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moorHappy reading!
Sakura and Kakashi chuckled with exhaustion as they walked the palace halls, sopping wet from the boys’ bathwater.
“Well, that went about as well as expected,” she sighed, pulling the soaked robe away from her middle with her fingers and making a face.
“They enjoy their bathtime.”
“Good thing considering how much they enjoyed their mud -time,” quipped Sakura.
“Ah,” agreed Kakashi, unrepentant.
Shaking her head, they dragged themselves to Sakura’s chambers. As always, Kakashi turned to Sakura and gave her an eye-crease grin when they reached the doors. She studied him as he waited at her side.
There were crows feet at the corners of Kakashi’s eyes, Sakura noticed in the lamplight, and in their relaxed state, they made him look softer, somehow. He wasn’t teacher, mentor, or guard, now. He was a man, at her side, at her door, in her heart. Said heart thumped hard against her ribcage as her eyes met his.
Ino’s words came back to Sakura as she continued looking at Kakashi, her thoughts and feelings blending together. This man who had stood by her for over a decade. This man who had taught her so much. This man who loved their village as much as she did. This man who deserved every happiness yet would never ask for or seek a single ounce of it for himself, unable to find himself worthy of it. Who would never make a request of her, even after she offered him any favour. Who would never deny her, should she pursue a whim. His own whims were tied to the fantasies in the stories he read, never born of his own actions for his own fulfilment.
—So she would do it for him.
Her hand found his and she stepped backward, tugging him into her candle-lit room.
Kakashi’s eyes widened and feet slowed, but Sakura shut the door behind him and crowded him up against it. When she looked up at him and found him staring back at her, her heart kicked in her chest again, her breathing ticking up when he regarded her with darkening eye and complete submission.
She didn’t want his submission.
She didn’t want his denial.
Her palms travelled from his silk-robed chest teasingly up his shoulders to cup his concealed face. She slowly slid his mask down his scarred cheek to hang around his throat. Under his heavy gaze, the pad of her thumb traced his bottom lip, his warm breath tickling her. This time, she made sure he saw her appreciating his lips.
Then Sakura pulled Kakashi’s face close. She kissed him gently and purposefully, exploring his lips with hers. She indulged in his taste and sigh when he finally conceded a tepid response. It wasn’t enough.
“You aren’t a political choice or an obligation, Kakashi,” she whispered. “I want you to know that. I want your happiness.”
Stroking his chest, she kissed him again, letting her eyes fall closed, her other hand playing along his neck and with his hair. She peppered him with little kisses over his lips, his cheeks, his nose, coaxing him past his inhibitions.
“Kakashi,” she breathed, stroking his neck.
His hands rose and yet fell before they reached her.
His forehead fell to the juncture between her neck and shoulder, breathing hard and heavy.
“Kakashi… It’s okay.”
His hands lifted and rested on her hips; they trembled as he tried to catch his breath. She could feel how physically he fought his self-imposed isolation and bachelorhood, his devotion to her position and her person, his love for her that manifested itself in so many ways because he had always forbidden himself this one.
His attempts to keep the kiss chaste faded as she kissed him again, then pushed him more firmly into the door and kept him there.
She had no intention of letting him walk away this time. She wasn’t letting him deny himself of something he desired so much he feared it. She wasn’t letting him hide behind his duty when she knew how he looked at her, knew how he protected her, knew how he loved her. This single man had spent his adulthood in service to her, and she refused to let such sacrifice remain one-sided. Kakashi’s devotion was selfless and breathtaking, and so she would take his breath away, too. She would make him want it. Most of all, she would make him take this happiness like he deserved.
Taking charge, she opened her mouth and deepened the kiss. His breath hitched as her fingers sank into his hair and her body moulded itself to his, guiding them both. She rocked her body into his, moaning as the tension thrumming through him began to ripple through her.
He resisted for another half-second before his resolve began to crumble.
"Sakura." He murmured before she angled him where she wanted him, nipping his lip and relishing his shiver.
“For once, Kakashi, take what you want for yourself.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed against Sakura’s lips as she trailed adoring kisses down his throat. Seeking connection, her hands reached for his, twining their fingers together and squeezing. She brought them up on either side of his head, pinning him in place with a light thump. She caught both his wrists in one of hers before her free hand fell to the ties of her robe.
Kakashi’s fingers tensed before gripping hers back as he dipped his head, his exhale sweet against her ear as her robe slipped open for him.
The tether holding him back snapped at the reveal of her warm, soft skin.
Kakashi growled, low in his throat, and freed his hands. Immediately they began exploring the strength of her shoulders, kneading her muscles, the internal conflict obvious before he forcefully dragged her hips closer.
“Why are you doing this to me?” he demanded, voice husky. “You know I… I…”
“Kakashi,” whispered Sakura. “... I know.”
Skimming her sides beneath her parted silks he palmed her thighs and wrapped them around his waist; then he easily flipped their positions with a growl. He pinned her relentlessly to the door instead and she realised she was unable to break his grip. Her heart fluttered with excitement.
His teeth grazed down her throat, his laboured pants heating her skin as she leaned her head to the side, offering herself to him. She couldn’t help the sweet moan that escaped her when he ground his clothed bulge into her. Stars bloomed behind her eyes as she fed his arousal with her own.
So long she had wanted to honour him and he had refused. So hard she had worked to get him to accept. So desperately she wished for his happiness. His reciprocation, finally, sent her heart soaring.
“Yes,” she breathed as their bodies moved together. Her fingers dug in his shaggy hair as her heart skipped. “Yes.”
“Sakura,” he moaned, desperate. His need frayed the last threads of his self-control, confirming her suspicions. “This…”
“You want it,” she said, pulling his head back to study him. His mismatched eyes stared back at her, hopeful, lust-ridden and vulnerable. “ I want it.”
Her other hand slid down the buttoned robe that concealed his firm chest from her eyes. It had been so long since they had seen each other naked; it had happened in the past on missions, before she took her current position, but they had been colleagues, then.
Now, they were more.
She waited, not pushing him, needing him to take the step himself or risk him hating himself for not.
She kissed him softly behind his ear, resting her head on his shoulder, too. She closed her eyes, softening against him further.
He tensed against her, gradually, but she remained where she was.
“I’ll give you your happiness,” she whispered. “With everything in me.”
“That’s what haunts me,” he finally answered, his voice rough. “I would see it, feel it, know it, and I don’t know if I would be able to stop wanting it.” He swallowed. “Wanting you.”
He shuddered against her, his shoulders tight.
“You aren’t just my Hokage.”
Heat flared inside Sakura at his possessive growl, and his hands tightened around her.
“You’re my Sakura.”
She trembled as his fingers spread and he pressed into her in a long, slow grind through their clothes, the movement becoming rhythmic as Sakura’s panting became audible, the fire inside her sending hot blood rushing through her at his words.
“If… If I let go tonight, I won’t stop until I’m done.”
Sakura’s thighs squeezed around Kakashi’s trim waist, edging him closer. She met the rolling wave of his hips with her own, cradling him, welcoming him. Victory was within reach.
“Please,” she breathed.
“I do want it,” he confessed, moving her hips against his, the heat penetrating beneath their clothes with the friction. “... I want you.”
She swallowed, her heart tripping beneath her breast as she lifted her lips from his skin and she met his feral gaze. She wanted his participation, his enthusiasm, his entire male drive.
"Then have me."
There was a tense breath before the scales tipped and his mouth descended upon hers. His eager lips devoured her and hips ground through their clothes with his passionate hunger.
“Yes,” she breathed, gasping for air, letting him take over. “Yes, yes…”
Every part of him was hard against her as he carried her to the bed. They pulled each other free of their clothes, never letting each other go. She climbed into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck in a cherishing embrace as he lowered her onto and around him, surrounding him inside and out. He lifted her a moment before bringing her down, again and again, over and over, slowly, treasuring, cherishing and indulging in the sweet penetration and squeeze each time. He moaned as they moved together, breath hissing as she ground against him, pulling him closer as they kissed through her first release, her first shared with him, his first intimacy wherein he could finally share his passion and need with her without restraint. His hands spanned her hips possessively as he brought her down on him, impaling her exquisitely as she whined with desire.
“‘Kashi,” she breathed as he filled her, stretching her to her limits, exultant in her triumph and his.
“Sakura,” he panted as she rode him over and over. He wove his hands in her hair as their tongues tangled and bodies wove together in the most ancient and natural of ways. Even after they separated to drink or move, it was never for long.
Sakura prowled over Kakashi after he begged for rest, provoking him with the slightest touch, the sultriest of looks. Again and again he found his way to her, with her, in her; his hand on her lower back pumping into her relentlessly, on her upper back bending her down, on her mid-back to hold her close so their hearts could race to their finish together as they held each other, their fingers entwined, their throats parched from their cries.
The sun lined the bottom of Sakura’s shutters when they finally collapsed into each other, Sakura’s damp hair spread across Kakashi’s shoulder as he cuddled her close, his strong arm wrapped around her shoulder, the covers pulled up to their chins to keep out the chill of night.
Her eyelids threatened to finally close for good, nestled as she was in Kakashi’s arms, when his chest lifted and fell on a weighted sigh.
“Hm?” murmured Sakura.
“You need to keep sleeping with him, too,” said Kakashi distantly. His light touch contrasted with the heavy meaning of his words.
“Sometimes,” she agreed. “But he had his year. That was what he wanted. That’s what I agreed to.”
“Is this my year?”
“I don’t consider this payment of debt. Or completion of the favour I promised you. There is no limit to this.”
“Then what is it?”
“A gift for you. You have never accepted anything from me. This is the least I can do.”
“A wonderful gift,” he said, and she heard longing in his voice. “Thank you.”
“You are always welcome to my bed, from this day onward.”
“And the consequences?”
“Would only bring further happiness to the kingdom,” said Sakura.
Kakashi huffed a small laugh, stroking her hair.
“You are the kingdom,” he remembered aloud.
“I am.”
As Sakura had arranged with Ino the day prior, Sakura’s chambers were not disturbed that day unless it was to deliver meals.
Two Months Later
Sleeping together semi-regularly thereafter, Kakashi pulled Sakura close to him early one morning, kissing her naked shoulder.
“You wake up extra early just to cuddle more,” yawned Sakura, softening against him.
“Mmmmmm,” growled Kakashi in his sleep, nibbling her shoulder with his teeth, gently.
Sakura chuckled softly, then stilled.
So did Kakashi.
“What is it?” he asked, suddenly alert.
“Nothing,” she said, shaking her head. She curled into him, pulling one of his palms down to place a gentle kiss in the middle.
Kakashi did not immediately relax, however.
“Go back to sleep,” yawned Sakura.
“Ah,” said Kakashi.
He did not sleep.
Instead, he lay awake and watched Sakura, his brows furrowed.
Six Weeks Later
“See if your little birds can listen at any of these windows,” said Sakura, pointing to a particular line in Ino’s report. Ino leaned over her shoulder. “I agree with you, it feels like there’s more to this. Still no talk of an heir?”
“He barely visits his harem,” confirmed Ino as Sakura leaned back, frowning.
She shook her head. “He should have had at least one by now. What’s he thinking? Does he plan to name Izuna, after all...?”
“Would you like us to enhance any of his teas when he visits his harem?”
Sakura exhaled long and low, folding her arms across her chest, so like her mentor that Ino smiled.
“I had hoped to stay out of his personal life. We don’t want him noticing us.”
“A bit late for that,” said Ino passively.
Sakura’s smile was thin and tight.
“That will be all, thank you.”
Ino nodded and collected her reports, leaving Sakura and Kakashi alone in her office.
“Tea?”
Her thoughts immediately retreating back to Ino’s suggestion, Sakura shook her head at Kakashi, her shoulders sagging. “No, thank you.”
They continued about their work for a bit before Sakura leaned back and looked out her window.
“It’s a nice day. Why aren’t you skiving off, training?”
Kakashi chuckled. “There are more important things.”
Stretching in her seat, Sakura nodded before rising to stand. She stood by the window, looking out over the village.
“You’re very right,” she agreed, rubbing her stomach.
Watching her as he sorted files, Kakashi’s hands slowed to a stop. He froze, staring at the familiar, unconscious—or was it?—motion Sakura’s palm made as it swept over her abdomen.
At Sakura’s desk, Kakashi swallowed audibly. She turned away from the window to find him with his brows raised in desperate, uncertain hope. She smiled at him in reassurance.
“You’re going to be a daddy again, yes.”
The silence was deafening.
“… and this one is yours.”
Kakashi blinked.
—before he promptly passed out, falling to the floor with a thump.
Sakura stared at her former mentor.
“Really...?” she muttered to herself, rolling her eyes.
When Kakashi woke, he found Sakura kneeling beside him, holding his hand with her right and lifting a report to her eyes with her left. He stared at her for a heartbeat before he leapt up and grabbed her, wrapping his arms around her and swinging her across his lap. He praised her over and over, ardent in his passion and gratitude.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he gasped between kisses all over her face, yanking down his mask. “None of the usual signs were there, I thought…”
“This one is different,” she said, grinning as she kissed him back. “I can feel it.”
“Different?” he stilled.
“Not bad-different,” she assured him. “Just… easier.”
“You have had some practice already,” he agreed, his hand falling between them to tentatively cover her stomach. “Already?” he asked quietly.
She nodded, leaning into his easy strength now that she knew he would not topple over again. “I think it may be a ‘she’, this time.”
“Hime. Princess. Her name is Hime,” he said without hesitation.
“Planned for this, already?”
“Yes,” stated Kakashi. “Her name is Hime.”
“Anything else you’ve already prepared.”
A hint of a flush glowed across Kakashi’s cheekbones. “... I may have a list.”
Sakura blinked, then bit her lip, unable to speak from the feelings that swelled her heart upon discovering that her stoic bodyguard, friend, and lover had drafted plans for his daughter-to-be before she was a ‘to-be’.
“We’ll have to go over those plans… in the meantime, you know what to do to prepare a room for her,” said Sakura, trying not to stumble over the ball of emotion in her throat. She couldn’t explain why this one was so important, or different, than the others, but it was. Perhaps it was her connection with Kakashi, perhaps it was their shared history, perhaps it was the fact that this would be the birth of the next leader of their village… but it was different, special, in a way that Sakura couldn’t describe.
“There’s no rush,” said Kakashi, looking down at Sakura with eyes tender and wide in awe.
Sakura gave him a funny look before it came to her.
“You don’t want to share her yet,” she realised, a catch in her throat. Her voice was hoarse.
“... Not yet,” said Kakashi. “She will be everyone’s, too soon. Can we keep her ours, for now?” He cleared his throat. “Please.”
It was, perhaps, the first time he had ever asked her for anything for himself, and yet, still, he asked it on someone else’s behalf. Someone who was hidden to their eyes. It didn’t pass her notice that he said, ‘ours’ instead of ‘mine’.
Damn this man and his unfathomable well of love.
“We can keep her ours,” agreed Sakura. “Until it becomes obvious. I haven’t had much nausea at all, and I feel… kind of wonderful.”
His charcoal eyes shining, Kakashi nodded, stroking a loose lock of hair from Sakura’s cheek. He cupped her face, gazing at her.
“I’m glad,” he said, voice thick. “Very glad.”
Her emotions a confusing storm inside her, Sakura smiled at him and willed the heat back from her eyes.
“We need to get back to work.”
“We will,” agreed Kakashi, refusing to let her go.
He cupped her face with both hands and drew her close before sealing their lips together in a final, long, passionate kiss that sent fireworks through Sakura’s blood and seared her from toe to brow.
“Tonight,” he moaned against her lips as Sakura gasped, trembling. “I want tonight.”
“Yes,” agreed Sakura immediately.
“Thank you.”
On year earlier/Current year
She was crushing Kakashi’s hand and he didn’t give a whit as Ino coached Sakura through her contraction.
“That’s it, push, push, push, you got this, good job, almost there—”
A lungful of air escaped the infant as it left its warm home, reassuring all within earshot that she was very healthy.
Falling back against her headboard, Sakura gasped, closing her eyes as others did what was necessary.
“Would mommy like to hold her beautiful daughter?” asked Ino, bringing over Hime once she was swaddled.
“Just a second,” huffed Sakura, still trying to catch her breath. Naruto wiped the sweat from her brow and handed her a cup of water, which Sakura gratefully acknowledged.
Kakashi watched the exchange longingly, his attention never fully straying from Hime. Then he hesitated, looking between Ino and Sakura.
“She’s our daughter, of course you can hold her. You better hold her,” said Sakura tiredly.
His lips moved beneath his mask but he nodded, swallowing. He accepted Hime from Ino as if she were the most precious, delicate treasure.
And then, as Hime opened her eyes and blinked for a moment, he softened, rounding himself around her protectively. He cleared his throat. Without comment, Ino passed him a handkerchief to wipe his wet eyes.
“Hi Hime,” greeted Kakashi with a low, rough voice. “I’m your papa.”
Ino and Naruto looked away as Kakashi’s voice broke.
He slumped down beside Sakura on her bed so Sakura could see Hime, but Sakura’s heart was full of Kakashi for a long, quiet moment. When he ducked his head, covering his face with his broad, rough palm, she reached over and ran her hands through his hair and down his back as he wept silently.
“You’re going to be a great father,” promised Sakura, kissing Kakashi’s cheek. “Again.”
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