Disclaimer: Nope, don’t own Naruto.

A/N: Of utmost, I would like to thank everyone of you who has patiently waited for future updates. With all my heart, I appreciate your interest in my story. As a writer, it means a lot! So: Arigatougozaimas.

Married Uchihas

-butIdoLOVEyoU-

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!!!!...Chapter 4:Warning Signs...!!!!

Not beta proofed. Sorry for any mistakes.

“Sasuke-kun,” Sakura called while rolling onto her stomach. Her hand rubbed sleep out of her eyes.

“Hm,” groaned Sasuke, lifting his head from the pillow. He peered open an eye to look at his wife.

“Since it’s my day off what are we doing today?” Sakura turned to face Sasuke. When she received no response other than Sasuke flopping his head back onto the pillow, she crawled closer to him.

She watched him lay motionless before she jabbed his shoulder for a response.

Sasuke shrugged.

Sakura pinched the skin on his bicep.

“I don’t know, women. And why are you waking me up on our day off?”

Sakura rolled onto her back. “Because it is our day off? We should do something other than sleep. . .and sex.” Sakura frowned. The past week, they had been consumed by one thing—lust. When it was not Sasuke being suggestive, it was her. Not that she was complaining. Sex with Sasuke was always out of this world. He was a selfish yet generous lover. The more he desired her, the more confident she felt about being the woman he truly loved.

Sakura smiled and looked at Sasuke.

After Sasuke’s return to Konoha, they dated a year before deciding to get married. It was now two years since she was a Mrs. Uchiha and yet, the passion still burned as if they were teens that for the first time discovered just how potent sex was.

“I don’t hear any complaint.” Sasuke mumbled under his breath.

The gruffness in his voice caused for excitement to spark Sakura’s interest. She had to wonder why now—more than ever—she constantly desired Sasuke. Her hormones were running haywire and it was something she neither wanted to admit nor acknowledge.

Sasuke sensed her staring that he opened his eyes and looked at her. “Are you feeling any better?” He was referring to the night before.

“Yes, a lot better.” Sakura added in a sugary voice. She turned on her side, facing Sasuke. “You were really overreacting last night.” She traced his left eye brown with her fingertip and looped a leg between his.

“How do you want me to act when you’re not behaving like yourself?” Sasuke tensed when Sakura’s finger traced down his jaw. “I insist that you haven’t been acting like yourself for the past week.”

“Why do you say that?” Sakura slid her leg down Sasuke’s calf.

Sasuke held her gaze. “Well, what are you thinking about now,” He challenged.

Making love to Sasuke Uchiha.

Sakura blinked once, twice; trying to shield the lust that started to cloud her gaze. Something was really wrong with her if all she wanted was to feel Sasuke’s touch on her.

“I was thinking we should go visit Kakashi today.” Sakura bit out with a smile.

Sasuke chuckled. “You’re a terrible liar and you’re eyes are still glazed.”

Sakura laughed. “Not my fault.” She moved in to peck a kiss on Sasuke’s lip. Sasuke turned to her, moving from lying on his stomach to his side.

“I just don’t want to get up right this second.” Sakura pulled back to stare into Sasuke’s midnight eyes.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. “If you’re not getting out of bed anytime soon, why did you wake me?” He combed his fingers through her strand of silky pink hair.

“I wanted to know what we were going to do today.” Sakura fished out weakly. Truth was, she had become awfully aware of her husband while she lay there, awake, thinking about how far they’d come during the last three years. No one could blame her for wanting him after noticing just how wonderfully perfect he was in her eyes.

Sakura admitted Sasuke was more than she could handle. Even still, he was everything she ever wanted. He was completely loyal to her and so protective. She loved how he took his job seriously and how he’d grown from the hate-filled Sasuke Uchiha from her junior days. After completing what he strove for during his childhood, it seemed like the world opened up right before his eyes, showing him just how much life was worth when bitterness wasn’t imbedded in him.

Sakura truly loved the man beside her. When he wasn’t being a fool, he was being tender and sweet. And when he was being either, he played the role of an incredibly sexy, controlling and possessive husband.

Sasuke held Sakura’s gaze. “You know that could’ve waited for later. I wasn’t going to run off before you got up.”

Sakura scoffed. “You’re biggest obsession is training. I wouldn’t put it past you to go train while I sleep.”

“I’m a shinobi. I have to keep in top form.” Sasuke rolled over onto his back and looked up at the ceiling. “Besides, any shinobi interested in seriously protecting his nation should make training an obsession.”

“Not to the point of neglecting their wife they should.” Sakura mumbled under her breath.

Sasuke turned his head in her direction. “So you’re saying I neglect you?”

Sakura quickly look up at him. “No, why would you ever say that? Of course not. I meant that that it happens to most women.”

Sasuke nodded. “Not everyone can be as perfect as me.” A smirked rolled onto his lips and Sakura laughed.

“You’re not precisely perfect you know.” Though, he could be. Sasuke managed to tackle his job as a shinobi, make time to continue his training and be the dotting husband he was. He deserved an award for making her feel like a queen even when he was at his busiest.

“You always find a way to burst my bubble.” Sasuke frowned in a playful manner.

“Soo-wwy, but I don’t want things to get to your head. You’ve got one terrible ego.”

“Hn.” Sasuke ruffled Sakura’s hair. “I guess you’ve been demoted from being perfect number one.”

“Perfect number one,” Sakura chuckled. “Let me guess, you were being so kind that you’re perfect number two.”

Sasuke laughed with her. “Yes, why not?”

“I guess you are right, why not?” Sakura smiled up at Sasuke who fiddled with her hair.

The couple lay in silence for a moment. Sakura made little circles on Sasuke’s arm with her finger. Her mind drifted to the night before. “Sasuke,” she called out.

“Hm?”

“As proof of being a sensible woman, can I be there when you tell Tsunade that you are accepting her offer to join ANBU?”

Sasuke stilled his hand from playing with the ends of Sakura’s hair. He looked down at her.

“You’re not opposing.” He sounded flabbergasted.

Sakura took a moment to answer. “It’s like you said, I won’t lose you if I have faith in you,”—she peered up at him with her big round eyes—“and I do have faith in you. You’ve really worked hard for this and it’s something you want. You’re also a strong and capable shinobi, so it’s not like you’ll be defeated easily. I—that soft side of me doesn’t want to be crushed if something happens to you, but even still I can’t continue to hold you back from something you’ve worked so hard for.”

Sasuke kissed Sakura’s forehead. He took her hand in his and twined his fingers with hers. “I promise to not act reckless in any of my mission.” Sasuke squeezed her fingers. “I hate to see you worry.”

“Thanks.” Sakura smiled up at him. She returned the squeeze and craned her neck to give him a kiss.

Sasuke closed his eyes again, intent on savoring the moment. Sakura, however, had other ideas.

“I was thinking,” Sasuke knew where she was going when she released his hand to let her fingers dance across his chest. Her voice had enough indication. “Since we’re already awake and it’s pointless to go see Kakashi right this second, maybe—” her fingers reached as far as the hem of his boxers. “—you can treat me.” She breathed into his ear. Her fingers danced up Sasuke’s chest. She took a moment to let everything sink in before moving to nip at his earlobe. When she felt him go rigid, Sakura pushed Sasuke on his back and slowly straddled him.

Sasuke opened his eyes, and took in the look about Sakura’s face—mere inches from his own. She looked like the seductress he knew her to be, hell bent on making him submit to anything she desired.

Sakura wiggled around until her bottom was centered where the first signs of arousal would be most obvious. Sakura smiled down at Sasuke.

“Treat you how?” He bit out, trying to suppress the sleeping lion Sakura awoke in him.

“Oh—I don’t know.” Sakura teasingly rolled her hips over his. She didn’t miss Sasuke’s eyes nearly rolling to the back of his head.

Sasuke managed to sit up and lean on his elbows. “What are you thinking of Sakura?”

“Guess,” Sakura whispered. She leaned into him, placing a kiss on his neck. She followed by giving a small bite lavished with a slow lick.

“I’m a shinobi, not a psychic,” Sasuke cupped the back of Sakura’s head, keeping Sakura’s face at his neck.

“Hmm, so am I.” Sakura mumbled, almost to her self. “You like?” She pulled back far enough for her cloudy jade eyes to meet the storm in Sasuke’s dark gaze. The look in his eyes said enough. Sakura always managed to arouse him to the point of not needing a proper response.

She circled her arms around his neck. Her finger raked along his back as her lips continued its magic over the length of his neck. This time, Sasuke helped her grind onto him. He tore a surprised gasp from his wife which equally turned into a moan.

Sakura hadn’t expected for Sasuke to be at full length so quickly. “I’m wondering,” he breathed into her ear, nuzzling the side of her face. “How would you like me to treat you?” The hand that gripped her waist eased its hold and smoothly worked its way up her side.

“Let me cater to you.” Sakura huskily whispered over his lips, sealing them with a kiss just as promptly. After a slow numbing kiss, Sakura lazily dragged her lips away from Sasuke’s. It was ecstasy and his passionate eyes bore into her mischievous ones. Sasuke then smirked at her, “I’ll have to think about that.”

“Oh really?” Sakura drew out on a smooth alluring tone. “You shouldn’t think too long, something might catch my attention”—she moved her lips to his ear—“or should I say someone?” She teased, knowing Sasuke’s aggressive side would bloom. It’s what she wanted most.

As if on cue, Sasuke’s eyes blazed. He always fell for that, not that Sakura minded. It always warmed her heart to know that Sasuke got jealous. “Whoever puts as much of a finger on my women must be a fool!” He marveled, imagining the pathetic fool he’d have to shred to pieces.

“Well then—” Sakura started coming down from that delicious tremble Sasuke sent her for with his threat. “—you should let your women lavish you with all of her attention, ne?” Sakura gave him that cute gesture of hers: a tilt of her head, eyes twinkling with a hint of a smile.

“I don’t know . . . will I be able to handle it?” Sasuke teased.

“I doubt it.” Sakura’s forcefulness bloomed just as well. Sasuke watched as Sakura pushed him onto his back, her lips following until they kissed him with all the raw passion angled in her eyes. She didn’t allow him room for thoughts as her lips latched onto his, conveying control.

Her hand moved from his torso and back, her tongue snacking out to greet Sasuke’s invitation to his. The contact was an explosion of burning sensation, crawling deep into their skin, igniting a fire deep in their loins that needed to be quelled. He plundered into her mouth, tasting her sweetness. Sakura shortly pulled free from the kiss; she needed to breath. Her lungs burned from lack of oxygen.

The kiss had been a one sided kiss at first until Sasuke couldn’t continue playing the passive role. He wasn’t a man to allow and be dominated. It had been brief for Sakura to savor the lips under hers but the moment was glorious and she felt thirst for more of the same rush.

“I—” she leaned her forehead against his, trying to regain her breathing. “Let me do all the work.” Sakura panted out, jade eyes moving from Sasuke’s lips to his face.

“You still haven’t learned.” Sasuke chuckled, moving to capture Sakura’s lips in another heated kiss. Sakura evaded the kiss.

“I’m in control today.” She growled into his ear, biting lightly. “Or there shall be no sweets for you.” Sakura threatened and Sasuke laughed. “Oh, really?” He was drawing a challenge. “Who is going to stop me?”

“Me of course.” Sakura kissed behind his ear, earning herself some points for their unvoiced challenge. She’d kiss at Sasuke’s weak spot. “Though, if you don’t think you can handle me, we can stop now.” Sakura pulled back to give Sasuke a devious smile.

“You’re insinuating something. So go right ahead.” Sakura looked at him with excitement, not being able to control it; she lashed out into a frantic kiss, her mouth taking custody of Sasuke. When she pulled back to his chest she heard Sasuke sigh, “For now.”

“Hn.” She drew back up and bit at the base of his neck, no longer caring if she were gentle or not. Sasuke obviously liked it. The twitching under her confirmed it. She wiggled over him, fitting the soft femininity of hers and taking delight in his pleasured groan. The only barrier between them was the scanty black underwear that Sasuke picked out the night before.

Sakura resumed her kissing over Sasuke’s body. She lingered at his collarbone, dipping her tongue at the hollow. Her hands caressed up his back, around his shoulder and down his chest. Her lips traveled to his shoulder, she carefully bit down, tearing a moan from her husband. One of his hands squeezed at her thigh while the other went to grip at her waist. Sakura worked small circles over him as she kissed over his pectorals. Her nails raked down his toned arms.

She was completely satisfied to hear his breath laboring. Drawing out her tongue she created a nameless pattern from his chest down to his abs, her lips then returned to kiss and nipping. Her hands took the elastic of his boxers at either side of his waist. She moved them so they resided low on his hips.

“You can handle more, can you?” She taunted.

Sasuke prevented her from going any lower on him, by grasping behind her head. “Much more, Sakura, darling.” His eyes glinted and he dragged her up his front, flipping their position. A huge grin spread across his face.

“You’re not being fair.” Sakura instantly whined when she found herself under big mean Sasuke.

“Who said I play fair?” Sasuke murmured between kisses on Sakura’s neck. One of his hands worked its way up the side of Sakura, lifting her shirt in the process.

“Sasuke,” She gasped when he instantly latched onto one of her perk nipples. Sakura tugged at his hair. “Sasuke, not yet.” Sakura knew that if he started to work his magic on her she would crumble and her desire to lavish him would diminish. ‘Like that would ever happen. Sasuke would be more satisfied in me.’

“Not yet.” She breathed out when Sasuke pushed the shirt over her head.

“Let’s make this quick, ne?” He returned her gesture, tilting his head to the side with a smirk of his own. He did all this while removing his boxers.

“No Sasuke, it was supposed to be my treat. You owe me from yesterday!” Sakura pouted while tightly closing her legs.

If she couldn’t have her way, neither would he.

“Like that would world,” Sasuke growled under his breath. He pried her legs open and settled between them. Sakura whined about him being an insensitive jerk when she felt his hardness press at her puddle of softness.

“You don’t think the same when I’m giving it to you nice and hard.” He whispered into her ear and her heart leaped into her mouth. Sakura turned a nice rosy shade. Sasuke silenced any future whine with a kiss and adjusted, ready to plunge into her. . .

“SAKURA-CHAN!”

"Sasuke--!”

Sasuke nearly fell of the couch, startled after hearing Sakura’s voice calling to him.

Running a hand through his raven tresses, he suppressed a groan. He waited a full minute. When he didn’t hear Sakura again he laid back down. Just then, Sakura’s weight fell on him.

He hadn’t anticipated for her to jump him that he groaned under her weight.

He opened an eye and watched Sakura, perch on his midriff. A smile was plastered onto her face. He took the opportunity to absorb Sakura’s semblance. She sported black short shorts with a bikini top—red. Sasuke didn’t even try deciphering why she was dressed as such. Instead, he turned his face to the side, wanting sleep to claim him once again.

"Is something wrong, Sasuke?" Sakura asked while shifting on top of him, desperately trying to get his attention.

"Tired,” Sasuke croaked in a gruff voice.

"Whaaat?" Sakura whined. Sasuke scoffed, knowing Sakura didn't appreciate that response.

Sakura pulled down the zipper of Sasuke’s Jounin vest. Her hands slipped between the partings to slide up and down Sasuke’s clothed chest. She watched Sasuke for any sort of reaction. His face hid buried between the fold of his arm, thrown over his face.

It was a second before Sakura sighed disappointedly.

The Gondaime had called him just before down and it had only been an hour since Sasuke returned. Sakura could see just how tired he was. He didn't even venture further into the house when he entered. He only called out that he was home and flopped onto the couch.

Sakura’s hands retreated. The only effect she was having was that of lulling him to sleep. She opted to muse with his hair.

"Does this mean we can't go to the stream today?" She moved his dark hair away from his face.

Sasuke shrugged. He knew that internally Sakura was dying of impatience. They had agreed that today, they would go out and meet the gang.

"I know you're tired and all," she continued to say. "It's just that we promised the guys that we would go and . . ."

"What time is it?" Sasuke cut her off. He carefully sat up.

"Around two," Sakura answered him. She took the initiative of hugging Sasuke, as he simply sat there, with her in his lap.

"What time are we supposed to meet?"

"In about an hour."

Sasuke shook his head. She could've woken me when we were ready to leave.

As if reading his thoughts, Sakura stated, "We have an hour left. I thought that maybe you wanted something to eat and a change of clothe. Aren't you hot?" Sakura fingered Sasuke's vest. He was dressed dark for the summer heat.

Sasuke kissed her cheek. "No. Let me up."

"Uhm, we don't have to go you know."

Sasuke looked at Sakura. She was putting him first again when she really wanted to met with Naruto and the others.

"We don't, but we told the dobe that we would and if we don't show he'll throw a fit. Not only that, he'll come tearing the door down, demanding that we join him."

Sakura laughed which made Sasuke smile with her girlish and cheerful laughing manner.

"Good, I already packed our share of lunch. I even picked out your swimming gear."

"Oh really," Sasuke asked quirking an eyebrow.

"Yep, I thought we should match so I picked out the black swimming trunks with the red stripes on the side.”

"You got me those?"

"Yup." Sakura couldn’t suppress her giddy feelings.

It had been an awful while since she got together with the rest of her friends. It was easier for Sasuke to meet up with them on a more frequent basis because of missions. She on the other hand, wasn’t as lucky. Her shift at the hospital was hectic as of late. By the time she was done with work, it was time to rush back and assume her responsibilities as Sasuke’s wife. Sasuke didn’t have her doing horrendous house work but even still, she wasn’t living alone anymore. There were things that couldn’t resolve themselves without her tending to them. Besides, Sasuke was too demanding and greedy with her free time. There was no way Sakura could refuse to spoil him.

"If I said no, what would happen then?”

"I’d give you my victory look." Sakura fluttered her eyelashes and Sasuke laughed.

Her victory look consisted of that adorable pout he could never refuse with the saddest puppy eyes. It had to be every man's weakness.

"Think it would work?" Sasuke leaned his head forward, placing a kiss on Sakura’s neck.

"Yes." She answered him, refusing to be phased by Sasuke's unmistakable intention.

"Even if I do this?" Before Sasuke had the chance to tease her—it’s what he did best nowadays—Sakura jumped up from him, taking a defensive stance. It only served to humor Sasuke.

"Not today." Sakura warned in a dry voice. Her face was slightly flushed though.

"You sure?" He asked in a challenging voice, standing up from the couch.

“Yes!" She said again, trying to sound positive. Sasuke caught a whiff of doubt in her voice.

Stripping himself of his Jounin vest, and as a bonus his mesh shirt, Sasuke tried closing the distance between him and Sakura.

"Are you going to go shower?" Her innocent question added to Sasuke's amusement. She was still in that defensive stance, moving backward with every step he took forward.

"Not yet, I just decided to spend sometime with you, on this couch, before you join me for a shower." Sasuke took three steps forward.

"I already showered so you can go ahead." Sakura took three steps back.

"Lovely, that means I'll spend more time here with you."

"I guess. That’s if you're planning on eating before going out. Or are you going to wait until we meet with the others?" Sakura was trying to direct Sasuke's attention elsewhere. She knew what he wanted. He would always do that when he was reluctant about going out and Sakura was dismayed that it always worked. Sasuke was just too good to resist, but not today, not now!

"I'll wait to eat with the others. I'm trying to save up as much time to do other things." Sasuke flashed Sakura a predatory grin.

By now, Sakura's focus of trying to keep Sasuke at bay was failing. Sasuke purposely removed his shirt for one reason, so that Sakura would ache to touch him. Every time he moved, his muscles rippled and her eyes followed every movement. She could see Sasuke's intent in his smirk.

"Alright then, you can help me with,"—she looked around, needing to find something to keep Sasuke distracted from his lustful mind—“the dishes!" Sakura proclaimed triumphantly.

"What's the point if we need to wash more dishes when we come back?"

He was less than a foot away and if she wanted get away she would have to turn around and run. Dropping her defensive stance, Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "It'll be less when we return?" Her nose wrinkled. It was so obvious to Sasuke what that look meant. ‘Am I fooling you?’

"Really?" Sasuke asked, about to move forward but stopped when he noticed Sakura ready to run. Moving promptly he pulled her to him and hugged her tightly.

Sakura let out an 'eep' when Sasuke pulled on her arm and crushed her against him. He bent and whispered in her ear, "Were you going to run away?"

"Uh—" Sakura felt Sasuke's finger trace over the ties of her bikini top. She shuddered, "Sasuke, come on. I know what you're trying to do."

"Great, it'll prove a lot easier then." He whispered in her ear, his fingers moving lower onto her back, down her spine and over the top of her shorts.

"Sasuke, we don't have much time for this." Sakura made her voice sound firm, despite the rush of excitement that swelled in her womb.

Sasuke chuckled. "Kissing won't take more than a minute or two."

Sakura snapped her head up and glared at Sasuke.

"It's just a kiss," Sasuke defended, "I didn't receive it upon entering. I don’t know what your dirty little mind thought of, but all I planned was a kiss."

"So why didn't you say so from the beginning." Sakura wouldn't believe him. Sasuke loved to play dirty. He wanted more and she knew it. He always wanted more!

"It's fun to tease you."

Sakura relaxed at his words. True, she thought. It had turned into Sasuke's favored sport. She knew how well if felt to tease, but Sasuke would always be the teaser and it wasn't fair.

"Fine, if it's only a kiss.” Sakura conceded.

Sasuke deftly nodded his head, not one word registering. His eyes had been looking down the front of Sakura's chest, his mind already hazy with lust. For that, Sakura managed to slip away from him. Laughing, she ran, telling him, "Only if you catch me. I might reward you later tonight too."

Sasuke dumbly looked at his arms, wondering how he didn’t sense her slip away. He cursed. As of late, Sakura was getting better at getting past his guard.

'But who knows, maybe that bikini top will accidently flutter away.' Sasuke smirked at the implication of his thought. His body energized with the thought of getting a hold of Sakura. 'This should be a breeze,' he thought, too confident in himself.

-

“God no!” Sasuke growled impatiently.

Sakura tried to stifle a giggle but she failed miserably. Sasuke gave her a warning look. He wanted to wring her pretty little head so badly. “That’s fate for you; if you would have let me continue with my original plan things would have worked out differently.” Sakura took the distraction to scramble away from Sasuke.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Sasuke moved faster than she could and before she sprinted out of bed, he pulled her against him. Her back was against his chest.

“I have guests to entertain.” Sakura answered with amusement in her voice.

“You’re not leaving until you fix this!” Sasuke bit into her ear, clearly a demand. He took her hand guiding it behind her to cup his problem. Sakura gasped, she drew blank for a second.

“Fix this!” Sasuke growled dangerously, sounding much like an impatient child.

“That’s what I planned, but you dampened my goal. You fix it.” Sakura challenged.

Sasuke was ready to bark something out but Naruto interrupted. “Teme! You guys up?”

“I’ll be with you in a second, Naruto.” Sakura called back before Sasuke told him to ‘fuck off.’

She looked at Sasuke. “If you play fair things work out great in the end, but for bad boys who don’t play fair . . .” she trailed off looking at his libido after putting on her shirt.

“Ja.” She waved at him, winking and blowing a kiss in his direction as she exited the room.

Sakura giggled when Sasuke roared in frustration.

'Now, he knows how I felt last night when he told me no.' Sakura smiled, shock her head and composed himself.

Sakura made it down the stairs in a modest fashion.

"Naruto," she greeted with a smile. My savior. "How are you?"

Naruto sat at the kitchen table. He looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He relaxed upon seeing Sakura and bit into the apple he held as hit mouth. "Good," he responded around a mouthful, "could be better. What took you so long?" Naruto questioned.

Sakura moved into the kitchen, heading towards the refrigerator. "Well—"

"Ever heard of the birds and the bees?" Startled, Sakura turned to look at Naruto. His eyes were bulging out. Sakura followed his gaze to where Sasuke's voice had boomed from. Sakura blushed and wished there were enough room in the fridge so she could avoid the embarrassment. Sasuke entered the kitchen, glowering and every bit comfortable in his nakedness.

“He should’ve at least slipped some boxers on,” Sakura mumbled to herself. She took out a loaf of bread and egg carton.

"You-You were fixing the garden?" Naruto turned to look at the garden out back. "But Sakura came from up stairs." He had a look of confusion about his face, but Sakura knew better. She stifled a laugh and kept her back turned to the two men, eyes avoiding Sasuke.

"Look you idiotic bum, spit out what you came for and leave us alone when we're trying to fuck!"

Naruto colored, as did Sakura. Sasuke was very, very grouchy about being disturbed. It must have been because this wasn't the first and last time that Naruto disturbed them right when they were at the climate of their love making.

"No need to say it twice." Naruto jumped to his feet. "I understood the first time." When he turned around to look at the garden, he did it to school himself about the incident he stumbled into. He conveniently played fool when needed. It was more than obvious why it took so long for either of the Uchihas to come and greet him. They were always up by this hour and Sasuke wasn't trying to hide his nakedness from recent activities. A fresh hickey glared at Naruto from Sasuke's shoulder. It disturbed him. Naruto knew what went on between a man and a woman, but he didn’t want to be reminded that aside from him and Hinata, other people were doing it too.

"Then make it quick! What are you here for?" When Sakura turned to apologize for the poor hospitality, Sasuke was there, pulling her into an embrace. Sakura tried to pull away, but Sasuke wouldn't let her. He frowned at her.

"Damn you're worse than a bitch in heat. Have you reverted back to cavemen? Me. Want. Sakura." Sakura laughed, mouthing 'good one' from around Sasuke's shoulder.

Naruto coughed. He tried to keep serious. He was actually surprised that he'd gotten away with that remark. A kunai would've instantly whizzed in his direction. He reminded himself, Sasuke's naked and found himself feeling lucky.

"Tsunade asked me to deliver this to you." Naruto produced a small scroll from his jacket and threw it in Sasuke's direction. The teme caught it with ease. "Read it and make sure to have it at her desk by the end of today." Naruto feigned to be hurt. "Now, I'm off,"—he grinned—“I just returned from a mission and would like to spend the day with my lovely family."

Naruto made to leave. He then remembered. "Oh, Sakura, Ino asked to stop by the flower shop whenever you can."

"Sure." Sakura chirped.

"I'll be seeing you around Sakura-chan, teme."

"Bye Naruto." Sakura waved at him.

Naruto, not wanting to delay his parting after he peered over at Sasuke, puffed away in a cloud of smoke.

Sakura instantly became aware of how alone she was with Sasuke. "How many times am I going to tell him not to disappear in my kitchen?" Sakura was trying to get herself out of Sasuke's grip.

Sasuke's fingers, however; wouldn't budge from around her waist. "You should go see what Tsunade wants at her office. I'll make breakfast." The way Sakura nervously rambled made it seem like she spoke to herself. "Will the same as always be okay?" Sakura took a step forward but that's as far as she got for Sasuke's arm remained wrapped around her.

"If you’re not going to do anything give me a few seconds." He breathed into her neck; her womanly sent calmed him, something his hormones needed to do. “It’s your fault to begin with that I’m like this.”

When he finally released her Sakura turned in time to see Sasuke—his naked self—turn around and march up the stairs.

'Naruto saw all that beauty?' Sakura was more than shocked as she ogled her husband's tight butt.

--------

It doesn't take that long! Has he gone dense? He should stop hanging out with Naruto!

It had been a little over a half an hour and Sasuke still hadn't realized that she was in front of the house, not inside. Releasing an irritated sigh, Sakura leaned against the wall, the rough grainy surface pressed into her back. She closed her eyes.

For a brief second the light that filtered through her closed eyelids shadowed until it remained that way. Opening her eyes, Sakura noticed Sasuke before her, hands in his pocket with a smug look on his face. She contemplated fleeing again from him, but she noticed one thing.

"Were you even looking for me?!" She asked in an incredulous manner.

"I was," he said and then shrugged. "It doesn't matter either way, right?"

Sakura was going to say something when Sasuke brought his face close to her. In an instant his lips were there silencing her. It was a brief kiss too. "See, you didn't have to run away for something like this."

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "That's not fair! I was out here roasting my ass with this heat while you were taking a shower. You were supposed to be looking for me!"

Sakura crossed her arms, mad.

"It got pretty hot so. . ." he trailed off. “I did tell you about joining me in the shower, but you protested. That twisted little mind of yours couldn’t think innocent."

"It's you Sasuke," Sakura bit out, feeling irked. "Who would think innocent?"

"The kiss was innocent enough." He said tilting his head to the side, a smile adorning his lips.

"Yes, it was, but suggesting a shower . . . come on!"

"I guess you are right." Before his words were fully out of his mouth, Sasuke jerked Sakura in his direction. He gripped the back of her head and mustered a kiss that instantly had her swooning. He pulled back and chuckled. "You're lucky we have to get going."

"Or what?" Sakura challenged. She then regretted challenging him. With a soft chuckle he tugged at the string of her bikini. Her hands flew up to hold them in place. "Are you crazy?" Sakura was shocked. They were outside and anyone could have caught a glimpse of her if the string fell from around her neck.

"I don't know." His hand dipped low on her back.

Pushing him away Sakura glared up at him. "What time is it?"

"A little past three."

Sakura turned on her heals, running back into the house shrieking that they were late. Sasuke laughed. They still had ten minutes.

---

Sasuke pried the scroll from out of Sakura’s hand.

“Hey! I was just reading that.” Sakura protested, frowning up at Sasuke. She had only read the first sentence before he snatched it out of her hands.

“Tsunade wanted me to read this, not you.” Sasuke pulled out a chair across from Sakura and sat.

“It hasn’t stopped you from letting me read before.”

Sasuke only gave her a blank look. Sakura frowned at him and mumbled, “Took you long enough.” She leaned back into her chair, challenging Sasuke with her body language.

He gave her a look that chilled all possible intentions on her part.

Unfair, Sakura continued to frown. He gets to be all prissy about the whole incident this morning but I can’t so much as pout.

Sakura scrutinized Sasuke as he read the contents in the scroll. “I thought it was your day off.” Her comment hinted at the attire he wore. It wasn’t casual at all.

“I’ll be training today.”

“I thought we were going to visit Kakashi.”

“You can go.” Sasuke shrugged nonchalantly. He looked up at Sakura only to expect her glaring at him.

Sakura didn’t say anything as Sasuke held her gaze while she glared at him. She wanted to hiss out that they were spiraling into a stupid scenario. Instead, she took her plate and dumped it into the sink. “Here I was saying that you never neglect your wife.” She bit out, furious for letting Sasuke’s attitude get to her.

She breezed past him and excited the kitchen. Moving past the living room, she cursed at herself for being bothered by such a small thing. Sasuke only needed a few minutes to cool down before things were back to normal between them, just like she would need when he did the same to her.

She also cursed herself for wanting him so early in the morning. If she would’ve let him sleep, Naruto wouldn’t have come across another one of their embarrassing routines. It had to be just about the tenth time since Sasuke and she got together that Naruto came across one of their compromising situations.

Sakura was mostly infuriated at the fact that she was mad. Sasuke wasn’t even at fault.

She marched up the stairs and before she reached the second floor landing, Sasuke took her hand in his, haltering her step. “I’m being a jerk”—he looked up at her—“sorry.”

Sakura turned around and looked down at him from atop the floor landing. “No, I’m the one who’s obviously picking a fight with you when you’re in your right to be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you Sakura. I’m mad that Naruto had to see that for the thousandth time and that I got mad because of it.” He tugged her hand. “This is normal by now.”

Sakura gave him a wry smile. “It still doesn’t factor out how irritating it is.”

“Yeah.”

“You should go eat. I’m going to shower.” Sakura looked down at Sasuke, and in his opinion she still looked hurt.

“I didn’t mean that, about going to train—I did. Just not by myself.”

Sakura arched an eyebrow.

“Come with me. Either after we see Kakashi or before.”

“What about the scroll? Isn’t that a mission?”

“Not for today. Which reminds me, are you fine with us talking to Tsunade about ANBU today?”

Sakura tensed.

“We don’t have to. We can always wait a few more days.”

Sakura took in Sasuke’s expression. He was clearly being apologetic. He shouldn’t even have to. He was in his right to brush her off for a while. She was the one who needed to be apologizing for making him feel guilty with that retort of hers.

“If we wait longer, I think I’ll change my mind.” She smiled at him.

Sasuke chuckled. “Well, when you’re ready to go, I’ll be in the kitchen. I’m responsible for assigning who’ll tag along for the mission.”

“Don’t forget to include Sai.” Sakura laughed at their personal joke.

Sasuke groaned. “I think I want a break from him. The paper work should have pilled sky high by now.” Sasuke moved to go back down stairs.

“Sasuke.”

“Hn.”

“You do know that I didn’t mean what I said.”

“I know. Just like you know my intentions hadn’t been to brush you off either.”

“Hai.”

Sasuke let go of Sakura’s hand. “I think you should hurry up and shower. I don’t think I can wait that long before telling Tsunade that I’m ready for ANBU.” Sasuke teased, walking down the stairs.

“Don’t forget we’ll be stopping by Ino’s flower shop.”

“That would be afterwards.” Sasuke called back.

Sakura giggled. “I think I’ve just decided to change my mind now that you’re prioritizing ANBU above all else.”

“Am not!”

“Are too.”

“Not!”

“Yes you are!”

“Well, maybe visiting Ino, but never you.” Sasuke looked back at Sakura.

“You know better.” She proclaimed before turning around. She refused to let Sasuke see her cry over the matter again.

---

“Sakura!” Ino squealed running over to her best friend and enveloping her into a tight hug. “I thought you guys wouldn’t make it.”

“Why not?” Sakura pulled back to smile at her friend.

“I heard from Shika that Sasuke was summoned for a mission. I though that maybe he’d be the reason you wouldn’t make it.”

“He’s always the reason!” Naruto shouted from behind Ino. He bumped her out of his way to hug Sakura. “Sasuke this, Sasuke that.” Naruto said making a face at the Uchiha who stood behind Sakura. “I swear, if I’d known how deprived we’d be of you I wouldn’t have let you two marry.”

“Like you had any say,” came Sasuke’s smart retort.

“Aw, come on guys, let Sakura breath. She made it and just on time.” Tenten stopped from trying to neatly spread a blanket on the ground. Looking in the direction of Tenten’s voice, Sakura spotted her friend. Shoving the basket into Naruto’s hand—which Sasuke gradually took from him—Sakura ran over to Tenten.

“How’s the little boy?” Sakura asked, rubbing Tenten’s stomach.

“You know he’s doing fine, Sakura.”

“If it weren’t for Tenten’s pregnancy we wouldn’t have seen you at all.” Sakura felt guilty at Ino’s words. She was right; they’d last been together a month ago for Tenten’s congratulation party.

“Gomen.” Sakura couldn’t offer anything else. They all knew how busy she was at the clinic, but she herself couldn’t help and feel bad.

“Here Ino, instead of scolding Sakura when you could’ve visited her as well, spread the blanket.” Tenten was having a hard time with her six month stomach.

Sakura turned to survey for the others. She spotted Hinata kneeling before a basket, rummaging through it while Hikaru wailed beside her. When Hinata glanced up, motioning for Naruto to walk over the silver eyed mother noticed Sakura. Of everyone else, Sakura managed to keep in contact with the former Hyuuga. Hinata would stop by once in a while for Hikaru’s usual checkups.

“Where are Shikamaru and Neji?” Sakura asked Tenten.

“Oh, we accidently left our basket home and he went to get it. Shikamaru went with him because Ino was giving him a hard time.”

“Is it just us?” Sasuke came beside her.

“Tenten said Shikamaru and Neji went to get something.”

“Ah.”

“Poor Hinata,” Sakura mumbled. Sasuke nodded his head, noticing the discomfort and worry on Hinata’s face with Hikaru’s crying.

Sakura pulled Sasuke along with her as she headed in the direction of the duo trying to calm down the boys crying. Naruto was jumping up and down, trying to get him to quiet. Pushing him aside, Sakura bent to pick up the small blond boy. “Join a circus,” she told Naruto, looking at Hikaru’s watery eyes. He stopped crying for a few seconds to yell something in his baby language.

“Naruto would make a horrible clown, wouldn’t he?” Sakura responded to Hikaru’s gibberish. She laughed when Hikaru pouted at her and looked at Hinata. “How long has he been crying?”

“For an irritating few minutes,” Hinata responded wearily.

“Why?” Sakura looked at Naruto to see if he had any blame in this.

“He wants to eat the cake right now.”

“Give him a piece.” Sasuke vouched.

“I can’t, he’s hyper enough and Naruto gave him candy not too long ago.”

Sakura laughed. “I don’t see how not giving him cake will affect anything. The hype is in his genes already. There’s nothing you can do if he’s as restless as his father.”

“He won’t go bouncing off the wall.” Hinata protested and Sakura nodded in understanding.

“Stop crying, punk.” Sasuke told the boy in Sakura’s arms. Sasuke frowned down at him from behind Sakura and those were the magic words it took for Hikaru to stop his wailing. His big pale eyes and hurt little face pointed in Sasuke’s direction. His dignity probably hurt for having been called a punk by Sasuke.

“Aww, you got him to stop.” Sakura cooed, turning to Sasuke offering Hikaru.

“The crying was getting on my nerves.” Sasuke frowned again at Hikaru but made no move to hold him. “Over some cake! Be a man.” Sasuke smirked at the defiance Hikaru showed when he turned his face from him.

“Hikaru, Sasuke wants to carry you.” Sakura informed Hikaru but he chose to wrap his arms around Sakura’s neck instead.

“I don’t want to carry a little punk like you.” Sasuke teased and Hikaru was ready to burst into fresh tears. If anything, he liked Sasuke, a lot. For a two year old, he was constantly chasing after Sasuke. It only reminded everyone of the younger Naruto who always strove to impress Sasuke.

“What’s wrong?” Tenten asked walking up to them.

“Sasuke’s acting mean.”

Tenten laughed.

“Are you jealous of little Hikaru, Sasuke?” Tenten teased.

“That little boy has nothing on me.” Sakura smiled and reached over to give Sasuke a kiss on the cheek. “Stop being mean, Sasuke.”

“It’s true though.” Sasuke winked at Sakura.

“Shut up and take Hikaru.”

Sasuke looked Sakura in the eyes before he reached for Hikaru.

Hikaru’s face instantly brightened.

“I can’t believe he really likes you.” Naruto stated. Everyone had forgotten that Naruto stood by watching the development.

“Why wouldn’t he? He knows where the talent really is and that I’m better than his dad.” Sasuke said in a smug voice. Hikaru giggled and Sakura pinched his butt for the comment.

“The guys are taking too long; how about we go for a swim?” Ino ventured over.

“No thanks,” Tenten forced out. “I doubt I’ll feel anymore attractive looking like a whale in the water.”

“Aw, come on, its part of pregnancy.” Ino protested.

“Says the girl who’s never been pregnant.”

“But still. . .” Ino tried protesting.

“No thanks.”

Sakura laughed. She turned to Sasuke and gave him a cheeky smile. “Have fun baby sitting,” she said to him. “Naruto, Hinata you coming?”

“I’ll stay here; make sure Hikaru is properly taken care of.” Naruto glared in Sasuke’s direction and Hinata softly laughed. “He loves you too.” Hinata told him, patting Naruto’s arm as she walked past him.

Sakura turned and headed for the lake up ahead. She smiled. There would come a time where she would be having Sasuke’s child. She looked forward to it. Sasuke looked perfect handling Hinata and Naruto’s child. Sasuke wouldn’t admit it, but he handled Hikaru like a fragile porcelain doll. Sakura wondered just how heartwarming it would look to see Sasuke hold a child of their own in his arms.

--

“Sakura, I see you’re feeling better now that you’re geared up for training.” Tsunade turned from the window to smile at the Uchihas standing before her. Looking at the two—married—shinobi, Tsunade couldn’t shake of the sense of pride at the sight of them.

They’d come a long way and they were both great protectors of Konoha.

Sakura turned and gave Sasuke a quick glance. “He bullied me into training today.” She lied. “You wouldn’t know all the threats he promised. I couldn’t climb out of bed but he still dragged me along.”

Sasuke ignored Sakura’s comment. There were only two people he couldn’t act carefree around: Tsunade and sometimes Kakashi. It felt odd to flirt or do any cuddly couples stuff with Sakura in front of both his sensei. Instead, Sasuke bit back the smart comment he had for her.

Tsunade laughed and looked over at Sasuke.

“Well, are you accepting the mission?”

Tsunade watched Sasuke discretely take a hold of Sakura’s hand. His eyes brightened. “Actually, we’ve both decided that I’m ready for ANBU.”

“Took you long enough.” Tsunade blinked and turned to look at her student. Sakura stared at a point past her shoulder. “I’m guessing this is where he threatened you.” She could read that Sakura was rather stiff about the idea.

“He’s earned this, so—I’m giving him permission.” Sakura joked.

“Alright then. I can’t obviously pronounce you ANBU as of yet. There are still some lose ends we must discuss. For instance, the team that you will be trying out with, as well as completing all other requisites.”

Sasuke nodded.

“You can execute this mission you know.” Tsunade reached for the scroll Sasuke held in his hands. “Would you care to?”

“I would.”

“Then, I’ll leave it to you to discuss with those you’ll bring along.” Again, Sasuke nodded.

Tsunade turned to look at Sakura. “I’ve been giving some thought to your ailment.”

Sakura forced her self to look Tsunade in the eyes. For some reason, it felt like a cold wind swept the room and make contact with only her. Goosebumps rose over her arms and she felt woozy. Everything inside her squeezed tight too.

Sakura knew it had to be because nothing would be stopping Sasuke from joining ANBU now. Her only hope—ridiculous as it was—had been Tsunade. It was more than obvious her sensei wasn’t going to reject a cable shinobi, though.

“My ailment?” Her voice sounded thin to her ears. Sakura deduced it had to be because of the blood rush, hollowing in her ears.

“Sasuke tells me you haven’t been acting the same as of late and that the reason you couldn’t come to work yesterday was because you weren’t feeling well.”

Sakura felt her blood pressure rise. “Well, if Sasuke had consulted with me first before coming over and blabbing, then he would’ve known it was nothing serious.”

Tsunade took in the gravity of Sakura’s tone and the quick change in Sasuke’s facial expression. “Sakura, if I were in Sasuke’s position I too would think there’s something terribly wrong with you.”

“I’ve already told him it’s because of my period.” Sakura let go of Sasuke’s hand.

There was a brief period of silence where Tsunade expected Sasuke to argue or try to reason with Sakura.

“Take a seat Sasuke, Sakura.” Tsunade bit out, peeved at how dense her pupils were. Now that she carefully studied her obedient kunoichi, there was something obviously different about her aura. Tsunade wanted to beat both Uchihas over their head for their stupidity of not noticing.

Tsunade walked over to her desk and sat in her chair. She had to shove her mountain of papers a bit to the side in order to fully get a good look at Sakura. “Tell me Sakura,” she began, as diplomatic as she could muster. “Are you back on your menstrual cycle?”

“No.”

“How long has it been since your missed period?”

Sakura took a moment to count of the days. “Ano. . .two weeks?”

“That long, neh?”

“Yeah.”

“Sasuke said you’ve been feeling unwell become of that. Would you agree that it’s because of your period?”

“Yes.” Sakura looked at Sasuke and then Tsunade. “You have to remember how inconvenient stress was for your menstrual cycle.” Sakura said a bit too rudely. Implying that no matter how old Tsunade was now, the memory of Mother Nature’s gift shouldn’t have faded.

“Why yes Sakura, I remember. As I remember you being smarter way back when you were young.” Tsunade glared at Sakura for her insolence. “The other day I was going to suggest to Sasuke that maybe you were feeling like you were because of something you’d eaten. Though, going by how irritable you are now, I doubt that’s the case.”

“So?” Sakura tilted her head in wonder.

“If I’m not mistaken: Congratulations. You’re going to be parents.” Tsunade was going to be gentle about it, but Sakura was driving her patience.

Sasuke promptly turned to Sakura. His wife didn’t even flinch. There seemed to be a menacing glint in her eyes as she stared down Tsunade.

“I’ve been using contraceptives.” Sakura didn’t budge a muscle at the thought. It was impossible. Sasuke and she were being careful. They hadn’t even begun to plan for a child so it couldn’t happen. Besides, she was not getting pregnant right when Sasuke was ready to join ANBU.

“What kind?”

“A Jutsu.”

Tsunade shook her head. “You do know that if it’s a Jutsu a time will come when your body grows immune to the effects. Have you improvised on the Jutsu? Why don’t you use a pill?”

She was not getting pregnant right when Sasuke was getting ready for ANBU!

“I was getting negative side effect with the pills.”

“Herbs?”

“No.”

“Well then Sakura, given how you’re being unpleasant right now and you’re period is late we can pretty much say your pregnant.” Tsunade smiled at the both of them.

Sakura quickly whirled around to look at Sasuke.

“Unless you’re using some sort of protection Sasuke.”

“No ah—he uh—” Sakura blushed. Sasuke looked just as dumb founded as she did.

“I’m disconcerted you didn’t notice sooner Sakura. I might as well take away your license as a nurse for my clinic.”

Sakura continued to look at Sasuke.

“We’re having a baby when you’re joining ANBU—”

Sasuke watched the look of disbelief wash away from her face as torrents of tears started to stream down her face.

“Sakura, what’s wrong?”

tbc.