"...and the two of them embraced and tumbled off into a future of everlasting ecstasy." Sakura read aloud.
Her eyes shut as she closed the Icha Icha novel. A slight breeze came by and she tucked her long pink bangs behind her ear.
"I don't know how you got me addicted to these cheesy stories. I'll never live it down!" Sakura exclaimed leaning her head against the large oak that shaded her.
Silence continued after that for little while. Sakura finally opened her seafoam green eyes and gave a side glance at her Kakashi.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about Mio and Takeshi. Our devilish twins were again practicing their battle technique right in the living room. Fifteen years old and still goofing off like this! I came home from my shift and put an end to it. Oh, and our couch is split in half now. I may or may not have smashed that couch after seeing what they did to the bookshelf." Sakura recounted the event heatedly and then switched to a slight sheepish voice as she mentioned the couch.
"After that we had a nice chat and they both agreed to keep it outside. Am I being naive to hope this time they do? Those two schemers are too smart for their own good. I wonder who they get that from." she continued but the anger had left her tone and she couldn't help a small smile touch her lips.
"But, they are doing remarkably fine. All things considered." she said putting her hands on her lap.
The wind picked up slightly and she watched the leaves rattle above her. Once they had settled she turned towards Kakashi again.
"Remember when those two were just babies? Or before that when you nearly passed out from shock hearing we were having twins? I think Naruto almost died of laughter. Here is our fearless Hokage about to be undone by babies. But...truth be told when I found out earlier my reaction was about the same. We somehow made it through though." Sakura remarked laughing lightly and shaking her head reminiscing.
"You were always a great father. Despite your reservations. I on the other hand took a little longer to figure this all out." she recalled.
"I can't be you. I can only do the best I know how. I hope it is enough." Sakura murmured her eyes becoming foggy with distant thoughts.
Sakura took a deep breathe and revealed "I came here to tell you something. I know what you said before...I want to respect you. I've respected you all my life. But, in this matter I won't be moved. You knew all too well that you married a stubborn woman."
She took another breath to steady herself. The tears she rarely allowed filled her eyes. "Kakashi, there will be no one else. It will always be you."
Slowly standing up with a new strength glowing behind the tears in her eyes she said looking down "However, I might be a bit late. Consider this as payback for all those times before. Regardless, next time we meet...I promise I'll never be late again."
Sakura took a moment and left the Icha Icha novel on a slab of stone she had been speaking to and walked towards the village.
Etched into the stone was:
"In loving memory of Kakashi."
…
*Author's note: Guys the feels. My inspiration for this was actually a song "Angel Beats! - Ichiban no Takaramono (Yui final ver.)" You can go and listen and read the translation but yaaaaa...I was in a mood to write something tragic but hopeful.
Hope you enjoy! Please review/comment if you have the time.
All my works are unedited.
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." -Lao Tzu