Chapter 3: Not Just a House but a Home
Sakura headed out to the hospital that morning at the same time Sarada and Kakashi left for school. They had performed their usual morning routine of making breakfast and eating together before their departure. Kakashi had given Sakura the address of the house to meet him at after they were done with their primary tasks.
Sarada and Kakashi stopped in front of the school, the young Uchiha looking hesitant. She was having such a good time with Kakashi that she really didn't want to go to school.
"You will be here to pick me up right?"
"Mhm… So will your mother."
"Promise?"
A soft chuckle could be heard coming from Kakashi, "Yes… I promise."
Sarada nodded and turned heading to the school. Kakashi watched her enter and sighed when she had disappeared inside. Spinning around and stuffing his hands in his pockets Kakashi made his way to the house in a monotonous fashion. He began humming an easy tune while on his way. Kakashi had to delay somewhat as Sakura had to have enough time to run to the hospital and back to their meeting destination. His carefree stroll lead him past a dango stand and decided to grab some for Sakura and himself. It didn't take much longer from there to reach the house. Oddly enough Sakura had managed to beat him there.
"Why are you always late?" She sighed teasing him.
"Oh… so you don't want this then?" Kakashi held up the dango that was in his hand and grinned at Sakura's widening eyes as she licked her lips.
"I take it back!" Sakura replied hurriedly snagging the food from his hand and began munching away happily.
"Humph~ that's what thought. So, ready for contestant number 1? I like this one most."
Sakura simply nodded as she was still chewing away at her treat.
They walked side by side up to the front door and Kakashi unlocked it with the key that the salesman had left him so he could come back. Allowing Sakura to enter first, Kakashi closed the door behind him and a soft gasp could be heard escaping Sakura. The bottom floor was relatively open with sliding doors that could be kept open to provide more space. Last time he had visited here Kakashi made sure to keep them all open. This way Sakura would be greeted with the view that he wanted. There were trees out of the east side windows and the running water of the river could be heard. She walked steadily over to see what it looked like directly. She was slightly stunned that this house was for sale.
"Come on, you'll like the back yard." he motioned to her to follow him to the north side wall and another sliding door.
Opening it revealed a fairly big yard. There were cherry blossom trees over in the right corner of it with a small pond below them. The rest was open. This pleased Kakashi because it gave him room to spread out in the comfort of his own yard. This spot would also accommodate social gatherings if needed. The spot he thought Sakura would like most was on the right side of the yard where a flower garden was. He knew she enjoyed flowers.
Kakashi's eye flicked over to her, "I'll be in the kitchen. Feel free to explore the rest of the place."
The silver haired man figured it would be good to let her see things for herself rather than escorting her everywhere. A short time later he watched as she walked past him heading upstairs to see the second floor. While he waited Kakashi pulled out his book.
"Kakashi?"
"Hmm?" he looked up from his book minutes later.
She shifted her feet nervously, "You ummm you really know how to pick a house."
"Thank you." he nodded.
"We don't need to see the others. I like this one."
A soft chuckle reverberated from his throat, "I thought you might. I already have the paperwork we just have to head into town to turn it in."
Kakashi turned to leave the house, "You really don't have to do this." Sakura's voice was small and quiet.
"I know." He turned back to look at her finding Sakura getting closer and closer to him.
"Thank you." In an instant Sakura had her arms around him in a tight embrace. She had no idea Kakashi was capable of such kindness. Before it seemed like just an offer now… now it was all too real.
Exhaling softly, Kakashi returned the hug, "You're welcome Sakura."
It was just a moment. A small quiet moment of appreciation that not only meant the world to Sakura but Kakashi as well. It was a moment that solidified the fact that no matter what they would be there to help one another even when the days were at their darkest.
Separating from each other after what felt like the most reassuring hug Kakashi had felt they left the house. Sakura was unable to stop herself from smiling as she avoided Kakashi's gaze. They made their way into the center of the village in relative silence. People gave them odd looks wondering what they were doing since they knew fully well of Sakura's current situation as rumors spread quickly. Kakashi heard a few mentions of an affair which made him want to retaliate but restrained himself.
As they reached the real-estate office Kakashi held the door open for her entering behind Sakura. The signing didn't take as long as Sakura thought it would. She figured the review of finances would have eaten up a chunk of time but when the agent said that Kakashi had an outstanding financial portfolio she felt her jaw go slack. Not only was he a tight-wad but he knew how to handle what he had. She made a mental note to remember this later.
"Well that wasn't too bad." Kakashi sighed as he stretched when they left the office keys in their pockets.
Sakura shot a glance at him, "Well not everyone can be like you Mr. Outstanding Penny Pincher."
"Why do you insist on hurting your old sensei?" he chuckled.
"How about lunch?" Sakura asked as they moved out into the crowded street.
"Did you have something in mind?"
Thinking on that Sakura responded with a hesitant tone, "There is a place Ino, Hinata, and I go for lunch whenever we can. It has a lot of choices."
Kakashi nodded, "Lead the way."
They did look like an odd pair as they made their way down the street. Kakashi had his hands stuffed in his pockets and eyes were half open making it look as if he were sleepwalking. Sakura had her hands clasped behind her eyes looking everywhere other than the man walking next to her. It was like they were actively trying not to look suspicious which of course only drew more stares. Sakura figured this would take a lot of people by surprise but thought they would have more time to smooth things out. However, that was before they turned into the restaurant to be greeted by two very gleeful looking kunoichi causing Sakura to cuss under her breath.
"Yo! Sakura! Kakashi! Why don't you come sit with us?" Ino announced looking way too happy with the possible gossip in front of her. Hinata on the other hand was her usual reserved self by waving and muttering a little hello.
Sakura turned quickly whispering to Kakashi, "We can go somewhere else."
This was too good of an opportunity to pass up, "Nonsense your friends seem happy to see you." Kakashi grinned.
His grin didn't last long as Sakura fired a death glare at him before turning with a bright smile on her face, "Sure!"
Walking over they sat across from Ino and Hinata as Sakura tried to hide the slight flush that was filling her cheeks. She could only imagine the barrage of questions that were about to hit them. But to her surprise it was Hinata who spoke first, "What have you been up to today?"
Ino looked slightly deflated at Hinata's innocent question but Sakura answered it cheerfully glad of the easy question, "Kakashi-sama has been helping Sarada and I get back on our feet after the incident." She mentioned vaguely, "Housing hunting, you know how that goes."
Ino quirked her eyebrow, "Oh? I thought they were just going to rebuild the house in the Uchiha Compound?" She was determined to find something.
"I figured it would be best to get out of that place. With Sasuke not here and Sarada not having the connection to the clan like he did it was best to find somewhere new. Kakashi had a couple places in mind and is helping out." Sakura replied briskly.
The waitress came over and took their orders pausing the conversation, "I was looking for a new place to live anyways and we thought it would be financially beneficial to get a house together." Kakashi stated resuming the talk.
Ino's and Hinata's faces brightened as Sakura's darkened, "Ah! So you are going to be living together? How…" Ino trailed off as she winced from Hinata's elbow in her side, "nice."
"How does Sarada-chan feel about this?" Hinata asked trying to stay neutral. For being quiet and reserved she still loved gossip and was trying to hold back.
"We haven't told her yet. I wanted it to be a surprise." Kakashi spoke, "I wanted her to have another person who she could count on and I thought this would be a good trust builder."
"Oh come off it Kakashi-sama she likes you enough already." Sakura chuckled before he joined her. The two seemed to have a happy moment despite their company but it ended as Ino cleared her throat, "He helped her after I reacted the way I did." Sakura explained eyes shifting slightly.
The mood lightened after as they started talking about the village and its changes since Naruto took over. Hinata was more than happy to gloat about her husband. They ate and chatted nonchalantly but the meal soon came to an end as the conclusion of the school day approached and they all needed to pick up their kids.
Sakura and Kakashi walked off first as they had a plan to execute leaving Hinata and Ino to walk and chat falling behind them.
"That wasn't too bad." Kakashi smirked knowing it tortured Sakura a little.
"You are a butt for that. You knew they, or more Ino, would try to make something of that. Just you wait there will be more rumors soon enough."
Chuckling Kakashi shrugged ending the tease as they walked to the school entrance. They arrived a few minutes early leaving them standing in silence. Kakashi's mouth opened and closed several times as if to make small talk but could never commit to any words. When he finally had the courage the school bell sealed off the need. Normally Sarada was one of the last few to make it out of the gates but today Sakura noticed she was one of the, if not the first out. When Sarada spotted them a smile sprung upon her features.
"How was school?" Sakura asked as her daughter approached.
"It was good mama. Hello Kakashi-sama.""Yo Sarada." he nodded in classic Kakashi fashion, "Ready to go?"
Her smile spread, "Hai!"
