Chapter 7: Making Ends Meet

Sakura cursed as she stubbed her toe on the corner of the couch. In the dark as she was, it might as well have been invisible. Or maybe it was because she had finished the bottle of umeshu and her level of intoxication was a tad high. Either way, Sakura only cared about dropping on the couch's cushions and sleeping it all off.

"Where were you?"

With an internal groan, Sakura looked up to find her husband's silhouette in the stairs. "Celebrating."

Sasuke's feet padded quietly on the floor as he made his way to her. When he sat at her side, the cushions gave into his weight, sliding Sakura's body closer to his. "What were you celebrating?"

"My promotion," Sakura chuckled. "It was an amazing day."

Or it should've been. Now Sakura couldn't bear the thought of showing her face. Tenten knew. With her loud mouth, perhaps all their acquaintances knew. The divorce wasn't even official yet.

"You're not happy," Sasuke said. Sakura used to love his voice. Always so deep and smooth and stable. Now it was as bland as wet paper to her ears. "What happened? "

"Coworkers are gossipping about me at work," Sakura fibbed. "You know how girls are."

Sasuke simply hummed. He lied on the couch with her, taking her in his arms, and Sakura couldn't decide whether she wanted to get away or stay, so she took the easy way out. She left her head on his chest, listening to his heart.

For a time, they lied there in silence. Sasuke had never been a big talker. Sakura didn't want to talk. One by one, his fingers brushed up and down her arm. Sakura knew their dance very well. Rare as it was that they had a chance to make love, it almost always started with this.

When Sasuke leaned closer to kiss her, Sakura dipped her chin lower. "I don't want to."

It was ridiculous. Sakura had craved this for so long, and she was turning it down.

Sasuke pulled away, voicing no complaint or hurt.

Short as it had been, the one time she had shared Kakashi's bed replayed in her mind. That was what Sakura wanted. Not a night spent without a wink of sleep because they wouldn't have an opportunity again for so long. Quiet, nice sex. With someone she knew cared deeply for her.

Stoic as he was, Sasuke hadn't been unaffected by Sakura's refusal and horrible as it seemed, it had been part of her motivations. For years, he had barely answered his phone, barely talked to her even when he did. She didn't care what important reason he had. Now, she could give him a taste of what he had done to her.

A heavy weight nonetheless rested on her heart. He hadn't deserved being cheated on. The fault was entirely hers, no matter how she tried to justify herself. If he hadn't made her wait months, she told herself, she wouldn't have done it. If he hadn't left her to rot here, she wouldn't have. But whatever the excuse, Sakura knew that waiting would not have killed her.

Yet, in the back of her mind, in the deepest pit of her heart, Sakura couldn't feel ashamed to the extent she should have.

Kicking her shoes off, Sakura almost moaned. After a full shift on her feet, depleting her chakra, and making the horrible decision of wearing heels still, removing her shoes was probably the definition of heaven. Drawn by the noise she made, Sasuke joined her downstairs, one towel around his hips and a second he wiped his wet hair with. Though Sakura greeted him casually, all she wanted was peace. For a week he'd spent every minute of her free time with her and Sakura couldn't stand it anymore.

"You look horrible," he said, waltzing through the living room to her. Tipping her chin up, he flashed her a smirk. "Tough day?"

Sakura scoffed, turning her head to the side, but Sasuke was quick to lean down and kiss her. Sakura returned it. However mechanical the motion, she figured it was better than constantly refusing him when they were supposed to mend their marriage.

"I'm exhausted," Sakura said, dropping onto the couch. "I actually had to step in and help in a surgery today. This big mission turned really bad and there weren't enough medics to handle it."

"Good thing they had you, hm?" Sasuke said.

Sakura gave a quick nod. "Someone would have died without me today."

Sasuke's dark eyes met hers, holding their gaze intently. "You're beautiful."

"You said I looked horrible just now," Sakura laughed, brittle smile on her lips. "You change your mind fast."

Humming, Sasuke ran one of his hands through her hair. It felt nice; it always did. Having her hair played with was one of her favorite feelings. "I hadn't seen that look in a long time."

"What look?"

"The one you always had when your palms glow green," he said.

Heat rushing to her cheeks, Sakura smiled, shaky as it was. Before he could say more, Sakura pushed off the couch and onto her feet. "Better get to making dinner. What is Sarada doing?"

"She just got back from training." Sasuke followed Sakura into the kitchen. "She's in the bath."

With heavy hands, Sakura placed the vegetables she intended to cut up on the counter. Briefly, she wished the expression of glaring daggers to be true. Perhaps she wouldn't have to do so much work then.

"Go sit down." Sasuke stood at her side, nudging a startled Sakura away from the offensive ingredients. "I can cook tonight."

Reluctantly, Sakura moved away, walking around the counter to sit and watch him. "Can you?"

Sasuke shot her a funny look, one eyebrow rising high.

"Right, right," Sakura laughed. He did live all by himself. Given their bank statements, he couldn't be eating takeout all the time. "My bad."

Confident as he'd been, Sasuke now scanned the kitchen, unmoving.

"The drawer there." Sakura pointed to it for him. "The knives are there."

Step by step, Sakura walked Sasuke through the different kitchen items he needed. Only now did she realize to what extent he was a stranger to this home. He had never stepped foot into it until a week ago. Though Sasuke's expression turned sour quickly and remained so during the whole process, he worked without complaint. Before long, Sarada joined them.

"You're cooking?" she asked, chin propped in her palms and a laugh on her lips. "I always wondered what you ate."

"I like to hunt," Sasuke answered, jovial for Sarada. "What were you expecting?"

Sarada shrugged her shoulders. "I thought you might. It makes sense."

"Of course you'd eat mostly meat," Sakura sighed and shook her head, motherly instincts flaring up. "You and Naruto were always terrible like that."

By the time Sasuke was done with dinner, Sakura's stomach was growling. Simple as it was, Sasuke's cooking smelled good. Sarada helped set the table, as she often did, and they all sat together. Sasuke's presence was still unsettling to Sakura - nothing alike the usual ambience she was so used to. Silent as Kakashi tended to be, the air was always light around him. He was quick to smile, tease and moved like the lazy cat he also liked to be. Where he sat, Sasuke was silent, too, when Sarada didn't strike conversation, but no smile graced his lips and he didn't try to cover the kitchen's clock's ticking with lame jokes.

Feeling the weight of her eyes on him, Sasuke threw her a glance. Plastering a smile on her face, she commented on the food's good taste. Sasuke turned to Sarada instead, asking about her training. Launching into another monologue, Sarada filled the void.

To see such a constant smile on her daughter's face warmed Sakura's heart. Sarada did smile when Kakashi ate with them, but it wasn't as bright or so full of excitement. Time would dim those feelings, she knew, but didn't diminish their worth. No matter how deep Sarada and Kakashi's bond ran, she yearned for a real relationship with her father. To have a family like most of the students she had attended the academy with.

Despite it all, Sakura was trying to break her dream apart.

And for what? Sakura had no plans following the divorce. Freedom was her only goal. She equated freedom with happiness, but how true would it prove once she no longer wore her ring? Ino and Sai managed to be happy, regardless of their improvised situation. Hinata and Naruto weren't on the verge of drifting apart even if Naruto was barely ever free - in mind or body. His family lived with it and thrived somehow. Temari and Shikamaru were the only couple she knew to have married for love and who lived relatively quiet lives. In the shinobi world, their situation was exceptional.

Sakura was left to ponder over the aftermath of her decision. What it would do to Sasuke and Sarada. To herself. Tenten crossed her mind. No, she did not want to be like Tenten. Forever a single mother with a string of short flings, unable to build anything lasting. She didn't want to be in Kakashi's shoes, either. She didn't want unrequited love, or complicated love. Most of all, she didn't want to be loveless.

"I'm going to train with Kakashi-san," Sarada said, still chewing her food as she stood. "I'll be back later tonight."

"Okay. Be safe, Sarada-chan."

Sakura waved to her daughter, but she was already running out the door.

"Has Kakashi been training her for a long time?"

Startled, Sakura turned to Sasuke. Seeing his empty plate, she stood to clear the table. "No, not very long. A month, I think?"

Sasuke followed her in the kitchen. "Who is her team leader?"

"She didn't say? It's Shikamaru."

A chuckle was Sasuke's response. Sakura found it fitting. Lazy and annoyed as he always was, Sakura had never imagined him taking care of and teaching three children. Hands free of the dishes, she turned to Sasuke. She slipped one hand in his, the fingers of her other hand running up his palm to his forearm, under his sleeve.

Needing no further hints or encouragement, Sasuke leaned in for a long kiss. When he placed his hands on the back of her thighs and lifted her onto the counter, Sakura let him. Settled between her legs, he resumed the contact of their lips. As his hands made quick work of their clothes, Sakura sighed into his shoulder.

Watching Kakashi train had always been one of Sakura's favorite past times. As a young genin, seeing him fight would leave her to watch in wonder. She had watched many ninja fight, whether it be sparring or for their life, but no one matched Kakashi's cat-like stance. His body always moved loosely, fluid like water, agile like a cat and quick as one. Nothing ever seemed to faze him when he fought - he was always one step ahead. Sometimes, she had thought it might have been due to his oversized clothes hiding the tension in his body, but he disproved it easily. With the full heat of the summer bearing down on them today, Kakashi had reduced his attire to his skin-tight mask-shirt and pants. The other boys had shed their heavier clothing as well.

When Sasuke challenged Kakashi to a friendly spar, Naruto came to sit with her, huffing. Sasuke had won their last round hands-down - as well as the several previous rounds. Laden with a desk job, Naruto was becoming a little rusty.

"It's great to have the entire team here," Naruto said, bright smile on his otherwise sweaty face. "I never thought I'd see the day."

Sakura hummed, nodding. "It's true. It's been so many years."

"So…" Naruto hesitated, his relaxed expression now weighed down. "How are things between you and Sasuke?"

Sakura swallowed a chuckle before it escaped. It was like them to spend every free moment training, yet not say a single word about what was happening in their lives. His true question went unsaid, but Sakura found it in his eyes.

"Okay, I guess," she said, arms hanging limply from the top of her knees. "We're trying."

"That's great," Naruto said, smile returning. "I'm glad to hear it."

"I'm sorry I had to burden you with such a thing." Sakura sighed, running a hand through her hair. "He just wasn't returning my calls."

"Don't worry about it, Sakura-chan," Naruto said, more cheerful. "We both know how he gets. And I don't think he has reception half the time anyway. He doesn't - "

A distance from them, Kakashi grunted in pain. Squinting her eyes, Sakura could tell Sasuke hadn't bothered to hold back when jabbing Kakashi's sternum with the hilt of his sword. He closed in to secure his victory, but Kakashi reacted faster. A blur of Kakashi's hands later, Sasuke hesitated just long enough for Kakashi to slam him into the ground and bring a kunai to his throat.

"What… what was that?" Naruto whispered, watching in disbelief. "Sasuke should have won."

Sakura frowned. Naruto had missed it, but Sakura had not. Whatever genjutsu Kakashi had cast on Sasuke, it had been effective. "I don't know."

For a breath too long, Kakashi and Sasuke remained still, the same glare in their black eyes. Finally, Kakashi relented and joined Sakura and Naruto, dropping onto his back in the grass. While Naruto stood to go console Sasuke, Sakura turned to Kakashi.

"Whatever you did," she said, shoving his shirt up and ignoring his pained grunt, "it was dirty."

"Clean doesn't win fights," Kakashi said, narrowed eyes looking to the clouds. "Dirty does."

Sakura said nothing. He was right, but this hadn't been a fight. Only a spar. Against a real enemy, he would have lived to see another day. Inspecting his already bruising ribs, Sakura sighed. "It's cracked."

Kakashi was quiet under her as she got to mending his injury, familiar with the process. It had been a while since she'd worked on a broken rib, but it was rather simple so she didn't mind. It was far less trouble than sending him to the hospital.

"Give it a few days' rest at least," Sakura advised, knowing it would go unheeded already. "It's going to be less painful."

Sakura was tempted to lie by him in the grass, but refrained. Sasuke and Naruto were already engaged in another spar. From her side, Sakura could feel Kakashi's eyes on her, but she avoided looking his way.

"Does Sarada know yet?"

Sakura shook her head. "No."

Silence fell between them for a moment. Sakura spent this quiet time inspecting the clouds, finding a rather cute bunny-shaped one.

"Have you changed your mind?"

Dejected look in her eyes, Sakura turned to Kakashi. "Do you really have to ask that now?"

Kakashi held her gaze, stern. It was a rhetorical question, but she realized now how little time they'd spent together in the past two weeks. Since Sasuke's return, Kakashi hardly visited. Sakura hadn't sought him out.

"It's not my business what decision you make," Kakashi finally said, "but make the right one."

Sakura huffed. "And what would that be according to you?"

Anger flashing in his tired eyes, Kakashi sat up to better match her glare. "Don't give me that look. I'm not trying to manipulate you."

Sakura returned her attention to Naruto and Sasuke's spar, her chin jutting out stubbornly.

"You like to cry about your misfortune," Kakashi added, undeterred. "What you don't like is admitting you caused it in the first place. You prefer blaming anyone but yourself."

"Mind your own - "

"My own business?" Kakashi chuckled. "Aren't I? Are you not my business?"

Sakura clenched her jaw, heat filling her cheeks as she bit her tongue.

"You look at me like I twist everything to my advantage. As if I'm pushing you into a corner until you give in." Kakashi paused for a moment. Sakura chanced a glance towards him, finding him watching the spar as well. "Because then you're not to blame when you do. I am."

Swallowing against her dry throat, Sakura inhaled slowly through her nose.

"What I want is irrelevant," Kakashi continued. "What matters is what will make you and Sarada happiest. If that's finding balance between your marriage and personal life, so be it. But don't forget why you came to me in the first place - you said you were dead."

Sakura stared ahead, silent and still as a rock.

"Have you changed your mind?" Kakashi repeated.

"I told him I would try," Sakura answered after a moment. "He deserves a chance to fix things."

Kakashi nodded, lowering onto his back again. "If that's what you believe."

"I've been unfair to him," Sakura said, turning to Kakashi. "I almost made it official to everyone that we were divorced before he even knew anything about it. I never complained about anything to him once. How could he have known?"

Kakashi shrugged in answer.

"I wasn't right to him," she whispered, lowering her eyes to her knees where her fingers fidgeted together. "We… what I did to him. I wasn't loyal. I couldn't even tell him and I - I didn't even feel guilty. Do you?"

"Should I?"

Sakura slapped his shoulder. "You're not helping."

"Don't take me for an idiot," Kakashi answered, turning suddenly sharp eyes on her. "I may not rush you into making the choices I hope for, but I won't actively work against my own goals."

Stunned into temporary silence, Sakura watched him through guilty eyes. His own eyes were on hers, far more placid. No matter how cautiously Kakashi always worded it, he was pursuing her. He wanted her, and not anyone else. It brought a warm feeling to Sakura's stomach, but she tried to ignore it. Would she ever have considered him, had he not insinuated himself in her life for years and years? He was her teacher, more than a decade older than herself. She'd never even thought of him as attractive until she was sleep-deprived and driven near madness by a constantly crying baby and he was there to keep her sane. He'd been as equally sleep-deprived and probably acting on self-preservation instincts then, but Sakura remembered the moment well. It was the same night they'd had a hissy fight about milk. He'd fallen asleep by the crib, only his pants thrown on after a quick shower.

Stomach rolling uncomfortably, Sakura turned to watch Sasuke win yet another round.

Nestled in Sasuke's strong arms, Sakura laughed at the tv. It was late and she had never watched this movie, but she liked it. Sasuke, above her, was silent, but she could tell he enjoyed it. After spending the afternoon and night together, he had seemed more relaxed than she remembered seeing him in years. It had been out of the blue that he'd suggested they go on a date, but Sakura was glad he had. In the very beginnings of their relationship, he had often done this kind of thing on impulse. He would try and win her heart with silly date ideas pulled from magazines that probably dated from her mother's era, with flowers or even once with a surprise vacation. That had all been before he'd asked her to marry on one - which hadn't been quite as romantic, but Sakura had been thrilled nonetheless. It was after the vacation, upon their return to Konoha. They'd just arrived at the gate, dirty from a few days' traveling, and he got down on one knee and offered her the ring.

A month later, Sakura was pregnant.

Sasuke's fingers were rubbing long, lazy lines on Sakura's thigh. Looking up at him, she found him staring down at her, lacking the playful spark he'd had the rest of the day.

"I'm terribly afraid I'm going to lose you," he whispered. "That I've already lost you."

Sakura's smile withered. "We're trying," she said, trying to sound hopeful. "That's the best we can do."

Sasuke nodded, looking no more reassured. He leaned in for a kiss and Sakura returned it. A hunger in the pit of her abdomen, she tugged on his shirt until he followed her on the other end of the couch, now hovering above her. Running a hand up under his shirt, Sakura was pleased to find his body hadn't changed much - unlike hers. His chest was still hard, broad, hot under her touch. Spurred on, Sasuke moved his lips down to her neck, suckling and biting while his hands fled under her shirt.

Breath quickening, Sakura removed his shirt. Sasuke returned his mouth to her body, quick to latch onto a nipple he'd exposed. When Sakura reached down to feel his erection, he stopped, staring up at her through hazy eyes.

"Sarada's upstairs."

"She's asleep," Sakura muttered hastily. With clumsy hands, she grabbed the tv remote and turned it off. "Let's just be quiet."

When he slipped his hands into her panties and pressed the heel of his palm against her, rolling slowly, Sakura struggled to follow her own advice. She bucked her hips against his hand, shutting her eyes. In the back of her mind, she remembered the first time they had had sex - how new it had all been. Exciting. How it felt like a dream come true.

As Sakura arched her back, Sasuke removed his hand, much to her displeasure. He tugged at her panties with both hands, pulling them down and away from her legs until they laid on the floor. It wasn't long before he was settled between her thighs, her skirt hitched up high on her hips, and he thrusted into her. Sakura moaned in the couch's cushions, silent as she could be. Sasuke ground his hips into hers, fighting to keep his volume down as well. With a thumb, he rubbed against her clit, sending stronger and stronger waves of pleasure through her body, until she finally climaxed, mouth agape in a silent moan. Sasuke quickly followed her into silent bliss, collapsing by her side when it subsided.

Pressed into his side, Sakura listened to the quiet ticking of the clock in the kitchen. Under her ear, Sasuke's heart still beat wildly. It wasn't long before Sakura came down from her high. She lied by him, in silence, unsure of what to say, or if she was supposed to say anything. Sasuke's heart slowed as time ticked by, but Sakura couldn't find sleep. Similar as it had been - fast, hurried, but satisfying - Sakura couldn't keep from replaying the night she had spent with Kakashi in her mind. Despite the unpleasant following morning, the night had been nothing but great. After Kakashi lied at her side again, he'd held her against him and they drifted off to sleep easily.

Yet, no matter how relaxed her body was, Sakura's eyes were wide open now. The thought had been quick, only a small drift in her mind, but Sakura wished it was Kakashi next to her right now. Or perhaps it hadn't been him, but someone like him. Someone she spent evenings, afternoons, mornings and nights just sitting quietly with. Or having light banter, laughing without worry. Feeling close to someone, not a care in the world what they thought of her horrible jokes or whatever ridiculous antics she did.

Lying by Sasuke, Sakura only worried. She worried about tomorrow, about being hurt, about what life would be like in another decade.

"I can't do it."

"What?"

Sakura sat up, burying her face in her hands so she didn't have to see Sasuke's face. "I can't do it. I want to divorce."

For a long time, Sasuke was silent and still where he sat on the couch. Then, he stood, putting his shirt back on. Sakura remained on the couch, fighting tears. Though she didn't wish to take back her words, Sakura felt disgusting. Between her thighs, she could still feel his cum, sticky and wet. Her mind battled with her, berating her for not waiting for a better moment, for not somehow finding a way to make it work. Horrible as they all made her feel, Sakura's resolve was strong. She wanted this.

"I'm taking Sarada with me," Sasuke finally said, his voice steady but strained. "Tomorrow morning."

Tears rolling down her cheeks, Sakura sniffed. "Only if that's what she wants."

Sasuke said nothing else. Before long, he was gone, closing the door behind him.

As the sun began rising, Sakura looked through the window. Save for a quick shower, she had spent the whole night on the couch, sitting in silence, contemplating the catastrophe she had set in motion. It wouldn't be too much longer before Sasuke was back to take Sarada. It terrified her, too deeply for Sakura to be able to explain it. Her daughter had been her world. Though she knew it would come to an end, especially now that she was a genin, having her leave was an entirely different matter. If Sasuke remained cemented in his habits, it would be another two years before she got to see Sarada again.

Drying her tears, Sakura stood and headed for the door. Outside, she hurried to Kakashi's apartment.

Kakashi opened the door, eyes heavy with sleep and clothes haphazardly rustled on his body. At the sight of her bloodshot eyes, he pulled her inside.

"I'm divorcing," Sakura said, voice trembling. "I'm really divorcing him."

Standing before her, Kakashi was silent. When Sakura stepped closer and slipped her arms under his, he returned her embrace.

"It's going to be fine," he said, voice gruff with sleep. "Don't worry so much."

"He's taking Sarada with him," Sakura cried, new tears falling from her eyes. "This morning."

Kakashi tensed against her.

"You should come by," Sakura whispered as she pulled away from her, wiping at her eyes. "Say goodbye."

Immediately, Kakashi threw on his sweatshirt and followed Sakura out the door. Only when they reached her house did she notice he wasn't wearing his forehead protector. Outside of the rare occasion they spent a night together, Sakura never recalled seeing him without it. If it wasn't on his forehead, it hung from his belt.

"I'll go wake her," Sakura said, shutting the door behind him. "She doesn't know yet."

When she hesitated, Kakashi gave her hand a firm squeeze. "Go."

Sakura nodded and went to Sarada's bedroom. The sunlight filled her room, warming it. Sakura inhaled deeply, trying to regain whatever calm she could. Already, Sarada stirred. She sat up in her bed, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Mom?"

"Sarada," Sakura whispered, sitting on the corner of the bed. "There's… there's something I have to tell you."

Sarada stared down at her lap, the corners of her mouth falling. Sakura recognized that expression so well. It was seared into her heart. Sarada always wore it when she realized her father wouldn't be there for another special occasion.

"I know, mom," she whispered. "You don't have to tell me."

Sakura froze, staring at her daughter with wide eyes. "What do you mean?"

"You and dad are divorcing, aren't you?" Sarada said, looking up at Sakura. "I'm not blind, mom. I can see you don't really love him anymore. And dad was uneasy from the moment he got here. I thought it was just meeting me, at first, but…"

"I'm so sorry," Sakura said, frustrated by all the tears she continued to shed. She sat closer to Sarada, pulling her into her arms. "I'm so sorry."

Sarada didn't react. More than anything, Sarada's lack of reaction wounded Sakura. For many nights, Sakura had imagined her lashing out, or crying, or screaming - anything but this. Too afraid to ask how Sarada truly felt about her decision, Sakura remained silent too.

"He wants you to go with him," Sakura said, pulling away. Tucking a strand of her hair behind Sarada's ear, Sakura looked at her daughter's face, trying desperately to memorize every single detail of it. "Today."

Guilt on her pretty face, Sarada looked down between them. "I'd like to go."

"That's okay," Sakura reassured, shaky as her voice was. "You're old enough to choose what you want now. I understand."

For a long time, they sat in silence, neither of them able to speak. Her daughter leaning against her side, Sakura stroked her arm, her hair, an absent-minded affectionate motion that comforted her.

"You better get ready," Sakura said, pushing herself off the bed and to her feet when the sun became too bright. "He'll be here soon. Kakashi is downstairs, too."

At the mention of Kakashi's name, Sarada's eyes livened up, small though it was.

By the time they joined Kakashi downstairs, Sasuke was already there, waiting. On the couch, besides Kakashi, were a pile of papers. Watery smile on her lips, Sakura held in a chuckle. Sasuke was efficient.

"Are you ready?" Sasuke asked Sarada, extending a hand for her. Sarada walked closer to him, one small step at a time. "Do you have everything you need?"

Sarada nodded, though she stopped halfway between Sakura and Sasuke.

"Let's go, then."

When Sasuke turned to leave, Sarada spoke up. "Wait! I have to say goodbye."

Impatience on his face, Sasuke nodded and watched her as she ran to Kakashi. Eyes soft and scared as Sakura had never seen them, Kakashi kneeled down, a hand on each of Sarada's shoulders. Sarada's own eyes weren't so dry anymore, quivering as they held Kakashi's gaze. Kakashi's hands fumbled with the straps of her backpack, adjusting it better than Sakura's shaking hands could. He tugged at the shoulders of her qipao dress, straightening it, then at the knot of her headband. Finding nothing else to fix, Kakashi brushed her hair away from her face.

"It's fine, I'm not going away forever, you know," she tried to comfort, though her watery voice wasn't so convincing. "I'll come back."

Kakashi visibly swallowed and forced on a more credible smile. "Of course. You're right."

Before Kakashi could take her in his arms, Sasuke placed a hand on Sarada's shoulder and led her away, but Sarada quickly escaped from him and threw herself at Kakashi, wrapping her arms around his neck as she collided with him. Kakashi returned her embrace, burying his nose in the crook of her neck. Sakura stood at Kakashi's side, waiting until Sarada let go of him to hug her.

"I'll miss you so much," Sakura whispered, hands in Sarada's hair. "Please call me whenever you can, okay?"

"I will, mom," Sarada said into Sakura's chest. "I'll miss you too. I have to go now."

Sarada broke away and walked to her father, her steps heavy and quick, afraid she'd lose her conviction if she stayed any longer. Kakashi and Sakura watched them leave, still as the air in the room. Behind them, the door shut with a click that echoed with finality in Sakura's ears.