Chapter 12

My eyebrow furrowed as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Sasuke said I changed a bit when I turned, but I thought he was just talking about my hair growing longer. It wasn't like my features physically changed, but it was as though everything was a bit lighter, clearer than before.

The out of this world aura that I felt around Kaguya when I first met her was a more amplified version of what I was seeing in myself. In an attempt to normalize my appearance, I braided my hair messily like I used to when I first came to the castle and put on one of the more plain dresses that I owned.

"You smell different, as well."

My eyes darted over to see the prince watching me from the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest, "What?"

He closed his eyes, looking irritated, "You still smell human, even better than before."

An annoyed groan left my lips. As if I need that. Vampires already act weird because of my scent.

Sasuke walked with me downstairs for the first time since I woke up. Everyone was in the family room and when I walked through the doorway, it got silent as they turned to look at me.

My lips tugged into an anxious frown and I awkwardly averted my gaze to the ground, "Good morning…"

Arms wrapped around my shoulders and I jolted in surprise when I heard Mikoto's relieved voice, "We were so worried, Dear. Welcome home." I returned her embrace and tried not to cry.

When she pulled back, she placed a kiss atop my head before giving me a motherly smile, "Come see your nephew, Sakura."

The king and Madara wordlessly acknowledged my arrival when I glanced at them before allowing the queen to pull me to the plush rug where the baby was sprawled out atop a soft blanket, Sai and Ino sitting beside him. I gave the couple a smile as I came to sit on the other side of the blanket. Unsurprisingly, they looked inseparable. It would likely be weeks before either of them relaxes again.

A gasp left my lips when I looked down at Inojin, "He's…He's so much bigger!"

Mikoto laughed softly as she came to sit beside me, "As someone who's raised three children, allow me to explain. Humans take anywhere from sixteen to twenty years to fully mature into an adult, where vampires usually take eight to ten years."

My surprise quickly faded and I nodded in understanding before reaching down to gently caress his pretty blonde hair. A noise of shock left my chest when his eyes opened to reveal pale blue, identical to his mother's.

My sister let out a small giggle and raised a hand to her lips, "It's kind of funny that he doesn't have black eyes and hair, right?" My lips spread into a grin and I nodded, laughing softly as I looked back down at her son as he blinked cutely up at me.

"He still has my Sai's features though. He'll undoubtedly grow up strong and handsome," Mikoto mused in a dreamy voice.

Ino reached up to gently cup her husband's face, "You're right."

For a moment, I studied the man in question. She'd been so worried he wouldn't be excited to have a baby, but up until now the only time I've seen him so expressive was the day they met and the day of their wedding. His dark eyes were warm and a content feeling surrounded him as he leaned into his wife's touch.

My eyes widened when I suddenly sensed that Sasori was standing in the furthest corner of the room with his usual blank expression. Everyone else carried on with their conversations as I rose to go say hello.

"Thank you, again. Without your help, none of this would've been possible. I owe you more than my life."

He corrected his posture and spoke calmly, "We made a deal. I do not take promises lightly."

My grin widened, "Of course, but I'm still grateful. Friends?"

I reached out a hand toward him and he looked down at it, "Sasuke Uchiha does not approve of this."

A confused look came to my face before I turned to see the man in question shooting the redhead a hearty glare. My lips tugged up into a smile and I shook my head at the prince before facing Sasori again, "He'll get over it. Come on. Let's be friends." Sasuke was like that with Naruto at first, too. Granted, Naruto and I have never kissed, but I'm one hundred percent sure that Sasori won't ever consider doing something like that again.

He met my eye and his stoic exterior softened ever so slightly as he shook my hand in his, "Okay, I accept." It wasn't quite the right time to give him some of my blood, so I promised to give him some later in the day before rejoining Mikoto near the rug.

"Where are Itachi and Temari?"

The woman put a hand on her cheek with a pretty smile, "They left for Suna to stop the king and prince from leading an army to reinforce your rescue."

My mouth fell open slightly in shock and she shook her head with a small chuckle, "The king's fiancee, in particular, wanted to help."

My face warmed happily. Once things settle down around here, I should ask Sasuke if we can go to Suna for a proper visit with Matsuri.

A couple days passed, full of discoveries. Fugaku has a theory that I'm not a vampire or human, but something either in between or maybe even a third, different race.

Everyone, me included, was curious as to why Ino hasn't experienced any of the odd things that I have up until this point. We're both born of the Tanaka bloodline and share parents, so why did Kaguya say I was her reincarnate and not Ino? Shouldn't her soul have been split in between us or something like that? I almost wish that was the case because then I wouldn't be so alone in not knowing who or what I am.

Though I was able to use some of Kaguya's powers after first being turned, I can't figure out how to now. For some reason, I still found myself sleeping each night. Also, not only do I not find vampire blood bland like most do, but it seems to have the same effect on me that human blood does, which is unheard of. While I'm happy to hear that my blood has the same healing properties that Kaguya's had, we realized that it's able to satiate hunger in vampires like human blood.

To add to that, we realized that those who ingest it become a bit obsessed and have the urge to pretty much serve me. That's a fact that makes me incredibly uncomfortable, especially when we only found out because I followed through with my promise to give Sasori some of my blood.

In true Sasori fashion, he described his urges, many not so innocent in nature, bluntly for all to listen. I ended up having to talk Sasuke down from murdering the redhead, leading Sasori to take an impromptu trip to Suna to visit his family while we continue to figure things out here in the meantime.

On the topic of the Uchiha prince, it's like I can't get enough of him. Before the trip to Sonokuni Village, we already had a more than healthy sexual appetite. Now, though, the hours that I'm not thinking about attacking him are easier to count than those where I am. He said he feels the exact same way and I believe him because every single time we can catch a moment alone, we're going at it. Other than the fact that we have other things to do, neither of us mind all that much. I mean, the sex is better than it's ever been when it was already fantastic.

After very clearly turning Madara down after meeting Sinzo had us deep in our emotions and feeling on edge, I thought we'd come to an understanding that he isn't going to be able to change my mind, but apparently I underestimated him. Madara went back to leaving the castle to visit other towns on his brother's behalf, but not before telling me and Sasuke outright that he doesn't intend to give up, even if it takes hundreds of years for me to return his feelings. That pissed Sasuke off, too, but luckily the Uchiha elder left before things could get heated between the three of us.

Sasuke and Sai decided to take a break from traveling like their uncle and even if I feel guilty, I completely understand. Sasuke and I are both still very much reeling from being separated for so long and then both nearly dying, but Sai and Ino just had a child. Fugaku seemed annoyed, but relented when Mikoto not-so-subtly threatened to throw a fit if he so much as uttered a word of complaint.

"Make sure to support his head, Sasuke!"

"I am."

"Sai, baby, can you make sure he doesn't drop him?"

I smiled at the ground as the four of us walked from the castle toward Ino's shop for the first time since our return to Konoha. My sister forced Sasuke to hold Inojin since up until now he's managed to evade doing so, but now that we're walking, she won't stop fretting. The unhappy expression on his face is undoubtedly throwing her off.

The prince's obviously uncomfortable, but he looks so cute holding Inojin, the slightest bit of pink dusting his cheeks.

I glanced over to see Sai giving his wife a reassuring look, "He's fine, my love."

My eyes danced over to his brother and I had to hold back a giddy squeal. Something about how big and manly Sasuke looks while holding such a small and fragile child makes me feel all soft inside. He caught me looking and narrowed his eyes into an annoyed glare, which only made it harder for me to not smile.

Inojin started fussing a bit and a comical panicked look came over his face as he stopped walking and spoke in a serious voice to his brother, "Take him." Sai wore an amused grin as he accepted his grumpy son, expertly holding him to his chest and bouncing him so he'd calm back down.

The door to Ino's shop opened before we could even get close to the steps and Kushina rushed out, "Let me hold the baby!" Minato gave us a sheepish grin from the doorway. His wife reached her arms out toward Sai, "Gimme! Gimme!" and the prince obliged before following the rest of us inside.

I walked beside Naruto's mother as she cooed at Inojin excitedly, the baby smiling up at her, and closed the door to the shop behind us.

"Oh, sweetheart, he's absolutely gorgeous!" Kushina walked over to her husband and angled her arms so he could properly get a look before moving to stand by Ino's desk as my sister sorted through a large stack of paperwork.

Minato grinned happily, "Congratulations, you two."

I helped myself into the kitchen, leaving the door open as usual, and started filling the teapot with water. A frown met my lips when I glanced over at the other door in the room. Our mother was undoubtedly upstairs, hiding so she won't have to see us. Ino will never come out and say it, but I know she wants her to at least meet the baby.

After turning the stovetop on and placing the teapot on the burner, I got the urge to go up there to try and talk some sense into the heretical woman. The door to the shop opened swiftly before I could decide if I wanted to or not. I turned to see Naruto walk in and tears rose in my eyes when he immediately saw me and rushed over to hug me tightly, "Saku! We were so worried!"

I returned his hug, immediately receiving another one from Hinata when he pulled away so he could go greet Ino in a similar way. Her eyes widened when she pulled back and got a good look at me, "What happened! Are you…?"

Nodding, I wordlessly confirmed her question before she could even finish it. We can't really talk too much about vampires around Naruto's parents. Sasuke came down and glowed them both yesterday so they wouldn't question how Ino had a baby so quickly, but it'd be stupid to push our luck.

Naruto returned and followed Hinata and I back into the kitchen as he hissed out, "You're, like, glowing or something! What the hell?"

I raised my hands defensively, glancing through the open doorway to make sure his parents weren't listening, "Some crazy stuff happened, but all you need to know is that Sasuke turned me and everything's okay now."

Naruto spoke even more softly, "No way! Turn your eyes red! Can I see your fangs? Make Sasuke do something funny!" The prince in question was suddenly behind him and slapped the back of his head, calling him names in an annoyed voice under his breath as he went to the cabinet to retrieve some teacups for us.

My face warmed and I turned to make sure the tea wasn't being overdone, "I haven't quite figured out how to control those types of things yet."

They both gave me an understanding look before Naruto changed the subject, "It's crazy to think that Ino has a baby now. We just saw you guys like two months ago."

I gave Sasuke a small smile as I turned to fill the cups he'd prepared with tea, "Yeah, it's still hard to believe she's a mother now. Remember when we had that babysitting job a few years back?" He and I shared a knowing look before laughing.

Hinata smiled shyly, "What happened?"

Naruto accepted the cup I handed him with a big grin, "The baby threw up on her and she refused to change a single diaper. It was a nightmare. Sakura and I had to do everything."

We shared another laugh before he sat his cup down to accept the tray of cups from me and take it to those outside the kitchen. Hinata sat down at the table and I went to sit across from her. "So, you're good with kids, then?"

I shrugged, blowing softly at the steaming drink, "I wouldn't say I'm any better than the next person. Ino was just much worse than me at the time."

The Hyuuga woman brought a hand to her lips as she giggled before turning to look at my sister in the other room and leaning closer to me across the table to speak in an even quieter voice than before, "Sai is being very cute, don't you agree?"

My smile widened and I nodded, leaning in to whisper with her, "I was so surprised at first!"

It's true. The Uchiha prince almost handles his son more than Ino and it's not because she's making him, either. He jumps at the chance to care for him and does so with such natural instinct that it's hard to believe this is the same man that threatened to murder Obito before Ino and I left for Ame months ago.

A soft blush tinted her cheeks, "I have to admit it's reassuring to hear that Naruto doesn't dislike children."

I got to my feet, "Well, let me give you a real treat then. Follow me."

She and Sasuke wordlessly followed me out into the shop, where I gestured for Kushina to let me hold Inojin. The redhead pouted, but did so and accepted a teacup from her son. I gestured at Sasuke, who rolled his eyes and snatched the now empty tray out of Naruto's hands.

"Naruto, can you hold this?"

The blonde man turned with his arms out, "Yeah, what is-!" His mouth clamped shut in surprise when I carefully placed the baby in his arms.

As naturally as breathing, he corrected his arms and gently held Inojin against him, "What the hell, Saku! What if I'd dropped him?"

Kushina and Hinata both looked completely smitten with the view and I laughed, hoping to act natural so he wouldn't catch on, "Well, I didn't think you'd ask to hold him even if you wanted to. Isn't he adorable? Look at his little hands!"

He looked down at the baby, who stared back up at him with a curious expression. A light blush came to his face and he smiled widely as he offered him a finger and the baby immediately grasped onto it, "Yeah, he's pretty cute!"

I turned to see Hinata looking at him with the most sincere expression and nudged her softly in the side, "Do you want a turn?"

She snapped out of her daze and shook her head, "N-No, that's okay, I-"

"Naruto, let Hinata hold him for a minute."

"Come here, Hina," Naruto came a bit closer and I gave her a soft push forward, grinning when they met eyes and both blushed brightly before he carefully passed her the child. Kushina and Minato grinned lovingly at them and I could tell the argument they were having last time was likely to come up in the near future.

After they were done being cute and shy, Kushina took the baby back and we returned to the dining room to discuss their wedding for a while. I felt both flattered and guilty when I learned that they postponed making any plans at all until Ino and I were brought home. So, starting tomorrow, I'm going to work twice as hard to make up for lost time.

The next morning, I was surprised when I woke up and Sasuke wasn't in our room. After freshening up, I went down to the dining room for breakfast, only to freeze at the scene before me.

Sai was sitting next to his brother, talking casually with him while Sasuke held Inojin and fed him a bottle. I kept approaching before either of them could notice me, only to be pulled through the door of the kitchen by Tenten. She grinned widely at me, as did Ino who was standing at her side.

I gave them both a weird look, "What's up?"

My sister's smile faltered and she pouted as she whispered, "What do you mean "what"! Did you not see that adorable scene out there?"

Tenten muffled a squeal behind her hands, doing an excited little wiggle, "I love living here!"

My face warmed as I dared sneak a peek out the door to see Sasuke giving his brother an annoyed look as he listened to him talk before coming back to face them with a small smile, "Yeah, they're being cute. So what?"

Ino made a gesture with her hands as though I was being slow and spoke in a sarcastic voice, "So, I can read minds. Meaning, I can read your boyfriend's mind. Also meaning, I know he's trying to get more comfortable with Inojin to impress you."

My blush heightened in a snap, "W-What! Really?"

The two girls shushed me frantically and I cringed as we all three listened in case one of the boys were coming to see what all the fuss was. When they didn't, Ino nodded with a bright smile, "Ever since yesterday, he's been freaking out about it. I've never heard him want a compliment from you this badly!"

So he's wanted compliments in the past? Almost daily, I have to stop myself from gushing about his flawless appearance, intelligence, skill, or subtle yet charming personality because I've been under the impression that if I dote too much, it'll annoy him. Perhaps I should loosen the reins a bit.

I awkwardly scratched my arm and looked at the floor, "Well, he definitely heard me and Hinata gushing about how cute it was that Naruto and Sai are good with babies. I didn't know it'd affect him or I wouldn't have said anything."

Tenten waved a dismissive hand, "Screw that! If anything, you should do that type of thing more often."

Ino nodded in agreement with a hand on her hip, "I bet if he hears you talk about how jealous you are that Hinata and Naruto are getting married, he'll finally pop the question."

I glared at her, shaking my head, "That's awful! He would know something was up because I've never complained about that type of thing before. Plus, I want him to want to ask. It won't mean as much if he gets guilted into doing it!"

Both girls pouted, Tenten whining loudly, "You're no fun."

"Good morning, Ladies. Do you need any help with breakfast?" The three of us jumped and let out a variety of surprised sounds as we turned to see Sai giving us a polite smile from the doorway.

We responded quickly and in unison, "Nope!"

He, obviously, gave us an odd look before heading back out into the dining room and then we looked at one another with wide eyes. Nothing bad would happen if he caught us gossiping about him and his brother, but it'd ruin the fun.