Chapter Text
Tsubaki is going through this weird phase in which he won’t stop crying unless the person who is holding him stands up. He can’t stand being held while sitting down and he will absolutely make it everyone else’s problem with the power of his strong and healthy lungs; fussing, crying out in distress and trying to squirm out of the safe cradle of the arms of whoever is holding him, the moment the poor soul seeks a moment of respite.
Of course, Sakura’s parents get tired quickly, and in Sasuke’s humble opinion, Mebuki-san shouldn’t be up at all, because even though Tsubaki was an easy pregnancy and just as well came to the world through an easy enough labour, bringing life into this world it’s a painful, gory act and whoever goes through it, shouldn’t be forced to come back to normal life just a few weeks after.
Sakura of course, agrees and both Naruto and Kakashi are happy to offer her and Sasuke —who at this point feels like he’s just as responsible for Tsubaki’s care as the Haruno family— their help with the little pink devil.
“Apparently I was the same at this stage.” Sighs Sakura, throwing herself on the dark-gray sofa in front of the tv on Sasuke’s living room. “Maybe this is just karma for what I made my mom and dad go through.” She ponders, rising her legs from the ground to rest them on top of the sofa too. "So thank you for helping me out, I know you guys have your own things to do on your downtime."
"Don't worry Sakura-chan! Little Tsubaki-chan it's our responsibility too!" Boasts Naruto with a self assured air, and Sasuke, even to his own chagrin, has to agree."
Kakashi, who is happily holding Tsubaki to his chest smiles underneath his mask, his eyes, crinkling in that kind and indulgent expression that he often reserves for his only girl student. “Of course, our Sakura-chan would have good survival instincts from the start.” He praises her, balancing the baby on one strong arm to pat Sakura’s head with the other. “You were born to be an outstanding Kunoichi.”
“Survival instincts?” Asks Naruto from his place at the kitchen table, tilting his head to the side, trying to make sense of his sensei’s words. “How can crying as a baby make you a good ninja down the line?”
“Well,” drawls Kakashi, rooking Tsubaki gently, “babies who cry when the person who carries them sits down, often cry because they feel vulnerable; someone who’s standing up is most likely to be able to run to safety if they feel threatened, after all.” Explains their jonin teacher. “In a primitive sort of way, it’s a survival instinct for babies to want their caretakers to be alert and ready to run.”
“So,” Adds Sasuke, sitting down on the sofa by Sakura’s side. Casually placing a pillow on his lap and wordlessly nudging Sakura’s legs on top of the pillow. “Most shinobi families believe that this is the behaviour of an alert baby that will grow up to become a good, well-aware ninja.” He explains, matter-of-factly, his fire-calloused fingers pressing into the tense skin of Sakura’s legs, massaging her sore limbs without looking at anyone, his attention focused completely on easing his teammate’s knotted muscles.
“I did the same thing.” Brags Kakashi, holding up Tsubaki to hug the baby to his cheek. “According to my father…” He elaborates, gathering the attention of all his precious little Genin —even a blushing, stuttering Sakura— with this generous portion of information from his elusive life-story. “I was a complete cry-baby, shrieking like a banshee if anyone was less than alert and ready to flee when holding me.”
This prompts Naruto to chuckle in amusement, forever giddy to find any piece of information that humanizes their larger than life, seemingly undefeatable teacher, until Sasuke hums in agreement with the jonin, his eyes concentrated on Sakura’s trembling legs, his hands occupied with massaging Sakura’s sore ankles, while Sakura hides her flaming face in between quivering fingers. “Mother said the same thing about me.” He quips, smiling as he drapes a fussy pink blanket over Sakura’s legs with a contented sigh, his chest puffed in pride like a preening bird. “I would also cry out if anyone but…” he hesitates for a second, his hands gripping at the fabric of the blanket like a lifeline. “If anyone but my older brother held me.” He admits finally, a bittersweet smile marring his features. “My parents said that it was because he was the strongest member of our family and he made me feel safe.” He adds. “They were right; he was... He is the strongest.”
A tense, asphyxiating silence falls over the room until Naruto, blessedly careless as always, calls out for the attention of the team. “Ah!” He exclaims as he jumps from his seat at the kitchen table when realization dawns over him at Sasuke’s words. “Then, Kakashi-sensei! You have to pass Tsubaki-chan to me!” He demands, after a pause. “I’m the strongest Shinobi who will become Hokage after all.”
“As if.” Mutters Sasuke, under his breath.
“Huh?” Questions Naruto, walking up to Kakashi with open arms, wordlessly asking to be allowed to cradle Tsubaki. “You want to tell me something, bastard?” He challenges.
“Yes.” States Sasuke, darkly; onyx eyes scanning his every move with sharingan focus even without activating his bloodline limit. Like a predator protecting its young. “Tsubaki it’s not a toy.”
“I… I know that!” Stutters Naruto, suddenly intimidated by Sasuke’s intense stare. “I just wanted to give Kakashi-sensei a moment to sit down.” He conceals, looking up at their teacher with his arms open.
“Okay, Naruto.” Murmurs Kakashi, his voice remarkably kind as he addresses one of his problem students. “Remember to steady his neck and to never let go of him, no matter how much he squirms or if he cries.”
“I got it!” Assents the boy with a smile, just to flinch immediately when Tsubaki cries out the moment he feels the change.
“Guess you’re not the strongest after all.” Mocks Sasuke, soaking up the amusement of seeing Naruto struggle for just a moment before getting up from his seat with a sigh, carefully moving from underneath Sakura’s legs to avoid disturbing her too much. “Give him to me.” He demands.
“Huh? Are you saying I can’t calm him down?” Tries to complain Naruto, only to be silenced by Tsubaki’s shrill cry ringing directly on his ears.
Carefully but quickly, Naruto passes Tsubaki into Sasuke’s awaiting arms, giddily waiting for the baby to keep on crying, waiting to be proven right. Except that, as soon as he feels Sasuke’s arms cradling his fragile body, the youngest Haruno stops crying almost immediately, giggling happily, before settling into a calm, peaceful rest.
“He’s a Haruno alright.” Quips Kakashi pleased, looking down at Sasuke’s peaceful demeanour; his warm eyes and the careful hold that he was on Sakura’s brother.
He’s a Haruno alright, not only because he feels safe in Sasuke’s care, but also, because he brings out the best in Sasuke. It’s what he wants to say.