The cooling August breeze runs through my hair as I sit on the back porch of my home. My hand resting on my growing belly, replaying the morning Sasuke left over in my head.
"I don't want you to go." My sobs echo through our quiet home. I can't help my body shaking from the over flowing emotions, my hormones are working in overtime today. Even though I know he's coming back, it feels like it's an empty promise.
"Sakura, stop crying please." My tears make him uncomfortable, something Sasuke has always hated. Wiping my face with the back of my hand, I look to him with such sadness taking over me.
"I'll write you whenever I can. If we are allowed, I'll try to call." If I answer I know my voice will fail me, so I decide to nod. My two arms wrap back around him tightly, the embrace is returned just as tight. Sasuke and I don't dare to move, for now we are in our own little bubble. A kiss is placed on the top of my hair, smiling against his chest I step back to look at him one more time.
"I love you Sasuke Uchiha." Just as I had predicted, my voice cracked on his last name and another tear slips out.
"I love you too Sakura Uchiha." The smile that spreads on my face could light the village for a week, pressing our lips together one final time I revel in his presence for thirty more seconds. Once we break, I watch him walk out of the door and out of the compound but before he's gone from my sight he turns to give me one final smile. My Sasuke.
My heart flutters again and I lean further back into the swing, letting the breeze rock me slightly. It's been three months since the six-man team left for their mission, Tsunade decided last minute to assign more members to the team to ensure success. I thought my house would be a ghost town, but it's been anything but quiet at the house. I figured that the girls would be by every once in a while, but I was completely wrong. It seems that all of our friends took the plunge as well, now everyone of my close girl friends are expecting a bundle of joy. I couldn't help but laugh the day they all bombarded my office, each holding their own ultrasound photo.
Ever since then they have been staying at my house at least three days a week for the past month. We are finding solace in having each other around, it's nice to come home to someone else. The first few weeks were rough with Sasuke gone, my morning sickness took a turn for the worse. Tsunade banned me from entering the hospital until I could hold down something, good thing that only lasted two weeks. Once I entered the second trimester, all of my sickness went away.
A flutter in my stomach makes me giggle and rub a little more at my stomach. Later today I have an appointment with Tsunade to determine the gender of baby Uchiha. I sent a hawk to Sasuke last week letting him know about the appointment, Tsunade advised me not to send any details about it to Sasuke though. We never know who's gathering information against us.
The backdoor slides open, Hinata comes walking out to me carrying two mugs. She offers me the warm liquid which I happily take, the matcha tea smells like heaven. Hinata takes a seat beside me on the large swing and smiles as she rubs against the round of my stomach. It's a weird sensation but I'm getting used to everyone touching it, even without my permission. The sun has just risen, for now it's still quite as the others sleep. Hinata and I both are early risers, living with Sasuke and working morning shifts will do that to you.
"Are you nervous Sakura?" She says as she blows on her warm tea, a sweet smile on her face.
"The opposite really. I just wish he was here." Just as I take the first sip, the cry of a bird catches both of our attention. A brown hawk lands before our feet and I struggle to bend over, grabbing the small letter attached to its leg. Unfolding the paper, I see Sasuke's neat handwriting.
'Hoping all goes well. If I'm allowed, I'll try to call sometime today.
-Sasuke'
It's short, but it causes me to smile like a crazy woman. Shishou better approve this phone call or I might have to punch it out of her. The hawk flies away after a few moments, at least the travel is only a few hours for the poor summon. If they had been sent further, I wouldn't hear from Sasuke at all. Quickly finishing the remainder of my tea, Hinata and I return back into the house to wash our mugs. The clock read six thirty, I need to get my things together so I can head out to the hospital. Entering my bedroom, I go over to Sasuke's night stand and reach for the ring box, my fingers have started to swell so at night I have to take it off. Sasuke's band shines along side mine and I smile as the cool metal slides onto my finger.
Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I turn to exit my room and I'm greeted by Ino's exhausted body. Her blonde hair looks like a bird's nest and it's beyond hilarious since Ino always has picture perfect hair. As I stop at the bottom of the stairs, she places her head on my shoulder and rubs my belly.
"Hello little one, auntie Ino can't wait to buy you dresses and hair bows." The words come out slowly and lethargic, its sweet but also annoying. I shake my shoulder to knock her loose and give her a devilish smile.
"You're going to be late to work. And the baby could be a boy." I say as I walk out the front door, finally having some peace to myself again. I love my girls to death, but I can't wait for my little family to be growing in my home. Sasuke is already super protective over our child, if it's a girl it's only going to get worse. This has been harder on him than me honestly, I know that he wants to be here to go through everything with me. I want him to be here too but we have jobs to do and his is to protect our village, ultimately our family too.
The front door slides open and I'm bombarded by three new Chunin medic trainees. I grip the strap of my bag tighter and they move in closer, each has a hand on my stomach while their mouths move in overtime.
"Good morning Mrs. Uchiha!" A girl with long black hair and piercing blue eyes says from my right. From the past two weeks she's been here, I've learned that her name is Kiko. Goof chakra control but she has an eye for my husband.
"I hope everything is going well Dr. Uchiha." Another girl says, Anka is a sweet girl. She reminds me of Hinata in a way, she even resembles her. Long dark hair and black eyes. Tsunade says she has potential to be a good medic, we'll see about that.
"Mrs. Sakura have you learned the gender yet?" This chunin is a boy and he's become my favorite of the three trainees. Taka has been shadowing for two weeks now and he shows much potential. His brown hair is pulled into a ponytail, like Shikamaru's, and green eyes that are darker than mine.
Tsunade wants me to take chose one of the three to be my apprentice, something I have no desire to do. After I have the baby I will take some time off but once I come back there will be a lot of work to do. I want to take on Tsunade's responsibility so she can enjoy retirement, rumor is Kakashi will take over the Hokage position while he trains Naruto on foreign policies and procedures.
I gently swipe all of their hands away and offer them a kind, fake smile. Taking in a deep calming breath, I feel my stomach flutter again. Baby Uchiha isn't big enough to really kick yet, although I can feel when there is movement.
"Good morning you three. Now I hope you all have your assignments." I notice Tsunade walking towards us with a few files in her hands. If looks could kill, the shit eating grin makes me shiver from worry and I swallow hard. The Hokage hands each of us a file and places her hand on my shoulder.
"Here are their assignments. They will all be shadowing you today Sakura, you have a busy schedule today." Why did I have a feeling that this would happen? I start to heads towards my office, heels clicking against the ground roughly. The three have to jog to keep up with my strides, if they want to learn then they need to keep up. I open the file and begin to read over my daily schedule.
'7:00-7:30 AM Lesson
7:45-8:30 AM Patient Exam- Rock Lee
8:45-9:45 AM Minor Surgery- Reset Broken Arm
10:00-11:00 AM Lesson in Research Lab
11:15-12:00 PM Morgue
12:15-1:15 PM Lunch (Appointment)
2:00-4:00 PM Major Surgery- Heart
4:15-5:00 PM Sparring'
Tsunade really knows how to pack a schedule, these trainees are in for a treat. Good thing I came in early this morning we'll have an extra 15 minutes to go over a lesson. There's a lesson plan in my folder thank goodness. Reading over the paper, I can't help but giggle as I open my office and turn on the lights. The each take a seat on my couch and I take my spot at my desk, three sets of eyes are glued to me.
"So let's begin. Who knows the rules a medic ninja must follow?" Before I can even finish my sentence the three young students begin to recite Shishou's rules.
"No medic ninja shall ever stop medical treatment until the lives of their party members have come to an end."
"Ne medic ninja shall ever stand on the front lines."
"No medic ninja shall ever die until they are the last of their platoon."
Of course they are all correct, but that doesn't mean each rule can't be broken apart and explained in even further detail. When Shishou was teaching me the rules, we were out on the training field. I remember a very dangerous punch hitting me in the gut, good thing I learned how to punch back. But since I'm five months pregnant I can't really teach them hands on.
"Correct. But there is also another rule, only those medic ninjas who have mastered the Strength of a Hundred Technique of the ninja art Creation Rebirth are permitted to discard the above-mention laws." Tsunade is the only one who can break the rules, but I know that my seal can be activated at any moment. Over the past three years, I've accumulated enough chakra to release the seal. There just hasn't been a reason for me to, there are risks that come along with the seal as well. Each time Tsunade uses the jutsu, her cells divide faster than they supposed to meaning that she's taking time off of her life.
"If you are the disciple of Lady Tsunade, then why haven't you unleashed the seal Mrs. Uchiha?" Shizune has asked me the same question, once again there's no need for it.
"I have accumulated enough chakra, but there's no reason for me to activate it. With my current condition activating the seal could be dangerous." Opening my drawer, I grab a stack of books, these were the first that Tsunade made me memorize. Flipping through the worn pages I can't help but smile at how far I've come. Three pairs of eyes are locked on me and I lean back in my chair stretching out my stomach.
"How many books have you memorized?" Shooting them a glare that I learned from my Shishou, the shock on their faces almost had me bursting from laughter. Kiko and Anka looked at each other with complete confusion but Taka was counting in his head. If there was a chance for me to take on one student I would choose Taka, he has such promise and he reminds me of myself in a way. I looked over his academy folder once he took an interest in following me, his grades are mirrored to mine. Even his team reminds me of a young Team 7.
"Four Mrs. Sakura." That's more than I had thought. Smiling I look over to the clock and sigh, it's almost time to go visit Rock Lee. I might just let one of the trainees take the lead over the exam. Today is supposed to be an exciting, relaxing day for me but Tsunade threw me a curve.
"Follow me. By the end of our day I want each of you to recite three new techniques or facts that you learn today." Jumping from my chair, I leave them in the dust yet again. My clipboard and pencil clutched tightly in my right hand. The commotion that comes from my office is worthy of a giggle as I enter Rock Lee's patient room.
"My Youthful Beautiful Blossom! How are you feeling on this wonderful day?" I smile sweetly at him and give him a small side hug. He releases me and I take a seat in the chair beside the table, a rough pang on my side makes me take a ragged breath. Goodness kid, you learned how to kick harder in just an hour. Rubbing my belly, I look back at Lee who's observing every move I make.
"I have three Chunin following me today Lee. They are going to begin your exam, if they get stumped I'll step in but I'll be right here the whole time." He pumps his fist in the air muttering about 'educating the youth' as they come walking in. Handing the chart over to Taka, I lean back against the counter and watch as the read it over.
"Let's get started, normal physical exam to clear him for duty after an ambush on his last mission." Watching as the get to work, my eyes wander out to the scenery of the village and watch as the streets begin to come to life.
Clicking my heels roughly against the tile, I pinch the bridge of my nose harshly. They couldn't even begin Lee's exam correctly and to top it off, during the minor surgery Kiko tried to do it on her own after I turned my back to read over the chart. After I heard the bone break, there was blood coming from the new gash of his arm. She turned a minor break into a server surgery since she nicked the Brachial artery. Slamming open the research lab doors, I move over to an empty chair and cross my arms over my chest as they come in looking defeated.
"Why are we in here? We just spent two weeks in here looking over old case files." Anka whines as she plops down onto her work station. Kiko is right behind her complaining that following a pregnant medic is boring. Taka sits quietly looking over his material.
"I thought being a medic would be more fun than this." Kiko's high pitch whine fills my ears and strikes a nerve. I stand from the desk and slam my hands onto the cold surface.
"Follow me." My tone is dark and anger filled. These Chunin think it's all about the glory that comes with the title of a medial ninja. Nurses move past me as I make my way to the lowest level of the hospital, Ino spots me and follows right behind me. The blonde is having a rough time keeping up as I open the doors. Shizune is standing over a body of a Jonin that was killed during a mission.
"Sakura how nice to…" Her words trail off as she notices my demeanor. The students make their way towards me and Shizune moves to the side with Ino.
"Take a look." I stand over the Jonin with anger in my voice but my body language is one of respect. This man died protecting our village, our way of life. Sadness washes over the Chunin and I can tell Shizune and Ino are taken back by my tone.
"One fatal mistake, one undiagnosed poison, one unasked question could result in your patient's life. Every medic undergoes intense medical training, no matter how repetitive or unexciting it may be. If you continue to complain and ignore the warning signs of a patient, then you will never be a medical ninja." I take the sheet and cover his face giving him the proper respect he deserves. Taking in another deep breath I look over to my friends and notice the sad look in their eyes, this is a serious lecture.
"You three will stay here with Lady Shizune until I return. I want you three to think over your decision to be a medic." I grab at Ino's arm and lead her out of the room, tears building in the corner of my eyes. Her arms wrap around me and I can't help but let the frustrated tears fall. I feel like I'm letting Shishou down, her hopes for me are so high but at this point I don't feel like I'll ever live up her expectations.
"What's wrong Sakura? You just scared those kids shitless." She mutters against my hair, a hand rubbing circles on my back.
"I feel like I'll never be able to take over Tsunade's position. My hormones are going crazy and I miss Sasuke."
"You're being ridiculous Sakura. If you asked anyone around here, you've more than earned Lady Tsunade's position. I know that this is rough, but you're Sakura freaking Uchiha. Now quit crying and let's go see if we can find out if I have a little niece or nephew." Ino pulls back and starts to drag me up the stairs to the main floor. Her giggling is contagious and I start to laugh as well as we pass the main desk, Hinata and Tenten are there as well. I don't want a huge audience when I find out the gender, honestly I don't even want Ino in the room with me.
"What are you two doing here?" We both say confused, so Ino didn't even know that they were going to be here.
"Just picking up some reports on our squads. Temari went off to Suna to visit her brothers so she asked me to pick something for her as well." Maybe I'll have some alone time this evening. There's so much I want to start doing around the house before Sasuke comes home. The clock on the wall says 11:45, good I have thirty minutes before my appointment. I have time to work on a few of my case reports before going to see Shishou. Letting my arm drop from Ino's hold, a nurse is motioning for me to come over to her computer.
"I have an urgent message for you Mrs. Uchiha. It's from Anbu headquarters." Great, they only want me when there's a squad coming in that needs attention. Can today get any busier?
"What time will they be here?"
"Later tonight, around 10." Rolling my eyes, I sluggishly move to the stairs. So after our sparring I'll get something to eat and come back to work on a few things before treating them. Might as well head over to her office, it's been a while since we've had any time to talk. The floor is quiet, unusually quiet for this time of day. Knocking on the door, I open it slightly to see her pouring all of her focus into her work.
"You work too much Tsunade." Her eyes shoot up to me and a child like smile welcomes me. I can't begin to recall how many hours we've both spent in this office working on cases. I spent a lot of time here training with her while Naruto was gone, days at a time.
"You're one to talk. Shizune said you left the kids in the morgue." Shrugging my shoulders, I give her a coy smirk.
"They need a little tough love. Thanks for having me a packed day."
"Need to keep you on your toes. Once you come back from maternity leave, there's going to be a lot of changes around here." Hmmm…. sitting down on the chair, I grab the jar of candy she keeps on her desk. Sasuke isn't a fan of sweets but since he's been gone most of the cabinets have chocolate and ice cream packs the freezer.
"I figured. Has Sasuke been in touch with you?" The wiggle of her eyebrow answers my question and I smile popping another candy into my mouth.
"Don't eat all of my treats preggo." The woman rises from her seat and reaches out a hand towards me. I place the jar back on the desk and follow her into the next room.
"Let's see if I'm having a grand boy or girl." She's beyond excited, I've been silently hoping for a boy. Everyone else has been beating that it's a girl based on my moods and how sick I was. I can just imagine a little Sasuke running around trying to train with his father, always trying to make things a competition. Taking my place on the table, I lay back on the bed I lift my shirt enough for her to spread the gel all over my stomach.
It's cold against my skin and I watch the screen as the wand moves over my belly. No matter how many of these exams I complete, it's always heartwarming to see the image of a baby in the womb. Everything seems healthy, the heart beat is steady and strong.
"I don't want you to see the gender yet. I'll seal the result in an envelope so you can first read it when Sasuke calls." The screen clicks off and a few pictures print off but she snatches them away from my eyes. A big, white envelope is placed in my hand and I can't help but frown at not knowing but I've been waiting long enough, a few hours won't hurt.
"Now go get those kids in shape. They want to be medics, show them what it's like to be a medic." She smirks, leaving her office I grip at the envelope with dear life. Hopefully Sasuke will call soon, I miss him.
Slumping my body into my desk chair, my eyes shut close. It's almost time for me to get the exam rooms ready for the Anbu squad. Ino told me that the girls were going to go back to their homes for the next few days, tomorrow I'm taking a personal day after all of this work. Maybe I can convince a few other Rookie Nine members to help me move furniture around. The ringing of my phone makes me jump up and my heart is beating like a drum. Shaky fingers reach for my office phone.
"Dr. Uchiha." My voice doesn't reflect my demeanor.
"That has a nice ring to it." I gasp at his voice; he's trying to be quiet but I can hear the smirk that plastered on his face.
"Yes it does. I miss you." This is the first time we've talked since he left, tears of happiness build in my eyes. There's a commotion in the background that sounds like Naruto.
"I know. How was the appointment?" Simple and to the point, he doesn't have to say it but I know he misses being here. My hands crinkle the envelope, smirking into the phone.
"It was good. Tsunade wouldn't let me see until you called."
"Hn. So you don't even know yet?"
"Let's find out." Ripping the paper open, I pull out the four pictures. Our baby looks great, flipping through the photos I stop on the last one.
"Sasuke…" My voice cracks from joy and a few tears fall down my face.
"Is everything okay?" Sasuke sounds worried, I sacred him when he's supposed to be excited. Shaking my head, I grip onto the phone tighter.
"We're having…a boy…" I sniffle during the sentence and I can feel his smile through the phone. If he were he there's no doubt in my mind that we would be having a more exciting night. The line on his end is quiet but I know that he hasn't ended our call yet.
"Sasuke?"
"Thank you Sakura." There's a sniffle coming from his end now, the great Sasuke Uchiha is crying. A small laugh goes through the phone and I hear him wipe at his face.
"Hurry up and come home already."
"Working on it. I have to go, it's my turn to interrogate."
"Have fun. I love you Sasuke."
"I love you too. Bye Dr. Uchiha." The first part comes out in a low hush but it doesn't keep me from blushing like a child. Clicking the phone back down, I look back over the pictures again. In just a few months, I'll be out numbered in the house or maybe Sasuke will be out numbered if he's a momma's boy. Smiling again I move out from my chair to finish my long, emotional day.