A month and a half later, Naruto was crawling out of bed tiredly. "Ugh. Why did I get the latest shift?" She ended up only getting three hours of sleep last night. And she had another job. She took a shower and ate some Dango, which she had started craving. She packed some for lunch, and left hurriedly, realizing she'd be late. "Kuso!" She cursed as her aching feet carried her across the rooftops. She tripped and splayed her arms out to catch her fall. Strong arms wrapped around her gently, stopping her downward descent.

She looked up and saw Kakashi. "Be careful Naruto. Don't rush if it could cause you harm." He gave her an eye smile.

"Sorry." She yawned. "I've been stressed." Work, school, and training were hard.

"That's not healthy." Kakashi scolded. He was worried.

"I've gotta do what I've gotta do ya know? Thanks for helping me Kakashi-nii."

"I know. I don't like it. You are only twelve." Yeah. Her birthday had passed. She just stayed inside and baked a small cake. Kakashi had stopped by and give her an orange scrapbook. She had promptly placed the Ultrasound photo in it.

She waved at Kakashi. "Well, I've gotta go. I'll be late." She turned to continue on her way and was surprised to be picked up. She looked up at the Copy Nin.

"Maa, guess I'll take you. I've nothing better to do today." Kakashi smiles up at her. She rolled her eyes . They bounded over the rooftops, and made it to the Academy with five minutes to spare.

"Thanks, Kakashi-nii." Naruto turned and walked into the building. She made it to her desk with a minute to spare. Her back ached.

The morning was boring, and she found her attention wandering. She saw Shikamaru, who was sleeping, head laying on crossed arms. She let out a strand of chakra, and poked Shikamaru with it. He looked up and she waved. He lazily raised a hand in response.

Lunch comes soon enough, and Naruto goes to the tree swing, sitting on it and staring at the leaves above. She feels someone lie on the grass next to her and says, "Hey Shika." Her voice is tired but happy.

" Hey, Naru. " She blushed, he had taken to calling her that since she called him Shika. I made her happy when he did though, so she didn't complain. She hummed as she swung back and forth.

Shikamaru stared at Naruto. Lately, he found himself thinking of her. And now that he looked at her he could see why.

There was something beautiful about her. Even when Shikamaru hadn't known she was a girl he had noticed. He looked away, only to look at her again. She was growing her hair out, it was just past her shoulders. She had a small fringe that was wispy and wild framing her face. As her hair got longer it tamed itself.

She wore a really baggy orange jumpsuit to hide her stomach, which for some strange reason, he wanted to touch. It must be weird having another person in you, and Shikamaru wondered what it felt like.

Naruto seemed to notice his staring.

"Curious?" She asked, smiling.

Shikamaru blushed and nodded. She's grabbed his hand, and he felt like electricity was running through his arm. She guided it under her jacket and placed it on her stomach.

They both jumped at movement from her belly. Shikamaru felt a strange fluttery feeling at it. "Was that...?"

He was suddenly enveloped in an excited hug. "She kicked! Her first kick! The doctors were getting worried because she hadn't started kicking yet, but she kicked!" Naruto was basically squealing.

Shikamaru blushed at the close contact but felt happy he felt the baby's first kick. Naruto was beaming. He also felt happy that he was able to see her smile like that. She looked so happy, a grin so wide her eyes were squinted.

"Oh! She is kicking again!" Naruto grabbed his hand, placing it on her stomach once more. Shikamaru marveled at the feeling.

They say like that until the bell rang, signalling that lunch was over. They went back to class, both happier than they'd ever been.