Dreams of the Past

Getting Used to Things

Chapter 27

Getting Used to Things

Days passed, and with them, much of Sakura's dread. The war and the potential of Kakashi's extended absences still loomed, but her sweet imaginings of their little family chased away some of the anxiety. He had surprised her with a gentleness she hadn't known he'd possessed when he was with Tenzō. When she pictured the same softness with this baby, Sakura began to feel genuinely happy.

Her grandmother's delighted reaction had gone a long way to soothing her fears, too. They may be at war, but they were safe in the village. Women had given birth and raised little ones under much more precarious circumstances and managed, Sakura would be just fine. She had assured her that, young though she may be, she was a wonderful mother already.

Personally, Sakura didn't know if she would go so far as, 'wonderful,' but Ume's assessment had made her feel like she would survive no matter what happened.

You're Hatake Sakura. You're the strongest kunoichi of your generation. You can handle a baby, even if Kakashi isn't able to be around.

A week after Kusa's revelation, Sakura and the boys were in the market again. Jun and Rin were with them as they perused the stalls, selecting things for dinner. Kakashi-kun, still overly protective, hovered at her side, ensuring no one got too close and earning eye rolls from Rin whenever he growled at strangers.

"What do you think about tempura?"

Sakura felt her stomach roil and shook her head. "Gods no, that sounds terrible. Plus it takes forever."

Jun chuckled, a knowing smirk on her face. "Alright. How about fish?"

The fishmongers were still far enough away that she couldn't smell them, but she shook her head anyway. "No way. Not again! Ramen?"

Jun pursed her lips in thought but she could see she was holding back more laughter. She had made fish a few nights before. Sakura had walked into the Nohora household after work, smelt the sea and promptly vomited on her shoes. She had eaten rice on the engawa, not even able to go inside.

Thankfully, Rin and Kakashi both interjected their agreement and Jun nodded. "Ramen it is. Homemade or Ichiraku?"

Tenzō, who had been hanging onto Sakura's skirt and inspecting the produce in front of him, jerked around to wave his arms at Jun. "Itchy-Raku!"

Sakura laughed, bending over to kiss his cheek. "Do you want ramen too, sweetheart?"

"Yes!"

She stood, pat Kakashi-kun's head—he was eager for ramen too—and her attention caught on a woman leaning in beside her, reaching for a small squash. There was a tiny, fresh baby wrapped to her chest. Sakura's breath hitched and she couldn't look away. They're so precious. So little!

As she watched, the mother dipped her head to kiss a plush, soft cheek, not taking her eyes off the produce selection.

I'm going to have one of those.

The baby, sound asleep, had a feathery dusting of brown hair, and their mother's kimono clutched tight in their tiny fist.

Would her baby have so much hair so young? It would probably be silver though. Almost every born Hatake had silver-white hair. Kakashi-kun had brought out a book with faded photographs and older portraits from Sakumo's room a few days before. Strong genes.

They're so cute! I'm going to have one of those! With Kakashi. We're going to have that.

"Um, hello."