Chapter Text
The diaper was a traitor.
Sasuke glared at the squirming, giggling bundle in front of him, his single hand struggling to keep Mikoto still while simultaneously trying to unfold the clean diaper with his teeth. It wasn’t working. The damn thing kept slipping, crumpling between his fingers like it was mocking him. Pathetic. He should have been able to handle this. He was an elite shinobi, a survivor of wars and betrayals, a man who had faced gods and lived. And yet, here he was, defeated by a piece of cloth and a six-month-old girl who thought his frustration was the funniest thing in the world.
Mikoto cooed, kicking her legs with delight as she reached for the diaper wipes, her tiny fingers swiping at them with far more coordination than he currently possessed. Beside her, Sousuke let out a whimper, his lower lip trembling as he clutched at his own soiled diaper, his blue-tinted hair sticking up in every direction. Great. Now they were both a mess.
Sasuke exhaled sharply through his nose, shifting as he finally managed to get the wipe open. One hand. One damn hand. For the first time in years, he found himself wishing for two. Just for this. Just so he could hold her steady and clean her up without feeling like he was juggling explosive tags.
He had been prepared for one child. One. That was manageable. That was something he could handle with efficiency, with precision. But twins? When the medic had told them, he had gone still, his mind blanking for a full three seconds before the reality of it crashed over him like a wave. Two. Two cribs. Two sets of clothes. Two diapers to change at the same time. He had looked at Hinata, her face a mix of shock and quiet joy, and felt a flicker of panic. What if he couldn’t do this? What if he wasn’t enough?
But then Mikoto had been born first, her face a perfect replica of Hinata’s, soft, round cheeks, the same gentle curve of her lips, except for the black hair that marked her as his. And her eyes, one black, one pure white. Sousuke had followed a minute later, his features softer than Sasuke’s ever were, but with the same stubborn set to his jaw. His eyes were the same, one black, one white, but the white one held the faintest lavender tint, just like Hinata’s.
Now, six months later, he still wasn’t entirely sure how they had survived this long.
Mikoto wriggled again, her giggles turning into a full-blown laugh as he finally got the wipe where it needed to be. Sousuke, ever the drama king, chose that moment to make the face. The one that said, I’m about to poop, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Sasuke’s eye twitched. “No,” he said firmly, as if that would stop it.
It didn’t.
Sousuke’s face scrunched up, his tiny body tensing, and Sasuke knew, oh, he knew, what was coming. “No, no, no—” He lunged for the boy, but it was too late. The diaper was already a lost cause.
He groaned. Mikoto, the little traitor, burst into laughter, her high-pitched giggles filling the room as if this were the most entertaining thing she’d ever seen.
“It’s not funny,” Sasuke muttered, but she only laughed harder.
He undid the diaper.
Disaster.
A runny, smelly disaster.
Sousuke, apparently fascinated by his own creation, reached down with both hands, his fingers wiggling toward the mess.
“Don’t you dare—” Sasuke grabbed his wrist just in time, but not before Sousuke got a good smear of it on his fingers. The boy blinked up at him, then grinned, as if he’d just won a great victory.
Sasuke was this close to waking Hinata up.
Before he could make the executive decision to disturb her well-earned rest, a voice piped up from the doorway. “Uh…what’s going on? Wow, this is a sight I never thought I’d see.”
Sasuke didn’t even look up, his focus still on Mikoto’s wiggling legs as he tried to fasten her diaper with one hand. “Boruto, not now.”
“No, seriously,” Boruto said, stepping into the room with a grin. “The legendary Sasuke Uchiha, defeated by two tiny humans. If dad saw this, he’d never let you live it down.”
Sasuke finally glanced up, his expression flat. “You’re not helping.”
Boruto just laughed, shaking his head. “I’m helping now.” He reached for Sousuke, who immediately grabbed a handful of his brother’s shirt. “Come on, poop machine. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Sousuke let out a happy babble, seemingly unfazed by the nickname.
Sasuke finished securing Mikoto’s diaper, then carefully lifted her with his arm, cradling her against his side as he reached for a fresh onesie. She squirmed, her tiny hands grabbing at the fabric as he dressed her. Once she was fully dressed, he gently placed her in the playpen. She immediately grabbed for one of her toys. He watched her for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitching, before turning toward the bedroom.
Hinata was still asleep, curled under the blankets, her long lavender hair fanned out across the pillow. She had let it grow out over the past year, and Sasuke loved it, especially when she wore it in a high ponytail. The style suited her, framing her face in a way that made her features even softer, more striking.
He knelt beside the bed, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek. She stirred, her lashes fluttering before she groaned and pulled the covers over her head.
Sasuke chuckled. “Still not ready to get up?” he asked, his voice low. “Or do I need to find another way to wake you?”
Hinata peeked out from under the blankets, her glare half-hearted at best. He could see the flush in her cheeks, the way her lips pressed together to hide a smile. “It’s not funny,” she muttered, though her voice was muffled by the fabric.
He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Sousuke hates me,” he mumbled.
That got her attention. She sat up, blinking at him. “What? Why would you say that?”
“Because I’m always the one dealing with his messy diapers,” Sasuke said, the word messy carrying more weight than necessary. “Never you.”
“Sousuke doesn’t hate you,” she said softly. “He’s just a baby. He doesn’t know any better yet.”
Sasuke exhaled sharply, but the irritation in his chest wasn't just about the diaper incident. It had been six long months since the twins arrived, six months of sleepless nights and endless responsibilities. Every ounce of their energy had been poured into caring for Mikoto and Sousuke. Intimacy had become a distant memory, replaced by exhaustion and the constant demands of parenthood. The rare moments they had to themselves were spent collapsed in bed, too drained to do more than hold each other before sleep claimed them.
Hinata stood from the bed, her nightgown shifting with the movement. Sasuke watched as she stretched, the fabric outlining her form in a way that made his body react instantly. He had been starved for her, for the closeness they once shared. His frustration had been building, a slow burn that was now threatening to consume him.
"I'm going to take a shower," she murmured, turning toward the bathroom.
His hand tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against him as his mouth found the sensitive spot beneath her ear.
“Sasuke…the kids are here.” She warned.
"I'll make sure you're quiet," he murmured, his voice rough with promise, his breath hot against her skin.
His free hand slid up her side, thumb brushing the swell of her breast through the thin fabric of her nightgown. The way she gasped, the way her fingers clenched in his shirt, it was too much. He captured her mouth in a searing kiss, pouring every bit of his frustration into it. Six months of wanting. Six months of need. Six months of—
"Hey! We've got company!"
Boruto's voice cut through the moment like a blade. Hinata jerked back, her face flushed as she stumbled into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. The lock clicked into place with finality, preventing him from even thinking about joining her in the bathroom.
Sasuke stood frozen, his body still humming with unspent desire, his frustration a living thing inside him. He exhaled sharply through his nose, forcing himself to turn away from the closed door.
In the living room, Kiba was already making himself at home, reaching for Sousuke with that infuriating grin. "C'mon, let me see my pups! Look at these little cuties!"
Sasuke's glare could have frozen the Nine-Tails. "Stop. Calling them pups."
Kiba just laughed, completely missing the warning in Sasuke's voice. "What? They're adorable! Just like little—"
Boruto cut in, shifting Sousuke out of Kiba's reach. "You good to handle the rest? Sumire's waiting for me, and I'm already late."
Sasuke's jaw clenched so hard he could hear his teeth grind. "I can handle it."
Boruto didn't need to be told twice. He was out the door before Sasuke could even process his departure, leaving Sasuke standing there with Kiba, who was already cooing over Sousuke.
Kiba was completely oblivious to Sasuke's simmering frustration. "There's my little guy!" He then spotted Mikoto in the playpen and scooped her up with his free arm, balancing both twins against his hips. "And there's my little princess! Look at you two, just as cute as—"
Sasuke's glare could have melted steel. His sexual frustration was a living thing, coiled tight in his chest, and Kiba's obliviousness only made it worse.
Kiba finally noticed the intensity of Sasuke's stare and froze mid-sentence. "Uh. Why are you looking at me like you want to murder me?"
Sasuke's voice was flat. "I'm not looking any type of way. This is how I always look."
Kiba blinked, then shrugged it off, adjusting his hold on the twins. "So...where's Hinata and Himawari?"
Sasuke exhaled through his nose. "Himawari's in her room doing who knows what. Hinata's in the shower."
Kiba nodded, bouncing the twins. "You know, if you and Hinata ever need a break from these two, Tamaki and I would gladly take them for a night. Maybe two nights would be pushing it, but—"
“That would be nice,” he said, and immediately wished he had phrased it differently. The eagerness had slipped through before he could catch it.
Kiba made a low sound and looked away, his nose wrinkling as if he had caught something unpleasant in the air. He looked off to the side, avoiding Sasuke’s eyes, shoulders tense, clearly uncomfortable. “Yeah. I really don’t want to think about that,” he muttered. He shifted his stance, putting space between them without saying why. “But it’s not like I can ignore it either.”
“What are you muttering about, second place?” Sasuke pressed.
Kiba winced at the nickname. He kept his gaze turned away, jaw tight. “I’m saying,” he started, then stopped. He sighed, clearly regretting opening his mouth at all. “I’ve been picking it up for months.” Another pause. Longer this time. “Every time I’m around you two. Whenever I visit. Whenever I walk past your place. It’s…there.”
Sasuke stared at him.
Kiba finally glanced back, just long enough to catch Sasuke’s expression, then immediately looked away again. “And before you say anything, I don’t want to know details. I don’t want to think about it. It’s just—” He made a vague, frustrated gesture in the air between them. “Hard to miss.”
“What are you going on about?” Sasuke frowned, confused.
“I can literally smell it. Like a warning sign every time I walk through the damn front door. Do you know how hard it is to visit when your best friend and your sister are practically suffocating the air with hormones?”
Sasuke turned sharply. “That’s not—”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” Kiba cut in.
Sasuke’s mouth snapped shut. The heat rose up the back of his neck almost instantly. He wasn’t sure what was worse, having it pointed out or the fact that Kiba had been dealing with it in silence.
“You’re imagining things,” he said automatically, though the words came out stiff and unconvincing.
Kiba snorted under his breath. “If I were, I’d be a lot more comfortable right now.”
The silence that followed was brutal.
They stood there, both very aware of what had just been said, both refusing to meet the other’s eyes. Sasuke’s jaw tightened as he looked anywhere but at Kiba, his face burning. Kiba’s ears were just as red, his shoulders hunched like he wanted the ground to open up beneath him.
Just then, Hinata walked in, her wet hair piled into a messy bun, a towel draped over her shoulders. "Kiba! What a nice surprise," she said, her face lighting up as she greeted him, completely unaware of the awkward tension in the room.
Sousuke immediately reached for her, his tiny arms flailing happily as he let out a string of excited babbles.
Hinata laughed, taking him from Kiba's arms. "There's my sweet boy," she cooed, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
Sasuke watched as the traitorous little brat buried his face into her shoulder with a happy squeal. He never made noises like that for him. Never reached for him with that same desperate enthusiasm. The kid had better start showing some loyalty soon, or Sasuke was going to start questioning his parenting skills.
Kiba, meanwhile, was tossing Mikoto into the air like she was a damn training dummy. The girl shrieked with delight every time she came back down, her tiny fists flailing as Kiba caught her, only to throw her up again. Sasuke’s eye twitched, worried for his daughter’s safety.
"You’re going to regret that when she pukes on you," he muttered.
Kiba just grinned. "Nah, she’s got an iron stomach. Just like her old uncle."
Sasuke glared. “She’s not even blood-related to you, idiot.” But Kiba merely ignored him, still having fun with his niece, enjoying making her laugh.
Hinata, oblivious to his suffering, carried Sousuke into the kitchen, calling over her shoulder, "You want anything to eat?"
"Sunny-side-up eggs. Toast." He followed her, knowing that if he stayed in there with Kiba, he was going to start micromanaging how to handle his daughter. He followed her into the kitchen. "I can cook. You should sit down."
Hinata pulled out a pan, steadying Sousuke on her hip as her smile already teasing. "Oh, really? Should I remind you what happened the last time you tried?"
His eye twitched. "That was one incident."
"One incident that filled the house with smoke for an hour." She turned to face him, still smiling as she handed Sousuke over. "I think I'll handle breakfast. For everyone's safety."
He took the kid into his arm, scowling. "I'm perfectly capable of making eggs without burning the house down."
"Mhm." She turned back to the stove, clearly not convinced. "Why don't you keep Sousuke occupied while I cook? Maybe he'll be less destructive than you are in the kitchen."
Sasuke glared at the back of her head. "Funny.
The second the kid was in his arm, all hell broke loose.
Sousuke hated being held by him. The moment Hinata was out of reach, he transformed into a tiny, flailing demon, wiggling, hitting, and slapping Sasuke’s face with his chubby hands. Then came the babbling, a string of nonsense that sounded suspiciously like complaints, followed by a glob of spit flying straight into Sasuke’s eye. More droplets splattered across his face like some kind of grotesque abstract art.
He glowered at his son, who, realizing he’d gotten a reaction, grinned a toothy, drooly grin before lunging forward and biting his cheek.
"Ow—"
Hinata burst out laughing. "Aww, he’s trying to kiss you."
Sasuke wiped his face with his shoulder, glaring at the top of Sousuke’s head as the kid smacked a sloppy, wet kiss against his jaw, tiny nails digging into his skin. "He’s a menace." Unlike Mikoto, who at least had the decency to tolerate him, Sousuke took pleasure in this. The kid had a sixth sense for Sasuke’s last nerve.
She just giggled, cracking eggs into the pan. "He just really loves his daddy."
He sat down and bounced Sousuke on his knee, trying to calm the little terror down. The kid still squirmed like he was being tortured, his tiny fists flailing. Why couldn’t he be more like Mikoto? Not that his daughter was an angel. She had her moments, but Sousuke? Sousuke acted like it was his life’s mission to test Sasuke’s patience. And worse, he preferred Hinata. The betrayal stung.
"Kiba offered to watch them," he said, voice casual, like the idea hadn’t been consuming his thoughts since the moment Kiba mentioned it.
Hinata froze mid-stir. "What?"
"For a night." He kept his tone even, but the desperation clawed at his throat. Six months. Six long months of nothing but exhausted collapses into bed, of stolen kisses cut short by crying twins, of his body aching for hers in a way that was becoming downright ridiculous. He wasn't some love-sick teenager. He was Sasuke Uchiha, and yet here he was, reduced to this. If he didn't have her soon, he was going to start considering whether genjutsu could simulate the experience just to keep his sanity.
She turned, her gaze lost in thought. "I don’t know…"
"Hinata." He wasn't above pleading. Not when it came to this. Not when it came to finally having her to himself again, without interruptions, without tiny tyrants demanding their attention. "Please." The word tasted strange on his tongue, but he meant it. He needed it.
Before Hinata could answer, Mikoto's sudden wail cut through the air. Sasuke was on his feet in an instant, as he placed Sousuke on the floor to crawl, muttering under his breath, "If that idiot dropped her, I swear I'll put him in an eternal genjutsu where he's stuck with an Akamaru that hates him for all eternity."
Hinata waved a hand dismissively. "She's probably just hungry. Don't worry."
But Sasuke was already striding toward the living room, his expression dark. Kiba was bouncing Mikoto in his arms, looking panicked as the baby's cries filled the room.
"Did you drop her?" Sasuke demanded.
Kiba's eyes widened. "What? No! She just started crying out of nowhere!" He looked genuinely offended, but the panic in his eyes made Sasuke question whether he could actually handle watching the twins. Then again, Tamaki would be there. That had to count for something. Right?
"Give her to me," Sasuke ordered, holding out his free arm.
The moment Mikoto was in his arms, her cries stopped as if someone had flipped a switch. She snuggled against his chest, her tiny fingers curling into his shirt.
Kiba looked wounded. "Man, she was having fun a second ago. I guess she just wanted her dad."
Sasuke turned away to hide the smirk threatening to break through his scowl. He pressed a kiss to the top of Mikoto's head before heading back into the kitchen, Kiba trailing after them like a wounded puppy. Hinata watched the whole exchange with amusement dancing in her eyes, as Sousuke was pulling himself up, holding onto Hinata’s pant leg. Sasuke ignored her, holding Mikoto as he pretended his chest wasn't swelling with pride.
At least one of them prefers me.
XXXXXXXX
A few days later…
Convincing Hinata to let the twins stay with Kiba and Tamaki had been a battle. She’d argued that the babies were too young, that they’d miss them, that it was too much to ask. He’d countered with logic, with promises, with the quiet desperation of a man who hadn’t had his wife to himself in months. Himawari and Boruto had made it easy. They’d been gone before the argument was even settled, off to their grandfathers’ for the weekend without a second thought. Teenagers. They didn’t care where they were as long as they weren’t stuck at home.
Friday had been a loss. The second Kiba and Tamaki had walked out the door with the twins, Hinata had sagged against him, exhausted. They’d stumbled into bed fully clothed and didn’t wake up until the sun was setting, golden light spilling through the curtains. He’d woken up annoyed, at himself, at the wasted day, at the fact that they’d slept like the dead instead of doing anything else. But Hinata had only yawned, stretched, and murmured that they’d needed it. So they’d stayed in bed, lazy and quiet, fo the rest of the night.
Saturday was their second chance.
He’d reserved a table at the most expensive restaurant in Konoha, someplace quiet, someplace nice, someplace where they could actually talk without being interrupted. But when they arrived, the hostess led them through a crowded dining room, the noise pressing in from all sides. Their table was right in the middle, surrounded by other patrons, no privacy, no escape. Hinata sat across from him, her dress fitting her in a way that made his heart race. The weight she’d gained after the twins had softened her, and the way the fabric clung to her hips and her breasts. It was drawing looks. Too many looks.
His jaw clenched. He could feel the stares, some directed at him, but most at her. His fingers twitched, itching to snap at every pair of eyes that lingered too long. Hinata didn’t notice, flipping through the menu with that smile of hers.
"I know what I want," she said, glancing up at him.
He forced his expression to smooth out when he saw the concern in her eyes. "Good."
"Are you okay?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Fine," he lied.
He looked back down at his menu, trying to focus on the words, when Naruto’s voice cut through the chatter.
"Sasuke! Hinata!"
He turned just in time to see Naruto weaving through the tables, grinning like an idiot, some blonde woman—Shino? Sion? Shion? whatever her name was,—being tugged along by the hand. Naruto had been dating her for two months now. Sasuke was happy for him. Really. But now wasn’t the time.
Naruto didn’t care. He stopped at their table, still grinning. "Hey! What a coincidence! We should do a double date!"
Sasuke glared. "No."
Hinata’s foot connected with his shin under the table. He shot her a betrayed look, but she just smiled sweetly at Naruto and the blonde woman. "That sounds lovely."
Before he could protest, Naruto was already pulling up chairs. Sasuke shifted his seat closer to Hinata, his glare fixed on Naruto the entire time. This was not how he’d planned to spend their night.
Hinata leaned forward slightly, her voice warm. "How have you two been?"
Shion beamed, her cheerful energy filling the space between them. "Oh, we’ve been wonderful! Naruto’s been showing me all around Konoha. It’s even more amazing than I imagined!"
Naruto nodded, grinning. "Yeah! She’s only here for the weekend, so I’m making sure she sees everything. Ramen Ichiraku, the Hokage Monument, the hot springs—"
Sasuke’s glare could have melted steel. Naruto finally noticed, his own expression darkening. "What’s your problem?"
Sasuke opened his mouth to say You’re interrupting my time with my wife, but Hinata’s fingers pinched his thigh under the table. He forced his face to relax, muttering, "Nothing."
Shion tilted her head, curious. "Oh! Are you two on an anniversary date or something?"
Sasuke nearly said yes just to get rid of them, but Hinata answered first, her tone light. "Oh, no, we’re just taking advantage of Kiba and Tamaki watching the twins for the weekend. First time in months we’ve had a night to ourselves."
Naruto’s grin faltered just a little. "Oh, right. Must be nice to finally—" He seemed to catch himself, glancing between them. "You know what, we should probably—"
The waiter appeared at their table before he could finish. "Good evening! Are we ready to order?"
Sasuke exhaled sharply through his nose, resisting the urge to flip the table. Of course.
Sasuke listened with half an ear as Hinata and Shion placed their orders, his gaze locked onto Naruto. The blonde idiot gave him an apologetic smile, shoulders lifting in a slight shrug.
Sasuke sighed, forcing out his own order before adding, "And a bottle of your best wine for the table."
He glanced at Hinata, letting his frustration bleed into his expression just enough for her to catch it. This was supposed to be just us. She met his eyes briefly, her lips curling into that infuriatingly calm smile, before her hand settled on his upper thigh under the table.
She knew exactly what she was doing, testing him, teasing him. Torturing him. His patience, already thin, frayed further. If they weren’t in public, he’d have thrown her onto the table right then and let the whole damn restaurant watch.
His gaze drifted to the dip of her neckline, following the soft curve of her collarbone. He should have been paying attention to the conversation, but the way the fabric clung to her was distracting. Enough to make him forget they weren’t alone. His mind wandered just a second too long.
Naruto cleared his throat, loudly, snapping him back to reality.
Sasuke looked up, meeting Naruto’s stare. The blonde’s expression was clear: Really? Right now? Sasuke only glared in response, willing him to take the hint and leave.
Naruto, of course, didn’t. He leaned forward, undeterred. "So, uh…how’s fatherhood treating you?"
Sasuke’s answer was dry. "It’s fine."
Hinata’s hand slid away from his thigh, and he immediately missed the warmth of her touch. His fingers flexed against his knee, resisting the urge to pull her hand back. Of course, she’d stop now. His luck was terrible today.
Shion leaned forward slightly, curious with a smile. "How old are your children?"
Hinata began to answer, but Naruto jumped in before she could finish. "Mine and Hinata’s? Boruto’s fifteen. He’ll be turning sixteen soon, and Himawari’s thirteen. Maybe one day you can meet them—" He stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing how forward that was. His hand went to the back of his head, his usual grin faltering. "I mean, if that’s okay with you, Hinata."
Sasuke watched the exchange, the way Hinata’s expression remained warm, but her eyes flickered with mild surprise. She handled it with her usual grace, though it was clear Naruto should have asked her first privately. He hadn’t been dating Shion for that long to start introductions with the kids. The man never thought before he spoke, especially when he was excited about something.
Sasuke answered before the silence could stretch. "Our twins are six months old."
Shion glanced between them, her earlier confidence fading. "I’m sorry, this might be rude to ask, but…is it awkward? For all of you, I mean. With everything I’ve heard about your history, and the marriage, and—" She cut herself off, cheeks flushing. "I shouldn’t have asked that."
Hinata shook her head with a soft smile. "It’s alright. It was awkward at first, but that was a long time ago. We’re all happy now, and we’ve moved on."
Naruto nodded, his voice too cheerful. "Yeah, exactly! Everything’s great!" His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Sasuke exhaled, already tired of the tension. "You should call Kiba," he said to Hinata. "Check on the twins."
Hinata nodded. "You’re right. Excuse me for a moment." She stood and stepped away from the table, leaving the three of them in an awkward silence.
Shion shifted in her seat before standing abruptly. "I’ll just…use the restroom." She disappeared toward the restrooms.
Once she was gone, Sasuke turned to Naruto. "You good?"
Naruto waved it off. "Yeah, yeah, I’m fine."
He wasn’t. Sasuke just stared at him, waiting for the truth.
Naruto sighed, his usual bravado slipping. " Okay, I do like her. We’ve been writing letters for weeks, and when she said she’d visit, I just got excited. Haven’t seen her in person since we were kids." He paused, his fingers tapping restlessly against the table. "And I am happy for you and Hinata. Really. The twins are cute. But sometimes it still stings a little. Not in a bad way. Just… old habits."
Sasuke didn’t soften. "Then don’t drag her into something you’re not ready for."
Naruto’s expression twisted, defensive. "I’m not—"
"You are." Sasuke cut him off. "If you’re still hung up on the past, don’t string her along."
Naruto opened his mouth to argue, but the waiter arrived with their food, ending the conversation. Sasuke didn’t push it further. Naruto would either figure it out or he wouldn’t. That was on him.
XXXXX
The cold night air bit at their faces as they stepped outside, snowflakes catching in their hair and dusting their shoulders. Sasuke kept Hinata’s hand tucked securely in his coat pocket, his fingers warm against hers. Naruto and Shion stood beside them, pulling their coats tighter against the winter chill.
Shion smiled, her voice bright against the quiet. "It was really nice having dinner with you both."
Hinata returned the warmth. "We had a lovely time. And thank you for paying, Naruto. You didn’t have to."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, his grin sheepish. "Least I could do after crashing your date." His eyes flicked to Sasuke, who gave a single nod. The apology was noted.
As they parted ways, Sasuke turned to Hinata once they were out of earshot. "The twins really are fine?"
Hinata laughed, nudging him lightly. "You’re such a worrywart. They’re asleep, Kiba said so."
He frowned. "I’m not a worrywart."
She smiled, leaning into him slightly as they walked. He glanced down at her squeezing her hand. "Anything else you want to do before we head home?"
She thought for a moment, then her expression brightened. "The onsen would be nice."
He considered it. His muscles tensed at the thought of the onsen, his body already craving the heat, the way the water would unknot the tension in his shoulders. But that was the problem. If they went, they'd be too relaxed. Too tired. And sleep was the last thing he had in mind for tonight.
He exhaled, weighing the options. The steam, the way Hinata would look with her hair damp and her skin flushed from the heat, it was tempting. Too tempting.
"Fine," he said finally, his voice rough. "But we're not staying long."
Because if they did, he'd lose his chance to make up for this interrupted night. And that wasn't happening.
XXXXXX
The onsen was not what he had planned.
Sasuke stood in the dimly lit entrance, the scent of cedar wood filling his nostrils as his gaze locked onto the sign indicating separate bathing areas. His jaw tightened. Of course, it was not a couple's onsen. Because nothing ever went according to plan.
Hinata stood beside him, her lips pressed together in an attempt to hide her amusement. He shot her a sharp glance, but she only smiled, her eyes bright with mischief. She was enjoying this. The realization irritated him. Did she not feel the same frustration he did? Six months of nothing, not even the slightest relief, and she found this amusing?
"Men’s side is that way," she said, pointing toward the wooden door marked with bold characters.
He exhaled sharply. This was not how he wanted to spend their evening.
She laughed softly, her voice light. "Try to enjoy yourself. You look like you’re about to start a fight with someone."
He glared. Annoyed. Agitated. Frustrated. Horny. All the emotions, as he watched her turn toward the women’s side, her movements graceful, her smile still lingering. He stripped down in the changing area, the cold air biting at his skin before he stepped into the steaming water of the men’s bath.
The heat was immediate, seeping into his muscles and easing the tension in his shoulders. He sank deeper into the water, tilting his head back against the smooth stone edge. It felt good, but it was not what he wanted. Not when he could be with Hinata instead.
His mind, however, then shifted to his children.
What if Kiba dropped Mikoto?
The thought struck him suddenly. He could picture it. Kiba, in his usual excitable state, tossing the baby into the air and missing the catch. His daughter’s small body falling, her head hitting the floor with a sickening thud. His fingers twitched.
What if Tamaki left her unattended for just a second?
She could choke on something small, something they didn’t even realize was within her reach.
What if Sousuke found an electrical socket?
His son was curious, always reaching for things. One wrong move, one tiny finger in the wrong place, and—
What if they fed them something they were allergic to?
Kiba wasn’t the most attentive when it came to details. What if he didn’t check the ingredients? What if they had a reaction and no one noticed in time?
What if they didn’t hear them crying?
The twins couldn’t talk yet. If they were in pain, if they needed something, would Kiba and Tamaki even realize?
What if the house wasn’t warm enough?
It was winter. The nights were cold. What if they forgot to adjust the heating? What if the twins caught a chill?
What if they didn’t burp them properly after feeding?
They could get colic. They could be in pain, and no one would know why.
What if they didn’t change their diapers often enough?
Rashes. Infections. Things he didn’t even want to think about.
What if they didn’t secure the furniture?
A bookshelf could topple. A chair could fall. His children could be crushed.
Sasuke’s scowl deepened. His mind was going in circles. It was ridiculous. Kiba had handled children before. He had been fine with Akamaru as a pup, and that dog had been a handful. Right? He wasn’t much of a dog person, so he didn’t know for sure. But still, the worry gnawed at him, relentless and suffocating.
He remembered Sarada. He had worried about her, too, but he had never let it show. Not outwardly. When she was a baby, he had stood outside her room at night, listening to her breathe, making sure she was still alive. He had memorized every medicinal herb, every possible remedy, just in case she ever got sick. He had watched her like a hawk, his mind always calculating the risks, the dangers, the things that could go wrong.
But he had never let Sakura see. Because admitting to worry was a weakness. Because he had been too proud, too determined to appear in control. So he had suffered in silence, his fears buried deep, his concerns never voiced.
An old man across the bath glanced at him curiously. Sasuke glared until the man looked away.
This was Hinata’s fault.
If she hadn’t laughed at him, if she hadn’t teased him about his worries, he wouldn’t be spiraling now. The audacity of her, finding amusement in his concerns. Did she not understand? The twins were small and fragile. One wrong move and—
He cut the thought off, rubbing a hand over his face. The steam rose around him. He was being irrational. Kiba was capable. Tamaki was careful. He was the one overreacting.
But the thoughts wouldn’t stop.
By the time Sasuke finished drying off, his muscles were loose and warm, and the tension finally eased from his body. He pulled on his clothes with quick, efficient movements, the fabric cool against his heated skin. When he stepped outside, the crisp night air hit him like a slap, sharp enough to clear the last of the fog from his mind.
Hinata stood just outside the entrance, her hair damp and clinging to the nape of her neck, her cheeks still flushed from the steam. She glanced up at him, her lips curved in that infuriatingly knowing way, her voice soft but laced with teasing.
"Feel better?"
His jaw tightened. He closed the distance between them in two strides, his fingers gripping her chin with just enough pressure to make her gasp. The heat of her was maddening, her pulse quickening under his touch, her body swaying just a fraction closer as if pulled by something beyond her control.
Her lips parted, soft and inviting, and the sight sent a dark, possessive thrill through him. She didn’t resist. Didn’t look away. Just let him hold her there, her wide eyes locked onto his, her chest rising with each shallow breath.
He would make sure she paid every last bit of what she owed. And when he was done, she would remember this night for a long time.
XXXXXXX
The moment they crossed the threshold, Sasuke had Hinata pinned against the wall of the entryway, his mouth crashing into hers with a desperation that had built for months. Her fingers tangled in his hair as he worked one-handed at the fastenings of her coat robe, the fabric pooling at her feet. His own shirt was already half undone, her hands pushing it off his shoulders as they stumbled backward toward the bedroom.
He kicked off his boots, then hers, never breaking the kiss. The hallway blurred around them, the only clear thought in his mind the need to get her to the bed. His hand slid down her back, pulling her flush against him as he nudged the bedroom door closed with his foot.
Hinata gasped as his lips found her neck, her head tilting to give him better access. They reached the edge of the bed, and she fell back onto it with a soft laugh, pulling him down with her. His body covered hers, his free hand mapping the warm, smooth expanse of her skin, her breath hitching as his touch grew more insistent.
Then, just as his lips found the sensitive spot on her neck, his body betrayed him.
One second, he was kissing her, his mind consumed with the taste of her, the feel of her beneath him. Next, his eyelids grew heavy, his movements slowing as if someone had dumped a bucket of sand over him. He tried to fight it, but the heat of the onsen, the comfort of the bed, the weight of six months of exhaustion from dealing with the twins, all crashed down at once.
His last coherent thought was a frustrated Shit.
And then he was out, his face still buried against her neck, his body slumped over hers in sleep.
XXXXX
Next morning…
The morning light filtered through the curtain as Sasuke stirred from sleep. His body ached in the best way, a slow, building pleasure pulling him from the depths of unconsciousness. A soft, wet heat enveloped him, and his breath hitched as his hips instinctively arched into the sensation. His fingers twitched, then tangled in the sheets as a low groan escaped him.
Fuck.
His eyes flew open, his vision blurring for a second before focusing on the sight of Hinata between his legs, her dark hair spilling over his thighs, her lips wrapped around him. The warmth of her mouth, the teasing flick of her tongue. It sent a jolt through him, sharp and electric. He let out a rough sound, his hand finding her cheek, his thumb brushing over her skin as he threw his head back against the pillow.
"Hinata—" His voice was rough with sleep and desire, his body already responding to her.
She pulled back just enough to look up at him, her eyes dark with mischief. "I felt bad for you last night," she murmured, her breath hot against him before she took him in again.
His fingers tightened in her hair, his breath coming in ragged gasps as pleasure coiled tight in his stomach. He could feel himself getting closer, his muscles tensing, his hips lifting to meet her—
And then the alarm blared.
Sasuke jolted awake, his body aching, his boxers damp with the evidence of a dream that had felt too real. He groaned, rubbing a hand over his face as the remnants of the dream faded, leaving him frustrated and painfully hard.
Hinata was already out of bed, pulling on a robe as she moved toward the door. "Kiba and Tamaki will be here in an hour or so to drop off the twins."
He sat up, his body still thrumming with need, his mind foggy with the remnants of the dream. Goddamn it. He had fallen asleep on her last night. He had passed out like some overworked rookie. The embarrassment burned, but the frustration was worse.
"I’m sorry about last night," he muttered, his voice rough.
She turned back to him, her lips curving into a soft smile as she leaned down to press a kiss to his cheek. "It’s okay. You were just tired."
He caught her wrist as she pulled away, his thumb tracing circles over her pulse point. "I’ll make it up to you."
Her cheeks flushed. "Sasuke, they’ll be here any minute—"
"An hour or so," he corrected, his voice low as he tugged her back toward the bed. His hand slid up her thigh, his fingers hooking into the waistband of her panties. "Plenty of time."
She hesitated, but the way her breath hitched as his fingers brushed over her told him everything he needed to know. He pulled her down onto the bed, his mouth crashing into hers as his hand slipped beneath her robe, finding the clasp of her bra. The fabric joined his boxers on the floor, discarded without a second thought, and he wasted no time sliding inside of her warmth.
His hands were everywhere, her waist, her breasts, her thighs, his touch rough with need. She gasped as he rolled her beneath him, his body covering hers as he kissed her deeply, his tongue tangling with hers. The bed creaked beneath them, the rhythm of their movements growing more urgent, more desperate.
Hinata’s moans filled the quiet house as he thrust into her, hard and deep. He could feel her tightening around him, her body arching beneath his as she came undone. But he wasn’t finished.
He flipped them, letting her take control, her hips rolling against his as she rode him with a desperation that matched his own. His hands gripped her waist, guiding her, his thumb finding the bundle of nerves between her legs. Her breath came in sharp gasps, her body trembling as she came again, her name a growl on his lips as he followed her over the edge.
The room was silent except for the sound of their ragged breathing, their bodies slick with sweat. Sasuke pressed a kiss to her shoulder, his heart still pounding.
"Worth the wait?" he murmured against her skin.
She laughed breathlessly, collapsing against him. "Always."
XXXXX
A few years later…
The house was in chaos.
Sasuke sat at the low table, his mission report spread out in front of him, ink drying on the final lines. He had just reached for his pen to sign off when a small, mischievous hand darted across the page, scribbling fat red and blue crayon marks right through the middle of his carefully written notes.
"Sousuke." His voice was a low warning.
The boy giggled, clutching the crayon like a trophy, before bolting across the room with a speed that defied his tiny legs.
Sasuke exhaled sharply through his nose. Karmic debt. That had to be it. He pushed back his chair and stood, moving with the precision of a man who had spent years tracking down criminals, only now, his target was a four-year-old with a head start and zero sense of self-preservation.
He was seconds away from grabbing the little menace when Sousuke skidded to a halt, turning just long enough to stick his tongue out at him.
Sasuke’s eye twitched.
Then, in a move that could only be described as divine intervention, Sousuke barreled straight into Sarada’s legs. The impact barely phased her, but the boy let out a dramatic wail, his arms reaching up as if he’d been mortally wounded. "Nee-chan! Daddy is being mean!"
Sarada, ever the doting older sister, scooped him up without hesitation. "What did you do now?"
“I didn’t do anything.” Sasuke held out his hand, his expression unamused. "The report."
She glanced at the crumpled papers before handing them over, her dark eyes flickering with amusement. "Everything okay?"
"Fine," he muttered, smoothing out the ruined document with more force than necessary. "Your brother is going to put me in an early retirement."
Sousuke, now safely in Sarada’s arms, had already stopped crying. He grinned at Sasuke, fat cheeks dimpling, not a single tear in sight.
That faker.
Before Sasuke could say another word, Mikoto tugged on his pant leg, her big eyes pleading. "Papa, let’s go to the park? Please?"
Sousuke, hearing the magic word, immediately squirmed in Sarada’s hold. "Park! Park!"
Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose. He was tired. Chasing a toddler around the house was not how he’d planned to spend his afternoon. He looked at Sarada, already calculating his escape. "You can take them."
Mikoto’s lower lip jutted out. "No! You take us!"
Sarada’s smirk was infuriating. "You heard her."
Sasuke exhaled, defeated. "Fine." He glared at his son, who was now beaming at him like this was the best day of his life. "But we’re leaving now before I change my mind."
Sousuke cheered, kicking his legs in excitement, while Mikoto clapped her hands.
XXXXXX
The path to the park was lined with golden afternoon light, the twins’ small figures darting just ahead. Sousuke leading the way with his usual boundless energy, Mikoto trotting beside him, her tiny hand clutching his as if she were his shadow. Sasuke walked behind them, his steps slower, his shoulders carrying the weight of another sleepless night. Sarada matched his pace, her arms crossed loosely over her chest, a faint smile playing on her lips as she watched her father trail after the two small tornadoes.
"You know," she said, glancing at him, "you look like you’re one step away from collapsing."
Sasuke shot her a dry look. "I feel like it."
She laughed, but it softened when she saw the exhaustion in his eyes. He missed Hinata. It was written in the way his gaze lingered on Mikoto’s curls, so like her mother’s, in the way his jaw tightened every time Sousuke let out another ear-splitting shriek of excitement. Hinata had been gone for days, visiting Hiashi, and the house felt too quiet without her, even with the twins’ constant chaos. Boruto was buried in missions, and Himawari had gone with Hinata, leaving Sasuke alone with two tiny forces of nature.
He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Mikoto’s been asking about ninjas."
Sarada blinked. "Really?"
"Mm." He watched as Mikoto suddenly stopped, crouching to inspect a leaf on the ground with intense focus. "She keeps pretending to throw kunai. Badly."
Sarada’s eyebrows rose. "She’s four."
"And Sousuke’s been trying to copy her." His voice was rough, but there was something almost fond in it. Almost. "If this keeps up, they’ll both want to enroll in the Academy the second they’re old enough."
Sarada studied him for a moment. "You don’t sound thrilled."
Sasuke didn’t answer right away. The twins had started running again, their laughter ringing through the air. "I don’t want them to," he admitted finally. "Not if they don’t have to."
Sarada understood. She’d seen the way his expression darkened when he thought no one was looking, the way his fingers twitched toward the scar on his forehead when the twins played at fighting. "You think they’ll get hurt."
"It’s not if," he said quietly. "It’s when."
She bit her lip. "You can’t stop them forever."
"I know." His voice was low, rough with something she rarely heard from him—fear. Not for himself. For them. "But I can try."
Sarada reached out, nudging his arm lightly. "Then talk to them. When they’re older. Let them know what it really means."
Sasuke looked at her, really looked at her, and for once, he didn’t shut her out. "And if they still want to?"
She smiled, but it was tinged with something sad. "Then you’ll be there. Like you were for me."
He exhaled, watching as Sousuke tripped over his own feet and Mikoto immediately rushed to help him up, her small voice scolding him for not being careful. "I don’t know if I’m cut out for this."
"Yes," Sarada said simply, "you are."
He didn’t argue. But when Mikoto turned back to him, her face alight with excitement, he forced a small smile. "Come on, then. Before they decide to climb a tree."
XXXXXXX
Eight years later…
The graduation grounds buzzed with energy, the kind that usually set his teeth on edge. Sasuke stood apart from the crowd, one shoulder braced against a pillar, watching as the newly minted genin swarmed the field. His eyes found the twins immediately.
Sousuke was impossible to miss.
The boy stood at the center of a laughing group, his mismatched eyes alight as he recounted some story with wild gestures. His impression of the Hokage was so spot-on it was painful, same reckless grin, same boundless energy. But there was Kiba in him too, that fearless, chaotic streak that made Sasuke question how he and Hinata had produced something so utterly unlike them.
Mikoto stood slightly apart, her headband already perfectly straight. She listened to her brother's antics with an expression that was all too familiar, his own blunt assessment written across her face, though softened by Hinata's quiet warmth. When Sousuke's exaggerated motions nearly sent a smaller kid stumbling, Mikoto reached out without hesitation, steadying the boy before he could fall.
Sasuke stood with Hinata near the edge of the crowd, watching as the twins made their way toward them, their new headbands gleaming in the afternoon sun.
"Mom! Dad!" Sousuke called, waving his arms as he and Mikoto pushed through the crowd. His eyes were bright with excitement, his grin wide and unchecked. Mikoto walked beside him, her expression more composed but her eyes just as bright.
"Congrats," Sasuke said.
Sousuke grinned. "Thanks! And I got the highest score on the written exam!"
Mikoto rolled her eyes. "You got the highest score because I helped you study."
Sousuke opened his mouth to protest, but Boruto stepped in, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Doesn’t matter who helped who. You both passed. That’s what counts."
Himawari laughed, her long hair swaying as she leaned in to hug the twins. "I’m so proud of you both."
Sarada smiled, her pixie cut catching the light as she ruffled Sousuke’s hair. "You did well, little brother."
Sousuke looked around. “Where’s Mitsuki?”
Himawari’s cheeks pinked as she glanced around. "Mitsuki’s here somewhere. He didn’t want to crowd you guys right away."
Sarada smirked. "Probably still recovering from the last time Dad and Lord Seventh ‘had a talk’ with him."
Hinata chuckled under her breath, muttering, "Worrywarts," just loud enough for Sasuke to hear.
Sasuke’s cheeks tinted slightly, and he cleared his throat. "We just wanted to make sure he knew the rules of dating Himawari, that’s all."
Himawari sighed, shaking her head. "You and Dad nearly scared him to death."
Boruto laughed. "He’ll survive. Mitsuki’s tougher than he looks."
The house had changed over the years. Most days, it was just him, Hinata, and the twins now. The older ones came back often, but they didn’t stay. Sasuke had learned to recognize the difference between emptiness and quiet. This was the latter. Boruto had gotten married to Sumire two years back. Himawari was dating Mitsuki, and Sarada became a captain with her own squad. Their children were growing up, and he was proud of them.
Only then did his attention shift outward.
Sakura stood nearby with Lee, their shoulders close as they spoke. Married for years now. Lee laughed softly at something she said. Sakura noticed Sasuke watching and gave a small smile.
Kiba’s voice rose above the others, loud and familiar. Sasuke found him without looking. His daughter sat on his shoulders, her small hands tangled in his hair as she leaned forward, taking in everything at once. Kiba laughed, unbothered by the attention. Tamaki stayed close, one hand resting at their daughter’s back, steadying her without pulling her down. Three years had passed since she was born, and somehow it felt like both a lifetime and no time at all. Sasuke watched them longer than he meant to. Parenthood had changed Kiba, but it hadn’t dulled him. It had given him something solid to stand on.
Hanabi stood near the edge of the courtyard with Konohamaru, close enough that their shoulders brushed when they spoke. Newly engaged, and not hiding it, though neither of them made a show of it. Konohamaru listened when she spoke, really listened, his attention fixed on her even as people passed by. Hanabi didn’t slow herself for him. She had chosen well.
His gaze drifted farther back.
Hiashi sat with an attendant beside him, his posture upright despite the years pressing down on him. He was getting older and stayed home mostly, but he made sure to come out for his grandchildren’s graduation. Hiashi’s eyes followed the twins as they moved through the crowd, sharp and unyielding as ever. Sasuke met his gaze, and for a brief moment, the years folded in on themselves. Hiashi inclined his head once. Sasuke returned it. The exchange carried more weight than words ever could.
Naruto stood among the families, impossible to miss even when he tried to blend in. Hokage or not, he had never learned how to be quiet. He laughed at something someone said, rubbing the back of his neck as if embarrassed by his own volume. Shion stood beside him.
Sasuke had lost count of how many times those two had separated and found their way back again. Naruto’s work had always taken more from him than he meant to give. Sasuke used to judge that. He didn’t anymore. He knew what it was like to belong to something that demanded everything. Naruto hated being alone. Sasuke understood that too. That was why Hinata invited him over whenever she could, for dinners, for outings, for the simple comfort of being surrounded by his family. Naruto always came when he was able. He was coming over tonight as well with Shion for a graduation party for the twins.
Sasuke turned his attention back to the twins.
Hinata stood beside him, close enough that he could feel her without looking. He reached for her hand. She took it immediately, her fingers settling into his as they always did.
The crowd shifted around them, voices overlapping, laughter rising and falling. Someone called out another congratulations. The twins answered, Mikoto smiling, Sousuke pretending not to care as much as he did.
“They did well,” he said.
Hinata nodded, her eyes still on the twins. “They really did.”
Sasuke followed her gaze, taking in the way they carried themselves now. Confident. Comfortable. No longer looking to him for cues. When he turned back to Hinata, his voice lowered, meant only for her.
“I’m happy,” he said. There was no hesitation in it. “With the life I have. With you. Growing old with you.”
Hinata stilled for a brief second. Then she looked up at him, her eyes widening before softening. Color spread across her cheeks.
Hinata leaned closer, her voice low, meant only for him. “I love you.”
Sasuke had just started to turn toward her when a sound cut in from his right.
A loud, exaggerated smacking noise.
He looked over. Sousuke stood a few steps away, lips puckered as he pressed the back of his hand to his mouth and pulled it away again with a sharp mwah. He did it once more for emphasis, slower this time, watching them closely as if gauging their reaction. Or most likely his reaction.
Sasuke fixed his eyes on him.
“That’s enough,” he said.
Sousuke didn’t stop right away. He tilted his head, considering, then made one final kissing sound before lowering his hand. His mouth twitched into a grin, open and unapologetic, the kind he had worn since childhood whenever he knew he’d gotten exactly the response he wanted.
Sasuke exhaled slowly.
Sousuke stopped making the noise but didn’t move. He clasped his hands behind his back and rocked once on his heels, face set into a poor imitation of innocence. The corners of his mouth twitched, betraying him.
Sasuke exhaled slowly and looked forward again. Of course.
He had been like this since infancy. Back then, it had been small hands tangling in Sasuke’s hair, fingers pulling hard enough to sting. Getting peed on, changing messy diapers that only he had to deal with, and never Hinata. Drawings on his mission reports. Chasing the demonic child throughout the house because he decided to spill hot coffee on his face to wake him up. The moment Sasuke reacted, the child laughed, delighted. He had learned early which buttons were worth pressing.
Nothing had changed even as Sousuke was now twelve years old. He was definitely his karmic debt.
Mikoto had turned shy when she noticed her parents being close, looking away, pretending not to see. Sousuke leaned into it instead. Any sign of affection between Sasuke and Hinata caught his attention immediately. He watched for it. Waited for it. Treated it like an open invitation, so he could tease his father.
Hinata laughed beside him, unable to help herself. She leaned lightly into Sasuke’s arm, shoulders shaking, her cheeks warm with color.
Sousuke noticed that too, and he grinned, wide and unapologetic, clearly satisfied.
Sasuke shot him a warning look. Sousuke met it without flinching, then finally turned away, attention drifting back to the crowd as if the matter had been settled.
Sasuke felt the heat rise to his face and looked forward again, annoyed that it still happened, annoyed that the boy still found ways to get under his skin without trying.
“That boy…he isn’t right,” Sasuke muttered, as he sighed, shaking his head. The boy was still the same. Still observant. Still persistent. Still finding new ways to test him whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Hinata rubbed his arm. “He just really loves his father.”
Sasuke snorted, but smiled when he looked back at his son. He truly was growing up, they both were.
Sasuke tightened his grip slightly and looked back toward the twins, toward Boruto, Himawari, and Sarada. Their children. Their family, built slowly, imperfectly, and held together by years of choosing one another.
Sousuke met his gaze again and grinned, already pleased with himself.
Sasuke shook his head once, resigned, and felt Hinata’s hand squeeze his in quiet reassurance.
He loved her. He loved all of them. Even the one who made it his personal mission to test his patience at every turn.
And standing there, surrounded by the life he had once believed was never meant for him, Sasuke knew this was where he belonged.
Fin.