The crisp sizzle of the sliced meat on the grill mingled with the faint music played over the speakers above them. Conversation bubbled all around except for at their table. Using the tongs, Sakura turned the food on the grill over. Ice clinked together as Kakashi swirled his drink around in his glass.

"I thought this place wouldn't have been so crowded," he admitted.

She grinned at him. "It's alright, it's been a long time since I've had barbecue."

Even though he had claimed to be hungry, Kakashi barely touched any of the food. He had considered it to be a good idea at the time, but now that they were sitting here in this kind of awkward silence, he was having second thoughts. If Sakura knew how strange it felt, which he was sure she did, she didn't bring it up.

Chewing another piece of meat, she studied him. "So, did you have something in particular that you wanted to talk about?"

"Not here."

"Why not?"

"Too many ears."

She nodded. "Okay, then later?"

The silence remained around them, like a little protective film shielding them from others. When it was time to leave, Kakashi rubbed the back of his head in a sheepish way, explaining that since he had come from the hospital he didn't have any money on him.

Sakura gave him an incredulous look, but paid with a smile anyway.

As they walked out into the golden rays of the setting sun, she caught his arm. "Don't even think about bailing on me."

He looked down at her on his arm. "I would never."

Her brow furrowed. "Two-hundred ninety-three... Do you know what that is?"

"What?"

"It's how many times you've skipped out of a bill since I've known you."

He brought a hand to his chest in mock surprise. "That many? Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Yep! Because I do plan on collecting one day."

"Seriously, Sakura, you'd do that to your dear old sensei?"

"You'd better believe it," she answered with a laugh.

"But I'll go broke paying you back."

Her walking slowed and he matched her pace. She tilted her head to look up at him. "Well, I would consider other forms of payment."

It was probably just his imagination - or the corruption his favorite literary series brought upon him - but he could've sworn her statement was dripping with innuendo. His brow raised. "Like what?"

"You mentioned you thought about what I said." She paused and looked around. "And there's not many ears here beside my own."

His shoulders sagged as he sighed, knowing what she was talking about, and they continued walking in silence. It was when Sakura thought he would say nothing when he actually spoke.

"I once told Sasuke that everyone I had loved was already dead and gone from this world."

Her eyes turned up to him, but she didn't say anything and waited for him to continue.

"This was before he defected. I think that I just saw so much of myself in him and I-" He scratched his head. "I'm not good at this."

"At what, talking?"

"About myself? No..."

"It should be easy, it's the one subject you have the most complete knowledge of."

"You make it sound easy."

"What if I shared something with you?"

All too eager to have the spotlight off of him, he waved his hand in front of him. "Go for it."

"My parents are civilian, there hasn't been a Haruno in the field in three generations or so. You should've seen their faces when I said I wanted to be a ninja. My mother, she was so mad that I don't think there was a proper word for it. My father was a bit more supportive and he helped me convince mom to let me test into the Academy. When I made it, she was furious. She didn't understand why I wanted to get involved with something so dangerous and at my age. Again, my father persuaded her. They fought a lot because of it, because of me. My mom would push me extra hard; if I wanted it so badly I really had to work for it. If I slipped up at all, she said she was going to pull me."

Sakura paused and motioned to a nearby bench where they sat down. She curled her fingers around the edge of the wooden seat. "I had to work so hard, and every time I got top marks or passed an exam, it was like I only pushed her further away."

"Yes, but what about now? Surely she knows of your accomplishments. And training under the Hokage adds some merit, don't you think?"

"I guess, but honestly, ever since the War I haven't seen her. She kicked me out after Naruto returned from training with Jiraiya. She said my career choice placed too much stress on her." She looked over at Kakashi. "I see her out sometimes with my dad, but only he waves at me. I want to be mad at her, but she was never suited to even accommodate a ninja lifestyle. I mean, my dad was a civilian and it made her feel safe. I guess I'm just good at making people uncomfortable."

"That's not true, Sakura."

She took a deep breath and then smiled. "See? That wasn't too bad. Your turn. Just tell me anything."

He poked at his masked chin, feeling the stubble beneath. Maybe he should've shaved... He leant back on the bench, draping an arm over the back. "I don't like cats. Your turn."

Her mouth popped open. "No, no, no, you're supposed to tell me something about yourself-"

"I did."

"Something meaningful."

"You didn't say that last time, so it's your turn again."

She huffed and gave him a pout, surprised when he actually chuckled. He poked the crease in between her brows. "You'll give yourself wrinkles if you do that too much."

"You sound like Ino," she mumbled.

"Fine, you want to hear something meaningful?"

She nodded and he tilted his head back to peer up at the leaves dangling above them. "My father raised me on his own. Without a picture, I can't recall what my mother looked like. I don't remember how she smelled, or what her touch was like, or if she sang me lullabies. Even if your mother doesn't understand you, you should try to make amends - even if it's difficult - because one day she'll be gone and you'll want to cherish every memory you can."

"I'll keep trying," she promised.

"Good."

"You know, I've been doing some training with Ino lately, sharing some skills... I could always try to see if you do have some memories of your mother-"

"I appreciate the sincerity of your offer, Sakura, but I can't say I'm comfortable with the idea of anyone picking through my brain like it's a filing cabinet."

"Okay, I understand."

"I do believe it's your turn again."

"Actually, why don't we pick up our conversation tomorrow? I have time if you're free."

"Sure. Should I come to your place?"

"Sounds good, I'll make breakfast for us."

"You don't have to do that."

"Someone has to make sure you're eating a proper diet during recovery," she replied with a grin and then she turned serious. "Thank you for today."

"There's nothing to thank me for."

"Sure there is. I'll deduct what you told me from your debt. Who knows, maybe you'll pay off some more tomorrow."

"Maybe, I'll see you then."

They both stood and he couldn't help but notice how her eyes kept shifting to the road, but he pretended not to notice.

"Take care of yourself, Kakashi."

He lifted a hand to wave as he turned to cut through the park to head home. Sakura turned a moment later and ran across the street.

Kakashi told himself that he wasn't being snoopy as he circled back, disappearing into the trees. He was just curious. After all, she had been so fixated on getting him to open up, and then after one small exchange she decided to put it off until tomorrow? Why?

From his perch in the tree, she saw Sakura with two people - a blonde woman and a darker haired man who had their hands full with shopping bags. Even from here, body positioning told him that the interaction was tense and awkward. The man though seemed to be happy at least as he unloaded his bags on Sakura. The woman then all but threw her bags at his chest before storming off.

Sakura yelled after her. "Mom! Mom, wait!"

Ah, it made sense now. Trying to make amends with someone who didn't particularly like ninja was hard when you were one - and even harder when in the company of other ninja. His gaze softened as her father reached out and stopped her. Sakura stooped down and helped him pick up the bags, and this time he took them all.

Kakashi could see that she was protesting, but he seemed to assure her it was alright. A few more words passed between them and then he was off, trying to catch up to his wife, and leaving Sakura behind to watch after them.

.x.X.x.

Sakura greeted him with her apron still on the next morning and ushered him inside. "I can't believe I'd ever say this to you, but you're right on time," she teased.

Kakashi stood by the table, looking at the spread in quiet awe. It was very much a traditional breakfast - steamed rice, miso soup, tamagoyaki, natto, tsukemono, and fish - but far more than he had treated himself to in ages.

"Sakura, you didn't have to do all of this for me."

"Just sit down, will you?" She bit out, embarrassed as she pulled off her apron.

He did as he was told as she brought over a small pitcher of juice and one of water. He nodded in fascination. "I never knew you could be so... domestic. I'm impressed."

She offered a tight smile as she sat across from him. "If only my mother was as easily impressed as you are."

Remembering witnessing their interaction yesterday, he found himself trying to mend the situation. "I'm sorry, I didn't-"

"It's okay," she assured him. "Besides, now I'm a pretty damn good cook."

"Shouldn't I be the judge of that?"

"Did you bring your score cards?"

"Of course," he replied, playing along.

"Hmm... all you'll need is the ten."

It wasn't just talk, Sakura really was an outstanding cook. He hadn't had a breakfast that good in years, and he conceded to her skills. He was sure it only fueled her ego, but she deserved it. He helped her clean up the plates, and now he found himself with his sleeves rolled up and a towel in hand to dry the dishes she passed his way.

"So, did this meal add to my debt?"

"No."

"Does me helping you with dishes pay off some of the debt?"

"Nice try," she said with a snort.

"So, how much do I owe still?"

"You're down to 288."

He paused in drying. "Only five?"

"Yes, well with what little you told me, I figured five meals was adequate."

Kakashi was quiet and a couple more dishes passed between them. "My father killed himself."

Sakura looked up at him in surprise, but remained silent as he told her about why and how he had been the one to find him. "I was angry for a long time. I'd think things like 'was his honor more important than me?' Then I tried to tell myself that I understood, even when I don't think I really grasped it."

They were sitting back at the table again. The kettle on the stove whistled and she got up to make their tea.

"Even years later, I still had these... feelings about my father," he continued. "When Pain attacked the village and I faced him, I thought I was going to die. I think... I did die."

Sakura's eyes were wide and questioning as she handed him his cup.

"I saw my dad and it was like that very moment that I laid eyes on him just washed all that contempt away. It was like he had been waiting for me. We talked for what felt like lifetimes - and then I was pulled back. I was alive, again, but I felt almost like I was robbed of the peace that had been given to me. I know that sounds awful, but it's hard to explain how relieved I felt to be breathing and yet at the same time it felt... wrong."

After taking a sip of her tea, Sakura licked her lips and looked up across the table. "But you got to see your dad, and you felt some closure then, didn't you?"

"I did."

"Having a second chance at life after that, didn't it give you some clarity, a kind of different outlook on things?"

He slowly nodded. "You could say it did."

"So even if it felt wrong to live again... the insight that you gained, the chance to use it for yourself and others, it didn't feel bad, did it?"

Kakashi found himself letting out a thoughtful laugh. "No, it felt sort of... good."

Just like it did when she smiled at him.