A Lotus in Winter: A Rock Lee Love Story

Chapter 61: Life

Sayuri's POV:

My pregnancy was going wonderfully, Lee was an attentive and caring husband whenever he was home from missions. The months went by and little by little my belly grew. Our child was turning out like his father. Rambunctious, energetic and full of life. This pleased me immensely, but made Lee worry.

Lee: "It's kicking so hard, are you sure it doesn't hurt?"

"It doesn't hurt much love, besides even if it did it would be worth it. This baby is going to take after its father I just know it."

I saw his face fall, he suddenly looked upset and full of worry. He had been like this for quite some time.

"What's wrong Lee?"

Lee: "Oh it's nothing."

I gave him my signature look that I wasn't backing down until I got answers and he sighed.

Lee: "It's just... What if the child is like me, what then? It will struggle like I did and get bullied. It won't be able to perform ninjutsu or genjutsu."

"Lee you are a splendid ninja with only taijutsu. If our child takes after you in that aspect then I know he or she will be splendid too. It's like my brother says, the next generation will always surpass the previous one. He or she won't struggle like you for one main reason, he or she will have us. You were an orphan and later on was taken in by Guy sensei. This child will have us, Guy sensei, my brother, and all of our friends."

Lee smiled and seemed to relax.

Lee: "You're right blossom."

Everything was smooth sailing from there on except my persistent morning sickness. Blood and gore had never bothered me, but now in my hypersensitive state I couldn't handle it without throwing up because of the smell. This forced me to take maternity leave from the hospital,  but I just couldn't sit at home and do nothing. So elder brother suggested I come work at the Hokage office as his secretary and attendant. We could spend more time together and it would make Lee feel better knowing I was safe while he was on missions.

The work was easy and I spent the rest of my pregnancy working alongside elder brother.

One day when Lee was off on a mission I went in for work and was much slower than usual and forgetful. I didn't feel well and I attributed it to exhaustion. After all I was 9 months pregnant and still working. I tried my best not to let brother see my fatigue, but it didn't work.

Kakashi: "You okay Kiddo? You look pale."

"I'm fine, just a little tired. I didn't get much sleep last night because of the baby and Lee being away."

He went along with what I said but he still looked worried. Around lunch time I could barely move for the pain I was in and the tightness in my stomach. I was about to tell elder brother what this meant when it became apparent and undeniable. My water broke.

"Bbrother..."

"Yes Sayuri? What is it, are you feeling worse? Do you need to head home?"

"My water broke."

His eyes became huge and immediately he called for Hitsugi. He quickly scrawled a letter and gave it to him.

Kakashi: "Take this to Lee, he should be returning from his mission. Hurry!"

Hitsugi took off but I barely noticed as I was struggling to stay conscious. The pain was unbearable but I had to stay awake.

Kakashi: "Cmon, we have to get you to the hospital kiddo."

He wrapped my arm around his shoulder and Shikamaru who had been silent this whole time did the same on the opposite side.

"Tthank y you Shikka."

Shikamaru: "There is no need to thank me, you are my friend and I refuse to let anything happen to you. "

I smiled weakly. The next thing I knew I was in a hospital bed being wheeled back into delivery. I was delirious with pain but I distinctly remember crying out. "Lee, I want Lee."

Sometime passed and I was given pain medication to help ease delivery, but it didn't help any. It only contributed to my delirium.

I could faintly hear Lady Tsunade, Shizune and Sakura but everything was dull by the agony of it all.