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Morning came far too early for Sakura's liking. Thanks to Shikamaru, releasing his pent up tension, she has slept soundly and free of nightmares. Peaking her eyes open, she looked straight into her male companion's chest. Closing her eyes she hugged him closer, breathing in his scent. He smelled like trees and fresh cut grass; probably because he spent so much time lounging on the ground looking up at the clouds. Sakura smiled, Shikamaru had a way about him that made her not care so much about anything outside her bedroom.

Opening her eyes again she looked up at his handsome face. Carefully removing her arms that were trapped against his chest, she ran her fingers through his soft brown hair. She loved it when he took his hair down. A lot of men couldn't pull off the long haired look but Shikamaru could.

He didn't open his eyes but moved his face to her neck, giving her better access to his hair. Shikamaru playfully nuzzled his head and nipped her neck.

"You know we have to get up and start the day right?" She asked.

"We could, or we could stay in bed all day. The others wouldn't mind."

"No we can't. We have work to do, remember, and I doubt they will be thrilled that we didn't help."

Shikamaru snorted, "They could join us. We haven't had a lazy day with all of us in a long time. Always away on missions."

Sakura yanked his hair back so she could look at his face. "We have to get up because we have lunch with your parents remember?" Meeting with his parents usually turned out to be an eventful day. Sure they loved Sakura but their relationship with the others was confusing to his parents. When she first started seeing Shikamaru they were so excited to see their lazily son interested in something other than clouds. But when they had introduced their team... Well that one took a lot of explaining. The heads of the Nara family didn't understand their son's arrangement with the others on their team.

Groaning Sakura sat up. Looking at the mirror across from her bed she could see her hair sticking out in every direction. Brushing her fingers through her hair trying to make it somewhat presentable she heard a soft snore behind her.

That jerk! He went back to sleep! Quietly Sakura moved to the end of the bed. Crouching down by his feet, she pulled the covers back just enough to show one foot. Collecting a small amount of charka onto the tip of her finger she flicked the arch of his foot. Shikamaru jolted and sat up breathing heavily with now wide awake eyes. Giggling softly Sakura had already made it to her bathroom to begin getting ready for the day as she heard a string of curses leave his lips.

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After getting dressed and doing her morning routine she made her way down the stairs of her home. With all of her team being on an anbu squad, and taking high ranking missions they were able to afford a much larger home than some others in the village. She wondered why other Shinobi didn't live together to save money. But she reasoned not every team could stand being together twenty four hours a day, plus on all missions like her team could.

Walking into the kitchen she noticed that Yamato was the only one up. Even though she had woken Shikamaru, it would be a least another 30 minutes before he would even begin to get ready. Yamato was standing at the stove preparing breakfast. Walking up behind him she wrapped her slender arms around his waist breathing in his cooking. Considering before their team he was eating rations and wildlife while on solo or a duo missions, she though his cooking was pretty good. Well anytime she didn't have to cook she tried not to complain about the dish.

"Smells good. Did you make enough to share?" She questioned flirtatiously.

"Of course, I always make enough to share with my favorite girl."

Sakura laughed, "I'd better be your only girl, captain."

Putting down the spoon he was using to stir, he turned around and placed one hand on her hip and the other under her chin; tilting her head to look at him. He looked so more casual and at home without his normal head gear on. If you didn't know him that well you wouldn't be able to recognize him. He moved his head down to bring her into a kiss, she was expecting a soft and sweet kiss but this morning was full of passion. His lips were hard and firm against her soft ones. Wanting to deepen the kiss she allowed him entrance when his tongue tapped against her bottom lip. She waited as long as she could, letting him explore her mouth and moaned when she needed air. Panting and struggling to remember to breathe he moved to her neck placing hot wet kisses. Moving his other hand onto her hip, then down her leg he hitched the leg over his hip.

Catching onto what he wanted she jumped to wrap her other leg around his waist. As she did this Yamato never broke contact with her neck. Sakura was lost in heaven. There were certain things about each of her boys that they could do to her like no one else could. Yamato was currently showing her his talents with his lips. She noticed that he had moved them when he placed her on the counter in the kitchen. Since she was much shorter than he was, this made his access much easier.

After he determined she had enough air he brought his lips back to hers, while keeping his hands on the counter by her hips. Leaning her chest toward his, she wrapped her arms around him and dug her fingers into his hair.

Still breathing heavily she said to him, "As much as I would like to continue this, I am hungry and we have a busy day ahead of us."

"I know but just a few minutes won't hurt anything."

"With you it's never just a few minutes. Besides if you burn my breakfast, I am going to be pissed." She countered.

Taking the not so subtle hint, Yamato gave her one last kiss before removing himself from her to resume making breakfast. Soothing out her hair, Sakura move to make them some tea for the morning. After heating the pot and filling the cups she met him at the table. There she was greeted with a very nice omelet with some fruit on the side. She had never told him that this was her favorite breakfast he made, but he always seemed to know when she needed it.

All of her boys were very in tune to her likes and dislikes. If she was working at the hospital late and wouldn't be home in time for dinner; one of them, usually Genma, would show up with food. Or if she was having a bad day and was doubting herself, they would treat her to dango. Those days were only a few times a year and usually around her former teammates' departure date. Her boys would do everything they could to distract her. Last year they took a trip to a spa. While she knew it wouldn't be the boys' thing, they graciously went with her. Taking the first bite of her omelet, Sakura looked at Yamato and gave him a thumbs up.

"Sakura," the way he said her name she knew right away what he wanted. He only used that tone of voice when it came to talking about her other team. Yamato was the only one out of the boys she choose to talk to about it. He just seem to know the right things to say. Don't get her wrong, Shikamaru and Genma were great when she was upset. But they got pretty angry whenever she talked about the team that had abandoned her. Yamato on the other hand, no matter what he was feeling, she could never tell when he was upset. Sakura thought she understood Yamato pretty well but there were somethings that she may never know about him.

"Are you really sure you are ok with them being here? Lady Hokage did say she could have another team take this assignment."

"Yes I am sure. If I wanted another team to take this then I would have said something last night. We are the best suited for this and if they refuse anything I want dibs on being an extra hard ass on them."

Looking her in the eye to see if she was lying, Yamato found nothing but the truth. "Well if you are sure."

Sighing, "Yes I am sure. However it is your job to make sure to keep Shikamaru and Genma in check. Also when we are done with this mission we are going on a vacation, the beach would be nice don't you think?" Sakura suspected Yamato understood she wanted to change the subject. Six years was a lot of time to get over the initial grief but the wound was still there that she rather not open.

Finishing her omelet and fruit she did the dishes since he did the cooking. It was the least she could do for receiving one of her favorite meals. Hearing Genma coming into the kitchen, she placed her last dish on the drying rack. Sakura turned to find him still in his normal clothes, which wasn't unlike his jounin uniform. Standard green shirt, without the vest, and black pants. He had no shoes on his feet but his headband was already in place.

"Did you save anything for me?" Genma asked.

Shaking her head, "Nope I ate all of it. Maybe you can sweet talk Yamato into making you breakfast." She smiled sweetly at him. Yamato who had not gotten up from the table told him to get his out of the oven and to save some for Shikamaru. Grunting Genma grabbed his and made his way to the table.

"I am going to make sure that lazy man is getting ready. Sometimes I wonder if I am his mother," she said mumbling the last part. Both men laughed at her, she may complain but she secretly liked taking care of them in her own way. Sure they did a lot for her, but they each felt that Sakura did so much more for them.

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Returning to her room Sakura was glad to see that Shikamaru was dressed. Since her old team was not let to walk around yet, she wanted to get some time in being about in her normal clothes. Her first stop was to go to the Nara compound to assist Shikamaru with his duties, eat lunch with them, and maybe do some light shopping. Since they were on a long mission they had very few food items to eat. She wasn't really sure where Yamato had gotten breakfast from, but she didn't really care. She also needed to stalk up on medical supplies, as she did regularly, and get some new gear. Some of hers were burned or torn and needed to be replaced.

Moving to make her bed she said, "Good your up. Yamato has breakfast for you in the kitchen. I would hurry before Genma eats your share."

Shikamaru smirked at her, "If he does I'll just have mom make me something and you can enjoy her cooking before lunch too." In response she threw her pillow at him which earned a chuckle from both of them. They both headed to the front door of their home stopping to put on their sandals.

"We are going to the Nara's for the morning and then to eat lunch. I am going shopping afterward." She announced knowing the other two would hear her.

"Ok I'll pick you up after lunch," Genma answered.

"I don't need a babysitter!"

"I'm not your babysitter, I'll be your date" he laughed. With that they walked out and headed to the Nara compound.

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Sakura walked in to the head Nara house after Shikamaru. She was greeted by his mother, who gave her a hug. Even though his parents didn't really understand their small family, they were at least trying too. The Nara's were known for being open and accepting of most things, including their son and his odd relationships.

"Sakura we are so glad you are here! It has been far too long." His mother said.

"Yes well you know, work and all has kept me pretty busy." Sakura responded. Yoshino grabbed her by the arm and turned to look at Shikamaru.

"Your father is out back, go see him. I need Sakura to help me with some things around the house."

Not wanting to disobey his mother he sent his girlfriend a sympathetic look before going outside to meet his father. Sakura was dragged into the kitchen and she was sat at a table with a cook book in front of her. Cooking with Yoshino was always an adventure. Usually the matriarch of the Nara clan like to plan elaborate dinners with difficult recipes. While her cooking took a long while, it was well worth it. Sakura thought Yoshino's cooking was the best in the village.

"Sakura today I want to teach you to make something special so you can cook it for Shikamaru."

"Oh and what would that be?" She questioned.

"That would be Shikamaru's favorite meal, mackerel cooked with miso, sukonbu."

Sakura's eyes grew wide. She couldn't believe that Yoshino was offering to teach her how to cook his favorite meal. Sure Sakura could cook, but sometimes she would have the habit of putting just a little bit of chakra into the dishes (without realizing) and the meal would explode all over the room. That is usually why her boys did most of the cooking, unless it was cookies of course. For some reason she could make cookies and everyone couldn't seem to get enough of them.

"If you are going to be my son's wife one day you will need to learn how to properly cook for him." Yes this is why they went to the Nara's head house every other week. Shikamaru would train or do chores with his father while Sakura was subjected to cooking lessons. Even though they had both told Yoshino they were in no hurry to get married and settle down, that didn't stop her from trying to bring it up every chance she got. This is going to be a long morning.

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Several hours later when Shikaku and Shikamaru came inside, Sakura was worn out. Cooking the meal hadn't gone that great and after several failed attempts, Yoshino just told her to study the ingredients and to watch her cook. Maybe all women aren't supposed to be able to cook, she thought trying to convince herself of the reason for her failure. At least Yoshino let her set the table, now that was something she could do. Having very few cooking skills Sakura took it upon herself to learn how to properly set a table; including folding a napkin into a swan. She liked doing this here because it always make Shikamaru laugh. He knew that if there was were napkin swans over the table then that meant the cooking lesson hadn't gone so well.

All of them setting down at the table Shikamaru asked, "Is it my birthday or something? You usually don't cook this unless it is."

"Well I was introducing Sakura on how to prepare your favorite. After all it is a wife's duty to please her husband in more ways than one." Yoshino answered, making Sakura turn red.

"How did the first lesson go?" Shikaku asked.

"Not that well. I don't know if I will ever be able to cook." Sakura said sadly.

"Of course you will. The skill just comes to some later in life." Sakura smiled at Shikaku he always knew the right thing to say. After finishing their meal the men cleared the table and went to do the dishes. That was one of the best things Sakura liked about the Nara's, men and women did equal work. If the women cooked the men cleaned; and vice versa. Unlike most clan matriarchs who were there to cook and take care of the children, the Nara women had a say in clan affairs. Plus they were generally easy going and not uptight. Piss one of them off however, and you were in for a rude awakening. Hearing a knock at the door Sakura knew that was her escort showing up to take her shopping. Giving Shikamaru a quick kiss on the cheek she told him that she would see him later at home. Opening the door she found Genma smiling at her.

"Ready to go?" Nodding she took his hand and led him out of the compound.

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As she walked up and down the aisles, she looked at different food she thought she could at least try and make. They got generic items such as bread, fruit, chicken, rice for feeding their house guest. But she wanted to find something special for their last night alone as a family. Reaching the freezer section she smiled wide at finding several things of cookie dough. I can make a cookie pie! Behind her, she heard Genma chuckle. She handed him several things of cookie dough to put into the basket he was carrying.

"You know with all these sweets we will have to work extra hard to get those calories off" he joked.

"Well I figured we needed something special before this mission from hell. Besides from what I recall about them we will have our work cut out for us."

"You are probably right about that." After Genma paid for their groceries they made their way to the gear shop. Sakura picked up some outfits to replace her other ones and he picked up some more weapons to replace some of his stash.

Walking home a though crossed Sakura's mind, what if her old team still thought she was weak? What if they didn't see what she had accomplished and who she had become? Shaking her head to get rid of the negative thoughts she realized that they had already made it home and Genma was fishing out his key. Opening the door she move to stand beside him to remove her shoes. When she looked up she noticed two things. There were three dozen roses on the coffee table and a box full of dango. Tears in her eyes she wrapped her arms around Genma and gave him a kiss.

"We thought we would get you something for our last day alone. I know it's not much but we hope you like it."

"It's more than enough. It's perfect," she said through the tears. He wiped his thumbs over her cheeks to clean her face. Taking the items they bought and leading her into the kitchen. They found Yamato and Shikamaru waiting for them. They had already prepared dinner and were waiting on them to eat. Sitting down at the table she looked at each of her boys and silently thanked kami that she had the best family.

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Within the holding cells of T&I

"This stinks!" Naruto whined. "We should have be released by now. We didn't do anything wrong!"

"Come on Naruto. It is just for the night. Lady Hokage said we would be let out in the morning." Kakashi said trying to reason with his student.

"I could see why you three were locked up. But me! Now that was just Tsunade being mean." Jiraiya said.

Kakashi sighed the white haired man was not helping their situation. He looked over at his other student who was being quieter than normal. Maybe he was thinking about their pinked hair teammate. They hadn't left on the best of terms. Sakura would forgive them right? Then they could be a team again. Well a team with them protecting her. But they would still be a team just like the old days, Kakashi hoped.

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Sorry for the long delay and thank you all for the wonderful comments! I wasn't sure if I was going to continue with this story but since reading all of the comments I have decided to keep going. Thank you for reading and any reviews or suggestions are welcome!