Family Photo

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The suit felt itchy against his throat. However, since it was his idea, he didn't want to complain. It was Sasuke's birthday and Sakura had arranged for a family photograph. They would receive two portraits — one for the family at home and another for Sasuke to keep with him. He was afraid that Sarada and Sakura would forget what he looked like and he was afraid that he'd start to think these past two years were nothing more than a dream. He needed a tangible reminder.

"It should be ready very soon," Sakura assured him. She wound her arm around his waist and fit herself snug against his side. Sarada was fast asleep in her other arm, sleeping against her shoulder.

It was a moment Sasuke would want to remember on his dark, lonely nights that would surely haunt his future.

"This suit is very itchy," Sasuke whispered. "It's nice, but not comfortable at all."

Sakura smiled in sympathy. "That's because you're more sensitive than most people," she explained. "Your heightened nerves make you more aware to the nuances of that stiff fabric." She glanced towards the door where the photographer was developing the film. "I hope the necklace shows up in the photograph."

She was referring to the necklace Sasuke had created originally for Sarada. They had decided their daughter should wear it, so that Sasuke could hopefully feel her presence on his journeys like he could feel Sakura through their rings.

"Just be careful, she could get it caught and choke herself," Sasuke worried.

"I'll take it off when we get home. I'll wait until she's a little older, maybe three or four, before I explain that it's from her father. She'll see it in the photograph and understand," Sakura said.

"How did you find this guy? He's not the same person that took our team photo." Sasuke tried to remember what that photographer looked like. It had been a decade before and this man was barely older than they were.

"This is his son," Sakura explained. "And Tenten's boyfriend," she added in a whisper.

"Really?" Sasuke was surprised. Tenten was dating a civilian? "I figured she'd end up with Rock Lee."

"Why? I was the one Lee had the crush on growing up," Sakura reminded him. "I'm just glad she found someone. I worried she'd choose solitude after Neji's death. They were very close. She still visits his grave every morning."

Sasuke was only partly listening. He became irritated with the reminder that Lee had a crush on his wife. Though, according to Kizashi, Sasuke was incredibly lucky that Sakura only ever had eyes for him. According to his father-in-law, the male population of Konoha between the ages of sixteen and thirty either had a crush on Sakura, Ino, or Hinata. Since Sakura was the last to marry, there was quite the disappointed collection when she returned to the village married to Sasuke Uchiha - whom many still considered a rogue.

The door to the photographer's processing room opened. He walked out, proudly displaying two very similar photographs, taken a few moments apart. "I think you will be satisfied, Mr. and Mrs. Uchiha!"

Sasuke took one of the photographs and inspected it closely. Sakura and Sarada both had amazing smiles. He'd stared back, his dark eyes amused, but his face slack without emotion. He had wanted to smile for his wife and daughter, but he had practiced that morning in a mirror. He looked stupid with a smile, so he opted for serious and solemn — like he knew just how precious they were and that he could lose them at any time.

"Are you okay with them?" Sakura asked, leaning closer and inspecting the two photos - the one in Sasuke's hand and the one in the photographer's grasp. "We can try again if you want to see about smiling."

"No, they are perfect," Sasuke said. He was a solemn man. If he wanted his wife and daughter to remember him accurately, he needed to be solemn in the photograph he left behind for them. "At least, I'm not scowling."

Sakura burst into laughter, startled Sarada and then tried to shush her back to sleep. Angry dark eyes glared at her mother, gaze drifted beyond them, a goofy toddler smile later, Sarada was back to sleep.

Sasuke mentally sent his brother a thank you. Whenever, something like this occurred, he assumed Itachi had something to do with it. He didn't know for sure, but he liked to think that. While he couldn't see Itachi's spirit in the world, he could speak to him in dreams sometimes. Usually, he forgot to ask whatever he'd think up in the real world. They mostly shared stories of their lives with each other. He knew his brother better now, than he'd ever imagined he could.

"Shall I frame these for you?" the photographer asked.

"Yes, that would be great. Simple, black frames," Sakura answered. "Then if you could use a genin to deliver them to the house this afternoon. We have a small celebration for Sasuke's birthday today."

"Yes, ma'am!" The photographer flashed a friendly smile in Sasuke's direction. "And Happy Birthday, Mr. Uchiha!"

"Thanks," Sasuke grunted. He did not want some over-eager genin coming to their house later that day. He also didn't want a birthday party. He did not want a bunch of people over their house making a big deal about him.

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OoO

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It had been some time since Naruto had a day off. Though, he was working harder today than usual helping Sakura with Sasuke's birthday party celebration. He'd wanted to go all out, but Sakura had asked for a guys night. That left Naruto with the task of inviting the guys - Shikamaru, Choji, Lee, Sai, Kiba, and Shino hadn't been hard to reach. Though, Shikamaru and Sasuke weren't particularly friendly, the former still held a grudge against Sasuke for leaving the village and his stint as an international criminal. The others didn't seem to mind. If Naruto said Sasuke was okay — then Sasuke was okay. Sai had said that Ino told him to be on his best behavior, so he would. It was the other three Sakura insisted Naruto invite that was the challenge— Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin. Though, Karin would be hanging out with Sakura and the other women mostly.

"It's going to be fine," Hinata assured him. She placed the glass lid over the birthday cake she'd finished icing. "You and the men will have a good time, me and the women and children will have a good time. And hopefully, nobody's house burns down."

"I mean, he'll probably be relieved when half the guests leave after the first thirty minutes," Naruto added. "Or will he be upset that Sakura is leaving him to fend for himself?"

"He'll be fine. He'll have you — the best friend he could have ever asked for," Hinata said. "This party is as much for you as for him. You didn't have birthday parties when you were a kid, so you have a lot of catching up to do!"

Naruto laughed. "I'm not sure he'll appreciate me hijacking his party!"

"Are you kidding? He'll be grateful if you'll take the spotlight," Hinata said. "Trust me. One painfully shy person understands another painfully shy person."

"Shy? You think Sasuke is shy?" Naruto stared at his wife in disbelief. "He's the most confident person I know!"

"Yes. He's shy. He doesn't know how to show affection in public, so he avoids it. Have you ever seen him holding Sakura's hand in public? When she hugs him, he just stands there. He loves being around Sarada, but have you ever seen him tussle her hair or kiss her forehead?"

"He does that forehead poke thing," Naruto said.

"Taught to him by a brother that also didn't know how to show affection," Hinata reasoned. "Obviously, he must be quite affectionate in private. Or else Sakura wouldn't be pregnant." Hinata stopped speaking abruptly, her pale cheeks burned crimson.

"Whaaaaat?" Naruto's eyes were wide in disbelief. "Sakura-chan is pregnant?"

"I-I-I mmmmean, I-I-I tttthink she's preg-preg-pregnant. I don't know for sure. I just thought I saw a disruption in her chakra. We were out sparring a few days ago and I used my Byukugan and, well we stopped sparring around then, she had to return to the hospital," Hinata explained.

"You spar with Sakura?"

"Taijutsu only," Hinata explained.

Naruto's blond eyebrow rose in disbelief. "Then why did you use your Byukuga?"

Hinata's red cheeks grew redder. "Because I'm pregnant too and I accidentally activated my Dojutsu."

Naruto stepped forward, grasped Hinata by the hips, pulled her against him and kissed her firmly on the lips. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" His voice rumbled throughout his chest as he gazed at his wife, an excited twinkle in his eyes.

"You were worried about the party. I was planning to tell you tomorrow," Hinata confessed. She took his hand and led him towards the closet in the guest bedroom. She opened the door and an assortment of "Congrats, Dad!" banners fell to the floor, along with a few onesies, and a carton of cigars. "I wasn't sure how to tell you, so I just thought I'd figure it out tonight."

Naruto grabbed the carton of cigars. "I think I'll bring these tonight then." He reached for Hinata's chin, gently cradling her face between his thumb and index finger and kissed her softly, slowly this time. "Boruto will be at your Dad's for another two hours. Do you want to go celebrate?" He waggled his brows suggestively.

"Celebrate?" Hinata asked, pretending to be oblivious.

"Celebrate the result of a previous celebration?" Naruto elaborated.

Hinata knocked the box of cigars out of Naruto's hand and pushed him against a nearby wall. "Yes, let's celebrate." She began to kiss a trail along his collarbone.

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OoO

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There were too many people crammed together in the Uchiha's backyard for Sasuke's taste. Though, it wasn't unbearable. Choji and his wife, Karui, had an impressive grill going. Kiba was manning the bar. And not only were the members and partners of the Konoha 13 milling about, but so were his in-laws, the Hokage, and the former members of Team Hawk. It was surreal having so many people from so many different aspects his life together.

"Oh, hey, Sasuke! There you are!" A dark haired woman about Sakura's height hurried towards him. She looked his age and wore a pretty blue dress with white sash, her hair up in twin buns. "I wanted to wish you a happy birthday! I know we don't really know each other, but Sakura and Naruto talk about you all the time — so it feels like we do — at least to me."

"Um, okay. And thanks," Sasuke said. He tried to remember the woman's name, knowing it was Neji's old teammate. Dammit! He and Sakura had just talked about her earlier that day. "Tenten. What's in the bag?"

"It's your framed photos from Junta. He didn't get a chance to hire a genin, so asked me to bring it by," Tenten explained, handing over the dark blue gift bag.

"Oh. Thank you." Sasuke accepted the bag.

"No problem!" Tenten started to step back. "I'll see you around!"

Sasuke was left holding the bag and started towards the gift table. He wasn't very materialistic, so it was weird that so many people brought presents. He'd just set the bag down when Sakura's dad joined him.

"Alright, ladies. We're heading over to Hinata's house in the next half hour," Sakura announced.

"Happy birthday, son," Kizashi said, clapping a hand over Sasuke's shoulder affectionately.

"We'll leave you young people to celebrate without you worrying about your in-laws," Mebuki explained, joining them and smiling. "I hope you like the flower arrangements. I put them together myself!"

"Thank you for coming, Sofu and Sobo," Sasuke answered. "I think the flower arrangements are beautiful. You have found your calling."

Mebuki smiled broadly at the rare compliment. "Don't forget, we're having a large brunch for you three tomorrow at ten. Bring your appetite!"

"And your hangover!" Kizashi added with a chuckle. He wrapped his arm casually around his wife's shoulders and headed towards Sakura on their way out.

"You handled them well," Kakashi said, moving to stand beside Sasuke. "I don't know many civilians, but they seem nice people."

"They are," Sasuke agreed. "I couldn't have asked for better in-laws." He looked Kakashi up and down, it was strange standing taller than his old teacher. "You know, I'm taller than you now."

Kakashi scoffed. "By 2 centimeters. That's hardly enough to brag about."

"And yet, you knew the exact difference," Sasuke pointed out with a smirk. "I appreciate you coming. I know you're busy — being Hokage and all."

"I'll always make time for my former students," Kakashi said.

Sasuke chuckled. "You were a shite teacher. Ignored two thirds of your students and taught the homocidal one the deadly chidori— which he then used and almost killed his future wife."

"Ah," Kakashi wagged his finger at Sasuke. "But then that teacher saved his favorite student from the homocidal one. And then the other student also saved her. So the most important lesson of teamwork was understood."

"That was the only lesson you taught the three of us. You should have never been a teacher," Sasuke said. "You're an amazing team leader though."

"And you were a terrible student. I'll be sure to never make you a teacher. This conversation is oddly reminiscent of one I had with Naruto and Sakura a few weeks ago," Kakashi muttered grouchily.

A rare smile crossed Sasuke's face. "I know, they told me. I'm messing with you. And I was a terrible student — way too cocky. We were meant to train individually. You did the best you could, but we were all special needs and there was no way any one teacher could have helped us."

"Exactly!" Kakashi pointed at him in agreement. "The reincarnation of the sons of the Sage of the Six Paths and the genius with monstrous strength and chakra control. I had no chance!"

"I think we were meant to teach you," Sasuke said. "Orochimaru actually talked about you and how you blamed yourself for the death of Naruto's parents. If Danzo hadn't changed your orders, most likely you'd have been there and they would still be alive."

Kakashi dropped his voice to barely above a whisper. "This is off the record, but I'm glad you killed that awful man."

"There's a lot of things I regret, but that is not one of them," Sasuke agreed.

"Anyways, I have to head out. It's getting close to my bedtime." Kakashi dramatically yawned behind his mask. "So you young folk have fun!"

"Whatever. You're only thirty-three. Don't act like you're ancient." Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"By shinobi standards, living beyond thirty is a miracle," Kakashi said.

"Wait, before you go I want to ask you two things. One - did you consider Itachi your friend? And second -will you look after them for me?" Sasuke watched Kakashi for a moment, seeing his old friend and teammate eager to avoid answering, since it meant he'd have to be serious. "Remember, its my birthday and in a few months I'll be away from my family for several years, technically under your orders."

Kakashi met his gaze, his dark eyes serious. "First of all, yes. After Obito, Itachi and Yamato were the closest friends I had. After your brother left the village, Guy and his ridiculous challenges were the only thing keeping me from turning into an emotionless assassin lurking in the shadows. I can only imagine what your brother went through, knowing the truth behind his status as a double agent. Though, the Tsukiyomi he put me through makes it hard for me to think of him fondly."

"I can definitely understand that." Sasuke had similar mixed feelings. Though, having his brother's restless spirit watching over his family offered some peace of mind, he'd feel better having the Hokage personally keeping an eye on them. "And in regards to my family?"

"Of course, I'll keep an eye on them," Kakashi promised. "Sakura, Sarada, and Naruto — they're the closest I have to a family too."

Sasuke nodded. "Thank you. You can go now. I know you don't like crowds either."

"Great, tell Sakura I said bye," Kakashi said before he slipped away.

Naruto quickly took his place. "Alright, it's about to just be us young guys. You ready to lose at some dominos?"

"Lose?" Sasuke scoffed. "Please, you've never beaten me at a game of strategy."

"Maybe, but Shikamaru can hold his own and Suigetsu has been talking some noise," Naruto said. "Don't be too confident."

"Suigetsu is smart, but his ego has always been bigger than his intellect," Sasuke said. "I still can't believe you got my old Hawk teammates here."

"Sakura insisted," Naruto said. "It's amazing what can be done with the full resources of the Hokage office at your disposal."

"You seem more cheerful than usual." Sasuke eyed Naruto critically. His oldest friend's hair was more mused than usual, there seemed an extra spring to his step. "I thought all that paperwork was wearing you down."

"Oh, it is, but I had today off to spend with my family." Naruto's eyes held a far-off look and a goofy smile spread across his lips. "Nobody charges me up like they do!"

"I see. You and Hinata had a training session today, eh?" Sasuke teased.

"A training session?" Naruto shook his head, his brows drawn together in confusion. "No, we had a quickie before coming over here."

Sasuke sighed. "I was trying to be polite. I forget subtlety is lost on you."

"Whatever. Go kiss your wife goodbye, she's about to leave with half the guests." Naruto gestured towards the patio where Sakura and Karin stood taking turns playing a hand-clapping game with Sarada.

Sasuke felt a wave of anxiety hit his gut. He loved Sakura. He enjoyed kissing her. But to do so in front of anyone made him extremely uncomfortable. The Uchiha clan did not do displays of public affection. It was a strict rule he remembered his father chiding him about in his youth. He didn't have too many memories of his father, but the ones he had of Fugaku Uchiha were generally negative. Sasuke had hugged his mother fiercely after his first day of school when he was five and his father had beaten him that night, bruises hidden by his clothing. It was a harsh lesson in not shaming the clan with frivolous displays of affection.

"Yeah, I don't do that in front of people," Sasuke whispered through clenched teeth. "And I'd appreciate if you didn't put me on the spot. I know it's hard for Sakura, but somethings cannot be unlearned."

Naruto shrugged. "You're missing out, my brother. Go tell her bye at least. She's spending the night at my house— I'm your roommate tonight!"

Sasuke ambled towards his wife, daughter, and Karin. He was only stopped twice more by well wishers on their way out. Jade, onyx, and crimson gazes watched him as he drew close to the trio of females.

"Thanks for coming out, Karin." Sasuke brushed a strand of Sarada's hair behind her ear. The fine, dark hair fell right back to where it was. "Sarada is a bit bigger than you remember."

"She looks just like you!" Karin said. She rubbed a gentle circle between Sarada's shoulder blades and the toddler giggled. "Thankfully, she has her mother's disposition."

Sarada looked between the adults and started to cry. "It's okay, Sarada. Auntie Karin is staying a bit longer," Sakura reassured her, picking up her daughter and patting her back gently. "Daddy didn't mean she was going bye bye yet."

"Yeah, we're just ditching your daddy. I still need time with my goddaughter!" Karin said, smiling brightly at the little girl. She looked back at Sasuke and nodded. "Happy birthday, Sasuke. I think you've gotten taller since we last saw each other."

"I doubt that, it was only sixteen months ago," Sasuke said dismissively.

"No, she's right. You grew an entire centimeter in the last year," Sakura said.

"Really?" Sasuke was surprised. "How do you know?"

"I did your Physical, remember?" Sakura scowled when Sasuke raised his eyebrows at her. "Your official Physical, don't be a pervert."

Karin chortled. "That is not an adjective I would have ever associated with Sasuke!" She caught her breath and grinned. "Don't worry. You're having dinner with me and the rest of Hawk tomorrow." She waved her hand towards Naruto. "And of course with my distant cousin, Naruto and your lovely wife, Sakura."

"This is all news to me," Sasuke said, looking over towards Sakura for confirmation.

Sakura grimaced. "It's at a ramen restaurant. Naruto booked the reservation."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Of course it is."

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OoO

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"So these are the rules," Shikamaru explained. "You can't say the word that you're trying to describe. You can use hand signals. No genjutsus. And you cannot speak during the other team's turn. If they run out of time, the rival team gets one guess. The first team to ten wins."

Sai raised his hand.

"Yes, Sai," Shikamaru acknowledged.

"Do we have to play? I think I'd rather get drunk."

There was a chorus of agreement.

"We are playing. Now, we need even teams. Okay, Sasuke, you and I are team leaders. Since it's your birthday, you get first choice," Shikamaru instructed. "Let's get these charades going!"

"I preferred the less enthusiastic you," Sai grumbled.

"Alright," Sasuke said. "Naruto." The blond grinned broadly and high-fived Sasuke as he moved to stand next to him.

"Choji," Shikamaru said without hesitation.

"What a surprise," Kiba said sarcastically. "They picked their usual teammate."

"Suigetsu," Sasuke said next.

"Sai,"Shikamaru said.

"Jugo," Sasuke said.

"Lee," Shikamaru countered.

Naruto whispered in Sasuke's ear.

"Shino," Sasuke said, smirking at Kiba.

"Seriously!" Kiba threw his arms into the air in frustration. Akamaru barked happily, tail wagging.

Shikamaru shrugged. "I thought it would be rude to call for Akamaru."

Sasuke snorted. Naruto elbowed him in the ribs. "Nice to see you laugh," he whispered.

Suigetsu leaned in towards Sasuke's other side. "I can see why you left them."

"Hey! I can hear you!" Kiba glared at Sasuke's team.

"Look, when it's your birthday, you can pick teams and insult everyone, okay?" Shikamaru suggested.

Sasuke would have to thank Sakura in the morning. It wasn't so bad having so many old friends and acquaintances visiting. He had a feeling that years from now, he'd look back on this night with feelings of fondness. And while he missed out on a lot of youthful adventures with these people, it was nice to create a few simply, silly memories.

After all, friendship was the accumulation of shared experiences. It was a nice change to have those experiences not involve battle or giant astroids heading towards the planet.

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