Sakura was signing the last of her paperwork before she could finally go home. She carried herself to the front desk and waved at Shizune, who was talking to a new trainee.
"Thanks for your help today." Shizune smiled as she patted the trainee on the shoulder before walking over to Sakura.
"Sakura, are you feeling okay? You look a little pale." She noted with a frown.
"I'm fine. A little dizzy from running around all afternoon, but nothing too bad." Sakura waved off as Shizune narrowed her eyes.
"How far are you now? Seven months? You can't be pushing yourself like this," she chided. "Tsunade would be telling you the same thing if she were here, but unlike you, she takes time off when she has to."
Sakura put her hand on her stomach and sighed. "You're right, but there's still so much to be done. The amount of paperwork I'd haveā¦" She shook her head and started for the door.
"Take the weekend off, Sakura. I know it's your husband's birthday tomorrow. Treat him to some quality time. Heaven knows he deserves it." Shizune smiled softly and watched Sakura wave as she made her way to the door.
"See you Monday!" She giggled over her shoulder before the doors closed. Shizune laughed and turned back to her clipboard, scanning the page for her next patient.
Sakura slowly made her way through downtown Konoha, smiling and waving at civilians who called out to her. A little girl ran up to Sakura and gave her a small bouquet of flowers, flashing her a big smile before running off to her mother.
As she walked, she happened to find Ino talking with Shikamaru outside the Yamanaka Flower Shop. Ino glanced up to see Sakura waving at her. Ino's smile widened as she pushed Shikamaru to the side and rush to get in front of Sakura.
"Forehead! Where are you going? You shouldn't be walking alone!" Ino linked her arm with Sakura's and walked her over to the bench outside the shop. "Ino, I'm okay! I'm not made of paper you know." She laughed and Ino gently forced her to sit down. Shikamaru shook his head and turned to leave, waving as he left.
"I'll see you later, Ino. Bye, Sakura."
Ino flipped her hair back with a smile and turned to face Sakura, who was smiling down at her swollen stomach, softly caressing it. Ino placed her hand on top of Sakura's and helped her stand.
"Ino, come on." Sakura chuckled as she leaned into Ino's arm for support.
"Let me help you home. I'm sure Kakashi-sensei wouldn't like it if his very pregnant wife was walking home alone."
Sakura sighed, but didn't protest further. Kakashi had become clingy and overprotective of Sakura ever since he found out she was pregnant. He'd accompany her on any missions and refused to allow her anything higher then a D-rank. Kakashi always had someone waiting at the hospital for her to make sure she wasn't left alone. Sakura insisted he was going a little overboard, but Kakashi never saw it that way. "I'm simply protecting what's most important to me." He'd say before kissing her forehead, effectively ending the discussion.
Sakura sighed as Ino helped her up each step up to her apartment. Once they reached the top, Sakura slung her arm out of Ino's before pulling her into a hug.
"Thanks, Pig." Sakura smiled and tightened her hold.
Ino returned the hug and gently patted her back.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Ino smiled as she pulled out of the hug and sprinted down the stairs. Sakura giggled and turned to unlock the door.
"Kakashi?" Sakura called out as she opened the door. She looked around and saw that the apartment was dark and vacant.
"Kashi?" Sakura called out once more, closing the door behind her and turning on the nearest light. The room was bathed in a soft glow as she looked around for her husband. She found nothing until she looked at the coffee table. Cocking her head, she walked over and picked up a piece of paper that had a drawing of a cherry blossom and a heart.
Smiling to herself, Sakura opened the note.
"My dearest wife,
I have gone out to check on something special. I set up a bath for you so you can relax. I'll be home soon.
Your loving husband,
Kakashi"
Sakura set the note down with a sigh and walked to the bathroom to find candles lit, flower petals sitting in a crystal bowl on the counter, and a bottle of Sakura's favorite mint and sandalwood bubble bath. She sighed as she turned on the water and poured in some bubble bath, the scent instantly calming her. She grabbed the bowl off the counter and sprinkled in the petals. After getting the water to the perfect temperature, she shut the water off and slowly sat down. Closing her eyes, she slowly felt her stress melting away.
"I wish he'd let me take care of him." Sakura mumbled to herself after a few minutes of silence. Opening her eyes, she watched the candles flames flicker softly, giving the bathroom a relaxing atmosphere.
Several moments later, Sakura heard the front door open. Sensing her husband's chakra, she tried to stand up, gripping the side of the tub and the handle on the wall for support. Kakashi opened the door as she suddenly lost her grip on the side of the tub. Gasping, Kakashi dove across the bathroom and caught Sakura by her waist.
"Kakashi," Sakura breathed out a sigh of relief as he reached for the warm towel he left on the rack by the door. He helped her out of the tub and wrapped her in the towel before bringing her body flush against himself. He placed a soft kiss on the top of her head and sighed.
"What am I going to do with you?" He mumbled into her hair. Sakura scoffed and pulled out of his hold, walking out of the bathroom and into their bedroom. Kakashi followed after her and leaned against the door way, pulling his mask down.
"How was your day?" He asked as he watched her slip into a dress Ino bought her. It was a light green fabric with pale white feathers scattered throughout.
"Busy. Shizune gave me the weekend off so we can spend your birthday together." Sakura pulled her hair out of its bun and ran her fingers through it. Her hair now reached the middle of her back. She chose to grow it out after Kakashi admitted he missed it.
"Is that right? I'll have to thank her then." He smiled as he walked up to Sakura and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his hands on either side of her swollen stomach.
"Mhmm. Is there anything you want to do?" Sakura mumbled as she sighed with contentment, leaning her head back onto his shoulder.
"I want to spend the day in bed with you relaxing. No missions. No work. Just quality time with my amazing wife." Kakashi kissed her shoulder and gently spun her around so she faced him.
"That sounds perfect." She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Kakashi caressed her back before pulling away and grabbing her hand, the coolness of her rings on her left hand still gave him goosebumps, even after three years of marriage, he could never get over the fact that this goddess of a woman was his.
Kakashi led her to the living room and sat with her on the couch. As she leaned into him, she began to absentmindedly trace shapes on his thigh.
"Is something wrong?" He asked when she paused her hand.
"I wish you'd let me do some things on my own." She turned to look at him before continuing. "Nothing is going to happen to me during my fifteen minute walk from the hospital. I appreciate your concern, but Kashi, it's too much. It's not all bad, but I need some freedom. Just for this weekend, then you can go back to being the 'overprotective dad'. Okay?"
Sakura could see the fear and concern swimming in his eyes as he stared at her. She lifted her hand and placed it on his cheek, caressing him with her thumb.
"At least let me set up the apartment tomorrow for your birthday party. Alone. I already know what I'm going to do. You have nothing to worry about. We will be okay. Go visit Gai. I'm sure he'd want to see his eternal rival on his birthday." Sakura smiled when Kakashi chuckled.
"Okay okay." He sighed and turned his head so he could kiss her palm. "You can set up my party, but don't overdo it."
"I won't." Sakura smiled and stood up, holding her hand out to him. "Come, let's get some sleep. You have a big day tomorrow."
Kakashi cocked his head to the side before glancing out the window. His eyes widened when he saw that the sun had almost completely set.
Sakura giggled and reached out for him. "Come on, my feet hurt from running around." She complained as Kakashi stood and swiftly picked her up bridal style and walked into the bedroom.
"Well we can't have that, can we?" He smiled as he closed the door behind them. Before falling asleep, Kakashi wrapped a protective arm around Sakura's stomach and pulled her close, burying his nose into her hair.
"Goodnight, my love." He mumbled before closing his eyes. Sakura sighed softly as sleep took over, her smile fading from her lips.
"Goodnight,"
