A title has been decided! Thank you to everyone who suggested some titles for this story – you're all wonderful. Thank you so much to Rosee who gave me the title of 'in the embrace of the enemy' – all credit for the name goes to you. I think it's a beautiful continuation of the previous story but reflects the changes from the last story to the next one. I know someone you might question if Sasuke can be considered an enemy at this point but I think it would be fair to say in Sakura's eyes he still is. We will just have to wait and see what happens won't we guys?

Completely unrelated to the story but I've recently appreciated the sexiness of Shikamaru. He's quite gorgeous, ne?

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'Daddy… mummy smells really bad.' Keizo had climbed onto Sakura's bed and was currently sniffing her face. He had got into a strange habit of checking in on her every morning, sometimes Keizo would worry she would go back to sleep for a long time again. So the first thing he would do was double check if mummy was okay. But this morning mummy didn't look so good, she didn't smell too good either.

'Hmmm.' Sakura who was half asleep, lazily flopped herself onto the opposite site of the bed. 'Not… yet…' She quickly began to snore gently with her face half buried into the pillows.

'This is what happens to adults when they drink too much alcohol.' Sasuke was standing by Sakura's bed.

'Ooh.' A look of confusion grew on Keizo's face. 'I don't understand big peoples parties… How this fun daddy?'

'It's not.' Came the blunt reply from Sasuke.

'Huh? I thought parties were supposed to be fun?'

Sasuke didn't reply but Keizo took notice of the annoyed energy which was radiating from his father.

'Daddy. I can help-'

'School. Now.'

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I didn't expect things to be this difficult…

Looking at all the documents sprayed across the table almost gave Sasuke a headache. Normally he would have got through twice the amount of paperwork by this time but recent events had seemed to have affected his efficiency at work. A part of him wondered if any of the other ANBU had picked up on his behaviour change, they were supposed to be capable ninja after all. Some brave ninjas had the courage on congratulate him on Sakura's recovery and wished them the best as a family. He really hated that. Other people poking their noses into his business. Work was the only place where things were going straight forwardly and smoothly in his life and he didn't want to be reminded of Sakura here of all places.

But he did think of her. He thought of her over and over again.

He wasn't expecting her to be overjoyed when she finally awoke. Yes, she would be confused as so much time had passed and she would have to find her place in the world. Itachi's death would also be something very fresh to her. Maybe... Maybe she would still think she was in love with him.

Annoying.

Everything was annoying lately. All the issues he had spent going through alone he would have to revisit again. Itachi… The brother who sacrificed everything for him. His beloved older brother. Never would he break his promise to Itachi. But Itachi had asked of him an almost impossible task, it was so difficult to do. At first he had hated Konoha with every fibre of his being, all those people smiling, happy and living – it was all because of Itachi, but what did Itachi get in return? Nothing but shame and a disgraced name. Life wasn't fair and most certainly of all life wasn't just.

Never would he forget that day. The absolute worse point of his life. That summer day, it was so hot and sticky; he was getting closer and closer to Konoha which seemed more and more impossible by the minute, his stomach turning inside out with disgust. Eventually when he arrived at Konoha's gates with Keizo crying in his arms and Sakura comatose slung over his back, he was hot, tired and completely exhausted. Convinced he would be immediately arrested with his family taken from him, he was shocked to see Naruto running towards him with a big smile on his face.

Naruto…

He owed Naruto everything. Naruto his best friend, who had stuck beside him through thick and thin. At the beginning Sasuke did truly hate Konoha but things had changed when Naruto had become Hokage. The future would be different now with Naruto as its head, Konoha would change for the better. Never would he openly admit it but Sasuke believed in Naruto's vision. Never would he ever say it but he would defend Naruto's vision and ideals with his life. Naruto was the main reason why he put so much effort to rise through the ranks of ANBU until he eventually became its head. Initially though Sasuke was attracted to join ANBU because Itachi had been an ANBU member and by being part of ANBU in a way he could become closer to him and understand his brother more.

I've kept up half of my promise now I need to keep up the rest…

A happy family is what you asked of me brother.

Sasuke wasn't expecting Sakura to wake up and then act as nothing had happened between them. He expected some kind of reaction. But he was genuinely confused by her behaviour towards him. Sakura would eat meals with him and Keizo as if nothing was wrong but then she would purposely avoid him at all other times. What was he supposed to think? If she was unhappy with something unless she told him how would it be solved? But Sasuke didn't want to push her; he didn't want to trigger any panic attacks.

No choice, I'll just have to wait.

Waiting was something Sasuke struggled with, he was a man of action, and he didn't do waiting – especially waiting on someone else. It sent him into dark places, his mind ran wild. What if she didn't want to be with him? What if she decided to leave? But even if she eventually decides that, Sasuke wasn't going to let her go so easily. He had spent these last five years literally breaking his back to restore his broken reputation and raising Keizo. All that hard work and he would just let Sakura walk away from him? Never. If it came down to it he would make things extremely difficult for her to leave.

She was his. Didn't she realise already?

Sakura was his mate and the mother of his child. If he had to he would break her completely. Break her until she realised he was the only person she ever needed. It wasn't as if she had anywhere else to go. Her parents were dead. The only person she had was Naruto but he was easy enough to deceive. Sasuke had already lost his family once, he would never ever lose his family again…

He groaned inside – not these thoughts again, it was these kinds of thoughts which got him into this position in the first place.

'Sasuke-sama, I have urgent news from the fourth division.' An ANBU member had quickly run into his office unannounced.

Ah… A welcome distraction…

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'I don't know Hinata. There is something going on. It sounds weird. But I can feel it inside. I know there is!' Naruto exclaimed.

They were cuddling each other in a sitting position across Naruto's sofa in his living room. He was snuggling his face into Hinata's beautiful navy hair. Despite his new Hokage status Naruto still lived in the same grotty small apartment. He was waiting to move into his new house after he married Hinata, then the house would be their family home.

'They don't even look at each other properly! Did you see how he hit Lee at the party? It's not normal. I know Lee touched her. But… I'm probably just too worried but I just…' He breathed deeply into Hinata's hair.

'I- I- don't – know' Hinata's whole face had lit up bright red 'how to say this. B-but I think I-I know.'

Naruto moved to lean over her body more so he had a clear view of her face; the expression on her face was a surprise to him, Hinata had gone so red too. This reminded him of the 12 year old Hinata, not the 23 year old woman he knew now. It instinctively set him on edge, was Sakura safe? What did Hinata know?

'What! You have to tell me!'

Hinata could hear the concern in Naruto's voice. It was a subject that she didn't want to ever speak about. Especially with Naruto. But if her friend was in trouble then she needed to say to it – Hinata would do anything for a friend.

'Ano- those with special bloodlines, well- ' the heat radiating from her face wanted to make her pass out.

'Go on…' Naruto could see it was difficult for her and he was trying his best to be patient, but he needed to know quickly!

'Those with special blood lines when they mate for the first time they become extremely attached to the person and can do insane things when they think their partner is threatened.' Hinata spoke the whole sentence very quickly in about a second.

'Huh? That was too fast!' Naruto groaned. But he heard the important parts and Hinata looked too embarrassed. He wouldn't make her repeat herself.

'Ano - I think Sasuke is doing his best to give Sakura space. But it's most likely very difficult for him to do since Sakura is his mate.'

Ah. She's so adorable when her face goes red like this.

Naruto lent back and gave her a tight cuddle. 'Thanks for telling me. Things make more sense now. I don't really want the images of Sasuke and Sakura together in my head. But I understand. Sasuke is naturally over protective of her, I guess with everything which happened who wouldn't be? I don't know what I would do if it happened to you... '

Hinata felt much better now. A feeling of foolishness washed through her, she should have known Naruto much better – of course he would understand. Naruto would listen to anything she said. Naruto would never judge her; he wasn't that type of person.

'But…' He rasped into Hinata ear. 'This makes look forward to our wedding night even more.' He chuckled.

I'm definitely looking forward to have a lusty, overprotective Hinata watching my every move…

'Naruto!'

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Eventually Sakura managed to tear herself from the bed. It was a hard and painful task but she managed. She groaned loudly when she looked to the side to see nothing.

Sasuke didn't even leave me any pills or water… Great…

Then the events of last night came into her mind. Her getting horrendously drunk with In

o and dancing with guys she didn't really know. Sasuke glaring at her the entire time. Sasuke punching Lee unconscious. Oh God. Why her? Everyone in Konoha was probably talking about it by now, she didn't want to be the centrepiece of all the gossip in Konoha. It was hard enough walking around the street as it was without people whispering about her. How she wished for just one drop of normality in her life.

He hasn't changed; he still has the same uncontrollable rage. Look at what he did to Lee. Who knows what else he is capable of? The best thing to do is to pretend everything is okay, don't make him angry and when I get the chance, I'll run with Keizo. I'm not staying here and my son will definitely not stay here.

It wasn't as if she dreaded bumping into Sasuke as it was already but after last night, there was no doubt in her mind he would be angry. What was she going to do now?

'Hello! Sakura… Hello? Is anyone here?' She could hear Ino's voice coming from a distance.

Sakura was so glad to hear her voice, God knew she needed some good company right now.

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'Mama?' Keizo had just come back from school; he neatly put away his shoes and backpack to the side of the room. He was much too organised for a child in Sakura's eyes.

'Yes, my sweetypie?' She loved how he would always run into her arms. He was such an affectionate child. He was her most precious thing in this world.

'I was worried about you. You looked sick this morning!' He cried into her clothes.

I don't deserve such a sweet child.

'There's nothing wrong Keizo.' She affectionately rubbed the back of his head. 'Mummy is fine, I promise.'

'Say, do you want to help mummy with cooking today? I'll teach you a few things!' Sakura did worry about his blindness but since Keizo managed everything else perfectly, she couldn't see why he wouldn't be able to help. Just as long as she kept sharp blades away from him, it should be fine.

'Yes!' He lifted his smiling face up from her skirt.

So they had spent a good two hours preparing and cooking dishes for dinner. Keizo was a really quick learner, initially Sakura had wanted to keep the blades away from him but soon realised he already used blades at the academy so it was a bit pointless. The precision and speed of his vegetable preparations were extremely impressive. Sakura was a bit shocked – this wasn't normal five year old behaviour but then Keizo wasn't a normal five year old was he? Let's go a bit more slowly she would say to him only to be followed by the blank expression on his face.

'It smells good!' He was sniffing the pan by the stove.

Sakura panicked seeing Keizo too near the pan, what if he burnt himself? He couldn't see where the pan was after all. 'Don't get too near the pan.'

'I know where the pan is mummy.' He answered, his voice being slightly less cheerful than usual.

'Keizo, you have to be careful-

Sakura was interrupted when she heard his foot stomp violently on the ground 'Do you think I can't do anything!' He was upset, tears were falling out of his eyes. 'I'm blind, I'm not stupid!' He ran out of the door.

'Keizo!'

Dammit, I've upset him…

A loud sound came from the pan and liquid started to bubble over. Sakura wanted to go and chase after Keizo but she would have to wait until the dinner was ready.

About a hour afterwards she managed to find Keizo who still was unhappy with her. Sakura was more than aware of her shortcomings; she definitely wasn't parent material yet. This just only proved it, what could she say to make him feel better? She had no idea. Keizo was her son, the only thing living for but she didn't really know him as a person yet. Guilt swallowed her whole, she should have been there and she should be a better mother than what she now. Making Keizo upset was just another mark on her already failed life chart. She would take him out somewhere tomorrow and make it up to him.

Sasuke strolled into the living room looking tired with a puzzled expression on his face.

I didn't expect him to come back so early. Well… at least he doesn't look angry like I thought he would be. Hopefully he will appreciate all the effort me and Keizo put into making these meals…

'You did this?' He was looking at all the cooked food prepared on the table with an unreadable expression.

'Yes, me and Keizo cooked together for dinner. Didn't we Keizo?'

'Hn.' Sakura couldn't close her mouth, she couldn't believe he just gave a grumpy hn just like Sasuke, Keizo really was his father's son.

After they all sat down by the table to eat dinner Sakura watched Sasuke take a few bites from his plate before he pushed the plate to the side. She was waiting for him to continue eating but he wasn't. Every second which went pass without him eating became more and more offensive to Sakura. After all that effort she and Keizo put in. He wasn't even going to eat it?

'Is there something wrong Sasuke?' She asked.

'It's inedible.' He didn't answer looking at her eyes.

What a… dick

Sakura felt so frustrated. First Keizo wasn't talking to her and then Sasuke strolled in and didn't even eat the dinner she spent close to two hours making. How could they be so ungrateful? She looked around to see two miserable faces at the dining table.

Sasuke sighed. 'If you can't cook, just wait for me to get home and I'll do it. It's common sense.'

'What! I can cook just fine. Sorry if it just isn't good enough for the almighty Sasuke Uchiha!' It was the first time she had shouted at him since her coma.

'I didn't-'

'Nothing is ever good enough for you is it! Not my food! Not my friends!' She had started to go into a rage, hitting some of the food on the floor. 'You should look at yourself! There's nothing special about you! Who do you think you are! Hitting Lee like that!'

Sasuke rolled his eyes. 'Just calm down.'

'Don't you tell me what to do!' She was shrieking at him.

'You're being overdramatic. If you can't cook then don't cook.' His voice had taken a sharper edge to it. 'If you want to do something productive then try something apart from just mopping around in the house all day.'

Slap.

A big red mark was slowly become visible on Sasuke's face.

'How dare you!' She screamed. 'How dare you! This is your entire fault!'

Sasuke quickly rose out of his chair. 'Listen -

'Mummy! Daddy!' Keizo was in tears. 'Please don't argue anymore!'

Both of them quickly turned around to see Keizo's crying face.

'I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to.' Sakura was in tears now after seeing Keizo in tears. His innocent face was racked with hurt.

I'm a terrible person, I've even made my own son cry…

Sakura quickly span around and ran away.

I've got to – I've got to get away from here…

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Knock.

Sakura was just ignoring the knocks on the door while packing any of the stuff she had left. It was depressing looking at how little she had and the things she had were things bought by Sasuke. Nearly everything had an Uchiha symbol on it; she would have to find a way to get rid of that blasted symbol. The fiasco from her party and now at dinner made it perfectly clear, she couldn't stay in this house any more. At first she wanted to wait for a bit but she was being naïve, how could she stay in the same house as Sasuke?

It's impossible. I can't control my emotions and all I'm doing showing Keizo negativity.

Knock, knock.

Just go away! I'll go and live with my parents again. After I've sorted myself out, I'll come back for Keizo. I'm not alone anymore, Naruto will support me.

'Sakura open this door now or I'll knock it down.'

Shit. How am I going to get out of this… Why does he always make things so hard for me?

She knew that he was being serious. Sasuke really would knock the door down, so she slightly opened the door pressing herself against the tiny opening hoping he wouldn't see the clothes and the bags she had been packing.

'Sasuke. I'm sorry about this evening. I hope you understand, I need some time to myself.' She tried to look as innocent as possible.

Unfortunately for Sakura, Sasuke wasn't fooled by any of it. As soon as she finished speaking he pushed himself through the gap and her, forcing himself into her room. Sakura watched him looking at the floor where her stuff was.

'Look.' She covered her face with her hand to afraid to look at his face. 'Things aren't working out; I don't want to upset Keizo. So I think it's best if I leave. I'm just going to stay with my parents. I'll come over every day and visit Keizo, okay?'

Feeling like a bag of nerves, she was shocked when he didn't shout or scream at her.

'You can't. Even if that's what you want, you can't.'

Why his is voice so calm? He should be shouting at me, I hit him and shouted at him earlier. Why is he so composed?

'Why not?' Her voice quivered.

'You didn't think it was strange your parents haven't visited you already? Sakura I thought it was obvious.'

He has a point. Why haven't they been to see me? I've been in a coma for five years now. The first person to see me outside of this house was Naruto. Naruto would have told them right? They must have heard the gossip from the village right?

She kept staring at Sasuke who was calm but had slight sadness in his eyes.

'I'm sorry Sakura. But they are dead.'

What?

'D-dead?' It was barely a whisper.

'They fought and died bravely in the great ninja war. I'm sure they would have wanted you to be proud of them.' His eyes narrowed. 'If you want I'll take you to visit their graves.'

'Dead… dead… but…' Sakura almost dropped to the floor if Sasuke didn't quickly grab her as soon as he saw her falling and held her against his body stopping her from falling to the ground. He could feel Sakura's tears on his top.

'I know. I know.' He was trying to comfort her cradling her against his body. He thought she knew, everyone had knowledge of her parent's death so he thought one of her friends would have said to something to her. But perhaps they had forgotten, Sasuke was just waiting for the right time to break the news to her. However the right time hadn't come yet and now it was too late. He understood the pain of losing family and he wanted to make it as easier as possible for her.

In those moments Sakura had completely forgotten Sasuke was Sasuke. Sasuke the person who had done so many bad things to her, the person who made her skin crawl. Right now, in the moment of her deepest grief she was being comforted by his presence. Just feeling the warmth of his body against hers was a source of comfort. He was like her rock in the storm.

'Sasuke.' She cried into his chest. 'Sasuke.'