A/N: Hello! I'm glad to see that some of you like the first chapter! It makes me really happy to read that. The next one should be up later this week... if my fingers don't fall off due to this ridiculous cold weather. Did it snow where you live?

homecoming
indeed, a beautiful one

It was morning when Kakashi received the message. He knew it was from Sasuke, because of his hawk and handwriting. Kakashi called for an ANBU to call for Naruto into the Hokage office. The blond came running scared that something had happened but Kakashi reassured nothing was wrong. Then Naruto was beyond ecstatic when Kakashi finally told him the wonderful news. With the blond's constant chatter, nothing was going to get done this morning. Kakashi was looking for an excuse to take a break anyway. Today his teammates, his friends, his family was finally coming home. It was all that mattered.

It had been almost two years since Sakura left with Sasuke on his journey. Many became concerned for Sakura, believing Sasuke's past was going to affect her. Though, Kakashi knew after the first two years, nothing had changed. Or reverted back to how the past was. The war had ended four years ago, the world was at peace. The many letters Kakashi received were heartfelt and detailing the things they encountered. Majority of the letters were written by Sakura and whenever they stopped by villages, she inserted postcards. From the Hokage's prospective, the two's journey was nothing but innocence. It was just two people in love, travelling together, and finding ways to make the world safer.

As the Hokage, he had some doubts but as their former sensei and friend, Kakashi had no hesitation in letting Sakura go with Sasuke. She would've argued with her former sensei into letting her go. It was something the grey-haired wanted to avoid. He knew how much she loved him and even though Sasuke never expressed it, he did too.

Afternoon came quick as Naruto dragged Team Kakashi, Tsunade, and Shizune to the gates. They were the only ones who knew about their return. Everyone else would get the surprise later. In a small distance, two figures slowly approached the Konoha Gates. Their hands had intertwined for awhile as they made it to their destination. Once they saw their old comrades, Sakura waved ecstatically back at Naruto. The four men waiting at the gate walked over to the couple and said their hellos and welcome back.

"Welcome home Sakura-chan! We missed you so much!" Naruto exclaimed as he hugged her. He turned to Sasuke with a huge grin. "And I guess you too, teme."

"We didn't miss you at all."

"Eh?! That's just mean, Sasuke," Naruto shot back. He then noticed an unusual bump or weight on Sasuke. "Wow, you've gotten fat."

"Naruto—" Tsunade spoke before being interpreted by Sai.

"Fat? No, I think it's more like he gained a little. Now if you were to look at Cho—"

"There's a baby under there."

Everyone stopped talking immediately. Naruto stared at Kakashi then back at the small bump under Sasuke's new navy poncho. There was a slight movement under the fabric. Sasuke stood there smirking and Sakura giggled at Kakashi's correct observation. Tsunade and Shizune stood there excited at the new addition to the family.

"Anata, I think it's time for them to meet her," Sakura finally spoke.

Sasuke nodded. He pushed aside the poncho, revealing a sleeping baby wrapped against his chest. She looked so calm, fair skin, black hair; a perfect mixture of the couple. "Everyone, this is Sarada."

"She's so cute," Naruto awed. Sai and Yamato nodded.

Sakura took baby Sarada from Sasuke, walking over to Kakashi. Carefully, he took Sarada into his own arms. As Kakashi took a closer glimpse at the baby, he smiled under his white mask. The same smile—no, a better one than the one when Team 7 finally reunited after the war. He whispered hello to Sarada as she was slowly waking up. She was calm and blinked a few times at the strange masked, grey-haired man holding her. Everyone laughed.

There had been days where Kakashi was afraid they wouldn't come back or only one would. He prayed everyday that they'd make it home safe. But he knew that neither of them would let each other go that easily. Today, his wish came true; a bigger and better one. Almost two years later, Sakura and Sasuke came home happy with their bundle of joy.

A/N: Question... which type of fanfic do you prefer: high school or college/university? Let me know in the reviews!