Date night in the village

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There was no need to be nervous, yet, he couldn't help but feel dread in the pit of his stomach. He'd faced certain doom without so much as breaking a sweat, but the idea of a date-night in the village with his wife terrified Sasuke Uchiha.

It wasn't that the didn't want to spend time with Sakura — he did. But he'd have preferred a quiet stroll through the woods without onlookers gawking at the Hospital Director and the Traitor. His defection from Konoha was still too fresh for the average civilian of Konoha. For most of the ninja- the Hokage, Naruto, and Sakura vouching for him were enough.

He sensed his wife outside of the bathroom door. "Everything okay, Sasuke?"

"I'm just buttoning up my shirt," Sasuke called. "You can come in." Unfortunately, while he was capable of buttoning his shirt one-handed, it was time consuming.

Sakura slipped inside the room, stood behind him, chin on his shoulder, and arms wound around his chest. She wore a pale green dress that fit snug against her curves. He noted her midsection was a little more curvy and breasts fuller than usual, but he was smart enough not to mention that. They were both getting older, so it was to be expected. He was pretty happy with the way her body continued to fill out as they matured. Twelve year old Sasuke would never have imaged scrawny Sakura as such a babe. There might have been other women that were more beautiful physically, but he had no interest in anyone else — never had and never would.

His wife didn't help him button up the dress shirt, though he could see in her eyes that she was sorely tempted. It had been months since he'd last used the prosthetic and he had learned to manage almost everything one-handed. Though, having lost his dominant hand, his penmanship was no longer elegant.

"We can just stay in — if you'd be more comfortable," Sakura said, her voice quiet. She met his gaze in the mirror.

Sasuke would have preferred to stay home. Sarada was spending the night with Naruto, Hinata, and Boruto. However, he knew it would mean a great deal to Sakura to go on a public date. "It would be more comfortable," he agreed. Sakura had worked twelve hour shifts every day for the last two weeks. "But you wanted to go out, so we'll go out." He finished the final button. "You sure you want to trust Naruto with our daughter?"

Sakura chuckled. "No way! I love him, but I'm trusting in Hinata."

Sasuke turned towards Sakura, cradled her face with his hand, and his thumb traced lazy circles over her cheek. His wife stared up at him, eyes half-lidded and he leaned down to press his lips against hers— soft and pliable. "You look beautiful," he whispered, breath caressing her lips.

She smiled up at him, face flushed. "We don't have to leave."

Sasuke smirked, ego boosted at her arousal after a simple kiss. "We don't have to leave right now anyway. Do you mind unbuttoning my shirt?" He kissed her behind the ear. "It will be faster."

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OoO

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They had an hour before their reservation at the restaurant, so they walked amiably through the streets of Konoha, holding hands. The Uchiha couple were in excellent spirits after an impromptu workout session in their bedroom.

As they passed through the village streets, little girls pointed at them and giggled. Hinata and Naruto were a popular couple, but so were Sakura and Sasuke. Adolescent girls had always liked him — it was his mysterious, brooding nature. Older women, they tended to view him through a lens of fear and distrust. If he'd been wearing his prosthetic, he'd have received more lustful gazes, but it was his experience that people tended to avoid looking at those with crippled bodies. He didn't like being looked at, so that was motivation to learn to live with one hand.

Adolescent girls (and most everyone else) hero-worshipped and idolized Sakura. Hell. Sasuke idolized Sakura. She was the only person he trusted absolutely. Even in his darkest moments, she'd been there in the periphery of his subconscious. He was the reincarnation of Indra Ootsutsuki. Was Sakura his princess in the past, or was it only now that he found his soul mate? Having her unwavering support helped draw him back from the darkness that had all but devoured him for years.

"Sasuke? Where did you go?" Sakura squeezed his hand gently. "Your eyes tell me, you're a million miles away."

He pulled her aside, twirling her to face him. "You're the one for me, Sakura. If something happened, and you were taken, I would break all the rules to find you."

Sakura's brow furrowed in concern. "What triggered this line of thought?"

"No matter what distance may come between us, we will always be connected," Sasuke vowed. "In this life and all that follow—you are mine." He pressed his forehead against hers, cool flesh against his warmth. "Our clan has long been haunted by darkness and resentment, even with the foundation under Ishura."

Her lips curled into a smile. "I do like it when you call it our clan."

"You have brought the promise of hope. Because of you, the clan doesn't die with me. It will live on in our descendants." Sasuke really hoped that he and Sakura would have more children, but it wasn't fair to task her with raising the next generation as a solo mother with an absentee father. He wanted to be a good husband and a good father, but only he was capable of the unique mission. He would soon be obligated to leave the presence of his family and all he loved for an unforeseeable future. If he didn't, if he did nothing, there would likely be no future. They would all perish together, whenever the Otsutsuki decided to enact their plan.

"Sasuke-kun, I love you." Sakura's eyes watered with emotion. "Let's just enjoy this time together. I don't want to spend all day worried about tomorrow." She craned back her neck and lifted her face to brush her lips against his. "As a medic, I understand that death is a part of life. We must live each day as if it were our last. No regrets."

"I have an idea." Sasuke led them towards one of the nearby children's playground. He'd taken Sarada countless days over the past few months. At this time of day, it would be relatively empty with young children safe at home at dusk. "We can watch the sun set on the swings."

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OoO

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Stretched out, lying prostrate on the floor, Naruto looked between the two toddlers. Boruto and Sarada were happily stacking blocks into a high tower. He had never noticed his son build something complicated. It was weird, the two kids kept looking off to the side, as if someone was talking to them, giving instructions. As much as Naruto tried to expand his senses, he couldn't sense anyone else. It was almost as if they were talking to a ghost. He quickly dismissed that line of thought.

"My love, how are things going?" Hinata stood in the doorway to the den, a bowl of mixed fruit in her hands.

"They are being completely good," Naruto answered, unable to keep the puzzlement he felt out of his tone. "I mean, I'm not surprised Sarada is so well behaved, but Boruto is usually a terror."

"His friendship with Sarada is good for him." Hinata smiled fondly at their son. "Dinner is ready."

Before Naruto could prompt the toddlers, in unison they stood and marched right into the dining room. "That's not normal," Naruto declared.

"They're just getting older and understanding their surroundings more," Hinata reasoned with a shrug. "Now, why don't you inactive your sage mode? You're at home, relax!"

Naruto wrinkled his nose. He couldn't see anything, but there was a faint ozone smell. There was a reason his son and niece were so well behaved. "Dad? Is that you?" he whispered. The ozone scent grew stronger before it vanished entirely. Naruto shook his head, it was wistful thinking that his father's spirit would be there, but it was a nice delusion.

"Coming," Naruto called, deactivating Sage mode and joining his family for dinner. Maybe he'd mention it to Sasuke. Sakura would likely dismiss his observation, or worse, make him come in for a Physical and a complete medical work up!

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The orange rays of the setting sun backlit the thick forest outside of the park. Sakura swung her legs lazily on the swing, Sasuke stood next to her, back braced against the wooden post supporting the swing set. It would be difficult for him to remain steady on a swing with only one hand, though he could loop the crook of his elbow on his mangled left arm to do so. She didn't think he was embarrassed, but he also refused to wear the Hashirama prosthetic. It was frustrating, but it wasn't her choice.

Naruto had adapted to using his prosthetic, but it was like Sasuke enjoyed torturing himself. Or maybe it really did interfere with his techniques, but she didn't think it was anything beyond his own mental prejudice towards using it.

Sasuke Uchiha didn't like depending on anyone, but himself.

"Okay, why are you scowling?" Sasuke asked, his calm tenor interrupting her mental reveille.

"I thought you were watching the sunset," Sakura protested. She flashed a disarming smile at her husband.

"I can observe more than one thing." Sasuke stepped towards her, his index finger traced from her forehead's diamond marking to the bridge of her nose.

"I was thinking about you refusing to use the prosthetic," Sakura admitted.

"Ah." Sasuke smirked. "I suspected I was the source of your ire." He held out his hand and Sakura accepted it, and stood in front of him. Sasuke looped his right arm around Sakura and his left upper arm, down to the crook of the elbow on his left to complete the hug. "I'm sorry the reminder of my foolishness upsets you. The Uzumaki and Senju have compatible genes. The Uchiha are the opposite of the Senju. It's actually harder for me to use my chakra with the prosthetic."

"We don't have to use Hashirama's cells to make you a prosthetic." Sakura closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in her husband's scent, resting her face against his throat. "I could work with some of my biotech engineers to create something for you."

"Maybe one day, but I'm not interested. You didn't seem to think I was unable to perform a little while ago," he pointed out.

Sakura felt her cheeks flame as she thought about their intimacy earlier. "I have to admit, I am completely satisfied on that account."

"Aside from doing the dishes — which your father is eager to help with —- I'm capable of everything I need to do," Sasuke reassured her. He pressed a kiss to her brow. "Come, our reservation will be ready soon."

They walked side by side, past civilians and off duty shinobi, towards the restaurant. They were escorted to the most coveted table with a lakeside view. It had the ideal visual of the onsite musicians, but far enough way that a conversation could be shared between the diners.

As the staff prepared their orders, they split a bottle of red wine. "How are things with work?" Sasuke asked. "Did our old teammates like your proposal?"

Sakura nodded. "I have their whole-hearted support. I think I'll be able to convince enough of the council for the program to pass."

"That would be a relief. I worry about how you'll manage the hospital and raising our daughter. I know your family and friends will help when they can." Sasuke sipped from his wine, leaving unsaid the concern they both shared about his impending departure.

He started to top off her glass, but she held her hand over it. "No, thank you. I'm trying to cut back," Sakura said, smiling awkwardly. She felt safe taking a fews sips of wine, but nothing more. Sasuke still didn't know about the pregnancy.

"Ah." Sasuke set the bottle down. "I had noticed a little softness to you lately."

Sakura narrowed her eyes. Was he saying she looked fat? Technically, she had gained ten pounds in this first trimester, similar to what happened with Sarada's pregnancy. But then again, her husband was the most observant person she knew— of course he noticed the ten pounds. He saw her naked, there was no way to hide even a little weight from him. He didn't press her about it, so most likely, he thought she'd just gained weight from her long hours. "It has been difficult getting in my workout times."

"You should train with Hinata — taijutsu. You are similar in build and you're really good." Sasuke shook his head, shifting his bangs out of his eyes to look at her more fully. "How did you learn hand-to-hand? Did Lady Tsunade teach you? I know we didn't learn much from Kakashi, and your parents are civilians."

"Actually, Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga helped me. Lee had the biggest crush on me for years," Sakura confessed. She smiled softly, as fond memories of the two boys came back to her. "You were gone. Naruto was gone. Ino was always on missions with Shikamaru and Choji. Team Guy took pity on me. So when I wasn't training with Master Tsunade, I trained with them."

Sasuke sat back, his dark gaze thoughtful. "Its probably to my benefit Neji passed. He and I shared many similarities. You might have fallen for him."

Sakura didn't point out the obvious pairing of Neji and Tenten. She shook her head. "No, Sasuke. There's only ever been you. Since we were five years old and you scraped your knee on the playground." She chuckled. "I doubt you remember, but I used my hair tie as a bandage."

A slow smile spread across Sasuke's lips. "It was green. I remember." He reached across the table and caressed the back of her hand. "Then Itachi picked me up from the academy that afternoon."

Sakura stared at him, shocked. "I really didn't think you remembered that."

"I didn't think I remembered it either." Sasuke shook his head. He squeezed her hand. "It just came back to me- crystal clear."

"I'm glad. I never thought I made much of an impression on you when we were young." Sakura flipped her hand over and held Sasuke's hand.

"I was slowly taking it in." Another shy smile crossed Sasuke's lips. "Honestly, I cannot imagine my life without you. You're my anchor, Sakura Haruno Uchiha. No matter how far away, I will always come back to you."

"Not to be critical, but an anchor holds you down. A star is more appropriate for directional guidance." Sakura pulled her hand from Sasuke's grasp, picked up her fork, and started on her meal.

"And that's why you were ranked first on the academics and I was second." Sasuke started on his own dinner. "You're my guiding star, Sakura."

"Have you found any interesting dimensions in your trainings?" Sakura gestured towards his left eye, where the Rinnegan could activate at her husband's whim. "Any more misadventures in ice and fire realms?"

"I am getting better at controlling it," Sasuke admitted. "I'm no longer suffering from severe chakra depletion during my explorations. I've started a map of the realms to keep them straight."

"Would you show them to me? The map. I don't necessarily want to visit an Oxygen deprived realm," Sakura said. She shivered at the very idea.

"Of course. And I won't take you to an uninhabitable realm, but there is one I think you'll like. It's serene and there are massive flowers and countless butterflies. Lots of pink." Sasuke gently tugged one of Sakura's locks of hair. "You'll fit right in."

Sakura wasn't sure if she wanted to risk visiting a realm full of butterflies — what if they were flesh eating monster butterflies? She was trying to think of the right response when a familiar flash of blond drew her attention "Ino? I didn't realize you'd be here too," Sakura said, trying to be friendly and not obvious in her nervousness. Would Ino tell Sasuke before Sakura could.

Ino ushered Sai over, reluctantly he followed. He and Sasuke acknowledged each other with unfriendly glances, but weren't overly hostile. "I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun, I need to borrow your wife for a couple of minutes." Ino smiled a brilliantly white, charming smile. "Sai will entertain you. I promise to bring her back!"

Sakura was too flabbergasted to stop Ino from hauling her towards the lady's room. It wasn't like she couldn't physically stop Ino — her physical strength was unchallenged. "What are you doing? We're trying to enjoy a date night! I've worked the last two weeks without a day off. I need a nice, quiet evening with my husband before he leaves for only God knows how long!"

"Calm down," Ino said. She checked under the bathroom stalls. "Okay, good, it's empty. Probably everyone saw you and ran away scared."

"This better be important." Sakura's anger ebbed away and worry took its place. "Is your mom, okay?"

"Mom is fine." Ino took hold of Sakura's shoulders and looked her directly in the eyes. "I lied earlier — about your ultrasound."

Sakura's mouth ran dry and her heart began to race. Automatically, her hands cradled her barely swollen belly. "Is the baby okay?"

"The babies are okay," Ino said. "I manipulated the ultrasound so you only heard one heartbeat at a time, but you've got twins. Fraternal." She bit her lower lip. "You were so worried, I didn't want to freak you out more, but I couldn't keep it a secret."

The room began to spin. Sakura felt her knees wobble and Ino's hugged her tight, supporting her weight.

"You're about to be really obvious in these next few weeks," Ino reminded her. "When will you tell him?"

"His birthday. I was planning to have a party for him, I can let him know the next morning." Sakura could envision it.

Ino nodded. "That's three weeks from now. You'll be able to know the sex of the babies — if you want to know. We can monogram some onesies. Maybe we can help set up the spare bedroom."

"Are you sure?" Sakura asked. "I don't feel like I have two babies inside."

"Trust me. You will." Ino turned on the faucet and damped a paper towel. She dapped at Sakura's face. "Okay, maybe he won't notice."

"Are you kidding?" Sakura asked. She finger-combed her hair, anxious to try and look presentable. She was still pale in shock—or maybe she was already anemic? "Sasuke notices everything, it's just whether or not he chooses to pursue why you and I are acting weird."

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edited May 26, 2023