"Just so you know, I'm not infertile." Kakashi blurted out, as Sakura slip into the bed.

Sakura turned to look at Kakashi, surprise and confusion written across her face. "What?"

Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "Ino's comments earlier... about me not being able to have kids. I just wanted to clarify that it's not the case. I'm not infertile."

Sakura blinked, processing Kakashi's unexpected revelation. "Why are you bringing this up now?"

"I could see the discomfort in your eyes, Sakura. I don't want you to think that I'm avoiding the topic because of some issue with me," Kakashi explained.

Sakura studied Kakashi for a moment, her expression shifting from surprise to understanding. "Do you think I would love you less if you were?" she asked.

Kakashi looked at Sakura, a mixture of vulnerability and sincerity in his eyes. "No, Sakura. It's not about that. It's just... I've been avoiding the topic for so long, and I didn't want you to have any misconceptions. If we're going to talk about our future, I want it to be based on honesty."

Sakura reached out and gently touched Kakashi's hand, a reassuring gesture. "Kakashi, I appreciate your honesty. But you need to understand that whether or not we have children, it doesn't change how I feel about you. We face this together, just like everything else."

Kakashi nodded, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "I know, Sakura. I just didn't want any uncertainties lingering between us. We have a lot to discuss and figure out, but I want us to do it openly and without any hidden concerns."

Sakura smiled, squeezing Kakashi's hand. "That's good. You're learning." She let him go and plopped next to him. "Looks like I have a lot of sleepless nights in the near future. Although Inojin is a good kid."

Kakashi chuckled, the tension in the air dissipating. "Well, at least you have some babysitting practice with Inojin now. Who knows, maybe we'll have our own little troublemaker running around one day."

Sakura grinned, a playful glint in her eyes. "We'll see about that. Who knows, maybe after Inojin, I wouldn't want children anymore."

Kakashi's eyes turned somber as he processed Sakura's words. "Are you trying to adopt to me again, Sakura?" he asked. "Are you sacrificing what you want just because I can't be sure of what I wanted?"

Sakura sighed, leaning her head on Kakashi's shoulder. "No, Kakashi. I'm not making decisions based on what I think you want. I've done that before, and it only led to pain. If we decide to have children, it should be a choice we both make together, not a sacrifice on my part."

Kakashi tightened his hold around Sakura, a mixture of guilt and gratitude in his eyes. "I don't want you to give up on your dreams for me. I want to build a future together, one that includes everything you've ever wanted."

Sakura looked up at Kakashi, sincerity in her eyes. "As long as that is what you want too." She took a deep breath before burying her face on the crook of his neck. "Don't overthink."

Kakashi held Sakura close, absorbing the warmth of her presence. The complexities of their relationship, the weight of their shared history, and the uncertainty of the future loomed over them. Yet, in that moment, there was a shared understanding that they needed to navigate these challenges together.

As Sakura nestled against Kakashi, he couldn't help but reflect on the journey they had embarked upon. The pain, the misunderstandings, and the sacrifices were etched into the fabric of their connection. However, there was a subtle hope that emerged—a hope for healing, growth, and the possibility of a shared future.

Kakashi spoke softly, his voice carrying a genuine resolve. "Sakura, I've been thinking." he started. "What would you say if I ask you to marry me?"

Sakura lifted her head from Kakashi's shoulder, her eyes meeting his in surprise. The air seemed to still as the weight of Kakashi's words settled between them.

"Marry you." Sakura repeated. "Uhm, I don't know. Maybe ask you if you're serious and if you really want it."

Kakashi met Sakura's gaze, his eyes revealing a sincerity that hadn't wavered. "I am serious, Sakura. I want to marry you. I want to build a life with you, face the challenges together, and create a future that we both can cherish."

Tears started to form in her eyes before she hid them by pulling him close. "Ask me again when you're not overwhelmed by Ino's teasing."

Kakashi chuckled, feeling a mix of relief and amusement at Sakura's response. He gently wiped away a tear that escaped her eyes, his heart swelling with emotion.

"I promise, next time I ask, it won't be in the aftermath of Ino's teasing," Kakashi said, his tone light but sincere. "But, really, Sakura, I want to know. Do you see a future with me? One where we face everything together, marriage and all?"

Sakura looked into Kakashi's eyes, the weight of the question settling in her heart. She took a deep breath, allowing the sincerity of her feelings to guide her response.

"I wouldn't come back to you over and over again after all of the stunts you pulled if I don't." Sakura said. "But I resigned myself to never really experiencing it. So, it doesn't change the fact that I'll stay with you until one of us dies."

"I scarred you that much, huh?" Kakashi remarked.

Sakura sighed, a mixture of playfulness and sincerity in her response. "More like you're an eternal headache, but somehow, I can't seem to get rid of you."

Kakashi chuckled, relieved to see a hint of humor in Sakura's eyes. "I promise to be a less overwhelming headache, especially when it comes to serious discussions."

Sakura leaned back, her expression softening. "Kakashi, I do see a future with you. It's messy, complicated, and filled with challenges, but it's a future I'm willing to embrace. So, yes, I can imagine a life with you, marriage and all."

Kakashi's eyes reflected gratitude and relief. He held Sakura's gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. "Thank you, Sakura. I'll make sure it's a future worth fighting for."

As they sat there, wrapped in the quiet moment, the weight of their shared history and the potential of their future hung in the air. It was a step forward, a declaration of commitment, and a recognition that their journey was far from over.

"So, he asked you, but you turned him down after years of waiting for him to ask you that." Ino summarized what Sakura told her. "Can you tell me how that makes sense?"

Sakura sighed, a mixture of frustration and uncertainty in her expression. "It's not that simple, Ino. He didn't actually asked, he posed a circumstantial question."

Ino raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A circumstantial question? What does that even mean?"

Sakura ran a hand through her hair, trying to find the right words. "He didn't outright propose. It was more like he brought up the idea of marriage in a hypothetical way. I think he was testing the waters, seeing how I would react."

Ino leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "And how did you react?"

Sakura hesitated, recalling the moment. "I told him to ask me again when he's not overwhelmed by your teasing. I mean, you just dropped the bombshell of your pregnancy, and we were all caught off guard. I didn't want our decision to be influenced by the unexpected turn of events."

Ino sighed, understanding the complexity of the situation. "Sakura, you know Kakashi. He's not the most direct when it comes to these things. But it sounds like he genuinely wants to marry you. What's holding you back?"

Sakura glanced out of the window, a contemplative expression on her face. "It's not that I don't want to marry him, Ino. It's just... everything is so complicated. We have a history filled with pain and misunderstandings. And I'm not sure if a piece of paper will magically fix everything."

Ino nodded, acknowledging Sakura's concerns. "Marriage won't magically fix everything, you're right. But it's a commitment, a promise to face everything together. If Kakashi is willing to take that step, it might be a sign of genuine change and commitment. You've both been through so much; maybe it's time to embrace the possibility of a new beginning."

Sakura sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know, Ino. It's just hard to shake off the past. What if we get married and then he realized that marriage is too stifling? He was married once and that didn't end well. How can this be different? I rather have him at the situation that works for us than venture to the great unknown."

Ino placed a comforting hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Sakura, I get it. The fear of the unknown is always daunting. But you also can't let the fear of what might happen stop you from taking a step forward. Kakashi has his own fears and struggles, but if he's expressing a genuine desire to marry you, it means he's willing to face those fears for the sake of your relationship."

"Again, he didn't ask. He just posed a scenario. That's different."

Ino gave Sakura a pointed look. "Sakura, you can be so stubborn sometimes. If Kakashi is posing scenarios that involve marriage, it's because he's considering it. Maybe he's not great at expressing these things directly, but his actions are speaking louder than words. You've been through a lot together, and perhaps this is his way of showing that he's willing to take a step forward."

Sakura sighed, feeling the weight of the decision ahead. "I just don't want to get my hopes up, Ino. We've been on this rollercoaster for so long, and I don't know if I can handle another heartbreak."

"So, you're just going to let this chance go?" Ino asked. "You may not get another chance like this."

"If that is so, then I am right. He's not considering it. He's just pressured."

Ino shook her head, frustration evident in her expression. "Sakura, you can't keep second-guessing everything. Yes, Kakashi might not be the most straightforward person, but he's not one to be pressured into something he doesn't want. If he's bringing up the topic of marriage, even in a hypothetical scenario, it means he's thinking about it."

Sakura leaned back, running her fingers through her hair. "I just need time, Ino. Time to process everything, time to make sure that if we take this step, it's the right one for both of us."

Ino sighed, understanding Sakura's hesitation. "I get it, Sakura. But don't let fear dictate your decisions. Yes, it's scary, and yes, there are uncertainties, but sometimes, you need to take a leap of faith. You've been through so much together, and if Kakashi is signaling that he wants to build a life with you, it might be worth exploring."

Sakura nodded, acknowledging Ino's words. "I just don't want to rush into things and regret it later. I want to be sure, Ino. Sure that this is what we both want."

Ino smiled, squeezing Sakura's shoulder. "That's fair, Sakura. Take the time you need, but also be open to the possibility. Sometimes, the best things in life come when we take a chance, even if it's a scary one."

As Sakura contemplated the conversation with Ino, she couldn't shake off the conflicting emotions within her. The idea of marriage, a commitment that held the promise of a shared future, was both enticing and terrifying. The scars of their past and the uncertainties of the future weighed heavily on her mind.

Days turned into weeks, and Sakura found herself grappling with the decision ahead. The topic of marriage lingered in the air between her and Kakashi, an unspoken understanding that required careful navigation. As they continued to rebuild their relationship, Sakura couldn't ignore the subtle shifts in Kakashi's behavior, the way he seemed more present, more invested.

"Sakura, what do you think about this?" Kakashi asked her one day as he drag her to the market. He is holding two long sleeved shirts. "I'm really comfortable with dark blue, but this grey also looks nice. What do you think?"

Sakura looked at the shirts in Kakashi's hands, her mind momentarily shifting from the weight of their previous conversations to the simplicity of choosing between two colors.

"Hmm," she mused, examining the shirts. "I think both would look good on you, Kakashi. But if I had to choose, maybe the dark blue. It complements your hair, and you always look good in darker shades."

Kakashi nodded, placing the grey shirt back on the rack. "Dark blue it is then. Thanks for the input."

As they continued shopping, Sakura couldn't help but reflect on the contrast between such everyday decisions and the complexities of their relationship. The idea of choosing a shirt seemed so simple, yet the prospect of choosing a life partner felt overwhelmingly intricate.

Later, as they walked through the crowded market, Kakashi's hand brushed against hers. It was a subtle touch, but it spoke volumes—a connection, a shared moment amidst the hustle and bustle of the market.

"I think I saw a dress somewhere." Kakashi mentioned. "I knew you like your reds, but I think that dark blue will suit you."

"You're picking out my outfits now, huh?" Sakura asked him.

"It's just a small gift. I had it altered. We can pick it up now, I think."

Sakura couldn't help but smile at Kakashi's thoughtful gesture. The idea of him choosing a dress for her, having it altered, and planning a surprise made her heart flutter. It was these small moments of consideration that hinted at a depth in their connection, a willingness to invest in each other's happiness.

"That sounds lovely, Kakashi. Lead the way," Sakura replied, letting herself be guided through the market. The bustling atmosphere seemed to fade into the background as they navigated the narrow lanes, their intertwined hands creating a sense of unity amid the diverse array of stalls.

As they reached the dress shop, Kakashi discreetly slipped away to collect the altered dress. Sakura browsed through the vibrant array of fabrics, her mind still contemplating the recent conversations about marriage and the future. The dress in her hand symbolized more than just a piece of clothing; it embodied the possibility of a shared future, a future that held the potential for growth and commitment.

Kakashi returned with the dress, a small smile playing on his lips beneath the mask as he handed it to Sakura. "I hope you like it. I tried to choose a color that complements your style."

Sakura held the dress in her hands, admiring the deep shade of dark blue. "It's perfect, Kakashi. Thank you," she said, genuinely touched by his gesture. She looked at the handcraftsmanship when her fingers brushed the back of the dress. Confused at the textured back, she flipped it over.

Surprise colored her features as she took in the embroidery. She looked at Kakashi, then back to the symbol. A symbol that is so familiar to her. "Is... is this, I mean this is your clan's symbol, right?" she asked.

Kakashi nodded, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "Yes, it's the symbol of the Hatake clan. I thought it would look good on you." he explained. "The Hatake's have no signature color like the Uchiha's, but that symbol had been sewn to all of our shirts. Well, aside from mine. I stopped wearing it."

"Then, why did you have it embroidered in this dress?" Sakura asked.

Kakashi hesitated and look around, "I found a small restaurant over there. Is it alright if we talk more there?"

Sakura nodded, her curiosity piqued by Kakashi's request. They made their way to the small restaurant Kakashi had mentioned, finding a quiet corner to sit and talk. A waitress came and asked for their order. Sakura let Kakashi order for them, she's still marveling at the symbol on her dress.

"Don't you like it?" Kakashi asked, insecurity lacing his tone.

"No, Kakashi, I love it," Sakura reassured him, her eyes softening. "It's just... unexpected. I know the Hatake clan had a symbol, but I never saw you wear it. But why did you add it to the dress?"

Kakashi took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "Well, the reason why I don't wear it anymore is because, I'm the only one left."

Sakura's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and understanding in her expression. The weight of Kakashi's words hung in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the losses he had endured.

"I didn't know," Sakura said softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Kakashi's. "I'm sorry, Kakashi."

Kakashi gave her a small, appreciative smile. "It's okay, Sakura. It's been a long time, and I've come to terms with it. But when I saw this dress, I thought maybe it's time to bring that symbol back, in a different way."

Sakura traced her fingers over the embroidered symbol on the dress, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"And also, I don't know how to ask you this, but I want to marry you." Kakashi said. "I'm sure of it now. I want you in my life."

Sakura looked up from the dress, her eyes meeting Kakashi's with a mix of surprise and warmth. The atmosphere in the small restaurant seemed to shift as the weight of Kakashi's words settled between them.

"You do?" Sakura asked, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Kakashi nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, Sakura. I want to marry you. I want to build a life together, face the challenges, and create a future that we both can cherish. The symbol on the dress, it's not just a clan symbol; it's a symbol of a new beginning, a commitment to something greater than ourselves."

Sakura's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions—joy, relief, and a profound sense of connection. The dress in her hands now represented more than just a thoughtful gift; it symbolized a shared commitment to move forward, to embrace the possibilities of a future together.

He took her hand in his. "Would you like to share my name and clan symbol, Sakura? Would you like to be Hatake Sakura?"

Sakura felt a surge of emotions, her heart beating faster at the gravity of Kakashi's words. The idea of taking his name and being associated with the Hatake clan held a significance that resonated deep within her. She looked into Kakashi's eyes, seeing a vulnerability and sincerity that stirred something within her.

"I..." Sakura began, her voice catching in her throat. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, her fingers still tracing the embroidered symbol on the dress. She nodded, tears escaping from her eyes. "Yes. I would really like that."

Kakashi's eyes softened, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The weight of their shared history, the challenges they had faced, and the uncertainties of the future seemed to fade away in that moment.

"Hatake Sakura," Kakashi said, his voice carrying a warmth and certainty. "I really like the sound of that."

Sakura couldn't help but smile through her tears. The decision felt right, a step toward a future they both wanted. The embroidered symbol on the dress, once a clan insignia, now represented a new beginning—a symbol of their commitment and the shared journey they were embarking upon.

Kakashi reached over and wiped away Sakura's tears with a gentle touch. "Thank you, Sakura. Thank you for choosing to walk this path with me."

As they sat there, hand in hand, in the quiet corner of the small restaurant, the air seemed to shimmer with the promise of a new chapter. The complexities of their past were not forgotten, but the decision to move forward together held the power to reshape their story.

The waitress returned with their order, but the conversation had already shifted into a more profound territory. As they enjoyed their meal, Kakashi and Sakura discussed their hopes, dreams, and the shared future they were now actively planning.

The dress, once a simple piece of clothing, had become a symbol of transformation—a tangible representation of the choices they were making to shape their destiny. The market, bustling with life, now felt like a backdrop to a pivotal moment in their lives.

As they left the restaurant, Kakashi placed a gentle kiss on Sakura's forehead. "I'm grateful, Sakura. Grateful for the past that brought us here and hopeful for the future we're building together."

Sakura leaned into the kiss, a sense of peace and contentment settling within her. "Me too, Kakashi. Let's face the future together, with all its uncertainties and joys."

Hand in hand, they walked through the market, their steps synchronized, and their hearts aligned. The decision to marry was not just a commitment on paper; it was a declaration of love, resilience, and a shared determination to create a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.