Chapter 3

Shizune guided Kakashi to Sakuras room and then knocked. They both entered her hospital room quietly. Kakashi was still tense. Shizune told him she was fine, but he needed to see it with his own eyes. Sakura heard the knock on her door and turned her head to the door.

"Oh, that was quick." Sakura said surprised, after she saw Kakashi enter her room.

"He was already at the hospital." Shizune answered.

"Oh… is… is everything alright, Kakashi? You are not ill, are you?"

"No, I am not. I am here because of you. Naruto stormed into my office and told me you are at the hospital. What has happened?" He said while moving closer to her bed.

"He was harassing the staff until I interfered. He wanted to know where you are. Can you believe it?" Shizune said jokingly.

"Kakashi harassing the staff? Yes, that his usual behaviour when he is in the hospital, but because of me? That's hard to believe."

"What do you mean? I would never harass the hospital staff, you know that." Kakashi held his hands up in a defensive gesture.
"Yea, whatever Kakashi." Sakura smirked.

"Mah, mah Sakura. I have already told you, you are my favourite, so what made you believe I wouldn't come and check on you?" Sakura looked at him. A small smile across her lips and a sparkle in her eyes that haven't been there since the death of her husband. Shizune realized this immediately.

"I will leave you to it. I will be back in 30 minutes. Then I will have the results of the blood work, and hopefully I can send you home again." Shizune left and the second time the thought of Kakashi and Sakura as a thing plopped into her head. Kakashi made himself comfortable on a chair next to Sakuras bed.

"Sakura… what has happened?"

"Nothing actually. I had a pain in my abdomen. I checked the baby, and it was okay, but then it got worse and there was blood in my underwear and I panicked. I ran to Shizune and she saved the baby. There was something wrong with the bloodstream to my uterus, but it is fixed now and the baby and I will be just fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. Naruto must be worried sick. Can you fetch him for me?"

"Sure. Should I go to him now?"

"Yes, that would be nice."

"Your wish is my command." Kakashi answered and stood up. He smiled at her and then left her room. Sakura was tired. This was stressful, and she wanted to have some quiet moments before every one of her friends will corner her and demanding answers because they were worried. If Naruto had known that she was in the hospital, then Hinata would know, too. She probably told Ino and by now the rest of their friends knew, too. Sakura was thankful for having friends that were worried about her and loved her unconditionally, but they could be a menace, too. She loved all of them, nothing less because of it.

Naruto had waited at the Hokage office after Kakashi had left without a word. Kakashi looked frightened, and that's unusual. He started to worry even more because of it. Kakashi knew something that Naruto didn't know, something about Sakura. He was glad that she decided to talk to Kakashi. Even though it hurt him a bit, that Sakura chose Kakashi to be her person instead of him. He would be there for her too, if she let him, but she chose Kakashi and nobody can do something against it. So Naruto waited patiently. Even Shizune wasn't around by now, so it must be something important. She was probably with Sakura, fixing whatever is wrong with her. Naruto quietly moved to the Hokage desk and took a seat in this extremely comfortable chair. Now he understood how Kakashi could take naps in here. He started to scan the desk. A lot of important paper lie around. He wasn't going to look at the papers too closely. He was not the Hokage and some of these scrolls are top secret. Therefore, it was none of his business. So he closed his eyes and leant his head back. This will be his future. He will be the Hokage in less than 10 years, that's what Kakashi had told him. Naruto wanted to make it in five.

"You like the feeling?" Kakashi asked, and Naruto jumped. He didn't realize that Kakashi was back.

"Sorry Kakashi. I couldn't resist."

"No, don't worry. It will be yours in due time anyway. I don't like the feeling this chair gives me, but you genuinely seem to enjoy it."

"Yea, I do. You're calm. So Sakura is alright."

"Yes she is. She wants to see you, that's why I am here. So you ready?"

"I am." Naruto stood up and followed Kakashi.

"So, talked to her yesterday?"

"Yes, you were right. It was good for both of us."

"Will she recover?"

"I believe so. I mean, I did, and she is so much stronger than I ever was."

"Thank you."

"No problem, Naruto. It really was my pleasure." Both men walked into the hospital. Both had a big grin on they face as they passed the woman at the front desk.

'Petty bastards' went through Shizunes mind as she watched them. Kakashi knocked at Sakuras room and they both entered after she gave permission.

"Sakura! Kakashi told me you are alright? But why are you in the hospital?" The blond men shouted at the sight of his former teammate and best friend.

"Naruto, we are at a hospital, lower your voice." Sakura answered angrily.

"Sorry. I am just excited that I see you again. You're still very skinny. Do you eat enough?"

"Yes, I do eat enough. It is just the nausea. And I am fine now."

"Nausea? So you are ill." Said Naruto, the confusion still on his face.

"Naruto, sit down, please." She said nicely while gesturing at the chair next to her.

"No, I want to stand. You are not about to tell me, that you are ill, like deathly ill, are you?"

"Sit!" She commands with a strict tone in her voice. Naruto sat down next to her immediately, and even Kakashi found himself a chair.

"Naruto, I am not going to die." She took a deep breath. Naruto was still restless. He sensed that something was wrong. Sakura started to smile. Yes, something was very wrong, that's all he could think of.

"Naruto, I am pregnant." Narutos eyes widened, his lips formed a big smile, and he embraced Sakura in a hug.

"That is amazing. You must be so happy. Sasuke isn't the last Uchiha any more." Now his smiles died. He realized that Sasuke was indeed not the last Uchiha because he is dead. This child will be the very last Uchiha until it will have children on its own. "I am sorry, I forgot that he isn't with us any more." Tears were forming in Narutos eyes. His best friend was dead; he will never be a dad for his child. Naruto knew Sasuke wanted children. They talked about it the night before his wedding.

"Sasuke knew. I told him. That's why he is dead. He… he jumped in front of me.", Sakura said quietly. Her eyes were full of tears again. Naruto loosened his hug and looked right into Sakuras eyes.

"No, he is dead because some idiot bandits thought it would be a good idea to kill him. This wasn't your fault. You would have jumped in front of him, if the positions were swapped. There is no fault in your actions. Don't you ever believe that."

"Naruto?" She said, still looking at him. "I love you, you know that, right?" A smile formed again on Narutos face.

"And I love you, too, Sakura-chan. I always will." Sakura smiled at him and they both hugged each other again.

"And you, too, Grandpa." Naruto said while waving at Kakashi to join them. Kakashi was not sure if he should join them or not. It wasn't really his place to be interfered with them, even when Naruto asked him to. He wasn't good at handling with emotions, and they were both full of it.

"I will be mad, if you don't come and hug us." Sakura said, and this strict tone in her voice was there again. He stood up, walked over to them and embraced a tight hug around both of them. In the end they are all what is left of the original team seven, but then again. It was mostly only them anyway. All three of them will be stronger after this, they all knew it. They hugged for a moment longer, and then they separated. Naruto sat on Sakuras left side, and Kakashi took the chair he was seated on before and settled on Sakuras right side.

"But Sakura, I will be the uncle of this child, right?" Naruto asked concerned.

"Naruto, of course you will be the uncle. I hope you will be a father figure for it."

"Of course. I will be there for everything, first day of kindergarten, first day of academy. I will train them on how to use shadow clones and how to throw a kunai. I will leave chidori to Kakashi, he should do something, too."

"Yea, right, it has nothing to do with the fact, that I invented chidori, and you don't know how it works." Kakashi sighed. "But I will be there, too, as I promised."

"Kakashi as a father figure? Really?" Naruto asked.

"That's what I said." Sakura answered with a smirk on her face.

"Hey, I am the fatherly type. I am the dad of this team." defended Kakashi himself.

"Pretty sure, that's Yamato." Naruto answered.

"I said that, too."

"And there goes my dignity." Kakashi sighed and rolled his eyes.

"What dignity?" asked Naruto and Sakura simultaneously.

"I hate you guys. I really do." Said Kakashi still a smile on his face and his tone was light and happy. Sakura shook her head and Naruto laughed even lauder.

"So Sakura", started Naruto, "when will you tell the others? I mean, if you want me to I stay quiet about it until you are ready, but I don't like lying to Hinata."

"I will tell them, when I see them next. It is time. Maybe Ino or Hinata can give me some tips. In the end I will be a single mom and I will need all the help that I can get." An awkward silence formed between the three of them. Naruto moved a bit closer to Sakura and took her left hand with his. Then he reached out his right hand and silently demanded Kakashi to do the same. He did it.

"Close your eyes, it is like a prayer.", Naruto said, "so every time we get sad because Sasuke, we can think about this moment and that he was loved. We loved him like we love each other. And it brings me peace to know, that he knew he was loved and was able to love and when he died, he had the one person with him that loved him more than anyone else. (Tears were starting to form in Sakuras eyes) He didn't die alone, and that's all we can hope for." Sakura pressed Narutos and Kakashis hand. He was right.

"Thank you, Naruto. Words cannot describe how thankful I am that you are here for me and were his friend. You did so much for him, and he loved you, too."

"Sakura-" Narutos voice broke. He started to cry and moved closer to Sakura to hug her again. She held tightly him while she comforted him. And Kakashi felt out of place once more. Naruto was so much better at finding the right words or comforting someone than he ever will be. That's why he couldn't understand why Sakura chose him to be there for her. Maybe she didn't? He was just there yesterday and that was it now. She must have realized, too, that Naruto is far better suited for this than Kakashi ever will be. Kakashi wasn't sure if this thought was comforting or frightening. On the one hand he wouldn't be needed any more to hold her and comfort her that's great, because he didn't feel so well with it, but on the other hand she wouldn't need him any more and that's frightened him, to lose her again.

Naruto and Sakura had loosened her hug some moments ago and Naruto sat in his chair again. Smiling from ear to ear and was just happy to be part of Sakuras life again.

"How far are you? With the pregnancy, I mean." Naruto then asked.

"I am 11 weeks in, that's what Shizune told me. I thought I am at the first month, but it seems like I am at the end of my first trimester."

"So it will start to show in a month or two. That's amazing. You will be just as beautiful as Hinata is or Ino. Both of them are glowing, and you will, too. When can co out together all of us Parents-to-be and make some pictures and memories. You will have to look out what you eat. You're not allowed to eat everything any more. No raw meat, or fish, or eggs, unless they are completely boiled. You need to take care of yourself. No heavy lifting and don't overuse your chakra, that's not good for the baby either. Do you listen? Should I make you a list?"

"Naruto, I am a medic. I know what is allowed and what isn't."

"I know that, but pregnancy brains are a thing and cravings can be wild. I just want you to think twice about what you want to eat and want to do. No more training and no field operations. Kakashi you need to take her of the roaster. No missions until the baby is born. You will stay safe in the village. No wandering around alone. And you will not live alone during your third trimester. That is too dangerous. You can trip and fall and nobody would notice."

"Naruto, don't you think that's a bit exaggerated? I am not the first woman who is alone during her pregnancy."

"But that's the thing, you are not alone. You have your friends and your family, and we will help and protect you and your baby. I will always protect you and your baby."

"I know, thank you." Then someone knocked on Sakura door and all the heads went to the door as it opened. It was Shizune with some files in her hand and under her arm.

"So, I have your results back. It seems like I could fix everything, and you can go home and rest, but this pregnancy doesn't seem easy for your body and already is a risky pregnancy and if you don't take care of yourself it will become a high risk pregnancy that can cost you your or your childs life. I want you to check in every two days for the next two weeks. No work, no missions, you only rest. Do you understand?" Naruto and Kakashi froze for a quick second. Sakuras pregnancy is risky, very risky, and she could die, or her baby could die. That's when Kakashi made a decision. He will not only be a part in the childs life when it is born. He will be a part of this pregnancy, too. Naruto will probably not have the time for Sakura, when his Baby is born. Same goes for Hinata, Ino and Sai, even Shikamaru and Temari, but he only has his dogs and the boys love Sakura and will sure be helping him with Sakuras pregnancy.

"Yes I did. Thank you, Shizune-san." Answered Sakura.

"Good. And now go home and put your feet up. I have a prescription for you against the nausea. Take them before every meal." She put the prescription onto Sakuras hospital bed, together with some other papers.

"I will, thank you."

"I will see you in two days. I will be at the Hokage tower. I don't think the Hokage will mind that I will examine you there, right Hokage-sama?" All eyes went to Kakashi.

"No, that wouldn't be a problem."

"Good. Take care." With that, Shizune left.

"Heavens, I should go too, Hinata is waiting. We will come around tonight, okay?"

"Yes, that would be lovely."

"Great, Kakashi would you take care of her, that she gets home safe and sound?"

"Yes, Naruto."

"Kakashi has a lot to do, I don't think it is necessary."

"But I say so, and I am your Hokage."

"Perfect.", Naruto answered, "see you tonight. Bye." A few seconds later, he left the room. Sakura stood up and Kakashi took her papers. Together they left.

"You don't have to do this; you have more important things to do."

"Don't be silly, nothing is more important than you. I will bring you home, then I will get your meds and bring them to you together with the lunch that I promised."

"Oh, you don't have to."

"I know, but I want to." They continued to walk to the Uchiha compound. Kakashi left her house after he made sure she had everything she might need close to her and rested well in her bed. He first went into the bookshop that was close by. He wanted to have some literature about pregnancy and babies. It did not take him long to find what he was searching for.

"Hello Hokage-sama, how can I help you?" asked the men behind the till.

"Hello, I just want to purchase these books." Kakashi answered happily. This tone didn't go unnoticed by the cashier. He knew the Hokage spend a lot of time with Mrs. Uchiha, and he often found his way to this certain bookshop, but he was never such a light and happy mood. He must have had some great news.

"Do you want me to pack them as a present?"

"No, they are for me. Thank you." Kakashi answered and the eyes of the cashier widened a bit as he saw the titles of the books 'Pregnancy dos and don'ts', 'Pregnancy and what it does to your body', 'How to be a dad – for dummies (fools)', 'Pregnancies – for dummies' and 'Baby 101'. Kakashi didn't notice the change on the cashiers face while he was packing the books and his voice when he wished Kakashi a good day. The next stop was the pharmacy close to the Hokage Tower. It was still early, but some people already had found their way to it. Kakashi stood in line, when one of the medics noticed him.

"Oh Hokage-sama! You can come over here. We will help you immediately."

"Oh, thank you, but there is no need. I can wait."

"Certainly not." Said the medic and waited for Kakashi to come to her counter.

"You are lucky; we have all of your order here. The shampoo and your meds against your hay fever."

"Ah, thank you, and I would like to have this." Kakashi said and gave the prescription.

"Ahem, Hokage-sama, are you sure you have the right prescription? This is for a medicine against nausea during a pregnancy."

"Yes, I know."

"So, it is the right one."

"It most certainly is. Do you have it, or do you have to order it?"

"No, we have it here. I will pack it to your other stuff."

"Thank you very much." The medic packed everything while Kakashi paid. He said his goodbye and made his way to the Hokage tower. Oblivious to the fact that the rumour mill of Konohagakure started to spin again.