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"Seeing as I doubt anyone objects to this union, we're going to go ahead and skip that part," Juugo announced. "And if you do object, please note that Yahiko is here," he joked, and the crowd laughed. "With that being said, with the power bestowed upon me by the internet, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Infidelity: Chapter 43 – Through the Years

Sakura and Sasuke settled well into married life. Sakura returned to school, and Sasuke focused on his art and continued his work alongside Sai, Deidara, and Sasori down at the community center. Sai and Sasuke settled into a rhythm of putting on two shows a year in various cities across the continent that lasted three months while using the other six months to promote up-and-coming artists.

While Sasuke continued his work in the art world, Sakura got to focus on finishing up medical school. She enjoyed not having to juggle a full class load on top of working three jobs, and with the extra energy and time, she finally settled on her desired field: emergency medicine. Admittedly, Sasuke was surprised by her decision. However, once she shared that the men and women who saved them after the incident in Riumozaki inspired her, he fully understood and supported her decision.

As she finished up her classroom years and moved on to clinical, she dazzled her instructors and superiors around her. By the time her clinical years were done, she was offered a position at Konoha Central Hospital, working directly underneath Tsunade and Shizune. It didn't come without its own hardships, with people spreading rumors that she bought her way into her work, but her work spoke for itself, and she quickly put naysayers down.

As for Sasuke, as his influence expanded in the art world, he became a full-time teacher at the community center. He even gave special lectures at several art institutions around the world. Despite their fully loaded schedules, Sasuke and Sakura always carved out one day a week to have dinner together and decompress. Sometimes Sasuke would bring dinner to the hospital and eat with her, or she'd join him at the community center. If there was time, they'd eat at home or plan dates, and then sometimes they'd settle on fast food while parked somewhere.

Outside of that, they always attended Katsurou's monthly poker games, and Sakura made sure to join Sasuke's family for their dinners. Sometimes Mebuki and Keisuke would join, as well as Kimimaro. Even Naruto and Hinata would make the occasional appearance with Minato, Kushina, Hiashi, and Hiyori, and Sakura loved the feeling of being surrounded by a big family.

Then, when Sakura's graduation from medical school rolled around, it was celebrated with the utmost pomp and circumstance her family and friends could manage. The entirety of her "big family" was there at the graduation ceremony and cheered the loudest when Sakura's name was called. They had plenty to cheer for, after all. With everything that had happened, half the people who knew her story half expected her to give up.

She utterly refused to do so, though.

And with her refusal, she graduated at the top of her class. She already had her residency arrangement made for Konoha Central Hospital after she'd passed the board exam with flying colors. As for the graduation party itself, Sasuke pulled all the stops for Sakura's celebration. For the first time in a while, Sakura let herself let loose, and she got wasted. Admittedly, she doesn't remember the last half of the party. However, plenty of pictures showed her with a smile, so that's all that mattered.

Then three months into her residency, she was on her way back from lunch when she collapsed in the hallway. When she woke up, she saw Sasuke sitting on the edge of the bed they'd put her in. He was scribbling away in his sketchbook when she sat up and held her head.

"Hey, you." Sasuke put his sketchbook and pencil aside, "How are you feeling?"

"Mm, groggy," she admitted. "What happened?"

"One of the nurses said they found you passed out in the hallway," Sasuke informed her. "You've been eating, haven't you? You did have those dizzy spells shortly after you went back to school. Maybe they're starting up again?"

Sakura shrugged, "Maybe? I wouldn't faint, though. And I'm eating like I'm supposed to, and I'm taking my daily vitamins."

"Then maybe it's an isolated incident?" Sasuke suggested. "Shizune-sensei recommended a blood test, so I gave them consent to draw your blood. They should be back in a little bit with the results."

"I'm sure it's nothing," Sakura assured him.

"Here." Sasuke handed Sakura a cup of water, and she happily took it.

While they waited, Sasuke grilled Sakura on whether or not she was adequately taking care of herself. She fussed and whined and assured him she was doing everything she was supposed to do. She even promised she was eating primarily organic – most of the time. He let that slide considering he was a stickler for a midnight drive-thru burger when he was out touring with Sai.

Eventually, Shizune entered the room and seemed to be bouncing on the tips of her toes as she entered, "How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine," Sakura answered. "Why are you so giddy?"

"Am I giddy?" Shizune couldn't even stop herself from gently bouncing where she stood. "I might be a little giddy."

"So you have good news? The results from the blood test came back normal?" Sasuke asked.

Shizune nodded, "Yup."

"So she's healthy?" Sasuke asked.

Shizune nodded again, "Perfectly healthy."

"So, do you know why I fainted?" Sakura asked.

A third nod.

"Are you going to tell me why?" Sakura was confused about why Shizune seemed to withhold something, and it was beginning to make her anxious. "Shizune-sensei?"

Shizune handed Sakura her blood test results, "Here."

Sakura eyed Shizune for a moment and looked through her results. As Shizune promised, everything was normal, showing she was healthy. And then she noticed her hCG levels were higher than usual.

"Um, Shizune-sensei?" Sakura looked at her. "Is this right?"

Shizune nodded, "Yes. We tested it three times."

"Oh." Sakura stared at the paper.

"Sakura?" Sasuke wasn't sure what she was looking at. "What is it?"

For a moment, Sakura processed what this discovery meant. They had talked about it plenty of times and had every intention of following through, but that wasn't supposed to happen for a few more years, at least. They were only in their third year of marriage, and things were finally settling into a routine that worked for them. She wasn't upset, though. She was excited. Ecstatic, even.

Tears threatened her eyes, and she let out a slight chuckle. She stared at the results a few moments longer before finally looking at Sasuke, "I'm pregnant."

"You're pregnant?" Sasuke repeated, and Sakura nodded. He stood up, "You're pregnant?"

"Yes," Sakura laughed as she wiped away tears.

"You're pregnant," Sasuke processed the news. And then he was crying too, "You're pregnant. You're pregnant!"

Shizune giggled as Sasuke hugged Sakura and smothered her with many kisses, "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Sasuke breathed before taking Sakura's face in her hands. "I love you so much."

Sakura giggled, "I love you, too."

The elation that Sasuke felt was beyond any descriable words in any dictionary. He wanted to tell his family immediately, but Sakura insisted they wait until she was through her first trimester. Despite his insistence on making the announcement now, he followed her wishes and waited. Then, eight weeks later, they gathered their family and friends at their home for a casual get-together when she was through the rest of her first trimester.

It wasn't until they were most of the way through the evening that Sasuke got everyone's attention. He and Sakura stood at the front of the room, and he thanked all of them for attending.

"It's always a pleasure to have the whole family together with our close friends," Sasuke began. "I think I speak for Sakura and myself when I say you've loved us wholeheartedly. I couldn't be more thankful for those we're surrounded by, and I couldn't think of a better way for us to make our next announcement."

Sakura took a deep breath and squeezed Sasuke's arm, "Well. Though this new development was unexpected, it's welcomed. We are elated to announce that we're expecting."

The room erupted into immediate cheers. Sasuke laughed as Naruto and Itachi were the first to reach and tackle him with hugs. At the same time, Hinata, Mebuki, and Mikoto hurried to Sakura and bombarded her with congratulations and love. Sakura assured Hinata she'd been dying to talk to her to get some advice, and Hinata assured her she'd be more than happy to share whatever knowledge she could spare.

"When are you due?" Hinata asked.

"If she decides to come on time, then March 31st," Sakura shared.

"So it sounds like your birthday present next year is a baby," Mebuki giggled.

Sakura smiled, "Looks like it. Ah, but I promise Sasuke and I will send a present for Boruto."

Hinata giggled, "You don't have to. I'm sure you will have your hands tied with the new baby. Plus, Boruto's spoiled enough as is."

"Am not!" Boruto, now four, declared defiantly.

"Hey," Naruto still clung to Sasuke, "don't raise your voice to your mother."

Boruto stuck his tongue out at Naruto.

"Wait, you said 'she,' didn't you?" Itachi directed his attention to Sakura. "You already know what you're going to have?"

"We couldn't wait," Sakura admitted. "But yes, from what the ultrasounds say, we're having a girl."

Izumi puffed her cheeks out, "We need more boys. Who's Inase-kun supposed to play with?"

"I'm sure we'll get a boy eventually," Sasuke assured her.

"Whether it's a boy or a girl, I'm always happy to welcome another grandchild," Fugaku shared. "Plus, it gives Mikoto another girl to fawn over."

"It does," Mikoto beamed.

"Congratulations," Sasuke's nieces chimed together.

"Thank you." Sakura squatted down and watched as Itachi's daughters gathered around her, "Do you promise to show our little girl how to be good like you three?"

"Of course!" they declared.

Sakura smiled, "Good."

As they were bombarded with more love and affection, Sasuke and Sakura were elated to be adding to their family. They turned one of their guest's bedrooms into the nursery, and Sai's help had a specialized mural put up for their daughter while Sasuke painted the other three walls. Sakura got help from both her mother and mother-in-law when it came to shopping for the baby, and Naruto was quick to help with building the crib.

Hinata provided any tips she could on new motherhood, while Sasuke sought advice from Fugaku and Itachi. Mebuki was elated to welcome her first grandchild and went overboard with purchasing excessive toys and clothes, but Sasuke and Sakura were grateful. And as Sakura's belly grew, Sasuke couldn't help but fall deeper and deeper in love with her.

Sasuke catered to her every need the further along she got in her pregnancy. He even made sure to fulfill each of her pregnancy cravings to the point that the cashiers working the graveyard shift at the convenience store near their house expected him at least four times a week. Sometimes he couldn't help but laugh a little when she'd cry over the simple things, but he always did everything he could to ensure she was comfortable and happy.

He'd talk to her belly nightly and even started reading children's stories every night before bed. Sakura would complain that their daughter would become especially active when Sasuke was near and wouldn't calm down until he'd placed a hand on her belly. Though the pain was unbearable sometimes, she loved the look on Sasuke's expression when he'd feel their daughter moving around. He'd melt every time, and the amount of love she saw in his eyes was overwhelming.

"You'll be here any day now," Sasuke cooed as he kissed Sakura's belly and chuckled when he felt their daughter nudge the spot he'd just kissed. "Make sure you come out nice and healthy, okay?"

Sakura smiled, "Excited?"

Sasuke nodded, "Yeah. You?"

"Very much so," she agreed. "Moreso because she'll stop sitting on my bladder."

Sasuke chuckled, "You're telling me you won't miss being pregnant?"

"Oh please," she rolled her eyes, "you're probably just as ready as I am for this pregnancy to be over. You're telling me you like waking up in the middle of the night to get me food?"

"I will agree nor disagree," Sasuke cooed as he nestled his ear against Sakura's belly. "Your mom can get a little crazy when she's hungry."

"Hey!" Sakura tugged on his hair a little, "Don't put lies in our daughter's head."

Sasuke laughed, "Okay, okay. Let go; that's starting to hurt."

Sakura released his hair and stuck her tongue out at him. He laughed a little more, and the two chatted about their birthing plan. Sasuke had it memorized forwards and backward. Sakura was fortunate he had all the specifics down because she admittedly was fuzzy on some of the details. She was sure it was because of pregnancy brain, so she was thankful for Sasuke's thoroughness.

And finally, the day arrived.

Sakura's water broke in the middle of the night, and though it took Sakura a few tries to wake Sasuke, once he was up and knew what was happening, he was wide awake. He helped Sakura change into dry clothes and helped her down the stairs where their hospital bags were already stored. Sakura breathed through the pain, and despite Sasuke's usually cool and calm self, he was slightly frazzled, which Sakura thought was fascinating to watch.

At the hospital, Sasuke managed to switch around his words and caused the nurses and Sakura to giggle often. Though he was embarrassed, the nurses assured him he was just like any father expecting the birth of their child. Aside from trying to ease Sasuke's nerves, the nurses hurried to get Sakura into her maternity suite and get her as comfortable as possible for a woman experiencing intense contractions.

Sakura was glad to be surrounded by familiar faces as they helped her settle in, and she was delighted to see Shizune arrive shortly after they were fully settled.

"How are you feeling?" Shizune asked as she checked Sakura's vitals. "How far apart are the contractions now?"

"Still only fifteen minutes apart," Sakura assured her. "They hurt like hell, though."

"That's perfectly normal," Shizune assured her. "I'm going to check your cervix, and just to verify: no epidural?"

Sakura shook her head, "No."

Shizune nodded, "Of course."

Things progressed normally, and Sasuke stayed beside her the entire time. He wiped her sweat and kept a cool towel on her neck and forehead when she wanted it. He held her hand through every contraction, gritting his teeth as Sakura nearly broke his hand several times. Hours passed, and their family members were waking up to the text that Sakura's water had broke and she was in active labor.

Mebuki, Keisuke, Fugaku, and Mikoto arrived first, both sets of parents stepping into the room to check on Sakura between contractions and help keep Sasuke grounded. Naruto and Hinata eventually arrived with Boruto, Minato, and Kushina in tow.

Despite the current situation, Sakura was more than happy to hug Boruto and smother him with kisses to ensure he didn't worry. Eventually, Shizune requested they leave Sakura and Sasuke alone to prepare for the birth. A few more hours passed, and it was reaching the point of agony as Sakura still suffered through contractions. She was praying she wouldn't need a C-section, but the longer this went on, the more that became likely.

But then, Shizune told her to push. Sakura's cries echoed through the hallway, and Sakura's colleagues gathered and silently prayed for a swift birth. Sasuke held her hand through it all and uttered a steady stream of encouraging words to get her through it. Sakura reminded herself that she'd been through worse and that this wouldn't get her to tap out.

And then, finally, she heard the cry of a robust set of lungs, and she cried.

"Congratulations," Shizune laughed, "you have a beautiful and healthy baby girl."

"You did it," Sasuke cried as he kissed Sakura's head. "I love you so much. You did so well."

Sasuke cut the cord, and the nurses cleaned up their daughter before wrapping her in a blanket and handing her to Sakura. She had stopped crying and seemed to stare directly at Sakura with wide black eyes and a head full of black hair. And Sakura couldn't help but think that their daughter looked precisely like Sasuke did in his baby pictures. And admittedly, she was a little peeved that she came out looking like him.

"Hi," Sakura breathed. "It is lovely to finally meet you."

"She's beautiful," Sasuke kissed Sakura's forehead as he stared at their daughter. "Welcome to the world, Sarada."

Sakura carefully placed her forehead against Sarada's head and took a deep breath, "I'm so glad you're finally here." She gently kissed her as she continued to cry, "Though you are a traitor for coming out looking like your father."

Sasuke laughed, "I knew you'd say something."

"It's not fair," Sakura whined.

"My mother warned you that Uchiha jeans are strong," Sasuke reminded her.

"But Izumi-nee's daughters take after her," Sakura complained.

"She's also an Uchiha, so they cancel each other out, don't you think?" Sasuke gently poked Sarada's cheek.

"Here," Sakura adjusted her hold on Sarada, "you take her."

Sasuke hesitated for a moment, but he took Sarada into his arms and stared into her eyes, "I don't even have the words to accurately describe this moment, Little One. I am so looking forward to being your father."

Sakura smiled, "You'll do a wonderful job."

After the nurses checked Sarada and Sakura, Shizune informed their family and friends that both mother and child were doing well. Together, they filtered into their suite, and Mebuki was already crying as she went to hug Sakura.

"Oh, my baby," Mebuki cried as she hugged Sakura. "Are you okay?"

Sakura cried as she hugged her mother, "I'm okay."

"I am so proud of you." Mebuki kissed Sakura's head.

Sasuke smiled at the moment between Mebuki and Sakura as Mikoto carefully approached and eyed her newest granddaughter.

"I wouldn't have minded a pink-haired Uchiha," Mikoto cooed.

"I said the same thing," Sakura cried, and they all laughed.

"And her name?" Naruto asked.

"Sarada," Sasuke shared.

"Salad?" Boruto translated.

"I liked the name," Sakura muttered.

"It's a lovely name," Hinata encouraged as she gently hit the back of Boruto's head.

"Is there any hint of Sakura in there?" Keisuke noted.

"Don't make it worse," Sakura complained.

They took turns greeting Sarada and giving her positive prayers and aspirations for a while. Naruto snapped pictures for them of Sarada's first few hours, and eventually, they left the new family of three together.

"You know what," Sakura was nestled into her hospital bed with Sasuke as they watched Sarada sleep in the bassinet next to them, "I wouldn't mind doing this again."

"Oh yeah?" Sasuke looked at her, "I was sure you'd say 'one and done' after this time."

"I almost did," Sakura confessed. "But she'll need a sibling. You had Itachi, and I see how important that was for you growing up. I just want Sarada to have that."

"Trust me, it took a long time for Itachi and me to get where we are today," he shared. "There was a minute there when Itachi and I would fight all the time."

"I fought with Kimimaro," Sakura assured him. "I still fight with Kimimaro, but it's not malicious anymore."

"Tell that to family game night," Sasuke joked.

"We're competitive," she argued.

Sasuke laughed, "Well, so long as you're okay with it, then I'm all for it."

"Good." Sakura turned over to look at him and placed a gentle hand on his cheek, "Thank you."

"For what?" Sasuke wondered.

"This," she smiled, "all of it."

He smiled in return, "I should be thanking you."

She giggled, "I don't know about all of that. After all, I met you at your wedding."

Sasuke laughed again, "And a day that left me absolutely miserable turned out to give me the greatest thing I could've ever asked for."

To Be Continued…