of two who will make it into a joke." Rocking back on his feet a moment, Kakashi tipped his head at Sakura. "Make sure you put them in their place first, so the rest toe the line."

Narrowing her eyes, Sakura looked up at Kakashi. When he didn't avoid her gaze, she relaxed again.

"Swagger huh?" she asked. She tapped the scroll against her chin a second before her eyes lit up in understanding.

Kakashi grinned at her from behind his mask.

In town that morning, Itachi and Sasuke presented themselves to Tenten's weaponry forge.

"Polished up," said Itachi, handing over the package—

—to his ANBU subordinate, Hyuuga Neji.

There was a tense silence that stretched between them. And kept going.

"Tenten's on a mission?" asked Naruto, who had Joined Itachi and Sasuke for their errands pre-festival.

Neji nodded, accepting the now-famous Get-Along Shackles from his commanding officer. Neji had only rarely met Uchiha Fugaku, but he noted the man's subtly cruel tactic of making his sons deliver their own punishment for upgrading. And the Uchihas, finding their rival clan there to meet them, had to be adding insult to injury for Sasuke and Itachi. Yes, Neji had to admit that Fugaku had a special kind of cruelty and discipline in him to so publicly shame his own children.

Then again, Neji had heard through Tenten, who'd heard from Ino and Hinata, who'd heard from Sakura herself, that Sasuke and Itachi had overstayed their welcome in Sakura's good graces. It was why Neji wasn't entirely surprised to find Naruto with them. Many others underestimated Naruto. Neji had a feeling that Naruto was not-so-subtly guiding the Uchihas around to ensure they didn't bother Sakura more than necessary that day, as they would be without their shackles.

"It's nice of you to mind the store while she's away," said Naruto, smiling at Neji.

"She is a master at her trade. I learn whenever I assist her," said Neji. He weighed the chains and made a note on a ledger. "Return date?" he asked.

"Four o'clock," said Itachi.

"Our minimum is twenty-four hours," informed Neji, unperturbed.

"That won't do," said Itachi.

The awkward silence returned.

"Do you have, uh, loaners?" asked Naruto, trying to be helpful.

The gods had smiled upon him twice that day, and Neji kept his face impassive as he nodded.

"... I will by four," promised the Hyuuga.

Itachi wasn't sure he liked the faint gleam that lit his subordinate's eyes.

It wasn't soon after that Naruto's mediation skills were put to the test.

"Hey Sakura," greeted Naruto.

The small group met at a fruit stall in the street market near Sakura's side of town. Sakura's smile wavered as she took in the pair of Uchihas behind Naruto, but she relaxed as Naruto took the lead.

"Hey," Sakura said, smiling back at Naruto. "You three out running errands?"

"Yeah. Helping these two get along," said Naruto.

Sasuke glared at Naruto while Itachi took the opportunity to step forward. "Hello Sakura. Are you coming to the festival tonight?"

"I am, actually. You three?"

"We're all going," said Naruto, interrupting Itachi's game. "Hinata said Ino was coming over to help her with her furisode."

"It's going to be beautiful, Naruto," promised Sakura, her face brightening. "We were with her when she first tried it on."

Naruto's grin was so goofy and happy it made Sakura smile.

"I'll see you there tonight," said Sakura. "I need to finish my shopping. See you later!"

"Are you going with anyone tonight?" called Sasuke.

"Yes!" called Sakura over her shoulder.

Itachi and Sasuke stiffened.

"Who?" asked Sasuke.

"Is it someone we know?" asked Naruto, confused.

Sakura waved at them, dodging through the crowd. "Yes, you know him. He's an old...er friend."

With that, Sakura hurried away.

"Huh," said Naruto, watching Sakura go. "I wonder who that could be." He shrugged. "Guess we'll see tonight! All right, what's left on the list?" he asked, turning to the Uchihas.

"Uh, guys?"

But Naruto's companions had turned to face each other, their eyes bleeding red.

"Guys...?"

With her hair swept up into a graceful updo, Sakura put the finishing touches on her makeup late that afternoon in front of her mirror. Her pastel-coloured furisode suited her fair, natural complexion, and she had a warm wrap around her shoulders to help ward off the evening chill, as she expected the night would be a long one.

Well, hopefully , it would be a long one.

That depended a bit on whether things went according to plan.

Checking herself one last time in the mirror, she gave herself a smile. Her eyes sharpened with determination.

"Showtime."

Kakashi met Sakura near the festival entrance, Pakkun by his feet.

"You dressed up," remarked Sakura happily.

Kakashi chuckled.

"Pakkun convinced me," said Kakashi, offering an elbow to Sakura.

Sakura laughed and looped her arm through Kakashi's. He was one of the very few who knew about her relationship with Fugaku.

"Are you meeting your date inside?" asked Kakashi as they meandered down the main boulevard. Above them, lanterns hung at regular intervals. They would be lit closer to dusk, and provided both a dash of colour and a warm sense of nostalgia as the pair of ninja made their way through the crowds, buskers, and merchant stands. Sakura purchased a bag of fried dough treats to nibble on, while Kakashi chose fried squid on a stick.

"Yes. He's chaperoning the boys on their first omiai."

Kakashi choked on his squid, and almost crashed into the back of the person ahead of him.

"Did I forget to mention that earlier?" asked Sakura serenely, patting Kakashi's back.

"No wonder you've been so calm," remarked Kakashi.

"Hmmm," murmured Sakura.

As they walked together, Kakashi noticed the way the Uchihas in the crowd would look at Sakura and bow their heads slightly in greeting. Sakura returned the nod with her own and a smile, greeting many of them by name.

Some of the children, with uchiwa fans emblazoned on their shirtsleeves or the backs of their jackets, also waved to Sakura as they ran through the throngs of festival-goers.

Behind his mask, Kakashi smiled fondly.

It was half an hour or so later that Kakashi and Sakura paused to purchase cups of warm rice wine, that they heard the faint clanking of rusty chains.

Sakura blinked, looking up from paying the wine seller, the money caught in her hand as she spied the source of the noise.

"Oh," deadpanned Kakashi.

Oh, agreed Inner Sakura with a distinct cringe.

Itachi, Sasuke and Fugaku came to a gradual halt before Kakashi and Sakura, in all their rusty, blood-splattered, T&I cast-off chained glory.

"The Get-Along Shackles are in the shop," stated Sasuke coldly.

"These are the loaners," added Itachi.

Sakura's nose twitched. She recognized the scent of old blood, just as well, if not moreso, than every other ninja at the festival. The noise the chains made was one thing, but the overtly disgusting nature of them, coupled with the nasty scents, were driving people away from their small group.

"You may want to hose those down. Maybe give them a dip in the fountain," said Pakkun from Kakashi's feet. He snort-sneezed. "Or burn them. Burning may get rid of the smell."

"Mmmm," agreed Sakura, subtly turning her face away from the filthy chains. She paid the wine seller and gratefully drank deeply from her cup a moment before turning back to the Uchihas.

"Good afternoon, Sakura," said Fugaku.

Sakura smiled back at him fondly. "Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Fit as a fiddle."

"Thanks to you," said Sasuke, breaking into the conversation again.

"Thank you very much for looking after Father," added Itachi.

"It was my pleasure," said Sakura.

Sakura tore her eyes away from Fugaku for a moment to glance at Itachi and Sasuke, and was surprised to see their Sharingan flickering in their eyes as they glared at Kakashi.

Sakura's brows knit together.

"Is something wrong?"

"Very," chuckled Kakashi, clearly amused.

"We know what you've been up to," said Sasuke, staring down Kakashi.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, taking advantage of your student," added Itachi.

Sakura, in the middle of drinking her wine, half-choked.

"What?" she coughed.

"It's okay, Sakura. We won't let him take things any further," promised Sasuke.

Sakura's eyebrows rose a fraction before she burst out laughing.

"I'm not seeing Kakashi. I'm here at the festival with someone else," said Sakura.

At that, Fugaku stepped forward, a small gift in his hand.

"For you," he said quietly to Sakura, taking her wine.

Giving Fugaku a small smile, Sakura opened the beautiful box to find an ornate, hand-carved hair comb inside. It was a work of art, and Sakura's eyes warmed at the care that had gone into its design and rendering. In the same box was an uchiwa fan pendant, which Fugaku also clasped around Sakura's throat.

"It's beautiful," whispered Sakura, touching it delicately.

"Hn," agreed Fugaku, gently fixing the comb in Sakura's hair.

Itachi and Sasuke watched in confusion as Sakura allowed their father to touch her intimately, stroking her cheek and hair before kissing her lips.

And Sakura seemed happy about it.

More than, as she deepened the kiss when Fugaku tried to pull away. Sakura's hands tightened in Fugaku's happi coat as she slowly lowered from her toes down onto her feet again, a pleased flush to her cheeks.

A glow to his own cheeks now, Fugaku turned to Kakashi and extended his hand.

"Thank you for escorting Sakura to the festival, I'll take it from here," said Fugaku to Kakashi. Kakashi nodded and shook Fugaku's hand while Sakura looped her arm through Fugaku's other elbow.

"Have fun," said Kakashi, waving at them.

"Please ensure the boys don't cause too much trouble," sighed Fugaku, leaving Sasuke and Itachi with Kakashi.

"Piece of cake," said Kakashi.

"Wait a second," said Sasuke, dazed. Fugaku and Sakura melted into the crowd, leaning into each other and laughing.

"Did our father hire you to babysit us?" asked Itachi, voice faint.

"You're considered a D-rank mission," confessed Kakashi.

"I think my Sharingan's suddenly defective," said Sasuke to Itachi.

"We've ingested some kind of narcotic," agreed Itachi. "It is obviously affecting us."

Kakashi's good humour slipped a bit as the young men glared at him.

"We need medical assistance right away," declared Itachi.

"And Sakura and Father may, too," added Sasuke.

Kakashi's brow rose.

"... You two are not the sharpest kunai in the pouch tonight."

It was as Fugaku and Sakura were dancing later that evening that the whispering made it to their ears. Fugaku had just leaned down to kiss Sakura when a shocked gasp erupted from the crowd.

"How disgraceful!"

And it begins, thought Sakura.

When the first few eyes looked away from Sakura's, Sakura accepted that the remark had been directed at herself and Fugaku.

His hands on Sakura's waist, Fugaku looked up but continued dancing, aware but not overly bothered.

Sakura squeezed Fugaku's hand and shoulder, letting him know she knew what was going on.

"You should be ashamed of yourself!"

That voice was much closer and clearer.

Lifting her chin, Sakura looked straight into the eyes of the individual who had dared to insult herself and Fugaku.

"May I ask what your problem with me is this evening, Kurosawa-san?" asked Sakura, clearly enunciating the man's name.

"Oh, not with you, Saku—"

Sakura pinned the man with her clear, fierce eyes. "You may address me by my title, Haruno-sensei, chief medical officer of Konoha General Hospital, Special Jounin, and subordinate only to our esteemed Hokage, Senju Tsunade herself," stated Sakura clearly, and loud enough to carry. With her shoulders straight and her temper rising, she lifted her chin. "And I demand to know what you think you're doing, interrupting my date this evening!"

Kurosawa-san paled, licking his lips as he forced a smile. "I only meant to imply that it was unseemly that a man of Uchiha-dono's years should—"

Sakura's even voice rose higher in volume, though around her the crowds had quieted nearly to a whisper. She and Fugaku had become the center of attention, and Sakura was putting Kakashi's advice to good use.

Still dancing with Fugaku, Sakura continued her public address. "Fugaku," Sakura used his first name publicly, deliberately to reinforce the intimate nature of their relationship, "is obviously exactly what I'd like him to be, where I invited him, personally, to be, and where I expect he will remain until we decide otherwise. And that place is precisely none of your business, Kurosawa-san. Unless you feel you know better than I, the Hokage's apprentice, do?"

Sakura held Kurosawa's eyes until the man turned away. "Of course not. My apologies, Haruno-sensei."

Nodding at him, Sakura returned her attention to Fugaku.

"You were saying," she said, smiling at him triumphantly.

The pleased, proud, loving gleam in Fugaku's eyes swept away whatever lingering doubt Sakura's heartfelt tirade hadn't stomped out.

"You're magnificent," whispered Fugaku, leaning down to Sakura's ear and kissing her cheek.

Smiling into Fugaku's throat, Sakura let out a small breath.

"If we're going to be together, I need to remember to use my swagger," said Sakura.

Fugaku's laugh burst out of him joyfully.

"I support your swagger," he said, grinning at her.

As they leaned away to smile at each other, Sakura felt the warm tingle in her belly that always seemed to come from spending time with Fugaku. Against her tummy she felt him reacting, too.

Biting her lip, Sakura looked up at Fugaku to meet his fond eyes.

A split second later, the whole village fell away as their lips found each other and they shared their first kiss that wasn't hidden behind closed doors.

Several days later, a very exhausted medical staff shooed Itachi and Sasuke out of the hospital and told them to just go home.

"Obviously the staff need more training," said Sasuke.

"Congratulations!" called a voice from their left.

They paid it no mind, assuming the comment was intended for someone else.

"Hn," agreed Itachi. "Something strange has happened. The staff had been above reproach prior to this."

"It's crazy, but I'm so happy for your dad," said another voice, this time from their right.

Itachi and Sasuke shook their heads at all the strange street chatter that morning and continued on their way to the Uchiha District.

"Well, they ran every conceivable test on us. If there was anything at all wrong, they would have found it," said Sasuke, as they approached their home.

"Oh boys, good, you're back," said one of their fellow clansmen.

Sasuke and Itachi paused, turning to the man. They were only a few meters from home.

"In order to assist you with your omiai meetings, your father arranged for each of you to move into your own homes. Also, he collected your, er, mediation accessory, and advised that it was no longer required."

Sasuke blinked while Itachi stared.

"The Get-Along Shackles are done?"

"Yes," said the clansman. "Please come with me and I'll show you to your new homes. Your father had your things moved in while you were away..."

"They asked why I installed a hot tub," said Fugaku.

Sakura chuckled as the steam rose around them. It was late one night, several weeks post-festival, and she had joined Fugaku at the Uchiha District to relax. Curled into Fugaku's side with his arm around her to hold her close, Sakura shook her head a little. She had to admit, the hot tub had been a wonderful investment. Since Fugaku had begun shifting the clan duties to Itachi, he had been much happier and less stressed, too. His appearance had improved, his blood pressure had dropped down to a ridiculously healthy level, and he had taken up gardening and cooking more actively. Some meals were better than others, but it was a definite improvement in Fugaku's self-care routine, and Sakura was happy to see him happier and more relaxed and confident again. He was no longer morose or isolated and joined other clan members in the District, and outside it, socially.

"Sasuke mentioned that he thought I was seeing someone," added Fugaku.

"That's a step in the right direction, albeit a small one," said Sakura dryly.

It was Fugaku's turn to chuckle.

"I think that Sasuke may be handling things better than Itachi," admitted Fugaku. "He saw the changes in our bedroom and the altar. He mentioned Naruto's guess. I think he's reached the bargaining stage. He'll come around. Itachi is the one who is moving toward anger."

Remembering how Itachi had reached out to her recently, Sakura nodded. ("It's immoral, Sakura. We're far better suited." "If you insult my intelligence one more time, I'm having you court-martialled for failing to adhere to our Hokage's direct order." "But we can change, we can be what you need. Is this only temporary? Is it to make us jealous?")

"Then the only stages we'll need to wait for them to finish will be depression, where they'll deal with their feelings of insecurity. Your sons aren't used to not being picked for a team, Fugaku," said Sakura.

Fugaku sighed. "If their weight shifts radically or they lose all focus in their training, we'll get them a session with a mind-healer."

"How are the omiai going?"

Fugaku shrugged. "They're playing along, to a degree. They do have standards. They're just..."

Sakura rubbed her head against Fugaku's shoulder. "Yeah, I get it."

"You're a tough act to follow," he said, leaning down to kiss her head.

"Well, so are you."

Fugaku eyed Sakura strangely.

Sakura nearly rolled her eyes in exasperation. "They see you and see that you've had wonderful, loving and respectful relationships. Of course they have standards. Of course they want such relationships, too. They respect you, Fugaku. They yearn for the happiness and success that you've shown them is possible. They want to show you that they can find it, too, and that they can accomplish what you have." Shaking her head, Sakura added, "They love you and want to be like you, Fugaku."

Fugaku stared down at Sakura for a full minute, processing her words, his emotions passing in waves across his face.

"They want you to be proud of them, too," said Sakura.

Fugaku took a deep breath and let it out slowly, before pulling Sakura into his lap in the hot tub and hugging her tightly, chest to chest.

"Thank you," said Fugaku, voice thick with emotion.

Sakura hugged him back just as tightly.

"Well, the good news is," the wedding arranger announced the next day, "that you are both fully capable of fathering children."

"Wait, they checked that, too?" asked Sasuke, two points of colour appearing high on his cheeks.

"It's an important factor in an omiai, and yes, they did." The wedding arranger looked at his folder, flipping through several pages. "Your sperm counts are not as high or potent as your father's, but they'll do just fine."

Itachi choked while Sasuke grabbed for the table as the lightheadedness kicked in, darkening the edges of his vision.

"I'm sorry?" repeated Itachi with a slight wheeze.

"No, don't say it again," begged Sasuke, shaking his hand.

"Like you boys, your father provided a sperm sample fairly recently. It's my understanding the Hokage requested he be checked to ensure he could continue the line in case either of you could not. His sample is being preserved in case of future need."

"Future need?" repeated Itachi, paling.

"Please stop, we don't need to know more," said Sasuke. He coughed to clear the burning blockage that had started to surge up his throat.

"Well, it was important to protect the continuation of the clan. Luckily, your father's sample was quite voluminous. At least four times what you submitted, combined," added the wedding arranger. "Super hearty swimmers, your dad has. Like they were trying to make everything they touched pregnant."

"That's impossible," said Itachi. "How?"

Sasuke gradually turned green around the gills. "Please, no, for the love of God—"

"Well, like you two, he would have provided a sample in a cup. I believe his was retrieved directly at the hospital. It was a record sample size. Don't let it get around, but the staff had to find a bigger container."

"I need to unhear everything in this conversation," said Sasuke, curling into the fetal position on his chair and covering his ears. From his pocket a book slipped out to tumble to the floor, Sai's Dating Guide for Dummies and Emotionless Bastards .

Immune to Sasuke's distress, the wedding arranger continued on, unphased. "But who knows, maybe we won't even need it."

Itachi froze. "You don't mean—"

"Oh yeah," laughed the wedding arranger, making a note on one of his forms. "All those fireballs we keep seeing at night? Your father and his lady friend are enjoying a vigorously healthy sexual lifestyle. It's amazing they haven't conceived already! Maybe you'll have a younger sister or brother joining you soon."

Itachi stared at the wedding arranger in horror as Sasuke passed out and fell off his chair.

From high above, Mikoto shook her head. Poor baby, Sasuke was so much more sensitive than people realized.

Beside Mikoto, Minato and Kushina watched on, offering condolences and sympathy to Itachi and Sasuke. Mikoto shrugged gracefully.

"They'll get through it," said Mikoto.

"Still, it's wonderful to see them all enjoying their lives," said Minoto. "This may be good for them."

"Fugaku could have done a lot worse," admitted Mikoto.

"Literally anyone other than you, Tsunade or Sakura would have been a step down. Fugaku has excellent taste," said Kushina. Mikoto nodded, smiling at her friend's support.

"Hey, how's Naruto doing?" asked Minato hopefully.

The trio looked down to see Hinata doing everything in her power to woo Naruto, to no avail. He slapped her back and told her he was glad to see her progress, and maybe she and her team could join him and his team for ramen sometime!

"... He takes after you, honey," said Kushina.

"Excellent!" Minato grinned happily.

From behind Minato, Kushina and Mikoto looked at each other knowingly.

THE END

Chapter 5: Special Epilogue!

Chapter Text

Daisuke heard the reminder chime for his next appointment and sighed, rolling his shoulders back. The familiar knocks on his door sounded a second later, right on time.

… Unfortunately.

Like perfectly symmetrical clockwork, the pair of Uchiha entered at his call right on time and seated themselves on their designated couches—one each, after that first meeting, definitely one each—for their latest round of sibling therapy.

"Good to see you again, Itachi, Sasuke," said Daisuke, nodding to them. "Tell me, what's new with each of you this week? Any exciting developments? Sasuke, I remember last week you were going to start dating again. How was your trip to Suna? Did you meet anyone new?"

"We had dinner and returned to her place," said Sasuke.

"Wow, that's a very strong step forward," said Daisuke, nodding at Sasuke. "So it sounds like it went well at dinner. Emotionally, how did it feel to be out in the field again? Did you feel any hesitation, vulnerability, or perhaps overconfidence…"

"None. But it was a short visit. We found we were incompatible very quickly," said Sasuke.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But it sounds like you both communicated your boundaries clearly, and—"

Itachi's sniff of derision had Sasuke's hackles rising.

"Yes, Itachi?" asked Daisuke, praying the despair he felt did not come out in his words.

Itachi just gave Sasuke A Look, and Sasuke's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing at his brother.

"Was there more, Sasuke?" Daisuke looked back at Sasuke. "I think Itachi's suggesting that maybe there's a bit more to this that we could dive into."

"Not particularly," said Sasuke, voice terse.

Itachi's soft exhale disagreed.

Sasuke's dark eyes flashing red had Daisuke's internal alarms sounding off, and from under his desk, he lifted his knee closer to the Uchiha Panic Button he'd installed after that First Meeting.

"Well, let's look at it a little closer, just to make sure it's nothing serious. You said dinner went well, and you joined your company at her place. Then what happened? Tea? Coffee? Wine?... too much wine?... Was… was anyone hurt, Sasuke?"

"Of course not!"

Itachi's cough set Sasuke off, who immediately leapt up and glared at him full on, fists bunched.

"Itachi," chastised Daisuke. "This is Sasuke's time and it's his choice what he shares."

"Then he should explain what really happened," said Itachi, completely at ease on His Sofa.

Glancing at his clock as subtly as he could, Daisuke took a calming breath and forcefully relaxed in his seat. He could do it. They'd had so many breakthroughs. The only time this group really struggled was…

Oh.

Not again.

"Sasuke, whatever happened, as long as no one was hurt, it's fine. I promise," said Daisuke. "I know you would never harm someone unless it was Itachi or mission-related, and this was your private time. You have so much more self-control than most give you credit for. This is a safe place to share. And Itachi knows what happens here stays here. This is where we come together to help each other. It's not weakness, it's strategy building," finished Daisuke.

His back stiff but straightening, Sasuke nodded after a half-beat and shrugged back into his seat, his chin stubborn and tucked lower than usual. Oh boy, it was going to be a doozy.

"What happened?" asked Daisuke gently.

"We had tea. We talked. We went to her room," began Sasuke, curt.

"All very normal here." Daisuke smiled.

"We began to get intimate—" Sasuke said, tensing.

Here it comes , thought Daisuke.

"—and when I asked if she was into cosplay, she was enthusiastic—"

Daisuke forced himself to keep nodding patiently.

"—initially…"

Uh huh , thought Daisuke.

"—and the medic outfit went over really well, she liked the short skirt, and the red looked really good on her," added Sasuke, coming around a bit before his words trailed off.

Daisuke's words were soft, encouraging. "And then?"

"... then she was less enthusiastic when I gave her the wig. I offered to henge her hair so she wouldn't have to worry about it coming off at a bad time, but I suppose it wasn't a good idea to date one of the medical exchange students who'd studied under Konoha's leading doctor."

"Hmmmm," agreed Daisuke, aiming for sympathy and wondering how a young man had gone from prodigy to Just Plain Stupid. "So she was enthusiastic about being with you, but wanting to remain herself, a little bit more than trying to be someone else?"

"Ah," said Sasuke.

"Still, this was an excellent exercise! It sounds like she liked you for who you were," said Daisuke. Miracles did happen. "Is there anything you think you need to talk about further for this experience?"

"No, not really," said Sasuke.

"Maybe waiting until later in the relationship to bring out the cosplay? Or maybe seeing a woman for who she is, instead of trying to change her?" tried Daisuke.

"No, I think my strategy is sound. It's just practice until I get back into the real field again," said Sasuke confidently.

Daisuke stared at him before drawing a scratch through the Progress? -tab at the top of the page.

"Glad we worked through this one," said Daisuke, forlorn. Adding a few notes to his notepad, Daisuke turned to Itachi. The passive-aggressive elder Uchiha sibling was… practically preening. Oh kami, what had he done now…

"So, how was your week, Itachi? Have you been out dating, too? It's something we've been working on for the last,"— two years —"bit or so. How's it coming? Have you met any young men or women that caught your eye?"

"I went on several successful date-missions this week," announced Itachi.

"Date… missions… "

"All in the evening, in the restaurant district," added Itachi.

Daisuke nodded, checking his notes, and the ones he'd received from another of his patients. "Were these 'date-missions' all around the restaurants near the hospital employee entrance, between seven-thirty and eight-thirty?" he asked Itachi curiously.

"They were."

"That's a very specific locale. Was there a particular reason they were all in that location?"

"Excellent food and close to medical assistance if it was necessary."

"But you're Uchiha Itachi, why would medical assistance be necessary?"

"Accidents happen."

Daisuke nodded, lips pressed together.

"I see several of your dates had unfortunate accidents last week."

"Yes, it was terrible. Luckily we were near the hospital."

"As planned," muttered Sasuke.

"I see a choking hazard, an allergy—funny, that restaurant is so careful—, and… a poisoning."

"It was most unfortunate."

Daisuke was staring at Itachi in horror while Sasuke sulked beside him.

"There was an accidental poisoning, in that district in Konoha, right outside the hospital," repeated Daisuke.

"I rushed my date to the emergency room as soon as possible. Luckily the staff poison expert was on hand at that time to assist personally—"

Oh my god.

"And as my date was recovering overnight in the hospital, I was able to escort the attending physician to her place of residence to ensure that my date would receive excellent care the next day, also."

"... did you escort the good doctor back to the hospital the next day?"

"Of course, I needed my date to know I cared about their recovery personally."

Daisuke made furious notes on his notepad, circling several keywords— threat to the public, highly intelligent, psychopathic tendencies, etc.—, before turning back to Itachi. "So, any second dates lined up? It sounds like you had a busy week."

"Unfortunately, no."

"Hmmm," said Daisuke sympathetically. The poor souls probably wanted to live.

"Well, maybe plan a different… kind of date would work better next time," said Daisuke, very, very carefully. He felt eyes burning into him and glanced up over his notepad.

Itachi was watching him. Itachi knew. Itachi knew Daisuke knew.

Daisuke felt a shiver shimmy down his spine and forced a calm smile Itachi's way.

"Perhaps," said Itachi mildly.

The curiosity in his tone did not bode well for his next victim—er, date.

Glancing at the time, Daisuke adjusted himself in his seat and leaned forward, steepling his hands and resting his elbows on his knees. Now for the big news.

"It's come to my attention that you both have other good news to share. It's not entirely your news, of course, but is there anything you'd like to talk about surrounding it?"

"Nothing comes to mind," said Itachi.

"No, nothing," added Sasuke.

"Really? You're all quite close. I meant about Sakura. Uchiha Sakura."

"You mean my teammate, Haruno Sakura, expecting? We're really happy for Sakura. Naruto and I are going to be the best surrogate co-fathers," said Sasuke. "We're already planning her daughter's training regime."

"ANBU, also, have been making accommodations for Sakura's condition. We have begun preparing a special nursery for her daughter in the T&I department, so Sakura can be on-site with her as soon as she's ready. We know the first months are very important and everyone has been trained in infant CPR and massage. We want Sakura and her daughter to feel at home when she's supporting T&I efforts."

Lacing his fingers together, Daisuke nodded. "Those are excellent strategies. Let's remember that we're supposed to refer to Sakura as your step-mother now, though, right? We've been working on that for the last few months,"—flipping!year!—"and we need to respect her boundaries. How does it feel to know you're both going to have a new baby sister soon?"

"Daughter," said Sasuke and Itachi in unison.

"Sister," gently corrected Daisuke. "Remember, when she and your father had their wedding?"

"No," said Sasuke immediately.

"Don't recall," added Itachi.

Daisuke's knuckles were white as he swallowed and tried again.

"And how is your father taking things? He looks so happy when I see him at the market or out shopping with Sakura. Have you two been home recently for meals together? Has he spoken to you about how things may change when he and Sakura bring their daughter home? What are your plans to help?"

"Naruto and I are both taking paternal leaves to help Sakura at home," said Sasuke. "Naruto and his clones have been practicing putting diapers on stray cats, and once the skin on his arms regrows, we think we'll have a good routine. I have been focused on maternal and infant nutrition." His eyes flared red with the Sharingan. "I memorized every nutritional value for every food available within a thousand kilometers of Konoha and every recipe for post-partum nutrition from the Konoha library."

"That sounds incredibly supportive of you, Sasuke. I'm very proud to hear you have made your team such a big part of your life."

"My family," corrected Sasuke, holding Daisuke's gaze with his red one.

"It…," Daisuke sighed. "It sure feels that way, doesn't it?"

As their session time was nearing an end, Daisuke turned to Itachi. "And you, Itachi? This will be your second round of big brotherhood. What are your plans?"

Forever calm, Itachi considered Daisuke's words.

"I made reservations for my father and me at the restaurant by the hospital. To congratulate him," said Itachi.

The chime went off, signaling the end of their session and both Itachi and Sasuke stood.

But Daisuke's mouth was dry as he looked up at the brothers.

"Ah-ha-ha-haaa," forced Daisuke, his blood running cold. "Really? Well, that's very good. I'm sure it will go splendidly. Hopefully, that medic will be available nearby in case anything happens!"

"Perhaps... or not," said Itachi.

The door closed behind them and Daisuke was left pondering his notes. Before long he picked up the phone and dialed.

"Yes… Yes… no, I think you're right… No, completely not safe… Correct… You're welcome. Take care."

Fugaku hung up the phone and looked at Sakura.

"How'd it go?" asked Sakura.

"They both think they're the father."

Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Those idiots."