Give & Take

"You can't let her do this."

Tsunade stared at Kakashi surprised. She couldn't recall ever seeing him as unraveled as he was. He looked bad. His hair was disheveled more than usual and even his mask was slightly askew-probably from running his hand over his face repeatedly in agitation. She supposed, though, that love did that you. Still, she hadn't imagined that Kakashi loved Sakura as much as the current evidence was providing her. Maybe it was the merging of the worlds that caused such a change. They had been close friends in one and bitter with one another because of a love lost in the second. Maybe that spurred him into desperation.

"I can't control Sakura's actions. Politically speaking her actions are the right ones. When the Uchiha find out what happened to their Clan and who ordered it—it's not going to be a pretty sight. Damage control is a must."

Her words didn't make him happy. If anything, they agitated him more. He placed his palms down on her desk and leaned in close to her. "Please, help me. I can't lose her again." Tsunade ran her hands over her face. If she had known that Kakashi loved her this much, maybe she would have done things differently. But still, that wasn't the important part. What was important was that they loved each other and Tsunade still didn't know how Sakura felt.

"Does she love you Kakashi?" His answer wouldn't be good enough for her, but she still wanted to know what he thought on the matter.

"She does."

He said it with the utmost confidence. He believed with his whole soul that Sakura loved him. A part of her knew that he had to have that confidence for a reason which shifted her mind to contain a potentially dreadful situation.

"And say I do believe you, Kakashi. If I help you with Sakura what are you willing to sacrifice to get her?"

Kakashi looked at her as confused as she thought he would. Tsunade looked down at the papers before her. It was reports that she had received from ANBU about the Uchiha Clan and their status thus far. She had made sure they were being watched—it wasn't an easy task given who they were spying on, but it was an important one.

Their numbers weren't looking good. She'd have to set up a meeting with Fugaku soon, but was trying to give them time to grieve—especially since she just heard that Mikoto died. Dealing with Fugaku wasn't going to be easy now that she had passed.

"What do you mean?"

Tsunade folded her hands in front of her and said, "Take a seat Kakashi." Kakashi cautiously obeyed the Hokage's command. "We'll start with the meeting that Sakura has planned for the Uchiha Clan. Do you think you can get her to postpone it?"

"It shouldn't be a problem. How long do you need it postponed?"

"Just a day."

"And in the meantime?"

"In the meantime, you'll get Naruto and Sakura to include me on the meeting and you'll get me the time I need to speak with Sakura privately—and her only. I don't want to see neither hide nor hair of you or Itachi. Grown women need to talk."

:::

Kakashi did as the Hokage bid. He waited until the evening had fallen and visited Itachi and…Sakura's home. He wasted no time telling the two of them that the Hokage wanted to be included in the meeting not because he was obeying the orders of the Hokage, but because he couldn't stand to see them in domestic bliss and he wanted to get the situation over as soon as possible. It made his flesh crawl and his heart ache. He also mentioned that the Kage would like to meet with her and Sakura took the news in stride. He wondered what she would do when the Hokage spoke with her about him.

He held his tongue, though, barely.

:::

"I will speak with Father about this change." Sakura and Kakashi looked at Itachi surprised at his volunteering to assist them in dealing with his father.

Sakura didn't know why she was surprised, yet still she was. It was possible that she was still off kilter because of the funeral and Mikoto's sudden passing. She felt a weight on her shoulders that she wasn't sure she could bear. The way the Clan respected the previous Matriarch had not happened overnight. She had proven herself time and again to them. And now, taking care of the Clan would soon be her responsibility. She had no idea whether or not Fugaku would step down as Clan Head and give the title to Itachi anytime soon, but if he did then their marriage would come soon. Sakura felt a small pang in her heart as she looked at Kakashi, but she squashed it.

"And the Hokage definitely only needed the meeting postponed at day?" Sakura asked to verify.

Kakashi assured her. "Yes, she only requested a day." Sakura nodded her head, trusting his words. He had told her that Tsunade had wanted to sit in on the meeting with the Uchiha Clan. He mentioned that it would be beneficial if she attended. Sakura thought it was risky, but if her master felt it was necessary she would go through with the change in plans.

The problem came in with Fugaku. Sasuke had arranged a meeting with him and the Clan for her and she felt wary of changing the time—especially since Sasuke had used subterfuge in order to get it planned. A part of her felt that with Mikoto's passing, he would be willing to wait, but one never knew with Fugaku. It was best not to guess regarding him.

"Will you go now?" Sakura rose to her feet and Itachi did as well.

"As soon as possible will be best." Itachi confirmed.

"Should I go with you?" Itachi glanced at Kakashi and then back and Sakura and frowned. Since Sakura was more than aware of what he was thinking she merely said, "I will come with you." Sakura looked over her shoulder at Kakashi. "Will you tell Lady Tsunade that I will meet with her later on tonight?"

Kakashi nodded his head and took that as his sign to leave. He gave Sakura once last glance before he walked away.

a/n: I seem to be a day off this month.