Sakumo noticed the nauseous look on Sakura's face when he put the plate of tempura down in front of her. "Hey, Sakura. What's wrong?" he asked.

Sakura looked at him guilty. "Dad, I don't... I mean, tempura is really unappetizing for me now." she explained.

"Why? Tempura is your favorite. Are you getting tired of your old man's cooking?" he asked.

Sakura chuckled, shaking her head. "No, Dad. It's not about your cooking. It's just... I think I'm having some food aversions lately. Certain smells and tastes are making me nauseous." She looked apprehensively at the tempura. "And I... deep fried food is really not sitting right with me now."

Sakumo's eyes widened in realization as he connected the dots. "Sakura, are you...? Are you pregnant?"

Sakura blushed, a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Dad. Kakashi and I are expecting a baby."

Sakumo's face lit up with joy, and he couldn't hide the happiness in his voice. "Oh, Sakura, that's wonderful news! Congratulations!"

He immediately pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling a surge of emotions. "I'm going to be a grandfather!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with happiness.

Sakura laughed, feeling the warmth of her father-in-law's excitement. "Yes, Dad. You're going to be a grandfather. We're both really happy about it."

Sakumo released her from the hug, looking at her with a teasing smile. "And here I thought your aversion to tempura was a sign that my cooking had finally lost its touch."

"No, Dad!" Sakura said. "You're my favorite cook, I would never get tired of your cooking."

"She just says that because she's afraid you're not going to cook for her anymore." Kakashi teased, as he dropped a bag of fruits on the table.

Sakumo chuckled. "Well, I can assure you both that I'll continue cooking for Sakura and spoiling my grandchild with delicious meals."

Kakashi grinned, joining the conversation. "Speaking of which, Sakura has been craving fruits lately. Got a mix of her favorites – apples, strawberries, and mangoes."

Sakura wrinkled her nose. "Apples? I remember that rotten apple that I had to eat because Mama won't let me touch any of the food in the house." She plucked an apple from the overflowing bag and took a big bite from it. "There Mama. I won't ever eat rotten food again." she whispered harshly to the fruit.

Sakumo and Kakashi shared a knowing glance, understanding the significance of Sakura overcoming the painful memories associated with the past. Kakashi took a step forward and took a bite from the fruit as well.

"No one will be forced to eat rotten food in this house, Sakura." Kakashi promised, as he chewed on the fruit. Before plucking the remainder from her hands. "But you don't have to eat this if it stirs unhappy memories."

Sakura smiled appreciatively, grateful for Kakashi's understanding and support. "No, Kakashi, it's fine. I actually find it comforting now, knowing that I have a choice and that I can enjoy fresh, delicious fruits without fear."

Kakashi nodded, handing the apple back to Sakura. "I'm glad to hear that. Let's make new, positive memories together."

Sakumo watched the exchange between the couple, his heart swelling with pride and happiness. "You both are going to be amazing parents," he remarked, his eyes reflecting the deep affection he felt for them.

Sakura blushed, sharing a tender look with Kakashi. "Thank you, Dad. We're lucky to have you with us on this journey."

As they sat together, sharing fruits and laughter, the warmth of their bond filled the room. The challenges of the past were now overshadowed by the promise of a bright future.

Sakura looked at her reflection from the mirror critically. She frowned at the unsightly things she saw.

"Hey Sakura." Kakashi wrapped his arms around her torso. "What's wrong?"

"I'm ugly." Sakura simply answered.

Kakashi gently turned Sakura to face him, looking into her eyes with concern. "Sakura, you are not ugly. You're beautiful, inside and out. What's making you feel this way?"

Sakura sighed, avoiding eye contact. "It's just... these stretch marks, Kakashi. And my body has changed so much since the pregnancy. And... and look at this." She pointed to the pink scar that she got when she unintentionally scratched the underside of her belly when she was pregnant. "No matter how hard I try to heal it, it just won't go away. The stretch marks just won't go away.

Kakashi's gaze softened as he listened to Sakura's insecurities. He gently cupped her face in his hands, making her meet his eyes. "Sakura, those stretch marks and scars are a testament to the incredible journey our bodies went through to bring our child into this world. They're a part of you, a part of us, and they're not something to be ashamed of. They're beautiful."

"Easy for you to say." Sakura grumbled unhappily. "You're still as handsome as when I first met you. And you don't have this." she pointed at her marks. "Not to mention that welts that my mother's beating left on me."

"Sakura..." Kakashi murmured her name. "I really wish that you can see yourself through my eyes. Because you always look beautiful to me. And I'm not saying this because you're my wife or because I love you. I'm saying this because it's true." He pulled away the robe from her form and looked at her abdomen. "Yes, I don't have these." he said as he traced the marks. "Or this," tracing the scar that lays horizontally on her lower stomach. "but to me you look perfect. And it's the witness to all the strain that you endured for our daughter, Sakura."

Kakashi looked at her. "You're beautiful, Sakura."

Sakura's eyes welled up with tears, moved by Kakashi's heartfelt words. She wrapped her arms around him, leaning into his comforting embrace. "Thank you, Kakashi," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "Sometimes, it's hard to see myself the way you do."

Kakashi held her close, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "It's okay. I will never get tired of reminding you." he pulled away slightly to pull the fabric that pooled on her arms back up. "But forgive me if I'm going to cover you up now. I din't want to risk anyone seeing my beautiful wife naked." he grinned at her. "They may just take you away."

Sakura couldn't help but chuckle at Kakashi's playful remark, feeling a warmth spread through her. "You're a charmer, you know that?"

Kakashi winked at her. "Well, I do my best." After he securedly tied the ribbon of her robe, he looked at her again. "So you thought I'm handsome, huh?"

Sakura rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please. Don't let it get to your head, Kakashi."

"Oh please, my love, don't be coy." He nuzzled her neck with his nose. "You thought I'm handsome before? Even with the mask?"

Sakura laughed, running her fingers through Kakashi's silver hair. "Yes, even with the mask. Though, I must admit, you look more handsome without it. It took so long for me to appreciate your face when we were kids because I was so hung up with my life that I can't stop thanking Kami that I met you and your father." she stood on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on his lips. "Though I must admit, I had a crush on you before."

Kakashi chuckled, savoring the sweet moment. "A crush on me, huh? I never would've guessed."

Sakura blushed, playfully swatting his arm. "Well, don't let it go to your head. It was ages ago."

Kakashi grinned, his grey eyes glinting with mischief. "But now, you're stuck with me as your husband."

Sakura's playful demeanor softened into a warm smile. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

As they shared a tender moment, enveloped in the love and acceptance they had built over the years, Sakura couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey they had undertaken together—from facing the shadows of the past to embracing the joys of the present. With Kakashi by her side, she felt a profound sense of completeness and happiness.