*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*
Naruto and Sakura walked into their new apartment. It was much larger than their current place, and the lack of furniture made it look even bigger. Sakura walked around the big empty living room as she noted where she wanted furniture arranged. Naruto on the other hand went a different direction as he held their new apartment keys tightly in his hand. He made his way down the hallway as he softly hummed to himself.
He passed a bathroom to his left, another room to his right, and finally he entered the master bedroom. He was left speechless at how spacious their new bedroom was. He had lived in the same tiny apartment for most of his life, so moving was new to him. Sakura kept complaining that moving was going to be a nuisance, but for Naruto it was exciting. He couldn't help but smile when he felt Sakura enter the room.
"The heater here is amazing, this place is already nice and toasty."
"Yeah tell me about."
"So do you like it?"
"Like is an understatement Sakura-chan, this place is perfect," beamed Naruto.
He turned around and scooped Sakura up into his arms bridal style. Sakura squealed with delight as he nestled his nose into the side of her neck and nipped at her playfully.
There was a brief moment when they both stopped laughing as they caught a glimpse of one another. They looked at each, the quiet room only adding to the intensity of their gaze.
"You know we need to properly baptized this bedroom, if you catch my drift," whispered Naruto.
"Well we should get our bed in here first, don't you think?"
"We don't need a bed," growled Naruto.
He began kissing Sakura's neck, slowly making his way back to her lips. Upon reaching her mouth he gently placed her on the floor and began unzipping her top.
"Just what do you think you're doing?"
"Come on Sakura-chan, let's have a little fun."
"We really shouldn't, we have so much do."
"It can wait…"
"But Naruto…"
"Shhh...I've missed you Sakura-chan."
"You're such a bad influence," giggled Sakura.
"Is that such a bad thing?"
"I'm not complaining, it's just that we have to pack, move everything over here, and you said you wanted to visit Jiraiya's memorial today."
"All valid points, but I'm sorry, I'm taking you here and now," said Naruto as he finishing unzipping her top.
Sakura watched as Naruto pulled her bra up, exposed her breasts, and took one of her mounds into his mouth. His right hand toyed with her nipple, which caused her to bite her lower lip in anticipation. Despite her initial refusal towards his advances her body was already craving Naruto. She felt the moisture between her legs overflow down between her thighs. Without skipping a beat she felt Naruto's finger slip inside her. Sakura squirmed and held back a whimper. Naruto moved up her body and whispered in her ear.
"You're awfully eager I see."
"Naruto…"
"And here you were telling me you didn't want this."
"I'm not the only one that's eager, your dick is pressing into my hip," said Sakura as she squirmed underneath him.
"Alright I'll give you that," chuckled Naruto. "So there's only way to fix that, am I right?"
"Right…"
Naruto undid his pants, positioned himself at her entrance, and pulled her close to him. Sakura inhaled deeply, the feeling of them becoming one always took her breath away. Naruto wasted no time in bucking his hips, and soon the two young lovers became in sync with each other's bodies.
Naruto made sure to be gentle with Sakura. They hadn't had sex in a while, and she had gotten bigger within that time frame. She even started playing the, I feel fat card, on him, and he wasn't happy with that. He wanted Sakura to know that he still found her irresistible.
Sakura clawed at his arms, her climax was fast approaching, and she couldn't help but wrap her legs around Naruto's hips. Her inner walls quivered as she came and Naruto followed soon afterwards with his own climax. His time away from her had made him much more sensitive. Usually he'd be disappointed that he didn't last long enough, but their lovemaking sessions weren't as long since Sakura tired easily. He finished releasing the rest of himself inside of her and once he was done he slipped out. He cuddled the side of her neck and kissed her jawline while Sakura ran her fingers through his hair.
A few minutes later Sakura looked out their balcony window. Their new apartment was on the top floor, so wearing nothing but Naruto's jacket could go unseen. Part of her just wanted to stay inside, the weather wasn't as bad as yesterday, but it still didn't look very inviting. Naruto wrapped his arms below her belly and pulled her close to him.
"You alright?"
"I'm fine,I'm just admiring our new view."
"It is nice, isn't it."
"Yeah."
"So I thought you said the heater in here was better than our old one."
"It is."
"Then why are you wearing my jacket?"
"I just love smelling you on me."
"Are you saying I didn't get enough of my scent on you?"
"Not at all, I just can't get enough of you," said Sakura as she turned her head to the side. Naruto lowered his face towards her and kissed her.
"Thank you," whispered Sakura.
"For what?"
"For making me feel sexy."
"But you are."
"You know what I mean Naruto."
"Come on Sakura-chan we've been over this before."
"I know, but part of me didn't want to be intimate because I can't help but feel like a whale."
"Ahh Sakura-chan it's just your hormones talking."
"I know, but they aren't talking Naruto, they're screaming all my insecurities in my ears constantly, and sometimes I can't help but listen."
"Look we've been through this before, and you know how I feel about you. I love you Sakura-chan, I'm always going to want you," whispered Naruto.
"I really am one lucky girl," said Sakura as snuggled her cheek up against Naruto's arm. "Thank you for boosting my confidence."
"Anytime."
"So are you ready to go?"
"As soon as I get my jacket from you I will be."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, so I handed over," chuckled Naruto.
Sakura playfully wiggled out of his arms and made her way to the front door.
"You'll have to catch me first tiger."
Autumn leaves blew carelessly by the memorial stone Naruto had made for his master. Sakura watched silently as Naruto knelt down and cleared the area of the remaining dead leaves. Underneath the amber colored foliage was a copy of Jiraiya's book The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi. Naruto couldn't help but smirk as he thought of the countless times Jiraiya had gotten them both in trouble with all his research. Naruto had thought of all the complaining and troubles he had given the old Toad Sage, however looking back those were some the happiest times of his life.
"Happy Birthday Ero-Senin," said Naruto as he stood up and dusted his knees.
"Happy Birthday Jiraiya-sama," said Sakura.
"Check it out you old perv," said Naruto as he affectingly rubbed her belly. "We're having a baby, and it's a boy. I'm going to show him the ropes, just like you did with me. Though I don't think his mother would appreciate me showing him everything you taught me," snickered Naruto.
Sakura playfully nudged Naruto's shoulder, she could only imagine what Naruto was referring to, especially if it had to do with Jiraiya. She watched silently as he had a conversation with his dead master. She couldn't help but smile when she saw how vibrant he was when talking about everything that had happened since Jiraiya's passing.
"I'll leave you two alone, you know my feet start to hurt if I stay standing in the same spot for too long," said Sakura as she kissed Naruto's whiskered cheek. "I'll be sitting under that tree over there."
"Alright Sakura-chan, I won't take much longer. When I'm done we'll get a bite to eat."
"Don't be in a rush because of me, I'll be just fine," said Sakura.
Naruto watched her attentively as she waddled over to the tree she was referring to. She sat down and waved at him, and Naruto waved back. He turned around and looked back at Jiraiya's memorial.
"You have shitty timing, you know that old man? I could really use your advice right about now," sighed Naruto as he roughly sat down on the cold ground with his legs crossed.
"Who am I kidding anyway, there's no way your pervated ass had any experience with babies," chuckled Naruto. "But, I can't help but wonder what kind of advice you would have given me if you were still here. You'd probably say something remotely absurd, and yet meaningful at the same time, but regardless of that, I wish I could hear it."
A light breeze blew by, and in that instant Naruto felt his masters presents. He closed his eyes as the essence he felt hovered behind him. He felt something warm press up against his back and memories of him and Jiraiya sitting back to back flooded his mind. A single tear rolled down Naruto's cheek.
"God I miss you old man. Sasuke's back, and this time I swear I'm going to stop him," said Naruto as he looked over at Sakura. His attention traveled from her face down to her belly. "My family's lives are on the line here."
Naruto turned back towards the memorial stone. He couldn't help but feel guilty when it came to his past decisions regarding Sasuke. He closed his eyes in an attempt to ease his racing thoughts.
"Why didn't I just listened to you back then at the hospital? I could have stopped so many people's suffering had I gone with your advice ."
"Life would be pretty simple and boring if everything went according to plan, don't you think?"
"Leave it to you to say something like that."
"I understand why you feel that way, but it was wrong of me to try and stop you."
"Now that I see how right you were you're going back on your word?"
"What I said had truth behind it, but at the same time it wasn't my place to try and derail you from your path. I was trying to change you, without even knowing it. I wanted to spare you the pain I went through."
"..."
"I didn't want you to repeat my mistakes, and while it seemed like the right thing to do, it wasn't. I needed to let you discover things on your own. Choosing to pursue Sasuke made you who you are today. Our mistakes, troubles, and darkest times ,mold us just as much as our brightest days, and fondness memories do. You grew stronger in your attempts to bring him home, and had you given up when I told you to back then there wouldn't be anyone strong enough to stop him now."
"So I took the right path?"
"There is no right or wrong path in life, your perception is what matters, and you always perceive life positively."
"Now I'm confused."
"I need to leave on a mysterious master note, it's far fitting that way."
"Of course, the author needs to leave in poetic fashion, how cliche," chuckled Naruto.
"I'm proud of you Naruto."
"..."
"Never forget that."
"I won't, thanks Ero-senin."
Naruto slowly opened his eyes, and for a few moments he wasn't quite sure what had happened. Was that conversation all in his mind, or had Jiraiya really been there? The correct answer eluded him when he suddenly felt something odd. He quickly turned around to address Sakura when he noticed she was no longer sitting, but standing. She was trying to make her way towards him, but she looked incredibly disoriented, and before he knew it her legs buckled underneath her and she fell to the floor.
"Sakura-chan!"
Naruto got to his feet, and in an instant she was in his arms. He watched helplessly as she lost consciousness.
"Sakura-chan, can you hear me?!"
Silence was his answer and Naruto's heartbeat quickened.
"It's alright, I got you, you're going to be just fine, I promise."
Naruto held her close as he bolted towards the village. Never in his life had he run so fast. Upon entering the hospital he looked around for help, then down the hallway he saw a nurse.
"Please you have to help me, my wife just fainted and I have no idea what's wrong with her."
The nurse was about to reassure him, but when she saw Sakura's pale form in his arms her demeanor quickly changed. She hurriedly led Naruto to an open room close by. She instructed him to place Sakura on the bed as she pressed a red button along the room's wall. Within a few moments more nurses flooded the room and surround Sakura's limp body. They rapidly began taking her vitals as Naruto watched helplessly. Sudden he felt someone gently touch his arm. He looked down to see Yuki, a nurse who often worked with Sakura.
"Naruto can you please come outside with me so I can ask you some questions?"
"Sure, what do you need from me?"
I just need you to answer a few medical questions for me."
"Okay."
"Has she been complaining about anything health wise?"
"Not that I can think of really. I've been gone for two weeks, I just got back yesterday."
"What about today, did something seem odd with her?"
"She did mention she was hungry, but it's not like she had a gone hours without eating. We were actually going to head over to get a bite to eat before this happened."
"Thank you Naruto, this really helps us in narrowing down what's ailing her. I'll be right back with some paper work for you to fill out. It's tedious I know, but its protocol," said Yuki. "Tsunade-sama will talk to you as soon as we have Sakura stable. Until then you can wait in the waiting room."
She gave Naruto a reassuring nod before leaving him alone with his thoughts. After a short time he walked over to the waiting room and made himself comfortable in one of the chairs. He sighed heavily as he ran his fingers through his blonde hair. He couldn't stand situations like this. He was so use to being able to take control of any problem and fix it, but something like this was out of his hands, and the feeling of helplessness was frustrating.
A few minutes later Yuki came back with a clipboard and pen. She handed Naruto the paperwork and left once again. He got to work answering the endless array of questions. Most were pretty straight forward, and before he knew it he was done. He turned in the paperwork to Yuki, made his way back to the waiting room, and slumped into a chair. He leaned forward, resting his arms on in his knees. His head low in worriment. Had he missed something, was there something he could have done to prevent this, and above all, would they be okay? A warm hand on his shoulder pulled him from his thoughts and Naruto quickly sat up.
"It's been a long time since I've been able to sneak up on you."
"Baa-chan?"
"You really didn't sense me did you?"
"My mind was somewhere else…"
"That's understandable, but don't worry, Sakura's doing just fine."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, it turns out she's just anemic."
"This all happened because of an iron deficiency?"
"Well yes, being pregnant doubles the requirements she needs, and her body just wasn't able to keep up with the new demands."
"Thank god," sighed Naruto nervously. "I don't think I've ever been so scared before in my life."
Tears ran down Naruto's face as his laughed out of relief. Tsunade sat beside him and embraced him. He hugged her back, and within a few seconds his laughter faded away.
"I was scared shitless Baa-chan."
"I was too, when I heard she was here I almost lost it. I kept saying to myself, why today, of all days why today."
Tsunade's body began to shake and her grip on Naruto tightened. Jiraiya's passing was at the root of this, and her unexpected trip to the hospital pushed Tsunade over the edge. All the tears she hadn't shed for Jiraiya poured relentlessly from her eyes. Naruto held her close as she softly sobbed into his shoulder.
"I've lost so many people already, I can't fathom what would become of me if I lost Sakura and the baby."
"I know the feeling," sighed Naruto.
"God I'm getting too old for this," whispered Tsunade.
Shikamaru walked into his bedroom and threw himself into his bed. Ino wasn't far behind when he crashed into bed.
"I know you've been working overtime but can't you at least acknowledge me before you decided to take a nap?"
All Ino heard were muffled sounds coming from her boyfriend as he spoke with his face smothered by sheets. She huffed in frustration as she sat at the edge of the bed. She felt Shikamaru get comfortable and a few moments later she heard him snoring. Ino sighed and looked back at her boyfriend. Just by looking at him her frustration started to fade. She knew he had been working hard, and all she was doing was being needy.
She covered Shikamaru with a light blanket and made her way out of their bedroom. She headed towards the kitchen so she she could get started on dinner when a soft knock at the door caught her attention. She made her way to the living room and opened the front door. Her mouth dropped when she saw who was there waiting for her.
"You told me you were taking me to Nara's place tubby, not Blondie's," snorted Temari.
"This is Shikamaru's place, and it's also Ino's, they live together."
"Chouji what the hell is going on here?" Asked Ino as she glared at Temari.
"Temari is here on important business Ino, but Tsunade-sama wasn't at Hokage Tower."
Ino quickly snapped her attention back to Chouji.
"What do you mean she wasn't there?"
"Apparently there was some kind of medical emergency with one of her patients so she wasn't available."
"Why didn't you ask the council then?"
"We didn't bother will the council because Shikamaru is expecting me. I told chunky here that by the time we head back to Hokage Tower from here Tsunade should be back."
"Well then you can add a little more waiting time onto your plan because Shikamaru is asleep."
"Look princess I just want to head back home, and the sooner I talk to him the sooner I can leave."
"Princess? Look here Temari you better watch your mouth or so help me..."
"Ino it's alright we don't mind waiting a little longer," said Chouji nervously.
Ino did her best to keep calm. It wasn't Chouji's fault that Temari was here. She slowly made room so her unexpected guests could come inside. She sighed as she closed the door behind her. Chouji made himself at home like he always did, while Temari looked a little out of place and nervous. She finally sat down on the couch.
"So why were you sent here Temari?" Asked Ino. "Shikamaru didn't mention anything about working with you."
"I'm here to pick up the cure for this mysterious sickness."
"And you're the only one your brother decided to send?" Asked Chouji.
"Well we were hit pretty hard by this virus. A good amount of our shinobi are out of commission. I told Gaara it would be best if I went alone since I'd be accompanied on my way back home."
"I still don't understand why Shikamaru didn't tell me."
"You know how he can be, he probably didn't think it was important."
"He's also been working a lot Ino, maybe he just forgot."
"Maybe, but I wish he could get a little more sleep. He's been exhausted these past few days."
"Nara's a shinobi, he can handle a little lack of sleep."
"I never said he can't handle it, I just want him to get more rest. He's been working non stop," snapped Ino.
"Ino, Temari, please don't fight," pleaded Chouji.
Neither of the kunoichi listen and the arguing only grew more heated.
"You need to cut the bullshit Ino," spat Temari. It's not my fault that you still have relationship insecurities."
"Relationship insecurities, just what the hell are you implying?"
"You're scared I'll jump Nara's bones and steal him from you. That's why you're always so bitchy whenever I work with him."
Ino's face burned with anger.
"Your face says I'm right, but don't you worry your pretty little head. I don't have feelings for that lazy son of a bitch anymore."
Ino was livid but before she could retort her boyfriends groggy voice stopped her.
"Enough already," groaned Shikamaru as he rubbed his temples. "The both of you sound like bickering harpies."
"Thank god," sighed Chouji.
It was clear Shikamaru's presence meant the world to him. He wasn't sure what he would have done if Temari and Ino actually started fighting. Ino on the hand was mortified. Here she was demanding that Temari let Shikamaru rest, but thanks to their arguing he had woken up. She felt awful and her guilt kept her silent as she watched Shikamaru grabbed his scarf from the couch.
"Sorry I didn't make more of an effort to tell you Ino," yawned Shikamaru. "I was starting to explain when I got home, but then I just knocked out."
Shikamaru's muffled words he had spoken when he face planted the mattress made sense now. Ino did her best to hide her embarrassment.
"It's okay Shikamaru, you should get going."
"For once I agree with Ino, we need to get back to my village Nara."
"Point taken. Listen Ino Chouji and I will take Temari back to Hokage Tower to see what Tsunade has to say. Could you get my stuff my stuff ready for my trip?"
"Sure thing Shikamaru."
"Thanks," replied Shikamaru before kissing her cheek.
Ino watched as he wrapped his scarf around his neck as he made his way to the front door. He held it open for Temari and Chouji, and without a second glance they were gone.
Naruto was asleep on the living couch when a soft knocking sound caught his attention. He wiped the drool from his mouth as he reluctantly sat up. He sluggishly removed himself from the couch, and slowly made his way to the front door. His vision was still blurred, but he could tell that Shikamaru was standing outside his door. As soon as he opened the door his best friend walked right in.
"We need to talk," said Shikamaru.
His tone told Naruto that this wasn't a normal visit. He shook the sleep from his tired body as he closed the door.
"Where's Sakura?"
"She's asleep in our room, why what's up?"
"I've got details on a new mission that has just been assigned to several of us."
"What are the details?"
"Sakura's cure is ready to be distributed to the other villages. Suna of course is first on the list. Temari just arrived so we'll be escorting her back home."
"Sounds simple enough…."
"Wait, there's more."
"What?"
"Sakura is part of the team."
"Excuse me?"
"The cure can't be made and then transferred. Tsunade-sama tried to find a solution to this, but there was nothing she could do. Once made the cure would lose its potency in the three day journey to Suna. In the event that it did survive the heat of the desert would deem it useless. It needs to be made in the village."
"You're joking right?"
"You know I'm not one for jokes."
"You've gotta be fucking kidding me! How in the hell does it make sense to send a pregnant woman to Suna?!"
"Believe me I said the same thing, but all other avenues have been exhausted."
"How can that be?!"
"Well Tsunade-sama can't leave the village, and Shizune isn't allowed to leave since she's one of the infected, so that leaves Sakura as the only option."
"So my pregnant wife is expected to make the three day trip over there?! What the hell is Baa-chan thinking, and why the fuck can't I go!?"
"You already have your assigned team. Karin is already showing signs of wanting to share what she knows."
"I can't believe this, Sakura-chan hasn't been active for months..."
"I know, it's extremely troublesome, but I'm going on this mission too. I'll protect her no matter what, I promise."
Naruto sighed, today just wasn't his day. He raised his head and rubbed his temples softly. Without even turning around his addressed his wife.
"You can come out now Sakura-chan."
Shikamaru looked over Naruto's shoulder. There standing behind the door frame to their room was Sakura. She slowly stepped out of the room and addressed Shikamaru.
"When do we leave Shikamaru?"
"We leave as soon as you're ready Sakura."
"Good, give me 10 minutes."
