#You don’t get it. Not even I get it - the grip sasukes little stuffed dinosaur has on me.

[tuluartanddesign]

Sasuke’s stuffed dinosaur!

[keithisbae1]

Baby Sarada's Adventure - Part 2

Prev: Part 1 Next: Part 3

Time went by and the two had fallen asleep on the couch. When he woke up, Sasuke had almost forgotten that she was there.

I wonder if she's hungry. He made sure to pick a few baby food in case there was something she didn't like.

She really did look cute and innocent when she wasn't causing trouble.

How was he going to manage the rest of the week?

“Well, well. Isn’t this interesting.” A voice piped in.

“Kakashi? How did you…”

“Hmm, I overhead some things in the village. The last Uchiha with a baby. Naturally, I had to check up on my student.” Sasuke wouldn't bother to ask how he got in. Kakashi was a Jōnin.

“You should have told us Sasuke.”

“But… she’s an Uchiha.” It was his responsibility. “Is she though?” He’ll admit that there were similarities in how they look but that was it.

“Where did you find her?”

“At the training grounds.”

“And you think it’s safe to keep her here?”

“I’ll keep her safe, I promise I will.” He didn’t know why he was begging but he wouldn’t let Kakashi take her away. The Jōnin sighed and looked fondly at the sleeping baby.

“You should really let us adults do the job.”

“Says the sensei who's always late for everything.”

“Everyone’s late now and then.” Kakashi ignored the snide remark.

“I understand you may feel personally responsible. But we don’t know where she came from or who her parents are. What if this is a trap?” Sasuke's grip on her tightened.

“I can handle it.”

“Sasuke. You can't just keep a random baby.”

“Even if there is a small chance she’s an Uchiha… I have to take it don't I?”

“And if she’s not?” Said baby let out a cute snore resting peacefully on Sasuke's tummy.

“Well, she’s already grown attached to me. Are you really going to try and pry her off me?”

“I didn’t think you were that much of a soft touch but okay have it your way. I’m making this a team mission then.”

“I told you I can handle it.” He stood up from the sofa heading towards the kitchen still carrying the sleeping Sarada. Those two would only just get in the way.

“Sasuke, you have teammates. If you won’t let the Hokage or Jōnin handle this. Why not count on them?”

“Because I have everything under control and like you said she’s my responsibility. No one else’s.” He really was stubborn but fine, so be it.

“Taking care of a baby is a lot of hard work.”

“I'll manage.”

“Alright, but you know where we are if you need us.”

At most Kakashi will give him a week, but he knew Sasuke would need their help.

~~~

Tch he didn’t need any assistance and certainly not from Naruto and Sakura anyway.

What use would they be? Naruto can hardly look after himself, how would the blonde of all people know how to take care of her? And Sakura… well maybe she might know a thing or two but still, he could handle it on his own.

If the baby really was an Uchiha then he would take full responsibility. No question.

This would be a piece of cake.

How hard could taking care of one baby be?

Little did Sasuke know how he was about to find out. Later in the evening, the raven-haired boy went to the kitchen to prepare Sarada her food. He brought it from the baby shop so everything should be fine. She preoccupied herself with playing with his stuffed dinosaur.

Rule number one when looking after an infant. Don’t leave them unattended, even for a few minutes. Especially when in Sasuke’s case, the house was far from babyproof.

He was barely away for five minutes yet when the Uchiha popped in to check on her, there was so sign of the infant. His dinosaur plushie was left in the spot Sarada was at earlier. Great. Now, where is she? And why did she have to be so annoying?

Said little one was happily crawling away into another room, and looking around the place for her Mama. I mean all three of them lived in the same place so, of course, her Mama would be here, she must be really good at hiding though as Sarada hadn’t seen her since Papa took her home.

“Awo gah boo jaah gah apap.”

‘I wonder where Mama is.’

She was a tall woman with pink hair so it wasn’t like it would be difficult for Sarada to find her anywhere. Sarada didn’t understand why Papa was trying to stop her from seeing Mama. She sat down looking around the room, it didn’t look familiar and Sakura was nowhere in sight.

“There you are.” Sasuke picked her up before Sarada could crawl away. She pouted still having yet to finish her quest for finding Mama. “Your fast, I’ll give you that but you shouldn’t be going anywhere. It’s not safe.”

Sasuke didn’t know why he was talking to the girl as if expecting her to understand him. She couldn’t even talk properly, let alone know what was going on. But maybe if he was stern she would get the idea.

And why did it look like she was glaring at him? It almost seemed familiar, just like his own.

“The last thing I need is Kakashi rubbing it in that he’s right.” He muttered under his breath.

“Ai ai goh ooh ji app app.”

‘I’m trying to find Mama.’

“Ah, I see.” No, he didn’t see and Sarada knew that, if he did then Papa would be just as worried as to where the pink woman was. She started making a fuss wanting to be put down so she could go and explore again. Why didn't he get it? “I’ll give you a tour after you eat.” Perhaps it was going to be more stressful than he thought.

~~~

Sarada just continued to pout. “Eat.” She turned her head away refusing the food. This wasn’t the stuff her Papa gave her, he knew what she liked so didn’t understand why he was feeding her with this gunk.

“I said eat.” Again she snubbed the food away. A vein twitched on Sasuke’s forehead. Hmm, how did parents make their children eat? The last he could remember was them cooing almost baby-talking to them and trying to encourage them to eat from the spoon.

I can’t believe I’m doing this…

“Here… here comes the food...” His cheeks were tinted red, so embarrassing. And he had to coo? Sasuke the avenger? It really was a good thing that no one else was there to witness this. Especially Naruto.

Sarada peeked an eye open, and while it wasn’t exactly the same she did remember Sakura doing the same thing.

Although his way could have been more encouraging. ‘Ooooh look Sarada, yums yums. Your Mama’s going to eat it all up if you don’t.’ Sakura would then pretend to eat it herself whilst Sarada would put her arms out wanting it. If Mama would eat it then it had to be good right?

That's how her little brain processed it. She giggled watching her Papa attempting to do the same so opened her mouth to be fed. It wasn’t the right brand but she was too hungry to care. Sasuke gave a sigh of relief watching Sarada finally take a bite and start to eat. “You really are a piece of work. You know that.” He stated when she finally, FINALLY finished her meal.

At least he didn't have any trouble afterwards.

All he got in response was an innocent smile.

~~~

“And this is my room. Since you’ll be staying with me.” It wasn’t like Sasuke had a cot for her to sleep in so they could share the bed. As long as he remembered she was there it would be fine.

She looked around, the room was very plain and there weren’t any other plushies. Sarada had plenty of them, so she wondered where they were.

And again there was no Mama.

Perhaps she was busy? For how long though?

Sasuke went to sit down on his bed, not really thinking. He had planned to only rest for a bit but didn't realise how sleepy he felt until his head hit the pillow.

Like Kakashi mentioned previously, taking care of a baby was a lot of hard work. Even different than looking after a cat, or dog or going out on missions.

That was going to be another thing Sasuke had to figure out. What would she do if he had to go on missions? Maybe Kakashi will let him bring her along for the easy ones. Would she even let a complete stranger take care of her?

“I’m not… tired…” he muttered with a yawn to no one in particular and dozed off. Sarada looked up at him noticing that he had fallen asleep. She was going to escape knowing sleepy time meant alone time but couldn’t move.

His arms were secured around her so she couldn't go anywhere much to her displeasure. However then Sarada let out a little yawn of her own so snuggled herself onto his shirt falling asleep.

Sarada woke up to the sounds of whimpering and sniffling. Rubbing her eyes she noticed Sasuke was in distress.

Papa was still sleeping but he had tears in his eyes.

Maybe big scary monsters were in his dreams. That always made Sarada feel upset and scared and it usually was Mama or Papa who comforted her.

She decided to do the same by placing her little hands on his cheeks. Almost like saying she was there and tried wiping his tears away.

Sarada would help fight the bad monsters. He seemed to calm down a bit more making her happy.

For a few minutes until...

A really bad smell hit Sasuke and he woke up.

“Did you just…” She gave him a grin and he groaned.

Well, it was only natural.

“I swear you're doing this on purpose.” He didn't even notice that he was crying earlier but maybe it was a good thing.

~~~

Sarada wondered if Papa cried often in his sleep. As far as she knew he never did in front of her, she slept in Mama and Papa’s bed plenty of times and never did Sasuke shed any tears. The only difference was there was no Mama.

Ah-ha!

That must be it she thought. Papa was missing Mama, that’s why he was crying. Yes, it all made sense now, but Sarada didn’t cry. She missed Mama sure but didn’t cry since she had Papa.

Maybe they got into a big fight and Mama hated Papa.

“Oi!” Her attention was brought back to the present. “Are you going to eat your food or not?” Well, he could have asked more nicely. No wonder Sakura wasn’t here. Sarada scrunched up her nose but ate the food anyway, she’ll be nice since he was obviously going through a hard time and she had to figure a way how to find Mama and bring them back together. Sarada had her own mission.

~~~

Sasuke on the other hand was tired.

It hadn’t even been a day, well not quite and he was worn out. No doubt taking care of a baby was much harder than a mission but he’ll be damned if he let Kakashi tell him so. His Uchiha pride wouldn't allow that.

“I should really name you.” He sat on the table in thought, Sarada was in a little high chair he used to sit on at her age. She sat in it the previous day but he never gave it much thought to how weird it was, to see another Uchiha… if that is who she was again.

The fact of how calm and trusting she is towards him too irked him. Something wasn’t right, or was but he couldn’t figure out what.

“How about Yui?” She only blinked at him in response.

“Maybe not, Riku?” Again nothing. Not that he really needed her permission on using a name but maybe a sign or something to how close it was to the original.

“This is going to be harder than I thought.” Who knew thinking of a name, one that would suit would be difficult? The baby just started sucking on her hand watching him curiously. “Akina, Emiko, Hanako?”

“Achoo!” A sneeze, tch.

“I’ll just call you gremlin instead. It matches you.” Gremlin? Well her father would also call her peanut so maybe it was something like that.

“Ag ag.” She smiled. Almost as if saying ‘I like it.’ What a strange baby. “I need to come up with something better.” Should Sasuke meet the parents in no way did he want to say that he named their beloved daughter gremlin but for now it will do. The rest of the day was filled with crying and tears, he had already changed, fed her and kept trying to give Sarada or rather ‘gremlin’ toys but nothing was working. She would stop, look at the item but then slap it away making him sigh.

What did she want?

Unless…

“Do you miss your parents? Is that it?” Of course, that would be it, you idiot. She has no idea who you are and is now realising her parents aren’t coming back.

If they would come back.

They must have left her there thinking she would be safer there.

So far Sasuke did have his own theories on the little one.

One, and as very unlikely that it was. There was another Uchiha out there but kept hidden due to Itachi. As far as the village knew the whole clan was killed but were they wrong? Could have someone escaped? Sasuke kept trying to tell himself that it was impossible, Itachi was ruthless, and cunning but looking at Sarada, he couldn’t deny there were a lot of resemblances.

Or maybe he was getting ahead of himself and wishing it was true. Because if they were out there he wouldn’t be alone. They might be familiar with each other and-

Sasuke shook his head, best not to dwell on it. Besides, it was unlikely he even cared.

The second was that maybe the father wasn’t around due to the massacre but the mother could still be. She might have had Sarada later and left her here to keep her safe. But even then, there was the matter of Sarada’s age.

The girl continued to wail and cry. Sarada thought by now Papa would understand that she was missing Mama and thus be able to take her to Sakura so she can help them. Just because Mama was cross with Papa didn't mean Sarada couldn't see her. Instead, however, Sasuke picked her up and cradled her instead.

“It’s going to be okay.”

She was caught off guard by that. He was trying to comfort her? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Perhaps he was putting on a brave face and not upset her over the fact both her parents were fighting.

If that's the case she'll go along and be happy.

“Ah ah.”

Sarada placed her hands on his face to comfort him back.

~~~

“What do you mean Sarada's missing?!” Sakura yelled at the two men. She didn’t think napping for the day or at least until the afternoon would lead to this.

“Why are we here? We should go out looking for her, she’s probably lost and scared.”

“She couldn’t have gone outside.”

“Did you check? Sarada might have-”

“She wouldn’t, not unless she can reach the door. Everywhere’s sealed and there’s no way she would have been able to move that fast.” Sasuke already checked the house and other than the door everything else was locked.

“Besides,” Naruto interrupted. “If that were the case Boruto would have pointed it out or most likely followed after her but he’s still here.” That was true but where else could she have gone if not inside the house? Sakura didn’t want to imagine what could happen to her baby.

Is it part of a plan?

No, they would have noticed if that were the case and who would be stupid to try something in their own home?

“Then what happened, you can't expect me to believe she just suddenly disappeared? How?!”

“Uwaa aaah ah ah.” Boruto tried to explain moving his arms around as if trying to explain what he saw in front of his eyes.

One minute Sarada was there and the next, she was gone ever since she-

“He keeps doing all these exercises with his arms as if he's trying to tell us something but we're not sure what.” Sakura looked down at the smaller blonde watching his movements.

“He keeps shaking his fist and-”

“Fist? You mean Sarada's rattle?”

The two men blinked whilst Boruto let out a grin. Finally! Someone understood him. It wasn't like the action he did was difficult to understand for kids let alone adults so Boruto didn't get how neither of them got it.

“Wait rattle?”

“Of course, Sarada loves it. Although she doesn't really know how to play with it. You remember it right anata.”

“Ah, yeah...” Honestly, that thought never crossed his mind and how would a rattle make Sarada disappear?

“Don't tell me... you two just figured it out?” They sweatdropped and Naruto nervously chuckled.

“Hehe well, we were in a panic and uh-”

“How could a rattle make Sarada disappear?” Sasuke asked. “Yeah, what he said.”

“I don't know... but it's the best lead we got. Naruto you were the one who gave it to Sarada, where did you get it from?”

“Eh, me?”

“Yes, well it was a gift from you and Hinata. I've written it all down.” It was? “She has, Sakura wanted to make sure we 'thanked you' properly and jotted down who got what.” That earned a kick from his wife.

“Hah? I uh well... I don't remember giving her that... are you sure it was us?”

“Of course! It had your family crest on.” Family crest? But Naruto+ remembered everything he and Hinata got for Sarada. Mainly because it was Hinata who had an idea of what baby girls would want, although he did go overboard with the shopping.

Still, it was manly plushies, and a few other toys but no rattle.

“I swear we never-” Suddenly it clicked and he turned to look at Boruto who was sucking his thumb whilst holding onto Naruto's jacket with his other hand.

“Hey buddy, did you give Sarada a present?” He nodded in response which only made Naruto sweatdrop.

Of course, he did. Well, he saw his parents give Sarada presents so Boruto wanted to do the same and gave Sarada the rattle he had. But again neither really knew at the time how to use it. Both just ended up chewing or putting it in their mouths.

He made sure Mama cleaned it first though since she always would when it ended up on the floor before letting him use it.

“Boruto gave it to her?”

“Okay, and again how exactly does a rattle even make a baby disappear?” Sasuke was getting frustrated now. Their daughter was out there somewhere and could be in danger and yet here they were talking about rattles and doing nothing.

I mean really what a ridiculous thought.

“Well, that's the thing. It was way before we went out gift shopping for Sarada. Boruto wanted this cute rattle in the store and who were we to say no?”

“But the lady was saying all this weird stuff about it. How he needed to be careful otherwise 'you can be trapped in your past' I don't know, I didn't pay attention to all that. I mean it's just a rattle and Boruto is fine.”

“Then... Sarada could be in danger?” Sakura didn't care about the details, she just wanted her baby back and safe in her arms again. Sasuke yanked Naruto by the collar heading out the door, although he did his best to make sure Boruto wasn't in any harm.

“Instead of all this yapping why don't you take us to this lady? Maybe she can answer a few questions. I swear Naruto if this is some bullshit your dead.”

“Hey! Why am I in trouble? Do you think I wanted this?”

It really wasn't fair.

~~~

The next few days were gruesome as hell. It almost seemed like every day was something new. On the third, Sarada kept crawling away almost trying to escape from him. Especially when she would pout when Sasuke captured her. The next she was happily playing with his toys like yesterday didn’t happen and he was even playing along in case she would try to escape again.

And the next Sarada would refuse to eat anything.

Was she deliberately trying to annoy him?

As if that wasn't bad enough Kakashi let himself in again grinning away.

“I didn't think you would last this long.” Although he could see Sasuke was clearly struggling to feed Sarada with the evidence of the food being everywhere else, besides in her mouth. Including Sasuke's face. “What do you want?” Sasuke gritted out.

“Just giving a heads up, we have a mission tomorrow.”

“A mission?”

Oh crap! This was bound to happen but what was he going to do with her?

“You can bring her along, it's a simple mission. We'll be helping an elderly lady with her garden.”

That's it?

“If it's that simple, why couldn't Naruto and Sakura just go?” It would be a waste of time too, he needed to train not-

“Haven't you been babysitting her enough?” Kakashi piped in and then swiped the spoon away from Sasuke. He cooed at Sarada and her eyes lit up munching the food.

“Besides, I think she'll like a change in the company.” He spoke amused at how happy she was, Sasuke just tsked annoyed at how easily she befriended Kakashi.

“They're too loud, she'll be scared of them.”

“Now, now. You'll never know unless you try.” Sarada raised her arms wanting to be picked up, she liked this man. He was funny and she recognised him too. He was a friend of her parents although Papa didn't seem happy.

Kakashi picked up Sarada, baby-talking to her. As if she would be able to understand him, Sasuke thought pouting.

“Don't be jealous, I've had more practice than you with babysitting. I've had to deal with you three.”

What was that supposed to mean?

~~~

The alarm went off making Sarada stir and whine. Why did it have to be so noisy when she was trying to sleep? She could feel her Papa move slightly trying not to disturb her as he turned it off lightly groaning himself.

All of a sudden she felt him sit up and frowned. What was going on? They usually go back to sleep afterwards and she was far too tired to wake up. Sasuke looked down at her apologetically.

They had to get up early for the mission, Kakashi wouldn’t be there until later but told them that they could meet up and go on without him since the client was expecting them. She was a sweet woman so they wouldn’t have any trouble, although it may take longer given someone had to look after Sarada whilst the other two worked.

It would be ideal for them to take turns but he wasn’t sure how he felt about allowing Naruto and Sakura to look after Sarada. Would she be crying all the time?

“We’ve got a busy day ahead of us.” He placed her on the bed, her little head kept nodding off wanting more sleep but she blinked watching him move about the room finding some clothes for her to wear. He got some of his old baby clothes but decided to patch over the Uchiha fan. If he had to carry her out in the public eye, it would be better for them if she were an ordinary baby. Could pass off as her being on a mission. “Arm.” Sarada raised her little arm so that he could dress her yawning. It was a quick routine he got himself accustomed to and it helped that she wouldn’t be throwing a fit and just obeyed. Like she was used to it.

“And remember. If anyone asks, we’re not related. I just found you.” Which wasn’t partly a lie anyway, and not that he needed to explain it to her. How was she going to answer them, babbling words no one could understand?

Sarada flopped onto the bed when he was done, still completely tired and wanting nothing more than to snuggle into the blanket. It felt so soft, why did she and Papa have to leave again?

“You can sleep in the carrier throughout the mission, it’s not like you’ll be doing anything.”

Which reminds me, I need to pack her food too.

And probably some toys so she would be entertained. At least one of them got to have an easy day. Sasuke was the first one there. Of course, he was, the Uchiha felt a little ridiculous and embarrassed carrying Sarada out. People were staring when he walked by but as she was sleeping peacefully and cutely he couldn’t find it in himself to care too much. Now he had to wait for his loud teammates, just as long as they-

“Yo Sasuke!”

Perfect. He thought hearing the blonde scream running over to them. Sasuke checked on Sarada to make sure she wasn’t disturbed, she shifted slightly but other than that was still happily sleeping. “Sorry I’m late, I was oh!” Naruto noticed the small infant attached to Sasuke, who was slightly drooling and dreaming about food. “I thought Kakashi-sensei was lying when he told us you had a baby…”

Since when was Sasuke such a softy?

“Keep it down, idiot.”

“Who are you calling an idiot and I am quiet!”

“No you aren’t and you’re going to disturb her, do you want her to cry throughout the mission?” Naruto was about to retort but seeing Sarada stir slightly thought better against it.

“Okay fine, I’ll kick your ass later.” He half-whispered and yelled.

“Tsk, as if you could.” The boy hmped grumbling under his breath, restraining himself from starting a fight. He could be mature and leave the fighting for another day.

“So what’s her name?” Sasuke paused for a while wondering if he should say it and couldn’t think of any other names on top of his head to lie with.

“Gremlin.” Three, two, one.

Naruto burst out laughing and Sasuke again told him to keep it down glaring.

“Oh wait, you're serious?”

“How would I know her actual name?”

“I don’t know but you can at least call her something else.”

“Hmph, she likes it.”

“Oh yeah, because a baby really understands what their name means.”

“I didn't ask for your opinion.”

“Because you sound more stupid than me?”

“If you don’t keep it down I’ll-”

“Oh hey, it’s Sakura-Chan. Morning Sakura-Chan!” Sarada woke up then from all the arguing. Her eyes adjusted to the light, oh she recognised him. He was Papa and Mama’s friend who would often bring another baby over her age.

“Nice work dead last!”

“Hey, you were yelling just as much as me. This isn’t my fault.” Sarada watched switching her head over from one to the other when they argued. It was funny watching them and she clapped her hands giggling.

Then a familiar voice broke in. “Isn’t it a bit early to be bickering?” Sarada turned her head, eyes sparkling.

“Sorry, I tried to get here as fast as I could but-”

“Aaah ah ah.” The little girl raised her arms wanting to be picked up. Finally, Mama was here. Now she could help Papa with Mama and figure out why they were fighting. For now, though she just wanted a hug.

Sasuke on the other hand was not amused and was confused as to why Sarada kept fidgeting trying to get out of his hold.

“Stop fussing.” Sasuke tried to calm her down but Sarada kept fighting wanting Sakura to hold her. “Ah ah aam aam.”

“Uh, I think she wants Sakura-chan to hold her.” Naruto pointed although he didn’t know why but with the way she was holding her arms out, eyes pleading to the kunoichi it would be better than having her cry.

“Eh? Well, I don’t mind.” Sakura blushed and went to scoop Sarada up before Sasuke could protest.

“Aren’t you a cutie?” Sakura cooed nuzzling Sarada making her giggle in response. She was too adorable.

Mama's smell was comforting and relaxing but it was weird that again Papa tried to stop them from seeing each other. Did they really have a big fight?

“Fine, have it your way.” Sasuke tsked and stormed off annoyed at how eagerly and happy Sarada was with Sakura. Why did he bother looking after her?

“Oi, oi, oi. Don’t be a jerk.” It was odd how Sasuke was acting and Naruto turned to Sakura who was just as confused.

“Is he mad at me?”

“I don’t know, who knows what that bastard's thinking.”

“Naruto watch your mouth, she might pick up on it. The last thing we need is to upset her parents.”

“Ooops hehe, but I mean... she's just a baby. Does it really-”

“Yes! It does, you should at least try to watch your language when your around those younger than you.”

Shanarooo! Now Sasuke-Kun’s mad at us. Sakura deflated a bit but looking at the little baby who was now playing with her pink locks Sakura couldn't help but melt. Although, I guess I can’t blame him. She's so cute.

The words Kakashi had said before flooded her mind and she was starting to wonder if he had a point.

“Sakura, I need you to keep an eye on Sasuke for me.”

“Eh Sasuke-Kun? What for?”

“You remember the baby I told you about, I think he’s grown quite attached to her.”

“Is that really such a bad thing though?” I mean, if they were related did it matter if he did? Maybe she could help with the void of losing his parents?

...

Okay, that was a stretch but she didn't see the harm.

“Sakura. Do you honestly believe that she’s an Uchiha?”

“…”

No, not really.

“It's an unlikely possibility and even if they are related she can only be related to a certain someone.” Her eyes widen at what he implied.

“You don’t mean.”

“Itachi Uchiha, he’s the only living Uchiha besides Sasuke. I’m sure he’s aware of it but is either in denial or doesn't want to think about it.” And who could blame him? “If that is the case then Sasuke would only want to help her more right? I mean if she's his niece-”

“Then she's also likely in danger don't you think? Sasuke can't look after her, she needs to be safe and he's far too young.”

“I see... it's not fair. She might be the only living relative he has.”

“And she might not be related at all. Either way, you understand what I'm saying right.”

Sasuke couldn't keep Sarada and if he was attached like Kakashi-sensei said he was it would hurt. “Perhaps you could talk to him. See if you or Naruto can persuade him to let us take care of her. It's for the best.”

“Your asking for something really cruel Kakashi.”

“I know.”

Unfortunately, he was right and Sakura wasn't sure what to make of it. “We should catch up with him. Right cutie.”

“Ah ah.” Sarada nodded her head.

“Hey, maybe you can think of a better name than Sasuke bas- Sasuke.”

Well, they could at least make memories.

~~~

“Hmm, what about Mayumi?” Sakura suggested to the two boys as the three walked to where their mission was. Sarada was still playing with her pink locks, big eyes wandering and looking about the forest. A butterfly landed on her nose and she gave a little sneeze since it tickled scaring the butterfly away.

She laughed watching the interesting creature fly away in awe.

Sasuke said nothing choosing not to answer, it didn’t sit well with him how easily she got along with Sakura. The two just met as well. Noticing this Naruto decided to speak out. “Why Mayumi?” He asked.

“It was one of the names my parents picked out for me, so it’s the first one I thought of. It’s not like we need to overthink it, it’ll just be easier to have one for her.”

“Hey, it’s better than gremlin.” Naruto laughed looking at Sasuke, but he still said nothing. And instead tsked walking faster ahead of the two. The blonde frowned looking back at Sakura who had a saddened look on her face.

He couldn’t blame her, neither had an idea why Sasuke was acting this way. Although he had a hunch it just seemed out of character for him to blame Sakura for something she had no control of.

It was out of character for him to hate or be mad at Sakura like this at all.

He went ahead to catch up to the Uchiha.

“What’s up with you?” Naruto went in front to stop him from walking.

“What?”

“You, you’ve been acting more angsty than you usually do. It’s not because Mayumi prefers Sakura-chan over you is it? It’s not her fault.”

“I don’t care! They can do what they like and she’s not Mayumi!” Naruto was about to protest with the name but he nudged past him with his hands in his pockets.

“Why you-” He stopped mid-sentence realising both Sakura and Mayumi were looking at him in confusion. Little Sarada had one of her hands gripped on Sakura’s clothing whilst her other was in her mouth. “Uh… anyway Mayumi it is, what do you think?” The Uzumaki turned to Sarada, and she brightened grinning away and making small baby sounds.

~~~

“Boo!”

“Waah!” Sarada giggled and crawled over to the other side of the tree where Sakura was already and ‘scared’ her again. She giggled again crawling back to the other side of the tree.

Sakura had been looking after Sarada and keeping her busy whilst Naruto and Sasuke were working in the garden. It was quite a big one, including having a tree planted where there was a swing, since Sarada was far too young to try it Sakura thought of another way to amuse the girl.

‘Why don’t we take it in turns?’ Sakura suggested to the boys. ‘I’ll babysit Mayumi for a bit and then Sasuke and then you Naruto. And the other two can work on the garden so that one of us is still keeping an eye on her and we’re still working on the mission.’

Although it may take a while longer to finish the mission, it wasn’t like it was anything too strenuous than what they were used to and the old lady wasn’t able to look after the baby herself as it would be ‘too difficult’ so one of them had to keep an eye on Mayumi. Well, that’s what she says. When really she was busy entertaining her family who were visiting.

It was strange as they could have easily helped with the garden but they were all relaxing.

And unfortunately for Sakura Sasuke still said nothing to her the entire time, even though he was usually quiet he would still give his opinion or suggest a better ‘tactic’ but he shrugged and went on to do his part for the mission.

“What’s a pretty girl like you doing around here?”

Sakura wanted nothing more than to punch the boy -the grandson- since he had been trying to flirt and kept bothering her when she just ignored him paying more attention to Sarada. Why was he acting as if he didn’t speak to her ten minutes ago? Alas, it would look bad for them so she bit her tongue and resisted the urge to give him her usual Sakura punch.

“Uhhh…”

“Your way too pretty to be a ninja.” He sat on the blanket Sakura laid out in front of the tree, at least they were kind enough to give them something to rest on whilst waiting. Except he was sitting way too close.

Sarada frowned at the strange boy who was acting excessively lovey-dovey for her liking when it should be her Papa there. She was in between the two on the blanket so she put her arms out to Sakura wanting to be picked up hoping he would get the hint and leave.

She did and Sarada clung to Sakura’s clothing giving him a look. “And you’re so good with kids as well, I’m sure you’ll make a fine wife.” Well, that didn’t sound creepy coming from a guy she just met. He ruffled Sarada’s hair.

���Bah!” Sarada removed his hand pushing it away with her small two hands huffing. First, he was trying to steal Mama away from Papa and now he was trying to take her away. Like that would work.

In Sarada's mind, she pictured an evil dragon trying to steal Sakura who was a Princess and her who was also a Princess away from the knight Sasuke and make him angry. Instead, however, the knight was able to beat the dragon and save Sakura and Sarada.

Maybe she did have a bit of imagination but Sakura did read her fairy tales when she was sleeping.

He didn’t think anything of it and put his on her head once more. “Bah!” Sarada again removed his hands frowning.

“Aww look we’re playing.” He cooed putting his hand on her head again. Playing? This wasn’t playing, he was annoying and kept making Mama extremely uncomfortable. “Bah!” Sarada gave him a ‘death glare’ as if that would do anything. It looked too cute seeing as she was a baby but Sarada had witnessed her Papa do it numerous times and figured she could do the same.

“Uh… she isn’t good with new people. She gets nervous when she meets someone new.” That was of course a lie, but it was obvious how annoyed Sarada was. Sakura blamed herself thinking she could sense her uneasiness, wasn’t there a saying that babies could pick up on emotions? It might have rubbed off on her.

“Ah my apologies, I guess she’s used to you.”

Not really. Sakura thinks curious now as to how and why Sarada trusted her completely. It really was weird now that she thought of it. She cooed down at her, smiling hoping it would be enough to calm her down but Sarada was still keeping an eye on the boy. “It’s fine, maybe you can give me some tips.” He got closer and… wait, was his lips getting closer too?

Why the little-

Sakura was fuming!

Inner Sakura was going crazy.

SHANAROOO! SCREW BEING POLITE! PUNCH HIM BEFORE HE STEALS OUR FIRST KISS!

“Baaah!” But was blocked when Sarada raised her hands to his chin. They were too small to reach his mouth but she was still able to halt him from getting closer. With that, Sakura was able to snap out of her trance and punched him.

Hard. It sent him flying to the other side and broke a fence.

“What do you think you’re doing? You can’t just KISS a girl WITHOUT consent!” Sakura was standing up still holding Sarada with one arm, who had a smug little look on her face. It even alerted the other two boys. It was then a mischievous idea popped into Sarada’s mind. Sure it was devious but it always worked with them anyway.

Sarada began crying and wailing and immediately Sasuke was by their side.

“What happened? What’s wrong with her?!” Naruto made a tsking sound. Muttering an ‘I don’t care my ass.’

“Sorry Sasuke-Kun it’s my-”

“It was you wasn’t it?” He turned to the boy who was just recovering from Sakura’s punch.

“I didn’t do anything!”

“Sasuke-Kun it was me! I mean I punch him so it might have scared her-” She tried to defuse the situation by getting between them. Sarada looked up at Sakura frowning, no she was uncomfortable and he tried to kiss her when only Papa can kiss her.

Why was she defending him?

“You wouldn’t have punched him without good reason to.” Sarada nodded her head agreeing with Papa. That’s exactly what happened.

“Ah… well that’s…” She knew she couldn’t hide the truth, but at the same time, Sakura didn’t want Sasuke to do anything extreme. Quite frankly she���d much rather do it herself.

“What did he do?”

“Um…”

“Sakura.”

“He… he tried to kiss me.” Sakura looked down feeling shameful. She knew there wasn't any reason to, but this was supposed to be a simple mission.

Why did it end up like this?

“He did WHAT?!” Naruto screamed. Although he knew he wasn’t one to talk given how he tried to trick Sakura beforehand but he knew better now. Sasuke saw red and lunged at him.

“Sasuke don’t!”

“If you touch her again-”

“Fine! I get it! It’s my fault, I apologise.” He tsked letting go of his collar and glaring down at him, besides the family was coming after hearing all the commotion so doing any more damage would only make them look bad.

“You’re not worth it.”

“What the hell happened here? You, kids, are supposed to be fixing my garden not ruining it some more!” Sasuke just shot them a look. “Then tell HIM to stop harassing girls. We’re done for today, let’s go.” Sasuke took Sarada from Sakura thinking she could use a break and Sarada peeked her head over Sasuke’s shoulder smirking at the boy.

Was it just him seeing this or did that baby hate him?

~~~

“Sorry, it’s my fault we’re in this mess.”

“Don’t apologise Sakura-chan. Even Mayumi-chan knew you were uncomfortable, that’s why she cried in the first place.” Wait, that was why?

“Ah, Naruto’s right. She can certainly stir up drama.” Sasuke said as Sarada tried munching on his headband, it was mainly to keep her entertained whilst they waited for Kakashi to deal with the situation.

“And besides we all know Kakashi-sensei won’t take crap from anyone.” Naruto piped in, and Sarada crawled over to Sakura handing her Sasuke’s headband. As if to make her feel better.

“Uh, thanks?” She looked over at Sasuke who shrugged. It was the thought that counts.

~Meanwhile~

“Oh? So are you saying my student had no right to defend herself?”

Yup, they were in real trouble.