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Author's Note: Hello, my lovelies! I would like to thank once again everyone for the love and support you have given me over the years for this story. I don't know about you, but I'll be happy when this story is finally finished. I have more stories to tell after this, including requests from some of you. Alright, let's get move on to the next chapter.

Warnings:

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Chapter 114: Sasuke's Letter

Normal P.O.V.

"Dobe, will you stop bouncing on the couch. You're making me nauseous," groaned Sasuke as he leaned over the side of the couch.

"I'm sorry, babe, but I can't help being so excited! I mean look at us! We're not only going to be parents, but we're also having twins! That's two babies! Two times the fun, and twice the personality!"

"And twice the headache," And twice the headache. Sasuke and Kurama sighed in unison.

"Oh hush, you two. I can't wait to tell my parents! I wonder if I can take the sonogram into my subconscious?"

"Are you high? No, you can't take something physical into your subconscious plain. Now would you please go bring me some anti-nausea medication and a glass of water? I would like to lay down for a nap before my appointment,"

"Aw, someone's grumpy, but it's ok. I'll just blame it on your natural attitude and the babies," said Naruto as his smile grew wider. After a while, the blond fox returned to his sick mate with the items he requested, "You know what sucks?"

"Being pregnant?"

"No, I think that's the best feeling in the world!"

"Maybe for you, but then again, you'll never experience it,"

"True. No, what sucks is that I can't come with you to your appointments. I have to work, which is ridiculously stupid,"

"You're the only one who can bring income into our household, so tough it out buttercup. It's only going to get worse when you become Hokage,"

"What do you mean?"

"What do you mean, what do I mean? You're going to be too busy being Hokage to worry about me and our family. That's what I'm here for, to protect and raise our children while you take care of and protect all of us. Please tell me you knew that,"

"Of course, I did! But if you think that I'm going to miss out on raising and being there for our family, then you've got another thing coming.

Growing up, I didn't have anyone there for me, besides Kurama for the first seven years of my life. Old Man Third did alright, and Iruka-sensei did his best, and I'll never forget the bond and mini family that Kakashi-sensei, Sakura-chan, you, and I formed, but it was never the same. I didn't have my real parents to run to whenever I needed someone, and it sucked. I will forever be grateful for the people who were there for me, and the friends I made along the way. It's just that a hole in my heart never healed, even after meeting them. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's awesome that their chakra signatures merged with mine to create figments in my subconscious, but it's not the same. I'm sure you understand. You had a family when you were little. You remember what it was like,"

"Yeah, I do understand what you mean. Even now, I sometimes remember what things were like before that night the village forced Itachi's hand. Before everything got out of hand. And, yeah, there are sometimes when I wish I could hug my mother, and brother, and hear my father say that he was proud of me one last time. But they're gone now, and I'm left with only their memories. I know that it must be worse for you, Naruto,"

"I don't know honestly. Since I only recently got to know them, I often wonder which is worst, losing someone who you've met and loved, or never having one in the first place,"

"I... can't answer that. But if I had to pick one, I'd say never knowing. At least I understood what a family was supposed to be like. I couldn't imagine knowing. I'm sorry,"

"Hey, it's alright, babe. Don't worry about it. I may not have had a true family growing up, but I have one now. You, our twins, and me. We'll be the perfect family." Naruto smiled as he placed his hand on top of Sasuke's somewhat hardened and rounded stomach, "Just promise not to be so hard on me when I royally screw things up from time to time,"

"I can't promise that, but I will be there every step of the way to make sure you don't fuck things up too much," chuckled the raven.

"Oh shit! I'm late!" Naruto shouted, jumped up, kissed Sasuke, and practically ran out the door. "I'll be home hopefully by dinner time! I love you!"

"Yeah, yeah," Sasuke smiled as he watched his mate run out of their apartment with his hand on his stomach, "I love you too,"

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Not long after Naruto left the apartment Sasuke got dressed for his appointment. He dressed in his most comfortable thermal leggings and one of Naruto's long-sleeve shirts before throwing on his boots and cloak. Today was particularly chilly out, and Sasuke felt extra cold for an unknown reason.

Along the way, he met up with Ino who gushed over his new pregnancy. After his first appointment, about a week ago, the raven knew that his pregnancy wouldn't stay a secret for much longer. So, he decided to vaguely talk about it without openly disclosing the truth. Which led to his amusement from a frustrated Ino during their walk to the hospital.

After they arrived, he silently thanked the pink-haired bunny for saving him before she escorted him to his examination room. The entire process took at least an hour, to a disgruntled feline's displeasure. Eventually, his answers to questions became either grunts or short phrases.

"You know, Sasuke-kun, this process would go a lot faster if you do better with your corporation," she giggled.

"Hn."

"See, just like that. Luckily for you, we're done for the day. You did very well, by the way,"

"Thanks," he said as he stood up and readjusted his clothing.

"How's Naruto handling the news? Is he still in shock?"

"No. In fact, I can't keep him from bouncing off the walls and giving me motion sickness,"

"I figured as much. That man can take his excitement to the next level, that's for sure," When he didn't say anything, she continued, "So, have you done anything baby related? Like started shopping? Clean the house, pick out names? You're already 9 weeks and 5 days. I would have thought Naruto would have pushed you to start preparing already,"

"He's tried, believe me. But I… don't think I'm ready just yet,"

"What do you mean?"

"All of this is a lot. It's almost too much actually. I mean, it was different when it happened the first time. I made the hardest decision of my left and aborted our first child. It left me feeling empty. And every day I must live with that feeling. But now, I feel full. I feel like I have a bigger purpose in this life. And… it scares me… more than I'd like to admit," he sighed.

Sensing the omega's distress, Sakura placed a calming hand on his shoulder as she let out her alpha pheromones. Although not as protenant or pleasant as Naruto's, it helped calm him down somewhat.

"It's going to be alright, Sasuke-kun. I may not know what you're going through, but I do know one thing. Those kids, right here," she smiled as she placed a hand over his stomach, "are going to have some of the best parents in the world. You may not see it now, but things will turn out alright. I promise,"

At that moment, Sasuke wasn't sure if she could really trust what Sakura said. But her reassuring smile and the comforting aura she gave off were enough to make him believe for the moment. Suddenly, the raven placed his hand on to of hers and squeezed it, making her smile widen slightly.

"Thank you," he whispered.

He was about to leave the room when she stopped him. Sasuke -kun, wait," he slowly turned around and gave her his full attention, "I know things are a bit crazy right now, but I got you something. Here," she shocked him as she thrust a bag in front of him.

"What is it?"

"A gift. Open it," Sasuke looked into the bag before he reached inside and pulled out a notebook, "It's a journal. I figured writing might help you through all of this when no one else can't. Maybe you could even start off with a letter to the kids? I don't know, I'm just throwing out some ideas here, but yeah. Figured it will do ya some good," she smiled.

Again, he looked down at the notebook and flipped it over a few times before he put it back into the bag. "Thanks," nodded Sasuke before he finally left the hospital.

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On his way back home, Sasuke decided to do some grocery shopping. They were running low on a few things, and he didn't feel like waiting for Naruto to get home. So, he went to one of the few stores that managed not to hate his guts after the war.

It didn't take long for him to finish, especially when certain smells made him sick. He paid cash for the items and exited the store. As he approached the next block, Sasuke heard someone call out his name.

"Yo! Sasuke!" The man in question was Suigetsu. Alongside him were Jugo and Karin. "What's up, man? How the hell have you been?"

"Fine,"

"C'mon man, don't lie. I know that you're more than fine,"

"Let me guess, you've heard about my "supposed" secret from either a certain blond,"

"No, quite the contrary. It was his cousin,"

Onyx eyes turned to face a shy, embarrassed red-haired beta fox. "Sorry, Sasuke-kun. Suigetsu overheard a secret conversation between the girls and me, and told Jugo. Thank the Heavens that he's not liked enough to tell anyone else," she sighed.

"It's alright. Your cousin is no better. As you can tell, he's too excited to contain it much longer. I'm actually surprised the entire village doesn't know yet,"

"Oh, I'm pretty sure they do. I wouldn't count your chickens too soon. There are more people that know than you think,"

"Sasuke," called Jugo, "be careful. You still have a lot of enemies out there. Naruto is no different. Please let us know if you ever need anything, especially in your vulnerable state,"

"Oh please, everyone knows better than to touch Sasuke-kun, no matter what state he's in. Besides, there isn't anyone stupid enough to want to go to war with us!" Karin declared with fire in her eyes and her fists in the air.

"Ignore her stupidity, but she is right. We've got your back, guy. Just holler if you ever need your ass saved, ya,"

"Hn. I should say the same for you," chuckled Sasuke.

The group said their goodbyes before they continued on their separate paths.

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Once Sasuke returned home, he kicked his boots off, hung up his cloak, emptied the contents of his stomach again, and began dinner. It was about six thirty when Naruto finally returned home. He listened to his alpha grumble about his day and how hard Kakashi made Shikamaru and his work. Every now and again, he would throw in a few teases but mostly stayed silent.

Towards their bedtime, Naruto and Sasuke showered and settled into bed. It didn't take Naruto long before he passed out and filled the room with his snores. Sasuke, on the other hand, wasn't tired in the sightless. For about an hour, he lay in bed until he gave up and hopped out of bed. To keep Naruto from waking, he gave the blond his pillow to snuggle and quietly crept out of the room as he closed the door. Sasuke walked into the living room, turned on the light, and sat on the couch. There was nothing particular on his mind, but he still felt anxious. Suddenly, the sight of the notebook caught his eye. Subconsciously, he grabbed the notebook and searched for a pen before he sat back down. He flipped to the first page and noticed that there was already something written.

Sasuke,

I hope you fill this notebook with all your thoughts or stories for your future children. I know things might be bleak right now, but I promise that they'll get better. Trust the process and yourself. No one knows you better than you, but know that you aren't alone. Not now, not ever again.

With love,

Sakura H.

Those words touched his soul and even brought a small smile to his face. With some inspiration, Sasuke turned to the next blank page and started writing.

Dear Twins,

This is your papa. I'm… not very good with feelings, something you'll find out when you get here. Please don't be mad at me for that. Your father will be the most expressive person you'll probably ever meet. I hope you'll like us. But really, I hope you end more like your father. He's the strongest, bravest, and most loving person in the world. He'll go any distance for the people he cares for. In fact, when he found out about the two of you, he actually fainted if that tells you how excited he is. Anyway, I promise to keep you safe even after I'm long gone. You mean everything to me; you and your father. Neither of us knows what we're doing, so please be patient with us. We're trying."

Your Papa,

Sasuke U.

Sasuke could feel inspiration flow from his head to his fingers as he flipped to the next page and titled it: Possible Baby names. For the next hour and a half, Sasuke continued to write until he tired himself out. With the last of his energy, the raven reentered their bedroom, hid the notebook and the pen inside his nightstand, and laid back into bed. He laid his head on Naruto's strong chest and inhaled the powerful scent of cinnamon and vanilla before he finally passed out and had actual dreams instead of nightmares.

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To Be Continued