Chapter 28: Finale

(Author's Note)

Hey, everyone! I'm FINALLY back, praise the gods. I've apologized several times already so let's just skip that and get into the information stuff so we can get into the story asap.

Please go check out my profile if you haven't in awhile, vote in the poll and check out my ideas for future stories. I will be working on the new stories in conjunction with My Hero. Those new stories being a Young Justice and Percy Jackson story.

I made a Twitter for my Profile and I want to use it to post updates and talk with my readers, so if you have a Twitter then please follow me HephaestusBuil1. I have like two followers right now so I don't really use it, but if more people follow me then I will.

FanArt Wanted:

I really want to have some custom fanart for 'My Hero: A Sakura and Naruto Story' done for the cover image. So if you're an artist PM me and we'll talk. I can't pay anyone but I can dedicate a one-shot or short story of your choice to you.

With all of that stuff out of the way let's get into the Finale, shall we? I put a lot of time into it so I hope that you guys like it, I've never been so worried about putting up a chapter before. Let me know what you guys think at the end with a Review of you have the time.

Hope you all enjoy, Hephaestus

Chapter 28: Finale

(Naruto POV - About two weeks later)

Morinosuke's trial went quickly, much to his displeasure. He tried to deny everything, of course, his involvement, the ring, Shou's death, everything. But once Ibiki, the Leaf's master interrogator and head of the Konoha Torture and Interrogation Force, got a hold of him, he soon started spilling all of his secrets. The trial itself only took a single day, but thanks to the several Feudal Lords who decided to sit in on and oversee the whole affair, the entire process lasted an entire week once it finally got started.

Life went back to normal for Naruto as soon as he got back to the village. And for him that meant the oh so dreaded paperwork. Thanks to the… method, of how Morinosuke was apprehended, the amount of paperwork and documents Naruto had to fill out, sign and read were staggering. What didn't help, is that he hadn't gotten a full night's rest once since he got back home. As Sakura couldn't spend the night over at his house without raising questions that he really didn't want to address at the moment, he was forced to spend his nights alone in bed. If he had to describe it in one word it would be 'lonesome'. It was driving him crazy! How he ever lived so long without her next to him at night, he'd never know. And thanks to the aforementioned mountain of paperwork that greeted him when they returned and the several Feudal Lords and high ranking officials in the village that he had to talk to and entertain, he had barely a minute of peace to just relax and breathe, let alone time to see his girlfriend.

But that wasn't the only reason for his current sour mood, Sakura had been acting a little strange as of late. She seemed, distant, whenever he approached her during one of his sporadic moments of freedom away from the office. He had the feeling that there was something that she wasn't telling him. He knew that it was bothering her but whenever he tried to talk to her he was either berated by an official or summoned by a Feudal Lord. He was starting to get irritated with the situation. Whatever it was, Naruto hoped that it would either blow over or she would tell him what was bothering her, he couldn't stand the silence anymore. Luckily he managed to get tonight off, so he planned to surprise her with a dinner date. Hopefully she would tell him whatever was bothering her then.

(Sakura POV - A week ago)

It was a few days after Sakura and the others returned home, and in that time all of Sakura's focus and mind had been on this moment. This moment, which she had been dreading since the morning after her night with Naruto; the moment she had to face her mentor. Nothing in her entire life, none of the missions she went on, all of the trials and fights, scared her as much as this inevitable conversation.

She let out a long held breath and walked into the clinic section of the Konoha hospital and went to the front desk. After a few minutes of conversation, explaining to the young nurse at the desk that no, she wasn't there for work, she in fact had the week off , and that yes, she would only see Lady Tsunade. Luckily for her, outrageous requests like that were acceptable because of her position in the hospital. Lady Tsunade never saw patients in the clinic, especially walk-ins. She only handled the most serious of surgeries and life-threatening cases.

So a few minutes later Sakura sat waiting in the uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room, waiting for Lady Tsunade to be summoned and walk in. Sakura was nervous, no, not nervous per say, but anxious more than anything. She hadn't told her parents yet, of course, Sakura knew that she'd get an hour long lecture from her mom while her dad would probably faint and then probably threaten to kill Naruto, not like he could, she added to herself as an afterthought, but otherwise she figured he'd be happy, her mom was another story. She hadn't told Naruto yet ether. She decided to get confirmation before she told anyone. She didn't want to get Naruto's hopes up for nothing.

Sakura watched the other patients being taken into their examination rooms by their nurses. As the few minutes turned into ten, and the ten turned into twenty, and twenty turned into thirty, Sakura turned down a few offers by the other nurses to take her into the examination room. Each time Sakura felt a little bad, one young nurse in particular, whom Sakura had overseen her training personally, came by every few minutes to offer and each time left with her smile a little lower. She was only trying to be nice and show her skills to her, Sakura knew that, but she wanted Tsunade and Tsunade alone to see her. Even Ino, whom Sakura trusted more than anything, wasn't Tsunade. Tsunade wouldn't make a mistake, she'd know for sure whether Sakura's worries were founded or not.

Twenty minutes later, after Sakura had started to consider going upstairs to talk to Tsunade personally in her office, Sakura was shaken from her thoughts when the door to the waiting room flung open violently and a very busty woman appeared in the door.

"Who the hell thinks they're so important that they demanded to see me personally?" She bellowed for the entire room to hear. "Do you have any idea how busy I am running this hospital? I was in the middle of a surgery and I received twenty some odd summons to come down here!" She glared around the room, her eyes ablaze and her hands sat on her hips dangerously. When no one in the room spoke up , Tsunade's face turned into a scowl and she raised her voice again.

"Well?!" She yelled. "Who demanded that they see me?"

"I-I did, Lady Tsunade." Sakura's sudden soft voice from the side of the room threw Tsunade off her warpath. She turned to see her apprentice with a look of confusion that quickly turned into a warm smile as the busty woman registered who was speaking.

"Sakura!" Tsunade walked over to her pupil quickly, a large smile on her face, completely forgetting her earlier anger. When she reached the pinkette she pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. "Well why didn't you say it was you, Sakura?"

From inside the large bosom of the retired Hokage came the struggled voice of her disciple. "...L-lady- Tsunade… can't-can't breath!"

The well-endowed woman looked down to see the head of her student completely enveloped in her large breasts. She quickly pulled her disciple out to avoid her fainting from suffocation. Tsunade held Sakura out arms length with a smile on her face. The two were only able to see each others one or two times during the trial and only a few short moments since the pinkette got back. So excuse her if Tsunade was a little excited to see her apprentice after so long.

The older woman gave her student a questioning look. "You know that if you wanted to see me all you'd have to do is wait for me in my office, right? You do have free reign of the hospital, remember?"

Sakura looked down, suddenly finding the tiled floor very interesting. "I-I know, Lady Tsunade, but I- well… uh-"

Tsunade cocked her head slightly, an amused smile on her face. "Well spit it out, Sakura. You know that you don't have to be worried with me, what's the problem?" The busty woman then looked like a thought hit her as she started patting her pockets and checking the clipboard in her hands. "Ah crap, in my rush to get down here I didn't grab the message. What was it you said you needed again?"

Sakura's face went a slight pink. "W-well I uh, n-need a c-check up." She managed to stutter out. Tsunade's face went a little skeptical.

"A check up?" She repeated. "Sakura, we have more than a dozen nurses here that are more than capable for that. You know how busy I am, I can't waste my time taking care of stuffy noses and boo boos, that's why I never come down to the clinic. I only handle the worst cases, you know that."

"I know that, Lady Tsunade… but, it's important and… personal." She looked up to her mentor, her eyes pleading. "Please, it has to be you."

Tsunade noticed the look on her student's face and gave in. She was always soft for her pseudo-daughter. "Fine, how can I say no to that? Okay," She gestured to the nearest exam room. "What can I help you with, huh?"

Sakra shook her head. "Can we, um, wait 'till we get in the room?"

Tsunade nodded her head and the two entered the small exam room before closing the door. The remaining patients and nurses in the waiting room all stared at the spot of all the commotion was for a second before turning back to whatever they were doing before they were interrupted by the sudden commotion. The room went back to near silence and peace for exactly five seconds before a loud, bellowing voice broke the calm air of the waiting room.

"Wwwhhhhaaaaattttt!" It was very clearly Tsunade's voice. All of the nurses winced at the sound. They all felt a combined relief that it wasn't them in there.

(In the Exam room)

"Wha-what? Y-you and N-Naruto… Naruto and you… Oh I'm gonna, I'm gonna…" Tsunade was pacing the small room, her hands waving in the air uselessly before they came together to form a circle and started shaking. "I'm gonna strangle that gaki! Who does he think he- I mean, knowing who his mentor was, I should've, but this, this just… Oooh! I warned him, oh so many times, that if he ever even thought about it, I'd personally cut off his-"

"Don't blame Naruto, m'Lady. It wasn't his fault." Sakura cut in. The older woman turned to her disciple and stared as she sat patiently on the exam bed, her fingers twiddling nervously.

"Of course it's the gaki's fault. You can't exactly get pregnant by yourself." Suddenly the older woman was inches away from the pinkette, her eyes narrow. "He didn't pressure you into it, did he? Because if he did I'm going to send him to meet Jiraiya sooner than he-"

"N-no, he didn't pressure me, Lady Tsunade. I uh, was the one who… uh, suggested it…" Sakura immediately winced as a precaution, waiting for the lecture, but when nothing came after a few seconds she opened her eyes and looked at her mentor. Tsunade's eyes were still narrowed but after a few seconds they softened and she backed off.

"Well… that's okay then." Her voice went back to normal and she moved the rolling chair from the desk and next to the exam bed before sitting down in it. She pulled out a chart and started scribbling on it before peering over it as she wrote.

"I thought I taught you to be careful, Sakura." She sounded a little disappointed. "I mean I even gave you protection, what, did you two run out or something?" She looked back down to the chart after she finished.

Sakura's face went a dark shade of pink. "W-what, no! We-we only- I mean, it was only the one time!"

Tsunade put the chart down on her lap, giving her student a scowl. "And you two didn't think to, I don't know, use any?"

"We did, m'Lady, but it broke. You have to believe me, we were careful."

Tsunade's glare held a few seconds before softening and she let out a sigh. "Well, if you two really were careful then there's nothing that I can say, really. I did more than give you permission, after all. I can't be angry, can I?"

The small room was quiet for a few seconds as the two sat in thought before Tsunade sat up, walked to the small desk, putting the chart on it and pulling out a pair of medical gloves from a box. "Well, if you're ready then we'll get started." She walked back to the bed as she put on the gloves. Sakura nodded and Tsunade stepped up to her

"As you know there are a few ways to check, some more invasive than others. I'd suggest checking you with chakra though, it may be the most invasive but it's the most accurate, especially this early on." Tsunade gave her student a soft smile. "So, what would it be, Sakura? I can always go get the equipment from down the hall if you want."

"No, no I'm fine with you checking with chakra. I want it done as accurately as possible." She gave a nod. "That's why I came to you, m'Lady. I want to know without the shadow of a doubt if I'm pregnant."

Tsunade studied her student for a few seconds before giving her a smile. "I understand, Sakura. If you're ready then we can get started."

oooOooo

(Later)

"Have you told Naruto yet? Or your parents?" Tsunade asked as she sat down on her chair next to the exam table. She tossed the rubber gloves in the bin and marked a few things on her clipboard.

"No," Sakura answered. "I didn't want to tell them before I was sure."

Tsunade nodded her head, learning back in her chair. "That was smart. No need for them to get their hopes up before you're sure. It may have been a false alarm."

Tsunade was silent as she let Sakura process the news. After a few minutes the pinkette spoke up. "Lady Tsunade, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, Sakura." She said with a smile. "But before you ask, no, I'm not upset with you. In fact, I'm extremely happy for you."

Sakura shook her head. "No, Lady Tsunade, that's not it. I was just wondering… well, uh...about that box you put in my luggage?"

Her mentor raised a brow. "Oh? What about it?" She asked.

"Well, you haven't asked for it back yet. I have it right here in my purse." She made a move to get off the exam bed but Tsunade stopped her with a wave of her hand.

"Don't worry about it, Sakura. You keep it." The older woman said nonchalantly.

"You sure, m'Lady?" Sakura asked.

Tsunade nodded her head and gave a half shrug. "I surely don't need it anymore, now do I? I'm well past that time in my life, besides...," Her voice dropped to a whisper and Sakura wondered if Tsunade knew she was still speaking aloud. "...Both of the men I love are dead."

A question entered Sakura's mind again that she didn't know whether or not if she should ask, but after wondering about it the past few weeks she couldn't help her curiosity and decided to ask.

"...Lady Tsunade?" She asked hesitantly.

"Hmm?" Tsunade asked, seeming to come back to reality.

"Why- why did you have that box anyway? I mean, you told me that you and your late fiancé, Dan, never…" She trailed off. Extremely embarrassed that she asked her mentor that. She instantly wished that she could take it back.

Tsunade stiffened a little and sat up straighter in her seat at that question. When she looked away, Sakura worried that she overstepped a line asking about her dead fiancé. And Sakura was about to apologize when Tsunade spoke up.

"You're right, Sakura. Dan and I had decided to wait until marriage, but, as you know, that never happened." Her voice was soft and unwavering.

The pinkette suddenly felt very guilty for making her mentor remember those feelings. "M'Lady, I'm-"

"No," Tsunade cut her off. "You don't need to apologize. What happened, happened a long time ago, and I've moved on."

Sakura looked like she was going to say something but Tsunade continued. "When you get to be my age you learn a few things. Like how to let go of the past and live out the rest of your shortening life happily." She turned her gaze from her student. "If I'm honest with myself, I wasted half of my life crying over him when he would've wanted me to move on and be happy."

Sakura nodded, understanding what her mentor meant. That only left one question. "...Then who?"

Tsunade, still looking at the wall, gave a small smile. "Who do you think, Sakura?"

The pinkette didn't even have to give it a moment's thought before the answer flooded her mind. Her eyes widened almost comically. "No-, y-you mean Lord Jiraiya?"

Tsunade didn't answer but her small grin was all the answer Sakura needed.

oooOooo

(Back to current time - With Naruto)

'Flowers: Check. Wallet: Check. Reservation: …' Naruto's eyes widened slightly before be started patting his pockets in search of his reservation before he finally found it. Sighing loudly, the blond ninja continued his walk as he made sure he had everything for his date with Sakura. His surprise, sudden and unannounced date with Sakura… maybe he should've asked her beforehand. Kami knew she wasn't good with surprises. Yeah, the likelihood of this going well wasn't high.

He had been a nervous wreck all day, anticipating this moment. It didn't help that in his muddled state he somehow managed to rip the sleeve of his suit jacket as he put it on. That of course lead to a mini freak out session as he rushed around his apartment looking for a needle and thread so that he could sew it back together. And because Kami apparently had a grudge against him, he couldn't find the sewing kit that he knew he had somewhere. After several minutes of searching he was forced to go to the apartment below him and ask to borrow a sewing kit. Luckily for him the older woman who lived below him, Mrs. Yagami, was kind enough to help him, and after learning why he was in such a rush- meaning his date with Sakura- she even volunteered to sew it for him. Giving him a few pointers for his date as she did so. After thanking the older woman profusely and swearing that he'd make it up to her- to which she waved it off with a kind smile- Naruto rushed back upstairs to continue getting ready for his date.

And then there was his run in with Ino at the flower shop. After giving in to the blonde girl, he admitted that yes, the flowers were for Sakura and yes, that he was going to ask her out on a date. What followed would have surprised absolutely no one, Ino freaked out for several minutes, squealing as she did so- seriously, who squealed that much?- and succeeding in giving Naruto a mild headache when she reached an octave that could've shattered glass. He was then forced to sit through a fifteen minute lesson on the various types of flowers and their meanings. Because apparently it wasn't acceptable to just get Sakura any old bouquet of flowers, who knew. After learning more about flowers then he'd ever care to know, Naruto managed to slip away when Ino's dad walked in and distracted the bubbly blonde long enough for him to escape.

Shaking his head and tossing away those memories from earlier today, Naruto made the familiar trip to Sakura's house. He had taken this route only Kami knew how many times over the years. But tonight, tonight this was a first. Tonight he would be going to her house to ask her out on a date.

A date.

That word scared him so much. More than he ever thought possible.

Kami he was so nervous. They had talked about trying to continue their relationship once they got back to the village. To do it right, no pretending to be people they weren't, no missions, no lies and no rush. They had both decided that, even though they both really liked each other, that they would do this relationship right.

Not before long, Naruto made the short trip and stood at the door for a few seconds, trying to calm his breathing as he prayed to Kami for this to go well. Putting the flowers behind his back, he knocked on the door.

oooOooo

(Sakura)

Sakura sat in her room at her desk, uselessly twiddling with a pen, rolling it back and forth across the desk. In other words, she was procrastinating. She had gotten back from her check up with Lady Tsunade hours ago but she hadn't made any attempt to talk to Naruto or her parents about the news. Not that she didn't want to, mind you, she just didn't know how to bring it up with her parents without just walking up to them in the kitchen and saying 'Hey, Mom, Dad, how's it going? Oh, yeah, I'm pregnant by the way. With whom you might ask? The future Hokage of course, who else?' Yeah, that was not the way to go.

The pinkette let out a sigh as she leaned back in her chair, she couldn't keep this from her parents, let alone Naruto, for ever. It still wouldn't be for a long while now but once she started showing everyone in the village would notice, and Kami knew how much the village liked to gossip. She would be the talk of the town until she came out and said something.

That is not what she wanted, to be the talk of the town. But, once she thought about it, it was inevitable, really. Naruto was going to be the next Hokage and she was having his baby. It wasn't illegal, but it was really frowned upon when a girl got pregnant outside of marriage in the village. Just like when Kurenai Sensei and Asuma Sensei got pregnant, Sakura thought. Most of the older generation, including the Elder's Council, talked about the legitimacy of their child before it was even born because Asuma was the son of the Third. And here Naruto was going to be the Hokage. The Elders already didn't like him to begin with, and now once this news came out in a few months, just when Naruto is first starting his position, he was going to be under even more scrutiny. And then there was the issue of her coming from a non-ninja family, the Elders wouldn't be happy about that either.

Sakura let out an audible groan, why did everything have to be so complicated? Why couldn't she just be with whoever she wanted and not have to worry about anything? She really needed to talk to Naruto and her parents about this as soon as possible so they could tell her what to do since she had honestly no idea.

With a 'huff' she rose from her desk, standing next to it. She was going to go downstairs and tell her parents right now before she could stop herself again. And then she would meet up with Naruto tomorrow and tell him. Yeah, that's what she was going to do. With a nod of agreement to herself she made her way to the door, but when her hand was reaching the doorknob, her mother's voice rang out and her door rushed open.

"Sakura!" Her mother yelled but upon seeing her daughter right in front of her she lowered her volume. "Oh, sorry, honey."

Sakura shook off the abrupt distraction. "It's fine, Mom, what is it?" She asked.

"There is someone at the door for you." She answered before swiftly turning and starting to walk down the hall.

"Wait, Mom!" Sakura reached out but her Mom was already halfway down the hall. "I need to talk to you and Dad about something."

Her mother waved it off. "I'm sure whatever it is can wait to later, didn't I say that you had someone at the door? I wouldn't leave a handsome man like that waiting long, honey." And with that her mom turned the corner and was out of sight.

"Handsome man…?" Sakura asked aloud but received no answer. "Who are you- oh no. Kami no. No no no no no! I-no." It was him.

If Sakura were honest, she was royally freaking out. This was not the plan. She was supposed to talk to her parents tonight and then talk to Naruto tomorrow. He wasn't supposed to show up at her front door! How was she even supposed to look at him? She couldn't even muster up the courage to do that all week. How was she supposed to talk to him in front of her parents?

Oh Kami, she felt like just dying right now. Could the earth just open up and swallow her whole? Could that happen? That'd be great.

"Sakura!" Her mother's voice rang out from somewhere in the house. "Your father let him in, hurry up and get your butt down here!" And there was her mother's normal brash attitude. Sakura wondered where it had gone a moment earlier.

"I'm coming!" She answered back. Maybe she could just see whatever he needed and then ask him to meet her tomorrow for lunch or something? Yeah, that could work, she'd just politely send him away for now so that she could tell her parents and then see him tomorrow.

Sakura made it downstairs and was just about to turn the corner and greet Naruto when she heard her dad in the middle of one of his terrible jokes. She froze in her spot, unable to move.

"Oh, I have another one for you. 'Why don't dinosaurs talk?'" He asked and Sakura could tell by his voice that he was holding back a laugh as he did.

"...I don't know, why?" Came Naruto's voice. Kami, she was blushing and they weren't even in the same room yet! How was she supposed to talk to him like this? Sakura made it to the front door just as her dad gave the punchline.

"'Because they're all dead!'" He almost yelled out the answer, before laughing so obnoxiously loud that Sakura just had to stop and facepalm. Her dad was so hopeless.

Naruto was silent for about five seconds until he doubled over and started laughing like a crazy person.

"Aahhhaaahaaaa! Oh, *laugh* Mr- *laugh* Mr. Haruno- *wheezy laugh* that was *cries while laughing* the best joke *laugh, again* ever!" Sakura found herself talking before she could even stop herself.

"It's really not." She blurted out, gaining the attention of the two laughing males and her mother who was off to the side trying to not roll her eyes at her husband.

The two males in question turned to and her father spoke up, waving her off. "Oh Sakura, you've never understood a good joke. Naruto here thought they were all great!" He said as he waved off her words. He then turned back to Naruto who faced the older man again.

"That's because he's an idiot." She mumbled to herself. Neither her dad nor Naruto seemed to hear here but her mother sure did.

"Don't mumble, Sakura, now, be polite and go greet your guest." Her mom told her as she practically shoved her towards Naruto. "And be sure to invite him to have some dinner, I just finished a minute ago." Her mom then gave Naruto a polite wave and headed back to the kitchen. Naruto didn't seem to notice however, as her dad was busy telling him another terrible joke.

"You liked that last one, huh, well this one's even better! 'What do you call it when a cow jumps over a barbed wire fence?'"

"What?" Naruto asked after a few seconds of 'serious' consideration.

Her dad leaned in to the blond young man and spoke in a low voice, barely even able to get his words out without laughing. "'Utter-destruction!'"

Silence.

For several long seconds.

Kami these two were going to drive her crazy.

Sakura rolled her eyes when after a few seconds of silence, Naruto burst out into tears of laughter, her father joining him a second after. It wasn't even that funny, why did he- oh Kami, did Naruto just slap his knee? His knee! Who even does that? She watched in awe as her boyfriend and dad laughed themselves to tears in their entryway.

Why me? Sakura thought, why did Naruto have to be such a big goofball? And why did seeing him laughing like an idiot make her smile? Why did everything he had to do make her smile?

It was then Naruto turned to her and smiled, seemingly noticing her for the first time. It was also then when she realised that he was dressed up, like not in his god awful, eye-searing orange abomination of a jumpsuit, but like he was when they were at the resort together. Her mom called her dad from the other room and he left, still chuckling to himself. Sakura was pretty sure she heard him mumble something like 'That kid's a keeper' as he left the room.

"Hey, Sakura-chan." He greeted warmly, giving her a big smile. And oh Kami, he took a few steps to close the distance between them. Why was he coming closer?! Didn't he know he was driving her crazy right now?

"H-hey, Naru-kun." Great, now she was stuttering, she was hopeless. You talk to him all the time, she berated herself, now's not any different. So just talk to him!

He rubbed the back of his neck and and averted his eyes from her, she could tell he was nervous about something. She was about to ask him why he was here when she suddenly had a bouquet of flowers shoved in her face.

"I hope you like them, I had no idea what to get, so I just got what Ino told me to get." He said very quickly. "So… uh, I hope you like them."

Taking the bouquet of flowers out of her face she looked them over and looked up to Naruto. "They're beautiful, Naru-kun. But why- I mean, I love them, but why are you here?" She tried as hard as she could to not sound rude, she didn't want him to get the impression that she was unhappy to see him. The opposite in fact, despite her mini freak out earlier.

He rubbed the back of his neck again, seemingly weighing his words in his head. He answered after a few seconds. "I… uh… was actually hoping to take you out for dinner. You know… like a date."

Oh. That was unexpected to say the least. But made sense in hindsight, he was dressed up after all.

Sakura realized that she was silent for too long and that he was probably getting the wrong idea based on how his smile was slowly dropping. She mentally shook her head and smelled the bouquet in her hands.

"A date?" She echoed him. "I'd love to go on a date, Naru-kun."

"Really?" His face brightened.

She smiled. "Of course really. Why would I say no to a date?"

Naruto then proceeded to fistpump the air with a loud 'whoop'. Apparently he was happy.

"Sakura! What are you doing to that poor boy? Invite him in already!" Her mother's voice rang out from the dining room.

"In a minute, mom." The pinkette called back. She turned to Naruto. "Are we going right now?" She asked.

He nodded. "Yeah, as long as it's okay with your parents that you're skipping dinner with them."

She shrugged. "It's fine, they won't mind. Besides, my mom always drives me crazy at dinner with all her lectures about my life." She paused for a second, realizing that this was spoiling the mood and continued. "Anyway, where are we going?"

"It's a surprise." He answered. Of course it was. She looked down at her clothes, she was wearing some sweats and a t-shirt, not really acceptable at any restaurant. She'd have to change, but then she'd have to know where they were going so that she could dress accordingly.

"Well what should I wear?" She eyed his clothing, nothing too fancy, just some dress pants and a nice jacket over a dress shirt. So nothing too fancy, probably, but probably- hopefully not- Ichiraku either.

"Something a little nice, but not too fancy." He replied. Well that was a big help, she thought.

Sakura shrugged. "Okay, just let me tell my parents then I'll go change real quick and we'll go." Naruto nodded and she went into the dining room to tell her parents.

oooOooo

(At the Restaurant)

"This night has been amazing, Naru-kun." Sakura sighed as she took a bite of her dessert. It was a specialty from some other country so she didn't know what it was, but it sure was delicious. Some sort of pastry with cream and chocolate.

It turns out when Naruto said 'Not too fancy' he meant the exact opposite. This place was where the Kage, Feudal Lords and leaders of clans like the Hyuuga came for dinner. With its floor to ceiling windows, marble and jade statues, diamond chandeliers and 'I'm better than you' atmosphere. But none of that mattered to Sakura, she was just happy to have a nice dinner with Naruto like old times. It probably also helped that Naruto got them a private room so that they'd have some privacy. It was a good thing that Sakura took the extra time to find a nice dress and do her makeup and hair, because she didn't know if she'd survive the embarrassment of coming to a place like this in her normal clothes.

Naruto smiled. "I'm glad, I wanted to just be able to have fun and relax tonight. I've been too busy to see you much since we got back, which I am sorry for, Sakura-chan."

She waved it away. "Don't worry about it, we've both been really busy since we got back to the village. I'm not upset, so don't worry about it." And I've been avoiding you, so it's my fault, Sakura thought.

He smiled to her and took another bite of his own dessert. They fell into a comfortable silence, both of them thinking about how great of a night it has been. Well, Naruto was thinking that, Sakura was debating in her head whether or not this was a good time to spring the news on him. She knew that they were alone right now, so she didn't have to be worried about being interrupted, but on the other hand, she didn't want to ruin the night by telling him. It turns out that she must have had a strange look on her face as she debated with herself because Naruto noticed it.

"...Are you okay, Sakura-chan?" He asked cautiously. "Is the food bad or something? I can order you something else if you want."

"What-" Sakura asked in confusion, before looking down at the fork in her hand that still had a piece of dessert on it, just in front of her mouth. She didn't realize she stopped eating as she thought. She put the utensil down and shook her head softly. "The food's amazing, that's not it… I was just… thinking about something."

Naruto had a cautious look on his face, like he expected her to be unhappy. "Did I… do something wrong?"

Sakura shook her head more this time. "No, of course not, Naruto. You've been amazing to me tonight, bringing me here, paying for dinner, everything…" She trailed off, not knowing how to proceed.

He gave her a serious look before dropping his own utensils and pushing his plate away. He stood up suddenly but seemed to hesitate for a second, he gestured to the space next to her on the booth. "May I?" He asked. She nodded, scooted over a little to give him space and he cleared the short distance and sat next to her. They sat in silence for what felt like an hour to Sakura until Naruto turned to her and spoke up in a soft voice.

"Sakura-chan, something is wrong… I know it. And we, well we promised each other that there would be no more secrets between us…. And I do respect your privacy, but something is wrong, I can tell." He softly picked up her hand in his. "So let me help, okay?"

Ignoring the butterflies in her stomach at his touch because she had more important things to think about, she looked up at him. "How can you tell? How do you know something's wrong, I mean?"

He gave her an 'are you for real' look. "Because you're one of my oldest friends. I can see it on your face. How long have we been friends?"

"Most of our lives." She answered.

He nodded. "So if I can't tell when something is bothering you then I'm being a bad friend." He paused for a few seconds, letting her hand free and sat up a little straighter. "...I don't want to push if you don't want me to, so I'll drop it. Yeah… I'm sorry for pushing so much, I'll stop." He began to stand back up but she caught his arm, keeping him still.

"No, don't. Sit, please." He sat, waiting for her to say something. She needed to do this, she needed to tell him, he deserved to know. She owed it to him. So, with a long sigh she faced the table, unable to look at him. "There's something I need to tell you, Naruto."

He turned to face her, giving her his full attention. If she would've been facing him she would've seen the worried look on his face. "Is it- is it about us?" He asked softly.

She nodded silently. She could feel him tense from besides her. He cleared his throat softly. "Are you… having second thoughts about… us?"

She shook her head with a little more force than was necessary, looking at him again. "No no, of course not, Naruto. That's not- I mean, why would I- this is what I've wanted for-" She let out a breath and tried her best to collect her thoughts. "There is something I need to tell you." She repeated, praying to Kami for strength.

"...What?" She could hear the apprehension in his voice.

"It's not what you're thinking, Naruto. It's not… bad, either. Well, at least I don't think-hope, you'll actually be happy about it. At least I hope so."

He scooted closer to her and lightly placed his hand on her shoulder. "You're killing me with this," He waived his free hand a little as he searched for a fitting word. "Stuff, just tell me. I promise I won't get upset, whatever it is. Whatever you say, if you want to take a break… or, stop this-" She broke him off quickly.

She realized he was getting the wrong, completely wrong idea, she didn't regret their relationship or anything. So she found herself coming clean before she could think twice about it.

"I'm pregnant." Her words were so sudden that they even caught her off guard.

He didn't say anything for what felt like an eternity.

And every second of silence was killing her.

She was faced away from him so she couldn't see his face. But she worried what she'd find when she looked at him. Anger? Would he be upset? Carelessness? What? She didn't know what to expect. So when he spoke up she held her breath.

"Say it again." His voice was so soft, cautious and hesitant that Sakura almost didn't recognize it as his. She steeled her nerves and repeated herself.

"I'm pregnant." She said a little more confidently this time. She gave one last silent prayer to Kami and turned to face Naruto. But what she saw threw every worry she had away. It completely short-circuited her brain, making her unable to focus on anything except his face.

He was crying.

Naruto, the hero who faced gods without batting an eye. Naruto, who always held his true emotions hidden from the world. Naruto, who Sakura had only seen cry after Jiraiya-sama died, was crying softly in front of her. Nothing too much, only a few rogue tears ran down his face, but it was still enough to make her catch her breath.

His face was soft, his mouth opened softly as a few silent tears flowed slowly down his face. He seemed frozen, she could barely even tell he was breathing, it was like the news made everything in his brain come to an abrupt stop.

They were silent for a few more seconds and that silence was driving her mad, so she made herself speak. "...Naruto? Can you say-"

Without warning the blond man next to her closed the small distance between them in the booth and embraced her in a tight hold. She gasped in shock but quickly let herself be held. His chest was pressed up to her so much she could feel his heartbeat. A second later he spoke.

"Oh, Kami… I'm so sorry, Sakura-chan." He mumbled in her ear.

Well.

That wasn't the first thing she expected him to say. Not in the slightest. It took her a few seconds to form a sentence.

"What are you sorry for, Naruto? I'm not upset, yeah I was a little shocked, but I'm not mad-"

He shook his head softly, his hair brushing against her face. "No, that's not it." He pulled away from her slowly, looking at her closely. "I thought you were having second thoughts. I expected bad news. I- I should've given you more credit, I'm sorry."

He smiled for the first time in minutes and that small gesture removed a immense weight from her shoulders already. "But this is good news." He said quickly before hesitating. "It is good news, right, Sakura-chan?"

Was this good news? Honestly, Sakura didn't know. She wasn't upset or mad, or anything like that. She was actually excited to have the baby, as frightening as that prospect was. But she had been so worried about how he'd take the news that she hadn't spent much time thinking about how she felt about it.

"It is good news." She answered after a few seconds. "I-uh, honestly I was worried that you wouldn't take it this well…" She felt terrible for saying it, but it was how she felt.

He blinked a few times, shocked. "Sakura-chan… did you think that I wouldn't be happy?" He asked softly.

She nodded once, turning her eyes from him. She felt ashamed to admit it, but it was true. She shifted a little in her seat, uncomfortable.

"I was just worried, you know. You're going to be the Hokage soon and you have more important things to worry about then a kid-"

Naruto took hold of both of her shoulders, pulling himself in close to her, looking deep into her eyes. "Nothing is more important anymore. Did you really think that I wouldn't want to be a part of my child's life?" When she didn't reply he kept going. "Sakura, you know how I grew up, did you honestly think that I would ever make another kid grow up without a parent?"

Now she felt terrible. Why did she think he would make her do this alone? Why did she think that he wouldn't want to be a part of their child's life? When has Naruto ever done something like that to her? The answer was never, he would never do that.

Sakura grabbed his shirt lightly in her fist and placed her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't've- I didn't think- I'm story, Naru-kun." She cried. "I was just worried…"

He picked her up carefully from his shoulder and used a finger to wipe the tear off her face, smiling to her with that stupid smile that made her stomach knot. "It's fine, Sakura-chan, now, can we please stop talking about all this depressing stuff? We're having a baby! Well, you're having a baby, but it's ours! So let's celebrate!"

She wiped her last tear from her face and nodded, a smile on her lips. This man was amazing. "You're right, we should celebrate. How about some more of that whatever you call it dessert?"

He raised an eyebrow at her. "You really liked that stuff, huh?"

Sakura gave him a look like he was crazy. "Are you serious, it was amazing."

She almost missed it but she caught him sarcastically roll his eyes. "Are you sure that the cravings just haven't started yet?"

"What?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I mean, you did eat more than me… Which I didn't know was physically possible with your tiny body-" He was cut off when she punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"Ow! That hurt." He whined as he rubbed his arm.

"Serves you right," She mumbled as she stole some food from his plate, to which she received a glare from Naruto, which she promptly ignored. "You don't comment on a pregnant woman's eating habits, you boob."

"A boob?" He wore a fake hurt look. "Name calling, really? I see that pregnancy has made you grumpy, sweetie." He retorted as he attempted to steal his food back from her plate.

She smirked when he dropped the food that he managed to take back on the seat. "Don't mock me, snookums. I can make your life a living hell in a few months."

He chuckled, not taking her threat seriously before stealing a quick peck on her cheek. "I think I'll take my chances."

"Not fair." She groaned.

He had the nerve to smirk at her. "All's fair in love and war, Sakura-chan. Now, let's order you some more of that dessert before you go feral and mistake me for food."

WHAM!

"Ow!"

Quick AN:

This takes place a little before the events with Naruto and Sakura.

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(With Shikamaru)

After returning to the village and giving their report- to which the elders took issue with, because of course they did- the group of ninja said farewell to Temari, who had to return to her own village to give her report. As well as see her brothers after so long of being away from them. She wouldn't admit it outloud but she sometimes misses those two knuckleheads.

So needless to say Shikamaru missed her. He admits it, she has been gone over a week now and was due back today, so that's why Shikamaru found himself pacing in front of the main gates waiting for her. He had talked to Kakashi-sensei the other day about granting Temari a special citizenship here in the Leaf that would also allow her to still be a citizen of the Sand so that she could still visit her brothers. Kakashi-sensei, like Shikamaru expected, agreed instantly, with a small smile Shikamaru could detect under his mask.

The two had stayed in contact by messenger hawk while apart, well, as much as you can when your only venue of communication is a messenger hawk. Shikamaru had decided to save the news about her citizenship deal he made until they saw each other in person. It would make for a great surprise.

If only she would get here already, she was due here several hours ago, and while Shikamaru is normally a very patient man, he was a little lovesick, so who could blame him?

Okay, so maybe he wasn't that lovesick, it's not like he couldn't live without her, he just didn't want to. He took a second and thought over that last thought. ..Yeah, there was no denying it, he was lovesick.

He was starting to sound like Naruto… Kami, kill him now.

Anyway, Shikamaru was mindlessly pacing around the gate waiting for Temari, trying his best to figure out what he was supposed to do now. He had no idea. They were dating now, and she was planning on moving to the Leaf for the time being so that they could continue their relationship, but Shikamaru had no clue how to be in a proper relationship. He had never been in one before and whenever his dad or Asuma-sensei would try to give him relationship advice, he would just wave their words off, saying that he wasn't interested in a relationship. But now here he was, in a relationship with the only girl he's ever had feelings for, and was going to invite her to move into his clan compound with him.

He wasn't a relationship expert but he was pretty sure he was skipping a few key steps in their relationship progress. Or maybe he wasn't, he honestly had no idea. Maybe he should try asking someone for advice. He considered that, of course, the only problem was that the two people whom he would've gone to first are dead, being his dad and Asuma-sensei. So Shikamaru had no idea who to ask for advice. Maybe Kurenai-sensei? That could work, but he figured it was probably be best to ask another guy about advice for dating a girl. Oh well, another problem for another day. He had more important things to worry about today than asking for relationship advice.

Like his date with Temari.

If she ever arrives, that is.

It was then when the two eternal gatekeepers, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki, who had both been watching the young genius pace next to the gate for the last several hours, trying to tell him jokes and ask why he was there every several minutes to make conversation, spoke up.

"Hey," Kotetsu called out to his partner who was petting a nearby, random, scruffy looking dog, waiving to him. "Someone's coming. Get back over here before you get us in trouble!"

Izumo looked up as he rubbed the dog's belly. "But he's so cute, just look at him, Kotetsu."

Kotetsu rolled his eyes. "I already saw him yesterday and the past three days he wondered over here. I told you to stop giving him food, now he'll never leave." Shikamaru watched as Izumo fed the dog some sort of dried meat strip.

"Fine, party pooper." His friend looked really disappointed as he gave the dog one final scratch behind the ear and made his way behind the desk next to his partner.

It was then when Shikamaru was able to get a good enough look at the person heading their way, them being at a close enough distance to make out.

Shikamaru won't even lie, his heart did a little flutter when he realized it was Temari who was approaching. And before he could realize what he was doing, he found himself jogging up to her. Dismissing the calls from Kotetsu to wait in the village until they checked in the visitor. He seemed to stop however when he too realised who Shikamaru was going to meet.

When Shikamaru reached his girlfriend he noticed a her trying to hide smirk. "What?" He asked.

She shrugged lightly. "Nothing, it's just cute to see that you missed me so much that you had to run up to greet me before I even got to the gate."

His face turned a little red. "I didn't- I mean, of course I did, but I-" He tried to explain quickly, fumbling over his words as he did. Temari cut him off with a chuckle and a tap to his nose.

"I'm just messin' with you, babe." She leaned over to him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "You're so adorable when you get flustered Shika. I missed that when I was gone."

"Well I missed you." He replied. She lightly hit his arm, smiling as she leaned up against him. He swung his arm her waist automatically as they started heading towards the gate.

"Oh you sweet talker you. I haven't been back two seconds and you're already using your silver tongue on me. I see how it is, now you're going to bring me back to your place so that you can have your way with me." She paused for a second. "Not that I'd mind, of course."

His face went even redder but he managed to not let her comment stop his heart like it used to. "You're so tempting sometimes it physically hurts." He mumbled into her hair as they walked.

Temari chuckled, pushing into him slightly, almost making him stumble. "Who knew all you needed to grow a pair and joke back was for me to leave for a week? Maybe I should go back to the Sand village more often."

Shikamaru nudged her back, making them drift to the side a little as they were still connected by his arm around her waist. "Don't you dare, beautiful, I might just die at that point."

She nudged him again, lighter this time. "You charmer. Maybe you can-"

"Not that you two aren't really cute together-" Izumo started.

"-Try sickening, their as bad as Asuma was-" Kotetsu interrupted.

"But Temari still needs to check in first before you two can go-"

"-Suck on each other's faces-"

"-In the village."

"-Somewhereother than here." Kotetsu finished

The young couple stopped and realized that they made their way to the main gate. They would've walked right past the visitor check in if Izumo and Kotetsu didn't get their attention. Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck, giving the two an apologetic smile. "Sorry, guys, we forgot."

Kotetsu gave him an amused look. "Don't worry 'bout it. Just stop snuggling for a second so we can check Temari in."

oooOooo

(A little while later)

"So what's the plan, Shika?" Temari asked as the two walked hand in hand through the village. They spent a few minutes at the gate signing Temari in and- begrudgingly- explaining to Kotetsu and Izumo that Temari was here to see Shikamaru and no other official reason.

He wore a slightly cautious face. "Well I figured that since we haven't seen each other in awhile that we could… go on a… date." He continued quickly. "Only if you want to, that is."

When she didn't reply in a nanosecond he must've taken it as a no and quickly did a one-eighty. "You know what, nevermind. I'm sorry, forget I said anything. I understand if you want to relax first-"

She snorted. "You're so nervous it's adorable-"

"Hey." He sounded affronted, giving her a look of mock hurt.

"-But it is getting a little tiresome, Shika." She turned to him with a serious look. So he instantly sobered up and stopped walking. She spoke in a firm but kind voice. "Stop second guessing everything, okay? I like you, you like me, we're dating now and nothing's gonna change that. If you wanna take me on a date, do it. If you wanna kiss me, please, be my guest. Listen, Shika, if we want to take this relationship seriously then you gotta be more assertive, okay? Stop looking for me to approve everything you do." It was after she finished that she realized that that came out a little more aggressive than she meant it to.

They were silent for several seconds, only looking at each other. Temari let out a breath and leaned into him, her voice softer than before. "Sorry, Shika, I wasn't- I didn't mean to make it sound like that…. I'm just tired from my trip here. You know that I wasn't trying to be rude, right?"

He nodded, putting his arm around her lightly. "I know, Tem. Don't apologize." He paused for a second, trying to find the right words. "...I know I'm not the most open about my feelings type of person, but I've been trying to change that since I first had a crush on you. I was raised… strictly, I guess. I was taught from a young age to be old fashioned. Only speak when spoken to, treat others with respect. Never let your emotions be seen in public. Always treat women with respect and formality when dating… my mother as well as the clan elders drilled that into my head as a kid. I was taught to be the perfect heir of my clan. I never learned how to express my feelings, especially when it comes to you. My parents were never open about their love for each other."

He paused for a second, catching what he just said. He shook his head and continued. "I'm not saying that they didn't love each other, of course. I knew that they loved each other, but they were always formal and composed with each other around me. Thinking back I can't honestly say that I ever saw them being romantic with each other." He looked like he was looking back in his mind. "I've never even seen my parents kiss, or hug, or anything that would give me any idea how to act in a relationship."

He let out a sigh and looked into her eyes, making her cheeks flush despite the situation. Stupid brain. "What I'm trying to say is that I have no idea how to be in a relationship, and if I'm too polite or formal or anything is because that's how I was raised. Not because I'm just aiming for your approval. I really like you, Temari, and I'd never do anything to ruin this… but please let me go at my own pace, okay? I can't just up and change my entire personality so quickly."

There was another gap of silence as the two looked everywhere except at each other. Completely ignoring everything in the village around them. Temari finally broke the silence by learning into his side. "How long have you been waiting to get that off your chest?" She asked hesitantly.

Shikamaru looked a little nervous for a second, rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous motion. "...Since back at the resort. You would always tell me to lighten up and stop being so uptight whenever you made a joke or did something flirty. And for the most part I didn't mind, really, but in the back of my mind somewhere I felt a little pressured to change, you know?" He dropped his arm and shoved his hand in his pocket. "I know you're not trying to, but sometimes it comes off that way."

Temari considered his words, realizing that she was kind of pushing him out of his comfort zone a lot. She didn't mean to, well, that was kind of a lie, she liked seeing him blush and stutter, but she respected his wishes enough to not push him too much. She just didn't know that he had a serious problem with it.

She let out a little breath, lightly grabbing hold of his arm. "I'm sorry, Shika. I'll try not to-"

He shook his head slightly. "No need to apologize, Tem. I know. I'm not mad or anything so let's just stop this depressing conversation and go get something to eat, what do you say?"

She gave a smile. "You know me, I can't say no to food. Let's get something to eat!" She tugged on his arm and pulled them further into the village, heading towards the nearest restaurant. "But you're paying, babe."

She couldn't see it but she knew he had a smile on his face. "Of course you're making me pay."

And just like that they were fine again. They headed to the restaurant like their previous conversation didn't happen. They were both mature enough to see and understand the others' view. Maybe other couples would talk about it more, maybe they would even get into an argument over it, but they didn't. All they needed was to say their peace and move on. Shikamaru wasn't sure if it was the optimal thing to do in a relationship but he knew himself and Temari enough to know that they didn't need to do whatever other couples did. They didn't fit the normal mold, nor did they need to. He couldn't explain how he knew it, but he knew that the best way to go about their relationship was just to be themselves.

Maybe he did actually remember something that his dad told him about being in a relationship after all.

oooOooo

(Later, with Shikamaru and Temari)

"Thanks for taking me to lunch, Shika." Temari said as the two walked out of the restaurant hand in hand. They had decided on seafood since Temari had been missing it since they left the resort and she lived in a desert. Not a place well-known for its supply of sea life. They talked about what they had been doing since the mission, which for both of them it had been filled with nothing but work and meetings. After a little back and forth arguing they finally decided to go half and half on the bill. Temari claimed that it was because she ordered several extra servings of shrimp but Shikamaru figured she would've done so regardless.

"No problem, Tem." He replied with a smile.

She looked up to him expectantly. "So what do you have planned next?" She asked a little excitedly.

He gave her a look. "Who says that I have a plan?" He asked. "Do you think I plan out everything I do?"

She gave him an amused look. "Yeah, I kinda do, you're you, dummy. I'd be surprised if you didn't have a plan, honestly."

"...You have me there." He admitted. "Why do you have to be so smart and good looking?"

She grinned at him as she nudged him with her elbow. "You flatter me, babe."

"I try."

"But seriously, what's the plan?" Her eyes widened as she thought of something. "And oh yeah, where am I going to be staying while I'm here? The inn?"

"Nope."

She gave him a curious look. "You gonna give me anymore info there, babe?"

"Nope." He said, popping the 'p'.

"You cheeky…" She mumbled. "Fine, don't tell me."

He seemed fine with that. "Okay."

She groaned in an over the top fashion. "I wasn't serious, Shika. I'd rather know where I'm going to be staying while I'm here."

He chuckled at her antics, earning him a light punch to the arm from his girlfriend. He continued leading them through the village, undeterred by her attempts to get him to answer her. "It's a surprise, Tem. I'm not going to tell you, besides, I think your gonna like it."

She let out a puff of air from her puffed out cheeks. "It better be five-star is all I gotta say."

They continued for a few more minutes before reaching a small wooden gate that Temari recognized. She turned to her boyfriend with wide eyes. "This is your house."

He nodded. "My clan compound, yes." He opened the gate, letting her go in first before closing it behind him. He then continued leading her down the path.

"...Wait, you're not serious." She turned to her boyfriend, he had a smile on his face. "I thought you were joking when you said I could stay with you. I'm going to be living with you?"

"I wasn't joking. I cleared it with my mom the other day, she's excited to see you. But she's making you live in a separate house right next to ours though. So don't get any ideas."

"Right," She sighed sadly. "So no late night fun time, huh?"

He felt his cheeks redden. "No, I'm sorry. But my mom would literally castrate me if she learned of what we've done, and I prefer to keep my genitalia, thank you very much."

"I'd prefer you keep them too." She replied. "Otherwise our late night fun time wouldn't be as fun."

Shikamaru flushed even more. "Tem!"

She let out a laugh. "Yeah yeah, I know. Just show me where I can leave my bag and let's go see your mom, shall we?"

After showing Temari to her room, Shikamaru lead her to his house and they talked to his mom, Yoshino. After sizing up her son's girlfriend for what seemed like an eternity, she gave a firm nod and welcomed the Sand shinobi. After giving the two a serious talk about not trying any 'funny business', of course. Needless to say this made the two both blush slightly, Shikamaru more than Temari of course.

A few hours later the three of them had dinner together in the main house. Yoshino took to the girl much faster than Shikamaru expected. He was worried that his mothers' overbearing nature and personality would conflict with Temari's but the two seemed to get along perfectly over dinner. Yoshino pulled him over to the side as they collectively cleaned up after dinner, making Shikamaru a little nervous.

"I like her." His mother said simply. "Good job."

Shikamaru was completely taken back. "I'm sorry?"

"Temari, she's a really sweet girl. I was a little hesitant when you asked if she could stay here at first but I watched how you acted around her at dinner." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "She's a keeper. Your dad would approve too."

"Thanks mom, she's, well… special."

His mom gave him one of her rare 'caring mom looks'. "I'm happy for you, Shikamaru. I'm glad that you've found someone that makes you happy."

He couldn't help but smile, his mom was normally never like this. Quite the opposite actually. So it really meant a lot to him. "Thanks."

(With Ino, after Naruto left the shop)

Naruto had just ran out while her back was turned a few minutes ago when Ino heard the bell ring, announcing another customer. She was about to welcome them but was surprised when she saw who it was.

"Sai," She said, giving him a questioning look. "Are you here to buy flowers?"

He walked up the counter hesitantly. "No."

She gave him a confused look. "Uh, okay… Then what can I do for you?" She asked.

"I was actually wondering if I could buy you some lunch" He said shyly.

She was silent for several seconds.

Her brain had to reboot for her to reply. "What?"

He shifted a little nervously in his spot, looking at a flower display a few feet away. "You told me that you couldn't think about being in a relationship right now, and I understand, but you also said that you'd be okay with starting over as friends… so… I was hoping we could get some lunch? As friends."

She didn't reply for a few seconds before giving him a smile. "I'd like that, Sai."

When she said that he had the biggest look of relief on his face that she'd ever seen, he even grabbed his chest like he was worried it would burst. She found it slightly funny. "Oh thank Kami," he muttered. "I was worried that you would say no."

She shook her head slowly, sighing. "I told you before that I wanted to get to know you better, why would I say no to an opportunity like that?" She questioned.

Sai shuffled his feet a little. "I-I don't know. I was just a little worried."

"Well don't be, Sai." She said. "I said we could be friends, so let's go get some lunch as friends."

He smiled. "That's all I ask. Thank you, Ino."

She took off her apron and shrugged. "No prob. Let me tell my dad I'm going on break and we'll go, 'kay?"

"'Kay." He replied.

A few minutes later found the two heading out to lunch as friends. It wasn't what Sai honestly wanted, but he was happy nonetheless that Ino was giving him the opportunity to build a friendship with her that could one day turn into a romantic relationship. He didn't do anything that day that could be perceived as romantic, of course, or any of the following days. He didn't want to risk rushing anything. But he did make sure to pay for her meals though, a trick that he learned from Naruto.

Maybe someday she would let him take her on a real date, but until that day Sai was just content to spend some time with her as friends.

Aaaand FIN.

Sorry 'bout the short InoSai section, but I'll leave their budding relation up to your imaginations. And they'll be together in my next story and I wanted to have them be different in that one. Thank you all for reading, please read my Author's Note below.

(Author's Note)

Well there it was, did anyone enjoy it? Not gonna lie, I was so worried writing this Finale. I hope it was a fitting end, I tried my best.

Before you go I have some important announcement stuff to go over. You all still here? Good.

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I also want to start a Question of the Day, so here it is:

QOTD:

"What is your favorite series of all time? Anime, cartoon, tv show, book, whatever. And because this is a Naruto fic, Naruto excluded."

Leave me a REVIEW with your answer, please. I'd love to know what you guys are into.

With all of that said, we've finally reached the end of this story. It was fun, it went on too long due to my eight month hiatus, but I still enjoyed it. I have no plan as of yet about what comes next but you can be sure that I'll be working my butt off to get some new stuff out.

Have a great day,

Hephaestus