Shikamaru eyed the dark patch of skin peeking above Kakashi's high, wide collared shirt and mask. Since Kakashi became a Hokage and Sakura had a field day of discarding her boyfriend's shirts with attached mask, she filled the older man's wardrobe with more stylish attire. However, Shikamaru think that those articles of clothing are more appropriate than the ones the Hokage currently owns to hide the man's girlfriend's love bites.

He doesn't need to be Kakashi's neighbor to know what happened last night. On second thought, it was probably best that the man doesn't have any neighbors to begin with, or else they will be up all night to hear the two going at each other.

One time, he needed to deliver an important scroll to the man's house, and he can hear their bedroom activities from the outside of their main door. And the Hatake Residence is not a small house, quite the contrary is it large. Large enough to fit two families with three children. Let's just say that it was an experience he doesn't want to inflict on anyone.

Shikamaru shook his head, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "Troublesome, Kakashi. You should invest in some turtlenecks or something."

Kakashi glanced at Shikamaru with his usual nonchalant expression. "I'll consider it."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Consider it seriously. You're the face of the village now, and we can't have the Hokage walking around with visible hickeys. It's bad for the village's image."

Kakashi chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind, Shikamaru."

"When the Elders had a field day because of your hickey, don't tell me I didn't advise you."

Kakashi smirked. "I'll deal with the elders when the time comes. For now, I have more pressing matters to attend to."

Shikamaru sighed. "You never change, do you? Always getting into troublesome situations."

Kakashi chuckled. "Trouble seems to find me, Shikamaru. But at least this time, it's a trouble I'm willing to embrace."

Shikamaru sighed. "Are you sure you should be here today? Seems like Sakura kept you up late last night."

Kakashi's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Well, I do have a village to run, troublesome as it may be. But don't worry, I can handle it. Sakura and I have an understanding."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Understanding, huh? That's one way to put it. Just be careful, Kakashi. The elders are watching."

Kakashi nodded, a serious undertone in his voice. "I know, Shikamaru. I'll handle the village politics, and Sakura and I will handle our relationship. Nothing will jeopardize what we have."

"Can't you do something about that?' Shikamaru asked, pointing at the purple mark situated where the man's neck and shoulder meet. He is the Hokage's adviser for a reason, and he cannot, in good conscience just let him leave his office without doing something about it.

"Its not that visible, Shikamaru." Kakashi growled. "You just noticed it because you're observant." He added as he examines the mark in a mirror. He didn't realize that Sakura also put something just below his earlobe. Normally, his mask will cover it. But she purposefully added one in a place where his mask can't hide it. He adjusted his mask to cover the one that Shikamaru pointed. "I guess I need to wear the ridiculous Hokage robes today to hide these. Just to prevent you from having a heart attack today."

Shikamaru smirked. "Well, you know how it is. Gotta keep up appearances. Wouldn't want the villagers losing faith in their Hokage because of a few love bites."

Kakashi rolled his eyes. "I doubt the village's faith in me hinges on the visibility of a hickey."

"You never know," Shikamaru replied, leaning against a wall. "People talk, and rumors spread like wildfire. Next thing you know, there's a scandal about the Hokage's love life, and everyone's gossiping about it instead of focusing on the real issues."

Kakashi sighed. "I suppose you have a point."

Shikamaru tilted his head. "You're lucky Sakura is discrete about it, though. She could have left them in places that are impossible to cover up."

Kakashi's visible eye narrowed, and he adjusted his mask again. "Let's not give her any ideas, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru chuckled. "I'm just saying, you might want to be more careful. The last thing you need is the village elders breathing down your neck because of a few love bites."

Kakashi nodded, a hint of seriousness in his gaze. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru sighed, realizing that he might not be able to convince Kakashi to take more preventive measures against the elders' scrutiny. "Just be careful, okay? I don't want to deal with the fallout if things go south."

Kakashi nodded. "I appreciate the concern, Shikamaru. I'll do what needs to be done."

As Kakashi prepared to leave, Shikamaru couldn't help but offer one last piece of advice. "And maybe invest in some makeup. It works wonders for covering up marks."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Makeup, huh? I'll keep that in mind, Nara. Thanks for the suggestion."

With that, Kakashi left Shikamaru's office, heading back into the responsibilities that awaited him as the Hokage. Shikamaru, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair, his mind already working on strategies to navigate the political challenges that seemed to surround Kakashi and Sakura's relationship.

As the day unfolded, the village continued its usual rhythm, unaware of the intricate dynamics and challenges faced by its leader. Kakashi and Sakura, despite the pressures and uncertainties, remained steadfast in their commitment to each other.

In the evening, as Kakashi returned to their home, the weight of the day's responsibilities lifted momentarily. The sight of Sakura waiting for him, a warm smile on her face, greeted him. She immediately walks towards him with a cup of tea in her hands.

"Long day?" Sakura asked. Leading him to the couch.

"It was okay." He answered, bringing the cup to his lips. He moaned as the tea made its way from his tongue to his throat. "You really make the best tea."

Sakura grinned, sitting beside him on the couch. "Well, a good cup of tea is the least I can do for my boyfriend after a long day of handling the village's troubles."

Kakashi chuckled, leaning back against the couch. "You know, I have a feeling your definition of 'troubles' might be different from mine."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's your definition of troubles, Kakashi?"

Kakashi smirked. "Well, troubles for me usually involve political disputes, village matters, and trying to keep the elders from having a heart attack over my personal life."

Sakura laughed, taking a sip of her own tea. "And here I was, thinking you had it easy. Dealing with the elders must be a headache."

Kakashi sighed. "You have no idea. But enough about my troubles. How was your day at the hospital?"

Sakura's expression softened. "It was busy, as usual. But you know I love what I do. Helping people, healing injuries—it's what I'm meant to do."

Kakashi nodded, a proud glint in his eye. "And you're damn good at it."

Sakura blushed, appreciating the compliment. "Well, I have a great teacher."

Kakashi chuckled. "Flattery will get you everywhere." He draped his arm over to hers and pulled her closer to him. "Well, the elders are having a field day today. They really think that they can stick their nose everywhere."

Sakura sighed, the mention of the elders bringing back the weight of their scrutiny. "I noticed. So, what is it that they are sticking their nose into?"

He sighed. "Well, your residence here." He explained. "They think I'm promoting a non-marital union because you're here and we're not married."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Of course, they would focus on something like that. Because clearly, that's the most pressing issue in the village."

Kakashi chuckled. "You know how they are. Traditional to the core. But I won't let them dictate our choices."

Sakura sighed. "I just don't want to be the cause of trouble for you, Kakashi. Maybe if I stay elsewhere for a while, they'll calm down."

Kakashi frowned. "Sakura, I've already told you. I won't let them use our relationship against us. We face this together, no matter what."

Sakura looked at him with a mix of gratitude and concern. "I appreciate your determination, Kakashi, but I also don't want you to face unnecessary challenges because of me."

"No, you're not." Kakashi insisted. "And they can't dictate our lives, Sakura." He nuzzled his nose in her neck. "And how can I sleep without my blossom by my side? You spoiled me too much."

Sakura chuckled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Spoiled or not, I just want what's best for you. The elders may not understand, but our relationship is important to me, and I don't want to see you caught in the crossfire."

Kakashi's arms tightened around her, a reassuring embrace. "Sakura, I knew what I was getting into when I chose to be with you. I won't let anything or anyone jeopardize what we have. We'll face the challenges together, and we'll come out stronger on the other side."

Sakura smiled, appreciating Kakashi's unwavering support. "You really are something, you know that?"

Kakashi smirked. "I've been called many things, but I'll take that as a compliment."

Sakura playfully nudged him. "It is a compliment, you dork."

Kakashi chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Well, I guess I'll have to live up to the title of 'dork' then." He tightened his hold on her. "Are you still sore?"

Sakura blushed, feeling the warmth in her cheeks. "A bit," she admitted with a playful grin. "But it's nothing I can't handle. Your 'skills' are quite effective, after all."

Kakashi chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Glad to hear it. I wouldn't want my lady to be too uncomfortable."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Oh, spare me the charm, Kakashi. You know very well what you're doing."

Kakashi grinned, leaning in for a teasing kiss. "I do indeed. And I must say, I'm quite enjoying the perks of having a beautiful and talented medic as my partner."

Sakura laughed, the tension of the day gradually melting away. "Well, you're not so bad yourself, honey. Despite the trouble you bring."

Kakashi smirked. "Trouble is my middle name. But you love me anyway."

Sakura shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "Crazy in love, remember?"

Kakashi chuckled. "How could I forget?" He planted another kiss on her lips, savoring the warmth of their shared affection. He looked down at her. "Do you think you can…"

His voice trailed off, but the question was heard loud and clear by the pink-haired medic that is comfortably nestled in his arms. Her blush burned brighter. "I think." She answered timidly. "If you're going to be gentle this time."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Gentle, huh? I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best to be considerate. But if you start screaming like you did last night…"

Sakura playfully swatted his arm. "You're exaggerating! And I didn't scream, I just... expressed my appreciation for your efforts."

Kakashi chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment then. Now, shall we continue where we left off last night?"

Sakura blushed, a mixture of embarrassment and anticipation coloring her cheeks. "You really are insatiable, aren't you?"

Kakashi grinned, a teasing glint in his eye. "I just can't resist when I have such an irresistible partner." He leaned into her and captured her lips.