*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*

It was a late summer night in Konoha and Sakura was alone in her apartment. The young medic shinobi was silent as she sat motionlessly on the corner of her bed. The distant sound of people talking below her apartment faded in and out. A burst of loud laughter from a group of people snapped her back into reality. She wasn't sure how long she had been sitting deep in thought, but she knew it had to have been sometime. Her face was pale and there were clear visible streaks of long dried tears on her face. She clenched the sheets on her bed in an attempt to calm down.

"Breathe Sakura, breathe, things aren't going to get any better if you rip your bed sheets apart."

Sakura sighed as she looked at her barefeet that swayed freely below her. Her stomach churned and the young kunoichi did her best not lose her lunch on her bedroom floor. The sudden urge to vomit had come so fast that it made her head spin. After a few uncomfortable moments the wave of nausea slowly subsided.

Sakura slowly got up from her bed and made her way towards the kitchen. Her stomach was still on the sensitive side, so food wasn't an option. However a nice hot cup of chamomile tea would be great to help settle her stomach. Sakura fumbled around the cabinets looking for her tea kettle. She finally found it behind some bento boxes and pans in the last cabinet she checked. She placed it in the sink and began to rinse it out with warm water. She then turned on the stove and went to her room to get her cell phone.

"I really need to talk to someone, and there's only one person out there that can help me out."

Sakura flipped her cell phone open and looked through her contacts until she found the desired one. There on her cell phone screen was Ino's contact picture. It wasn't a picture of her blonde friend at all; instead it was one of Tonton she had taken last summer. Just thinking how mad Ino would be if she knew Sakura had Tonton as her contact picture brought a small smirk to Sakura's face.

"Ino would flip if she saw this. Well at least I got her good side," giggled Sakura.

She continued to laugh softly to herself but she stopped when something on her bed caught her attention. It was the pregnancy test she had taken earlier in the day, and it was positive.

Sakura turned off the flame on the stove to let the tea cool down a bit. She took out two cups from one of her cabinets and placed them by the tea pot. She then walked towards her kitchen table and pulled a chair out. She was about to sit down when someone started banging on her front door. Sakura paused for a moment and rolled her eyes.

"Good god Ino hold on," pleaded Sakura, as she walked to the door.

She opened it to find a flustered Ino on the other side.

"Alright forehead this had better be something really important, or remotely amusing, because I was on my way to meet Tenten. I told you we were going out tonight," groaned Ino as she stormed into Sakura's apartment.

Normally Sakura would have challenge Ino's sarcasm but tonight she just didn't care; she had much more to deal with than Ino's snobbish temper.

"You told me you were feeling sick when I invited you to go out with us earlier today, and that's cool, I get that, but right before I'm going to leave you ask me to make a freaking house call!? What the hell is going on with you?"

"Look Ino I called you over because you're my best friend, and I don't think anyone else can help me out but you."

"….."

"I'd call Tsunade-sama but it's too much of a personal situation. I'd feel really awkward," said Sakura in a shaky voice.

"Now I feel like a complete and utter bitch for snapping at you, what's wrong?"

Ino didn't get an answer; instead Sakura threw herself into Ino's arms and cried. The blonde haired kunoichi had the wind knocked out of her; sometimes Sakura forgot just how strong she really was. Ino slowly looked down at Sakura and saw her trembling. She embraced her best friend and held her close.

"Oh my god Ino I don't know what I'm going to do," sobbed Sakura.

"What's the matter? This totally isn't like you, you're kind of freaking me out."

Sakura simply sobbed and mumble a few incoherent words into Ino chest. Needless to say Ino couldn't make anything out. She gently pulled Sakura away from her and grabbed her shoulders.

"Come on missy we need to get to the bottom of this," said Ino as she lead Sakura to the kitchen.

She pulled out one of the chairs from under Sakura's kitchen table and sat down. Sakura gathered herself up as best she could while she quickly dried her eyes. She made her way to the kitchen stove, removed the teapot, and poured herself and Ino some tea. She added a few tablespoons of sugar to each cup and then she joined her best friend at her small kitchen table. The two kunoichi's sat silently as they took small sips of their late night beverage.

"So..."

Sakura looked up at her friend and sighed heavily.

"I'm sorry if I scared you, I'm just not thinking straight. This all has to do with Naruto and I."

Ino's eyes widened at Sakura's comment.

"Did that idiot leave you?! If so I'm gonna tear him apart! I mean after all those years of crushing over you he does something like this!?"

"No Ino, it's nothing like that, our relationship is doing just fine. We couldn't be happier."

"Well then you got me, what the hell is going between you two?"

"Well…"

"Well what?"

"..."

"Come one Sakura spit it it out!"

"I'm pregnant!"

Sakura winced at how loud her confession was, but there was no taking it back now.

"You're what?!" Screamed Ino as she stood up from her chair. "Naruto knocked you up?!"

"Ino for the love of god could you please keep it down. I don't need the whole apartment complex hearing the news," scolded Sakura.

"Well I'm sorry but hearing my best friend has a bun in the oven is the last thing I expected to hear today."

"Yeah well it's the last thing I thought I'd find out myself."

"Well what about protection? I thought you were on the pill."

"I was on the pill, and Naruto always wears a condom. I don't know what could have happened this time around."

Silence filled the kitchen; both kunoichi didn't know what to say to one another. After a few awkward moments Ino sat back down.

"So, are you going to keep it?"

"What?! Of course I am Ino. I wouldn't dream of getting rid of my pregnancy."

"So then what's the problem Sakura? You and Naruto love each other very much, and your in a healthy relationship. I know you guys are still young, but oh well, no undoing what's clearly already been done," said Ino as she pointed at Sakura's lower belly. "I'm sure Naruto will be thrilled when he finds out he's going to be a dad."

Sakura solemnly looked at her cup of tea. Ino was right, but doubt still filled her mind.

"What you're saying makes sense Ino, but the thought of telling him is incredibly terrifying. I'm so scared to face him."

"Why in the world are you so terrified? What makes you think he isn't going to be happy about this?"

"Because I'm the person that's going to have to tell him that his dreams need to be put on hold because of me. Ever since we were kids all he's ever wanted was to become Hokage, and he's so close to that happening. You know Tsunade-sama wants him as her successor. She told him not too long ago that he'd start his training soon, now I'm not sure if that's even going to be possible."

"Why not?"

"Naruto's going to have to take more missions if he's going to be supporting me and a baby. That's going to leave him absolutely no time to attend his lessons with Tsunade-sama."

"I guess you're right, but you know she'd make exceptions for you guys."

"I know she would but…"

"You're just a bundle of stress now aren't you?"

"It's all just so incredibly overwhelming and frustrating Ino. A baby is life-altering, and I'm without a plan. We're both going to be responsible for a new life, and the thought of being a mother, is terrifying."

"Alright calm down, let's just back up okay. For starters you're over thinking and the only thing that's happening because of that you're stressing yourself out even more. Now I can only imagine the conflicting feelings that you must be experiencing right now Sakura, but you shouldn't be scared to tell Naruto."

"..."

"That man loves you so much Sakura, you mean the world to him and more. I can't see him being upset with you, besides it takes two to make a baby after all, so stop acting like this all falls on you. You were both using protection, but it isn't always guaranteed 100%, this is just what happens when contraceptives don't work. When you think about it this baby was meant to be, and if you ask me that's the greatest thing in the world Sakura."

"I never thought of it that way," sniffled Sakura. Thanks Ino. I know I ruined your plans with Tenten, but I'm really glad you came over when I needed you. This really means alot to me."

"It's okay Sakura, you didn't really ruin my plans. To tell you the truth Tenten cancelled on me last minute. I wasn't really going anywhere like I said I was when you called. I was just upset and I took out my frustrations out on you. So yeah, I'm really sorry about that."

"Oh my God Ino you're something else you know that," said Sakura as she playfully shoved her best friend's arm.

There was a few moments of silence but the two friends couldn't hold in their laughter and they both began felt a weight lifted off her shoulders, it was nice seeing Sakura's mood brighten up.

"Listen Sakura, I know we have our arguments, and we're constantly teasing each other, but I have no doubt whatsoever that you will make an amazing mother, and that goofball boyfriend of yours is going to be one heck of a dad."

"Thanks Ino."

The two friends talked for a few more minutes, but after awhile they got tired of sitting on the kitchen chairs so they decided to continue their conversation in Sakura's bedroom. Ino threw herself on Sakura's bed making herself right at home. Sakura sat next to Ino; she grabbed a pillow and held it tight.

"So where is Naruto anyway? I haven't seen him in a while."

"He's on a class S mission helping Suna with some kind of recon mission. I'm not too sure on the details since he wasn't allowed to disclose them. He's already been gone three weeks."

"He's probably on the same mission as Shikamaru. He was also assigned an S rank mission to Suna. It was also very hush-hush, he wasn't able to share any info with me. So then Sakura back on topic, how are you going to tell Naruto the news?"

Sakura's face went pale; she had done her best not to dwell on that thought.

"I've been so consumed with the overall shock of being pregnant that I haven't even taken the time to think about it. I'm not sure how I'm going to tell him. Part of me just wants to blurt it out, but that might give him a heart attack," said Sakura as she fell back onto her bed.

She held a pillow over her face and let out a drawn out moan.

"Look Sakura you just can't tell him like that. Give him some time to get back into his normal routine, once that happens you can tell him."

"You think that will work Ino? I mean can it really be that simple?" Asked Sakura as she peeked from her pillow sanctuary.

Ino had managed to braid one of her locks during their conversation, she smiled at Sakura.

"Of course it is silly. You have to remember that men are creatures of habit. You need to let him get back into his groove before you tell him. Blurting it out will terrify him."

"I guess that makes sense," said Sakura as she removed her pillow from her face.

She looked up at her ceiling in silence. Before she knew it she was running an endless amount of possible scenarios when it came to confronting Naruto.

"So..." Ino began. "Was that bun in the oven made here, or was it at conceived at Naruto's?"

Sakura saw Ino patting her hand on Sakura's bed with a devilish grin on her face. The next thing Ino knew Sakura's pillow slammed right into her face.

"Hey," scuffed Ino.

"You're horrible you know that," laughed Sakura.

"Why am I horrible? We talk about this kind of stuff all the time. Why are you deciding to be a prude now?"

"Ino you're asking me where Naruto and I conceived our child."

"Ah come on Sakura we're best friends. We're supposed to share stuff like this with each other. So come on where was it?" Asked Ino as she drew closer towards Sakura.

"No I'm not telling. You might as well just give up because I'm not spilling the beans."

"What? Why not? I always tell you the details with Shikamaru and I."

"Yeah but I never ask to hear them," giggled Sakura as she playfully pushed Ino away.

"It was here wasn't it," snickered Ino.

Sakura blushed with embarrassment. She covered her face which caused Ino to fall back onto her bed giggling at her expense.

"Oh my god Sakura that is hilarious."

"Oh my god Ino just stop. I don't wait hear this," whined Sakura as she covered her ears.

"You're freaking ridiculous you know that," laughed Ino. "Look at you covering your quote-unquote virgin ears. You're the last person to be acting this way when it comes to sex. I mean everybody knows you and Naruto have some kinky sex Sakura. Don't think those bite marks on your neck have gone unnoticed."

"Ino!"

"I commend you though, getting bitten must really hurt, but it must be super hot at the same time. I mean Naruto is one with the Kyuubi now so he must be a beast in bed."

"You have no idea."

"Well that's not my fault now is it miss purdy pie."

Sakura laughed, she felt so much better now, but she knew that her feelings were only momentary. Ino provided comfort, support, and company, but the moment she'd leave Sakura would be left alone with her fears, and thoughts. For now though she didn't want to think about that. She wanted to end the night on a good note. Tomorrow would be another day and she would deal with it one step at a time.

Sakura opened her eyes and rolled over in her bed. For whatever reason she half expected to see Naruto asleep right next to her, but the other side of her bed was empty. She sighed softly and crawled out of bed. She walked to her window and opened it to let the fresh morning air fill her apartment.

Today everything seemed brighter and Sakura was determined to get use to the fact that she was pregnant with Naruto's child. Ino had stayed over pretty late last night but she had refused to sleep over since she had to get up extra early and open the flower shop the next day.

Before Ino had left for the night she promised Sakura that should would keep her pregnancy a secret. Gossip had a way of traveling and the last thing Sakura wanted was for Naruto to come home to a village that knew some very important personal news before he did. Sakura walked to her bathroom and began to undress so that she could take a soothing shower. She glanced at herself in the mirror and placed her hands on her bare belly.

"This is really going to kill my figure," sighed Sakura as she continued to look at her firm flat tummy. She gently rubbed her stomach, this was all real, it wasn't a dream.

"You really are in there aren't you?"

Now that she had some time to process her emotions Sakura realized that Ino was right. Naruto wouldn't be upset, nor would he not want the pregnancy. He was always there for her and she knew that all his amazing characteristics would be amplified now that he was going to be a father.

"Just you wait until you meet your daddy, he's the best," whispered Sakura.

It was a gorgeous morning. The sky was a vibrant shade of baby blue and a light summer breeze blew through Sakura's pink locks. The weather was indeed perfect but Sakura couldn't help but dread her walk towards Hokage Tower. She had made a decision once she had exited the shower, she had to tell Tsunade. Her mentor was someone who needed to know about Sakura's condition. Not only because she was Sakura's teacher but also because she was the one that would naturally over see Sakura's medical health.

The young kunoichi sighed heavily. She wasn't afraid of Tsunade despite her sharp tone and strong personality. Sakura admired and respect her, and it was those feelings that made confronting her even harder. The fear that Tsunade would be disappointed in her is what sent chills down Sakura's back. She began climbing the many stairs to reach Tsunade's office and all the while Sakura's mind and heart raced.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. Maybe I should take Ino's advice and wait for Naruto to get back home. Once he gets back into his normal routine he and I can tell Tsunade-sama together," whispered Sakura.

The idea did sound enticing but Sakura knew that she needed to be checked out as soon as possible by Tsunade. She had procrastinated enough what with waiting so long to take a pregnancy test. She had no idea when Naruto would be back and it was in her child's best interests to just come clean with Tsunade. Besides Tsunade would flip if Sakura went to the clinic without letting her know first. The pink haired kunoichi couldn't help but argue with herself as she aimlessly made her way to her master's office.

Before she knew it she had reached the top of the stairs. She slowly walked down the hallway and after a few minutes Sakura reached the massive doors to Tsunade's office. She stood there silently as she did her best to muster the courage to open the door.

"Come in," said Tsunade from inside her office.

Sakura's eyes opened wide, she hadn't knocked nor had she made a sound. Well how could she be surprised, this was Tsunade after all. Sakura walked in to find the 5th Hokage buried in paper work. She nervously approached her desk and waited patiently for her master to say something.

"Sakura why you're here in my office when it's your day off?"

Sakura fidgeted, she began to doubt coming, but there was no turning back now.

"Well Tsunade-sama I figured maybe you needed some extra help since Shizune is out sick."

Tsunade looked up from her endless mounds of paperwork on her desk.

"That's really thoughtful of you Sakura. You know how unorganized I am without Shizune, but I thought you were here to talk to me about something else."

"Something else?"

"Yes something life changing, like a baby."

"I…um…how did you know?!"

"Well I know for sure now don't I," replied Tsunade.

Sakura's mouth dropped, she felt so embarrassed. Tsunade pushed her chair away from her desk, stood up, and made her way towards her offices windows. She looked down at the view outside as her student waited patiently for an explanation.

"Did you really think you could hide something medical from me Sakura? I've noticed little changes that perhaps you yourself didn't notice. Your heart rate has become faster, you've been losing your breath when doing simple tasks, and you had slight changes in your appetite mixed with occasional nausea."

Sakura was beyond impressed that Tsunade was able to see all of these little changes in her body, but at the same time she was mortified.

"I'm so sorry I've disappointed you Tsunade-sama. That's the last thing I'd ever want to do, honestly," said Sakura as she bowed down as low as she could.

She heard her mentors heels hitting the floor as she approached her. Sakura closed her eyes in preparation, but instead of a scolding she felt a hand on her shoulder motioning her to stand up. Sakura obeyed and with a few seconds she was face to face with her master.

"What in the world are you babbling about Sakura? I'm not disappointed in you," said Tsunade softly.

Before Sakura could speak Tsunade embraced her lovingly.

"I remember what it's like to be young and in love. No matter how long you've been together you just can't seem to get enough of each other," said Tsunade. "However these things happen when you choose to show your love in the bedroom Sakura. I would have expected you to be safe about taking that step with Naruto."

The pink haired kunoichi blushed profusely. She gently pulled herself away from Tsunade's embrace.

"We were careful Tsunade-sama, we both used protection. I never thought something like this could happen, especially when we used precautions."

Tsunade grabbed Sakura's shoulder firmly.

"Well then you did what you could Sakura. If it's meant to be then it's meant to be, there's no stopping that."

"So you aren't disappointed?"

"No Sakura I'm not, but I do wish you were older. You're still so you young and both you and Naruto have such bright futures as shinobis, but now with a child on the way your shinobi duties will be on hold."

Sakura's heart sank, that's exactly what she had told Ino. She wasn't worried about her own shinobi duties, but she was when it came to Naruto's.

"I've ruined everything for Naruto."

"Why would you say something like that?"

"I don't want to hold him back from his dream of being Hokage. A baby changes everything, he won't be able to devote as much time towards his Hokage training."

"Oh Sakura, you know I'd make exceptions for Naruto. This child isn't going to change my mind when it comes to choosing him as my successor. We'll work something out alright?"

"Thank you so much Tsunade-sama," replied Sakura as she wiped tears of relief from her face.

"It's going to be alright Sakura. I'll be here for you every step of the way. Now then, I need to make sure that baby is getting what it needs," said Tsunade as she walked to her desk.

She took out a pen and notepad from one of her desk drawers and quickly scribbled a few things. When she was done she tore the sheet of paper off and handed it to Sakura.

"Here I want you to take this to the pharmacy department in the hospital. I've written down a few things some of my patients need and I added some prenatal vitamins in there for you. Since it's your day off you won't be allowed behind the front desk so you'll have to get someone there to help you. With this list no one will suspect that everything on it is for you. It will simply look like you're running a short errand for me on your day off."

Sakura took the small piece of paper in her hand and nodded.

"Thank you Tsunade-sama, that's a really good idea."

"I figured you want to keep everything to yourself until Naruto comes back, which will be much sooner than you think Sakura."

"Excuse me?"

"I received a messenger hawk from Naruto's team, he'll be home tonight."

Author's note 11/6/16

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to read the first chapter of my story. Now when I originally wrote this I was a mother of one. Since then I've given birth to my second son. My kids are now 6 and 4. Now longtime readers have had to deal with large gaps in between updates, and the longest gap is still going on, it's well been over a year since my last update. As of 11/6/16 the entire story has been re-written, and the ending is in the works, so please bear with me. So yeah enjoy some other notes about the story…..

This story has canon and non canon events in it since it was written before the manga had entered the 4th shinobi war. It starts off very sweet and cute, but please don't let that fool you. The first few chapters are the only ones like this. You have to remember that there will be, gore, violence, adult language adult situations, and lemons so please read with caution. The more you read the more you'll see Naruto's peaceful world fall into darkness.