Just some very minor adjustments.
I DON'T OWN NARUTO
Traditions Chapter 21 – Full Circle
As the group processed the information they had just been told the hospital room was eerily quiet. Tsunade and Yoshino were beginning to worry. Gradually the group came out of their shocked states only to hear Sakura mumbling to herself.
"We wanted to wait. We aren't ready for this. He isn't even here. When will he get back? What if he doesn't come back?"
"Oh, shit, she is panicking. Hey, forehead, snap out of it." Sakura looked at Ino as if she just noticed her. "Okay, parents and soon-to-be grandparents you go out and celebrate. Chouji, can you go and pack at least an overnight bag for me and you?"
"Why?"
"Because we are going to stay with Sakura until Shikamaru comes back. When is he scheduled to get back?"
"No later than six months which means he will be back about one month before the baby is due." Tsunade answered.
"Okay, so that means we are going to have to move in. Let's go everyone out. Chouji, I will meet you at the house."
As Ino ushered everyone out of the room, the atmosphere transformed back into one of celebration; at least for the soon-to-be grandparents.
"Well, Sakura let's get you dressed so we can get your vitamins and make that doctors appointment."
"Ino, thank you." Ino smiled and was then wrapped in a huge hug bu a now sobbing Sakura. Ino hugged back for several minutes before disengaging herself and guiding Sakura into the bathroom so she could get changed. A hormonal Sakura, this is going to be fun.
The group that had left Sakura's hospital room sans Chouji headed for Tsunade's office in the Hokage tower. Tsunade and Yoshino chatted happily about babies and how best to spoil them. The men were still slightly shocked but Shikaku had a very smug grin on his face. He was imagining how much fun a grand child would be.
"You know I think I am going to enjoy this grandparent thing."
"I figured that out when I saw the nursery already furnished in the new house."
"That was Yoshino. She insisted we do that right away. It was supposed to give the woman an idea of what could happen and help her settle in." Kakashi laughed.
"Sakura saw the room and had a fit. In fact she and Shikamaru decided it would be better to wait a little while before having children."
"Well that explains why Sakura was panicking."
"Yep, how do you think Shikamaru is going to take it? If this mission lasts as long as it is supposed to, he will be getting quite a shock when he gets back."
"He will be fine." Shikaku said, wishing he felt as confident as he sounded.
Sakura stared at the wall before she slowly began to get dressed. As she dressed she thought about the tiny life now residing within her. I can't believe Shika and I created something as amazing as a new life. It is so wonderful but it scares me too, especially with him so far away. But I have Ino and Chouji, and then there is Tsunade and Kakashi as well as his parents; hopefully I can get through this. Taking a deep breath Sakura emerged from the bathroom with a smile on her face. She realized that, although Shika wasn't here, she had enough love and support from her friends and family that she would get through this – no matter what.
Ino was waiting for Sakura to come out of the bathroom and had not expected to see the huge grin on her face when she did.
"Ino! I'm pregnant!" Sakura practically screamed when she saw Ino waiting for her. Ino grinned widely and shot forward to give Sakura a huge hug.
"I am glad you think this is a good thing."
"It really is. It is a little sooner than either of us expected and I really wish that he was going to be here, but I know that with everyone's support I will be fine. And I can't wait to see Shika's face when he comes home and sees me."
Ino laughed and nodded her head in agreement. "Well let's go we have to meet Chouji at your house."
Sakura and Ino made their way through the hospital and to the pharmacy chatting happily about pretty much anything. They bumped into Hinata on their way there.
"Hi, Hinata, how are you?"
"Fine, how about you Ino?"
"Good. Sakura and I are headed to the pharmacy. Would you like to walk with us?"
"Sure. Why are you headed there?"
"Tsunade-shishou gave me some prescriptions I need to have filled."
"Are you alright?"
"Yea, I am fine Hinata, it is just some vitamins."
"Okay."
"So, forehead, did you have a particular doctor in mind?"
"Um, no, I really hadn't thought about it. Do you recommend one?"
"What makes you think I would know a doctor for you to go to?"
"Well…" Hinata had tuned out the other two's conversation while she tried to figure out just exactly what they were talking about. After piecing the conversation together in her head Hinata discreetly activated her byakugan and to confirm her suspicions. Ino and Sakura turned to Hinata when they heard the young woman gasp softly to find her staring at Sakura with her byakugan activated.
Looking up at Sakura Hinata spoke, "Sakura, you are pregnant?"
Smiling a little Sakura nodded her head as an answer.
"Does Shikamaru know?" Sakura's face immediately fell and tears gathered in her eyes. As she was gathering herself to answer Hinata's question the pharmacist called her name and she turned around instead. Hinata then turned to Ino for some sort of answer.
Ino obliged, "He left this morning for a mission that could take up to six months."
"Oh, how far along is she?"
"About eight weeks according to Tsunade."
"Well, at least he should make it back in time." Ino nodded as Sakura turned with all of her pre-natal vitamins to see Hinata smiling.
"Congratulations Sakura."
"Thank you, Hinata."
"So have you told Naruto yet? I bet he would love to find out he is going to be an uncle." Hinata said as the group started to walk again. Sakura froze in her tracks and the color drained from her face.
"Oh, kami, he is going to have a fit. How am I supposed to tell him?"
"Well, at least Shikamaru isn't in the village." Sakura and Hinata quirked eyebrows at the comment and Ino shrugged. "This way Naruto won't be able to try and kill him." Nodding the group continued on their way to the doctor's office.
After having successfully scheduled her appointment for later that week the three girls left the hospital and continued their discussion on the way to Sakura's house. As they walked through the village the smells from Ichiraku's reached Sakura's nose and she decided that she really needed some ramen at that very moment. Hinata and Ino followed Sakura's lead each silently wondering two things – first about how bad these cravings were going to get and imagining the many different types of snack runs they were going to have to do and second whether or not Sakura had realized that Naruto usually spent his free afternoons glued to a stool at the same ramen stand they were on their way to.
Shikamaru sat huddled in a cave with one other member of his current ANBU team. Miserable was the one word Shikamaru would describe his situation, not just troublesome, but miserable. Tsunade sent him on a reconnaissance mission that had almost no potential of seeing any conflict whatsoever. So he was sitting here in this cave trying to figure out a way to get himself through, not only tonight, but also the entire remainder of the mission. On top of all of this he missed Sakura. He understood that with their profession it was impossible not to expect to be separated from her for long periods of time; however, he didn't realize it would be this difficult. Sighing Shikamaru laid down trying to get some sleep, but he could not shake the feeling of something going on he should really know about.
Solely focused on obtaining the ramen she was currently craving Sakura settled onto the stool and waited to be served. Naruto, however, noticed the second Sakura sat down and tried to get her attention. Not realizing that anyone was talking to her Sakura began giving Ayame her order. Naruto sputtered and stopped talking all together as he heard the amount of ramen Sakura was ordering. Naruto turned when he heard Ino and Hinata laughing behind him.
"What's going on? Why is Sakura ordering so much ramen? Even I can't eat that much."
"Apparently she cannot decide which flavor she is craving." Ino answered as she shook her head at her friend just as Sakura finished giving her order. She settled down to wait for her order and finally realized that Naruto was sitting next to her.
"Hey, Naruto, when did you get here?"
Really confused now, Naruto answered Sakura. "I was here when you got here, Sakura. Why did you order so much ramen?"
Sakura shrugged her shoulders before answering. "I couldn't quite decide which one I wanted. At first I thought I wanted shrimp, and then chicken, but then beef sounded awfully good, so I decided to order them all."
"But will you be able to eat all of them?"
"Yeah, Tsunade-shishou said I should start eating a little more now that I am eating for two." Sakura turned back around as Ayame brought her order up to her, and she paid before turning to leave. As Sakura turned Naruto was still trying to figure out what she meant by eating for two.
"Naruto, we are all going to hang out at Sakura's do you want to come?" Hinata asked hoping to bring him out of his reverie. Naruto nodded his assent to Hinata. He turned to pay and then followed the girls down the street. Ino and Sakura began to chat about things for the baby.
"So I heard that Shika's parents had a nursery put in the house and fully furnished it."
"Yeah they did. I saw it for the first time and totally freaked out because I hadn't even thought about the possibility of children. Now I need to go and take a better look at it. Although if the rest of the house is any indication I won't be surprised if I didn't change a thing."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I am not sure who actually picked out the furniture, but it is very tastefully done and I really like it. There is a guest room that I think you and Chouji will absolutely love. It has a double bed a chest of drawers and an armoire. Not to mention its own bathroom that way you don't have to go down the hall at all."
"That sounds wonderful. This way Chouji and I can see what it is like to live together."
"Sounds like you are thinking of settling down." Ino blushed and nodded. Hinata smiled at her two friends before turning to Naruto to see how he was doing. He was walking along with them but still completely spaced out. Hinata bumped him with her hip trying to get his attention. He looked down at her and smiled slightly.
"Naruto, what's wrong?"
"I am just confused that's all. Hinata-chan, what did Sakura mean by eating for two?" Hinata's eyes widened slightly in surprise but they softened almost immediately. So that's why he didn't flip out, he didn't understand what she was talking about.
"Well, Naruto-kun, Sakura meant that from now on she has to take care of more than just herself."
"But why? The only reason she would have to do that is if she is…SAKURA, YOU LET SHIKAMARU GET YOU PREGNANT?!!!!" Naruto screeched causing Ino and Sakura to turn around and stare at him. Poor Hinata was staring at the ground next to him afraid to look at Sakura.
"Naruto, could you please not shout out my personal business to the entire village. Besides I didn't let Shikamaru get me pregnant, as I recall I was a more than willing participant." Ino coughed trying to cover her laughter while Hinata was having trouble hiding a sly smile.
"B-b-b-but how, Sakura-chan?"
"Naruto, I know you were an orphan but hanging out with Jiraiya-san should have taught you something about this type of thing."
Naruto puffed up his chest. "That's not what I meant. Of course I know how it happened. What I meant was why."
"I don't know Naruto, maybe because he is my husband?" Sakura said before she turned and continued to walk towards her house. Naruto still slightly shocked over the news stood there as he watched the girls walk away. Just before they turned the corner Sakura, Ino and Hinata heard Naruto shout. "I'm going to be an uncle!" The girls shook their heads and smiled as they continued on their way.
Four weeks had gone by since Sakura found out that she was pregnant. It wasn't quite obvious yet but she could start to see a small bump forming. She had continued her routine pretty much without any changes except that Tsunade-shishou took her off the mission roster. The doctor she was seeing was wonderful and she couldn't wait for her next appointment – she absolutely loved seeing the way the baby was developing. Ino had taken to going with her to her appointments; it was nice to have the moral support.
Sakura was going through her katas warming up for her katana lesson with Tenten. She had talked about it with Ino and Hinata and had decided to keep her pregnancy a secret until she was into her second trimester, which she was now. She was looking forward to telling everyone about it. Sakura turned around when she felt two people approaching the training grounds. When Neji and Tenten came into view in the clearing Sakura smiled and greeted them.
"Hey you two."
"Hey, Sakura how are you today?"
"Good Tenten, but I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"I know that we decided to start sparring full out with the katana but I can't take a chance of getting injured so I was wondering if we can continue training the way we have been."
"That's fine Sakura, but is everything ok?" Sakura could see Neji smirking and realized that as soon as she had mentioned something was wrong he had activated his byakugan. Well, he knows.
"Everything is fine Tenten; it's just that I don't want to chance hurting the baby when we spar."
"Oh, if that's all then no problem. Wait, baby?" Tenten asked as she gaped at Sakura who at this point in time was smiling as she nodded her head.
"Sakura, that's wonderful, but Shikamaru has been good for over a month. How? Who?" Neji shook his head at Tenten.
"Sakura is just over three months pregnant Tenten."
"Oh, wow, that's even better. I can't wait to meet the little one. How have you been feeling?"
"Good I haven't had any problems. I feel great and the doctor said everything is coming along nicely I just wish Shikamaru was here."
"When is he due back?"
"Not for another few months. He should be back about a month before the baby comes."
"Well he is going to get one big shock when he comes back."
"Tell me about it."
After sparring Sakura had lunch with Neji and Tenten and they talked about things some more. Sakura excused herself from the lunch because she had to take Mimei to the Inuzuka's; she has been acting kind of weird as of late. Sakura happily walked along the road to the Inuzuka's with Mimei in tow. Mentally she ticked off all of the things she had to do in her head. After the Inuzuka's I was going to see if I could find Lee and Shino, the will be the only ones who I haven't told. Then I get to relax for the rest of tonight.
She approached the gate and found Akamaru bounding up to greet her.
"Hey, boy, how are you? Is Kiba around?" Akamaru barked in response and led Sakura and Mimei around to the back of the house. There she saw Kiba chatting with Hana surrounded by a bunch of puppies.
"Hey Sakura, let me take a look at Mimei and you chat with Kiba." Hana said as she led Mimei inside the compound. Sakura turned to Kiba who was staring at her expectantly.
"What?"
"When were you going to tell me?"
"Huh?"
"Sakura, I can smell it."
"Oh. Well, actually I was going to tell you now. I just passed the first three months so I am kind of spending the day making the announcement to everyone." Just as Sakura finished her explanation Kiba wrapped his arms around her and spun her around.
"Congratulations! So did Shikamaru faint when you told him?"
"Um, well, he doesn't exactly know yet."
"What do you mean? Why are you telling other people before him? He is going to be so mad at you."
"Wait, no, Kiba you don't understand. He isn't in the village. I found out the day he was sent on a six month mission. He won't be back for another five months."
"Oh, that sucks. Well, if you need anything let me know."
"I will thank you." Sakura said as she hugged Kiba. Just as they parted Hana came around the corner with Mimei trotting along behind her.
"Sakura, you said that Mimei hangs around with Kakashi's pack a lot right?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"Well, you might want to have a conversation with him because one of them is going to be a proud papa." Sakura stared at Hana for a good thirty seconds, and then started laughing. Hana looked at her brother trying to figure out what was so funny. Kiba smirked.
"Mimei isn't the only pregnant female in the Nara household." Hana blinked then turned to Sakura and squealed as she hugged the younger woman. Kiba winced at the sounds being emitted from the two females but smiled anyway. Sakura said her goodbyes and walked away with a new goal in mind – find Kakashi.
Knowing exactly where he would most likely be at this time she wandered towards the more social part of town. Finding the establishment she was looking for she entered and scanned the room for a familiar group of ninja. Spotting them in a corner booth she sauntered over and stopped before the table putting a hand on her hip and glaring at the copy ninja. Kakashi, who had seen her walk in nodded his head in greeting.
"You have some explaining to do mister. I just came from the Inuzuka's because Mimei had been acting weird to me and do you want to know what I was told?" Kakashi shrugged. "Someone is going to be a father." At her last statement Kakashi choked on his drink while the others at the table (Genma, Gai, Anko, Kurenai, and Yamato) began to laugh.
"Sakura, what are you talking about?"
"It never even entered my mind that I would have to worry when I let her hang out with you, but I just can't believe you would let this happen." At this point in time the entire table was laughing so hard that Sakura had a really difficult time keeping a straight face. She really wasn't mad but she thought it would be fun messing with him a little bit.
"The only other question I have is which one?"
"Which one?"
"Yes, Kakashi, which one of your dogs got mine pregnant?" All of the sudden Kakashi realized what was going on and shook his head.
"I don't know Sakura, but I can find out for you."
"Thanks, Hana said it would be good to know. I will see you later, Grandpa; I have to find a few other people - today is announcement day." With that said Sakura turned and left leaving Kakashi to make the announcement to his group of cronies.
"Why did she call you grandpa?" Gai asked. Kakashi turned to his friends wondering how and why he consistently let Sakura do this to him.
"Because I will be one soon."
"Kakashi isn't that getting just a little ahead of yourself."
"Yeah, Shikamaru hasn't even been in the village for the last month."
"I know and Sakura really misses him. She doesn't want to go through this by herself." The guys, still slightly confused grabbed their ears as Anko and Kurenai squealed in delight.
"I can't believe it happened so quickly. Did she tell Shikamaru?"
"No, she didn't get the chance, but Ino moved in with Sakura in the meantime, I think she drug Chouji along as well."
"Well, at least she has support, when is the baby due?"
Yamato interrupted at this point still slightly confused. "Wait are you saying that Sakura is pregnant?"
"Yes, she is due in about six months so he should be here for the last month or so."
Sakura was practically skipping down the street, she had just told Shino. Unfortunately, Lee was away on a mission so she would have to wait to tell him. As she got home she could smell Chouji's cooking. That was definitely something she was going to miss when Shika got back and they moved out.
Shikamaru sneezed again. He was getting tired of all of this sneezing. He didn't feel sick and it wasn't exactly compromising the mission, but still it was getting annoying. Besides every time he sneezed he got this feeling that something big was going on in his life. Oh well, he had to pay attention, technically it was his watch.
Sakura's life had become somewhat routine, even slightly boring. That is until her most recent doctor's appointment. Ino had gone on a short mission so she was by herself, but she didn't mind. It was definitely obvious that she was pregnant now which was slightly surprising, she was still fairly early on. The doctor checked her vitals and other things and then drew some blood just to make sure everything was okay. It was when the doctor was looking at the ultrasound that Sakura got a surprise.
"Well, Sakura like I said everything seems to be fine although you have gained more weight than is expected. I want to take a look with the ultrasound." Sakura nodded and braced herself for the initial shock of the cold gel on her stomach. "Well the baby looks good. Wait a minute."
"Is everything okay?" Sakura said the worry seeping into her voice. This just had to happen on a day when Ino couldn't make it.
"Yes, Sakura everything is fine I just found the reason you are gaining so much weight so fast that's all." Sakura looked at the doctor confused and still slightly worried. "As I said before you are gaining wait at a faster rate then expected for someone having a baby. However, not for someone who is pregnant with twins." Sakura just stared at the doctor for two full minutes not really sure she had heard the doctor correctly.
"Did you say twins?"
"Yes, the one baby was blocking the view of the second but if you look closely you can differentiate between the two in the ultrasound. Now this doesn't change much at all but we will need to adjust some things. I want to decrease the time between your visits. Also you will have to monitor your weight and what you eat closely. Most women carrying twins look like they are two months farther along then they actually are. I recommend going shopping soon because you are going to find yourself needing maternity clothes sooner than expected also you are going to have to remember you need two of everything now. Do you have any questions?"
"No I think you covered it. Thank you." Sakura nodded to the doctor before she began to get dressed.
Still shocked from the news, Sakura made her way through the streets of the village to meet Yoshino for lunch. They have been doing this a lot lately since Shikamaru was still away. She knocked on the door lightly before entering the house.
"Sakura, I am in the kitchen, come join me." Sakura walked into the kitchen and began helping Yoshino prepare the lunch.
"How was the doctor's appointment?"
"It went well, I got some surprising news."
"Really?" Shikaku said as he walked into the room. "What would that be?"
"The doctor explained to me why I am gaining so much weight. I am having twins, so she said I should expect to look like I am two months farther along than I really am." Sakura said rather nonchalantly, but only because reality hadn't sunk in yet. Yoshino squealed and Shikaku hit the floor. Sakura immediately went into medic mode but couldn't get close enough to Shikaku because Yoshino wrapped her in a hug. After being released Sakura woke her father-in-law and the three sat down for lunch.
"Well, this is quite a surprise isn't it?" Shikaku said still trying to comprehend things.
"Yes, it is. In fact it has been a day of surprises. I found out earlier that Mimei is having puppies, so it will be a very full house soon." The two elders nodded. After the meal Sakura asked Yoshino where she had gotten the furniture from the nursery explaining that she wanted everything to match. Yoshino had offered to take her and buy her another set and Sakura agreed telling her that she was going to go shopping for maternity clothes with Ino tomorrow and invited her to come along.
Sakura walked home still slowly coming to grips with the situation. When she reached her house she found Kakashi sitting on the porch.
"Hi, come on in." Kakashi followed Sakura into the house. "Did you find out which of your dogs is going to be a father?"
"Yeah and we definitely need to tell Hana."
"Why?"
"Because it's Bull."
"Wow they are going to be some big puppies."
"Yeah. Is everything alright Sakura? You seem a little out of it."
"Sorry, just still kind of shocked about what the doctor told me today."
"What happened?" Kakashi asked now worried for Sakura and the baby's sake.
"Nothing bad, she just said that I was having twins, that's all." Crash – Kakashi hit the floor. Sakura sighed what is it with guys hitting the floor when I mention twins. She stood up and picked Kakashi up to sit him on the couch just as Ino and Chouji entered the front door.
"Sakura! What are you doing? You shouldn't be lifting him up. Chouji go take him from her." Ino instructed.
"Ino it isn't that big of a deal." Sakura said even though she let Chouji finish sitting him down.
"Is he alright?"
"He is fine Chouji just fainted when I told him about…"
"About what?"
"Chouji sit first please."
"Huh?"
"Please, every time I have told a guy about this today he has fainted I don't want you on the floor too." Chouji sat down.
"Okay, the doctor told me I am having twins." Crash – Chouji and Sakura turned to stare at Ino lying prone on the floor. Sakura began to laugh. Today had been so strange she just had too. Chouji was chuckling as well while he picked Ino up and sat her on the couch.
"Congratulations Sakura."
"Thanks, Chouji. Today has been a strange day. Do you two have anything planned for tomorrow?"
"No, Ino said something about you two going shopping for clothes."
"Okay, Yoshino-san is coming with us because I want the baby furniture to match. I can't believe I am having twins." Sakura finally let it sink in and a smile bloomed on her face. Chouji just sat watching her wishing Shikamaru was here to see everything that was going on. He silently promised himself that he was going to give his best friend the story as detailed as possible. He was broken out of his thoughts when Kakashi stirred on the couch.
"Huh? What happened?" Kakashi said as he opened his eyes. Suddenly his head snapped to Sakura looking for confirmation of what he had remembered. "Twins?"
"Yes, the doctor figured it out when she did the ultrasound. It is why I have been gaining more weight than usual." Sakura answered as she watched Kakashi carefully. Suddenly he grinned and hugged her.
"That's great Sakura."
"Thanks Kaka-sensei. I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"I am going to pick up some more baby furniture tomorrow would you be able to help me bring it in and put it together."
"Of course, just summon Pakkun when you are ready and he can come find me."
"Thanks."
Ino had woken up a few minutes after Kakashi had left and squealed before starting to list all of the new things Sakura would need now that she was having twins. Chouji wandered out to the kitchen to cook dinner. Once the three had eaten they all settled in for the night. As the sun rose the next morning Sakura woke up with an unbelievably nauseous sensation and barely made it to the bathroom before emptying her stomach. Once the heaving stopped she sat back and jumped at the feeling of a cool wet cloth on her neck. Turning Sakura smiled weakly at Ino.
"Things were going too well weren't they?"
Ino laughed a little before answering. "Yeah probably, here drink the water and get dressed. We'll go see Tsunade-sama before going shopping I am sure she can think of something to help you." Sakura nodded and took the glass from Ino. It took them almost an hour and a half to reach the Hokage tower because Sakura had to keep stopping.
"Good morning girls. What's up?"
"I am having morning sickness, shishou. I was wondering if you could help."
"I was wondering when you were going to get that. Come here." Sakura obediently walked over to Tsunade who placed a hand on her stomach. Almost instantly Sakura felt better, and the pleasant sensation was gone almost as fast.
"TWINS!!!!" Tsunade shouted as she enveloped Sakura in a hug. Sakura smiled and hugged back. After chatting for an hour with Sakura the two decided it was time for breakfast. Sakura had a favorite little café so the two went there passing by and inviting Tenten and Hinata on the way. By the end of the breakfast Sakura was pretty sure if one more person shouted "Twins" she would send them all the way to Suna via her foot.
The four girls met up with Yoshino at the shopping district and thus began the full day of shopping. Sakura loved shopping but was getting tired very quickly, luckily her friends and mother-in-law picked up the slack. By the time they were done Sakura felt like she had two new wardrobes (not including the baby clothes that were purchased). The women had managed to carry all the clothes back to the house and once they were there Sakura summoned Pakkun.
"Hey Sakura-chan what can I do for you?"
"Can you get Kakashi and tell him that he needs to pick up the baby furniture at the store and bring it to the house for me?"
"Sure."
"Oh and Pakkun, tell Bull I said congratulations and he can come over anytime he wants." Pakkun nodded once before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Sakura went inside to help unpack but no one would hear of it so she just sat on her bed with Mimei and supervised. A few minutes later there was a puff and then a low bark. Mimei answered the bark and in walked Bull. He looked at Sakura who nodded. Bull jumped up on the bed and curled up next to Mimei. Sakura smiled and turned her head to the doorway. There stood Kakashi and all of her other male friends with the furniture for the nursery.
"Come on guys I will show you to the nursery." Sakura said getting up she led them down the hall and into a new room. Once the guys walked in, a few of them sent confused looks Sakura's way. Naruto spoke up.
"Sakura-chan, you already have furniture."
"You didn't tell them?"
"No, I thought you should." Nodding she turned around to Naruto.
"You are right Naruto but I only had furniture for one baby and since I am having twins I needed a whole other set." Cue the bear hug. Sakura finally got Naruto to let go of her and started instructing guys on where she wanted the furniture. After all the day's purchases were put away, the group hung out just reminiscing until it was time for bed.
Shikamaru was breathing heavy and cursing in his head. He can't believe they almost got caught. This recon mission almost turned disastrous but there was no way he was letting that happen. He wanted to get back to Sakura on time. There is no telling how much she changed or would change in the time he was away. He couldn't wait to see her again.
The next few months went by in a blur. Sakura was doing well but once she reached her third trimester she was banned from working and put on restricted everything. She couldn't walk around for more than a couple hours a day and no strenuous movement. She was going crazy. She was not going to make it these last six weeks. And on top of everything else Shikamaru was supposed to be coming home soon, which made her more anxious about everything. Luckily her friends were there for her. They would come by almost everyday and she swears that they had some sort of schedule worked out so that at least one of them were with her everyday.
Shikamaru felt like he was flying with those clouds he watched so often. He was on his way home. The group had passed into Fire Country and were now headed straight for Konoha. There should be nothing to get in their way.
Sakura couldn't sleep. Shikamaru was supposed to be home tomorrow, or well today being as it's nearly one a.m. That and her back hurt. It had been bothering for the last couple of weeks or so but this was different, she couldn't quite get into a comfortable position and eventually had just given up. So she was out on her porch. She was lonely. Mimei had taken up residence at the Inuzuka's compound ever since she had the puppies so that Hana could keep an eye on her and she wasn't in the way around the house. Sighing Sakura stood up to go back inside but sat down immediately when a sharp pain shot through her abdomen. The scream was more of a surprised reaction than anything but it had Ino at her side in mere seconds. Chouji arrived soon afterwards.
"Sakura, are you alright?" Ino almost laughed at the incredulous look Sakura sent her. "Okay, just breathe through the pain. You can do this." After about ten more seconds Sakura breathed a heavy sigh of relief and sat up fully.
"Wow, that was weird. Well, I am going to go to bed."
"Umm, Sakura? We need to go to the hospital sweetie. You are in labor."
"Nani?" As Sakura was still trying to comprehend what Ino had said Chouji and Ino were already putting operation Nara babies into effect. Within minutes they were on their way to the hospital and everyone notified of the impending birth.
Shikamaru's squad had passed through the gates of Konoha about thirty minutes ago. He wanted to go directly home but knew he wouldn't hear the end of it from Sakura if he didn't report to HQ first, so he went. Finally, on his way home he stepped outside and sighed. When he opened his eyes he didn't expect to see Neji, Hinata, Tenten, Lee, Kiba, and Shino rush past him and towards the hospital. Processing things rather quickly he decided that the hospital would probably be the best place to find Sakura.
Just as he turned to head in that direction Kiba and Lee arrived at his arms and literally picked him up and took off towards the hospital again. The only thing that got through to Shikamaru was the fact that Kiba said Sakura would be glad to see him.
"I AM GOING TO KILL HIM WHEN I SEE HIM AGAIN!" Was the sound echoing through the lobby of the hospital. If anyone had not known that Nara Sakura was in labor they did now. Ino and Chouji were trying to calm Sakura down when Kakashi, Shizune, Tsunade and the Naras (Yoshino and Shikaku) arrived. By the time they got to Sakura the contraction had passed.
"How are you holding up Sakura?"
"Well, I don't know about every four minutes my stomach tightens and this incredible pain shoots through my whole body. I guess I am good. I just wish Shikamaru was here."
"He is." Came Kiba's voice from behind the group surrounding Sakura. The group parted to reveal Shikamaru still clad in most of his ANBU gear. Sakura gasped and started to cry. Shikamaru just stared. He was really confused. Sakura's anguished scream broke him out of his confusion. He was beside her in an instant.
"Sakura, sweetie, are you alright? What's going on?" Everyone just kind of shook their head at him. Some genius he was.
"Son, your wife is currently in labor."
"But how?"
"What do you mean how? You were there!"
"Well, yeah I know but I mean I thought we were going to wait and all."
"We were but…AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Okay that's it we need to get her into a birthing room. Shikamaru you can come along everyone else has to wait outside." Tsunade pushed Sakura down the hall closely followed by Shizune. Shikamaru stumbled along next to the wheelchair being dragged by Sakura who had grabbed his hand during her last contraction. Once they reached to room Tsunade picked Sakura up and put her in the bed while Shizune changed her into a gown. Shikamaru just kind of stood off to the side taking everything in and trying to make sense of it all. Logically everything made sense but emotions never followed logic.
"Shikamaru?"
"Yes, Kura, I am here."
"I am sorry, you didn't know. I wasn't allowed to send you a letter it would have compromised your position. I have missed you."
"I've missed you too. And it isn't a problem I am just kind of overwhelmed by everything." Sakura smiled and he leaned down to kiss her, but never got the chance. Another contraction came and Tsunade told Sakura it was time to push. Shikamaru had taken his place at the side of the bed and encouraged her the best way he could. Finally after what seemed like an eternity a cry was heard from Shizune's arms where the newborn baby was wrapped in a blanket.
"It's a boy!" Shikamaru smiled at his wife and leaned over to kiss her again but she screamed instead.
"What's wrong? Shouldn't the contractions be done?"
"Nope. Ready Sakura you still have to push, one more and then you can rest."
"One more?"
"Did I forget to mention we were having twins?" Sakura said before she gritted her teeth and began to push again. Finally a second cry was heard as Sakura collapsed against the bed.
"Another boy. You two talk while I have a nurse clean Sakura up. Shizune and I will be back with the babies after we check them."
Still breathing heavy Sakura turned her head to look at Shikamaru. She giggled at the stunned expression on his face.
"I love you, Nara Shikamaru." Shikamaru looked down at Sakura.
"I love you, too, Nara Sakura." And when he leaned down this time he finally got the kiss he waited six long months for.
"When did you find out?"
"The day you left."
"I am so sorry."
"There is nothing you could have done. I am just glad you made it back for the birth. I was supposed to have about another month but because of the twins I went into labor early."
"I am glad I made it back too. How did you get through all this by yourself?"
Smiling Sakura told him all about the last six months. She told him as much as she could, including the fact that there will also be puppies running around the house. Shikamaru just sat there and took it all in. He didn't know what to think. Tears came to his eyes.
"Shika, what's wrong?"
"I missed it." Sakura reached up and took his hand squeezing it.
"We could always try again." Shikamaru smiled and kissed his wife again. Someone clear her throat from the doorway caught their attention. Looking up they saw Shizune and Tsunade ready to hand them two blue bundles. Shikamaru and Sakura were awed by the tiny little babies they were holding. They were their sons.
"It looks like they are identical, have fun telling them apart. And you still need to think of names."
"Well, Shikamaru what do you think we should name them?"
"You didn't have any picked out?"
"No I waited for you." Shikamaru smiled and thought about it. He had two sons, two identical twin sons.
"Naoko and Naoki." Sakura smiled and nodded. She liked the names, they meant honest, something she found appropriate. Tsunade nodded and walked out to fill out the paper work. As soon as she left the room was filled to the brim with the group that was outside. Everyone wanted to hold the boys and offer congratulations to the new parents. It felt like hours but finally everyone had started to file out of the room leaving the new family in peace. Shikamaru leaned over and kissed Sakura on the forehead just before she fell asleep.
Gently Shikamaru picked up his sons and walked them to the window to show them all of Konoha. He told them the story of how everything began.
Well, that's it. I want to thank everyone who stuck with the story and reviewed. This was my first story and I was blown away by all the attention and reviews I got. You guys made me think about writing more. Again thank you and I hope you enjoyed it. Jae.