Hello! You guys are all so freakin' nice! It makes me want to update quicker (although work and baby keep me from doing so). Here's chapter 4 and hope you enjoy!
I promised someone (I can't recall the name or find the PM in my email…SORRY!) that I would update this past weekend. I apologize to that person for my unintentional fib. My hubby decided to 'update' our computer which left it incapacitated for a few days. (sigh) Poor, non-computer-savvy hubby.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or its characters. This fic is only made for entertainment purposes and no copyright infringement is intended.
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Dream A Little Dream
Chapter 4: Scheming
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Kakashi woke up with one arm flung out of the sheets, wondering why he had an arm stuck out into the chilly air, when he realized he was uncomfortably warm on his other side. The more his brain kicked into gear, the wider his grin became as he realized why he was so hot. He glanced over to see Sakura huddled into his side as close as she could possibly get, arms wrapped around his arm and one leg draped over his. The room was cold, so it was natural to get closer to a heat source in one's sleep. Glancing at the clock, he frowned. It was only 2 AM, so chances of her still being there when morning came were slim to none. It would have been fun to see her reaction if she woke up in that position.
His prayers were answered when a wail broke through on the baby monitor in the room. He quickly feigned sleep, cracking one eye just enough to see Sakura's face. Her eyes snapped open and she blinked rapidly as her brain tried to catch up to what was happening. Kakashi watched as she glanced down at her position and her eyes widened as she practically flung herself away. He held in his chuckles so she wouldn't catch onto him.
She hurried over to the monitor and turned it off so it wouldn't wake him. He was surprised at her whispered statement. "Keep your stupid libido in check, Haruno. Just because you have it bad for the man doesn't mean you can molest him in your sleep."
After she closed the door and had padded off to the nursery, Kakashi sat up in bed with a silly grin on his face. 'Haha, this will be easier than you thought, Hatake! She has feelings for you; you have feelings for her, perfect!'
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As Sakura managed to miraculously rock and feed both babies simultaneously, she wondered why she was fighting her attraction to the Copy Nin at all. 'Oh yeah. Unlucky in love ring a bell? Sheesh.'
She wanted so badly to believe a relationship with Kakashi would work, but the man was too closed off to the world and his friends that she didn't think he even did relationships. She knew he did one-night stands and casual flings, after all she had burst in recently to see him with a woman, but she couldn't do that with him. There was too much at stake for her.
She set the babies back in their cribs and looked in on the other children before heading back to her and Kakashi's room. As she slipped back into the room and let her eyes re-adjust to the darkness, she glanced over to the bed and smiled. Kakashi had apparently made himself comfortable. He was sprawled all over the bed, arms wrapped possessively around Sakura's pillows. She shook her head in amusement as she reached out to push him over. Kakashi brushed off the first push with an unintelligible grunt. With an eye roll, Sakura pushed more firmly. Another louder grunt, but still no movement. Finally, Sakura shook his shoulder and whispered harshly. "Kakashi, wake up."
He opened sleepy eyes with a slight start. "Everything alright?"
Hoping the darkness hid her blush, Sakura nodded. How someone could look so delectable half-asleep was beyond her. "Everything's fine. But you're crowding my side of the bed and you hijacked my pillows."
"Sorry." He set her pillows back into place and scooted over to make room for the kunoichi. After granting her a sleepy smile, he was out again.
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When Sakura woke up in the morning, she wondered why she was so well-rested. She had been up with the infants two more times during the night so she should have been exhausted. Her questions were answered when she glanced at the clock. "Shit! It's 10 AM!" She bolted up and dressed in a rush before flying down the stairs two at a time. She raced into the kitchen and stopped just short of slamming into Kakashi.
"Good morning, sleepy head. I was just on my way to wake you up for breakfast." He gave her an eye crease and she started to apologize.
"I'm so sorry! I was up with the twins three times last night and I guess I just-" She stopped when a slender finger pressed against her lips. 'Don't kiss his finger. Don't kiss his finger. No matter how tempting, do not kiss that finger!'
"No worries. I know you were up and down last night. That's why we let you sleep in. That's also why breakfast is late. It took a while for these two to put together a plan." Kakashi gave another eye crease and turned to head back to where he was filling glasses for the kids.
Sakura scuttled over to the counter to peer at the food while wondering what in the world the two needed to plan. Breakfast wasn't exactly something that needed a plan, but when it came to her two teammates nothing really surprised her anymore. "What did you boys make for breakfast?" She tried for a nonchalant tone, not wanting her teammates to pick up on her doubting their abilities.
Naruto chuckled at her poorly concealed concern. "We made muffins! It may not be much, but at least it's something. We also went to the market and bought some fresh fruit."
Sakura stammered. "You m-m-made muffins?" Oh the worry! Would it never end? And then she remembered the ramen from yesterday. "What flavor of muffin?" By God, if Naruto made ramen flavored muffins she would have to kill him.
Sasuke resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "No faith. Seriously. There are two flavors. Lemon poppy seed and blueberry. And the muffins are from a mix so it would have been extremely difficult to mess them up. Even for the dobe."
"Hey!"
They ignored Naruto's outburst as Sakura turned her attention to the fruit that had already been placed on the kids' plates. The older children had a choice of either grapes or bananas while the younger ones just had bananas. Kakashi smiled at her nod of approval. "Grapes are a choking hazard for the younger ones, right?"
Sakura turned a smile his way. "How did you know?"
"I picked up a few things here and there. That and all of us who are friends with Kurenai attended one or two childbirth and parenting classes with her."
Sakura giggled at the imagery as she stepped into the living room for privacy, Kakashi following along. "Did you offend all the parents-to-be with your smutty novels?" Her playfully crinkling nose had the Copy Nin fighting a smile.
"I'll have you know I didn't crack my books open at all during the class I attended with her." He raised a haughty eyebrow and it only caused another cascade of giggles from the pink-haired woman. "You know, the class I attended was highly informative. I like to learn new things." He was hoping that explaining his actions would stem the laughter, but it only seemed to increase until she was clutching her stomach. "I really don't see what's so funny."
After a few deep breaths, Sakura smiled warmly at him. "It's cute, Kakashi really. And I didn't mean to laugh at you, but the image of you sitting in a classroom that has anything to do with being a parent amuses me."
"Why is that?" He crossed his arms, pout forming behind the mask.
"You just don't strike me as the parent type. I'm sure you'd be a great father, don't misunderstand. But I don't really see you as wanting children of your own." She hoped she hadn't offended him, but with Kakashi it was hard to tell.
He gave a shrug. "I don't at this point in my life. Maybe once I'm a little too old for the field I'll change my mind."
Sakura's brilliant brain began to churn. 'Dig Sakura! Dig for all you're worth!' "But then you'd need a serious relationship with someone, wouldn't you?"
"Yes." He drawled out slowly, wondering what she was getting at.
"You don't strike me as the relationship type either. You're too private."
Kakashi tilted his head to regard her. "I don't seem to strike you as a lot of types. And just because I'm normally a private person doesn't mean I can't or won't open up to someone. It just has to be someone I know I can trust and who has a right to know all those personal things I keep from others."
The words sent a jolt of hope through Sakura's stomach and she wanted nothing more than to be the one he opened up to. She had previously thought nothing could come of her feelings for Kakashi, but hearing that he wasn't opposed to being in a serious relationship brought all of her thoughts crashing down around her. She simply nodded and smiled as she turned to head back into the kitchen when a large hand on her shoulder stopped her. She looked at Kakashi in confusion and he lowered his head so his lips were by her ear. "I trust you, Sakura."
He stepped past the bewildered woman and into the kitchen while Sakura leaned back against the wall for support. Did he really mean it the way she thought he meant it? She hoped he did, but she couldn't shake the part of her mind that told her she was overanalyzing things and reading too much into it. She closed her eyes and took a few deep and calming breaths before heading into the kitchen herself.
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Sasuke watched his two teammates interact with interest. Were they flirting? No, just shy glances from Sakura and eye creases from Kakashi. But it was still odd behavior. He turned to see if Naruto noticed and saw the Kyuubi container grinning his idiotic grin again. Sasuke wanted to roll his eyes or bang his head on the table or just tell Sakura and Kakashi to start dating already or some combination of the three, but held his tongue and settled for looking down at his muffin and glaring for all he was worth. If muffins could die from glares, his would have kicked the proverbial bucket by now. He was still muffin-glaring, cursing his stubborn flirty friends and his meddling best friend, when Akane's little hand on his arm shook him from his stupor. "Sasuke-san, breakfast is over. Naruto-san wanted me to ask you if you were going to help him clean or glare at your muffin all day."
Oh, how he wanted to smack that best friend of his. He managed a tiny smile for the little girl watching him and patted her head awkwardly. "Thank you, Akane-chan." She rushed off to play and Sasuke scowled as he headed for Naruto. "Dobe, what is your problem?"
"What? You were completely out of it so I sent someone to bring you back to our world. I have another plan."
Sasuke did groan then. "We've done enough, Naruto. I can't take anymore plans."
"Oh, but it's a good one. And it's the last one, I promise."
The Uchiha just crossed his arms. "Let's hear it. If it's as half-cocked as your other plans, I'm out."
"We need to get the kids to help."
Sasuke wanted to roll his eyes – yet again – at Naruto's overly simple idea. "Help in what way?"
Blue eyes shone with excitement. "Get this. Kids pretty much always tell the truth or say it the way they see it, right? And Kaka-sensei and Sakura-chan are obvious about how they feel. So, if we get the kids to say something about it, maybe they'll think about it more and realize they'll make a good couple."
"Fine." Sasuke was so done with this. But there was that small part of him that wanted this to work so his two teammates could be happy together.
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Kakashi and Sakura sat on the back porch, a baby in each lap, as they watched Naruto and Sasuke play freeze tag with the older kids. Yuki and Ayao were busy in a corner of the yard, climbing on a small plastic play set for toddlers. Kakashi looked over at Sakura, who was busy tickling Makoto's tummy. He smiled widely as he watched her eyes light up every time the infant would smile that toothless baby smile. They both knew at that age, it was probably just gas, but it still looked like a smile. She was absolutely radiant. "Do you want children, Sakura?"
She frowned as she regarded the man beside her. "I told you guys last night that I don't think I'll ever have children. I would like to have them, yes. But like I said, I need to be solely doing hospital rounds and married. Neither of which are in the near future."
"You're only twenty-one. You still have plenty of time." Kakashi bounced little Hana lightly and Sakura smiled warmly at him.
"I suppose I do. It isn't unusual for women to have children into their forties now. It isn't ideal, but possible." She studied the little boy in her arms for a moment longer. "I really do want kids someday. Just look at this." She swept an arm to indicate the yard and the children playing. "We were going on missions, trying to rescue a teammate and fighting evil villains at just twelve years old! Having kids would give us a chance to feel innocent and young again. Not only that, but just…can you imagine how wonderful and fulfilling it must be to have someone love you unconditionally, faults and all? Or to raise these little people that you had a hand in creating and watch them grow into great people? It must be wonderful and I want to experience that."
Kakashi could only nod. "I guess it would be great, when the time is right."
A loud scream pierced the air and their heads whipped around to look into the yard, where Sanosuke was sitting in the grass, his leg bent at an awkward angle. Sakura handed Makoto to Kakashi who was hot on her heels as she raced over to the injured child. "What happened?"
Naruto was wringing his hands in concern and Sasuke was wide-eyed. "We were playing tag. That's all I know, I didn't see it happen."
Sakura knelt down by Sanosuke's leg. "Sanosuke honey, I need you to look at me. Look up at my face, sweetie." The little boy looked up with frightened eyes as he continued to cry and holler. "I can heal your leg, but I need you to calm down, okay?"
Kakashi looked at the leg and noticed Sakura's hand was already glowing with chakra as it hovered over the break. It was out of line, though. She'd have to set that before she could really heal it. He could only guess that's why she was trying to get his attention.
Sakura finished numbing the leg, but she still didn't want Sanosuke looking at it. "Hey Sanosuke, do you want to see a magic trick?"
Since his leg was numb and he wasn't looking at it, his yells had stopped but he was still crying as he nodded at the medic. Sakura set the leg quickly while he wasn't paying attention and finished healing the break. "Okay, I can show you a really cool magic trick." She pulled the little boy into her lap and looked at a cut he had just above his knee from the fall.
"You see this cut?"
A nod.
"Watch." She placed a glowing hand over the cut and counted. "One, two, three!" She removed her hand to show a perfect knee once again. "Not only is your broken leg healed, but your cut is gone also."
Sanosuke turned in Sakura's lap so his head was on her shoulder as he continued to cry softly. Sakura rocked back and forth. "I know, sweetie. It was scary, wasn't it?"
He nodded into her shoulder as he struggled to catch his breath. "Come on. Let's go get you cleaned up." Sakura stood with the four year old and headed into the house.
Naruto rubbed at his face as his pulse returned to its normal rate. "I'm so glad, Sakura-chan was here. I was about to panic."
Sasuke merely nodded and continued to observe Kakashi, who seemed slightly off as he stared in the direction Sakura had just gone.
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Kakashi entered the house to find Sakura sitting on the couch with Sanosuke in her lap, reading a book to him. Sakura looked up and smiled tiredly. "Hey. Where are the others?"
"I left Hana and Makoto with Naruto and I think Sasuke is gathering the other kids to come inside for a while." He sat next to the two on the couch. "How are you feeling, little man?"
Sanosuke gave a tiny smile as he spoke quietly. "My leg still hurts a little."
Sakura ruffled his curly hair. "It will be sore for a day or two. But much better than the weeks it would take to heal without a medic, right?"
The little boy yawned and Sakura stood up with him. "I think you need to lie down for a while. It's been a busy afternoon." She settled him in and Sasuke and Naruto put the others down for naps as they filed into the house.
Sakura was leaning back on the couch with her eyes closed as she felt warmth seep into either side of her and on the front of her legs. She smiled and opened her eyes to find her boys surrounding her. Naruto and Kakashi were leaning against her sides and Sasuke was situated on the floor leaning against her legs. "What are you guys doing?"
Naruto ignored her question. "I'm so glad you're here with us, Sakura-chan. That was scary."
Sasuke shook his head and Sakura giggled slightly as the strands of his hair tickled her legs. "You've seen countless battles and injured comrades, but a broken leg scares you?"
"Shut up, teme! A grown shinobi and a four year old little boy are two entirely different things."
Kakashi silently snuggled into Sakura's side more and she smiled widely. "I'm tired, boys. Let's just nap for a little while here."
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Sakura woke up with that warm and fuzzy feeling. Naruto had moved away from her, probably because he got too hot. Sasuke had shifted so he was lying on the floor, but Kakashi was still propped against her side with one arm spread across her lap. Sakura was enjoying it, but she really needed to get up. It was time to wake the kids and check on Sanosuke's leg.
The arm across her lap moved to her waist and tightened in a semi-hug. "Are you awake?" Kakashi's deep voice gained a smile from the kunoichi.
"Yes. And I think it's time for everyone else to wake up as well."
The arm around her waist tightened a little more as he gave a groan of disappointment. "I'm comfortable", he whined.
"Don't complain. You're a big boy now." She ruffled his silver hair slightly and watched with barely restrained laughter as he lifted his head to glare at her. "Besides if we don't get the kids up now they'll be up late tonight and I need to check Sanosuke's leg."
"Fine, fine. I'll wake up these two."
Sakura giggled as she watched Kakashi somewhat gently kick at her boys to wake them up.
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Naruto and Sasuke were playing with the kids in the playroom while Sakura and Kakashi prepared dinner. "You know, this is probably the only time we'll have all of the kids together with just the two of us."
Sasuke nodded at Naruto and realized the game he was playing. "I know. If we're going to recruit these kids into our mission, we'll need to do it now."
Sanosuke's head snapped up. "Mission? What mission? Will we be like ninja?"
Naruto grinned conspiratorially at the little boy. "Very much so. Do you all like Sakura-san and Kakashi-san?"
Several emphatic nods were the response.
Naruto continued. "Well, they like each other. As in like like. You know, boyfriend and girlfriend like. But neither of them knows that the other likes them. So we were hoping you guys would help us in getting them to admit it."
Keisuke made a face like he was disgusted. "Girls have cooties."
Akane took offense with his comment. "You be quiet, Keisuke-kun! Girls do not have cooties and boys are yucky!"
Sasuke put up his hands to stall the impending fight. "That's enough! No one has cooties and no one is yucky." He looked to the ceiling, wondering how a shinobi with elite abilities such as his, was stuck talking about cooties and who was yucky or not. "Look, we need your help. Are you in or out?"
Sanosuke was grinning, a grin that eerily reminded Sasuke of Naruto's scheming grin. It wasn't a good sign. "I'm in. What do we do?"
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Dinner and bath time had sped past and the ninja were grateful. Even though the kids were well-behaved for the most part, it was still a tiring job to take care of them. They were getting ready to usher the kids into their rooms when Keisuke made a request. "Hey, could you tell us a story about one of your missions for our bed time story?"
Akane's eyes brightened. "Yeah! One with a pretty princess and love!"
Sanosuke pitched in his two cents. "Ooh and pirates!"
Naruto was laughing heartily. "We didn't have any missions that contained all of those things! It sounds like it would have been a fun mission though."
With a pout, Sanosuke looked to Sakura. "Could you guys make one up?"
That pout, the dimples, the curly hair. Sakura was powerless to refuse. "I suppose we could come up with something."
Akane settled herself on the couch, teddy bear clutched to her chest. "Can you act it out?"
Sasuke shrugged. "I don't see why not."
Ayao gave a shy smile as she wandered away from Sanosuke's side and went over to Sakura, playing her part perfectly. "You the princess." Sakura grinned widely at her boys mouthing 'so cute' about Ayao's imperfect toddler speech. The little one pointed at Kakashi and said, "prince" quickly before rushing back to Sanosuke.
Kakashi chuckled and moved Yuki from his lap to the couch next to Akane. The little girl gave a tiny whine at being separated from her new best friend, but calmed down when Akane let her hold that beloved teddy bear.
Naruto and Sasuke were cast as pirates and the story unfolded as each one took a turn telling part of the story. At the end, the prince and princess of course lived happily ever after and the pirates had turned good after seeing the error of their ways. Akane chimed in at the end. "Hey, the prince and princess need to kiss! It's how all good fairy tales end!"
Sakura gave a nervous glance to the jounin next to her. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Kakashi gave her an eye crease. "You know, she's right." When Sakura just looked at him in disbelief, he sighed. "Quick and on the cheek, alright?" Sakura could deal with that and gave a nod. With a bright blush, Kakashi and Sakura quickly and lightly kissed each other on the cheek. There was a chorus of 'ooooh' and the two chuckled as they pulled back.
Naruto exchanged a glance with Sasuke that spoke volumes of how proud he was of himself.
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As the two slipped into bed that night, Kakashi's genius mind was conjuring up new ways to let Sakura know his intentions. He didn't want to just come out and say it; partly because he didn't know what to say and partly because he knew whatever he did say would come out wrong.
Sakura, on the other hand, had to know what was going on. Kakashi had been acting strange and she couldn't allow her imagination to run wild. It would get her hopes up and that was a dangerous thing. She glanced at the handsome man next to her, his back facing her as he lay on his side. "Kakashi, what is going on with you? You've been acting weird today."
When no reply came, she carefully leaned over to see his face and frowned when he appeared to be asleep. "Shoot. Don't play with my emotions, Hatake. I can't take it if you're not serious. I'm in too deep already."
After she settled back and began to fall asleep, Kakashi's eyes cracked open and a smile spread on his uncovered face. 'Soon enough, Sakura.'
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A/N: I want to thank equivalent exchange who gave me the idea to include the kids in the scheming. I hadn't even considered the idea, but once it was mentioned I really wanted to include it. So, THANK YOU! Hope you all enjoyed and if it's not too much trouble, please review! Hugs & Kisses!