A Moment of Weakness

Part 11 (End)

Lee walked with Sakura and Sarada to her last meeting with Tsunade, at least the last meant to cover the pregnancy. It was the only time he actually saw the process of chakra transferring, and how much work it took for Sakura. How tired she was after. Her due date had passed by about 4 days, and everything seemed right, and the baby was healthy, so it could be a matter of hours, days, or even a couple of weeks until the baby was born.

Lee sat while Sakura took a little time to rest, and found himself talking to Tsunade.

"Are you sure about this, Lee? Having a baby is hard work and I know how much you love your job and adore Sakura."

"There is no turning back at this point, Lady Tsunade."

"Do you wish there was?" she asked softly. Lee turned to her with tears in his eyes.

"The only thing I wish was that Sasuke would not ever come back and we knew he would not." He says firmly.

Tsunade looks to Sakura and then back to Lee. "That makes three of us, Lee. She speaks so fondly of you and how good you are to her compared to him. I know that you and her would be better off for each other. She's my student and I want her to be where she's happiest but..."

"But what?"

"She takes her obligation to someone who isn't even there too seriously."

Sakura began to groan and sat up. Lee and Tsunade made their way to her sides. Lee reached for her hand, while Tsunade felt her forehead.

"You're burning up? Are you feeling okay?"

"I- I think the external chakra for the last 6 months is making me feel a little weird but it never, never made me feel like this," she huffed and leaned slightly on Lee.

"Alright well then, you look fine otherwise. No baby bump, nothing looks out of place. Go home and rest. Elevate your feet and make sure you're drinking a lot."

"I will." Sakura nodded and gave herself a moment to swing her legs over the side of the hospital bed. Once her legs were over the side, Lee helped her down and they left.

Back home, Lee put Sarada down for her afternoon nap, then went back to Sakura as she sat on the couch, unassuming. If anyone saw Sakura, they would have no way of knowing.

They talked for a bit about nothing, about anything but the baby and how soon they wouldn't have the chance to be like this anymore until a knock came on the door. Sakura stood and made her way to the front door, finding Ino there with a bouquet of flowers.

"Hey, Sakura," she said with a small smile. "Last time we saw each other I screwed up and then I haven't seen you for months and I remembered how long it had been and realized that I should probably come check on you." Ino offered the flowers to Sakura, and she accepted and let Ino in.

"Baby is down for a nap and Lee came to visit too. I'm glad to see you too, actually," Sakura paused, taking a look around to find a vase for the flowers. "I know you don't know all about having a baby and everything but I've just been busy and a little depressed."

"Well, actually Sakura, there's a few reasons for my visit," Ino began, only to see Lee enter the room after using the restroom.

"Hello, Ino!"

"Hi, Lee," she brushed him off, almost ignoring him. Lee went to sit by Sakura who was now on the couch. He sat a little closer than any friend would, earning a side eye and a push from Sakura. "Anyways what I was saying," Her grin grew, and she stood up revealing a baby bump, "I'm pregnant!" She exclaimed.

Lee and Sakura did their best, most convincing smile and cheer for Ino, only being reminded of the soon-to-be ending affair.

"That's awesome Ino! I'm happy for you!" Sakura nodded but stayed in her seat next to Lee.