Papa's Baby Girl

Chapter 4

Author's Note: To answer the questions from reviews: Yes, it was AU, I meant to put that at the end of the last chapter but forgot. Yes, Sasuke's parents and Itachi are alive (BECAUSE UNCLE ITACHI). I am undecided about Sakura's occupation at the moment... I think she'll probably be a part time doctor so she can be with Sarada most of the time. But even if she is, I don't know if she would be her daughter's doctor when it came to things like cutting her forehead open.

So... yeah. On with the chapter~!

Chapter 4

Sarada is barely four when she meets the woman her mother says will become her aunt in just a few short months. Mama tells her the brunette woman is an old friend of hers and papa's, and to be very nice when she met her. Mama doesn't want Sarada to feel like Uncle Itachi is leaving her behind, because he's not. He's simply getting married and will, probably, start a family of his own soon, allowing Sarada to have cousins.

Sarada, though, it not very impressed hearing that her uncle will be getting married. She enjoys spending time with Uncle Itachi, and does not want anyone to take him away from her, which she fully believe is going to happen.

Because the woman—Sarada learned soon enough that her name is Asuna Myuki and she's five years younger than uncle Itachi, the same age as mama and papa—will be joining their family soon, she's insisted on spending time with Sarada, including making dinner a few times when uncle Itachi has the four-year-old over. Tonight is one of those nights, and Sarada watches Miss Asuna as she quickly finishes cooking, looking at the clock to see what time it is.

"I think your uncle is going to be late, Sarada," Miss Asuna smiles softly, taking her seat next to Sarada and making the girl a plate of food. "We can get started and he can join us when he gets home, ok?"

Sarada nods, accepting the plate and starting in on her dinner. She may not like the idea of Miss Asuna taking away Uncle Itachi, but the older woman is fairly good at cooking, she has discovered. Almost as good as mama and papa, but still not quite there.

Still, Sarada likes when she gets to stay overnight at Uncle Itachi's place while mama and papa have date nights or are working. Uncle Itachi allows her to stay up an hour earlier than usual, and wakes her up early to make breakfast that they then eat in the living room while watching cartoons. Miss Asuna has joined them the last few times, but Sarada didn't like it, because she stole away uncle Itachi's attention each time she was there.

Sarada told mama what happened, but mama just laughed and told her daughter that she was being silly and, possibly, a little bit jealous. But Sarada didn't believe she was jealous, just upset that Uncle Itachi wasn't paying much attention to her anymore. Now she tries to ignore the feelings that bubble inside her when she sees Uncle Itachi is focused solely on Miss Asuna, doing her best to convince herself that is this lady makes Uncle Itachi happy, she should be happy for him herself.

That was easier said than done, but Sarada was trying. She was trying her hardest to like this lady, because Uncle Itachi liked her. That was it.

It's quiet for a few minutes as Sarada watches her soon-to-be aunt while they eat dinner, wondering what was so great about this woman to make Uncle Itachi fall in love with her and want to marry her. Sarada doesn't get it, and wonders if papa knew, and could tell her when she gets home that night.

Just a few moments later, the two hear the front door close, and, before Sarada can slip out of her seat, Miss Asuna is already in the living room, welcoming Uncle Itachi home and it makes Sarada even more jealous than before.

But she still doesn't know why.

+!+

While papa tucks her in that night, Sarada decides she'll finally ask him why she's feeling so jealous about Miss Asuna being so close to Uncle Itachi and taking his attention from her, even though mama has told her she's being silly.

"Papa?"

"Mm?" though papa looks very tired after a long day, he gives Sarada a small smile before kissing her forehead. "What is it, Sarada?"

"Why... why does Miss Asuna keep taking Uncle Itachi from me?"

Papa blinks, watching her as she looks at him, somewhat angry yet still sad looking as she lies in her bed, half awake.

"What are you talking about, Sarada?"

Sarada pouts, sitting up and throwing off her blanket, eyes starting to fill with tears. "Whenever she's around... Uncle Itachi doesn't pay attention to me all the time! He pays attention to her, but won't talk to me right away..."

Papa tries not to laugh, but smiles and nods as he pats Sarada on the head, making her pout even more. "Sarada, Asuna is going to marry Itachi next month. He has to pay attention to her because they're still planning their wedding and she needs his help. I know it's hard, because you love him, but, please try to be nice, ok? After the wedding, I'm sure Itachi will spend time with you, and Asuna, again. All right?"

Sighing, Sarada nods and lies back down, allowing papa to cover her with her blankets and kiss her forehead again.

"Now, go to sleep. I love you, Sarada."

"I love you too, papa. And... I'll try to be nice until the wedding is over!"

"Good girl."