AN: Thank you for all the reviews! You guys keep the stories going! Here is the next chapter! ENJOY!
The tension in the room during dinner had been so thick Sakura could have sliced through it with a knife. The food had been delicious as always but the conversation had been sour. Her mother had found every opening to send a snide remark or uncouth question Kakashi's way. And even though Sakura and her father had defended him, Kakashi had just smiled and answered calmer than she ever could have. Why is she out to get Kakashi? She thought her mother would be happy that she was finally settling down. So why was she attacking him? Did she hate him? Her mother had always spoken highly of him before so it just didn't make any sense.
Now as they sat in the small living room, her mother in the kitchen, Kakashi seemed to take a relaxing breath, but his tension was still evident. And she couldn't miss his periodic glances towards the door. She too hoped they could leave soon, because if her mother continued to act as she has been then Sakura was going to explode.
"So have you two thought about buying a house?" Her father spoke from across them as they sat in the small living room.
"We discussed it." Kakashi smiled. "And we decided to wait until after the babies are born before we started looking for a new place."
Sakura watched as Kakashi clutched his hands together in front of him setting them on his lap. He had been so nervous about coming here and she had thought he was being ridiculous. But then she never imagined her mother would act like this. "That's right" Sakura covered his clenched hands with her own. She felt him tense before he moved, entwining his fingers with hers and she gave a reassuring squeeze. "We want to get money saved up so we can buy something we really want."
Her father nodded. "Yes, that's probably a good idea. But you two know that if you ever need any help we are here. We have some money saved up that….."
"That's very kind of you, but we couldn't ask that of you." Kakashi quickly stated.
"Nonsense" Kizashi waved his hand dismissingly. "Besides you didn't ask I offered. And with two babies on the way you guys will need all the help you can get."
"You could help by babysitting." Sakura smiled. "The boys are going to need someplace to go once I go on active duty again."
"You mean you're going to go back to work?" Her mother's irritated voice filled the room as she came to stand next to her father. "You can't be serious? It's bad enough that Kakashi will be off gallivanting around and never home, but you too?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "Who do you think is going to raise these kids?"
Sakura felt her anger boil and she felt as Kakashi tensed again. "We are" She countered. "Just like everyone else we need to make a living and if you are so against that then that's fine, we can find somewhere else for the boys to stay."
"Sakura don't say that." Kizashi spoke.
"So you're going to let some strangers watch them?" Her mother sounded almost horrified. "I had expected as much from Kakashi but you Sakura? I raised you better than that."
Sakura narrowed her eyes at her mother. "You're contradicting yourself mother. You won't watch them but it's bad to have strangers do so?" She felt her anger begin to surface. "And would you leave Kakashi alone, you have no idea the kind of man he is so stop insulting him."
"Oh really?" Her mother met her gaze and Sakura had thought she heard her father and Kakashi speak but they went unheard as the two women faced off. "Trust me I know exactly what kind of man he is. He's the kind that will be gone all the time and leave you wondering if he'll ever come home alive. He'll make you worry and cry and leave you helpless with two children to look after."
Sakura was stunned at the accusation. But before she could counter Kakashi leaned forward from the couch and spoke. "So it's not me you hate but rather the fact that I'm a Shinobi?"
Sakura shot a look at Kakashi surprised by his question. He was now the one holding her mother's gaze and suddenly everything made sense. Her mother hated the fact that Kakashi was a Shinobi? Her gaze traveled to her father who was looking up at her mom in just as much surprise as Sakura felt. Then she followed his gaze to her mother and behind that angry facade a saddened look laid in her eyes. Is that how she felt when dad had been off on mission in the past?
"I don't think any woman should have to live her life the way you Shinobi think they should. Do you even know what it's like? Waiting on pins and needles for that day when you would never return and the only thing she would get are empty words about how you died bravely for the sake of the village." She stepped away when Kizashi reached for her hand from his chair. "It tears a woman apart and I don't want that for my daughter."
"Mom" Sakura had no idea her mother felt this way. Growing up her mother had seemed so strong whenever her father was out on a mission. She would have never guessed that her mother had been hurting so much.
"It was the same with you Sakura." Her mother now addressed her. "It's horrible wondering if your only child would make it home alive."
"Mebuki" Kizashi stood and caught her arms in his grasp before she could pull away. "Why didn't you mention any of this before?"
"Would it have made a difference?" She countered. The pain that laced her voice made a lump form in Sakura's throat. "Would you have stopped taking missions?"
"No" Kizashi answered honestly after hesitating for a moment. "But if I had known…."
Her mother shook her head. "It doesn't matter now; it's all in the past. What I'm worried about now is my daughter and my grandchildren."
"Mom I.." Sakura couldn't find the words to say. Should she apologize? But for what? Sakura could understand her mother's fear; it was only natural to worry about your loved ones. And yeah she knows that in the future she too will worry when Kakashi is off on a mission. Yet she's accepted that and is actually looking forward to going on missions with him again. Was that so wrong?
"Excuse me ma'am" Kakashi let go of Sakura's hand and stood. "But I think you misunderstand. As a Shinobi I have sworn to protect this village, not for the sake of the village but rather for the people I care about that live in it. And now even more with Sakura by my side and children of my own on the way my desire to protect this village is even stronger. Because I want the people I love to be safe and if that means giving my life to make sure that my family can live worry free and happy then I would gladly die for that reason alone."
Sakura's heart swelled with more love as she looked up at Kakashi. She wondered if he knew just how great of a man he really is. Then Sakura watched as her mother broke from her father's grip as she came to stand in front of Kakashi. Worry rushed through her uncertain of what her mother was going to do.
"And have you considered Sakura's feelings in all this?" She challenged him.
He glanced at Sakura before giving a gentle smile. "Yes that's why I have taken leave of my duties until after the babies are born. I don't want her to be alone and I want to be there for her and our sons."
The surprised look on her mother's face probably matched her own. "You did?" Sakura questioned never hearing anything about it before. She thought it was kind of strange that he hadn't had a mission these past three weeks. But now it made perfect sense and she was touched he considered how she felt.
Her mother laughed and shook her head, while Kakashi stared at her in shock. "Kakashi Hatake you're a better man than I pegged you for. You've truly surprised me." She smiled for the first time all evening. "I'm sorry for treating you so harshly, but please understand I was worried about my daughter."
Kakashi laughed. "I think I understand, honestly you both are taking this better than I ever could have. If I was in your shoes I would have killed me by now."
The room filled with laughter and all the tension finally disappeared. "The thought crossed Kizashi's mind, but I talked him out of it." Her mother winked at Kakashi who shot a look at her father in surprise. Her father grinned and lifted one shoulder in a shrug. Then she drew his attention when she spoke. "Please forgive me." Her mother bowed her head slightly.
"It's quite alright." Kakashi waved his hands in front of him. "No harm done." Sakura couldn't help but laugh at the look on Kakashi's face when her mother engulfed him in a hug.
"I suppose" She pulled away and gave him a gentle smile. "I better welcome you to the family. And warn you if you hurt my daughter or my grandsons in either way you'll have me to deal with." Sakura and her father laughed as Kakashi's face paled.
"Ye….Yes ma'am."
"Good" Her mother grinned and pulled away. "Now how about some tea?" She chimed and scurried towards the kitchen.
Kakashi looked down at Sakura with that look that said you-can't-be-serious. "You'll be fine. And besides, I'm sure dad and I can stop her before she hurts you too bad." Sakura tried to be reassuring but she couldn't help but giggle as slumped back onto the couch mumbling 'What have I gotten myself into?'
"That's it…push! Come on you can do it! You're almost there just a little mo…."
"Sakura" Kakashi scowled from behind the dresser as she stood in the doorway to the bedroom. "If you don't stop I'm going to make you move the furniture."
Sakura giggled and shrugged one shoulder. "I thought it would help."
The corners of his lips twitched. "Don't you have cupboards to organize?"
Again she shrugged her shoulder and gave a sigh. "I'm done already." She padded to the bed and sat down slowly. "I thought maybe you needed some help." Rubbing small circles on her rounded belly she failed at hiding her wince.
"Why don't you lie down for a while?" He turned to push the dresser the rest of the way to the wall. "We can finish later you know. I mean your due dates still a couple months off so it's not like we don't have the ti….." When he turned around his words faded, she was already sleeping. Chuckling he shook his head. It was just like her to fall asleep when he was talking. Quietly he made his way out of the room, flicking the lights off.
The pregnancy was beginning to take its toll on her and he feels bad that he can't make her feel better. There are only little things he can do like cook or clean or run out to fetch that midnight craving. He's even slept on the couch now for a week because she said he was like an oven at night, plus she said he was a bed hog. He wasn't a bed hog he just couldn't help wanting to hold her or be near her when they slept. It was all he had left since their sex life came to a halt a few weeks ago.
Slumping onto the couch he let out a sigh. They'd been cleaning since morning and he was shot. He didn't even get lunch because Sakura wouldn't let him near the kitchen when she was cleaning it, which of course had to be right around lunch time. He glanced at the clock on the wall. A couple more hours and it would be dinner time. That is if he was actually allowed in the kitchen again. Since she said she done he assumed that meant he was safe.
Laying his head back on the couch he closed his lone eye. Maybe a nap first and then he would surprise Sakura and make dinner. Yes that was a good idea. That is until his stomach growled loudly. He frowned rubbing a hand over his middle, making a mental note he better start training again before he really starts packing on the weight. He's already put on ten pounds in the month and a half he's been here. But never in his life would go back to what he was eating before. Home cooking is definitely something worth getting addicted to.
With another sigh he dragged himself to his feet intent on finding a little snack to hold him over. Then catching sight of the two cribs against the far wall he smiled. They had finally bought mattresses and bedding the other day and now all they were missing were the two little babies to occupy them. Soon this quiet apartment would be filled with the cries of his sons and he couldn't wait. Though he'd be lying if he said he wasn't getting just a little nervous about becoming a father as the days go by. The thought that two little lives would soon be his responsibility…..well needless to say it was just overwhelming at times to think about. It was always reassuring though to know that Sakura would be there too, so he wasn't totally alone which made him feel a little better.
After running his hand over the blue and green cloth of one of the cribs sheets he made his way to the kitchen. And as he stood in the doorway his lone eye widened. Four garbage bags sat in the middle of the floor. "What did she do?" Maneuvering around the bags he opened the fridge. "Throw everything away?" He mumbled into the practically empty fridge. He had read about this nesting period when the woman would go cleaning crazy before giving birth but this was just nuts. Closing the fridge he sighed and then noticed the list sitting on the counter. He picked it up and skimmed over the variety of foods she'd written down. The list was almost a foot long. There was no way they needed this much food.
His stomach growled again and his brow drew together. Opening up the closest cupboard he hoped for the best but was soon disappointed when all he saw was a box of crackers. His shoulders slumped. Had all the food in the place gone bad and he just hadn't known it? Closing the cupboard he glanced at the list again. "I suppose I could be a nice guy and go shopping." He mumbled shoving the list into his pocket, that way it would be done and Sakura wouldn't have to worry about it. Plus he'd hate to make her do more walking when her feet and back hurt after walking even short distances. Turning he tilted his head as he stared at the trash bags again. Clicking his tongue he picked them up and headed for the door, making his new list of things to do. Take out the trash, shop and cook dinner. He chuckled as he locked the door behind him. Who would have ever thought the great copy-nin would become so domesticated.
An hour later he fumbled with the key as he held an armful of groceries, the rest of the bags were set on the floor at his feet. How he managed to carry it all home was a miracle, but he succeeded nonetheless. Finally getting the door open he hauled the load into the kitchen but before he could get too close to the table an odd sound stopped him his tracks. Glass? He looked around the bags to the floor to see glass scattered across the floor. What happened? Did her clumsiness kick in again? "Sakura?" He called as he set the bags on the table trying to avoid stepping on the shards. "You alright?" He wandered to the bedroom. "Sakura?" He checked the bathroom on his by and found both rooms empty.
An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. "Sakura?" He called again louder. Had she gone somewhere? He checked everywhere that she might leave a note and came up empty. She would have left a note if she went somewhere wouldn't she? Then it dawned on him that he hadn't even left a note. He let out a groan at his lapse in memory. How could he forget that? Had she worried and went looking for him? He was sure she would have slept for at least a couple hours.
A sudden noise sounded from the kitchen window and he spun towards it. A cat sat on the window sill and meowed at him. It was then panic rocked him. The window wasn't just open it was broken. That's what was all over the floor. His heart panicked. "Sakura?" He bellowed stumbling towards the window, glass crushing beneath his sandals. He ignored the cat as it hissed and jumped to the balcony across on the building across the alleyway when he stuck his head out. A rope hung from the rooftop proof that someone had indeed broke in. He then caught sight of blood on the broken edge of the glass. Nausea swept over him and he stumbled backwards and for the first time in his life he truly panicked.
AN: Soooooo...How was it? Please review and let me know! Thank you and LUV YA!