She gasped and said, "Toby!" She glanced down, hoping like hell she hadn't squished the little pup to death.
He was whimpering, and Sakura said, "I'm so sorry, Toby."
Sebastian chuckled, his deep timber echoing loud in the quiet room. "I think he's all right," he said.
Sakura tried to sit up, but Sebastian tightened his hold on her and made her roll over him instead, to give Toby some space between them.
Sakura found herself flat on her back with Sebastian beside her. He was resting the weight of his body on his elbow as he gazed down at her.
"Good morning," he said, a handsome smile on his lips. "Are you all right?"
Sakura pulled her yukata about her person, trying to cover herself properly. She shuffled herself back to put some space between them but found her endeavor was useless because she was trapped by another body to her other side. She turned over and met Darcy's dark gaze. He was watching her intensely.
"Why are you up already?" he asked. "It's not even six yet."
She blushed and muttered, "I usually get up this early. It's my biological clock."
Toby chose that moment to wriggle out of Sakura's arm. Once he was free, he jumped onto Darcy's chest, gave him a good lick on the cheek in greeting, and then hopped over onto the sofa with Conrad, landing on the youngest brother's chest. The dog then snuggled under Conrad's blanket and made himself comfortable.
Sakura sat up and said, "I'm going back to the apartment."
"At this time?" Darcy queried. "Don't you think it's a bit inconvenient for Lady Haruka?"
Sakura admitted he was right.
Sebastian gently nudged her back down between them, moving his pillow so she could share his. "Nicolas already informed Lady Haruka about you staying here for the night."
Sakura sighed as she once again found herself in between the two men. When Darcy pulled his blanket so she could have some, she said, "No, in that case, I'll just go and get some coffee."
She moved, stood up, and pulled her yukata properly on her person. Then she said, "Excuse me," and stepped over Sebastian's body.
She was just opening the door when Sebastian said, "In that case, I'll join you."
"Me, too," Darcy said.
The three came into the kitchen and met Beth there, who was getting breakfast ready.
"Good morning, Beth," Sakura greeted.
Beth nearly jumped out of her skin. "Sakura?"
At Beth's questioning look, Sakura said, "It's a long story. I'm going to make some coffee. Would you like one?"
"Yes, of course," Beth said, nodding, her eyes on Sebastian and Darcy at the door. They were grinning from ear to ear.
Some twenty minutes later, Sakura, Sebastian, and Darcy were enjoying their breakfast and coffee together in the dining room when Conrad joined them.
"Why didn't you wake me?" Conrad demanded at the door, Toby in his arms. Toby barked at them in outrage as well.
"You were too comfortable in your bed," Darcy said. "Come on." He nodded at the chair next to his, which Conrad happily took.
*
"You know I can get to the clinic myself," Sakura said, staring at Sebastian beside her.
"Yes, I know," he replied, a grin on his face. "But I want to accompany you." He changed the topic. "How are you feeling today?" He placed the back of his hand over her forehead as he looked at her closely. The intensity of his blue eyes made her blush, and Sebastian chuckled. "Not too bad?"
She pushed his hand away in annoyance. "Stop that."
"Stop what?" he asked, teasing her, his face so close to her he made her feel a little weak in the knees.
"Stop looking at me like that," she muttered. She sighed in vexation and turned her attention to the elevator door instead. It dinged in that instant and opened. Sebastian moved to the side, allowing her to exit the lift first.
They came into a posh clinic, and after Sakura informed the receptionist she was here for her appointment, she and Sebastian took their seats in the waiting area. Sebastian was holding Sakura's hand and kept teasing her, leaving no doubt for everyone there they were a couple.
"Miss Sakura Tanaka?" a male voice said.
Sakura stood and came to face a pleasant man a little older than Sebastian.
"Sebastian," the doctor said. "It's been a while."
"Dave, how's Claire?" Sebastian asked.
"She's good," Dave said, "and busy with the kids." Then he laughed.
"You're keeping her busy." Sebastian chuckled.
Dave returned his gaze to Sakura and smiled knowingly. "Sakura, please follow me," he said.
Sakura nodded.
"Ah, Sebastian, do you want to come as well?" Dave asked.
Sakura blinked and quickly said, "No. No. That's fine. I don't need him. That is... I mean, he doesn't need to come in."
Dave looked a little confused. "It's totally fine if Sebastian wants to come in. I see women all the time with their boyfriends, especially if it's to do with contraception and birth control and trying to get pregnant or whatnot."
Sakura glanced at Sebastian, who didn't even try to hide his amusement.
"Sakura darling, do you want me to come in with you?" he teased.
Sakura glared at him, her face red. "No, I'm fine, Sebastian. Please stay here." She turned to the doctor and said quickly, "Let's go."
Dave nodded and led her into his office. Once inside, he indicated for her to take a seat, which she did.
"What can I do for you, then?" Dave began.
Some fifteen minutes later, Sakura emerged from the office, and Sebastian stood impatiently as she came toward him.
"How was it?" he asked, a little concerned.