Chapter 38: Letting Go
"Sakura!" Ino squealed the moment her friend saw her enter The Gallery.
The exhibit was located at the topmost floor of the establishment which was owned by Kakashi, and she couldn't believe that it was finally happening tonight. She was excited and giddy, and at the same time really, really nervous for both Kakashi and herself.
She waved at Ino, with Sasuke trailing behind her and noticed that the group had already gathered inside. It looked like the two of them were the last to arrive as their friends crossed the distance to meet them, exchanging the usual greetings coupled with hugs and kisses on the cheeks.
"Oh my god, forehead! Look at you and that dress! I didn't know you could look pretty." Ino jokingly mocked as she eyed her from head to toe and scrutinized her look for the night.
"I was always pretty, pig. Don't get so full of yourself even though you also look great in that purple dress." Sakura shot back but they kissed cheeks nonetheless.
"Well, purple is my color. Not many people could pull it off. Of course, Sasuke is an exception." Ino said, flipping her long blonde hair before tackling Sasuke with a hug.
Sakura glanced at Sasuke who only smiled at her softly in return. He was quiet all throughout the ride and up until they arrived at the venue except for the random business phone calls he received.
"I see that you came in with Sakura." Sai eventually asked. But it was more of a statement towards Sasuke rather than a question. But instead of giving a response, Sasuke only looked at him, then to her, and smiled as he hid his hands inside his pocket which was his sign of indifference.
"Has anybody seen Kakashi?" Hinata suddenly asked, shifting the groups' attention to her and her question.
The group suddenly couldn't help but to look around for a certain silver haired man but there was none, making most of them frown because of his absence. That's when Sakura noticed the setup of the room...
Every wall was covered in black curtain. She didn't know why but it didn't feel ominous. It was actually elegant with how the lights were positioned. It was probably Kakashi's way to surprise everyone. It was his way to make the bidding fun (and a little stressful) because it prevented the guests from choosing a painting they wished to purchase beforehand.
"Yeah. Isn't he supposed to be the one to open this exhibit? He's the owner, right?" Kiba asked.
"He's probably around. Isn't his office in here? Let's not forget that my best friend is a very busy person." Choji reminded them but that didn't stop Naruto from pestering Sasuke to call Kakashi.
"Oi, Sasuke. Call him quick so we can have a group photo. Who knows? Maybe tonight's the lucky night that we all get to see him without his mask." He grinned which made the members of the group snicker as they started to plot ingenious ways on how to tackle Kakashi once he arrives.
Suddenly, Sasuke was surrounded by the three women: Ino, Hinata and Temari, coercing him and refusing to give him space unless he made the phone call.
The scene made Sakura sigh because she knew Kakashi was busy, and it made her sigh even more whenever she realizes what this exhibit was for. She thought that she'd only have to survive Ino. Turns out, she also had to survive Hinata and Temari, and probably even Naruto and Choji once the secret was out.
The group watched Sasuke bring out his phone from his coat pocket and scrolled for Kakashi's number. Once he found it, he pressed the call button and put it on loud speaker while Sakura was busy apologizing to everyone who passed by them because they were definitely making a scene.
After several rings, Sakura was surprised because Kakashi picked up.
[Sasuke, you called.] Came the deep voice over the phone. It was Ino who spoke.
"No, Kakashi. Guess again." She giggled.
[Ino?] He guessed.
"And Hinata...and Temari…and Naruto!" Came the series of names shouted by the three, respectively.
"Basically, everyone's here. You're the only one missing." Now, it was Sasuke's turn to speak to him over the phone.
Sakura didn't know what to feel. She was supposed to be the one calling him at the moment and not her friends who seemed to want to monopolize Kakashi all to themselves—but thinking about what was to happen that night, she had no right to be jealous. After all, she was his and he was hers, and all that will be revealed pretty soon.
"Where are you, Kakashi? We have to take a groupie! You have to come quick." Naruto urged him, and deep inside, Sakura would've probably said the same. He did promise to come, but Sakura really wanted to see him. Like, right now.
[Sorry, I'm currently out. But I'll be there soon. There's just one other thing I have to finish first. But do enjoy the small party. Help yourselves to anything you want. I have specially instructed my staff to accommodate you.] Kakashi answered.
"Yep. Already doing it." It was Choji who responded while snatching a tray of appetizers from a male server who had just passed by.
Kakashi chuckled.
[Very well, I'll see you all later.]
"Bye, Kakashi."
"See you!"
"Hurry up! Naruto misses you."
All of a sudden, all of them turned to the owner of the voice who just spoke and was surprised to see Neji and Gaara approaching. The two men waved as they walked towards them and was immediately accommodated by the group. Sasuke ended the call and brought his phone back in his coat pocket as the necessary greetings took place.
"Well, aren't you a lively bunch." Neji stated.
"N-Neji. You're here." Hinata said, surprised.
Temari was also equally surprised upon seeing Gaara at the venue.
"Brother." Temari greeted. "I thought you were busy. You were holed up in your office the last time I asked you to come."
"I could always change my mind, Temari. And Kankuro asked me to keep an eye on you and your…boyfriend?" Gaara said, eyeing Shikamaru who was already sulking a little beside her.
"Anyway, it's not too late to be an art enthusiast. This is also a great avenue to conduct business." Neji supplied as he looked around and named a few familiar people in the business industry. When suddenly, the venue was disturbed by a series of barking sounds.
When they looked for the source, they found a small dog running towards them. It bumped into Sasuke's leg before stopping right in front of Sakura.
"Pakkun!" She unconsciously uttered as she picked the pug up.
"Hey, whose dog is that? If I knew that pets were allowed here, I would've brought Akamaru with me." Kiba said as he stepped nearer to pet Pakkun at the back of his head.
The pug didn't protest, but instead of allowing himself to be touched by another man, the dog chomped on Kiba's hand and started nibbling it, which startled Sakura but only made Kiba laugh.
"Sorry, he's mine." Came the deep voice whom Sakura had heard before. Suddenly, she heard shutter sounds and noticed that cameras were flashing their way.
"Tobirama-sama." Sasuke greeted as he bowed his head to him, so did Neji and Gaara.
"Waah! Kakashi's father! Good evening!" Naruto greeted as he also bowed his head which was followed by all the rest.
"Dr. Senju." Sakura greeted as well when he drew near and picked the dog up from her arms.
"Kakashi's father?" Hinata asked Naruto in a whisper who nodded in agreement. However, a beautiful blonde woman in a stunning black dress appeared. It was Tsunade.
"Uncle, you're here. I was looking for you."
"Shishou, you came." Sakura smiled, so did Sai who was one of her assistants in the laboratory. The blonde doctor looked at them.
"Well, if it isn't Kakashi's friends. Hello. You all look very dashing." She beamed.
"That's…Uh…Wait, she was the one from the grocery, right, Shika?" Temari asked. "She's Kakashi's sister isn't she? But she just called him uncle." Temari whispered to Hinata next who was also already frowning a bit because of the muddle in Kakashi's family tree.
Tobirama only chuckled upon hearing of the confusion, then he spoke.
"Well, our family relationship really is a bit complicated."
"Hmm, I'd believe it if you're Kakashi's father, Dr. Senju. Does he look like you under his mask?" Ino suddenly blurted which startled Sai who immediately asked for an apology because of his girlfriend's tactlessness.
"Too bad, Kakashi isn't here to explain everything." Sasuke quipped.
"You must be Sasuke Uchiha." Tsunade smiled as she eyed him from head to toe. "Well, that boy's always like that. He's always late for events like these." She explained. "Anyway, I should get going. Oh, and uncle, I saw Dr. Masaru a while back. I think he's looking for you." Tsunade said before waving at them and walking away.
"Well, I should probably follow my niece. She needs a lot of help in looking for a marriage partner…Unless one of you boys would like to volunteer." Tobirama looked at the men in their group when Kiba suddenly raised his hand like a pre-schooler. It somehow didn't shock the group.
"I would."
"Very well, follow me." Tobirama said, but before going past them, he stopped beside Sakura and held her elbow lightly. Tobirama slightly bent his head down so that his lips were directly on her ears. Sakura unexpectedly blushed.
"I could see your unease from across the room, Sakura. Kakashi will be here soon, so don't worry. After all, he made a promise, correct? I will personally behead him if he breaks that promise to you…Oh, and you look very beautiful tonight, child." He whispered.
"T-thank you, Dr. Senju." Sakura stuttered as her blush flared brighter when he smiled at her before walking away.
After releasing a shaky breath, she realized that the group she was in had suddenly become quiet. When she looked up and stared at them, there was a suspicious glint in the eyes of her three girlfriends.
"Sakura…" Temari started.
"I-It's quite hard to imagine but it's possible. D-Dr. Senju is after all, a very dashing man." Hinata choked out which made Sakura frown.
"Huh? What are you guys talking about?" She asked, when Ino unexpectedly gasped.
"Is that the reason why you're keeping it a secret?!" Ino suddenly blurted.
"What?! What secret? What are you talking about, pig?"
"Dr. Senju." The three chorused.
"Huh? What about Dr. Senju?" She frowned.
"Dr. Senju's your sugar daddy, isn't he?" Ino suddenly accused which shocked not only her but even the boys who almost choked on their drinks upon hearing what the blonde said.
"What?! No! No!"
"B-but the secrets, the whispering, the light touch on your elbow, your blush!" Hinata pointed out
"And the dog! How do you know his dogs name?" Temari supplied.
"Waah! Sakura, is it true?" It was Naruto's turn to ask. "Is Tobirama Senju really your lover?!"
It took all of Sakura's strength not to tear her hair out as well as her friends' because of what they were saying.
That was the most outrageous thing which she had heard for the entire evening…but was it possible? Did they really look like they had that kind of relationship because of such a simple gesture?
'Noooo!' Sakura screamed as she mentally shook her head while her inner self coughed out 'slut' while grinning all the while because of her distress.
"Of course not!" Sakura immediately denied. "I don't know how you came up with that idea, but Dr. Senju is not my sugar daddy!" She whispered in a screech lest she wanted disguised paparazzi and journalists to misinterpret.
Then, Sai spoke.
"Senju-sama often times pays a visit to Dr. Tsunade's lab, and Pakkun was always with him every time he comes to check up on things." He said, coming to her rescue which Sakura knew to be a lie because Dr. Tobirama Senju never visited the lab.
"But he could be compared to our Kiba when it comes to women so I couldn't blame you for thinking about something like that." He added, which earned him a glare from Sakura.
Sai only chuckled as the women and Naruto began pestering her for an explanation.
The call ended just in time when Kakashi arrived at the cemetery. Somehow he had found quite a peculiar group of friends but he didn't seem to mind. He may not have been able to hear Sakura's voice over the phone but he knew she was there and was probably fidgeting the entire time and it made him smile
'Sorry, Sakura. I'll be there soon. Wait for me.'
Kakashi parked his car in the usual spot and took the bunch of flowers sitting at his passenger's seat. It was unusual for him to bring flowers when visiting, but since this was a special day, he made it an exception. Because of his work, his routine had been disrupted. And if Obito were alive, he would've probably been so pissed and wouldn't talk to him for a few days while Rin stood as their conciliator. Yes, the flowers were his peace offering. And if there was a heaven, he knew that his friends were always watching over him…
Kakashi entered the gates of the private cemetery and immediately walked towards where Sakura's parents lay. He paid his respects to them, leaving flowers on the marble stones before proceeding to the place where he usually goes.
He needed this time alone for himself for he knew that this will be his last. It will be his last time to pour out his regret for not being in their place. It will be his last time to apologize for not being able to save them.
He had found a woman whom he was sure he'd want to spend his forever with, and he chose the cemetery as his final stop to ask for his biological father's guidance and his best friends' forgiveness because he was now prepared to let his ill feelings go.
Kakashi crouched down on the first marble stone he approached and brushed away the leaves that fell on it.
Sakumo Hatake, it read.
"Dad. It's been a while." He started as he stood up after placing a bunch of flowers on the grave stone.
"I honestly don't know what to tell you. This… this is the first time that I'll be talking to you about something like this..." He breathed as he stood before the stone on the ground, hands inside his pockets while he tried to remember the man who initially raised him.
"But…if you're watching over me, then you probably know that I've found a woman..."
Kakashi knew that he wasn't leading a normal life, and so did his father when he was still alive. But he knew that his father was able to find the love of his life that was why he came into being.
Tobirama had told him stories about his biological father as well as the things he knew about his mother. In all those stories, there was one thing that stuck to him like glue—it was his father's choice to leave the game, the hunt, the thrill because he had found the woman whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life with—and now, he was thinking of doing the same thing too.
"At first I thought it wasn't possible. I was raised differently and only knew the love of my adoptive parents and my friends. I couldn't even remember much about you but I know you tried your best and raised me well...and I thought that was enough. " Kakashi shifted to his feet as he stared longer at the engraved name on the marble stone.
He knew that his birth had cost the life of his mother. He was the one who took away his father's heart and yet…blissful blurred memories and feelings of happiness still flooded his mind, and he knew that Sakumo had been a good father. However, the happiness didn't last—because he was also taken away.
"For years I have been wandering with such hollow feelings, and when Obito and Rin died, I was positive that I was stripped away of everything that was left to feel. But this woman…she…" Kakashi sighed.
"Father, if you were alive, I would be proud to introduce her to you and I know that you'll like her. Tonight, I'll be telling her I love her even though I know that she knows that already. But I'll also tell her everything—about us, about the business, about me. There's only one job left to take care of…then I'll drop everything. I'll be the one to fulfill your wish with mom. So please father, all I'm asking is for your guidance. Watch over Sakura until it's over. Watch over her until I'm prepared to let go."
That night, the wind blew around him as though granting his request. He felt as though he was one step closer to his goal, and soon it will all be over.
Kakashi stepped away from the lifeless stone and proceeded to go to the next. This was his final stop for the night. Soon, he'll be able to see Sakura.
Walking around the cemetery that night calmed him. It was a beautiful and quiet place, and whoever said that it was scary was a fool and probably a coward. It was a place where loved ones are laid to rest so how could it be frightening? Yes, it was a place of sorrow, but it was also a place of peace.
Finally, Kakashi reached the one spot where he spent most of his time before. And through the distant lamp posts and the moonlight from the crescent moon, the marble stones shined, showing him the name of two of the most important people in his life.
Obito…Rin…
Laying the flowers on the stones, Kakashi stood staring at their names for quite a while.
He still regretted it—regretted the fact that he was the one alive and not the two of them. Anger still consumed him for every time he was reminded of his loss because he knew that if things were different, his best friends may be leading normal and happy lives at the moment—but everything changed for him the day he knew Sakura…
"Obito, Rin, I've found her." He started.
There was a chill in the air that night but it was a calm breeze that allowed him to feel, urging him to go on.
"Her name is Sakura…and if ever I'm allowed to think about it, it seemed as though she's a reincarnation of both you and Rin." He said.
"Sometimes I see your quirks in her, sometimes I see Rin's gentleness in her. Sometimes I think that I've chosen her because I couldn't let go the both of you—because up to now, there are still times where I wished I was the one in your place." He confessed as he shifted on his feet and looked at the dark sky.
"But she changed that. She made all those unbearable days bearable. She was able to take away the pain, the anger… she made me want to live again. She gave me my peace."
Kakashi momentarily closed his eyes as another gust of the cool wind breeze blew around him. He took a deep breath and exhaled as he once again thought things through. The accident, the messages, the anonymous texter, the Glimpse, the Topaz, all the new players…and Sakura. It was the reason why he was willing to tell her everything. Sakura was his final piece, and he knew it the moment he caught her lie that night.
He understood why she lied. Knowing things about such a dangerous disc definitely puts her life in danger. Sakura knew about the consequences, that was why it was difficult for her to speak about it. And so, he'll tell her. Tobirama, Genma, Yamato—they'll be there—because he needed to do this. He needed her to complete the puzzle, and he was prepared to lay it all out in order for him to be able to protect her.
He just needed her to trust him, he just needed Sakura to believe in him...
For a while, Kakashi stood quiet as he looked at the marble stones of his two best friends. It felt as though a huge burden had been removed from his shoulders and that he was finally free from the shackles of despair. It also felt as though there existed a brand new him who was in for one final mission.
He was finally prepared to go back and face Sakura.
However…
Sakura suddenly felt a chill run down her spine which made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on its end. It made her unconsciously rub her forearms as she willed the eerie feeling to go away. That was when Genma and Yamato suddenly appeared on either side of her, ushering her back towards the gallery proper.
After interrogating her about her alleged "sugar daddy", it was the boys who broke the heated discussion by taking away Ino, Hinata and Temari. Their respective boyfriends were kind enough to bring the women somewhere else because other guests have taken interest in their topic of discussion. Now she was left with two handsome men after being able to excuse herself from the embarrassment.
"Genma! Yamato! Wow. You two look…" Sakura trailed as she stopped walking right before the entrance just to assess the two gentlemen in their crisp black suits.
"Like a James Bond movie?"
"Or the Men in Black?"
They simultaneously asked which made her chuckle and forget about such strange sensation.
"I was going to say yummy because you two look really good." She giggled.
"Ah that sounded better than what we were thinking." Genma quipped.
"Good thing boss—" Genma shot Yamato a glare "I mean Kakashi still isn't here yet because he'd surely be the center of attention once he arrives."
Yamato was right. Kakashi had that kind of air around him. One that made you snap your attention and hold your breath until he passes by you and you're able to normally breathe again. Sakura missed that feeling. It made her wonder why Kakashi was taking so long. It made her wonder whether he had a change of mind.
"Don't worry, Sakura. He'll be here soon. He just likes making a grand entrance. I'm pretty sure of that." Genma assured her as they started walking back inside the gallery.
"And we'll know once he arrives because cameras will start flashing from here and there just like when Dr. Senju arrived." Yamato added which made her smile.
Upon stepping inside the gallery, the three of them were right on time to witness Kakashi's secretary, Ayame, take the podium on the raised platform, finally opening the event for the night.
Genma and Yamato eventually left when the former received a phone call which had to take them away. At first she thought that the call was from Kakashi, but Genma showed her that it was from Dr. Senju Yamato wanted to stay with her until she found her friends but Sakura insisted that he should go with Genma because the call might be important.
Waving good bye, Sakura tried to locate her friends as she wove her way around the gallery but somehow, she couldn't spot any of them. Walking around the gallery where people were at a stand-still seemed too conspicuous, so she decided to just stand in one corner as Ayame began with her introductions.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening. Tonight will be the opening of a once in a lifetime exhibit of one of the most elusive artists in Japan..."
An applause ensued while Ayame continued with her opening speech.
"His works are famous for its technique and rarity—for the artist is known to only showcase a few of his artworks in random sites. Mostly unannounced."
Come to think of it, Ino had mentioned about this before. How it was difficult to procure Kakashi's paintings because only one or two pieces popped up in random art exhibitions. No wonder there were quite a number of people present in such an event that night. This was the first time where Kakashi would display most of his work for these people to see.
"…His masterpieces have also gathered popularity because up until today, the artist's identity remains a mystery… But tonight, he has given us this rare opportunity to witness this solo exhibit. An exhibit which he dedicates to his family, his friends, and most especially his special someone who is here with us tonight."
Sakura felt a jolt of lightning flash through her as a flood of murmurs engulfed the floor. Ayame was obviously pertaining to her and it made her more nervous because any minute now, her identity as Kakashi's special someone will be revealed.
"Ladies and gentlemen, all the artist's artworks will be open for bidding, except the ones in that corner." She said, pointing at her direction.
'Huh? What? Wait a minute…'
Sakura discreetly moved a little to the side so it won't look like Ayame was directly pointing at her.
"That is the artist's special art collection which is solely dedicated to his lover..." There was a glint in Ayame's eyes which says she has spotted her.
'Crap. I need to move…need to move…Kakashi, where are you?'
"And so, without further ado…kindly hold onto the terminals we've given you at the beginning of this event, and let us start the bidding. Enjoy."
Upon Ayame's go signal, all the black satin curtains fell on the ground as though creating a baseline around the room, and one by one, the different artworks were revealed.
From the previous feel of lush darkness brought by the black curtains which were only illuminated by pin lights, the surprise behind those curtains became a breath of fresh air to the eyes as their visions were flooded with a multitude of colors, showing everyone an entirely different world.
Even Sakura momentarily stopped because she remembered the overwhelming feeling of being in a room full of colors, but she eventually kept on moving to the sides as a series of oohs and aahs could be heard.
The guests began tinkering on their devices as they placed their bids on the masterpieces they wanted—and when Sakura thought that she had already moved far enough, that was when she felt every pair of eyes on her. Time seemed to stop, and it made her gulp nervously as cameras started flashing her way, while all of a sudden, guests with notepads and recorders began crowding around her. As though anticipating the commotion, the sound of the mic's static pierced through the air and Ayame's voice was once again heard over the speakers.
"In order to preserve the order, comfort, and enjoyment of each and every one, the owner of this gallery has scheduled a press conference for the matter. Tonight, only the bidding will ensue and whoever is caught interviewing the lady in red over there," Ayame said, who was in no doubt referring to her…
"—shall be stricken out of the guest list, and shall be banned during the presscon. Thank you very much."
The crowd of people surrounding her immediately thinned out until only her group of friends were left staring at her and the paintings on the special corner.
The corner which Ayame mentioned was actually the whole span of the south wall where paintings of her were spread out. And that was how her friends found their way to her.
"This is…this is unbelievable." Shikamaru muttered under his breath as he stared at the wall behind her.
"Yeah. Who would've thought…" Kiba seconded who was now back from his venture with Tobirama Senju.
The boys' reaction was generally of surprise but it was nothing compared to her girlfriends' reactions which were a mixture of surprise and hostility. Well, the latter was more of Ino's.
"Sakura, you…so I get it now. This is the reason why you were keeping the identity of your boyfriend a secret." She spat. "It's because he's the artist, isn't he? You had to keep him a secret because his identity is a secret." She deduced.
"I really am so pissed right now, forehead! I can't believe you kept this secret from me! And if not for the bidding tonight, I would've strangled you already." She seethed and struggled while Sai, who was smiling quietly beside her held his girlfriend in check.
Eventually, Ino calmed down and looked straight at her.
"But our talk can wait. First, I have to purchase that landscape painting I saw over there. Consider this your lucky day, forehead!" Ino said as she dashed towards an artwork, pulling Sai with her until they disappeared from view.
Those who were left were more forgiving. They continued to ask her questions about her relationship with the anonymous painter—like how they met and how it all started, and she was able to provide them with adequate answers without spilling the beans that it was Kakashi.
'Wow. You really are a gold medalist when it comes to dodging answers.' Her inner self mocked.
Time and time again, she reminded herself that she wasn't denying Kakashi. It's just that, she still wasn't confident enough to say the words...or more likely, she didn't know the words to say. That's when Sasuke appeared beside her, handing her a glass of white wine while the others dispersed to continue and enjoy the evening.
"So…" He cleared his throat. "You, and Tobirama Senju, huh."
Upon hearing the words, Sakura's eyes widened as she blushed furiously because she couldn't believe that Sasuke was at it. Again.
"W-what?! No! Of course not! I told you, it's not like that! He's not-"
"Yeah, I know." Sasuke casually answered which surprised her as she watched him suppress a chuckle.
"Then stop teasing me, Sasuke! It's not funny!" She commanded as she drank the whole glass of wine in one big gulp but almost blew it on one of the paintings when she heard what Sasuke just asked.
"It's Kakashi, isn't it?"
Sakura covered her mouth with her hand as her eyes started to water because of what he said.
"The artist and…your lover. It's Kakashi." He repeated.
"Wha—huh? W-what are you saying?" Sakura feigned ignorance as she tried to dodge his question. She couldn't believe that out of all her friends (aside from Sai) it was Sasuke who'd find out.
Yes, Sakura still had feelings for the man. She couldn't deny the fact that Sasuke still had a place in her heart and that she'll always have these feelings of love for him—he was after all, not only an ex-boyfriend, but a best friend and family. There will always be something that will be left for him. What she was worried about was his friendship with Kakashi. They were a good pair. As business partners, they complemented each other quite well…
But Sasuke only smiled.
"Don't worry. You don't have to lie. Somehow I already saw this coming." He confessed.
"Sasuke..."
Sakura couldn't bring herself to deny it. Whether it was a shallow cough or a snort, or the tips of her ears turning red, Sasuke was still that one person who understood her the most. It was probably the reason why she had been found out.
"He's a good man. I'm sure of it." He told her as she watched him face that one painting where everything started for her and for Kakashi. She sighed.
"I'm sorry." She whispered which made Sasuke turn to look at her.
"Why are you apologizing?" He asked. "I'm really happy for the both of you, Sakura. Kakashi…he's…he's good for you that I'm actually quite jealous."
"W-what do you mean?"
Sakura watched Sasuke drag his eyes on all of Kakashi's paintings for her. He was staring at them, studying each and every detail like how he would look at her.
"Kakashi… He was able to do the things that I couldn't do for you." He started. "See the paintings?" Sasuke pointedly looked at all the pieces and Sakura followed the trail of his eyes with hers. "You aren't smiling but I know you're happy."
Sasuke started walking, stopping a while at every portrait of her only to admire it with a soft smile.
"He's made you smile, made you strong. That even in this painting of you…" Sasuke stopped at the rainstorm masterpiece… "He was able to patch all of your broken pieces and made you even more beautiful and amazing than how you were before...with me."
Sasuke released the breath he was holding before he faced her and that's when she saw it. He was smiling at her. Not that smirk or that boyish grin—but he gave her that quiet smile. One that didn't reach his eyes. One that held another meaning. One that says that despite the sadness she saw in them, he was finally prepared to let her go.
"You deserve only the best, Sakura. That's why it's me who has to apologize."
"Huh? For what?"
"For this."
Sasuke raised his hand to touch her cheek until she felt a small prickle at the base of her ear. That's when smoke suddenly engulfed her vision as her sight of Sasuke slowly became a blur.
The last thing she felt was Sasuke catching her as she fell on his chest because all at once everything dimmed and she could no longer move.
Her final words weren't a question for Sasuke, asking him Why? What's happening?
Her final words were ones addressed to Kakashi.
Kakashi…where are you? Kakashi…
Back at the cemetery…
The winds suddenly blew hard and he heard the rustle of grass as a familiar sound reached his ears. It was the familiar click of a gun being pointed at him, and he knew that there wasn't only a single person behind him that night, there were many…
"Hm. Are you also here to visit those you have lost?" Kakashi asked.
The man who was probably holding the gun, spoke. "Actually, we came here to pay you a visit."
'We.' Kakashi thought. So he was right. He was positive that there were at least eight people behind him now. But why so many?
"Then, wouldn't it be better if I faced you? It seems kinda stupid, me talking to the air and all." Kakashi bargained as though he wasn't talking to himself even before they came.
He was about to turn when he heard another click of a gun behind him.
"No sudden movements or I blast your head off. Put your hands behind your head." The man ordered.
"Fine." Kakashi sighed but he complied, turning very, very slowly to face the voice who had a gun pointed at him. And he was right. There were eight of them standing a few meters away from him. But only one of them was holding the gun.
Looking at them, it was evident that they were equipped for their job. He trailed his gaze at the guns in their belt holsters, spare knives probably hidden under their coats and vests—and by the looks of it, the man in the middle who was pointing a gun at him was given orders to kill.
However, he didn't recognize any of them…
'Well this should be interesting.' He thought.
"What do you want?" Kakashi asked.
"Aren't you going to ask who sent us?" The man smirked.
"Are you going to tell me?" He shot back which made the man laugh.
"Ah, clever boy. Then fine. I'll tell you." He said as he tucked his gun back on its holster, letting two of his men raise their own at him. Kakashi took note of that.
"Our boss just wants to have a chat with you. And since you're an heir of Senju, he gave us specific instructions not to harm you."
'Hm, it looks like they aren't aware of my background aside from being an heir of Senju...' He thought as he mentally pictured his way out.
Sakura was waiting for him and he intended to fulfill his promise. And as for his plan, he just needed one shot for it to be over.
"So," The man spoke again. "If you could just be a good boy and go with us peacefully, then we could cut this unnecessary bullshit, got that? But if I see any funny business then I assure you that a bullet will pierce right through you." He warned.
"Okay, I'll come." Kakashi agreed but didn't move from his place as he prepared for his assault. "However, there's one little problem."
The man raised his brow and asked, "What is it?"
"I wasn't informed of this appointment." He smirked.
Due to his unexpected cocky response, Kakashi took the man's momentary surprise to make a grab for his own hand gun hidden behind his back.
Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough.
That night, the sound of a gunshot reverberated all throughout the entire cemetery. And the last thing Kakashi saw was the smoke coming from the hole where his heart used to beat before he fell on the grass with a dull thud.
Father, Obito, Rin…the sky looks great tonight. I think…I think I'll stay here for a little bit…
TBC
