Dreams Lead Us Astray

Sakura dreamed but if she were to be asked about what, she'd not have an answer. She woke slowly and was shivering. Cold. She was damned cold. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, looking around at the bathroom. She sighed, remembering why she was in the bathtub and shivering. She rose from the tub floor right as the door flung open. She froze, half standing, half bent over with her right hand propped on the tub's edge. Her wide, shocked emeralds met a pair of crimson eyes that swirled in rage. She swallowed, wondering just what to do. Any sudden movements and she was sure that he'd break. A shiver washed over her and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth in a nervous show of emotion. She realized her mistake and began to reassemble herself mentally.

"What the hell did you do to me?!" He roared, crossing to her. She stood up fully and stepped back. Her face scrunched up in disgust.

"I didn't do shit! You came back drunk!"

"Why was I naked?!"

She stared at him like he was an idiot. "You wake up naked in your own bed and wonder why?" His hand flew at her and she managed to dodge.

"Did you fuck me?!"

Sakura paused before she barked out an angry laugh. "No, Sasuke! I didn't fuck you! I don't fuck you! YOU are the one who uses ME!"

"So help me, Sakura…"

"So help you? I've tried that! It never worked!"

"Stop fucking shrieking!" He yelled back, grabbing his head in pain. She smirked triumphantly. So, he was hung over was he? Poor baby. He moved to lean against the door and glared at her. His eyes were still activated sharingan as they scanned her body. His eyes paused over her abdomen before he froze up. His entire frame went so still, Sakura wasn't entirely sure time hadn't stood still. She shifted uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" She was glad for the towel but it didn't seem to do much.

His eyes lifted to hers slowly and he blinked. "You're pregnant."

She stared at him before she frowned. "Are you still drunk?"

"You have extra chakra swirling in your womb, Sakura."

She swallowed and looked down at her stomach. No. No, no, no. This was so not happening. Was it? No. He was wrong. He had to be. "I think you're mistaken…" She said but her voice quivered.

"I'm an Uchiha, Sakura. Not some run of the mill fool. You're pregnant. You can't be more than just barely pregnant yet the extra chakra says enough..."

Sakura wracked her brain, but seeing as how he'd done things to her so many times…the possibilities were ridiculously high. She pushed against the wall and slid down to the bottom of the tub. Well, at least she'd bought her ticket to living for at least nine more months. She didn't dare meet his eyes as the raw waves of emotions rose up and fell inside her. Did she just fail her mission? Or was this a way to complete this mission? She didn't know and she was scared out of her mind. Sasuke seemed to mirror her disbelief before he recovered.

"I'll have you examined in two weeks to be sure." She swallowed her emotions and looked up at him as he spoke.

"I'm a medic nin, idiot. I'll examine my own damn body and my own baby." She snapped without thinking. He stepped toward her before he faltered, flicking his gaze to her belly. He scoffed and stormed from the room.

"Fine. But you'll be required to be extremely careful. You carry an Uchiha in your womb. You should feel honored." The door snapped shut and Sakura stared at it.

"How can a whore feel honored?" She whispered, laying her head back against the cool tile.

…..

Sakura didn't dare to see Kakashi for the duration of the next two weeks. She woke from a dead sleep on the last day of her two week trial run. She gagged and threw herself across Sasuke's half-sleeping form and ran for the bathroom. She dropped before the porcelain basin and heaved everything and anything her body could out of her. Once she finished regurgitating everything she'd eaten in the past two days, she leaned her forehead on the cool surface. She closed her eyes and settled her hand over her stomach lightly before using the same energy she'd use to probe other women's wombs before. It was highly uncomfortable but she found what she was seeking. She withdrew her hand and stared at the floor unseeing.

"Well?"

She rolled her head to meet his gaze. She didn't have the energy to answer him and merely nodded once. Sasuke's blank expression melded into a proud and smug one. She averted her gaze.

"Congratulations, Sakura. You've earned your keep and position at my side." Sasuke stated before turning and leaving her. She couldn't feel the same about this as he did. She shoved back from the toilet slowly and washed her face. She had to see Kakashi. She needed some anchor that she could trust and right now…he was it.

Convincing Sasuke was not easy. In fact, he'd argued with her to the point he'd risen his hand to hit her before he paused. Apparently this fetus was too important to him to hurt her. It was a bitter-sweet notion. She'd stood up to him defiantly, flaunting it at him. His clan's rebirth was inside her. She had one hell of a hand to play now. He'd finally relented with the strict demand that she not use her chakra unless needed. She agreed only to get him the hell off her back. The trip to the hotel took her a while without use of her chakra. She hesitated at his door. She took a deep breath and knocked. The door opened and she didn't dare look at him as she stepped inside.

"Sakura, are you all right? It's been two weeks. I almost came to find you." She turned and looked at him; his concern stung her and moved her. Odd, it took the sensei that used to be so aloof and not seem to care too much was the one here making her feel worthy of something.

"Sasuke wouldn't let me."

Kakashi paused with an unreadable expression. "Is he on to you?"

"…not really. Even if he was, it won't matter now." She sighed and shifted before she nodded toward his bed. "Can I sit? This is…kind of…"

He nodded and motioned for her to do so. He's already sealed the door so he crossed the room with her. He, however, pulled up a chair to look at her. She sank onto the soft mattress and laughed without humor.

"I'm pregnant." She blurted without thought. Kakashi didn't move, nor breathe. She watched him carefully.

"…do you know—"

"When? No. Probably one of the times when he more or less forced me." She sighed and shoved her hair back from her face in frustration. "Doesn't matter when. I confirmed it this morning. That's why it took me a little over two weeks to come back."

Kakashi looked like he wanted to ask something but chose not to. "What did you mean by 'won't matter now'?"

"…he's going to keep me alive as long as I carry the baby. I have basically nine months to complete this mission now. If I don't…" She hung her head and stared at her hands. "He's not onto me, but I overhead him talking. He had planned to kill me when he killed you. He never intended us to work together. Not that I would, but…still. He doesn't know I overheard him, at least not concretely. He thinks he's deceiving me." She shook her head.

"Sakura, do you realize just what level this whole thing has moved to?"

"Not really." She let out honestly with a shrug. "I'm scared and not exactly thinking of a big picture here."

"If you carry…" Kakashi paused and looked away. "If you carry his baby, then you also carry a Konoha clan's rebirth inside you. If you let the baby fall into Sasuke's hands…you'll be truly killing Konoha. If you manage to keep the baby from him, he'll come after you with a vengeance that will make his hatred for Itachi and Konoha look like a penny dropped in a fountain."

Sakura gnawed her lower lip. "Gee, thanks Kakashi-sensei. I needed to have my horrible fate laid out before right here and now when I just found out I'm pregnant."

"I'm sorry if it's a hard truth to hear, Sakura. But life is hardly fair, now is it?" His voice sounded rather bitter and Sakura frowned, tucking a leg up under her.

"So…what should I do?"

Kakashi sighed and ran his hands over his masked face. "I wish I could answer that, Sakura, I really do."

"Are you mad at me…?"

"Why would I be mad at you?" Kakashi answered blandly, standing and moving to the windows.

"…I don't know but you sound pretty upset."

"What do you expect from me, Sakura? To be happy about this? To say, 'congratulations!' and shake your hand?" He'd never sounded more tired to her than he did then.

"I didn't expect anything from you, Kakashi-sensei…I just…needed you. I needed someone I knew I could trust. I'm sorry if I dumped too much on your shoulders…" She stood slowly. "I'll head back now and leave you alone…"

Kakashi rushed across the room and caught her arm, pulling her back as she reached for the door. "Sakura, no."

Sakura stood still, not knowing what to do. Her heart was flip-flopping between being hurt and angry. She'd come here wanting, in all honesty, some comfort. She hadn't expected him to seem upset and even a bit pissed at her. His arms slid around her and turned her to face his chest. She dug her fingers into his shirt and closed her eyes, inhaling his scent as it surrounded her.

"You didn't place too much on my shoulders. I'm sorry…this is just a lot for me to handle."

"You think it isn't for me?" She scoffed into his chest.

"I know. And I should be more understanding."

"I'm not asking that from you."

"Maybe not, but it's what you deserve."

"…Sakura…"

"Hmm?"

Kakashi squeezed his eyes shut, not even going there. He shook his head. "Stay with me?"

She looked up into his face. She smiled softly and nodded. "Hai…"

Kakashi led her to the bed and laid down with her. He laid on his side with her curled snugly against his chest. He held her closely and just enjoyed the moment with her. He used his free hand to run through her hair soothingly. A small sound made him still as he frowned. He leaned over and stared at her. She was asleep. Her mouth was parted slightly and the sound came again; a soft snore. He blinked before a silent chuckle rippled through him. So his little Sakura snored, did she? He moved testing how deeply she was asleep. She didn't even stir. He sighed and rolled onto his back, pulling her onto him and holding her to him. She must not have been sleeping well; not that he could blame her. He doubted he'd be able to sleep well in her place either.

Sakura slept for a few hours before she woke. She frowned, looking down at the chest she was lying on. She sat up and rubbed sleep from her eyes. She looked down through less-blurred eyes at Kakashi. He was reading Icha Icha with one arm propped behind his head.

"Morning sleeping beauty." He mumbled, thumbing a page over with great skill. She blushed and snorted at his comment.

"What time is it?"

"Hmm…five or so."

"I slept that long?" She gasped.

"Mm."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"You looked very comfortable and I couldn't resist listening to your soft little snores."

She felt her face heat up. "You heard me snore?!" She squeaked in mortification.

He chuckled and nodded. "Yes. And it's really cute. Like a large mouse. It's even better when you mumble something under your breath."

"I-I didn't!"

He nodded again with his famous eye crinkle. She covered her face with her hands. "Ohhhh…"

"Hungry?"

She opened her mouth but her stomach answered for her with a rumble that echoed in the room. She stared at him and he stared back slightly shocked.

"My, my, Sakura…"

"I-I haven't eaten breakfast today, okay?" She huffed defensively before he laughed softly and rose up. He moved to the side of the bed where the phone was at the bed-side.

"What would you like?"

Sakura smiled softly, "Ramen."

He glanced at her sideways. "Ramen?"

"I miss Naruto." She admitted. "It's the best I filler I can think of."

Kakashi nodded and lifted the phone. He ordered some room service before he sat back. He quirked a brow at the look she was giving him. "What?"

"Am I going to have to pay for this meal?"

He looked sheepish and reached a hand up to scratch the back of his head. "N-No. I can handle it this time."

"I'm holding you to that." She narrowed her gaze on him.

The food arrived in twenty minutes and they sat down to eat. Sakura inhaled the ramen with an appreciative sigh. She raised her chopsticks up between her hands. "Itadakimasu."

Kakashi mirrored her and mumbled it as well before they both began to eat in comfortable silence. Sakura moaned lightly at the food in her mouth. It was perfect. Kakashi's movements stopped as he looked at her. She didn't seem to notice as she continued to eat and made sounds of happiness every so often. He swallowed and cleared his throat. She looked up at him blinking.

"Yes?"

"Normally I'd not mind, but you seem to really be enjoying your food."

"…well, yeah…it's very good." She answered, brows furrowing in confusion.

"I can see that. You're moaning."

Her face turned brilliant red as she looked down quickly. "O-Oh…s-sorry."

"Sakura."

She glanced back up and tucked a stray strand behind her ear. "Y-yes?"

He stared at her face before he smiled at her. "You're so cute when you blush."

Her cheeks reacted instantly as they flared with a color of their own. She immediately averted her gaze back to her ramen. "Oh stop it, Kakashi-sensei…" She grumbled as she ate.

…..

Sakura felt like she was living a double life. With Sasuke, it was harsh and cruel. Often she found herself in situations where he did something that would have left her feeling that he cared for her only to realize it was only for the sake of the unborn Uchiha. With Kakashi, it was sweet and endearing. He'd sit with her curled in his lap while they planned on what to do and how. Oddly enough, talking about bringing down the rogue group was far more relaxing to the rosette than discussing simple baby needs with Sasuke. Then, as with all things, it began to fall apart on both sides. Kakashi knew things were getting down to the wire now. She may have nine months, but even so, she still had a mission to accomplish. She was feeling the strain on her of the whole damn issue. When she looked up from the bed, she knew everything was about to change by the look on Sasuke's face.

"It's time. Bring him."

It was curt and to the point. Sakura felt her pulse actually stop for a suspended moment in time. "It's time. Bring him." With four simple words, she felt her heart seize in terror. Kill Kakashi-sensei? She'd effectively ran out of time. She swallowed her emotions and donned a smile as she nodded.

"Any particular time?"

"Now."

'Shit.' She nodded and rose from the bed. She moved across the room. He stopped her with a hand on her elbow. She raised her eyes to his.

"Be sure to play your part well."

She didn't miss the threat underneath his bland tone. She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Shut up and let me go."

He removed his hand and she moved past him. It didn't take long for her make her way into the city. Although she wasn't supposed to use her chakra, she ignored the warning and flew through the landscape. She found his hotel room quickly and pounded on the door. He opened it and she looked at him unable to hide her fright.

"We've run out of time."

Kakashi stared into her wide eyes and nodded. He moved inside and grabbed his things, shoving them into his small bag and followed her. Sakura fidgeted.

"Calm down, Sakura."

"How can I?"

Kakashi pulled her to a stop and sighed. "You know we can do this."

She averted her gaze, hoping and praying her sensei was right. They moved toward the hide-out. They neared it and Sakura slowed. She stared at it, feeling dread pooling within her. She shifted to move. Her eyes widened before narrowing down as the attack happened. It wasn't anything that Sasuke had said. The Uchiha burst from the undergrowth leveling his blade infused with lightning at Kakashi. Kakashi pulled back just in time and dropped below. His hands flew into a series of symbols. Sakura realized in that moment that this was it. Sasuke's back-up would be already engaged if they were here. Nothing was going according to plan; but since her plans had yet to work out accordingly…she did something so Naruto-esque in nature. She went with it. Shifting, she waited for Sasuke's attack on Kakashi again. She lunged at both with fists powered up. Kakashi saw her attack coming and shifted, throwing himself back.

"Shannaro!" She hollered before her fist connected with the earth under Sasuke's feet. The Uchiha looked shocked briefly as he flew up into the air. He glanced back and she watched as the realization hit him. He'd been had. So he hadn't figured it out. She almost felt disappointed in the Uchiha heir. She smirked at him before moving to leap at him. Sasuke's eyes flew into sharingan before his hands made seals for his fire ball technique. A technique they both knew would be ineffective since she could dodge it. He was still focused on the baby. She could almost feel remorse for betraying him just for that. The next seconds flew by so quickly that she had no time to really process what was happening. In his moments of distraction via her; Kakashi-sensei had been utilizing his preoccupation with the rosette. Sakura watched in stunned silence as their former sensei's hand slid through Sasuke's abdomen while the sound of birds screaming in unison filled the air. Time stood still as she watched the blood spray and Sasuke's eyes widen. He looked down at his abdomen and Sakura wasn't sure why, but part of her wanted to cry. He fell to his knees, his technique dying on his lips. Sakura's hands twitched the need to heal him but she fisted them and turned her gaze to her sensei. Kakashi's face was unreadable as usual in battle. At least, mostly. She saw a cloud of rage in his eyes that he was keeping fairly well under wraps. She hardly heard the sound of nin approaching from behind. Sasuke looked into her eyes. Her lips quivered slightly at the look of pure betrayal in his eyes.

He fell forward and was bleeding out so quickly. So much blood. She knew he was dying. It wasn't hard to tell, even if she hadn't been a medic nin.

"Sakura! Now! Let's go!" Kakashi's voice cut through the din. She snapped back to herself with a gasp. Her feet moved and she was flying through the underbrush and dodging kunai and shuriken. They finally broke from the group as Kakashi grabbed her wrist and tore into the city with her. They ducked into a very busy mall and he dragged her to a hidden corner where he quickly donned a henge of a rather old man. She stared at him. He looked at her and sighed, casting a henge over her. She didn't care what she looked like as he let her carefully through the large crowd. The rogue nin scanned the crowds for them. Kakashi's pulse was so painfully obvious against her waist as he held her tightly to his side. They made it to the docks where he quickly paid for their fare across the sea. The next boat leaving was conveniently at that time. Luck was shining upon them for getting away as they boarded quickly. They were heading from Haha Island to Taro Island where they'd get a transfer to Tea Country's Degarashi Port. Sakura didn't rest until the ship was leaving the docks. She scanned over the occupants of the large ferry ship; she could tell none were of Sasuke's rogues. She still wouldn't rest until she was safely inside lands she knew better than the back of her hand. She looked at Kakashi.

"Ojii-san…I need to use the rest-room." She hinted heavily and he nodded. They found a restroom and slipped inside together, bolting the door. She'd caught a good glimpse of the younger woman he'd portrayed her as. She could easily take over for him. "You can let it go now."

Kakashi released the henge over her. He sighed and leaned against the wall in the restroom. She looked over him carefully. He looked…strained.

"Are you-?"

"Are you?" He countered before she could ask.

"…I don't know yet…" She answered honestly before sinking onto the toilet seat. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Cry." He turned his head away from her, giving her the privacy to do so. She bit down on her bottom lip. A few tears slipped quickly down her cheeks. He whispered and she wasn't sure she was supposed to hear them. "He was, after all, the father of your child."

The reminder was all it took. She steeled herself and shook her head. "No. I won't cry over him. Never again."

"I just killed him, Sakura. I just killed my student and the man who fathered your child." She could hear the bitter anguish in his voice and she rose. It wasn't her that needed to be comforted this time. She moved and wrapped her arms around him.

"You told me once before…it was never a burden I should have had to bare. Now, I want to tell you the same. It was never something you should have had to burden. And I don't want you to. We did what had to be done. You did what had to be done."

Kakashi closed his eyes and let her hold him. He sighed before he nodded and pulled himself together. "Don your henge again. We should do our best to keep them up for as long as possible. In the next port, we will change them and purchase more tickets."

Sakura nodded, stepping back. She slid her henge back into place. As they stepped outside of the restroom, she breathed deeply. She recounted the days; it'd been a good two and half months now since she'd set out on this difficult mission. She'd never dreamed of how she'd return to Konoha.

At the next port, they changed henges discretely as Kakashi had said they should. They boarded the next ship to cross the ocean for Tea Country. They were a 'married couple' returning home from their 'honeymoon'. The ship ride to Tea Country would take a day or two, depending. They got to their suite and Sakura sank gratefully onto the bed. She was so tired and feeling rather…green. And not in a good way. Traveling by ship never bothered her before. It did now. She laid down and rested her eyes.

"Once we get to Tea Country, I'll send word to Tsunade-sama through Pakkun." Sakura peered at him with one eye.

"Okay." She closed her eye again.

Kakashi moved and sat on the bed beside her. He reached to touch her stomach but stopped himself and pulled his hand back. "You should rest." He rose awkwardly and moved across the room, placing his henge back into place. She frowned without opening her eyes.

"That's what I'm trying to do." The door clicked, signaling his departure. She rolled over and looked at the empty room. "I just wish you would have stayed with me…"

Yes, I killed Sasuke. Well, no correction, Kakashi did. But at my behest. I feel like this part is moving a bit fast, but I never intended for this fanfiction to be very long. So if it's rushed, sorry. I had to re-write this chapter so many times that I finally threw my hands up and said 'fudge it! It's going up as is!'

I didn't make up Haha Island. It's really on the Naruto-verse map. Promise. I've been studying it religiously for writing this story. It cracked me up when I read 'Haha' Island.

Thank you all for the reviews, they are always appreciated. Not sure when I'll get the next one up, but I'll try! I promise!

Erika Hearken