Fairyland

It wasn't a complete shock. Sakura certainly was not at a loss for explanation; and she really had no objection, she just wasn't ready. She was twenty-three and still progressing as a shinobi and as a medic. She was still trying in vain to collect the shattered remnants of an adolescence brought to an abrupt and unwelcome halt, still trying to undo the past, still hoping to resurrect an old demon. A part of her- as was also the case with Naruto- was still waiting for the day Sasuke would come through Konoha's gates, ready to finally resume life from the point where he had unceremoniously dropped his teammates. That part of her couldn't handle the responsibility with which she was now faced.

She wasn't ready for maternity.

It was no mystery how it had happened; she just never thought she'd be a mother so soon.

Naruto knew, of course. When she had broken the news, he couldn't refrain from lifting her off the ground and twirling her around the room, knocking over two lamps, a cup of warm milk, and the end table in the process. She didn't have the heart to tell him she had her reservations; he seemed so elated of the prospect of parenthood, she couldn't crush that.

The best person to consult on the matter was another woman, a shinobi preferably, someone who could understand her dilemma.

"How exactly is this a bad thing?" Unfortunately, Ino was the only present kunoichi. Sakura now noticed how well the Hyuuga girl could remain out of reach when needed concerning domestic matters.

"Being a parent kind of puts a damper on the whole 'risking your life for the job' thing," Sakura replied. A bowl of miso was set before her, she then reverted her attention to Ino.

Ino took a mouthful of rice before continuing,

"You've only got a few months before you can leave it with a babysitter, it's not that long."

"You forget the nine months of maternity leave," Sakura pointed.

"So take a break!" the blonde rebutted, "Life happens when you're not expecting it. You've got years to pick back up on your shinobi career; but there's not much time set aside for parenting."

"There's a shortage of med-nin," Sakura had a good point.

"So go until you can't anymore," Ino's tone was serious, "Does Naruto know yet?"

"Yes," Sakura bit her bottom lip.

"And?"

"He's been so excited…" Sakura focused too intently on a cube of tofu floating in her soup.

"Sakura."

"Hm?" still she avoided eye contact.

"I like kids, I can help if Naruto gets to be a handful," she grabbed Sakura's hands,

"I just think this is an incredible opportunity; give it a chance, please?"

Sakura made no immediate response.

"What are you really afraid of?" Ino's question came without warning, and Sakura's eyes shot up to meet Ino's.

"I just don't want to let anyone down," she protested, "I'm not afraid."

It was a boldfaced lie, and she knew Ino saw through it. Several moments of silence passed. Sakura emitted a world-wearied sigh.

"This means I've lost any chance to find my childhood… I'm giving up any chance to pick up where Sasuke, Naruto, and I left off so long ago… There won't be any going back," her voice seemed to shrink as she spoke. Ino waited a few moments for any stray of Sakura's train of though; when she was certain the girl would say no more a grin broke out over her face.

"Sakura, you've already come so far; we all have. There IS no going back. We've changed, they may not all be good changes, but the fact is we're all a little different. We're certainly too old now to be trying to recapture our pasts."

For a time Ino observed a conflict beneath the surface of Sakura's thoughts; the medic resumed the nervous biting of her bottom lip. Soon the clouded look on the healer's face passed and she took in a deep breath.

"Okay Ino," she started and with a grin added, "You win."

Though it was not Ino's counselling alone that had helped Sakura decide. The mention of Naruto sparked a memory for Sakura; a memory of the look of untainted joy on Naruto's face when he heard of Sakura's pregnancy.

When Naruto was that happy, Sakura couldn't help be happy with him; his smile, his real smile, made Sakura believe, if only for a moment, that everything would turn out for the best.

Maybe, she though, seeing that look was worth it.

End Chapitre

Post-Mission Analysis This is the longest chapter yet. And the most dialogue-heavy yet. In some other Naruto fics that I'm writing, I've noticed I like to include Ino a good bit. I'm not quite sure why yet. I swear one day this will be worth reading --. The chapter title is that of my favourite Hamasaki Ayumi song, you can find the translation here: ayumi . primenova . com / lyrics / fairyland . htm

I think it's appropriate.