7th dream; [portrait]

[ninjasecrets]

Your mother and father don't look happy in their wedding portrait. You're maybe seven years old when you realize this

Comments

[ground_breaker]

[Sakura's brow wrinkles a little in concern. She hasn't seen Akira in a little while, and she does worry about him from time to time.]

Is something on your mind, Akira-kun?

[ninjasecrets]

Mmm... I don't know. [Akira stretches his arms out, then hugs his knees to his chest.]

I guess I was just thinking about... being married and stuff.

[ground_breaker]

Oh. Are you having problems in your marriage?

[ninjasecrets]

No. I'm very happy with Itachi and Naruto.

[Shyly. He likes saying Naruto's name especially, having given up on his joking nickname for him... mostly.]

It's just... hmm.

[ground_breaker]

[She didn't really expect for there to be any problems, unless Naruto had been picking fights with Akira again. They were prone to bickering.

Sakura smiles. Her tone is coaxing, encouraging.]

Just what?

private;

[ninjasecrets]

[Hurriedly switches to private.]

We haven't. Um. Consummated.

[Private}

[ground_breaker]

Oh.

Is that a problem?

[It's an honest question. Because maybe it is--to Akira, or to either of his spouses, maybe that's an issue.

Sakura doesn't really see why it should have to be, though. She and Sasori haven't either, after all, and they were perfectly happy. (As long as he stayed away from her medical supplies, that is.]

private;

[ninjasecrets]

[Akira is red in the face, quiet.]

It's not like it's a big deal or anything, or I couldn't do something like that if they wanted to, I just...

Want them to be happy, or whatever.

[Private]

[ground_breaker]

You shouldn't feel pressured into doing something you're not ready for, Akira-kun. I'm sure that neither of them would want you to feel like you have to.

Have they said anything?

private;

[ninjasecrets]

No, that's just it. I ask them what I should be doing and they say just be yourself... they like me best like that.

[Private]

[ground_breaker]

That's because they love you.

Akira-kun... [And Sakura blushes here, because it's quite a personal admission.] Sasori and I haven't, either. And we're perfectly fine. You don't have to have sex to make your spouses happy.

[Private]

[ninjasecrets]

Guess not.

But in my family, marryin' was always about continuing the family line. Now I... obviously... well I could but... you know. That's not why they wanted to marry me.

I don't really wanna do that stuff yet. Sounds like it hurts. But.

Sometimes I feel really funny around them, too.

[Private]

[ground_breaker]

[Sakura knows all about "funny." She knows what it feels like to want something more, something that is terrifying and exhilarating and unknown all at the same time. She knows the mechanics of sex, being a medic, but that's nothing like sex itself.

Sometimes, Sasori's refusal to push their physical boundaries is very sweet. Sometimes, it's the most maddening thing ever.]

Sex isn't just about having children. I guess it's about... sharing something with the person you love. I'm not sure. I-I've never... done it. But I imagine it's like that.

[Takes a breath to compose herself.]

Don't rush into something you're not ready for. When you really want to, it will happen, but don't do it if it scares you.

[Private]

[ninjasecrets]

[Looks thoughtful, and nods after a moment.]

Thanks, neechan!

[Private]

[ground_breaker]

No problem!