Chapter Text
“Pregnant?” Sasuke questions.
Sakura nods. She’s sitting on her stool as she gives Sasuke his results.
“How?”
Sakura doesn’t mean to make an amused face. “Well,” She begins with a dramatic huff as if she was a valley girl. “When an egg allows a sperm…”
Sasuke glares.
She puts her hand in front of her mouth, hiding her laugh. “Sorry.” She does and doesn’t mean it. She inhales, and brings her hand up and down in front of her as if she were praying. “Okay. I’m a professional,” She says to herself. She scoots her rolling stool closer, and puts her hand on Sasuke’s knee.
They’re in her office in the hospital. Sarada is old enough now to be manning the front office, but Sakura will be keeping Sasuke file in her office away from their daughter’s eyes. Sasuke is sitting at the edge of the examining table.
“Do you wish to keep it? You’re only a month along.” She keeps her voice neutral.
He gave birth to Sarada when he was younger. She was well planned, and expected.
This was not.
He was turning 50 soon.
He gripped the edge of the table. Unsure why this was happening now.
They had grandchildren.
And Naruto….
“I don’t know yet.” He admits.
Sakura nods. “I understand. Even if you decide to give birth, and not keep it, there are options.”
Sasuke scoffs.
She squeezes his knee with reassurance. “I am here for you. Naruto doesn’t get to have a say in this.”
“But what if I want it?”
“Then you come see for prenatal appointments, and we’ll go shopping for orange onesies,” She laughs. Unable to not be tickled by all of this. “Sasuke, you still get regular heat. DId you not think it could happen?”
He shakes his head. “It’s been 15 years. Why now? At 50, no less.”
Sakura pats his knee twice, and pushes her stool, with wheel, back toward her cabinets. She puts Sasuke’s file on the counter, and gets a few brochures. “Well, you have another month until you can use the pill to abort it, and after that I’ll have to surgically remove it, or you could ask Orochimaru or Tsunade to remove it if I’m busy.”
“It’ll end up at the academy with the twins.” Already thinking about the future if he keeps it.
“Well, at least it won’t be alone.” She goes to hand the brochures to him, but he waves her off. “I know enough about birth.”
“Times have changed."
“Birth has changed?” Sasuke asks.
She nods, and hands them to him which is accepted this time around. “I’ll be alright. We can get you sterilized after this, if that’s what you want.”
Sasuke slides the brochures into his coat pocket. “Naruto will get fixed before I will.”
“That’s sexist.” She pouts.
“It’s because idiots shouldn't reproduce.” He smirks.
Sakura returns the smirk. “Well, you’re not living up to your beliefs.”
____________
“I’m pregnant.” Sasuke says upon entering Neji’s home.
Neji closes the door behind him. “You can’t be serious.” He looks Sasuke up and down, then at Shikadai who’s eating at the kitchen table. “Don’t tell your Father.”
The young man makes a hand gesture, signalling his understanding.
They walk into the back of the house, to sit on the back porch. Some of the deers are roaming around, along with their various pets in the large land in the back of their home.
Sasuke sits down first on the bench. Then Neji does as well.
A black cat hopped onto Sasuke’s lap. “It’s weird.”
Neji delays his response. He lays on hand on top of the other, on his lap. “It’s not ideal.”
“It’s not ideal?” Sasuke asks.
“Is it ideal?” He questions.
Sasuke scratches between the cat’s ears. “I’m a month along.”
Neji says nothing.
“I might keep it.”
“Oh,” Neji replies. He turns his body toward Sasuke, he lays his elbow on the back of the bench, and crosses one leg over the other. “It would be cute.”
Sasuke leans back. He doesn’t often slouch, but this is a good reason to. “I haven’t given birth in 25 years. I have grandkids.”
Neji nods.
“Is that a reason to not keep it?”
“And I’m a little angry. Like why now?”
“Maybe you’re just happy.”
He was always happy. Kind of hard not to be when you’re waking up to the literal sun most days. He thinks he always wanted something between them. Sometimes when they go on diplomatic trips, and he would see their kids, he’d wish there was evidence of them walking with them. Having Sarada, Boruto and Himawari was fun, and he’d always say he had three kids whenever they were asked about kids.
“Maybe.”
“And selfish?”
Sasuke looks at his friend. “Selfish?”
Neji flips his hair off of his shoulder. “For example, who wouldn’t want to get pregnant by Naruto? The Konoha hero, and Hokage. Hinata held that title alone for too long. It’s your turn.” He encourages.
A slow smile appears on Sasuke. Who thinks like that?
Apparently him, as a satisfied feeling settles over him. “Is that why you have three kids with Shikamaru?”
Neji hums. “I am the best at everything I put my mind to. Once I knew I wanted Shikamaru, I got him, and yes, even though your mate is the Hokage, mine is just as important.”
Sasuke looks at the animals wandering the field. The Naras are a highly respected clan. He would never dispute that.
The cat jumps off of his lap. Wandering over to the orange cat lying under the sun on the stairs. The black cat smacks the orange one on its head before cuddling up next to it.
“So baby shower?” Neji inquires.
____________
“Sasuke!” Naruto gets up out of his chair. Meeting Sasuke by the door of his office. He lifts his mate into the air, and spins him around. “We've been apart for so long.”
Shikamaru starts to gather the paperwork on Naruto's desk. “Yes, five hours. Such horrors.” Shikamaru humorlessly says.
“I know~.” Naruto puts Sasuke back on his feet, and cups his face. “I've missed you.”
Sasuke puts his hand on top of Naruto. “Yeah?” He softly asks. He lovingly looks into Naruto's eyes.
Naruto nods boldly.
Shikamaru is used to their displays of affection. He puts the files in the filing cabinets near the window. “Sign this before you go.” He taps the paper.
Shikamaru knows it's a toss up of it getting signed.
Naruto rubs his nose with Sasuke, and wraps his arms around Sasuke's waist. “You smell nice.”
Sasuke bites his lip. “Do I?”
Shikamaru opens up a window, and bids them a farewell before jumping away.
Naruto nods, and walks them backwards until Naruto is leaning against his desk. He widens his stance, and pulls Sasuke between his legs. “Yeah, but you always smell nice.” He holds Sasuke’s waist, gripping the sides in a possessive manner.
Sasuke looks at the white bits in Naruto's beard, and some strains at his temple. “Do you ever think about retiring soon? You're getting more gray hairs.” He scratches under Naruto's chin, and hums in pleasure.
“I love it too much. Getting gray hairs isn't always a sign of stress.”
Sasuke agrees. “Loving me isn't stressful?” He teases.
“Doubt I have a reason to live without you.” He says earnestly.
And that…
And that is not helping with his possible abortion.
He wants this man too much. Maybe more than Naruto wants him, but he'd rather take that to the grave than speak that so boldly. “Even with the kids?” He asks.
Naruto pulls Sasuke's shirt out of his pants. Needing to feel skin to skin. His hands rub over Sasuke’s stomach a few times before going back to gripping his waist. “The kids have each other and other parents.” He leans forward, and gently kisses Sasuke on his mouth. Sasuke welcomes it.
Their souls chase after each other.
Sasuke’s insides take hold of the hope bubbling inside of him. “Naruto.” He says quietly.
Naruto kisses the side of Sasuke’s mouth. “You have something to tell me, don't you? Are you leaving the village?”
“No, you idiot.” He playfully punches Naruto's chest. There is a part of him that wants to delay this conversation until he's sure.
There can't be anything good about having a child this late in life.
Naruto watches him. “Do you want to go home first? Tell me while you're in your nest.” He comforts. Sensing Sasuke’s discomfort. He takes his hands off of him. Getting ready to stand up.
“I want you to get fixed.” He blurts out.
Naruto is surprised. He blinks, pausing in his movements.
“Please.” Sasuke pleads.
Naruto's mouth hangs open. He…he looks off to the side. “Are you scared of getting pregnant? Wouldn't it have happened now if that were the case.”
He doesn't understand Naruto's demeanor. “You can't possibly want a child now?”
Naruto stands up, and slides off and away from his desk. He rubs the back of his neck, not looking at Sasuke.
“You do?!”
Naruto turns to him, blushing. “Shut up. You're making it weird.” He puts his hands on his hip.
“For kami sake, you're old, Naruto.”
He throws one hand up. Appearing annoyed. “50 isn't old, Sas, and you don't even look your age. Do you know how often I'm asked where I found you when we're on diplomatic trips. They think I'm with you for your looks.”
Yes, he’s heard the whispers. “It doesn’t matter. I’m just stating the obvious. Please get fixed.”
Naruto looks at him. Really look at him. “You’re being irrational. I’m not getting an unnecessary procedure for no reason. You’re not going to get pregnant, and I’m not fucking anyone.” Naruto takes a step forward, then hesitates. “Are you going to bite me if I come closer?”
Sasuke wants to push him out of the window.
He decides to keep this to himself. “Whatever.” He mumbles.
A few more steps, and Naruto is back in his orbit. “You’re so cute when you’re irrational. Remind me of your traitorous ways.” He coos, and wraps his arms around Sasuke’s waist.
He lightly smacks Naruto’s cheek. “Weirdo.”
“Woof.” And kisses Sasuke, feeling like he needs to reassure his mate. He deepens the kiss, and sways them gently together, going to the beat of an imaginary radio playing something smooth.
____________
A month later.
“Sasuke is acting weird.” Naruto admits. He’s at the bar tonight. In a private table above the crowd. Kiba, Shikamaru and Gaara are with him tonight. Kankuro came into town to visit Kiba, and now he’s with Shikadai and Temari. Gaara came along as well.
“He’s always been weird. You both have. Be specific?” Kiba says. He sits back, drinking his beer.
Shikamaru slowly drinks his rum, watching his friend over the glass. Gaara was next to him, arms crossed with a plate of fruit.
Naruto’s in his civilian clothes now. No cap, and a dark hoodie with matching bottoms. The way three women have tried to come up to their table to join them. Naruto perceived it as his villagers wanting to talk to him, but even Gaara who isn’t a fan of social cues could notice the women want to get to know Naruto on a more intimate level.
Kiba kindly, yet sternly told them it was the Hokage’s night out with his friends, and would rather not be interrupted.
Rude, is what he was called, before they sweetly said goodbye to Naruto.
“He’s less touchy, but then he’s super touchy, and he asked for me to get a vasectomy. Like why? Wouldn’t he have gotten pregnant by now if that was a thing.”
“Does he get his heat?” Gaara asked.
“He does, but so what?” Naruto answers.
“Maybe he’s just being hormonal. He’ll start to lose his heat soon. Menopause and all that.” Kiba shrugs. He puts his beer down, and reaches over the table to take a slice of mango off of Gaara’s plate.
“He could want a child.” Gaara says.
That perks Naruto up. “You think?”
Shikamaru has his hair down today. He puts his hand up, waving their waitress over. “Can we get another round, and more fruit with a side of wings?”
The waitress nods, and walks off.
“He could be saying the opposite of what he wants.”
Naruto drums his fingers on the table, pondering. “He does get shy about things he wants sometimes. He’s like a cat backed into a corner when he’s found out too soon before he can process it. But a child is an odd thing to want? We’ve had years, who would want one now.” Once he said it out loud. He realized he may.
Kiba snorts. “You would. Sasuke could be 70, and pregnant and you’d think it was the sexiest sight.” He sucks the juice off of his fingers. Gaara slowly pushes the plate toward Kiba, who gives him a fangy smile in appreciation.
“Or he could already be pregnant.” Shikamaru speaks up.
Naruto shakes his head. “That’s a hard no. I’d notice if that were the case. I notice everything about him.” He finishes with a stalkerish tone.
“Yes, yes. Your unhealthy obsession extends to how many hair follicles he loses a day.” Kiba says.
“If I stuck a toad to his back, I could know that.” Naruto replies, then quiets down when the waitress returns with their orders. Naruto takes a wing from the middle of the table, and starts to sip on his sake.
Kiba eats a few wings.
Gaara drinks his tea.
And Shikamaru exhales. “As long as he’s not leaving you, I think you can wait until he tells you what’s wrong. It could be in your head as well.”
With a wing between his lips, Naruto speaks. “And if Neji was acting this way?”
“I’d call his bluff or I’d get the vasectomy. I have four kids, man.”
“Would you have more?” Gaara asks.
“No.” Shikamaru replies. He takes a sip of his drink. “But..” He looks off to the side, shyly. “If this was our only chance at one together, I’d take it. Old or not.”
The table is silent. Watching Shikamaru.
“What?” Shikamaru says quickly, as he looks back at them.
“Don’t what us. You sound like Neji, and you're just as much an idiot in love as this fool.” Kiba points his thumb at Naruto.
Naruto is nodding at him. “Shikamaru likes being in love.” He exposes his friend. “Remember when he proposed to Neji he was so nervous….”
Naruto and Kiba reminisce over it, and Gaara smiles at their tale.
Shikamaru listened to his friends telling him his own love story.
They're idiots, but his idiots.