Chapter 2

"Mama!" Sarada enters her parents' room. Her mother is seated at the vanity table performing her nightly beauty regime. Upon hearing her daughter's voice, Sakura looks up quickly with a welcoming smile.

"Where is papa?" Sarada nervously inquires as she takes a seat on the edge of the mattress closest to where her mother is seated. The young girl is hoping to converse with her mother without the intrusion of the Uchiha patriarch.

"I think he is in the garden," Sakura states casually. Tying her pink locks into a loose bun, she turns toward her daughter. "What's up my darling?"

"Friday is a holiday and my team doesn't have any upcoming missions. So… we were thinking we could go to Yugakure for the weekend. Is that okay?" Sarada fidgets with her hands, averting her gaze as she awaits her mother's decision.

"Sure, why not? That's really generous of Konohamaru. What did you guys do to bribe your sensei into accompanying Team Seven on a weekend off?"

The little hope Sarada held slowly begins to fade with her mother's assumptions. "Actually, Nanadaime-sama has him away on a mission. But we can go on our own."

Sakura's eyes darken for a moment, but her gentle smile doesn't drop. "Sorry, Sarada, but I think you're a little too young for a weekend trip unaccompanied by an adult," her voice is gentle but firm as she dismisses the idea.

"But mama, we've already been to missions without Konohamaru-sensei several times. Winter is going to be here soon, and I wouldn't have done anything outside of missions all year," Sarada uncharacteristically whines.

A few feet away from the neatly made bed, a glass door slides open allowing Sasuke to enter into his home from the small family garden. He steps onto the clean wooden floor only after he has removed his sandals. Sarada notices twigs and leaves in his hair but doesn't bother to question it or bring it to his attention. Inwardly, she cringes at the oddity that is her father.

"Sasuke-kun." Sakura shifts her attention to her husband. "Your daughter wants to take a weekend trip to Yugakure with two boys."

"They are my teammates and I thought it would have been a fun bonding experience," Sarada protests, a pink blush blooming on her cheeks. With a sparkle in her eyes, she turns to Sakura. "Why don't you come with us, mama?"

"I have to work all weekend," Sakura sighs. "But maybe next time," she offers and reaches her hand to caress Sarada's hair, but it's not enough for her teenage daughter who has now grown visibly irritated.

Sarada jumps to her feet with a pout. "Fine!"

She is about to storm off when her father's heavy voice stills her. "I'll take you."

While removing his cloak, Sasuke discreetly observes Sarada's reaction. He can easily tell from the morose gaze that she is about to decline his offer. He doesn't quite blame her; their relationship is still somewhat precarious and neither of them fully feels comfortable in the other's presence.

"Thanks, papa, but you would just steal all of Boruto's attention." Sarada's hands quickly come to her mouth, shocked that she has just revealed her own secret.

"Aha!" Sakura claps her hand. "So, you were trying to get some special bonding time with a particular boy," her mother continues to tease with a playful wink.

Unamused, Sasuke sees the blush rising on his young daughter's face. Flashbacks of a teenage Sakura professing her love to him and offering him her world quickly come to mind. He is resolute in his decision to prevent history from repeating itself. Especially if the center of her daughter's attention is Boruto Uzumaki.

"That's not what I meant," Sarada mumbles with her head bowed in embarrassment. "I just meant that I would be left out. Papa and Boruto never pay attention to me during their training. It would just be nice to have another female with us."

Sasuke nods his head, then makes his way to the en-suite bathroom. He has come to the conclusion that the issue has been resolved and his contribution is no longer required. After showering off the leaves, twigs, and dirt from his mediation session in the Uchiha garden, he rejoins his wife. The lights are off and his daughter has returned to her room.

Turning on the bedside lamp, Sakura sits up. "I feel bad. This is not the first time she has asked to visit Yugakure. I've just been so busy."

"Then take her when you are free," Sasuke replies in a tired voice.

"I… um... maybe offered to ask Hinata to help chaperone," Sakura quietly reveals, fearful of her husband's response.

Sasuke doesn't turn to face his wife, nor does he respond, but the way his muscles tense on his bare back gives away to Sakura that he is annoyed.

"I'm sorry, I just hate disappointing Sarada. It's a good opportunity for you to get to spend time with your daughter and get to know her better. And… I already told Sarada you two would be accompanying Team Seven."

"She doesn't want me to be there," he responds nonchalantly without a sliver of disappointment at being rejected.

Soothingly, Sakura strokes her husband's back. "Of course, Sarada wants you there. She just wants to balance out the testosterone in the group."

Sighing, Sasuke turns to face his wife whose face is slightly contorted in a guilty grimace. "Did you confirm this with Hinata?"

"No. But it's Hinata, she won't say no."

Trying to spend time with his teenage daughter while she is vying for the attention of his boisterous student isn't exactly quality bonding time in Sasuke's interpretation, but he still concedes in an attempt to please the two important females in his life.

While he would have been more content without an additional presence, Naruto's wife is pleasantly quiet, to the point where she fades into the background.

Grumbling, Sasuke agrees, "Fine."

Smiling, Sakura places a light kiss on Sasuke's shoulder. "Thank you."

Sakura internally praises herself for this small victory. Though at the back of her mind, a panicked voice warns that she should find the time to take this trip with her family.

"I'm surprised our Hokage is allowing you to go on this weekend getaway with Uchiha-san," Hanabi states as she sprawls out casually on her sister's marital bed.

"I don't need permission from my husband to go on a trip with my son – or with anyone or anywhere for that matter," Hinata's answer is coated in defensive undertones as she rifles through a plastic storage container of summer clothing.

Hanabi clicks her tongue. "That's not what I meant." Hinata looks up at her sister who now has an impish grin on her face as she explains, "I'm surprised he is allowing someone other than himself to accompany his dear Uchiha-san."

Hinata shakes her head in annoyance, tired of the played-out joke. She directs the conversation to the dilemma she is currently facing. "These are all maternity swimsuits. I can't believe I haven't worn a swimsuit in eight years."

"Why do you need a swimsuit to visit an onsen?" Hanabi hops down from the bed to join her sister's search on the floor.

"It's not for the onsen. Boruto said Mitsuki wants to visit a secret waterfall. If the weather permits, I might be able to take a quick swim."

Hanabi elbows her sister with a playful tease. "You can practice your sexy water-dance for Uchiha-san."

"Hanabi, stop!" Hinata warns, her pupilless eyes widening upon hearing the shameless suggestion.

"Is he too dark and brooding for your liking? I heard the Daimyō's son is pretty hot. Maybe you'll finally get some action on this trip. You could even have a one-night stand!" Hanabi wiggles her eyebrows.

Hinata decides to play along with her sister's triviality. "The Daimyō's son is handsome but he is a little too old for my liking."

"Ahh, you want a young stud!"

For dramatic effect, Hinata looks down and starts twirling a wisp of her dark hair around her fingers as she murmurs, "Exactly, but I was thinking more along the lines of someone from the Sarutobi clan. A young, handsome bachelor who has a thing for Hyugas."

Hanabi's eyes widen at the mention of the young man and she places her palm across her chest in a gesture indicating heartbreak. "Don't you dare, nee-chan. Though he may fall at your feet quicker than mine since he is so obsessed with his Hokage-sama. More so than any other girl." The pout that forms on the younger woman's lips is exaggerated, almost comical, and Hinata has to stop a giggle from escaping.

Ignoring the foolish insinuation about her husband, Hinata smiles kindly as she asks her little sister, "When are you going to tell the clan that you're dating Konohamaru? If you tell them, they might stop trying to force you into dating our distant cousins."

"It was one time, and we were both plastered. Maybe he doesn't even remember." For a second, Hanabi's eyes lose their natural twinkling sparkle. "Anyways, there is too much competition - everywhere he goes, some girl is falling for him. Ohhh Konohamaru is so handsome and talented." Hanabi rolls her eyes at the memories of the fangirls that seem to pop up everywhere the young Sarutobi goes. "Maybe he will come around one day, if not, then it's his loss. There are a lot of hot, young bachelors in Konoha. I am not going to wait around forever." The haughty, confident twinkle in Hanabi's eyes is now back in full-effect.

Hinata marvels at her younger sister's overall optimistic outlook on life. For a brief moment, she wonders what her life may have turned out to be if she had a sprinkle of the self-esteem Hanabi emanates. Would she have ended up with Naruto or would she have moved on after her first, ignored confession? Pushing these thoughts away and reminding herself that she is with the love of her life, she begins to pack away her summer clothing.

"What about this one?" Hanabi holds up a simple, white one-piece swimsuit. "I got this for you on your first anniversary." Noticing the price tag still attached, she adds, "And you haven't worn it since."

Hinata inspects the fabric by stretching the smooth nylon material over her bust. "And a little while after you gave it to me, I found out I was pregnant. I couldn't fit into it then even if I wanted to. But it is beautiful."

"I think it'll fit you now."

Hinata nods her head in agreement. "Thanks, Hanabi. I was beginning to think I wouldn't be able to enjoy the falls."

Hinata notices the mischievous smile forming on Hanabi's face once again. She thinks to question it but Himawari enters her parents' room.

Springing to her feet, Hanabi rushes to the little girl. "Are you all packed?"

Twirling around, Himawari proudly shows off her Kurama knapsack.

"Yep! I've packed two pajamas, two dresses, and one kimono for dinner," Himawari relays as she counts each article of clothing on her little fingers.

"Good girl!" Hanabi ruffles her niece's hair. "Then we are all set for a weekend of fun!"

"Yep. Let's go!" Grabbing her aunt's hand, she begins to pull Hanabi out into the hallway and down the stairs.

"Hima-chan! Have you forgotten about saying goodbye to your dear mama?" Hinata stands at the top of the staircase with her hands placed on her hips.

"Sorry, mama," Himawari runs back up and encloses her arms around her mother's waist. "I'll miss you!"

"Don't give your aunt Hanabi or Ojīsan trouble." After placing a kiss on her daughter's plump cheeks, Hinata follows the little girl and Hanabi to the front door. Himawari darts out the door and runs toward the entrance gates.

Hinata shifts her gaze to Hanabi, a hint of worry glistening in them. "Are you sure you don't mind taking care of Hima?"

Hanabi waves her hand in front of her face before she claps them together. "She's an angel. I am pretty sure I will have to yank her away from father's protective grasp."

Hinata furrows her brows. "Please don't let him buy her any more toys or give her candy in bed. He spoils her rotten."

"Don't worry, I got this. Just enjoy your little getaway. You deserve this after being cooped up for so long. That husband of yours is a piece of –"

"Stop, Hanabi. Be respectful. He is your Hokage before your brother-in-law." Hinata's eyes narrow and Hanabi presses her lips tightly together for a moment.

As the tense second passes, Hanabi mumbles. "Like I need to be reminded of that fact." She embraces her older sister in a quick farewell.

Hinata returns to packing. After her bags are filled with all the clothes and supplies she wants to bring on the trip, she prepares a quick meal for her travelling companions.

"Tadaima!" Boruto announces, kicking off his shoes.

"Boruto-kun, we have to meet your team in less than half an hour," Hinata reminds her son as she packs five bento boxes into an already stuffed knapsack.

"Yeah, yeah," Boruto waves dismissively. As he marches up the stairs, he yells, "I'll be down in a minute."

Almost thirty minutes pass and Boruto finally emerges with his travelling gear on his back.

Frowning, Hinata states the obvious, "We are late!"

"Only by a few minutes," Boruto retorts.

"Time is precious and you shouldn't have others waiting on you," Hinata lectures. Before she can continue on what Boruto assumes is a rant, he pulls her out the front door and slams the door shut.

"Then let's not keep them waiting." An exuberant smile is now plastered on his face.

The joy of Boruto is contagious and Hinata returns her son's smile. "Let's not!"

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