Chapter 12

"Do you mean for tonight? This week? The next couple of months? The next 12 months? The next five years?" She said with a big grin on her face.

"All of it." He said, still looking at his ceiling, not sure what to make out of her words.

"So for the five next year" she took a deep breath. Then she turned her herself to face him, while lying on the bed. One arm, as a headrest, bent under her head, the other placed protectively in front of her and both legs also slightly bent, similar to the fetal position. She was looking directly at him and his so familiar features. His eyebrow divided by the scar, his nose that was still perfectly straight despite all his years as an active ninja, his body hidden by his clothing and his slightly scarred hands. She only now realized that she often pays such close attention to him. Maybe it's because of their strong and close connection and the fact that she was his doctor. She had to keep an eye on him so closely, otherwise something might happen to him, or she wouldn't notice that something was wrong with him. Given his aversion to hospitals, that wasn't entirely unlikely. A small part of her knew that wasn't all, but that part had been locked away neatly and hidden deep inside her since the day Sasuke came back into her life and planned to stay for good. So she tried to concentrate on the question, "let me think. I guess I would like to be at Konoha again, having my child in my arms, my loved ones around me and a new love by my side. I don't want to be a sad widow all my life. I will always love Sasuke, but I cannot choose him and live in the past forever. My trip to Amegakure showed me this. In the next 12 months, I would like to laugh more again and become more of the person I was. Doing a few missions here and there and holding my baby in my arms. And have sex again, good sex. In the next couple of months, I would like to finish my job here and train some good medics. Bringing this life into this world and of course returning to Konoha, not necessarily in this order. This week? I want to show you the city and the things I am doing here. I truly believe I am making a difference here and that is really lifting my spirit." She said, still looking at him. She had a plan for the future, and she couldn't wait for it to happen.

"And for tonight?" He asked, while mirroring her position and looking her straight into her eyes. He immediately noticed the blush on her cheeks, that were so complementing to her hair. And he also dared to have a closer look, capturing the green of her eyes, which reminded him of the trees in front of his childhood home on a sunny day and how her pink strands fell over her face. Her petite figure that hides a strong and fearsome woman and her beautiful, gentle hands that had not only saved his life countless times. She leaned over to him and looked deep into his eyes, then said: "I just want to be here with you, existing in your presence and enjoying your company. I don't want to worry about the future and all that weighs with it. I just want to enjoy this right here." Then she leaned back again and lay down in the same position as just now.

"Just enjoying life with you? Sounds marvellous." He answered. Then they both started to chuckle a little bit. She was right, the worries and everything can wait until tomorrow. Tonight, the only thing that mattered to him was her. So he asked her, about her way to Amegakure and how her first days were. She told him gladly every detail she remembered until she was too tired and her eyes just closed. When this happened, Kakashi got up and went to her side of the bed and carefully covered her up. Then he went back and lay down next to her without even thinking about it and listened to her breathing and to that sound he fell asleep.

When Kakashi woke up the next morning, Sakura's back was pressed against his, and she was still sound asleep. It's amazing how well he slept last night. He hasn't been this relaxed in a long time, not even after the night with his secret bed mate. He decided to lie down for a while and enjoy this moment of peace. As soon as Sakura was awake they would have to talk about Tohoya, the council and all the other things that were worrying them. What he didn't consider was that Sakura slept significantly longer than he did. So after half an hour, he got up and started his everyday morning exercises. He did his 150 push-ups, walked on his hands for 15 minutes and stretched his body at the end. Sakura woke up just as Kakashi was doing one of his handstands. She turned slightly to be able to observe better what was happening, and she was not disappointed, Kakashi still cut an incredibly good figure despite his office job, almost too good. Kakashi noticed that Sakura was eyeing him, but it didn't bother him. On the contrary, it even filled him with pride that she was watching him so closely. He liked it when Sakura's sole focus was on him. This reminded him of the time after the war. Sasuke travelled to redeem himself. Naruto was busy with Hinata and studying for his jonin exam. Everyone in the village had something to do, except him. Tsunade was still working as Hokage, and although he had already been appointed, he had not yet felt confident enough to actually take up the position. Gai was in the hospital, and he visited him almost daily, and so it happened that he spent a lot of time with Sakura. She was the only person left. Of course, she was busy, too. She worked full-time at the hospital and at the same time began to take on more and more of the administrative tasks. Shizune was assigned more and more as an assistant to the Hokage and Tsunade made it clear that she wanted to travel again after Kakashi moved into the office. So it all stuck to Sakura, and she founded the mental health centre for the children together with Ino. Regardless, she always made sure that there was a chair for him to sit in where ever she was, so he went there and stayed all day to co-exist. And naturally, the two started talking to each other, at first just small talk, but at some point the conversations became more profound and personal and Kakashi enjoyed being able to confide in someone he actually trusted. This led to daily conversations. These then turned into occasional shared lunches. At some point, the two of them ate lunch together every day. He noticed that she forgets to eat properly when she was stressed, that's why he wanted to make sure she had a full meal at least once a day. After the two accidentally met in the cemetery in the afternoon, they sometimes went for a walk after Sakura's work and Kakashi gradually showed her his favourite places to read and exist. Sakura showed Kakashi her favourite spots in Konoha and the surrounding area. They enjoyed each other's presence, and so it was only natural that they grew closer and closer. The joint mission led by Sakura didn't hurt this, on the contrary, it only further strengthened the bond between them. It was one of his favourite missions he ever did.

"Good morning." Kakashi said. And Sakura started to blush a little.

"Good morning, have you slept well?"

"Like a baby, you?"

"You have no idea." She stated, and she hoped he never will be. She missed sleeping next to someone, someone she felt a deep connection to. Next to someone she could… no, she stopped that thought before it solidified itself in her brain. That was ridiculous and dangerous, and she wouldn't allow that piece of her to come out again. She was way too ashamed to admit that this part existed inside of her and that it stayed even when Sasuke was around, it was well-hidden but still there. This was her deepest and darkest secret, and she would take it to her grave. Little did she know, that Kakashi was doing the same thing, when he saw her sitting up on the bed, it was an unconscious decision made by his subconscious.

"Would you like to have breakfast first or talk first?" Kakashi asked. He needed to get things off his chest, but also wanted to give her the chance to choose.

"Talking first. I don't think we will have much time alone. Tohaya is probably already awake…"

"And wanders around your door wondering when is the best time to barge in and disturb us. Speaking of which, what is his deal? What does he mean with maidenhood and reputation? Why is he calling you Lady Haruno and not Uchiha?" Interrupted the grey haired men the kunoichi.

"He knows, but this country is kinda weird. Tohaya filled me in. A widowed woman without children automatically gets her maiden name back and her maiden status. That probably makes it easier for her to get married again quickly. Due to the war-filled history, there is a shortage of children in the village and this should counteract this. If a widow has a child within 9 months of her husband's death, she is named a widow and her and her child receive her late husband's last name. That's why Tohaya is so keen to protect my honour, if one could claim that the child was not from Sasuke but from another man, I would have no rights to his inheritance. I know it's total nonsense, but I don't plan on staying here forever, just for the next 6 months, so I play along."

"OK, but the guard called you Mrs. Uchiha."

"Not everyone lives by that tradition, as far as I know," she said in a quiet voice.

"That makes sense, but nonetheless I don't like the guy. My gut tells me he has ulterior motives." Sakura let out a sigh and fell back onto the bed. This man will drive her crazy at some point. How can a single person carry so much mistrust within themselves?

"What will you do about the council?" He asked.

"Protect my child from them."

"I guess that's the best you can do. I will help you with it, I promise. And when do you think you'll be back in Konoha? Before or after birth?"

"Before, I want to give birth at home. I'll probably be back in 6 months, then I will have a couple of weeks."

"Six whole months?" How was he supposed to live without her for six months? He knew this was a possibility, but he had hoped she would come back with him.

"Yes, my work here is important not only for the people in Amegakure but also for me. My mental health is a lot better here. I realized so many things since I got here. I really need this break from Konoha and all my memories there. Here I'm not a sad widow, I'm Doctor Haruno and that feels amazing. I am someone else, I am a new me." She took a deep breath.

"I like the old Sakura." He said truthfully.

"Who knows, maybe you will like this new Sakura even more." She said, hoping she was right.

"I will. There will never be a version of you, that I will not like. I will…" A knock on the door interrupted him. His tone was honest, and he meant what he said. Even though he was sure she was just becoming her old self again.

"Uzumaki-San? It is me, Tohaya, would you let me in?" Sakura released the seal and signalled Kakashi, that she will go back into her room. The gray hair disappeared with a cloud of smoke, and 'Naruto' opened the door to Tohaya.

"Ah Tohaya, please call me Naruto," said Kakashi after he opened the door and signalled Tohaya to come in.

"Lady Haruno didn't answer to my knocks. So I thought maybe she was here. I know the morals in Konoha are different and more modern, but I really have to urge you to not spend time with her alone. She will be an outcast in this village, if the people knew," he pleaded.

"Why would the people care? She isn't a citizen of Amegakure, and she is a guest here. And without her the village would lose a lot. You need her right now." Kakashi answered, already on edge because of him. There was definitely something off with him.

Tohaya sighed and then looked Kakashi directly into his eyes. "Just stay away from her!" He said slowly and firmly. Then another knock on the door interrupted them. Sakura came in with a big smile on her face wishing a good morning. Tohaya turned to her and said with the softest voice: "Ah, Lady Haruno it is so nice to see you. I was worried, you didn't open your door."

"Oh, I am sorry. I was probably asleep. Yesterday was exciting, but also tiring."

"Oh no, are you worn out? Should I call Lady Senju and tell her you cannot come today?"

"That isn't necessary. I am well, but we should get started? Or is there something you two want to talk about first?" She asked, looking at both of them. The wave of anger which was radiating from Kakashi was hurtfully obvious to her. There was something wrong with him, or something had happened between them.

"Oh no, I just wondered if you were here." Tohaya answered and then made his way through the door. Sakura looked at Kakashi and when their gaze met she smiled at him, but he didn't return the smile. He just walked past her. He needed to talk to Tsunade immediately. This dude was dangerous, and he needed to protect Sakura from him. His gut feeling was never wrong, never. Sakura sighed and then followed the men. Drama queens went through her head. The day itself was uneventful. Sakura did her work and Kakashi stayed close to her the entire time, except for his conversation with Tsunade. He insisted that he speak to her alone. Sakura assumed that he wanted to dispel his jutsu for a brief moment to save energy and recover a bit. And wherever the two of them were, there was Tohaya too. He didn't leave Sakura's side. Not that she would mind in particular, but Kakashis growing anger was unusual.

Kakashi realized he wouldn't have a chance to talk to Sakura in private, not before they went to bed at least. So he went to Tsunade to talk to her about Tohaya. He knocked on her door and waited to be let in. As soon as he entered the room, he dropped his disguise. He knew they were alone.

"Kakashi, what can I do for you?" Tsunade asked, she had a rough idea of what he wanted.

"I need to give you this" He said while he took out the scroll, which approved Sakura's stay and the inquiry in the first place. He gave it to Tsunade.

"And I guess that's not all."

"You are right. You need to assign Tohaya to someone else. He is dangerous." His voice was stern, and the anger was still radiating from him.

"He isn't dangerous." Tsunade answered indifferent.

"How do you know?"

"I checked him and his background, Kakashi. He is no threat whatsoever."

"He threatened me. He told me to stay away from her."

"Did he?" She asked sarcastically.

"Tsunade this is serious. He has ulterior motives. My gut tells me, that there is something off with him. I don't trust him. Her safety is my biggest priority."

"Do you really think, that I don't have her best interest in mind? That I would endanger her? Especially while he is pregnant? Do you really think that? I made sure he was no threat. And you know what?" Her voice got louder, and she got angrier, "Maybe he is right, maybe you should stay away from her. I mean, you left the village, your responsibility to go after her."

"You don't understand that, she is…" Kakashi argued. His tone mirrored hers. He was angry.

"What? Family?" she interrupted him, "You really think I don't understand? I love this girl like my own, but you need to be better than this, and you need to get out of your own righteousness. You cannot be so selfish, not as the Hokage. Furthermore, I wouldn't have left the village defenceless and without its leader because she decided to go."

"But you aren't the Hokage, I am, and I command you to assign Tohaya to someone else. And I will not tolerate disobedience. I am your leader. Understood?" His voice was strong, and his tone was cold and serious. His gaze darkened and he maintained eye contact. Her lips moved and formed a smile that turned into a big grin.

"I didn't think you had it in you. Good job kid."

"What?" Kakashi was flabbergasted. What has just happened?

"I never thought you would stand up against me. I have to say I am proud of you. Good job." Kakashi still didn't know how to react. "But I have heard your concerns, and I'll think about it." She said after more moments of silence on Kakashi's part.

"You won't reassign him, am I right?" Kakashi asked, his mind still racing. He was ashamed of himself, he behaved poorly towards Tsunade. He knew that she loved Sakura and that she would never do something to hurt her.

"Probably not. He is the most promising medic in this village, or this country even, he is the one that will train the next generation of medics in die country. Even if wanted to, I couldn't. He is the future of the medical field in Amegakure. But I can assign him to extra duties, so he will spend less time with Sakura outside of work. It that OK?"

"I don't like it, but it is better than nothing, I guess." He wasn't pleased. His gut told him something was off regarding Tohaya, but here Tsunade was in charge. He couldn't force her to obey. "Thank you, Tsunade-Sama." He bowed low and then went back to Sakura. This was one of the strangest conversations he ever had.

"Bye, Kakashi." She shook her head. That this day would ever come, she thought while smiling to herself. She was sure that he had no idea what was lurking inside him.