The Power of Youth
By SapphireWhiteTigress

Chapter III – My Life

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Sakura silently sat outside the doctor's office, her eyes on a magazine but not really reading any of it. She sighed and looked up, the bright fluorescent lights stinging her eyes. She yawned and stretched, her eyes falling on the small black clock that was hanging on the equally sterile looking wall. Sakura sighed, she was a professional medical nin and constantly worked there but she still didn't like the Konoha hospital, it seemed so cold and unfeeling.

"Sakura-san?" A timid looking nurse with kind brown eyes entered the waiting area. The nurse almost reminded Sakura of Hinata. "Tsunade-sama's ready to see you now."

Sakura raised an eyebrow at hearing her mentor's name before following the nurse into a small doctor's room. Tsunade didn't usually give basic check-ups on her patients unless they were recovering from serious injuries. She thought nothing of it, however, when she saw Tsunade glancing down at a clipboard in her hands.

The older woman glanced up as the two entered. "Thanks, Aiko." Aiko bowed respectfully before leaving the room to give the two privacy, closing the white door behind her. Tsunade placed the clipboard on a desk before turning her attention on Sakura. She smiled. "Sakura, what seems to be the problem?"

Sakura shrugged, looking around uneasy. "I'm not sure, really. I've been feeling really sick lately. I think it could just be a stomach virus, but I want to make sure."

Tsunade nodded her head, thoroughly looking at Sakura. "Hm...alright, let's have a look." She mentioned to the small bed in the room and Sakura sat down on it. Tsunade processed to do a few tests by taking her temperature and heart rate, which caused her to frown in concentration. After preforming a few more tests, Tsunade couldn't believe what she came up with. "Sakura, I have a few questions for you."

Sakura nodded, ready to answer anything she would ask her. "Okay, Tsunade-sama."

"Hmmm...when was your last period?" Tsunade asked bluntly.

Sakura blinked, a tint of pink covering her cheeks. "Um, the middle of last month...why?"

"How about this month?"

Sakura shifted uncomfortably. "I, uh, haven't receive it this month, yet."

"Really now?" Tsunade wrote something down on the clipboard. "Have you had sexual intercourse throughout the last month?"

Sakura was growing extremely uncomfortably. "Tsunade-sama, what does this have to do with my condition?"

"A lot," Tsunade murmured before continuing. "Answer the question."

The younger girl sighed. "Yeah..." She said quietly.

Tsunade nodded, writing on the clipboard. "Okay, I'm going to do a few more tests, just to be sure." Sakura nodded, slightly confused as Tsunade started the tests over again, coming to the same results. Sakura was growing impatient.

"Tsunade-sama, is it a stomach virus or not?"

Tsunade took a deep breath and gave Sakura a skeptical look. "Well, Sakura, it isn't the stomach virus that's making you sick.." She stated, looking over her work for a third time.

Sakura cocked an eyebrow, her hands fiddling in her lap. "So, if it's not the stomach virus, what is it?"

Tsunade coughed, her stunned eyes boring into Sakura's confused ones. "Alright, Sakura, I'll give it to you straight. After taking a few tests, twice, mind you, I keep coming to the same results. Sakura, you're not sick. You're pregnant," Tsunade stated with narrow eyes. "Mind telling me how this happened?"

Sakura blinked in surprise. "Wh-what...? Pre-pregnant?" She stammered, "How...how...?" She couldn't understand it! They had done everything safely! They had used protection and everything, so how could this have happened? "But that's not possible!" She blurted out, tears brimming in the corner of her eyes.

"The facts are here, Sakura," Tsunade said, her eyes softening. "Now, do you mind telling me how this happened?"

Sakura wiped at her eyes, willing the tears away. "I...we...we were always so...ca-cautious. I don't understand..."

Tsunade nodded, sympathy deep in her blue eyes. "I'm guessing that Lee's the father?"

Sakura gasped. "Lee! What will he think?" She asked, the tears rolling freely from her eyes. "He has to fulfill his nindo and he can't do that if he's...he's...a father!" She threw her face into her hands, sobs wrecking her small body. A body that wasn't ready to bear a child. "I might have just killed his dream...Lee-kun could never forgive me! He'll hate me!" Sakura tried to catch her breath, but it was difficult with the force of the sobs. "What if he leaves me...what if he doesn't love me anymore...what if--" Tsunade cut her off.

"Calm down Sakura," she ordered, even through all this, Sakura was still considering Lee's feelings. Something she wouldn't even thought of doing just three years ago. "If Lee was really like that, would you really love him as much as you do? And this is Lee we're talking about. Lee isn't one to walk away from responsibility, or you." Sakura looked up at her mentor and friend, the tears slowing down as she formed a small smile when she saw Tsunade's reassuring one. "It'll be okay."

Sakura hesitantly nodded and took a deep breath to calm down. "I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama...It's just...I...I don't know what to do. I...it's just too much. I thought we were...doing everything right. How could this have happened? I don't understand. I-I-I can't be pregnant." She said, the tears returning.

Tsunade placed a slender hand on her student's shoulder. "Nothing is one hundred percent, Sakura. Accidents do happen."

Sakura raised her head to look at Tsunade. That's what this was? An...accident? Was getting pregnant with Lee's child an accident? A mistake on their part? Was that how she should view this? She shook her head. No, having Lee's baby was no accident. Perhaps a twist of faith, but she would never, ever, call her own child an 'accident', a 'mistake' to happen. "No...it's...it's not an accident..." She took a deep breath as green eyes met blue ones. "I'll accept any and all consequences for my actions, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade smiled, albeit sadly. She was proud that Sakura was willing to accept the challenges of being a mother brought but she was also disappointed that it came way too soon for her. Sakura was only sixteen years old, she wasn't ready for what this would entail. "Alright, Sakura."

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Leaving the hospital, Sakura felt disoriented, as if the world was spinning from beneath her feet. She wanted to be alone so she could think. She needed some time to herself and with the news that will no doubt change her life forever, she slowly made her way to their sacred spot. The place of their one year anniversary, the place that held many beautiful memories for both of them, and the place where the Cherry Blossoms met the Lotus.

She knew where it was located by heart and could probably make it there with closed eyes, as they were always there together. The calm and quiet scenery helped her think and cleared her mind of negative thoughts. As she walked into the setting, a gentle wind brushed against her face, as if it was caressing her, telling her that everything will be alright. If only she could believe that.

Walking towards the edge of the cliff that overlooked the thunderous waterfall, Sakura sat down heavily, her mind still reeling from the information she had received from Tsunade not too long ago. "How could this have happened..." she said to no one in particular. She buried her head into her arms and sat there, listening to the soothing sounds of the water.

Many thoughts ran through her mind. What should she do now? Should she keep it or have an abortion? The thought of abortion sounded extremely wrong in her mind. She was carrying life inside of her and an abortion would destroy that life. She didn't want that to happen, to think of what could've been if she had that child, to regret that decision everyday of her life. Lee wouldn't approve of such a thing, but what does she think about it? No, abortion was certainly not an option.

And then, there was adoption. Giving birth to your baby and than setting them up for adoption? Sakura wouldn't be able to part with her child, not like that, not before he or she got to know their parents. Suddenly, a frightening thought hit her: HER parents!

What would they think? What would they do? How would they react to the news that their only daughter, their only 16 year old daughter, was pregnant? The thought scared her more than the fact that she was pregnant, the visit to the hospital still fresh in her own mind. A new wave of tears fought their way to the suffice.

"I thought I would find you here," a familiar and soft voice said from behind her. Sakura gasped and turned around, almost slipping off the cliff and would have too, if Lee wasn't quick. In a flash, Lee was by her side, holding her up. "I am so sorry, Sakura-chan! I did not mean to frighten you!"

Sakura tried to calm her racing heart, but to no avail. Here he was, with her, at their sacred place that only they knew about. Should she tell him now or...?

"Sakura-chan, are you okay?" Lee asked, noticing that something looked to be bothering her. Sakura took his hand and lead him down the path that they knew too well that would take them directly next to the beautiful cherry blossoms, sacred lotus and roaring waterfall. "...Sakura-chan?"

She sighed, turning her shimmering emerald eyes on her. "It's really beautiful here...how much of this will change?"

Lee looked at her with confusion filled in his black eyes. "Sakura-chan...?" Lee wasn't sure what to say to her. He wasn't even sure what was wrong with her, and he desperately wanted to find out. "What is wrong? Please tell me..."

Sakura turned away, afraid to face him. She took a deep, shaking breath and prepared for the inevitable. "Lee-kun, no matter what happens, promise me that you'll still love me..." She whispered, her voice barely audible over the roar of the waterfall.

Lee blinked in surprise and quickly embraced her from behind, placing his chin on her pink hair and drew her tight to him, never wanting to let go. "Sakura-chan, I will forever love you, no matter what." He turned her around to him, his arms around wrapped tightly around her waist. "Please, tell me what is troubling you so much."

Her eyes searched his and she knew instantly that no matter what, he'll stay true to her. He'll never hurt her. He would never, ever as long as he live leave her all alone. She knew that the safest place in the world was right there in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his own waist and carefully placed her head on his chest. She inhale deeply, taking in his sweet scent before exhaling slowly. She muttered something against his chest.

Lee was confused even more. "What was that, Sakura-chan?"

This time it was a little louder, but still barely above a whisper and muffed against his chest, but he heard the words loud and clear as if it was a shout in his ear. "...I'm pregnant..." Lee, in his shock, stumbled backwards and the next thing they both knew was that they were now drenched in water.

Lee stuttered, spitting water out of his lungs and stared wide eyed at his girlfriend who was now laying on top of him in the water. "Sa-Sakura-chan..." He didn't know what to say. Instead of saying anything, he quickly helped her from the water. "I am so sorry, Sakura-chan! I-I...how could I have done this to you?" He asked, his voice filled with so much emotion.

Sakura smiled at him and shook her head, water flying everywhere. "No, Lee-kun, it's not your fault. It isn't anyone's fault."

Lee wasn't sure how to react. Part of him wanted to be ecstatic to have help create a new life with his Sakura-chan, his beautiful angel, while the other part wanted to scold himself for being so careless. He knew he was too young to raise a child. And not only that...would he be a good father? That scared him. He never had a true father before in his life, say for Gai-sensei, and he wanted to be there for his child. He looked at the young woman before him and enfold her in his arms, holding her tightly, but not tight enough to hurt her. Tears were slowly dropping from his eyes. "Sakura-chan...I love you and I will do everything in my power to protect you and our child, until the day I die. That is my ninja vow to you."

Sakura snuggled into him, enjoying the comfort he brought and ignoring the fact that they both were soak. "Thank you Lee, for not...turning away..."

Lee smiled down at her. "I would never, ever leave you, Sakura-chan. Never."

She smiled. She knew now that Lee would be there for her. He promised her. And he never back out on a promise.

"Can we stay like this for a while longer?" She asked. She wished that they could just be there forever.

Lee smiled, ignoring the chill he got when the wind brushed against his dampened clothing. "Of course, Sakura-chan. I would do anything for you."

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For one whole month, they kept Sakura's pregnancy a secret, for fear of what the others may think. They knew that they couldn't keep it a secret for long as Sakura would eventually start showing signs of her pregnancy. Sakura hated keeping a secret like this from her family and friends, but she wasn't ready to tell them, especially her father and mother.

She was sitting on a stool at Ichiraku with Lee, Naruto, and Ino when the latter decided to bring up something obviously touché. "Sakura, you need a diet. You're getting fat." Ino smirked, poking at Sakura's slightly larger stomach, that was barely noticeable, but of course, Ino had to notice it.

Sakura glared at her, smacking her hand away from her stomach, a slight blush covering her cheeks. "Shut up, Ino-pig."

Ino laughed. "Oh, come on. How much weight have you gain, anyway? If you keep eating, you'll become as big as a house." Ino glanced at the bowls in front of the pink haired girl. "That's your third bowl, right?"

Sakura said nothing as she finished her lunch, trying to ignore the stares Naruto was casting her way. "Hey, hey! You do look a little larger than usual." Ah, Naruto, never knowing what to say just earned himself a well deserved punch as Sakura fist collided with his cheek.

"Shut up, Naruto!" Sakura fumed, her eyes glaring a dangerous red.

Lee sweatdropped. "Uh, Sakura-chan..."

Naruto picked himself up off the ground, rubbing his sore cheek. "Ow, man, you didn't have to hit me so hard, Sakura-chan..."

Sakura crossed her arms and turned her head away. "Never question a woman's weight, Naruto."

Naruto shrugged and got back on his seat. "Man, I don't know how you do it, Thick-brows."

Ino continued to laugh. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were pregnant, forehead-girl!" Sakura and Lee's eyes slightly widen and both turned away awkwardly, hoping that Ino wouldn't notice. But, of course, she did and she promptly stopped laughing. "No way..." she said, glancing at the two in bewilderment.

This caught Naruto's attention. "Wait, wait, what? Huh?" He quickly saw the looks on his two friends' faces and his jaw dropped. "Sakura-chan...you...and him?" he said, his voice incredulous and eye slightly twitching. "How did it happen?" Naruto froze in horror. "Nevermind, I don't want to know," he said and turning away to hid the look of hurt that was evident on his face. For years he has had a crush on his pink haired teammate. Sure, he knew that she was dating Lee, but he didn't think it'll last this long and...that that would happen...he felt heartbroken.

Ino was speechless. "You're...you...really?" She couldn't take her shock eyes off of her best friend. "Wow. I never thought that you, Sakura...and Lee..."

Sakura started to feel awkward, as well as Lee, as the two of them tried their best to avoid their friends' gazes. She was hoping she didn't have to tell them so soon. Oh well, it was in inevitable.

Naruto stood up, ready to leave. "Um, y-yeah...I'm gonna go now..." He said, forcing a fake smile on his face, but the hurt he felt was evident in his deep blue eyes. "See you later, Sakura-chan., Lee, Ino..." With that, Naruto left the three at the ramen stand.

Ino turned to the two lovers, the shock wearing off just a bit. "I had no idea that you two were so...intimate..." Ino glanced at Lee before leaning closer to Sakura and covering a hand to the side of her mouth whispering to her. "So, was he good?"

Sakura eyes widen and her cheeks went a deep red. "Ino!"

Ino drew back with a shrug of her shoulders. "I was only asking."

Sakura sighed. "Ino, please don't tell anyone."

The blond girl raised an eyebrow. "Okay, I won't. But, you do know that they're gonna find out anyway and—Hey! Shikamaru!" Ino quickly shouted as she spotted her boyfriend walking with the third member of their three man cell.

Sakura slammed her head gently on the counter with a groan as Lee waved happily to the two making them way to them. Shikamaru gave one lazy wave while Chouji munched happily on his chips.

"Hey guys," Chouji greeted, chip crumbs flying from his mouth barely missing his friends.

Ino gave him a disapproving look before turning to Shikamaru. "Hey, Shika-kun, I'm glad you're here," Sakura gave Ino a warning glare, but she ignored it. "About tonight, I don't think I'll be able to make it." Sakura visibly relaxed at Ino's words. At least she wasn't going to tell them yet.

Shikamaru shrugged and stood off to the side just as Ino, Sakura, and Lee got up from their seats. "You're such a troublesome woman, always changing your mind."

His girlfriend glared threatening at him. "You want to say that again, Shika-kun?"

Shikamaru gulped. "Ah, it'll be too troublesome to repeat myself..."

"Everything is so 'troublesome' with you!" Ino shouted as they walked down the busy streets of Konoha. Thankfully for Lee and Sakura, they decided to let team 10 be on their way. Ino turned back around to Sakura. "Sakura, I'll be by your house, later, okay? See ya!" And the three disappeared from view leaving the two awkward teenagers alone.

Lee smiled sheepishly at her. "Would you like me to walk you home, Sakura-chan?"

Sakura nodded as the two silently made their way to her house, a lot on her mind. It has been one whole month since she found out that she was carrying Lee's child. Keeping a secret like this wasn't easy and she almost came close, twice, to telling her parents. She unconsciously placed a hand on her slightly rounder stomach. Lee noticed and smiled, lost in his own thoughts on the situation.

He was ecstatic and frighten at the same time. He viewed Sakura's pregnancy as a blessing rather than a curse and was slightly aware of the fact that he was only seventeen and a soon-to-be father. After finding out that his Sakura, his above all precious person, was pregnant with his baby, he refused to let her go, even for a moment. If something were to happen to either of them, he wouldn't know how to live anymore. Lee's eyes drifted to his girlfriend as he took her small hand in his, giving her a reassuring smile.

She looked up and knew that everything was going to be okay. Why shouldn't everything be okay? After all, she had her protector by her side and he'll always be there for them. Always.

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AN: Sentimental, I am. Sappy, I am. Dramatic, maybe not as much. What did you think of...chapter three? It just gets better and better, doesn't it? Sorry if Naruto, Ino, Shika, and Chouji (maybe not Chouji) seemed a bit out of character, that's why I tried giving them few lines. -smiles shamefully- Yes, and I also like to thank my bestest friend in the whole wide world. You all know who he is. Please review! I'd appreciate it so much!

Next Chapter Teaser: "Mr. and Mrs. Haruno, I really love your daughter and I would do everything in my power to protect her from any and everything. I would never hurt her..." He took a deep breath, shifting his eyes to the girl he loves and back to her parents once more. This is it...there's no turning back...