I Knew

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or the Naruto world, those belong to Kishimoto. Again, this story is mature and includes strong sexual themes and adult language.

Chapter 8

Sakura

Life moves on.

Over a year has passed since Hinata died and not a day goes by that I don't miss her. I'm not sure if I'm missing my once close friend or if I'm picking up on Naruto's feelings, but I do miss her all the same.

We moved in together. All of us. Naruto and his two kids, myself and Sarada. It just came together and it fits. Sometimes I think I can't be happier in my life, but then I'm reminded that Sasuke isn't here and Hinata had to die for my life to be where it is now. Then I'm overwhelmed with guilt and self hatred.

Even talking to Hinata before she died didn't bring me peace. We had many conversations, and a few that were in private. Just the two of us discussing the kids future and what I wanted with my life. She told me it was okay for Naruto to move on with me, that she wanted him to be happy and deep down she knew that was with me. We never brought up my marriage to Sasuke, all she said on the subject was that I needed to have a real conversation with myself on my feelings. That life was too short to not be fully happy. And she's right.

I can't choose between them. I won't. I'm not sure what will happen, maybe the two will fight over me. Frankly I don't care how they settle it, but I refuse to pick. And I also know I'll never fully be happy with either of them because I want them both.

I'm selfish.

That's why when Naruto asked me a few days after the funeral to move in with him, I said yes. We didn't come clean about our relationship, though I'm sure some people suspected. Just the opposite! We told everyone we were two single parents who were best friends that needed each other's support to raise our kids. Honestly, it's the truth. No one needed to know we secretly share a room every night. That's not their business.

Naruto returned to work, though with fewer hours than before. He's home every morning for breakfast and every night before dinner. Boruto just turned five and Sarada is right behind him in a few days, getting close to starting at the ninja academy in a year. For now, Hiashi and my parents take turns watching the three kids. That's right, my parents are back in my life now.

After losing Hinata, Naruto insisted I should try making amends. After all, I'm no longer going out on missions endangering my life. I'm a grown woman with her own child and I'm in a stable career.

So I reached out to them a few weeks after the funeral and surprisingly our relationship isn't that bad. They more so agreed for Sarada's sake, wanting to spoil their granddaughter, but I told them she would become a ninja if she wants and they can't throw her away like they did me if that's what she chooses.

It caused a massive fight between us, but afterwards things felt lighter. Almost like we needed the argument to get over ourselves. I still find them talking to Sarada about other occupations, safer options, but they act interested when she tells them all about becoming the Hokage when she grows up just like daddy Naruto.

That's another thing that's changed.

Not long after we moved in together, Boruto and Sarada approached the subject one night during dinner. It was just after Naruto had returned to work and we were both exhausted, but happy to be with the kids again.

"What do we call you now?" Sarada asked, not looking up from her plate.

"I'm your mom, silly," I joked, not sure what she meant.