Sasuke watched as his little daughter was sucking on one of her toys. Naruto, Kakashi and everybody probably went overboard with all the gifts because now she had so many which they had no idea what to do with.

"Sarada, don't put it in your mouth." He pulled her hand down and in response, she smiled clapping her hands and giggling. Who would have thought he would be a father to such a sweet innocent girl? Sasuke would do his best to protect her with his life but one thing which haunts him is if she'll suffer due to his past actions.

Both she and Sakura. Sure his wife tries to reassure him that everything would be fine but not everyone was as forgiving as she and Naruto.

Sasuke then took Sarada's favourite rattle and began shaking it, her eyes gleamed and she put the toy down watching what he was doing.

"See?" She stared at it for a bit reaching out and taking it. Just as Sasuke thought she knew what she was doing when Sarada shook it, she began suckling on the rattle instead. A big grin on her face.

He sighed, ruffling her hair. She'll grow out of it.

Sakura was sleeping on the sofa, he wanted to give her a break so offered to look after Sarada for the day. It should be a simple task but it didn't help when she would sometimes go crawling over to her Mama wanting attention.

"Sarada," Sasuke made sure to keep quiet but also stern so Sarada knew not to disturb Sakura. The girl was standing, holding onto the sofa for support.

"Mama's sleeping, she needs her rest."

Sarada looked up to where her Mama was and back at Sasuke. The sofa was really big so without help, she wouldn't be able to reach her.

Uh oh, her lips were trembling. She really wanted her Mama. He began to panic and looked around the room hoping for some idea. Spotting his cloak which Sarada seemed to love so much for some reason.

He took it off the table and put it on top of his head so it was almost like a tent.

"Sarada look," Sasuke cooed trying to encourage his daughter to crawl over to him.

She stopped pouting, eyes bright and carefully plopped herself down so she could crawl over and sit on Sasuke's lap. His cloak was comforting, she took hold of an empty sleeve and began putting it in her mouth.

But wasn't very tasty.

"Sarada, not again," he took and gently pried the sleeve off her but Sarada was determined and kept taking it back. It was almost like a little tug of war but seeing as she was so small he had to be careful not to be too rough. The girl finally got tired of playing and yawned lightly toppling over his lap making herself comfortable.

Her big eyes looked at him, little hands in the air as she spoke.

"Ah aah."

"Are you trying to say, Papa?" He let out a soft smile letting her hold on to his fingers.

"Ah… aaah." Nothing but baby sounds came out of her mouth but she was trying.

As expected of our daughter. After all, both he and Sakura were stubborn so it was natural for her to be too and wanting to get it right.

Sarada yawned again and was asleep in no time.

When she opened her eyes, she noticed she was leaning on her Papa's shoulders. Since Sasuke knew Sarada would want to feed when she woke up, he carefully picked up his daughter so as not to disturb her and prepped her food.

But usually, feeding time was spending quality time with Mama so the girl made a fuss trying to get out of his grasp.

"There there Sarada, look I have your food." Sarada made a pouting face and looked over his shoulder to where she could see Sakura trying to reach out.

Unfortunately having one arm was difficult to keep hold of a baby. Especially when the said baby was fussy.

He pushed out the high chair with his leg and placed Sarada in it. Her arms were folded, well she attempted to fold them. A frown across her features knowing she was now trapped giving Sasuke a 'death glare'

"Don't look at me like that, you're just a little cranky from being hungry. Here, open up." Sarada turned her face around refusing to eat.

"Sarada," Sasuke warned, she dodged the food again.

He sighed, placing the spoon down. As adorable as she looked Sarada could certainly be devious.

Didn't Sakura assure him saying she'll be a little Daddy's girl? That certainly wasn't the case here when it was clearly obvious that she wanted Sakura's attention. Or maybe babies were just fickle in wanting the parent that was busy, hmm that seemed about right.

The doorbell rang and he was tempted to ignore it but knowing only one other person would bother them he decided to go answer. Saving for Sakura to wake up.

"You stay here." Well duh, where else was Sarada going to go? She still gave him a glare watching him leave.

"Yo Sasuke," Naruto beamed. Little Boruto clinging onto his shirt sucking on his thumb.

"Keep quiet, Sakura's sleeping."

"Eh? Don't you usually have to be quiet because the baby is sleeping? Not the parent." Sasuke glared at the blonde. He really was an idiot.

"I'm trying to give Sakura some time off."

"Oh, what a coincidence. So am I, why don't we walk around. I'm sure Sakura-Chan won't mind."

That actually wouldn't be a bad idea, except for one thing.

"I need to get Sarada to eat first but she's being cranky."

"Well, today's your lucky day bas- uh Sasuke. Because I'm an expert."

Just what he needed. More loud children. Still what else could he do? The sooner Sarada could eat they could go out and he'll be able to keep Sarada distracted for the rest of the day.

"Fine, but you have to be quiet, remember Sakura is sleeping. That includes Boruto too."

"Okay, okay I get it." Naruto hushed and looked down at his son.

"You hear that little buddy. We have to be quiet." Naruto put a finger to his lips and Boruto copied. Not that he really understood what was going on.

"See he gets it." Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Whatever, don't make any loud noise."

"So tell me, how are you going to get my dear daughter to eat?" Sasuke asked as the two went into the kitchen, she still had her arms crossed face turned away.

Naruto gave a smirk, he knew exactly what to do.

"Well, I happen to know a secret. Thanks to Shikamaru that is. Did you know that babies can get quite territorial with their food? All I have to do is give some to Boruto." Sarada's eye peeked open, watching Naruto suspiciously as the strange man took hold of her spoon from her bowl.

What was he doing?

"Here Boruto say ah," little Boruto looked down at the spoon of food. His eyes brightened and he opened his mouth to eat.

Immediately Sarada's face fell, her arms out making cooing sounds wanting the food. She turned to look at her Papa as if to say 'are you really going to let this happen?'

"Oh so now your hungry?" He didn't think Naruto's plan would actually work but now Sarada was on the verge of tears which wasn't what he wanted. If she cried now then she'll wake up Sakura.

"Naruto," Sasuke growled taking another spoon from the drawer to feed Sarada with.

"What? She's eating right?"

"You almost made her cry. What if she woke up Sakura?"

"Oh… right. Hehe," he sweat dropped. "But hey, at least she's eating now." Naruto pointed out when Sarada happily opened her mouth accepting the food Sasuke was giving her. He gave a hmp in response watching her happily munch away.

Why couldn't kids be so simple?

"Ah ah," Boruto pouted pointing to his mouth.

"Oh, you want some more?" He nodded his little head. "Uh hey Sasuke, I don't suppose-"

"There's some more left in the cupboard."

"Thanks, buddy, I swear I fed him earlier."

After the kids were fed they allowed Boruto and Sarada to talk and play together for a while. Both were making up words that they couldn't understand but it seemed like they were able to talk to one another.

Sarada was shaking the rattle Sasuke had earlier showing Boruto how to do it. She was a fast learner, he'll give her that.

"Do you really think they can understand each other? It's like they're talking gibberish."

"Shouldn't you be able to understand them then? Your good at that."

"Oh haha, this is the thanks I get for helping you out earlier."

"Anyway, why don't we go to the park. We'll be able to tire them out once we get back."

"Ah."

"Something wrong?" Naruto noticed Sasuke looking off. He kept zoning in and out. Whether or not the Uchiha noticed though, he wasn't sure.

"I thought I would be able to figure it out by now."

"Figure out what?"

"How to take care of Sarada. I'm her father, shouldn't I be able to know what she wants. Keep her entertained without Sakura?" It was hard to feel like he did enough when Sarada would constantly go back to Sakura. She did a lot for their daughter and whilst Sasuke did more than his fair share of help it never felt like enough.

It was an insecurity he couldn't get over.

"Hey, we're still learning. Even Hinata struggles with Boruto sometimes, I'm sure Sakura-chan does too. It's not like we just magically know how to be parents."

That makes sense. If only it was easy to get over.

"Besides, don't like babies have a special connection with their mothers?"

"Connection?"

"Yeah, you know. They have to rely on them more for food and all. I don't know something like that, I read it somewhere." Naruto shrugged, finger on chin trying to recall where he heard it from.

"Besides, Sarada loves you as much as Sakura-Chan. When she and Hinata-chan hanged out, Hinata said Sarada suddenly started making a fuss. Apparently, she spotted us walking by and she was trying to reach out to you." Naruto laughed.

"She probably gets that from you, you know pretending not to care but secretly does."

"You were doing just fine until saying that," Sasuke smirked, he briefly recalled Sakura mentioning it before and Sarada wouldn't leave him alone for the rest of the day.

"Serves you right! That's what you get for not being grateful. But have you spoken to Sakura-chan about this? If you are that worried, I'm sure she would be able to give you better advice than me. She has plenty of experience and I'm sure she had some troubles too."

Sasuke didn't consider that. All the kids loved her but maybe there were a few who were trickier to handle.

"Uh Sasuke... where's Sarada?"

What?

He turned around but only Boruto was there. He seemed to be looking for Sarada too.

"Boruto, where did Sarada-Chan go?" Naruto tried to ask as Sasuke went frantic searching in the house.

The door was locked so she wouldn't have gotten out and how fast could a baby travel?

Boruto motioned with his hands, shaking his little fist and then waving his hand about. Almost like saying 'she just disappeared' But that couldn't be, right?

"Where is she?"

When Sarada looked around, she couldn't see her parents anywhere. No Papa, Mama, or even little Boruto who she made friends. She was by herself with nothing but trees in sight.

She gripped the rattle which she was still holding onto, eyes widen looking frantically around. There had to be someone right? Anyone? Sarada tried to make a noise but all that came out were baby sounds which were too quiet for anyone to hear.

Tears started to fall and Sarada screamed crying.

She wanted her parents, this place was too scary and she was all by herself. What happened to them? Did she get lost?

The bush in front started rustling and Sarada froze expecting a big scary monster to appear but instead, it was a strange boy.

"What the-" the stranger came closer and now that she got a good look at him he looked exactly like her Papa. A small version but it was definitely him. Immediately she started smiling, arms out wanting to be carried.

"Where did you come from?" He picked up the baby looking around for any parents or adults. How did she get all the way out here? Sasuke had been training nearby until he heard the sounds of wailing. It was a strange sound out here in the training ground, or rather close to it.

His first thought was that maybe someone in danger but a baby… all the way out here? Maybe there is a chance the parents left her here to hide and come back... unless something happened to them.

Wouldn't the village be aware of the situation then?

Sarada cosied herself up to him, he was wearing a strange blue shirt which she had never seen before but it was definitely her Papa's scent and that was enough for her.

Awkwardly he patted the girl's head. She didn't seem to care about stranger danger. But then what baby would?

"Why do I always get myself into these situations?" He couldn't just leave her here. Perhaps the best idea would be to take her to the Hokage and leave it with him. They could send out posters or ninjas to scatter the area to find any hidden clues.

Guess training would have to wait for a while.

At least that was the plan until he caught sight of the crest on her back and froze.

Was that the Uchiha crest?

She looked up at him giving a small smile, she did look like an Uchiha but that would be impossible. Itachi had-

Anger and frustration swelled up inside the Uchiha. That bastard had killed everyone, how was it possible for anyone to live. Let alone a baby.

Given her age, it would be impossible for her to be related and yet her appearance and crest said otherwise.

Was it some kind of joke? A sick twisted joke someone set on him? No one could be that cruel.

Tiny hands touched his face bringing him out of his dark thoughts. Almost like she knew he needed someone and was letting him know she was right here. She was so small and innocent.

And an open target, if the baby was an Uchiha then Sasuke couldn't just leave her be. He would have to protect her.

At least until he figured out his next plan of action.

Maybe she still had a parent out there worried sick, maybe they were both gone? Regardless something inside told him to protect her no matter what.

Who would have thought a day of training would lead to this.

The girl suddenly made a face, her nose was scrunched up with a look of concentration. Sasuke wasn't sure what to do.

Until the smell hit.

"Don't tell me..."

A look of relief washed over her features and he glared at her putting her at arm's length. Great.

She just giggled in response waving her legs.

This was going to be a long day.

A baby store.

He was going into… a baby store.

Sasuke could already feel eyes on him, it was a small shop but should have everything he need for her. And given how stinky she was now he needed to get her changed as soon as possible.

I doubt they'll be happy.

All he had to do was quickly go in, get some nappies and other baby stuff and leave.

Simple.

He was thankful to have been paying attention to his mother when she would look after their younger cousins.

Sasuke would do his best to help as much as he could and always paid attention to the details. He didn't really know how to change a baby but he was able to feed them.

Hopefully, the knowledge was still there.

Sasuke looked down at the gremlin.

"Let's get you cleaned up." It seemed like all she knew was to smile and laugh. Oh yeah, laugh it up now why don't you? Tch. He had summoned a clone to do the shopping. Until he got the items there was nothing he could do.

Thankfully not many people were in.

He just walked by briskly along with the clone, holding up Sarada awkwardly. She was mesmerised by all the different items and talking to him.

Not that he could understand a single word.

The woman on the till covered her nose up when they approached but her eyes soften at the baby and poor boy.

"Let me guess, a babysitting mission." She chuckled lightly checking his items.

"There's a room in the back there if you want to go clean her up first. If you don't she'll get a rash, I'll save your items here and you can pay afterwards." Sasuke thanked the woman, taking some of the baby items with him so that he could clean up Sarada.

"Of course, besides you are stinking up my store."

Once inside the room, he placed Sarada down taking a deep breath. "You better not cause any more trouble." Again, all she did was giggle and laugh. Perhaps she really was laughing at him finding this whole ordeal amusing.

Why didn't I just leave her for someone else to find?

It would have been more practical if an adult who knew what they were doing found her.

The smell was atrocious but it needed to be done. Sarada wouldn't stop moving her legs and arms about.

"Lay still," she stuck her tongue out instead, laughing again at his expression. She knew what she was doing.

Now that the difficult part was out of the way next came the easy one.

Or so he thought, Sasuke kept switching it around.

Which way is it supposed to go?

He kept looking at the nappy and then back at her. Ah, he'll just have to guess.

He can only imagine how this looks to everyone else. If Naruto caught him like this he would never hear the end of it.

"Not bad." Finally, she was all cleaned up now, Sarada clapped her little hands. She could be cute when she wasn't smelling so badly.

"Let's get the rest of your stuff and leave." The sooner the better.

He was about to go back up to the till until a baby carrier caught his interest. It may be easier to carry her with.

Sarada had her head resting on his shoulders for now but it will do for later.

The lady had everything ready so he paid for the items anxious to leave.

"Thank you again," he bowed politely. She did save him. "Come again anytime."

I'd rather not.

Until he had his own kids at least. Which won't be happening for a long while hopefully.

With one hand carrying the bags and in his arm with Sarada who had now taken an interest in nibbling his clothing.

"It's no wonder your parents gave you up."

He smiled fondly down at her, there was still the trouble in finding out where she came from. If she was safe, did Itachi know about her?

Because if he did, maybe it was best for her to stay with him.

"Sasuke-Kun!"

Oh crap.

Sarada's ears perked up at the familiar voice. Her head peeked out from his shoulder wanting to see Mama but Sasuke had quickly shot up on the roof making a dash for it.

"Sas- oh… I thought I saw him a moment ago…" Sakura deflated, just when she thought they could have some alone time.

"Ah ah aaaah." Sarada kept whining struggling from his grip. Why did he run away from Mama?

She was right there.

"I'm not letting my teammates see me with you. Sorry." Why was he apologising to a baby? It wasn't like she understood him.

He probably shouldn't have run off like that though. At least with her, it must have been scary.

Sarada's eyes were filled with tears which caught Sasuke off guard.

He must have really scared her.

"Don't cry-"

Too late, she had started bawling.

"Look I'm sorry, I don't know what else you want from me." They had managed to make it back to his place without anyone else catching them but she was still upset.

He couldn't find any injuries so didn't understand why she was still crying.

And she wouldn't eat either.

All Sarada had wanted however was her Mama. She heard her soothing voice, could recognise it anywhere.

Why did Papa have to be mean?

"I don't know what-" An idea hit him. There was a 50% chance it wouldn't work but what harm could it do?

"Look, do you want this?" Sasuke held out his favourite dinosaur plushie. It stopped him from crying when he was scared or upset, whether it would be the same for her was another matter.

"Ga gaa!" Her arms reached out for it and cuddled it. The plushie was a bit... big in comparison to her but she was happy.

He sighed with relief, at least he managed to stop her from crying.

"I wonder what I should name you?" It would be stupid to refer to her as 'baby' and he had the feeling she would be here for a while.

A long while.

So far so good, she hadn't been crying since they came back. Far too distracted from playing with Mr Dinosaur. If you consider drooling and attempting to eat it playing that is. Sasuke would pry it away from her mouth, taking the plush and trying to teach her how to 'play' but she would go back to doing her usual. It couldn't be helped.

He was still trying to come up with names and figure out what to do with the little one.

On one hand, he knew logically he should bring her to the Hokage office or maybe even Kakashi and they could take it from there. But a selfish part of him wanted to be the one to protect her, she was an Uchiha like him. At least, that's what it looked like, even if it was impossible his mind kept rationalising. Still, on the slim chance she was, he didn't want to leave her on her own for the rest to take care of.

They were both in the same boat. And if he couldn't protect his own family he could at least protect her.

Plus if Itachi knew about this baby, there was a good chance he would come looking and perhaps Sasuke could use it to his advantage.

"Kyaaa!" She threw the plushie laughing when it bounced lightly.

Anything amused her. He was sitting on the sofa watching Sarada on the floor.

Maybe she had a nametag on her clothes… okay perhaps not. I mean who would do that to a baby.

So what should he call her?

The Uchiha wasn't even a people person who socialised let alone know how to take care of or even name a baby.

He knew his mother had always wanted a daughter.

His thoughts drifted to her, what would she name the baby? Mikoto did have some baby name lists for him and Itachi. Both boys and girls since they weren't sure of their gender but Sasuke never listened to those types of conversations.

What five-year-old would?

If only he was stronger, he could have protected them.

Sarada then crawled over passing the plush to Sasuke. He was a bit confused until he realised she noticed him staring off into space. Maybe since it stopped her from crying, she thought the same would happen to him. Or cheer him up.

"Uh, thanks?" He wasn't sure what else to say but Sarada just smiled and crawled elsewhere.

"Now where are you going?" She had been distracted with the cuddly toy since they got here so something else must have grabbed her attention.

And much to his dismay, she was heading right where the photos were.

"Don't-" she kept going and then tried to stand up using the wall for balance so she could reach her arms out. Unfortunately, it wasn't a stable table so the frame ended up falling when she leaned her entire body on it.

Quick on his feet, he managed to yank her away with one arm and catch the frame before it hit the ground.

Whoever said being a shinobi didn't pay off?

"Be careful!" His tone was harsh. She didn't pay any mind or cared but kept making grabby hands towards the photo he was carrying. What a reckless baby.

Why did she care so much about it?

"Is this what you wanted?" The photo in question was of the recent Team 7 one. They took this photo about a week about so he wondered why she was so fascinated by it.

"They are my teammates. My annoying teammates and lazy sensei." He sat back down with Sarada on his lap. "I'm sure you would all get along." Considering how much hell she was already putting him through.

It hadn't even been a day yet.

Her hand kept hitting and pointing to Sakura and she looked up at him blabbing away.

"Gah gah!"

Translation: 'look there's Mama'

Sasuke's eyebrows furrowed. Maybe he was starting to go crazy but it seemed like she was trying to tell him something.

"Sakura?" He pointed and she nodded clapping away. Then turned back to look at the photo.

"You know Sakura?" Her small hands were gently placed on the picture and she started baby talking again.

Was it possible for them to be related? Maybe they were cousins...

No that wouldn't be it, for starters. Sakura didn't have any Aunts or Uncles. Kakashi had wanted them to get to know each other better so they sat at Ichiraku Ramen taking turns to ask questions.

"So Sakura-Chan, do you have a big family?" Naruto asked eating his second bowl.

"Not really, it's just me and my parents. My mother was an only child and so was my father."

"I think they did plan on having another child but it wasn't to be I guess."

"Gee, that sucks."

"It does but who knows maybe they would have been as annoying as you."

"Hey! I'm not that bad." He looked at Sasuke and Kakashi for support but they stayed silent smirking.

"You're all mean to me." Naruto pouted.

Okay so maybe they weren't cousins or related but that didn't mean they couldn't know each other right?

Maybe she was a family friend's daughter and was able to recognise Sakura because of her hair…

Yeah perhaps not, that still didn't answer the question of why she had the Uchiha symbol on her back.

A baby.

With an Uchiha symbol.

And who knew Sakura?

Nothing was adding up.

Little Sarada stopped talking now turning her head to smile. Like she knew something. Sasuke on the other hand tried to put all the small clues together.

Then it clicked.

Yes, that made perfect sense.

She didn't recognise Sakura, not in a way she thinks that is. But maybe Sakura reminded her of her own mother.

Pink was an unusual hair colour so of course, she would mistake Sakura for someone she knew.

"I get it now. She looks like your own Mama doesn't she?" Sarada let out a huff annoyed. How did Papa not get that was Mama.

Papa must be really stupid. It was no wonder Mama would tell him off all the time.

He didn't notice she was unhappy though, more like satisfied with his own conclusion. How was she going to get to Mama now?

Finally uploaded the first chapter yay. I really enjoy and love writing this.

Everything here is just so cute and full of fluff, there's no 'pressure' for me to overthink or make it the perfect story. Just writing cuteness.