For people who read my other stories-- I was going to try to update 'Children of Pain' this week since I've been gone but I can't. As said in my note on my other story, I'm not emotionally able to write right now. I'm trying though-- I really am. I'll do my best to create a new chapter by next week. Until then, this is an old draft from forever ago.

For first time readers- I hope you enjoy the story!

Reviews are appreciated, but please no flames. Constructive or positive reviews only.

Note- I do not hate Naruto or Sakura, they just had to be the bad guys for this story to be set up. This is a SasuHina/HinaSasu fanfic so you've been warned.

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Sasuke had just returned from one of his long missions. He had expected to return to a few things. One being his beautiful, kind, wife to welcome him home as usual. Another being his cold daughter, who held an understandable grudge to him, to greet him.

He was starting to understand how Itachi felt more and more each time he saw the bitter look in his daughter's eyes. He always swallowed it down, knowing he was protecting her by staying away. He didn't want to taint her will of fire with his own cold Uchiha heart.

Even though he told neither of them his true reasons for leaving, the two had always stayed strong for him. He should have known his wife couldn't endure this forever. He should have told her. He should have treated her more kindly. But he didn't.

He couldn't help but feel it was his own fault as he opened the door to his house, and almost immediately he heard sobbing coming from a back room. He silently followed it, alert in case there was an attacker in the home.

Sasuke sensed no one, but they could be hiding their chakra. He opened the door to his daughter's room, where he heard the crying. He frowned at the sight he was met with.

Sarada was laying on her side, starring at the wall. She wore her normal red pajamas, not noticing her father coming up from behind her through her quiet cries.

The older Uchiha knelt down beside her, putting a hand on her shoulder. She froze a moment and turned to look behind her. Seeing her father, a fresh batch of sobs escaped her lips "P-Papa-"

Sasuke wasn't used to handling his daughter in such an emotional state but tried his best. He moved so he was sitting beside her on the bed, and gently pulled her so she was beside him. The girl surprised him as she practically clung to his arm, hiding her face in his shoulder.

Gently, he began stroking her raven locks. He needed to know what was wrong. Was Sakura hurt? Where was she anyway? "Sarada, where is Sakura? Did something happen?" he asked after a few moments.

Sarada hicked back sobs as she tried to explain "I was on an m-mission- then I came back- and she- and Lord Seventh-" she looked ready to have a panic attack, so Sasuke put a hand on her back, lightly breathing in and out as he had her do the same.

"Breath, Sarada. You need to breathe. Take a moment, and tell me what happened." he encouraged lightly. The girl did as he asked, breathing in and our best she could until she was calm. Finally, she glanced up at her father.

Her eyes were puffy, but that was to be expected. What wasn't to be expected, was the vibrant red within her eyes. The Sharingan. Sasuke had a further sinking feeling. What had happened to activate her Sharingan? Sakura and Naruto...they couldn't be dead...could they?

Hearing her next words, he almost wished this was the case. "Mama was with Lord Seventh when I came home early from a mission. Together. In bed." her voice was weak and worn from crying. She leaned on her father's shoulder as she spoke, heartbroken. "She always said you two loved each other, I was just asleep or away when you were here. I thought you loved Mama. Was everything a lie? Did you only show up when I wasn't here on purpose? Did Mama do that because she was lonely? Was she lonely because I've been around here so much lately? It's my fault. I just wanted to learn to be more like her so you'd love me. I'm sorry Papa!"

Sasuke's own heart was crumbling, but what was there to doubt? His daughter caught her directly in the act! He doubted she was lying since Sasuke could tell if someone was faking emotions usually. Not to mention the awakening of her Sharingan.

As much as he wanted to let out his own sorrows and pain, he had to focus on his daughter. She was clearly devastated. The poor girl was practically neglected by both him and Sakura, and now one of them had seemingly turned her back on both of them. It had to hurt, the only support she had to prove to herself her family wasn't broken being shattered.

Sasuke lightly wrapped his daughter in a hug, the unfamiliar action feeling awkward on his side but Sarada seemed more than happy to accept it.

"I do love Sakura. I just must not have done a good job showing it." his eyes closed as he spoke. "It isn't your fault Sarada. Don't you ever think this is your fault. I wasn't avoiding you, I've just been busy. You don't have to be like her for me to love you. I love you now and forever. I swear."

Sarada rubbed her eyes, finally settling down. They sat in silence for a few moments before she asked, "Papa, what's going to happen? I don't like this. Mama's been acting differently. She works so long at the hospital, I haven't seen her in a week. Lord Seventh hasn't trained with me since I saw it. She said if I told you, you'd want revenge on her and Lord Seventh. Please don't. I don't want them to die, even if they have been ignoring me."

Sasuke has to think for a moment, before finally speaking. "Sarada, I need to talk with Sakura and Naruto about this, then Hinata. I won't hurt anyone, I promise. I want you to pack up. If what you say is true, we need to go. I'll keep you safe from now on."

At this, his daughter looked even more distressed. "Please, no, if you tell Hinata then Boruto and Himawari will get hurt. I don't want them to get hurt." she murmured, now openly clinging onto her father's arm.

"Where will we go? If you start taking care of me by yourself doesn't that mean I'll be alone for months at a time? I don't want to be alone anymore, Papa." she admitted, and Sasuke felt his soul-crushing.

Sasuke assured her "I won't leave you. I'll take some time off from being a ninja until we get settled. I'll start taking simpler missions so I'm home more. You won't be alone anymore. I'll take you to the old Uchiha compound. I still technically own it. I know it's hard, but Hinata deserves to know and if she tells her children it's up to her."

Sarada nodded a bit, finally letting go of her father. "O-Okay, Papa." figuring he knew what would be best at the moment.

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Sasuke entered the Hokage office, formal as ever. He glanced at Naruto as the blonde greeted easily "Sasuke! Welcome back."

The ravenette could have snapped his neck right then, but he resisted for Sarada's sake. He must have looked as murderous as he felt since Shikamaru seemed to closen to Naruto in protection. Sasuke put a firm had on the desk as he spoke. "Call for my wife. Now. I have something serious to discuss with you both."

He glanced at Shikamaru as he added, "You may want to leave. This is personal business, which you do not belong in." his voice tight.

Shikamaru let out a breath, "Sasuke, I am the Hokage's advisor. Whether it is for his personal or official life, it is up to me to help direct him. Anything you say to him you must be willing to let me hear. So no, thank you."

Sasuke gave him a sharp look as Naruto called for Sakura. "I don't suppose you 'directed him' to sleeping with my wife while I was away, did you? If not, this is out of your hands." Shikamaru paled in disbelief at this, and Naruto in guilt.

Sakura entered, and Shikamaru quickly left. He noticed his wife's sweet smile as she approached, and wondered just how long it had been going on for her to be so guiltless. "I didn't know you were coming home today Sasuke."

Naruto was gripping his fists, for once unsure what to say. Sasuke turned to the pink-haired girl and glared harshly. "Do you know what I just got home to?" seeing her shake her head in confusion, he bit out, "Our daughter sobbing her eyes out because her mother shamelessly sleeps with the man she once looked up to!" his Sharingan flaring up.

Sakura's face paled but she quickly recovered, shaking her head back and forth. "Sasuke, you know how much she hurts because of your lack of time with her. She's only trying to get back at you by making this up. She doesn't realize how serious this is."

Naruto nodded in agreement, "Yes, this would explain why she would bring me into it as well. She's a genius, and it's only enhanced by the fact she's an Uchiha. She's using me because she knows I'm your best friend."

Sasuke growled, watching the two angrily. "My Sharingan can see past your lies. Both of you. Speaking so poorly of her, you both should know she's the only reason I haven't sent a Chidori raging through both of your hearts right now."

The pink medic was the first to break, looking upset. "Sasuke, you have to understand. Naruto goes through so much stress with being the Hokage, the danger his life is put in by being Hokage, Tsunade dying recently, and having two kids! It isn't easy for him."

She explained all this pleadingly, while Sasuke only looked at her coldly. "Then I'm always stressed from work, I see people almost die every day, Sarada is in her self centered teenage years, and you! You haven't even been around in months! I'm forced to work to support us both physically, plus support her emotionally, and all because you're absent!"

Sasuke hissed out, not wanting the entire Hokage building to hear him, "That's a mother's job just as much as it is mine, Sakura I've been absent trying to protect you all! The Uchiha checking account has been available to you for years. I know now I'm a terrible father, but I'm going to fix that. Alone. Since you both seem to understand each other so well, feel free to get married. I want a divorce, and I'm taking Sarada with me. If you have any objections feel free to bring it to trial. I'm sure everyone will love to hear about what a burden she is to you and how you've been neglecting her."

Turning to look at Naruto he added "Then everyone will be glad to hear their Hokage is a liar. I don't want to do this but I will publicly humiliate both of you if you don't give it up now. Understand?" he growled.

Naruto nodded a bit, slowly giving him the papers. "I'm sorry, Sasuke. It wasn't supposed to end up this way." Sasuke didn't even both responding as he wasted no time, filling out the papers. He then shoved them over to Sakura, who was now crying.

"S-Sasuke, please. I didn't mean it. Forgive me." she begged, but he only looked down at her coldly, eyes flaring red as he shoved the pen in her face. She slowly took it, signing the document.

Sasuke slammed it down on Naruto's desk, commanding him, "Have these done by tonight. I've separated my account from her. She can keep the house. I'll be in the Uchiha compound with my daughter. I'm leaving active duty until further notice. If you attempt to push missions on me, I will quit being a ninja for this village entirely. Thank you for your time, Hokage." he said the last few words coldly as he left.

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Sasuke stood in front of Naruto and Hinata's home. He took a breath and knocked on the door. Boruto answered, looking up at him with a grin "Mr. Sasuke! Welcome back to the village! Are you here to train with me?" he asked in excitement.

The older male sighed at his energetics, speaking calmly. "No, Boruto. I need to speak with your mother. Is she home?" he asked. Boruto seemed to sulk for a moment before rushing upstairs yelling for his mother.

She came down, being dragged by Boruto the entire time. She held Himawari in her arms, the girl looking up at Sasuke with a light smile of greeting. Sasuke wished he could give one back. Hinata smiled to him, "Sasuke, I didn't know you would be stopping by. I'm sorry, but Naruto's at the Hokage office right now. Should I call him and tell him you're coming?"

Sasuke shook his head back and forth, reaching out to put a hand on her shoulder, his expression grim. "I need to speak with you." glancing at the two curious children before adding, "Alone. It's of great importance."

She nodded, becoming a bit worried now as she put Himawari down. "Kids, go to your rooms and play," she commanded gently, both kids obeying. She led him inside, and over to the livingroom. "I just made some tea, would you like some?"

Sasuke nodded, sitting on the couch across from her. He noticed her father was there, and let out a breath. "I mean no disrespect, Hyuuga-Sama, but I need to speak with your daughter in private."

As they both her their tea, Hiashi frowned. "Whatever you need to say to her you can say with me here. I need to stay to make sure the kids don't eavesdrop too. Now that you say it's important, they'll want to know."

Hinata nodded in agreement, sitting in the chair beside her father. "That's right, Sasuke. If it's that important, he should know. What's wrong? You look like you've been through hell and back. Did something happen on your last mission?"

She asked him gently. "I can understand if you need to talk about it, if my father makes you uncomfortable then, in that case, he can leave." she offered, guessing he might be intimidated by the man.

Her father raised a brow, never having seen Sasuke as the sensitive type. He did look like shit now, though. Sasuke took a sip of his tea, trying to calm his nerves.

Sasuke finally spoke, "He can be here, but he won't like what I have to say." seeing him make no move to leave he finally admitted, "Sakura and I are divorcing. I'm taking Sarada away to the Uchiha compound with me." Hinata gasped, quickly rushing to his side.

She caringly wrapped him in a hug despite his flinches. "Sasuke, I'm so sorry! What happened? I know you've been away for a long time but she's always loved you so much? Why would she leave you?"

Sasuke clenched his eyes shut in pain, hands curling into fists. "She didn't leave me. I left her." he finally whispered out, "Hinata, I'm so sorry. It's so unfair to you and your kids. None of you deserve this."

Hinata was now twice as worried, asking gently, "We don't deserve what? Sasuke, you need to tell me what happened so I can help."

Hiashi and Hinata both gained blank expressions as Sasuke spoke his next words. "Hinata, Naruto- He- He cheated on you. With Sakura. I found out because when I came home Sarada was crying her eyes out alone in her room. She told me she walked in on them a while ago and hadn't told anyone because she didn't want me to get angry and kill them both. They both admitted it to my face when I confronted them about an hour ago."

Hinata felt tears well in her eyes and stepped back. "No, he wouldn't. Sarada must have made a mistake. He's too busy to have an affair."

Hiashi stood, wrapping his arms around his daughter and rubbing her back as Sasuke spoke. "I wish it was. But she activated her Sharingan, that doesn't happen unless you're completely sure of what you saw. They both also admitted it, too."

The girl growled, allowing her father to hug her. "Spirits, why? I can't, I don't have anywhere to go if we split up. I'm completely broke, and the clan council refuses to let me buy property in the Hyuuga Compound because Boruto doesn't have a Byuakugan and they're both only halves Hyuuga."

She added "Not to mention it's shameful for a Hyuuga woman to be divorced with children. I can't. I can't be a single mother. They've taken kids away in situations like this. The entire clan council would overrule father. But I can't stay knowing what he did. What if he leaves himself? Oh, spirits, I'm a housewife I don't have my own cash."

Hinata seemed to be panicking, and Sasuke hated to see the sweet girl so upset, so he gave the quickest solution he could think of. "Hinata, don't worry. You can stay with me and Sarada at the Uchiha Compound if you want. You and your kids. The main house has plenty of room in it." he offered.

"My clan's entire savings was given to me since I'm the only survivor. It's more than I could ever use," he assured her, and Hinata looked at him, shocked.

"Y-You'd really let me and the kids stay with you? But we've barely spoken! I-I mean- That would be amazing. Sasuke, thank you so much. I'll do whatever I can to help repay you." she smiled weakly. "I just hope the kids will be okay with time. Especially Himawari. She's always loved her father so much."

Sasuke nodded slightly. "I understand. Sarada's only support pillar is gone now. I guess I really have to try to be a better father now." he gulped. "But the kids are strong, yours and mine. They'll pull through. I know they will."

Hiashi nodded in agreement, silently planning to play the blonde a little visit later. Screw politics.