The nurses' station at the hospital is by far the best place in the whole building. Sakura dodges requests from her fellow residents, feigning other eating plans to meet up with Kurenai in her little cubby area.

As a third-year resident in the hospital, she doesn't get much downtime. But she also can't stand the stuffy and stuck-up faces of her fellow residents. Doctors tend to think they are too good for nurses and future doctors take that same attitude. She's of the mindset that they are all the same: medical professionals.

So she enjoys creeping behind the counter and making conversation with Kurenai. Or, in this case, being the lookout while she sneaks away to get food from Asuma.

"Is he here?" Sakura asks, peeking around the corner for her friend's boss while Kurenai checks messages.

"He says he's getting off the elevator."

The young aspiring doctor does a dash down the hall, mostly looking for any signs that sending Kureani to the other end of the hall will not result in her being fired.

"See anything?" The brunet asks.

Upon her quick return, Sakura gives the okay signal. Kurenai makes a break for it. Their theatrics don't meet the occasion but, Sakura puts her all in portraying the studious nurse. She sits at the desk, flipping papers without reading anything because of health laws and all that. While she pretends to be something she isn't, she also pretends not to notice when Asuma comes down the hall before Kurenai can round the corner. She really does try not to be nosey and watch their exchange. But it's cute the way her friend's boyfriend fusses over her now that she's pregnant. Although Asuma did come by occasionally before, he's been here every day this week delivering Kurenai's strange cravings in several bags. The older woman always lingers for a kiss. Sakura pretends not to notice because Asuma always grumbles but gives in.

It's endearing in an almost enviable way. But, Sakura stops herself short of reaching that point. Twirling a pen between her fingers, she really does pay attention to anything else. Because envying your only work friend for her damn near-perfect relationship is just rude. She should be happy, is happy actually, and decides to use it as inspiration instead. Should she ever decide to have kids, her man better bring flaming hot Cheetos and nacho cheese with a side of bacon.

"I'm starving!" Kurenai is already digging through bags before she sits down.

The waft of fried chicken makes Sakura's stomach react silently. Just in case, she coughs into her elbow so the woman next to her doesn't feel obligated to share.

"What'd you get this time?"

Kurenai's opening a lid of cheese, sticking her finger in it, and taking a big lick. The look of pure ecstasy over some cheese is something Sakura probably won't understand until she's in this situation.

"Chicken, queso, fries, and two brownies."

Green eyes linger on the bag that doesn't look like takeout. "Did he make all of this?"

Kuerani's blush is only amplified by the dab of cheese on the corner of her mouth. "Yeah. Asuma is a better cook than I am, honestly. Makes the best-fried chicken and I'm constantly craving it."

Scratch that. Sakura decides her future Mr. better make her food every damn day. Because Asuma just set a standard that can't be undone.

She smiles. "That's so sweet."

Kurenai returns the gesture and, as Sakura expects, offers to share. "I have plenty of chicken here if you want some."

Sakura waves her hand away, "You're eating for two and I'm fine. Trust me, I'm full after witnessing how sweet you guys are with each other."

"Don't let Asuma hear you say that!"

They both laugh and Sakura wonders if her future whoever would care about public affection. She isn't opposed and actually finds public things quite…interesting.

A/N: Welcoming 2022 with Kurenai and her baby!

-CeCe^^