Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

It Started With a Gift	By : moonlady9 Category: Naruto > General Views: 7471 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, or gain any monetary benefit from this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Chapter 4
Dusk Till Dawn
Hi everyone, here is the next chapter. It was inspired by Dusk Till Dawn By Zayn and Sia. I hope you enjoy.
Thank you for reading.
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The heat was beating down on her, Sakura wondered why she had decided to come to Suna in the middle of summer. She found refuge from the heat in the green house. She took off the light hooded cape she was wearing to protect her from the sun and sand. She grabbed a watering can and started to water plants she knew needed it. Sakura had been spending a lot of time in the greenhouse this last month. She had brought seeds for them to cultivate and she had been studying Suna’s unique plants between her lessons. At this moment, she needed to keep her hands busy, she felt like she was going to fall over from the thoughts swirling through her mind. It was almost like she could feel the physical weight of a thousand pounds sitting in the pit of her stomach.
Sakura put down the watering can after she emptied it and sat down on the bench, putting her head between her hands, she felt sick. The smell of earth and herbs felt soothing, but she still couldn’t control the storm in her stomach. Sakura’s period had been over a week late and she did a self-exam, she wasn’t worried about a pregnancy, her birth control method was absolutely fail proof, there was no way she could be pregnant but she sensed it when she ran her chakra through her body. She didn’t want to believe it, so she went to a trusted medic and had him run an exam and he came to the same conclusion. Sakura sat numb as he told her that she was in fact pregnant, she was probably around six weeks along.
It didn’t make sense, it had never been heard of for this type of birth control to fail, and she explained it to the medic. He agreed that she was a unique case, it was the first case he had ever heard of it failing, but he couldn’t come up with an explanation of how it could have failed. Sakura thanked him, asked him not to tell anyone, and left for the library to do research, and came up with nothing. Defeated she came to the greenhouse, she didn’t know how she was going to deal with this information. She didn’t want to tell Kakashi over a letter and it was still another three weeks before she was home, she didn’t want to tell anyone yet. If people knew she was pregnant, there would be the inevitable question on who the father was and she wasn’t going to answer that question. Gods this was a mess.
Sakura lifted her head and looked out to the setting sun painting the sand dunes in golden light. Gods, she had been going out drinking with the medics after trainings on the weekends. She groaned, everything was all wrong. She stood up and went to her room. She pulled out a stack of letters Kakashi had written to her while she had been in Suna, he sent her a letter every week, sometimes more. She glanced over them, he would write about things happening in Konoha, he mentioned that she had a bounty on her head that was more than his own, she had felt pride at that fact, he spoke about how he missed her and their activities, getting a little graphic in some areas that made her blush. Sakura had been surprised at how sweet and caring Kakashi was in his letters, it made her miss him with a strong ache in her heart, and now more than ever she wished he was with her so they could talk. She didn’t know if he would be thrilled or upset, to be fair, she didn’t know how to feel yet either. She wasn’t planning on children soon, hence the not so fail proof birth control. She was so frustrated, this was not supposed to be happening, she shouldn’t be sitting in her room alone wondering what to do, and she didn’t even have anyone to confide in. She could talk to Temari, she wasn’t one to gossip, but wasn’t sure she would understand.
She heard a knock on her door, she put the letters back in her pack and went to answer it, it was a group of medics.
“Sakura-senpai, we’re going out, would you like to come?” The medic that asked was the one that she had drunkenly made out with last time she had been in Suna, Ino was right in that he was quite attractive, and had she not been so hung up on Sasuke she might have taken him up on his offer to go on a date back then.
“Oh I’m sorry guys, I can’t today, I have a project I need to finish. Maybe next time.” She gave them her best apologetic face.
“Senpai can’t it wait?” His hazel eyes met hers.
“Unfortunately it can’t, I have a side project for the Kazekage, so I’m afraid I won’t be as available to go out for drinks as I used to. Anyways have a drink for me.”
After a few more protests and attempts of coercing her out, she managed to send them on their way, leaving her alone to her thoughts. She was glad that she had come up with an excuse that would give her an out from any future invitations for the rest of her trip. She went to bed knowing that she couldn’t decide anything until she spoke to Kakashi, and she would do it in person so it was going to have to wait another month.
The rest of her trip went on as planned, she was satisfied with all the new things she had learned and had been able to teach. Sakura had made sure that she had said her formal good bye’s and thank you’s to Gaara, Temari and Kankoru. They had a nice dinner together on their last night. They had gifted her with seeds of unique medical plants of Suna to be cultivated in Konoha. It had been two days of traveling through the arid desert landscape before she had reached the border of Fire country and saw greenery. She stopped by a small dumpling shop to eat and rest.
As she checked her pack, as she often did every time she stopped, she saw a stack of Kakashi’s letters, she pulled out the last one she had received the day before. She re-read it, he was happy that she was coming back, he told her to be safe on the road, he mentioned he couldn’t wait to kiss her lips and to see her beautiful green eyes. Sakura sipped her tea and wondered if he was such a great letter writer because he read so much, or if he was just naturally talented at everything. His letters were romantic without being cheesy, his sense of humor came through the ink, she would laugh and smile and wondered how he could make her feel warm inside through his handwriting. Reading his letters always made her feel better, she never had anyone spend the time to write her a letter, and she didn’t think Kakashi was the type, but she looked forward to his hawk, and always had a letter ready to return.
Sakura chewed on her dumplings as she reflected on their trajectory, going from teacher and student, to comrades, then to their physical relationship and now to a long distance relationship through letters. She placed her hand on her stomach, she had a hard conversation to prepare, she had three days left to practice it. She still didn’t know how he would take it, she was leaning more towards the positive, after the shock of hearing the news, she hoped he would be happy and thrilled he was going to be a father. She wondered what that meant for them, would he want to stay with her? Would they get married? Did she even want that? Or what if he didn’t want anything to do with her? She looked down at his writing, she really hoped he wouldn’t leave her, her feelings had grown for him and she wanted to continue exploring these changes with him.
She was broken from her reverie as a dark figure sat down in front of her. Sakura’s green eyes widen in shock as she recognized him, “Sasuke! What are you doing here?” She quickly took Kakashi’s letter and put it back in her pack.
He had a tan headband around his head, his mismatched eyes were watching her intently. A black cloak covered the rest of him.
“Hi Sakura, I sense you nearby and its been years since we had seen each other.” Sasuke had noticed how flustered she was.
“You sensed me?” Sakura didn’t realize he recognized her chakra.
“Yes, I thought we could talk. If that’s alright.” His eyes carefully watched for a reaction.
“What did you want to talk about?” She saw his eye flicker, but she couldn’t tell what he was feeling, still as guarded as ever.
“I wanted to talk to you about the letter I gave Naruto a few months back.” Sasuke looked down at the table. “I just…”
“You don’t have to say anything about it Sasuke.” Sakura cut him off, she was not going to let him continue. “You made yourself very clear, and I understand. I’m not a child anymore, I have let you go. So you don’t have to worry about me.” Sakura had so much to think about already, she wasn’t going to sit here and have him reject her in person to top it all off. She had gotten his message loud and clear from the letter, plus, she had a different future to think about now.
Sasuke studied her face, she was fiercely confident in her answer, he wasn’t going to press the issue. “Ah, if that’s the case.” He moved to stand, but she reached out to stop him, he felt a jolt as her fingers touched his rough hands. He noticed she was wearing green nail polish.
“Look, you don’t have to leave, we are still comrades, and I hope we are still friends. I am here if you want to talk, or if you need anything. I hope you can learn to confide in me and treat me as your equal.” Sakura let go of his hand, she wasn’t going to beg him, but she wanted him to know she was still a friend, that she still cared about him.
He gave a small twitch of his lips which she took as a smile, “Sakura, you were never my equal, you were always better than me. I often wondered why I had better marks than you in the academy considering you were smarter.”
Sakura smiled uncomfortably, “Well I was young and had a stupid crush on you, I thought you would like me if I let you have top marks.”
“Sakura, do not doubt yourself, you could beat me if you ever really wanted to, it’s a good thing you never really wanted to. Anyways, I have to get going, it was nice seeing you.”
“Are you ever coming back home?” Her emerald eyes searched his face for any indication of his feelings.
“I wouldn’t know how to fit in anymore. I have been gone for so long and made so many mistakes, I wouldn’t know how to be part of the village in that way. Right now, I can contribute in my own way.” Sasuke stood up, she was on her feet after him.
“Well you should come visit more often. All three of us could eat at Ichiraku like we used to.” She stood expecting something from him, she really should know better, he kept his feeling locked up.
Sasuke studied the woman in front of him, she was right, she had grown up, and she had become more beautiful with time. “Thank you Sakura, for everything.” He pressed two fingers on the diamond shape on her forehead and walked off.
Sakura stood confused, gods he was infuriating, she sat down and finished her lunch. She thought back to Kakashi, they were night and day, she always knew where she stood with Kakashi, he was honest and open with her. She could never read Sasuke, he was so closed off and refused to show his true self, how could anyone truly be part of his life if he never let anyone in. Sakura paid for her meal, and glanced at Kakashi’s letters, maybe she could get home by the next day if she picked up the pace. She set off down the road to Konoha.
Sakura had been traveling at a faster pace and had taken advantage of longer days, by the next day she was about another half’s days travel to reach Konoha, she stopped to drink water and have a quick snack. She picked a spot between the trees, she took in a deep breath taking in all the smells of the forest.
She heard a crunch on the forest floor that didn’t sound natural and in less than a moment she was at full alert with a kunai in her hand. She listened hard trying to figure out where the attack was going to come from, she heard a noise to her right she turned and threw the kunai, and then she felt a wave of sound hit her from behind, the screeching made her entire body vibrate, it was like nails of a chalkboard the sound was unbalancing. After the vibration passed through her she stood trying to asses the damage, as she tried to listen for sounds of attack she realized she couldn’t, her hearing was gone. She tried to shift her stance and fell on a knee, her balance was off. She cursed, this was what had happened to Kiba. This must be Hagetaka. Kiba had told her that he had attacked quickly, with a surprise attack he had taken Kiba’s hearing and balance first before swopping in for a physical attack.
Sakura quickly channeled healing chakra to her inner ear, since that was the damaged area, she just needed it healed enough to regain her balance, she could work on her hearing later. Her eyes scanned the area, and caught movement, she quickly pushed off the ground, she hadn’t been fast enough and he slashed her thigh. It wasn’t deep and now she knew where he was. She focused on keeping track of him. She landed on a narrow branch and her foot slipped, she managed to grasp the tree limb with her hands and flip back up. He had disappeared into the greenery.
She kept working on her inner ear as she kept her eyes open for movement. She felt her balance coming back, but her hearing wasn’t going to be useful, she couldn’t heal it fast enough for the fight, might as well save her chakra, she didn’t want to be a sitting duck. She didn’t like to show off her strength too early in a fight, but she wanted this ended quickly, she was at a disadvantage. She slipped on her gloves, jumped off the branch, channeling chakra into her fist and slammed it into the ground. There was a huge explosion, she created a crater about 300 meters in diameter with her at the center. Trees had been blown away leaving her with more visibility and her attacker with less places to hide. She felt movement coming from behind, she quickly pivoted on her hand and tried to land a kick from below.
Sakura didn’t connect, she managed to flip out of his attack and land on her feet. From what Kiba had told her, he had long distance and short distance attacks, she had already fallen prey to both. The screeching created a vibration that disrupted her balance, she couldn’t let herself be hit again. She normally wouldn’t take the offense, but she couldn’t wait for him to attack first. With a quick burst she reached her attacker in a flash, she threw a quick punch to his face, he evaded and saw that he had a claw-like weapon on his hands. She threw a kick, he flipped out of her range, she gritted her teeth, all she needed was to connect once.
She saw Hagetaka breathe in deep and his chest expand, Shit! He was going to screech again, maybe she could disrupted it enough to dodge it. She slammed her foot down creating a fissure on the ground, he lost his footing but couldn’t stop his jutsu. Sakura knew that it still wasn’t enough to dodge the vibrations heading towards her. Maybe if she broke the vibrations, she punched the air and released her own chakra in waves. The vibrations were weakest at the edges, she jumped straight up and managed cut through his attack.
Hagetaka was behind her in a flash as she fell back down. He was fast, she smirked, she was faster. He was close enough behind her that she could feel his muscles move, he moved his right arm, she reached for his left and pulled herself, he missed hitting anything vital, he had slashed her upper arm. With her momentum, she grabbed his left arm and flipped his arm behind his back. She gripped his head so he would fall head first into the ground. They landed in another explosion, her knee on his back. Then suddenly she was holding wood. A substitution, between the debris she felt a rush of air, she turned and raised her arms in defense. He hit he left forearm with the palm of his hand, the vibrations made her bones hurt. She thought back at Kiba’s injuries, broken bones and damaged organs, this was probably how he did it, she needed to be careful. She retaliated with an incessant barrage of kicks and punches and he had managed to dodge everyone. Sakura continued, she was a short distance fighter, and this would play to his strength, if he landed another palmed vibration attack, it wouldn’t be good, and the longer she continued the more opportunities she created for him.
Sakura evaded every attack he tried, she felt the cold metal of his claws scratch her, but she focused on dodging his palms. She still couldn’t hear and her balance was about seventy percent restored, she wasn’t able to dodge well enough when he found an opening and landed an open palmed attack on her abdomen. She doubled over on pain, her insides felt like they were being torn apart. Oh god, the baby. Sakura felt him try to attack her side, he was going to attempt to land another attack on her kidney. She managed to grab his wrist, she pivoted on her heel, and swung him over her, slamming him into the ground. She followed with a charka infused stomp on his abdomen, and bent down to land couple more blows to his head for good measure.
She sat on his chest to make sure he wasn’t going anywhere. As soon as she was satisfied he wasn’t waking up, she quickly summoned Katsuyu. Katsuyu appeared in her small form. She knew Katsuyu probably asked something but she still couldn’t hear.
“Katsuyu, I’m sorry but I can’t hear, please go to Kakashi and have him send ANBU about 90 kilometers southwest. Please help them with guiding them to me.” She saw Katsuyu nod, Sakura knew that her request had been fulfilled. Katsuyu had sent a Copy of herself to Kakashi at that moment to relay the news. “Thank you.”
Sakura slowed chakra through her to asses the damage, she had scratches on her arms and legs, some she hadn’t even noticed when he had connected. She settled her chakra on her lower abdomen and couldn’t feel life. She panicked. “Katsuyu please help me and check for the baby.” Tears started falling down her face. Katsuyu moved to her arm, Sakura could feel an increase of chakra flow through her body, she felt it circle her abdomen.
“Oh please let the baby be ok, please let the baby be ok.” She was crying, she felt a hand on her shoulder and in a second she had swung with a chakra kick. Her kick was stopped by Sasuke’s hands on her ankle. She fell on her knees, Katsuyu was still on her arm. “Katsuyu, is the baby ok?” Sakura’s heart broke as Katsuyu shook her head sadly. “No!” Sakura’s tears flowed down angrily, “No! Please no!” She was sobbing as Sasuke pulled her into his chest. She couldn’t hear anything, the world was dark to her.
Sasuke picked her up, she opened her eyes, Konohamaru’s ANBU team had arrived, she recognized his mask, and they must have been talking to Sasuke because she saw Sasuke’s lips moving. Her attacker had been restrained, Konohamaru hauled him onto his shoulder, Sasuke shifted her, holding her closer to him, Katsuyu settled on her chest, and they all took off through the trees. Sakura felt a large concentration of chakra on her abdomen and her ears, Katsuyu was healing her.
They had arrived to Konoha within three hours, Sakura’s hearing had been restored to about fifty percent. She could hear loud noises, like Sasuke shouting to ANBU that he was taking her to the hospital. She had stopped crying a long time ago, but she felt her heart still heavy with loss. She could have told him to put her down hours ago, she was physically fine, her scratches had been healed by Katsuyu, but she just didn’t have the energy to tell him.
They reached the hospital and Ino quickly rushed to guide them to a room on their wing. As soon as Sasuke put her down on the bed, Katsuyu disappeared from her chest, Ino pushed him out of the room. Sakura felt Ino’s chakra flow through her body, “Ino, the only thing wrong is my hearing, and I lost a baby right now.” Ino stood still, the shock apparent in her face, Sakura watched as Ino mouth formed the word baby, Ino’s voice sounded very far away. Sakura shook her head, “I’ll tell you soon but do a miscarriage exam.” She saw Ino nod.
Ino removed Sakura’s clothes and cleaned her of the blood that was on her body making sure there were no open wounds. Tears started forming in Sakura’s eyes again, She felt Ino press her hand on her lower stomach and a cold chakra flow down to her uterus. Ino was forcing her body to flush out the waste. Ino moved her other hand and inserted two fingers up to her cervix, another flow of cold chakra was circling at her lower stomach. Within a few moments the temperature changed to a liquid heat that flowed from her uterus, down her cervix and flowed out as Ino removed her fingers. Sakura sobbed, she felt so empty.
Ino’s hand was full of blood, she took off her gloves and scooped up Sakura into an intense hug. Sakura sobbed without restrain into her friend’s shoulder. Tears started to trail down Ino’s face, she hated seeing Sakura like this. Ino held Sakura for a long time until she had stopped crying. Sakura lifted her head and looked into Ino’s azure eyes, “Can I still have babies in the future?” Ino nodded with a small smile. Sakura nodded, “That’s good.”
“Kakashi and Sasuke are outside waiting to talk to you.” Ino spoke slowly, clearly and as loud as she dared so Sakura could understand.
Sakura wiped her face and looked herself over, she was naked, her legs and arms covered in blood, the sheets were also stained red. “I need a shower first, and new sheets. Then you can send Kakashi in first, you can be honest with him and only him.”
Ino nodded and helped her stand up. Sakura walked into the bathroom, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, her eyes were heavy with sadness. She turned on the shower and stepped in, she let the water wash away the blood, especially the blood that flowed out from between her thighs. She washed slowly, she felt like her body was made of lead, everything took so much effort and energy. When Sakura finally stepped out, she dried herself and walked over to the bed. It had new clean sheets and a pair of black underwear and a black tank top. She went to the bathroom drawers and pulled out a sanitary napkin and slid on the underwear and the tank top. Sakura sat on the bed and pulled the sheet up to her chest.
This was a very different conversation that she had planned having with Kakashi. She took a deep breath and balled up white chakra between her palms and kept working on restoring her hearing. She was able to restore her hearing to about seventy-five percent, she could hold a conversation at normal volume. The door opened and Kakashi walk in. He closed the door behind him, and was next to her in a blink of an eye.
“Are you ok?” Kakashi sat next to her on the bed, she nodded, he kissed her forehead. “Thank the gods.”
His ebony eyes met her forest green ones, “Kakashi, I…” He cut her off, he had pulled down his mask to give her a kiss. His soft lips reminded her that he still cared for her.
“I’m happy you’re home.” His own eyes were slightly red.
“Kakashi, I was pregnant.” Sakura wanted to say it quickly before she lost her nerve.
He grabbed her hands in his, “I know, Ino told me.”
“I’m so sorry, I don’t know how it happened, I wasn’t planning on it, but now…” Sakura felt her eyes starting to water again.
“Sakura, please don’t apologize, I don’t care about how it happened.” He looked down at their joined hands, “I have dreamed of being a father for a long time, I just never thought I would be so lucky. Hearing that you were pregnant made me very happy.” He took in a deep breathe, “Then hearing that you were hurt and the baby…” He choked up, “I’m heartbroken.” Tears started to fall down his bare face. Seeing him cry made her own tears started flowing, she pulled him into her chest and the both started to sob as they embraced each other.
Sasuke paced the hallway outside of Sakura’s room. He knew Kakashi was inside with her and a pang of jealousy hit his chest. Sasuke reached for the door but was stopped by Naruto’s hand on his wrist.
“Let them have a moment. Let them mourn.” Naruto gave Sasuke a hard look.
Sasuke met Naruto’s ocean blue eyes. “What does Kakashi have to do with her baby?” Sasuke’s look of confusion changed, “Wait Sakura and Kakashi?” He looked stunned.
Naruto motioned for them to move, “Come one.” He led Sasuke to Sakura’s office to talk.
Sasuke was still holding Sakura’s pack and put it on a chair. Sasuke noticed a bouquet of partially bloomed lilies in a vase on Sakura’s desk, waiting for her return. Sasuke bristled and paced the office.
Naruto watched as Sasuke became irritated and angry, “No, you do not get to be angry and act indignant.” Naruto voice was cold emotion.
“But Naruto, Kakashi? He was our sensei? How can she pick him?” Judgement dripped from his voice.
“No! You do not get to judge her or him. You broke her heart one too many times, we were there for her every time you made her cry. She finally moved on, and you do not get to feel disappointed that she didn’t wait for you.”
Sasuke stopped pacing and looked at his blonde friend, then looked down, and spoke softly, “I pushed her away because I love her.”
Naruto became even more enraged, “No, you don’t get to do that either.” There was fury in Naruto’s azure eyes. “If you really loved her the you would have been here, you would have returned home and chosen her. She accepted you with all your flaws and your choices, she would have followed you anywhere. She was willing to be the light to guide you home, but you rejected her. You left her behind when you went on your bullshit journey of atonement.” Naruto was yelling now. “You were forgiven Sasuke, you chose to walk away. So don’t say you love her because the only thing you have ever loved was playing the victim.” Naruto stormed out and slammed the door behind him.
Ino caught Naruto on the hallway and beckoned him into her office. She closed the door behind him and walked over to her desk. She pulled out a bottle of whiskey and glasses. She poured out the amber liquid into each glass and handed him one.
“Thank you for what you said, for not letting him take her for granted. She deserves better.” She raised her glass, Naruto raised his own until they clinked, “To Sakura’s happiness.” They both downed the contents in a single gulp.
Kakashi and Sakura were sitting together in bed, He watched as her silky rose strands glided through his fingers. “You had me worried, you didn’t mention anything about your injuries through Katsuyu, and then Konohamaru told me that Sasuke was carrying you to the hospital so I rushed over.” Kakashi was sitting with his back on the wall, Sakura was between his legs laying on his chest, he had an arm around her.
“I was fine.” Sakura felt him kiss the top of her head, she breathed him in, he was so calming.
“I get here and Sasuke is holding you, you’re covered in blood and Ino disappears with you. When Ino finally comes out I could tell that she had been crying and my heart sank. She pulls me to her office and tells me everything.” Kakashi tightend his arms around her. “You don’t have to act tough with me Sakura.” His voice was soft but full of worry.
“Well I was technically fine other than my hearing and the baby.” She ended sadly. “I had spent the last few weeks in Suna and most of the trip here wondering how I was going to tell you, wondering how you were going to react, and now, it doesn’t matter.” Her voice was full of pain.
Kakashi soothingly rubbed her back, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
She sighed, “I wanted to tell you in person, it seemed too important a conversation to tell you in a letter. I am sorry, I really don’t know how it happened, it wasn’t supposed to happen, I am…”
Kakashi cut her off, “Sakura, if you apologize one more time I’m going to get very upset with you. Pregnancy tends to happen when there is sex, and we were having a lot of it.” He smiled and kissed her forehead. “Though I don’t think we can keep us a secret anymore, Sasuke, Ino and Naruto know and at least one of them has a big mouth.”
Sakura laughed lightly, “Damn Sasuke and his big mouth, he’s such a gossiper.” She looked up at Kakashi and they both chuckled weakly at the ridiculous joke.
They heard a knock on the door, Kakashi didn’t move and Sakura didn’t feel like letting him go, he was right, it didn’t really matter who knew now, she just felt him pull up his mask. Ino and Naruto came in, Naruto had her pack in his hand.
The two blonde shinobis gave each other a knowing look as they took in Kakashi and Sakura holding one another, and they smiled.
“Well you’re perfectly fine, you can leave whenever you want, you know that better than anyone.” Ino looked at Sakura. “Just take it easy with certain activities for a few weeks.” Ino winked at both of them, and caught a pillow aimed at her head. “As a doctor I just have to tell you.”
Naruto came to her said and put her pack on a chair, “Hey Sakura-chan, so does Kakashi-sensei have fish lips? Big teeth?”
Sakura laughed and Kakashi just stared at them in confusion, Ino just shrugged trying not to laugh. “Oh definitely big teeth and fish lips.” Sakura giggled.
Naruto turned to Kakashi, “Well it’s not fair, Sakura’s has seen your face.”
“Well Sakura has seen it in certain scenarios, I don’t think you want to see my face in those scenarios Naruto.” Kakashi winked at Naruto.
“Ewwe gross sensei!” Naruto looked abashed.
“Naruto why don’t you wait outside.” Ino was trying hard to keep her composure and not laugh, she was glad that Naruto had made Sakura laugh, but now she needed to talk to her and Kakashi.
“Well here’s you pack, Sasuke brought it back, you probably need a change of clothes to get home.” Naruto walked out.
Sakura sat up on the edge of the bed and Kakashi moved to sit next to her. “Ino, thank you for everything.” Sakura met Ino’s blue eyes.
“Of course. I wish you would have said something about wanting to get pregnant before you left, you shouldn’t have traveled alone.” Ino didn’t mean it unkindly, she just wished she had known Sakura had wanted to be a mother, these are things friends should talk to each other about.
“Ino, I didn’t plan on it, the birth control failed, and no one can tell me why.” Sakura could see the disbelief on Ino’s face.
“That’s impossible, it has never failed. Our method prevents the right conditions for fertility. It can’t fail, without intervention, and it takes a medic with great chakra control to manage the chakra channels for fertility.” Ino was mostly talking to think out loud, she knew Sakura understood how it worked.
Kakashi watched as Ino paced and Sakura thought, he let their words process into his mind. “So what you’re saying is that it takes chakra to connect and disconnect the channels that control fertility?”
Ino nodded, “Sakura, if you didn’t do it, is it possible that other chakra entered your system that could have caused the reconnection?”
Sakura sat, slowly nodding her head, no one had touched her with chakra, and then it hit her. She turned to Kakashi, he looked back at her confused, “The alley!”
Kakashi was shocked at the realization, he had flowed his chakra through her that night. “Oh.” He sat in disbelief.
Sakura stood up, her fist balled up, Ino stood back she had no intention of getting involved. “Kakashi you did that thing in the alley!”
“I didn’t know Sakura.” Kakashi put up his hands defensively, “I had never tried it out for that particular purpose until that night.’
“So you just decided to try some new jutsu on me?” She punched him on the arm.
“Well you weren’t complaining at the time.” He found out that was not the right answer, as she pummeled into him.
Ino let the assault continue until she felt it had gone on long enough. Ino grabbed Sakura’s arm and spun her around. “Sakura, it sounds like it was an accident, and I suggest you stop punching him if you want him to stay around for a while.”
Sakura looked at her friend in irritation, and then shook her arm free. Sakura went to her bag pulled out a pair of shorts and sandals and put them on, she grabbed her bloody clothes and threw them in the garbage.
Kakashi stood up and pulled her into an embrace, “I truly am sorry, I didn’t know and I would have never done it if I knew. Let’s go home, you need to rest.” His voice was full sincerity, he kissed her forehead. Her anger ebbed away.
“I know it was an accident, you’re right I’m tired and I want my own bed.” She put her head on his shoulder, “Take me home.”
Ino watched their exchange, they were a strange couple but they seemed very comfortable with each other. She knew Kakashi-sensei well enough to know that he had patience and he had a way with people. Sakura had melted into his arms and Ino suddenly felt like she was intruding. “Well I have to get back. Take a week off Sakura.”
Sakura started to protest, Kakashi spoke up, “Ino’s right, you’re taking a week off.” He grabbed her pack and ushered her out the door. “Thanks again Ino, and do you think you can keep this between us, we don’t want anyone to know yet.”
Ino nodded, “Yeah, no one saw you two together there’s no one but me on this side of the hospital, you can exit out the back. I’ll let Naruto and Sasuke know to keep their mouths shut.”
“Thanks Ino.” Sakura turned from Ino to Kakashi who was holding out his hand and she took it. “Let’s go.”
Her apartment smelled of dust, Kakashi walked in behind her, they took off their shoes, he put her pack on a chair. She walked to her bed and noticed that her sheets were fresh. She smiled. She heard Kakashi shuffling around her kitchen. She took off her shorts and put on some comfortable pants, Kakashi walked in with a glass of water for each of them.
Kakashi placed the glasses down, he held out his arms and Sakura walked into them. “I was going to come by and dust the place later.”
Sakura felt a lump in her throat, “Kakashi, you are being so sweet.”
Kakashi placed his masked lips on her forehead, “I just thought I would be nice, I like seeing your smile.” She chuckled weakly. “See that right there, it makes my day. You’re the most beautiful when you smile.”
Sakura buried her head into his chest4. “Let’s go to bed.”
They crawled into bed, Kakashi had taken off his pants and shirt, and held her close to him. Her back was to his chest, one hand moved to her hips. “Sakura, I am so sorry about everything.”
Sakura moved to lay on her back, she took his hand and put it on her stomach. “Kakashi, I’m not mad at you, I was shocked when I found out, I found it hard to believe, but once I had come around to the idea, I actually started having those stupid daydreams about our baby.” She turned to look at him. “I am going to be sad about not being able to meet and hold our baby.” Tears were falling down her face. “I’m going to be sad not knowing what would have become of us. Just please don’t leave me, I need you to help me through this right now.”
Kakashi felt his own eyes start to water, “Sakura, I won’t leave you, not now, not ever.” He looked down to their joined hands on her stomach, “I’m going to be sad too, If only for a moment, I also had a fantasy of our future.” Kakashi looked deep into her eyes, “Sakura, I don’t know what the future holds, and I don’t want to presume, but maybe in the future we’ll have another chance. For now let’s be sad together.”
Sakura nodded, sniffling back tears, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Just don’t let me go.”
He pulled her in tight, “Never.”
The next day Kakashi woke up to the morning sun. He turned to see the light reflecting off Sakura’s face, her hair was sprawled across the pillow, she looked so peaceful, his heart swelled with warmth. As he studied her beautiful sleeping face, he knew that he could never not have Sakura in his life. The two months that she had been gone, he had missed her so much that it made him ache with longing. He counted the days until she returned, he would re-read the letters she wrote back so many times he memorized the contents, seeing her handwriting made the longing dull.
He thought back to yesterday when he arrived at the hospital, he had arrived at the same time as Sasuke and Sakura. When Sasuke had emerged from the room, Kakashi had asked him what happened, Sasuke just told him that he had arrived at the end of the fight, and that Sakura kept repeating about a baby being ok. Kakashi had been confused about what a baby had to do with anything. Sasuke and him had waited in the hallway until Ino came out. Sasuke had been closest when Ino came out and had asked her for an update. Kakashi noticed Ino’s eyes were red, as she called him into her office. Kakashi remembered the joy in his heart when Ino had told him Sakura had been pregnant, and then the following heartbreak when he realized that Ino said it in past tense.
Kakashi was brought back to the present when Sakura shifted in her sleep, she curled up on his side, her hands moved to his chest. He could feel her breathing tickling his skin, his eyes took in the shape of her nose, her rosy lips. He wondered what their child would have looked like, he knew that the child would have been beautiful if they looked anything like her. He imagined a child with her emerald almond shaped eyes, his white hair. He let the thought pass, it was still too fresh to think of a child that was gone.
Kakashi felt Sakura’s breathing change, her hand went to her face to block the light. He smiled as he watched her squint at the invading sunrise. Kakashi moved her hair away from her face, her eyes started to open, her eyelashes fluttered as her evergreen eyes were revealed. He bent down and gave her a soft kiss on her full lips. She smiled sleepily and kissed him back.
“Good morning Kakashi.” Sakura was reveling in Kakashi’s soft kisses.
“Good morning Sakura.” Kakashi continued kissing her.
“I missed your lips, and waking up next to you.” She placed her hand on his shoulder, tracing his ANBU tattoo.
“Your letters were nowhere near good enough to replace the feeling of you next to me.” He pulled her closer to him, embracing her tightly.
Sakura wrapped her leg around him, “You wrote beautiful letters. I guess all that reading paid off.” She brushed her fingers through his hair.
“I feel a little hurt that you underestimate me, I have many talents Sakura-chan.” He kissed her nose. “I have a surprise for you, were going out somewhere I think you’re going to like, we should get dressed.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, “Why can’t we just lay in bed and cuddle all day? I don’t really want to go out.” Her voice was soft.
Kakashi cupped her face gently. “You’ll feel better being outside doing something rather than sitting here all day. There’s somewhere I need to go today anyways, you can accompany me, I may need your help.”
Sakura knew he was right, if she stayed she would just end up feeling worse. “You’re right. I just want to stay in your arms forever.”
Kakashi held her tight, “My arms will always be here when you want to be held.” Sakura’s heart skipped at his words.
Kakashi gave her one last kiss and released her. “Go get ready, I’ll be right back with breakfast.”
Kakashi got dressed and left to go down the street to get breakfast and a small lunch for later. He signaled for one of his guards to come talk to him. Raido appeared.
“Yes Hokage-sama.” He bowed and stood up ready to receive orders.
“Raido, you really don’t need all the formalities with me.” Raido stared at him with no indication of following Kakashi’s request. “Anyways, can you inform Shikamaru to fill in for me today? And there will be no need for protection today either.”
“Hokage-sama, is there a reason that I can provide?” Kakashi sighed at the honorific.
“If the elders ask tell them something came up. Shikamaru will complain but he doesn’t ask questions.” The downside of being Hokage meant not being able to just take off somewhere without people asking questions.
Raido nodded, “Are you sure you don’t want protection?”
“I’ll be fine, I’ll have a powerful companion, and I don’t want to draw attention.”
“As you command, Hokage-sama.” He was gone in a flash. He really wished his guards would loosen up, he really hated all the formalities.
Kakashi arrived back at the apartment, he heard the shower running. He went to the kitchen, he noticed that Sakura had dusted, he put the food down and put on a pot of coffee, he had bought flowers on the way back and put them in a vase on the table. There was a knock on the door, Kakashi went to open the door thinking it was Raido or a guard, instead he was face to face with Sasuke. Kakashi almost smiled at the look of surprise on the normally emotionless face of Sasuke.
Sasuke was taken aback, “Is Sakura available?”
Kakashi looked back still hearing the shower running, “She’s in the shower right now. Would you like to wait for her?” Kakashi opened the door and invited him in.
Sasuke looked around as he took off his shoes. “I just wanted to make sure she was ok after yesterday.”
Kakashi motioned for Sasuke to sit and Kakashi sat across from him on the table. “She’s physically fine, I think its just going to take her sometime for her heart to heal.”
Sasuke looked his sensei in the eyes, “So Sakura was pregnant?”
“Well yes, she was, though we didn’t know it when she left to Suna, and she hadn’t shared the news with anyone or else I would have asked the Kazekage to assign protection. You know her, she didn’t want to ask for help.”
Sasuke nodded, he did know how strong willed she could be. “You and Sakura are together now?”
Kakashi looked at his former student carefully, he wasn’t sure if Sasuke was asking to have small talk or for another reason. Also, Kakashi wasn’t sure how to answer, “Sakura and I haven’t talked about it formally, but I would say so.”
Sasuke felt a sharp pain in his gut, “I see.” The coffee kettle whistled, Kakashi stood up to turn it off.
“Would you like coffee?” Kakashi came back with a tray for coffee and set it on the table.
Sasuke shook his head, “No thank you.”
Kakashi fixed himself a cup, “Sasuke, thank you for bringing her back. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course, she’s important to me.” Sasuke saw the picture of Team 7 that rested on her mantle.
“She’s important to all of us. None of us want to see her hurt.” Kakashi took a sip of his coffee.
“I am sorry for your loss.” Sasuke studied the flowers on the table it was a mixed bouquet with different flowers and colors.
“Thank you.” Kakashi looked up when he heard her bedroom door open and Sakura walked out. She was wearing black cropped pants, a red sleeveless top, with an obi tied around her waist.
Sakura stopped in surprise, “Sasuke, what brings you here?”
Sasuke stood up, “I just wanted to make sure you were ok.”
Sakura ran her fingers through her hair, “I’m ok, and thank you for bringing me back so quickly.”
“How is your hearing? Katsuyu had mentioned that you couldn’t hear when I got to you yesterday.”
Sakura was surprised at his concern for her. “It’s almost back to normal.” She noticed the fresh flowers on the table, “Did you bring the flowers?”
Sasuke glanced at them, “No, sorry.”
Sakura saw the tray of coffee that Kakashi had brought out, “Did you want coffee?” She didn’t know what to say to him.
“No thank you.” Sasuke watched as Kakashi went to her side and handed her a cup, she looked at Kakashi and smiled gratefully. Sasuke noticed how their fingers lingered, he couldn’t help but feel that pang of jealousy again. “Anyways, I’m sure you need to rest, I’ll get out of here.”
“Well maybe next time we can have a dinner with Naruto, get Team 7 back together again.” She looked at him hopefully.
“Yeah, next time.”
"Oh Sasuke, can you come by tomorrow for a debrief of your recent travels.” Kakashi asked before Sasuke could leave.
Sasuke nodded and left wanting very much to punch Kakashi in the face.
Kakashi and Sakura had finished their breakfast, packed the lunch Kakashi had bought and were walking down the main road. Sakura was feeling very self-conscious wondering if the entire village knew about their relationship, but no one seemed to pay much attention to them other than the usual attention Kakashi got as Hokage. She felt better knowing that their relationship hadn’t leaked out.
They reached the gate and the guards on duty asked how she was doing, she thanked them for being concerned and told them she was fine.
“Well no surprise there, you are the best medic. We heard you totally beat up Hagetaka too, Konohamaru told us you barely left him breathing.”
Sakura blushed, “Oh.”
The other guard spoke this time, “That guy had beaten Kiba-senpai and Akamaru, and you took him down like nothing. You’re awesome Sakura-senpai.” They both beamed at her.
Sakura blushed even more, Kakashi interceded, “Ok, we got to get moving. Well be back tonight.” They walked away, the two guards waving at her, she gave them a small wave back.
She heard Kakashi chuckle, “What’s so funny?” She asked.
“Those boys are totally in love with you.” He loved watching her cheeks redden.
“No they’re not, but they’re right, I’m awesome.” She grinned at Kakashi.
“You most certainly are.” He smiled back at her, he grabbed her hand and kissed it.
They walked at a leisurely pace down the road. When they were far enough away from the village, they held hands and talked about their time apart. Sakura talked about all the trainings, and all the new techniques she had learned. Kakashi spoke about how boring being Hokage could be, it was all paperwork and making people happy, and then how much Naruto would burst into his office until he was given a mission. They continued sharing until Kakashi pulled her down a smaller path into the forest. After some time the forest opened to a clearing. There was tall grass and flowers through the field, beyond the clearing there was a slow moving river with crystal clear waters.
She turned to Kakashi, “This is beautiful.”
“I thought you might like it.” He took off his pack and pulled out a blanket, there was a tree nearby that provided good shade, he spread the blanket out.
“Are we stopping for lunch?” She looked around taking in the peacefulness.
Kakashi sat down on the blanket with his back to the trunk, he made space for her between his legs, she took the hint and sat down sideways laying her legs over his so she could see him and he could still wrap his arms around her. “We are stopping for the day.”
“I thought you said you had something to do that I could help with.” She pulled down his mask now that they were completely alone.
“This is something I had to do today. I did not want to go into the office and deal with anything or anyone. And you are helping because I wanted to spend time with you, and that’s something only you can help with.” Kakashi brought his mouth to hers, she wrapped her arms around his neck and happily kissed him back.
When they broke off the kiss, Sakura laid her head on his shoulder. She looked out to the field and all the different colored flowers, she listened to the running water and the birds, it was late July, but a light breeze flowing through the trees. Kakashi was running his fingers through her hair, his other hand holding her close to him. She felt at peace, it was exactly what she needed right now.
“Sakura,” Kakashi looked down to meet her eyes. “I want us to move forward together, I’m realizing life is too short.” Kakashi looked deeply into her eyes, he wanted her to see his sincerity. “I’ll be yours if you’ll have me.”
She reached up and kissed him passionately. She broke their kiss, “I want be by your side for as long as you want me.”
Kakashi felt his heart in his throat. “Then I will be with you always.” He kissed her forehead.
They spent the rest of the day watching the clouds pass by, she picked some flowers and made a crown for him to wear, which he did the rest of the day, they listened to the birds, and spent the day trying to ease their loss.
The next day, Sakura felt Kakashi getting out of bed, it was very early, he kissed her gently.
“Don’t get up, sleep. I have to go, I’ll see you later.” He gave her another kiss and slipped out of bed.
“Can’t you stay?” She was still very sleepy, she missed his warmth.
“I’m sorry, I can’t, I have meeting I can’t skip today and Shikamaru would be very upset if I left him in charge again.” Kakashi headed to the bathroom.
Sakura laid her head back into the pillows, she dozed off, she felt him kiss her good bye, and then she fell back asleep. By the time she woke up it was late morning. She laid on her back, she gently moved her hands over her stomach, and then remembered. Ever since she had found out she was pregnant, every morning she had touched her stomach in wonder of the life inside of her, and now, it was gone. She felt the tears start coming down her face and quiet sobs escape her lips. She felt a small weight jump up to her bed, she hiccupped in surprise as Pakkun settled himself next to her. She turned to hug him and cried quietly as he nuzzled her face.
When she stopped crying, she let go of Pakkun, “I’m sorry for crying all over you Pakkun.”
“Don’t worry Sakura, its ok to cry.” He bumped his nose on hers.
Sakura smiled, “Thank you for being here.”
“Think nothing of it Sakura.” He curled up by her side.
She stroked his coat until she decided she needed to get up and go to the market. Her fridge was empty.
Sakura walked through the market filling her basket with Pakkun at her heels. She had left the market and decided to take the long way home, she had bought Pakkun a treat for accompanying her and being a comfort to her in the morning. As she walked down the streets, she noticed a pregnant woman and felt a pang in her heart.
“Can I carry that for you?” Sakura turned around and saw Sasuke holding out his hand. He was in dark pants, a light top and a vest.
Sakura looked at her basket, “Oh its ok, I got it.”
“Please I insist.” He reached for the basket and she let him take it. “Hi Pakkun. It’s been a while.”
“Hello Sasuke, you sure have grown.” Pakkun politely returned the greeting.
They started walking down the main road back to her apartment.
“How are you doing Sakura?” Sasuke’s voice was full of concern.
Sakura looked down at the road, “I’m ok.” She wished her voice didn’t sound so broken.
“I’m very sorry for your loss Sakura.” He was being genuine in his condolences.
She looked up at him and nodded not knowing exactly what to say.
“Can you try again when you’re ready?” He felt a little uncomfortable not sure how to phrase the question.
“Um, yes I can have children in the future, Katsuyu and Ino healed me quickly. So I have that to look forward to.” She smiled sadly.
“I know it doesn’t offer much consolation, but I know you’re going to be a wonderful mother someday.” He smiled kindly at her.
She gave him a real smile, “Thank you. It’s too soon to think about it, but at the same time I can’t wait to be a mother, life is too short, especially lives like ours.”
“So Kakashi and you?” Sasuke glanced at Pakkun, who scowled but didn’t say anything.
Sakura blushed lightly, “I know its weird, he was our sensei after all, but he’s been amazing.”
“How long has it been going on?” Sasuke watched as her face changed, she had been so sad a moment ago, but now she had a little more life in her eyes.
“To be honest not long, we started about a month before I left to Suna, and I was gone for two months.” Sakura played with strands of her hair that fell forward.
“That’s pretty fast.” Sasuke tried to keep his voice even.
“Yes and no. He’s been in my life since I was young and I know what kind of man he is. I never thought of him in this way until recently, especially after your letter, but it feels so natural. I don’t have to question it, I don’t have to force it, we just come together.”
Sasuke nodded, he noticed they were walking past the bench where he had left her when he left Konoha. “I wonder what my life would be like if I had taken you up on that offer that night.”
Sakura stopped, she was confused until she followed his gaze and recognized the bench. “That was a long time ago. I was so naive to think you would stay only because I loved you.”
“Looking back there are so many mistakes I made and regrets I have now. I wonder what would have happened with us if I had chosen bonds of love instead of bonds of hatred? What if I had chosen friends instead of revenge? If I had chosen the light instead of the darkness? That letter was something I now regret.” His eyes looked sad.
Sakura was startled at his revelation. “What are you saying Sasuke?”
He looked down the road towards the village, “I wish I would have chosen you that night. I wish I had chosen your love.”
She narrowed her forest green eyes at him, “That’s not fair Sasuke. It’s not fair to send me that letter telling me to move on and now for you to stand her and tell me you regret it.” She scoffed, “I loved you, I chose you over and over again and you rejected me. You chose revenge over me, you chose hatred over me, you chose exile over me, you chose to walk away from me when I waited for you for years with open arms and an open heart.” She stood straighter, “Now it’s my turn to choose, and I choose Kakashi, but more importantly, I choose myself, I choose my own happiness. So don’t come to me now and tell me you want me just because you can’t stand to lose.”
Sasuke spoke softly, “Sakura, I didn’t and still don’t know how to love.”
“You never chose to learn.” She took her basket from him and disappeared with Pakkun into the trees lining the road, she wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible.
As she got closer to her place, she started to walk and bumped into Naruto.
“Sakura, I was just going to visit you.” Naruto smiled warmly at her, he reached for her basket and took it from her.
“Ah, thanks Naruto.” She knew not to protest.
“Hey Pakkun, you keeping Sakura company today?” Naruto waved at the ninken.
“Hey Naruto, nice to see you.” Pakkun answered in his usual gruff voice.
They arrived and Naruto helped her put her groceries away. She wanted a quick lunch and made a sandwich for herself and Naruto and fed Pakkun, Kakashi had left food. As they ate, they caught up with what they were doing for the last two months, he had been on a few missions, some for the village some for the Shinobi Alliance, and he had been getting more serious with Hinata. He sheepishly told her how Hinata had gotten mad because Shion had sent him a letter and Hinata had punched him with Gentle Fist leaving him unconscious for a few hours.
Sakura laughed, “Serves you right!”
“But Sakura, I didn’t do anything! Shion was inviting me to visit, she didn’t know I was dating Hinata. I was going to tell her when I responded but Hinata was so mad.” Naruto didn’t understand women at all.
“Well I’m glad you and Hinata are doing well.” She smiled as he blushed.
“I’m actually going to ask her to marry me.” Naruto eyes softened.
Sakura was in shock, this blond knucklehead was going to get married. She jumped up and gave him a hug, “That’s amazing Naruto, I’m so happy for both of you!”
“Thank you Sakura. I love her so much its almost unbearable. I can’t wait to be her husband, if she’ll take me.” He seemed so nervous but elated.
She giggled, “Of course she will, she’s loved you for as long as anyone can remember. Even when you were too stupid to notice her.”
“Yeah, I never claimed to be smart.” He laughed. “How about you Sakura? When are you and Kakashi-sensei?” He comically wiggled his eyebrow at her.
Sakura sank into her chair and flushed a deep red, “Idiot, we just started seeing each other that way. The, uh, pregnancy was a complete accident.”
“Well does he make you happy?” Naruto watched her intently.
She felt herself smile, “Yes, he makes me happy.”
“Good, but if he ever hurts you, I don’t care if he’s our sensei, I will beat him senseless.” Naruto balled up his fists playfully.
Sakura giggled, “Not if I beat you to him first.”
“Well there wouldn’t be much of him left.” He chortled, “I heard how badly you beat up Hagetaka, they’re feeding him through a tube.”
“It’s the least that could happen to him.” Sakura’s voice was sad.
Naruto took her hands into his own, “I’m sorry Sakura, I’m here for you if you need anything.”
Sakura felt Pakkun settle at her feet, she didn’t want to cry, instead she nodded. “Thanks Naruto.”
He stood up and took their dishes and washed them for her. He came back, “Hey let’s go get anmitsu.” Naruto held out his hand, she took it and he pulled her up.
They sat eating her favorite desert, Pakkun had gotten a bowl of sweetened ice that he was eating on the bench next to Sakura.
“So Sasuke came up to me today.” Sakura needed to talk to a friend about it.
Naruto looked up, “And what did he say?”
“That he regrets the letter he sent.” She licked the ice cream on her spoon.
“Oh did he? I told him to leave you alone.” Naruto put his spoon down. “I’m sorry that he is being like that, you don’t deserve that.”
“When did you talk to him?” She chewed on some fruit.
“That day at the hospital, he didn’t take it well when he found out about you and Kakashi. He told me the same thing and I got angry and told him it was too late now. You and Kakashi were together and he needed to accept that. I guess he didn’t.”
“I told him the same.” Sakura jiggled the jelly on her spoon before putting it in her mouth. “I moved on, I’m not going back.”
Naruto smiled, “Good, you deserve to be happy, and you deserve someone that loves you as much as you love him.” He kept eating his ice cream.
“How did you know about Kakashi and I?” Sakura was curious as to how Naruto knew before Sasuke.
Naruto chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his neck. “Well, I stormed into Kakashi’s office one day and caught him writing a letter to you. He was about to kill me.”
Sakura rolled her eyes, “I’m surprised he didn’t.”
They finished and went their separate ways. Pakkun followed her as she wandered around the village, she wasn’t sure what she was going to do with herself being off for a week. She started talking to Pakkun, asking about how Kakashi was when he was young. She walked without thought and before she knew it they were in front of Hokage tower. She shrugged and started walking up, she did have an official request to present now that she thought of it. As she walked in she saw Shikamaru who stopped her to congratulate her on her fight. She asked if Kakashi was busy, Shikamaru shrugged, and let her into the Hokage office.
Kakashi was in his usual uniform, with the special flack jacket, except he was wearing the Hokage hat. She giggled as she saw him, he looked up and he smiled at her.
“Hi Sakura, what are you doing here?” He straightened some papers on his desk and took off the hat.
She walked to his desk, noticed that Yugao Uzuki was standing off to his side and some of the dogs were lounging around the office. “I have an official request to make of you, Rokudaime.”
Kakashi arched his brows, “What is it?”
“Well I think it’s time we start training more medical ninja to implement Lady Tsunade’s idea of one medicnin per squad. I can work in conjunction with the academy and train young shinobi the skills necessary.” Her evergreen eyes were watching him intently.
Kakashi leaned back into his chair. “It is peace time, we have the resources and if you are willing to teach, I agree with you.”
She smiled, “Really?”
“Yes, I support your proposition, it will need approval from the Jonin council and the elders, but I doubt there would be any resistance. You just need to find a few more teachers depending on the size of your classes.” He wrote down notes for himself.
“I already have three other talented medical shinobi willing to teach, I will coordinate with Iruka-sensei on best practices for choosing the right candidates and times for classes.”
“Then it sounds like you have thought of everything, present it in full at the next Jonin council meeting.” He smiled at her. He turned to his dark-haired silent sentinel, “Yugao, can you wait for me outside and not let anyone into the office for a few minutes please?”
Yugao bowed and walked out closing the door behind her. Sakura practically ran to Kakashi and jumped in his arms.
Sakura sat in his lap as he held her, “How has your day been?” He kissed her forehead through masked lips.
Sakura breathed in his scent, “Good and bad, we can talk about it later, right now I just want you to hold me.”
Kakashi embraced her firmly, she put her head on his shoulder, he could breathe in her sweet fragrance. She felt so fragile, like he could break her if he wasn’t careful, but knew the devastating power in those perfectly manicured fingers. He saw Pakkun curl up on the floor next to them, Kakashi gave him a questioning look, Pakkun shook his head. Kakashi hugged her tighter. They held each other for a few more minutes until she lifted her head.
Sakura untangled herself from his arms and stood up. “Well I better let you get back to work before you get in trouble.” She bent down and gave him a peck over his masked lips. “What did you want for dinner tonight?”
He shrugged, “I was going to pick up take out form that place you like so you don’t have to cook.”
Sakura thought about it but shook her head, “No I need something to do, I’m getting bored.”
“Then whatever you want to make, I’m sure I’ll love it.” He stood up, took off his mask and gave her a real kiss. When he was done, her eyes fluttered open. “Gods how can you be so beautiful?” That pretty pink flush at the top of her cheeks was what he wanted to see.
“Stop, you’re being silly.” She tried to push him off.
“Really Sakura, I could just eat you up.” He started kissing her face, nipping gently as she squirmed trying to get away from him.
She was giggling as he assaulted her with kisses. “Kakashi stop, you need to work.”
A few more kisses and he stopped. “Killjoy.” He teased and let her go. “I’ll be home in a few hours. One last kiss before you go though.”
She smiled, she couldn’t deny him and gave him one last kiss. “I’ll see you at home.”
“Oh take Bull with you, he needs to stretch his legs.” The large mastiff walked up to her, she bent down and gave him a scratch between the ears.
“Ok, Bull, Pakkun lets go home.” She looked up at Kakashi, whose mask was already in its place he blew her a kiss, she giggled and blew him one back.
As she walked out, she waved at Yugao, and got a lot of looks because of Bull, he was hard to miss, unlike Pakkun who was so small he went unnoticed. As they walked back, she couldn’t help but reflect that Kakashi had called it home, he didn’t say her apartment, he said home. She felt her heart warm up at the idea that maybe without trying they were creating a home for themselves, and she realized it was what she wanted, but was it too soon to have that conversation? They had been sleeping together for a month, and then been apart for two, they had been in constant communication, so it counted right? So technically they had been together for about three months, it was definitely too soon. They had only had the relationship conversation yesterday, and with everything else, it was too soon.
Kakashi came home, before he opened the door he smelled delicious food that made his stomach growl. He entered and saw Sakura curled on the couch reading, with Pakkun as her feet and Bull laying on the floor next to her. She looked up and smiled at him, he swore time stopped when she looked at him like that.
Sakura felt her heart jolt as she saw Kakashi. She stood up and walked into his outstretched arms. “I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me too. It smells delicious.” Kakashi held on to his kunoichi until she broke it off.
“Your stomach is growling, let’s eat.” Sakura giggled as he looked a little embarrassed.
They had finished eating and were cleaning up, Sakura sighed, “So Sasuke talked to me today.”
Kakashi rinsed a dish and looked at her, “Oh? What about?”
She took the dish from his hand to dry it. “He said he regrets sending the letter.” Sakura didn’t know how Kakashi would react but she didn’t want to hide anything from him.
Kakashi watched her face, “How do you feel about that?” He turned off the water as all the dishes were clean.
Sakura put the last one away, “I told him it was too late, its unfair for him to try to take it back now.” She looked to meet Kakashi’s eyes, “I told him I moved on and that I was choosing my own happiness. I’m choosing you.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Kakashi didn’t even know he was holding his breathe until he released it relieved that she told Sasuke she wasn’t waiting for him anymore.
Sakura saw his sigh of relief, “Kakashi, I had left to Suna because I needed time away, I needed to center myself and search my own feelings about Sasuke. The pregnancy made it easier to push him out of my heart. I had a constant reminder of you and I had found myself glad that it was you and not him. Imagine if I had chosen him, I would be alone, he wouldn’t be around to raise our children, if we ever even had any, stopping by to visit every few years, I need a partner. You are here with me, you are caring and loving, and I know you will be an amazing father someday. I choose you because I know we will make each other happy.” She reached up to touch his face, he kissed the palm of her hand.
“I will always be by your side Sakura.” He took her hand in his.
“You always have been Kakashi. You have always believed in me, made me stronger, you have never doubted me, and I am grateful that our relationship has evolved like it has.” Sakura looked at him with pure adoration.
Kakashi felt himself flush as she talked, he quickly bent down and kissed her. He felt his heart beat faster at knowing she cared for him as much as he did. He didn’t know what he had done to deserve this, but he was thanking the gods for his fortune of having found someone that he could have a real future with.
“You have had a long day. Let’s go lay down.” Kakashi picked her up and took her to bed. He turned to his two ninken as he passed the living room. “Thank you for keeping Sakura company, you can go home. Have a good night.”
Pakkun and Bull nodded and disappeared.
“Thank you for leaving Pakkun, I cried all over him this morning, and Bull is so sweet. He said that you were worried about me which is why you sent him to come home with me.”
“I’m surprised Bull talked to you, he must really like you.” He walked into the bedroom and set her down on the edge of the bed. “Pakkun never minded tears, its like he can read your emotions before you know them yourself. All my ninken are very kind once you get to know them. They helped me through my darkest times. I’m glad they can comfort you when I’m not around.”
Sakura took off her clothes to change for bed. Kakashi watched as she took other her top, she hadn’t been wearing a bra and saw her full breasts, she slid off her pants leaving her in simple black panties, gods he had missed her curves. He sat down on the bed and pulled her over before she could put clothes on. She squeaked in surprise as he nuzzled his face into her breasts.
“Kakashi, we can’t yet.” She was blushing furiously.
He looked at her from between her mounds, “I’m just saying hi, I missed them a lot.” He moved his hands down her waist to her hips, “I missed this too.” his hands went lower down her thighs to her calves and back up, “And these.” His hands moved behind her to gently settle on her backside. “I especially missed this.”
Sakura couldn’t deny that she missed his touch, she wished she could just take him right at that moment. She settled by taking off his forehead protector and running her fingers through his silver hair.
“Why weren’t you wearing a bra?” He spoke from between her breasts.
“Eh?” Sakura blushed, “Well they didn’t fit anymore, and I didn’t feel like wrapping them.”
“I thought they were bigger.” Kakashi kissed the tops of each one. “Ok, I think I thoroughly welcomed them, you can get dressed if you want.”
“Well I’m so glad to have your permission.” She smirked and pulled out a green sleeping gown that fell to the top of her thighs, it had a low scoop neck with thin straps. She enjoyed the look he was giving her.
“Why don’t you wear those more often?” He started to pull of his flack jacket, then his shirt.
Sakura watched intently as his muscular torso was revealed. She missed his body so much. He took off his pants leaving him in black tight boxers. She groaned internally. Gods he was so sexy it was ridiculous.
“Sakura,”
She shook her head to rid herself of very erotic images. “Hm?”
“You’re looking like you want to do all those things we want can’t do.” He smirked.
“Well maybe you shouldn’t be so damn sexy.” She mumbled as they crawled into bed.
“We only have to wait a couple weeks right?” Kakashi pulled her in to cuddle.
“Well its not fair, you got to touch me all over and I can’t look at you.” She let the irritation drip from her voice.
Kakashi chuckled, “Well I know the look you were giving me, and when you get started there’s no stopping you.”
Sakura felt his hand fall over her stomach, the accidental touch made her remember. She sighed, he shifted and pulled her in closer.
“You ok?” Kakashi’s sounded concerned. He noticed her mood shift quickly, he wondered if he had done anything to cause the change.
She buried her face into his arms so he couldn’t see her face, and shook her head. “I’m fine.”
He pulled his arm from under her and put pressure on her shoulder so she was laying on her back as she propped himself up to look at her. She looked like she was trying very hard not to cry. “Sakura, please don’t try to hide how you feel from me.”
“It’s not that, it’s just that I had forgotten for a moment, and then I remembered.” Sakura turned too see his eyes, she could see sadness in his onyx ones.
“I can stay home tomorrow morning, I don’t have meetings until the afternoon.” He bent down to kiss her forehead.
“You don’t have to do that for me.” She didn’t want him to neglect his duties for her.
Kakashi’s eyes softened. “It’s not just for you Sakura, I need it. I lost a baby too.”
Tears spilled out of Sakura’s eyes, she nodded.
“I know our baby would have been beautiful like it’s mother.” Kakashi pulled her into his arms and settled back into bed.
“I imagined a little boy, your silver hair, your nose, your strong jaw, and my eyes.” She smiled sadly at the thought.
“I thought of a little girl, her hair, a lighter pink than yours, your eyes, your nose, your lips. She would be beautiful.”
“Sounds like you just want a replica of me, what about something of yours?”
He thought for a moment, “Well she could have my forehead.” Sakura swiftly punched him in the arm. “Ow! I’m just saying.” He chuckled as she looked very irritated.
“Sometimes you are so sweet and then you can be such a jerk.” She was not amused.
“Oh Sakura, if we ever have a little girl of course I would want her to be a little replica of you, maybe without your temper, but just as strong and beautiful as you.” He kissed her forehead, she smiled softly.
“If we ever have? Are you already planning on kids?” She teased.
It was his turn to blush and feel uncomfortable. “Well, it’s too soon to think about, but maybe someday. Anyways, let’s go to sleep.”
They gave each other a kiss good night and fell asleep in each other’s arms.
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It Started With a Gift