Karin’s procedure went as planned.
She stayed at the hospital for a month or so, so they could keep track of her condition.
To say that Akashi and Sasuke were overjoyed would be an understatement.
_
“Okay… I have some news for you all.” Sakura cleared her throat as she looked at them.
Akashi shifted in his seat, excitement making him unable to sit still, “Yes? Yes?” He quickly asked, violet eyes shining in Sakura’s direction.
She couldn’t help but think that he looked like a cute puppy.
Karin sat next to him, nervous as much as he was excited.
Sasuke… Hadn’t said a word yet, but Sakura could feel the intensity of his gaze.
“Congratulations! Karin is pregnant!” She threw her arms in the air, a wide grin on her face.
It took a few moments for the news to sink in for everyone, and Akashi, as expected, was the first one to give any sort of reaction, “What?! She’s pregnant?!” He jumped up to his feet, turning to Sasuke, “We’re gonna be parents?!” He exclaimed, before he shifted his gaze onto Karin, “We’re gonna be parents!” He yelled, doing a small dance in the middle of the room.
Sakura laughed along with him, but she couldn’t deny the fact that she was happy for them. She was glad she was able to give them something like that…
Her eyes slid down to Akashi’s and Sasuke’s hands, the silver rings glinting under the light of the room.
She was very happy for them, almost like a proud mother.
Akashi turned to Karin and wrapped his arms around her a moment later, “Thank you… We’re so grateful to you!” He whispered-yelled as he felt her own arms wrap around him, “Sasuke, come here!” He urged the other boy, hand reaching out towards him.
Without a word, Sasuke took his hand and leaned forward, joining their happy embrace, “Karin… I’m sorry and… thank you for this. Really… Thank you.” He said, arms tightening around the two of them.
“Yeah…” Karin mumbled into the fabric on Akashi’s shoulder, voice a little muffled.
But they heard it nonetheless.
_
“Okay! This will be your room, Sasuke and I are just a few rooms away from you. If there is anything you need, please, don’t hold back from asking,” Akashi lowered her bag on a nearby table, “Dinner will be ready in an hour or so, you are free to look around if you wish.” He turned to her, lips twitching in a barely restrained smile.
Karin stood still, slowly trailing her eyes over the room she will be staying in. It was done in a traditional way, a futon in the corner, a small dresser on the side, a desk and chair a little further away.
Various paintings hung on the walls, giving a bit of life to the pale beige walls.
“Do you not like it?” Akashi’s sudden question snapped her out of her thoughts.
A bit panicked, she turned to him, “No, no! It’s… perfect.” She averted her eyes, staring at the padded floor.
Light pressure on her shoulder made her look up, “I know all of this is overwhelming for you… It was the same for me when I got back to Konoha, but… know that I’m here, Sasuke’s here. If there is anything that’s bothering you, you are free to seek out our advice or just talk to us.” He gave her a warm smile and Karin suddenly felt like a little kid.
A child who was being comforted by their mother after a long nightmare.
“We Uzumakis stick together… Naruto will be excited to meet you properly, I know it.” She heard his voice over the drumming of her own heart.
The hand on her shoulder felt warm. Comforting.
She slowly leaned forward, pressing her forehead against Akashi’s shoulder, and said nothing.
It seemed like he understood. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, “It’s going to be all right. You’re not alone anymore.”
Alone? As if hearing her thoughts, his grip on her tightened, “I’m here… Sasuke’s here… The little one you’re carrying will also be here.” She heard his whispers.
“After…” she began, “After this is done…” her voice was yet again muffled by the fabric of his clothes, “I don’t… I want…!” She knew she sounded desperate, but she couldn’t hold it all in.
A soft hum made her freeze in his hold. The hum continued, different notes resounding through the room. Her chest felt tight and she leaned even further into him, fingers gripping onto his shirt, “Everything will be all right, Karin,” the humming stopped, replaced by his soft voice, “We won’t throw you away. Never.”
She closed her eyes, allowing herself to breathe in.
Slowly, the walls around her crumbled away.
Revealing a little girl who was scared of being hurt again.
_
“You should have mentioned the wolves…” Karin mumbled out from Akashi’s side.
The boy grinned, pearly, white teeth flashing at her in amusement, “They’re harmless! They wouldn’t hurt a fly!” He shrugged his shoulders, staring at the canines in front of them.
“Those fangs tell me otherwise,” she blankly said, watching as one of the wolves yawned, fangs the size of her fingers peeking out, “I’m positive those are the same length as my fingers…”
Akashi laughed, shaking his head, “You’re exaggerating! They’re practically little puppies!” She watched him go forward and from the corner of her eyes, she noticed the wolves’s tails starting to wag.
Just like dogs.
“Look! Look at this cute face!” He placed his hand under the wolf’s head, lightly tilting it up, “Does this scream anything other than ‘cute!’ and you?” He asked, making Karin sigh.
“I’d rather remain acquainted with my hand, thank you.” One of the wolves looked at her, amber eyes glinting as they made eye contact.
It slowly stood up, massive paws pressing into the grass as it approached her. She froze in place, standing still until it stood right in front of her. From afar, they didn’t look bigger than regular wolves, but when it got closer.
Damn. Its head reached over her hips! It was massive! “Uh… Akashi? Help? Help?” She dared not look away from the wolf.
“That’s Mura,” was what Akashi said, “Give him your hand.”
Hand? Him? Give?
Karin’s brain short circuited.
Mura leaned forward, his muzzle brushing across Karin’s hand. Albeit reluctantly, turned her hand over and her palm faced up, just below the wolf’s head.
A moment later, she found herself with a handful of its fur, “This…” She muttered, at a loss for words. Mura’s amber eyes stared up at her and he blinked innocently.
“Believe me, it was the same for me when I first touched them… It’s amazing, isn’t it? The feeling?” Akashi stepped closer to them, his palm trailing over Mura’s fur.
Karin really didn’t know what to say to that. Mura shifted in her palm, leaning forward. His head pressed against her stomach, lightly nuzzling against it, “Akashi,” Mura spoke, freezing Karin in place once again, “Is this the human you talked about?” He asked, sitting down.
He talked about her? Peering at Akashi, Karin watched as the boy nodded, a slight smile on his face, “Yes! She’s exactly as I’ve said, right? Right?” He excitedly asked.
“Yes…” Mura trailed off, looking up at her, “I am Mura.” He introduced himself.
Karin swallowed, feeling overwhelmed, “It’s nice to meet you Mura. I’m Karin.”
Mura tilted his head, soft-looking beige fur fluttering in the breeze, “Likewise.” With one last look, Mura stood up and walked back to his pack.
“See? That wasn’t so bad!” Akashi patted her on the shoulder, “He’s one of the quieter ones.”
Karin sighed.
_
That was how most of her days were spent.
She had grown closer to the wolves. They didn’t mind her presence, the more excitable ones went as far as to sleep on her sometimes. Although that stopped once she started showing, they didn’t want to hurt her or the baby.
Her stomach had grown.
She was embarrassed when Sasuke caught her looking at it in the mirror once, but he just smiled, fondly looking at her.
She felt even more embarrassed.
_
Akashi’s and Naruto’s birthdays were held in the Uchiha Compound, it was a bit to loud for her liking so she took herself to the backyard.
It was quiet there, she liked silence.
“Shouldn’t you be inside?” A familiar voice asked her and she turned around in a hurry.
Her neck ached.
She was greeted with pink hair and emerald eyes, “I could ask you the same thing.” Karin replied, tearing her gaze away from her new companion.
A light laugh broke the tension between them, “I’d rather not watch them make fools out of themselves. Akashi and Naruto are doing a drinking contest.” Sakura dropped down next to her.
“We both know who will win, right?” Karin whispered, looking at the small pond in front.
She wondered if there would be any ducks there in spring.
“Naruto has a lousy tolerance… Akashi is unaffected by alcohol.” She heard the girl, woman, besides her answer.
Most of them were twenty already.
Adults.
“I see… Then, shouldn’t you be inside to watch over the mess? Aren’t you the peacekeeper of your group?”
She received another breathy laugh as an answer, “Maybe… But, I’d rather have a little bit of calm before the storm. When I go back inside I’m going to be greeted with a really unlikable sight.”
Karin tapped her fingers atop the wooden floorboards, “That does sound about right.”
_
When morning came, Karin heard something she could have gone without.
The sound of retching filled the house, before a small cough followed right after, “I told you not to drink!” Sasuke’s scolding tone came after.
“I can’t get drunk!” That was unmistakably Akashi.
“That doesn’t mean you won’t end up like this!” Sasuke argued back, before a small sigh left his lips, “You’re unbelievable…”
Akashi’s light laugh echoed in the bathroom, “As if you mind.” The tone of his voice almost made Karin step back.
She felt as if she was intruding.
“In situations like this, yes, I mind.” Sasuke went quiet.
There was silence for a few moments, “Sorry…”
Karin had never heard Akashi sound so… defeated? Was that the word?
“It’s all right, let’s get you up.”
She breathed out and turned around.
_
It wasn’t until the fifth month passed by, that she felt the baby’s first kick.
She froze, hands halting their movement.
“Karin? What’s wrong?” Akashi asked, placing his chopsticks down.
She blinked and gasped as she felt another, barely there, kick, “It’s… I felt a kick.” She whispered, glancing as Sasuke and Akashi.
The two of them were wordlessly staring at her, not moving a muscle, “Are… Are you sure?” Sasuke asked, straightening up.
“Yes! Two of them!” She replied, placing her hand onto the side of her stomach, where she felt the two kicks.
There was the light sound of chairs scraping, before she found the two males on either side of her, “Can I…?” Akashi trailed off, unsure of what to even ask.
Karin reached her hand and took his own, slowly placing it onto her stomach.
It took a few moments, but the next kick came and Akashi pulled his hand back, a surprised expression on his face, “It… Oh my.” He mumbled, as if at a loss for words.
Without a word, Sasuke soundlessly placed his own palm on the same spot. Almost immediately, his eyes widened as he looked at Akashi and Karin, “It… kicked.” He said, not blinking.
Karin nodded, feeling the corners of her eyes sting.
_
“You shouldn’t move too much.” A hand was placed on her lower back as they walked through the park.
She scoffed, “I’m pregnant, not dying.” She pushed Akashi’s hand away, making him laugh.
“Of course, of course.” He didn’t make any move to touch her again, but he stayed close.
The wind blew and she watched as Akashi leaned his head back, letting it wash over him, “Do you intent to live in Konoha again?” The question left her lips before she could stop herself.
Akashi stopped.
He stopped and looked at her, “Probably.”
His reply caught her off guard, “After everything?”
There was a flash of something in his eyes, but it passed before she could even see what it was, “I… wish for Sasuke and I to stay together, along with the baby,” he glanced at the ground, “I don’t care where we are, I just want us to be together… I also don’t want to make the child be on the move constantly. It didn’t bother me when Sasuke and I were alone, but now we’ll have someone to take care of.”
Karin felt a pang in her heart at his words, “I see…”
“I want to ask Kakashi to make you an official Konoha citizen.” He suddenly said.
She turned towards him so fast, her neck throbbed, “What…?” Did she hear him right?
“Yeah… You’ve helped in the war… You’re no longer a shinobi from Kusa, which means that you can come live here in Konoha.” He explained, lightly looking at her.
“But… That…” She began, incoherent words leaving her lips. She didn’t even know what she was saying.
Akashi shook his head, “You deserve it, truly… You deserve it more than anyone.”
This time, instead of hiding her tears, she let them drop.
_
Spring came and the cheery trees were in full bloom.
It was the perfect time for a wedding.
“Hurry up!” Akashi urged them as they left the house, “I don’t want to be late to my own brother’s wedding!” He whined, pulling at their hands.
Sasuke sighed, “Don’t pull, Karin will fall.”
The woman in question shook her head, “It’s fine, he’s excited.” She said, allowing herself to be pulled.
“I am, very much so! Besides, there’s no way she would fall, both of us would be there to catch her!” Akashi stated his reasons, “Also, I hate ties.” He forced out, holding the piece in his palm.
Karin laughed, “Stop it! You look really good in that suit!”
Hearing that, Akashi raised his brows, before he glanced at Sasuke, “You hear that? I might get stolen because I look too good!” He wiggled his brows and winked at the other man.
Already used to his behaviour, Sasuke coolly replied, “Then I will have to steal you back.”
Neither Karin nor Akashi expected an answer like that. The former laughed, immediately coughing to cover it up, and the latter blinked, a light smile stretching his lips, “Oh? Where did all that confidence come from? You weren’t like this last night!”
Cue Sasuke’s cheeks lighting aflame, “Akashi!”
The said boy hummed, ignoring him, “It’s the truth. I’m sure even Karin heard your… cute voice~”
Oh she did. She most certainly did.
“Is that needed?!” Sasuke hissed at him, a pale blush spreading across his uncovered skin.
Akashi shrugged his shoulders, “We’re going to be late~” he took their hands in his own and continued on his way, pulling them along, “Also, Sasuke, I can’t wait to take that suit off you when we get home~”
Karin couldn’t hide her laughter at the lack of reply on Sasuke’s part.
_
To say that Akashi was proud would be an understatement.
Naruto had really grown up. He looked rather manly, standing there in that suit. He looked… mature.
Hinata. Really, what else could Akashi say except that she was gorgeous? Naruto really hit the jackpot!
He watched Naruto take Hinata’s hands in his own, much bigger ones, and speak his vows. He promised her a lifetime of happiness and laughter. He promised that he will be by her side for the rest of his life.
A sudden pressure on his hand made him tear his eyes off the couple and look to the side. Sasuke was looking at him, hand gripping his own, “Hmm?” He asked, but Sasuke shook his head.
The man said nothing as he leaned closer to him, brushing their shoulders together.
But, he didn’t need to say anything for Akashi to understand.
_
The after-party wasn’t nearly as wild as Akashi expected it to be, but that was to be expected.
Naruto wasn’t dumb enough to get wasted on his wedding night.
About that…
Akashi had pulled Naruto off to the side, a somewhat serious look on his face, “Listen… You got married, right?” He asked, placing his hands on Naruto’s shoulders.
“Right…” Naruto trailed off, already not liking where things were going.
“Have you and Hinata… done anything?” This was a serious matter.
Naruto blinked, before realisation flooded through him. His eyes widened and he went beat red, “Uh… No…?” He reluctantly mumbled out, averting his eyes.
“Okay! Do you know how it’s done?” Akashi asked, leaning closer.
Naruto grimaced, nodding, “Do we need to have this conversation right now?” The blond asked, causing Akashi to nod.
“Yes!” But, before he could continue with his interrogation/helping, hands grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him away.
“Leave him be.” Sasuke’s cool tone filled in the silence.
Akashi turned around, curling his arm around the raven-haired man’s waist, “I’m just helping!” He whined, looking back at Naruto, “Right? Tell him!” He gestured at Sasuke, which caused the said man to sigh.
“He was being considerate.” Was what Naruto went with.
Well… That was better than nothing.
“The word ‘considerate’ doesn’t mean the same to Akashi and you.” Sasuke said, looking at Akashi.
The redhead furrowed his brows, “What is that supposed to mean?” He asked.
Naruto, not wanting to listen to what was about to inevitably happen, decided to change the topic, “Ah! When is Karin… due?” His question seemed to bring the attention back to him.
“Oh! In about a month or so!” Akashi grinned, excitement radiating off him, “I’m so excited to meet him!”
At the mention of ‘him’, Sasuke spoke up, “It’s going to be a girl.” He confidently said, nodding.
“No! It’s going to be a boy! A boy!” Akashi shook his head, repeating his words.
Naruto laughed at their antics, “A month isn’t so far away, you’ll find out soon!”
It was in that moment that Akashi’s whole demeanour changed, “Oh fuck!” He whipped his head in a direction, moving away from Sasuke.
“Oh fuck!” The exact same words came from a few feet away.
Karin stood still, not moving an inch, as translucent liquid slid down her legs, “Oh fuck!” Sasuke repeated.
Akashi grabbed Sasuke and the two of them raced towards Karin, “Shit! Shit! Shit! Does anything hurt?! Fuck! Sakura!” He yelled, immediately catching sight of the pink-haired woman.
“We need to get to the hospital right now!” She raised her voice, taking Karin’s hand in her own, “Don’t worry, everything is all right.”
It was in that moment that Karin’s eyes promptly rolled into the back of her head, “Fuck!” Akashi cursed again, bending down to catch her, “I’m heading to the hospital first!” With that, he disappeared from their sight.
“Did he put a seal in the hospital?” Sakura asked, glancing at Sasuke.
“Probably.”
The two of them exchanged a look and raced towards their new destination.
_
Akashi and Sasuke strode through the hallway, not being able to stand still as Karin’s cries echoed through the hospital, “She wasn’t due yet!” Akashi whisper-yelled, voice trembling, “It’s too early!”
Sasuke grabbed him by the wrist, making him stop, “Shh, it’s going to be okay. The baby is going to be okay. Karin is strong.” He comforted him, even though he himself needed comfort. He placed a hand on the back of Akashi’s neck, pulling him closer, “Don’t worry, Sakura is in there… Everything will be fine.”
Akashi’s fingers gripped the back of his suit as he tightened his arms around Sasuke, “I need them to be okay… The both of them.” He mumbled into Sasuke’s shoulder.
“They will be.” Sasuke replied, breathing in.
They had to be.
_
After a nerve-racking couple of hours, silence filled the hospital.
Then a, barely heard, little cry came from the room Karin was in. The moment they heard it, they stood up, their hearts drumming against their ribs.
The door slid open and Sakura peeked out, “You can come in… They’re all right.”
Akashi almost collapsed at her words.
They were all right. Both of them.
He gripped Sasuke’s hand and looked at him. Their expressions were probably the same. Sasuke gripped back and took a step forward, pulling Akashi along with him.
The room was dimly lit, since it was already late enough for the sun to go down.
Akashi walked behind Sasuke, not looking away from the back of his head, “Akashi… Sasuke.” He heard Karin’s voice. She sounded… drained, yet… happy?
“We’re here.” Sasuke said, voice merely a whisper.
A small cry made Akashi freeze and he felt Sasuke tense up in front of him.
“Come see him.” Karin said.
Him.
It was a boy.
Sasuke stepped forward and Akashi followed after him. It took him a few seconds to muster up the courage to step up besides Sasuke, but when he did…
The sight that greeted him was something he could only dream of.
A tuft of crimson hair, “He…” Akashi opened his lips to say something, but it disappeared, replaced by a choked out sob.
“Yeah… He got Karin’s and your hair.” Sasuke spoke up, voice thick with emotion.
The baby shifted in Karin’s arms, turning to look at them.
“Fuck,” Akashi swore as soon as he caught sight of the baby’s eyes, “Fuck… He got your eyes.” His eyes pricked with tears and he didn’t bother to force them back. Onyx eyes stared right back at him and Akashi bit his lip, gripping Sasuke’s hand, “Sasuke… He’s fucking perfect.” He almost sobbed out the words.
A sniff made him look at the man besides him, “He really is.” Sasuke said, translucent drops sliding down his cheeks.
Akashi let his own tears fall.
He stepped closer, pulling Sasuke along, “Hey there… Little one.”
Is that going to be his nickname? Kurama spoke up.
Yes.
It suits him… He… He’s pretty cute… For a human.
In love already?
…
I knew it!
“What is his name?” Sakura asked, speaking up for the first time.
His name?
Akashi had one in mind.
“Yahan. His name is Yahan.” The baby, as if knowing what he said, suddenly giggled, small lips curling back into a toothless smile.
Hands gripped onto his shoulders and Akashi didn’t need to turn around to see who it was, “Yahan… I like it. I really like it.” Sasuke leaned closer to him, pressing their bodies together.
“This, right here, is better than anything a dream could ever give me.” His tears dripped, soaking into the covers.
Yahan reached his chubby hands forward and Akashi sobbed.
Sasuke trembled from besides him, hands taking Akashi’s own and moving them closer to Yahan.
The moment their skin made contact, Sasuke grit his teeth to force down the sob that threatened to leave his lips. He watched as Yahan’s little hands wrapped around their fingers, “I don’t need a dream when I have something like this right here.”
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