Before I begin, I'd like to take one moment to thank Gwollu from Twitter for creating such an amazing & beautiful masterpiece for this fiction (specifically a small section from chapter 27!). She is truly one of the best! If you'd like to see the image, I'll share her link down below, as well as mine to 'section of story' the art is based off of! (It's 18+, not much, but just a warning!) If you would like to get the full original illustration without watermarks and better resolution, please dm her on Twitter! I thank you for your continued support!

Her link: gwollusswriters/status/1655640882199121920?s=46&t=A85-72mN7SUDWSkpG7pTJQ (Find on twitter! Won't let me share the whole link on fanfic!)

My link: brittan23563346/status/1655629675379535889?s=46&t=A85-72mN7SUDWSkpG7pTJQ (Find on twitter! Won't let me share the whole link on fanfic!)

Now, onto the story!


They sat there for a while longer in comforting silence, watching the fish swim by, before silently agreeing that it was time to (reluctantly) head home.

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"Sakura, come down for breakfast," her Mother called from the kitchen and the pink-haired groaned before tossing her sheets and comforter to the side. Sitting up slowly with the morning sunlight streaming in… Sakura rubbed at her tired eyes with her palms and yawned, stretching before making her way to the bathroom to freshen up.

She was somewhat surprised that her Mother was even home today, given how absent she had made herself lately and contemplated if she really wanted to go down and eat with her or not, before deciding she might as well; lest she start an argument between them again. She wasn't in the mood for it, and after becoming pregnant… she was NOT always a morning person, so any little thing would set her off.

She found her Mother standing at the stove with her back facing her, the scent of pancakes making her mouth water. She went over to the cabinet and grabbed a glass, filled it with some water, then made her way towards the table just as her mother placed a stack of freshly made pancakes on the table between them. She sat across from Sakura and motioned for her to fill up her own plate first. After pouring syrup on top, they ate in relatively comfortable silence.

Until—

"So how are you feeling?" Sakura blinked at her Mother as she slowly chewed on the last bite of pancake on her plate before swallowing. She cleaned her mouth with her napkin then sat back in her chair, her baby bump protruding even more after the large plate of food.

"Fine," she answered; her tone giving away her wariness. Her Mother sent her a soft smile.

"That's good. How's the uh… how's the baby and Sasuke, how is he?"

"They're both good," her lips twisted slightly, her eyebrows drawn in confusion. Was her Mom up to something? Was this some kind of ploy of some kind? She's been so absent lately, so absorbed in herself, that it was hard for Sakura to believe that she was asking this due to her own genuine curiosity. Surely there was a motive behind it… right?

Needing a distraction, she stood and took her plate to the sink to clean it. Her mother stood moments later and got a container out to put the extra pancakes in… before moving over to her daughter's side to help with the drying. Haruno Mibuki continued the prior conversation with, "So, when is your next doctor's appointment? I was thinking, maybe I could go with you and—"

Sakura slammed her hands on the counter, sending suds and water flying all over and causing her Mother's eyes to widen in surprise. "Really," she growled; eyes closing while her body shook with a mixture of emotions. She refused to look at the woman as she continued… tears flowing freely down her cheeks. "After all this time of silence… you think you can just ask me something like that… or talk to me like nothing has happened?" Her Mother sighed and placed the damp towel on the counter.

"Sakura…"

"Why did you abandon me when Father died? Why did you ignore me, Mother?! I was broken! I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my fucking chest… and when I thought that I could count on you the most… you fucking left me!"

"SAKURA!"

"No," she hissed as she finally turned to meet her mother's eyes. "I have every right to be angry with you! I have every right to hate you if I want to! I deserved better! I—"

"You're right! You deserved better…," her mother shouted; her own tears flowing down her cheeks. "I can't apologize to you enough, Sakura! I fucking messed up with all of it! I was completely wrong for abandoning you in the way that I did… but I was grieving too! I'd just lost the love of my life, my husband, my better half. If you ever have to go through that you'll understand!"

"If I ever have to go through that… I won't make the same mistake as you! I won't abandon my child!" Her mother's face contorts with various emotions before she falls down to her knees (hard) with a wail; wrapping her arms around her daughter's waist and burning her face in her rounded belly; murmuring over and over again that she was sorry.

Sakura felt a mixture of reactions. Anger, wanting to push her way; sadness, wanting to hug her close; and then her own grief began to push forward once again.. and quickly, any anger she felt towards her Mother seeped out of her entirely. Sakura slowly lowered to her own knees, drained of fighting energy, and gingerly wrapped her arms around her Mother's shaking shoulders. They sat on the kitchen floor like that for a while; crying… grieving together in the way that they should have from the beginning.

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Sasuke woke slowly, an ache in his forehead causing him to groan before pulling the covers over his head. It was too early, he didn't want to get up yet. But of course, someone else had other ideas. The cover was forcefully yanked off of him, causing his flesh to instantaneously bead up with goosebumps, and he glowered darkly as his gaze met the bright blue eyes of his best friend. The blonde-haired was way too cheerful for this early in the morning for Sasuke's liking. "What do you want," he grumbled in irritation.

"Come on, teme. Get up!"

"It's early."

"No it's not. It's 7:30. I wanna hang out with you today. It's been too long and I know you plan on going to see Sakura later." Sasuke rolled his eyes and sighed before sitting up. His bare chest warmed slightly from the morning sunlight that streamed in on him from the bedroom window, and he blinked away the sleep before rising.

"Fine… but I'm not doing anything stupid." Naruto's smile grew and he pumped his fist in the air excitedly.

"Excellent! Get dressed, teme. We're going out!"

Half an hour later…

"Oh come on! That shouldn't even count…," Naruto huffed as he picked up the soccer ball in his hand; sweat dripping down his chest as he tossed it briefly between them before throwing it angrily towards the dark-haired who caught the ball easily and sent him a victorious smirk. He balanced it on the tip of his foot before tossing it to the other.

"You're just a sore loser. With that point, I win."

"Man, you suck!" Naruto threw his hands up and moved to the side to grab his water bottle. Sasuke did the same and the two sat next to the soccer goal while watching a few of the early morning joggers run past on the park's pathway. Sasuke took his towel and swiped it across his forehead, before pouring some of his water on it, then draped it over his bare shoulders. His shorts hung loose on his legs as he lifted them up into a bent position to rest his arms on them. He was panting softly in the early morning heat as the sun began to warm the earth to an uncomfortable degree.

Today was going to be a hot one, he had no doubt.

"So, how's Sakura? Her morning sickness is almost gone, right..," the blonde asked; breaking the silence. "Isn't it like after the first trimester or something it's over with?"

"She's better, but still getting it on occasion."

"That sucks."

"It is what it is… or so she says. I know sometimes it really bothers her, though she doesn't like to admit it."

"Tell her to choose foods carefully. Like pick food that is higher in protein and low in fat. Eat a little at a time and snack often. Mom said it helped her anyway when she was pregnant with me."

"Thanks, I'll tell her."

"So, how are you holding up with everything? The baby… your family… Sakura."

Sasuke ran his hand through his hair and sighed, whipping the sweat on his towel before focusing on a single blade of grass in front of him which swayed slowly in the breeze. "It is what it is, I suppose. The baby, I'm honestly really happy about. I can't wait to meet my child… even though I'm a bit nervous. I wanna marry Sakura as soon as possible so we can start our life together and my family— Well, they don't seem to want much to do with me. Dad asked us to come for dinner soon, but I have a feeling it won't be a pleasant visit."

Naruto placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it in a sign of support and comfort. In a rare show of seriousness Naruto said, "If you need me, don't hesitate to say so. You know I'll always be here, man."

"I know." A pause. "Thanks, man."

Another firm squeeze, before Naruto nudged his shoulder. "Come on…," he indicated with his head towards the field and wiggled his brows playful. Back to his usual self. "Best two out of three?" Without responding, Sasuke stood and walked towards the goal.

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Sakura smiled down at her phone when it buzzed and she placed her warm cup of tea on the table; reaching over for it to swipe across the screen.

Hey, beautiful. What time did you want to get together today?

"Who is that," her Mother asked, brows lifted in curiosity as she sipped slowly from her own mug. The pinkette's plump cheeks turned pink as she tucked her hair behind her ears; drawing her knees closer to her chest.

"Oh, umm…"

"Let me guess, it's Sasuke isn't it." Sakura's smile widened and she nodded her head eagerly, almost like a little girl… giddy with girlish excitement. "It's fine dear to answer him." Sakura's gaze moved back to her screen and she quickly began to type back.

I'm free whenever, babe.

Sakura placed her phone next to her and grabbed her tea again; bringing it up to her lips, blowing on it, before taking a small sip. The warm liquid soothed her insides and she felt her body relax even more; leaning against the couch cushions in utter contentment. Her Mother smiled. "You… you really love him, don't you."

Without hesitating, Sakura responded with, "Of course."

Her Mother looked at her curiously before tilting her head to the side. "Why don't you invite him for dinner, dear. I feel as if I owe you both a proper apology for the way I've been acting. If Sasuke doesn't want to come, I understand… but it would mean the world to me if you both could make it." It warmed Sakura's heart to her the absolute genuineness in her mother's voice… and she found herself agreeing to at least ask him if he wanted to come when her phone began to buzz with an incoming message.

I just finished hanging out with Naruto, and I need to take a quick shower, but after I can come pick you up and we can go to the mall or something. Do a little bit of baby shopping and maybe grab some lunch while we're out?

Sounds amazing! Would you mind coming here for dinner tonight? My Mother has had a change of heart, and wants to apologize to you and me for how she's been acting. She told me to ask you. If tonight doesn't work, we can always do it some other time.

Sure, beautiful. If it'll make you happy, I'll gladly come.

Thank you, Sasuke! I love you so much! I guess I'll see you soon then?

I'll pick you up in about thirty minutes. I love you too. See you soon, Sak.

She asked her Mother if it was okay, and when she agreed Sakura quickly finished off her hot tea and made her way towards the kitchen to place her empty cup in the sink then went to her bedroom to change.

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Her right hand was held securely in his, while she leisurely perused the isles; a wide assortment of baby supplies and objects were stacked (almost all the way) to the ceiling on all sides of them. A young store employee came over and smiled at the couple, noticing the protective stance Sasuke had taken up for his bride-to-be, while she showcased her baby bump in one of her new maternity dresses; the comfy fabric clinging to her skin, but flowy and stretchy enough to be considered comfortable. The flowery pattern and colors contrasted remarkably with her skin tone, and her strappy sandals were flat on the bottom, to prevent any possibility of her twisting her ankle from to much height; though she'd already tripped a few times… which is why Sasuke was so rigid by her side, and watching her so intensely.

"Can I help you find something," the woman questioned in a kind, soft tone with both of her hands clasped behind her back as her gaze shifted from Sakura's cute baby bump to her face. The pinkette smiled at her in return, but shook her head in the negative.

"We're just looking, thank you." With a slight bow, the other woman retreated from the same direction she'd come from to help another customer reach something from an upper shelf. Sakura turned back to the shelf in front of them with a soft sigh.

"What is it…," Sasuke asked, squeezing her hand gently while rubbing his thumb across the back of it in soothing circles. Sakura placed her free hand on her forehead, her right palm sweating slightly in his from the heat generated between them.

"It's just, how do we pick what to get? There are hundreds of options for cribs, diapers, formula, toys, clothes… it's a bit overwhelming if I'm being honest." Sasuke tugged her next to him, placing a kiss to the top of her head while he squeezed her tightly.

"Don't worry, Sakura. We've got plenty of time to decide before the baby comes. You worry too much."

"Maybe you don't worry enough," she teased while poking him in the side. He looked down at her… exaggerating an eye roll… before pulling her chin up to kiss her on the lips. He reached for her hand again and began to walk towards the exit, but she stopped him. He turned and lifted a brow. "Aren't you hungry?"

"Well yes, but…" He watched as she reached over to one of the shelves before plucking a rounded plushie from it. A warm smile lifted her lips as she held it out to him. "Can… we get this one, please." Her pouty lips brought a genuine smile to his own and he took the stuffed dinosaur from her hand (completely ignoring the memories that it conjured up for him of one he had owned as a toddler), before silently walking over to the cashier. Sasuke noticed her palpable happiness as they walked out of the store, a small plastic bag in her hand, but decided not to say anything about it.

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"Dinner was delicious, Mother," Sakura said as she placed her now clean plate back in the cabinet, the wet towel that she'd used to dry dishes now used to dry her hands before she hung it up to dry. The women moved to the living room and took their places, with Sakura sitting next to her fiancé on the only couch, fitting perfectly into the tiny space at his side, while her Mother sat across from them in one of the loveseats.

"Thank you, dear. I got the recipe from your Father's great aunt before she passed. It's apparently a family tradition to fix it to amend ties with loved ones."

Sakura nodded her head and relaxed against Sasuke who placed his arm across her shoulders; massaging the flesh with his calloused fingers. "I can see why. It's amazing! I'll have to write it down and try it on my own… though I don't think it'll be nearly as good as yours." Mebuki waved away her flattery with her hand and tucked one of her legs under the other; her foot resting under her butt, while she leaned back slightly in her seat.

"It was nothing. Once you get the steps memorized, you'll be able to do it with your eyes closed." Sasuke remained quiet next to her, and Sakura was no longer sure where to take the conversation next, but her mom had that covered as well. However, her next words were shocking. "Sakura, I want to talk to you both about living arrangements." The pinkette remained silent… her jaw dropping as her Mother continued. "I want you both to live here, with me." Silence. "At least temporarily," she amended, her cheeks dusting a slight shade of pink as she averted her eyes to her hands. Sakura had never seen her mother like this before and sat frozen; Sasuke was just as stoic next to her. "Until you can find your own place, that is. You both can live in your room for now, and we can convert your Father's old office into a baby nursery for the little one. It would be… good to see it used for something that he'd be proud of."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she reached for her mother's hand. "I appreciate the offer, Mother. But I don't want to impose. We can find our own place. I don't want to feel like I have to follow all of your rules anymore… or walk on eggshells around you. I don't know if Sasuke would be comfortable here, and…"

Mebuki's warmth soon twisted into sadness while her lips pulled into a soft smile. "I understand. I don't want to have rules in place anymore, dear. You're a woman who's about to start a family of her own. You aren't my little girl. I—I just thought… you could save up for something nicer than just settling. I don't mind having you here… but I understand if you don't want to stay. Whatever you decide, I will support you either way." Sakura looked back at Sasuke, their eyes seeming to almost communicate before he nodded.

She turned back to her Mother and sent her a kind smile. "We'll think about it, okay."

"That's all that I ask…," Mebuki said before giving her only child's hand a firm squeeze.

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Two weeks later, Sakura found herself relaxing in the bath with Sasuke, her back against his chest while he scrubbed his soapy hands up and down her arms, before moving to her chest. She hummed in contentment as her head rolled to the side; resting on his left shoulder. "I think we have all that we need now, right?"

"Hmm," he murmurs against her neck, kissing the wet skin before slowly sliding his tongue up to her ear. "And as long as you're happy here, I will be too," he whispered, cupping her heaving breast while her fingertips slowly slid their way up the length of his thigh. Her heavy eyelids softly fluttered closed while his fingertips rolled her protruding nipples, her back arching slightly as the sensations sent a shiver down her spine and warmth straight to her core.

She breathed out his name softly, reaching behind to grab his cock firmly by the base; her nails digging into his thigh while she stroked his length slowly. Spontaneity has been the name of the game for them lately, and after moving his belongings into her parent's house all day today… Sakura needed something to help her relax. With her mother gone for the night— they didn't have to worry about being quiet either. Water sloshed around them as they maneuvered in the bathtub, Sakura moving her legs on either side of him, straddling his body as she leaned forward on all fours; her back arched as Sasuke slide two fingers into her heat from behind, with one hand still toying with one of her breasts.

He leaned forward as well, kissing her nap as she rocked back and forth against his hand; his thumb brushing slowly across her clit. She shivered and gasped. "Sasuke please, I need you…"

Sasuke didn't hesitate and removed his hands to guide her above him by the hips. She helped to ease him inside with her right hand and even though it was slightly tough in the water, they managed. She let out a contented sigh as she felt him stretch her walls, and began to rise and lower her hips slowly to "test the waters". His fingertips dug into her sides, just below her belly, and she allowed him to adjust their pace. Stretching back out, with him still inside of her, she leaned back against his chest and tilted to one side in order to connect their kiss-swollen lips.

She hummed against his mouth as he slid a hand down to brush against her clit while the other lifted to her neglected nipple. He tweaked it gently while his tongue pushed into her mouth. His hips jerked against her and water splashed around them while her left hand gripped the side of the tub and the other tangled in his hair. Her body was much more sensitive now than it used to be before the pregnancy, and she knew that it would take zero time for her to climax. But she desperately wanted him to come with her, inside of her so with as much effort as she could conjure, she clamped her walls tightly around him and picked up the pace on her own; sending water spilling out on both sides of the tub.

He grunted at the sudden change, and met her thrust with his own, his fingers twisting her nipple hard as he rubbed circles across her clit; pressing down just enough to cause her to cry out against his mouth.

Her legs were quivering.

Her body was sweating.

Her mind… reeling.

She was about to—

She jerked away from his lips and tossed her head back, her hair clinging to her cheeks and forehead as her nails dug so deeply into the side of the tub… that her knuckles had turned white and acrylic rested beneath them. Sakura screamed his name, the sound of it echoing off of the walls while he rested his forehead against the side of her neck… his hips jerking hard in an attempt to draw out her climax and reach his own. Finding her breath, she tilted her head and slowly licked the shell of his ear before sucking on his earlobe. Sakura then whispered into his ear, "Inside of me, babe— come inside of me," sending him over the edge.

He was panting against her shoulder as she massaged his scalp, kissing the top of his head, while he wrapped her in a loving embrace. His lips brushed gently against her skin, and the small hairs growing on his chin tickled her, causing her to scrunch away from him and giggle breathlessly. Her hand squeezed his bicep, and he slowly released her. She gathered her hair behind her and lifted onto her knees; her hands ringing it out, before reaching for the towel to wrap it in. When she looked over the side of the tub she groaned.

"I'll get it, Sak," Sasuke said as he rolled his eyes playfully before standing up from the bathtub. He stood above her, water droplets dripping down from his chest… taking paths down the contours of his muscles, and causing her insides to clench in need again. She quickly averted her eyes from his body after staring way too long at his semi-hard cock… and heard soft chuckling coming from behind her while her cheeks heated with embarrassment. Sakura stood up and reached for her towel, before feeling a soft slap to her right ass cheek. She quickly turned on him with an angry scowl, while he simply smirked back at her knowingly.

In retaliation, she lifted her hand to slap his chest, but he quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her against him. He kissed her passionately, lifting her up by the hips to hold her against his front while he stepped out of the tub. Her fingers tangled in his hair as his tongue brushed against the seam of her lips. She felt his cock tap against her ass while her insides began to quiver again. She was about to deepen the kiss and allow him access to her mouth, when a loud bang could be heard from downstairs… followed by the sound of her mother's voice calling up to them both from the front entrance.

"Sakura, Sasuke! I'm home early! I've brought you dinner."

He sighed against her lips before letting her slide down his front slowly, and she landed on her feet with a gentle thud. He reached behind them after and wrapped her fluffy towel around her back. "Looks like that'll have to wait until later." Slightly perturbed and left suddenly unsatisfied, she huffed in frustration before slipping the towel back around her and made her way to the bedroom to change into some comfy pajamas, leaving her fiancé to clean up their mess.

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Author's Notes & just as a friendly reminder:

If any of my stories sound like your own writing or another you have read I apologize; but I didn't copy anyone else's work. This... and everything else... are entirely my own creations. (This update is unedited. I just didn't have time, sorry!)

Also:

FOR UPDATES ON THIS FIC... AND OTHER THINGS... PLEASE GO TO MY TWITTER PAGE! I POST ALMOST DAILY THERE AND ALSO HAVE POLES ON OCCASION!