Chapter Text
The morning bathed Sasuke in a gentle warmth and brightness, as if the very sunlight had assumed the role of a welcoming host, flooding their living room with its golden embrace the moment he stepped into their home.
His departure had become a sacred ritual, a quest started in the quiet hours before dawn. For several months, he had been forced into this solitary pilgrimage, a daily routine that continued to disorient him with each passing morning. It was important to emphasize that his commitment to training and workouts remained steadfast, an unshakable resolve that he held close. However, a persistent longing for her presence clung to him like an ever-darkening shadow, each day weighing heavier on his heart. As time flows steadily, like an unyielding river, he had found himself unable to rely on her joining him for training or treading the path of quiet camaraderie that had once been their shared routine. Deep down, he couldn’t suppress his yearning for her presence, in whatever capacity it could be offered. Yet, outwardly, Sasuke remained her unwavering advocate, consistently encouraging Hinata to prioritize her rest, cherishing her health and happiness above all else. Thus, he persisted in his solitary comings and goings, bearing the weight of her absence in his heart.
Yet, as he reentered the sanctuary of their home, the morning breeze and the warm caress of the sun provided a soothing balm to his spirit, much like the subsequent shower that followed. His departure each day was a conditioned response, a measure taken to keep his anxiety and stress in check, for he had already been consumed by enough worries. However, his return to her side was the source of his motivation, the beacon of hope that illuminated the path ahead. In her presence, he found a tranquility unmatched by any other place in the world.
Sasuke moved with the familiar grace of someone who knew every corner of their home by heart. As he transitioned from his outdoor shoes to the indoor ones, he did so without making a sound, his silent footsteps carrying him toward the beckoning kitchen, where thirst awaited quenching. His schedule had been adjusted, requiring him to depart even earlier than before, a calculated move to ensure that his training could be completed during the early hours. This change meant that each day became a coin toss, leaving him in suspense about whether Hinata would have stirred from slumber during his absence. Aware of the odds, he navigated the space with practiced stealth, keen to decipher the unfolding day. The absence of a ready teapot signaled that she was still ensconced in the embrace of sleep, her dreams a sanctuary he longed to be a part of.
He descended to the guest room for a quick shower, a sense of relief washing over him for multiple reasons as he stepped out of the bathroom and reentered the kitchen. Swiftly, he prepared their first pot of tea of the day, the routine a comforting one, even as his heart quickened in anticipation. After five years of marriage, Hinata still had the power to make his pulse race with excitement and joy. As he approached their room, the warmth of their love and familiarity enveloped him, a feeling of pure bliss that words couldn’t adequately capture.
To his surprise, Sasuke found Hinata awake, her form bathed in the soft, early morning light filtering through the bedroom window. Her face bore the traces of just-awoken puffiness, and her eyes, though droopy with sleep, held an unmistakable hint of frustration. Clutched tightly to her chest was one of Sasuke’s pillows, its fabric providing a comforting reminder of his presence. Her other hand rested gently on her swollen belly, a testament to the profound changes her body had undergone during her pregnancy—twins, a revelation not entirely unexpected given her family history. It was one matter Sasuke couldn’t be faulted for.
“Good morning, Hime,” Sasuke greeted her softly, his voice a gentle caress as he set a teapot down on a nearby table. He observed Hinata turning toward him, a pitiful expression etched on her face as she cradled her baby bump. In that moment, Sasuke couldn’t help but wonder if he was imagining a subtle softening in her features as their eyes met. He mused whether his own expression mirrored a similar change.
Hinata responded with a sigh, her tone a blend of resignation and grumpiness.
“Sasuke,” she replied curtly, her voice reflecting her somber mood.
Though her response consisted of just one word, Sasuke gleaned a wealth of information from it. He understood that the repetitive nature of their days weighed heavily on her, especially now in the late stages of her pregnancy. He could vividly imagine her exhaustion, discomfort, and the challenge of sleeping alone after he left, with no one to help her adjust the nest of pillows she had created to accommodate her growing stomach. He sensed her thirst and possible hunger, although the effort to get up might seem daunting, and its worthiness questionable. A compelling burden seemed to force Hinata into remaining quiet, often despite her personal desires and best interests. This burden’s progression was steady and bordering on cruel, but held a promise of great rewards.
In his attempt to help, Sasuke had stationed ANBU agents near the house since he had learned of her pregnancy, so he took some solace in knowing that she wouldn’t be entirely alone. However, the shadow of his orphan status cast an imposing issue, one that weighed on him differently at this stage of his life. Hinata never asked for the guards aid in any way, and he wondered if she would be more welcoming if it were Uchihas around the compound rather than the military group assigned to her care.
These thoughts flowed through his mind, so habitual that he didn’t dwell on them, just calmly accepted the usual reflection. Like Hinata, he sighed, a resignation of his own stemming from his realization that there was little he could do to alleviate her current discomfort. They had discussed it extensively and tried various approaches to no avail. Passivity didn’t suit either of their personalities, yet they found themselves compelled to conform to it. Life remained indifferent to their personal dispositions.
“I brought you some tea,” Sasuke offered, choosing not to press the matter further. He stepped closer, extending a hand to help Hinata sit up, gently supporting her on the other side by cradling her stomach. He deftly rearranged the pillows to provide her with more comfort. “Would you like me to draw you a bath?”
Hinata graciously accepted the teacup, her previous pout yielding to a gentle smile as she savored the sweet infusion.
“What time is it?” she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Sasuke shook his head, settling beside her on the bed. “I’m not sure,” he admitted, but he made no move to check the time, his focus entirely on her.
Together, they sipped their tea in companionable silence, allowing the room around them to gradually come into focus. Hinata’s gaze wandered absently, taking in the details of their bedroom—the delicate curtains swaying slightly in the breeze that drifted through the open window, the subtle scent of lavender from a nearby diffuser, and the soft rustle of bed linens as they shifted. Sasuke’s perceptive eyes tracked her every movement, a trait deeply ingrained in him by his background as a shinobi. It was a quality that Naruto and Sakura often teased him about, though Hinata had never taken issue with it. She found comfort in the reassuring presence of his watchful gaze, whether in their daily life or in moments like these, as they prepared to welcome their new lives into a world filled with both complexity and challenges.
Breaking the silence after her second cup of tea, Hinata made a quiet admission, “I’d like a bath now.”
Sasuke nodded promptly, collecting the teaware. Before leaving the room, he double-checked to ensure Hinata was comfortable in her current position, certifying that the sunlight didn’t disturb her or that any pillows were out of her reach. Hinata watched him silently, offering a fond smile in response. They had both found their unique ways of coping with the changes brought about by her pregnancy. Deep down, Hinata enjoyed the feeling of being watched and cared for, though she kept that secret close to her heart.
“Do you need anything else?” Sasuke asked, his voice tender as he looked at Hinata with concern.
Hinata’s smile blossomed, a soft, reassuring response flowing from her lips. “I’m okay, love,” she replied in a gentle tone that carried a wave of tranquility and affection.
Sasuke responded with a shy yet unmistakable smile. He nodded once before stepping out of the room, quickly making his way to the kitchen and then back toward the bathroom. There, he left the bathtub to be filled with water before returning to assist her on the journey.
Upon his return, Sasuke found Hinata moving her toes, her feet hovering slightly above the bed as she tried to discern the faint movements over her curved stomach. As had happened countless times before, a soft chuckle escaped him. He stepped closer, trailing the tips of his fingers along the curve of her sole, feeling her toes retract and withdraw from the sensation.
“They’re still there,” he teased playfully. “I checked this morning.”
Hinata rolled her eyes at his jest, a playful sneer dancing on her lips.
“Come on, Hime,” he beckoned, almost needlessly, as he swept Hinata into his arms, preventing her from standing or walking, and carried her bridal style to the bathroom.
As they entered the bathroom, the warm and welcoming ambiance enveloped them. The soft, gentle hum of the bathwater filling the tub created a soothing backdrop. The bathroom was spacious, with light-colored tiles adorning the walls and floor, creating a sense of cleanliness and tranquility. The porcelain bathtub was large and inviting, its smooth surface gleaming under the soft lighting.
“Are you experiencing any swelling today?” Sasuke inquired, his fingers lightly pinching the skin of her thighs as he gazed into her eyes with curiosity.
“No, not right now,” she confirmed, her tone calm. “Usually, the mornings are better. It starts bothering me after I’ve spent too much time on my feet.”
“But you seem tense. Did you not sleep well after I left?” Sasuke probed further.
Grimacing slightly, Hinata shook her head in a so-so manner. “I kept waking up, but I’m not sure why,” she revealed. “I don’t feel any pain. I don’t even have to go to the bathroom yet,” she added, her exasperation stemming from the lack of problems to solve. Both Sasuke and Hinata had an innate talent for finding solutions to challenges they encountered, except when it wasn’t possible, a fact that weighed heavily on them as they navigated the complexities of her pregnancy.
“Let’s call for the masseuse today,” Sasuke suggested as he assisted her with undressing, gently guiding her to sit at the edge of the large, porcelain bathtub.
“But you have to go to work today,” Hinata pointed out, her tone casually dismissive. Sasuke rolled his eyes in response, offering a steadying hand, which she firmly clasped. With careful precision, he maneuvered her body until she could comfortably ease into the soothing warmth of the bath. As he watched her with a sense of duty, his gaze wandered, tracing the contours of her body.
Hinata’s porcelain skin seemed to radiate, akin to moonlight reflecting the early morning sun—a celestial presence. He couldn’t help but be in awe, wondering how he could ever truly honor her, how he could feel deserving of the gift she was giving them.
Seated where Hinata had recently been, Sasuke allowed himself a brief moment of indulgence, his eyes fixed on her graceful movements as the warm water’s soothing embrace worked its magic, gradually relaxing her tense muscles. Her figure had always been a testament to her beauty, but now, he couldn’t help but see the undeniable truth in the notion of a “pregnancy glow.” Yet, a thought persisted in the back of his mind, whispering that this feeling was bound to endure. In his eyes, Hinata would forever surpass her previous beauty with each passing day – an unshakable truth that he held close to his heart.
Shaking his head to break the enchanting reverie that had briefly captivated him, Sasuke redirected his attention to the ongoing conversation.
“The Hokage can survive a day without me,” he stated, his tone almost icy in its detachment. Softening his voice with genuine concern, Sasuke continued, “He’s fortunate that I haven’t insisted on paternity leave yet. In fact, I should ask for twice the time—one full leave for each baby. Your pregnancy is complicated, and the demands after their birth will be considerable.” His worry seeped into his words, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Hinata’s well-being and the growth of their family.
Hinata couldn’t help but giggle at his concern. “You’ve already forced me into leave, Sasuke. Someone has to work in this family,” she replied, her teasing tone only lightly veiled.
Sasuke’s initial response was an intense, almost fiery outburst, a level of emotion he hadn’t displayed since his teenage years. It teetered on the edge of his tongue, poised to burst forth, but he managed to exercise self-control. However, his brief moment of hesitation drew Hinata’s gaze, and the understanding that passed between them prompted a slightly more measured response, though still far from spiteful.
“We don’t need the money, and Naruto can manage without me,” he insisted, a sardonic smirk gracing the corner of his lips. Swiftly steering the conversation away from the weightier aspects of his thoughts, he added casually, “I’d love to see you attempt a stroll around the village and doing any work, Hime. I can already picture Neji shadowing your every move, prematurely graying from worry. And I have no doubt he’d find a way to give me a proper scolding when you weren’t looking. Frankly, it’s not the most appealing scenario, especially given your desire for a large family.”
“You’d do well to simply listen to me,” she protested playfully, splashing a bit of water in Sasuke’s direction as a lighthearted act of defiance. “Nii-san, too. I can make my own decisions.”
Sasuke regarded her with a wordless incredulity, well aware of her near-excessive pride. There was no need to provoke the lion with a short stick, nor to provoke a hormonal, pregnant Hinata with a veiled criticism.
Instead, focusing on the task at hand, he summoned a jutsu, and Aoda appeared in his hand.
“Master Uchiha, Mrs. Uchiha,” the snake greeted with a thunderous voice that seemed mismatched with his small form. His presence elicited an innocent giggle from Hinata.
“Tell the Hokage I need a day off and that he should send the masseuse before lunch,” Sasuke instructed, his words quick and direct. “Do not entertain his questions. If he asks about Hinata, simply relay that she’s fine. Speak only what’s necessary, and do not delay.” With that, he sent Aoda on his way to fulfill the task.
“You were rather rude to Aoda,” Hinata pointed out.
“Naruto is corrupting my summon, Hinata,” Sasuke dismissed, casually cold and rude, earning an immediate frown from his wife. “They need to focus on their priorities and not be distracted by your pregnancy.” Aoda was an asset to protect Hinata and the kids. Naruto can’t make him a liability, Sasuke wouldn’t risk it.
“You called me Hinata,” she commented, her voice carrying a lightness that starkly contrasted with the dark flush on her face. “Are you mad at me?”
Sasuke froze, swiftly assessing her mood and recognizing the need to tread lightly in the face of her shifting temperament. “Uchiha Hinata,” he corrected himself, a proud smile gracing his lips. “Hime.”
“Hm,” she considered, her gaze almost glaring at the water touching her thighs.
Reaching for her, Sasuke tenderly brushed the palm of his hand over her hair, the caress gentle and soft. “I love you, Hime,” he spontaneously declared, his voice quiet and almost shy, yet brimming with undeniable sincerity. Hinata’s glare shifted, briefly scorching him before she softened, relaxing her neck and letting her head fall toward his thigh while her hand still rested in his. But before she could respond, her eyes did, glistening with unshed tears.
Sasuke pressed a loving kiss to the side of her face. “It’s okay,” he comforted, knowing that being gentle and patient was the better approach when her hormones spiked, her emotions as unpredictable as they were sudden.
“You can’t be rude and then tell me you love me,” Hinata protested with a whine, her sniffles breaking through her words. Sasuke nodded along, trying to appear apologetic. “That’s abusive behavior, Sasuke,” she touted, leaving her husband in a tight spot, torn between wanting to laugh and feeling genuinely remorseful.
Opting for reason, Sasuke stuck to the apology. “I can be quite rude, can’t I?” he admitted, not needing to pretend otherwise. “I need to learn to be better, especially if I don’t want to set a bad example for your children,” he confessed, letting a hint of teasing filter through his voice, if only to mask the depth of his concern and discomfort.
Hinata’s outburst drew her away from him, pulling her out of his touch.
“My children?” she demanded, with a pronounced emphasis on the first word.
Sasuke winced internally.
“Leave, please,” Hinata implored, turning her back toward him and unwittingly splashing water as she hugged herself.
With a swift, decisive cut of his kunai, Sasuke discarded his clothing and gracefully joined Hinata in the bathtub, creating a melodious splash that reverberated through the otherwise silent room. This abrupt entrance demanded her immediate attention, silencing her cries and rekindling her focus on his touch. His hands, in contrast to his prior hurried movements, now caressed her skin gently and tenderly. His palms cradled the prominent swell that housed their long-awaited children. Amidst the whirlwind of his thoughts, the warmth of her skin and the gentle pulse of chakra beneath his touch brought him back to the present moment. Sasuke was acutely aware of the risk of carelessness but found himself unable to afford such mistakes.
Hinata tried to push him away and create distance between them, but it was difficult in the confined space to fight against Sasuke’s naturally greater strength. She resorted to pinching and scratching the skin within her reach, biting at his forearms to express her anger despite presenting a futile fight.
“Our babies, Hime,” Sasuke whispered tenderly against the side of Hinata’s head, his voice reverent and solemn, each word laden with emotion. His gentle caresses formed a delicate connection between Hinata and their unborn children, a combination that moved her to another set of tears. “Our Uchiha kids,” he added, his breath catching with the weight of his emotions.
Hinata responded with a half-hearted threat, her voice trembling as she spoke, “I hope they only inherit the Byakugan. You can say they’re my kids, then.”
Sasuke remained calm, unfazed by the idea. He gently reassured her, saying, “I will love them all the same,” his words warm and accompanied by a genuine smile. Returning to the previous topic, his sincerity never wavering, Sasuke continued, “My earlier words weren’t meant to reject our children, but careless words that I wish would express the overwhelming sense of awe I feel knowing you’re carrying them for us. You’re granting me a life beyond any dream I could have ever imagined, and I’m constantly worried about how I can truly honor the incredible gift you’re giving to me and our family.” He confessed, hoping that his heartfelt honesty would mend any hurt caused by his earlier thoughtless words.
Hinata sighed, her voice carrying a hint of lingering hurt. “You made me cry,” she lamented, swiftly shifting the topic. Sasuke, though caught off guard by the sudden change, adeptly jumped onto the next train of Hinata’s thoughts.
“Yeah,” Sasuke winced, his discomfort still etched on his face. “I’ll make you some food and keep you company to make up for it. How does that sound?”
“I want cinnamon rolls,” she demanded instead, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Sasuke nodded in agreement, his nods brisk and devoid of enthusiasm.
“I can go buy some while you finish bathing–”
“No, you said you would stay today,” Hinata insisted firmly, her gaze fixed on the bathwater, avoiding prolonged eye contact.
“Right, I did,” he conceded, looking almost pleased by her neediness, though his smile remained restrained. “After we finish here, I’ll order some for you instead, okay? I’ll get you your sweets without leaving. Don’t worry.”
Smiling playfully, Hinata capitalized on the water’s buoyancy, treating herself to a little dance that involved swaying her hips. “Thank you, Sasuke.”
In his thoughts, Sasuke couldn’t help but think, I would do anything for you, Hime, though he kept those words unspoken. Instead, he gently urged, “Let’s finish up here before the water gets too cold; you’re starting to prune.” He held one of her hands in his, his touch tender and reassuring.
Surprisingly, Hinata offered no resistance, her fighting spirit seemingly drained, the bad mood dissipating as quickly as it had arrived. “I wish I could stay in the water until the babies are born,” she confessed, allowing her limbs to float effortlessly on the water’s surface, a grace that eluded her outside of the bath. Sasuke smiled in quiet understanding, appreciating her gentle honesty.
“Two more months to go,” he gently reminded her, carefully choosing his words to avoid sounding either threatening or overly hopeful.
“I hope they stay put for another two months,” Hinata revealed, her pout reflecting her almost childlike wish. Sasuke silently concurred, his mind drifting back to their last hospital appointment. They could dream of the perfect scenario all they wanted, but he knew they should also prepare for the possibility that the babies might arrive sooner than expected. As he gazed at her, he felt her swollen stomach appeared as if it might burst at any moment.
Uchiha twins in tiny Hinata, the smallest of the Konoha 11, yet the strongest of them all. It was obvious individual traits held no sway over the course of life, unless it was in a sardonic manner.
Sasuke gingerly kissed the side of her face and then her lips, each kiss serving as a gentle reassurance, until he sensed their shared thoughts drifting away from the issue. Dwelling on it was futile; as formidable as they were, they couldn’t predict the future.
Soon, despite his previous suggestion, Sasuke’s attention was lost in their touch and his attempt to distract them both ended up more fruitful than he expected. When they had the instinct to stop, it was because he felt the almost uncomfortable feeling of cold water surrounding them. The sensation struck with its stark contrast to the warmth surrounding her stomach, the closest part to the babies, in opposition, her hands on his skin felt icy.
Pressing one last kiss to Hinata’s rosy mouth, Sasuke felt almost helpless to his desire to touch, but was swayed by the intrinsic ability his brain had to worry, undignified by the magnifying glass cast by the context. Not easily, Sasuke pulled away, offering support as they exited the tub.
Sasuke’s bathrobe awaited her on the counter, warmed by the sunlight for her comfort. She slipped it on with his assistance, their movements synchronizing seamlessly. As she adjusted the collar, he leaned down to press a lingering kiss against her forehead, a final display of affection before their return to the daily routine.
But as he pulled away, Hinata surprised him by encircling his neck with her arms, her body leaning into his, her lips capturing his for a lingering kiss. Their affection was more intimate than passionate, a testament to the depth of their connection, the love that had sustained them through both trials and triumphs. Sasuke smiled against her lips, the warmth of her embrace filling him with a sense of contentment that he hadn’t known was missing until it was rediscovered. He was reminded once again of the power of their love, the strength it provided in facing any challenge life presented.
Eventually, they broke the kiss, their foreheads touching as they shared a few quiet moments of connection. Hinata’s voice, soft and full of gratitude, broke the silence.
“Thank you for being here, Sasuke,” she whispered, her words infused with genuine emotion.
“Always,” he replied with conviction, his arms tightening around her, a sincere promise that spoke of a love that knew no bounds.
As they stood together in the bathroom, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s presence, Sasuke couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the life they had built together. Despite the challenges and uncertainties they faced, their love remained unwavering, a beacon of light that guided them through the darkest of times.
In that moment, as they held each other close, Hinata knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be, with the person who had stolen her heart and filled her life with boundless joy and love.
Their journey was far from over, and they would face many more trials and tribulations in the days and years to come. But with each passing day, their love only grew stronger, their bond only deepened, and Sasuke couldn’t wait to see what the future held for their growing family. For now, though, in the quiet embrace of their bathroom, they cherished the simple yet profound beauty of being together, finding solace and strength in each other’s arms, and embracing the love that had brought them to this moment.