Chapter Text
Several hours later Temari finally released Sakura so they could leave. Gaara would never understand why most women went about prepping and primping for hours but since being with Sakura he’s grown to appreciate it more. She was dressed in a simple one shoulder dress that hit at the knees. She had a few strands of her hair gathered at the side. Gaara walked up and kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful, koi.”
Sakura smiled in return. “Thank you.” She said as she straightened the collar on his button up shirt. He was dressed nearly identical to the first time they went to the barrel. The only difference was his shirt color. He was back to his traditional maroon.
“Alright everyone, let's get this show on the road!” Temari exclaimed happily as she ushered everyone out the door and to the restaurant. Temari practically dragged Shikamaru by his arm. It didn’t take them long to reach their destination.
It was a restaurant Sakura hadn’t been to before. Their group was led through the main dining room and up the stairs to a roof top area with only one table. It wasn’t open like one would think but it had windows surrounding the entire roof top like a fancy greenhouse. There was greenery all around. There were drapes that were pulled back and tucked away to keep the place from getting too hot in the heat of the day. It was beautiful at night when it was cool.
“This looks…” it was absolutely gorgeous but Sakura knew a place like this in the desert must come with a heafty price tag.” Fancy.” She finally finished as Gaara pulled out her chair next to Temari’s.
“It’s the perfect view of the village! With amazing food.” Temari half squeeled as she grabbed for the appetizers that were already on the table. Sakura looked around the table and saw a lot of spicy food which wasn’t her favorite and raw fish, which she loved but at the early stage in her pregnancy wasn’t the best choice. “The best part is it’s family style so no one has to bother with menus.” Luckily Sakura spotted a cheese plate among the many appetizers. “Awe no! Is your stomach still upset?” She was already honing in on her. She could see Gaara glance at her briefly.
“Yea a bit. I’m hoping it’ll settle before the main course comes out because this all looks wonderful.” Sakura said casually as everyone was getting into their own conversations. She could she Baki down the table smirk slightly as if proud.
“Is your time of the month always this sucky? I don’t remember you picking at food in Konoha.” She said. Gaara wrapped his hand around her knee and squeezed lightly.
But Sakura just smiled. “I think I’m still adjusting to the change in climate and the dietary differences.” Temari looked like she was thinking for a minute before nodding her head.
“Yea mine was a bit weird for a while after moving to Konoha so I get it.” She turned as Ino got her attention and started their own conversation. Gaara looked at Sakura and smirked, maybe this wouldn’t be so hard after all.
Somehow they managed to make it through dinner and halfway through their time dancing away at the barrel before they almost gave themselves away.
Sakura was able to avoid all alcohol, thankfully but between Ino and Temari she was dancing so much she got nauseated and almost hurled. She once again was able to blame her stomach and Gaara talked Temari into letting them go home early so they didn’t have to postpone the wedding because she got his fiancé sick the right before their wedding. Temari almost pushed them out of the bar at that point.
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Sakura walked into their bedroom drying her hair after a much needed shower. Gaara wrapped his arms around her waist as soon as she approached the bed. Sakura smiled tiredly but leaned back into his embrace as she tossed the towel into the hamper.
“Well we made it out of there.” Gaara said leading her to the bed.
“We did, but now the focus is back on us and our wedding in two days.” Sakura snuggled into their blankets, her body finally relaxing. It was almost easier going through the first part of pregnancy not knowing you’re pregnant. Once you know and recognize the symptoms it’s almost more exhausting.
“Is that a problem?” Gaara inquired as he wrapped his arms around her getting ready to rest for the craziness that would be the next two days.
“Of course not, but with so many people being around it will be almost impossible to not slip up or just cave and tell someone.” Gaara grunted in understanding and linked his fingers with hers. “I want the kids to know first.” She looked up at him. His seafoam green eyes peered back into her emerald ones.
“I agree.” He nuzzled his face into her hair and got comfortable. “We’ll tell them first thing in the morning. Now rest Koi. Everyone arrives tomorrow evening.” He was right. Her parents would be here. Baki would get to see his sister for the first time in nearly thirty five years. It was going to be a good day. She melted into his embrace.
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Sakura jolted out of bed. That sickening feeling of almost puking but not resides in her throat. She was taking a deep breath and trying to settle her stomach when Gaara sat up next to her.
“Koi?” He asked brushing her hair behind her ear. When she finally felt like she could open her eyes and not puke she turned to look at him.
“Just nauseous.” She patted his hand briefly before turning to get out of bed. “I’m going to make some tea.” Gaara was already moving and handing her a robe. She couldn’t help but smile at him as he grabbed her hand and led her to the kitchen.
She was surprised to see Aoi-San and Kaede already there getting ready for the day. Gaara didn’t stop as he grabbed the kettle to fill it up.
“Lady Sakura are you still unwell?” Aoi-San asked and Kaede emerged from the pantry surprised. Sakura gave him a small smile from the tea cupboard.
“Nothing a little tea won’t fix. Don’t you worry.” Sakura couldn’t help but smile as Kaede tried to shoo Gaara away from the stove to take over.
“Kaede-san there are to many guests for you to worry over this. I can boil water.” He gave her a stern look before she finally huffed and went back into the pantry while her husband was forcing himself not to laugh.
Sakura finally looked to the clock on the wall to see it was already almost 7. She took a seat at the counter when Gaara poured the water over the chamomile and honey she grabbed for herself. She was inhaling the steam already feeling better when she could hear footsteps behind her.
“Mom do you still not feel good?” She turned to see Shinki looking worried as Sarada followed him into the kitchen.
She just smiled as Gaara rubbed her back. “I’m fine son just a bit nauseous still.”
“See I told you she’s fine.” Sarada plopped down on a stool not far from them. Shinki glared at her and she could feel Gaara chuckle behind her. Sakura raised her brow at him.
“Seems they’re getting along fine.” Was all he said as Kaede pushed a plate of small fruits at them before moving back into the pantry.
“I know something isn’t right.” Shinki crossed his arms and looked down at the floor almost pouting.
Sarada rolled her eyes. “Mom is the best Iro-nin there is if she says she’s fine, she’s fine.” Sarada popped a grape into her mouth and chewed as Sakura started sipping her tea. She could feel her stomach settle almost instantly. She really should have drank a bottle of water before bed.
Shinki looked like he wanted to retort and started to a few times before sighing in defeat. Sakura glanced at Gaara wondering if now would be the best time. With Kaede and Aoi being the only others awake it would be the best time they would probably get.
“You’re both right.” Gaara finally spoke. Everyone jumped to attention at his words. Kaede even backed out of the pantry to turn and listen.
“Yea your mother is fine, but…” he trailed off when he seemed to look for the words.
“But something is different…” she finished for him.
“Did those chemicals harm you more than you said.” Shinki looked like he wanted to panic. He still felt like this was his fault for ever listening to that elder.
“No, this is a good different.” Gaara tried to calm him putting his hand on his shoulder. They turned their heads as Kaede gasped. Aoi-san looked at her sideways.
“Mom, what’s going on?” Sarada asked turning everyone’s attention back on her.
“This does not leave this room until we say so are we clear.” Gaara instructed. The kids nodded slowly along with Aoi-san as Kaede clasped her hands and eagerly nodded her head. Gaara couldn’t help but smirk at the older woman. She clearly figured it out.
“We’ll we just found out. I’m pregnant.” Sakura finally said. She could see smiles all around. Sarada was beaming. Aoi-san looked like he was going to cry. Kaede was crying.
“Really?” Sakura turned to Shinki who looked happy but unsure. She nodded her head.
“Yes. And this baby is going to have the best big brother and big sister it could ever ask for.” Sarada was starting to wiggle in her chair almost jumping out of it. Shinki however let a single tear drop down his face before turning away. Sakura pulled him in for a hug as Gaara ruffed his hit a bit.
“When are you going to tell people?” Sarada was out of the stool at this point bouncing on the balls of her feet. Sakura chuckled.
“We’re going to tell close family and friends after the wedding but it’ll be a while before it’s announced publicly.” Gaara answered as Sakura pulled Shinki back at arms length. She was worried until she saw the huge smile on his face.
“Ehh!! I can’t wait! I’ve always wanted a baby brother or sister…” Sarada gushed.
“Now you’ll have two.” Shinki teased and Sarada stopped.
“It’s not the same she folded her arms frowning.” She glared back at him.
“Sarada..” Sakura warned. She would not have her being mean to that poor kid back in Konoha this wasn’t his fault. Sarada must have assumed her train of thought because she held her hands up.
“That’s not what I mean!” She started as her mother crossed her arms. “I mean he’s not a baby! I didn’t get to enjoy that stage or hold him.” Sakura could feel her eyes roll back into her head.
“I guess that makes sense.” Shinki replied as he rubbed the back of his head.
“Anyways are you going to tell Grandma and Grandpa?” Sarada asked.
“They will be informed yes but after the wedding.” She stated as Tsunade opened the door to the kitchen.
“Ha so that means I get to play interception for the next two days….” Tsunade commented as she tossed a bottle of prenatal sat her former apprentice. She pointed her finger at the two adults and shook it side to side tsking. “This will cost you.” Sakura rolled her eyes as Gaara chuckled lowly.
“Already taken care of. You’ll have a delivery on Monday.” Gaara stated as he plopped a berry in his mouth and shrugged. Sakura shook her head at their antics. The brat and the old woman were actually capable of getting along… who knew.
“Wait she knows?” Sarada asked as stealing a berry from the platter.
“She and Baki know.” Gaara mentioned. Gaara noticed Kaede struggling to carry a box out of the pantry. He sent his sand to lift and carry it for her.
“Kaede where are the extra staff?”
“They are doing laundry, wake up calls for breakfast, some should be returning with fresh bread for the day, and a few others were sent to help set up for the rehearsal dinner.” Gaara blinked. He should have requested more help. “Breakfast is the easiest and best time for them to help elsewhere. Don’t fret.” This woman had known him too long.
“Thank you Kaede.” Sakura smiled at her and patted Gaara’s forearm that rested on the counter before turning to the kids. “We’re going to pick up Grandma and Grandpa from the train station after breakfast so be ready.”
They both smiled and went to get ready. She did notice that Shinki still seemed unsure. She turned to Gaara who seemed to notice as well. “We’ll ask him later. Let him spend some time with Sarada for now.” She nodded back to him.
“I’d bet he’s already thinking of the good and the bad that will come from you two having a baby.” Tsunade spoke as she took a seat next to Sakura.
Sakura deflated a bit and Gaara sighed. Aoi-San looked up. “What bad could come of them having a baby?” Kaede sighed but continued her work.
“As a family nothing. Even being adopted the boy will never have to feel like he won’t be wanted anymore, they both love him and know he’ll be a great brother. The issue is with the village.” Kaede slowed to listen as well now. Neither Gaara or Sakura spoke. They both knew this was a bet Tsunade would win and that was what concerned them.
“For years Shinki has been Gaara’s only heir. Now will the council force him out because he isn’t the Kazekage’s by blood. Will he see this new sibling be praised and given everything without working for it because it will be Gaara’s blood. Even if that doesn’t happen will that sibiling resent Shinki if he should become Kazekage after Gaara and he isn’t his direct descendant.” Sakura watched understanding come to their faces. There was so much that could go wrong. But there is also so much that could go right.
“Shinki is smart. He’ll have already started thinking of any and every scenario that may come his way.” Gaara added.
“But he also knows that we’ll do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen. As far as who becomes Kazekage in the future is between Gaara and them.” Sakura looked at him.
“There is nothing to say for now. It first depends on who even wants to take my place. And I don’t think it’s fair to place that burden on anyone’s shoulders who doesn’t want it. It worked out very well between my siblings and I. I can only hope they will be the same.” Sakura smiled at him. It seems Shinki isn’t the only one who’s thought about this.
“I think everything will work itself out. We’ll speak with Shinki later. Who knows it may have nothing to do with any of this.” Sakura added as Tsunade bent her head in agreement. Gaara squeezed her shoulder and kissed her head as they moved to the dinning room to start their day.