Title: Keep Holding On
Rating: K+
Prompt: Tears

Authors Note: I'd like to think of this as a belated story for Remembrance Day, of some sorts. I live in Canada, and both my grandfathers were veterans. I'd like to visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial someday.

This is also very much inspired by "Let It Be", from the Across the Universe soundtrack.

Many thanks to by beta, D0nQuix0te, who takes the time to look over all this and find my silly mistakes when there's probably something better she could be doing (like writing her own stuff D:)


"As we lay him to rest, we remember the contributions he made…"

Sakura stood at the forefront of a mass of people clad in black. She, too, was wearing the solemn colour. It was customary for funerals.

To her left was Naruto. His fists were balled up, and he was trying to stop the tears from coming down. Behind him, Hinata held the hand of her three-year-old daughter, while their eldest son stood beside her, her hand held softly in his.

Sasuke was beside Naruto. It had been the first time anyone had seen a tear trail down his pale skin before. His right hand rested on the head of his youngest daughter, whose small hand gripped the soft cotton of his pants.

On her right stood Kakashi; their hands intertwined. She was shaking. He could only squeeze his hands to show her that he was there, and he understood her anguish.

"…He will remain in our memories as a son to not only two wonderful parents, but to the entire village…"

Sakura turned and pressed her face into his shoulder, hiding her tears from the eyes she knew were watching her. Kakashi's hand let go of hers, finding its way to her side and pulling her gently towards him. She shuddered at the contact.

"It'll be alright, Sakura. Don't cry," he whispered.

He didn't realize he himself was crying until his daughter pointed it out to him. The corners of his lips turned up, and he bent down to pick her up into his arms.

"…Our thoughts, prayers and blessings go out to Hatake Sakumo, and to his family – his father, Kakashi; his mother, Sakura; and his younger sister, Yuri."

"Love you, big brother," Yuri whispered.


End.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and everyone, have an amazing New Years!

- xLHx