Quality Time not Quantity Time

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In the privacy of their room, Sasuke's arm was banded around his wife's waist, holding her against him while her arms were looped around his neck. On her ear lobes two silver studs with ruby gemstones sparkled. He'd created the earrings for her as a parting gift. She couldn't always wear her wedding band due to her surgical work, but the earrings were a good substitute. She'd given her old necklace to Sarada, though their daughter was still too young for it.

"I could send you jewelry with every letter if you'd like" Sasuke suggested, drawing back from her lips. They were swollen from his kisses and her eyes were dazed and happy.

"Why? I prefer quality over quantity. These are perfect, Sasuke-kun," Sakura said. She smiled up at him, tears brimming in her eyes again. "Your promise is enough, but I will treasure any letter you send."

He really didn't want to leave her crying again. "I know you'll help this hospital be as efficient as back home. And when you get home, remember, try not to work too hard. Read to the kids, tuck them in at night. Help them grow a garden, train them in ninjutsu, don't let them have too many cats." He hugged her again. "I feel a little better knowing Itachi is watching over you — though he can't really do much in his current form."

"He can impart words of wisdom to his nieces and nephews," Sakura argued. "He can talk to me when I'm feeling lonely and we can share our memories of you. And he can watch over you too. I'm more worried about you feeling lonely."

"With my Sharingan, I can draw up images of you at anytime. I'll see you as clearly as I see you now," Sasuke said. "I'll work on accepting the prosthetic arm and eventually I'll be able to teleport home as time allows with the Rinnegan. Make my reports in person and spend a few days with my family. But, I don't want to lead any enemies home to you and the kids."

"It's fine, Sasuke. Do your job and come home when you can. I'll make sure you're not a stranger to your children. They'll know their father is Sasuke Uchiha — the fiercest warrior with the kindest heart I know."

Sasuke snorted. "I don't think anyone else would say I have a kind heart."

"They would all be wrong," Sakura said. She slid her hands to cup his face, angled his face back to hers and kissed him slowly and deeply. "I believe in you, Sasuke-kun."

"I won't ever be comfortable kissing you like this in front of others," Sasuke murmured. He wished that he could. He wished that he felt comfortable holding Sakura's hand and kissing her in public. But he didn't like when people looked at him. It was annoying. "I apologize in advance."

"I'll forgive you in advance, so long as you make it up to me in private," Sakura assured him. "Now," she stepped back, his arm only loosely around her waist. "You need to get going. You have a lot of work to do back at the village. Maybe Hinata won't realize Naruto left?"

"I'll have us back home within an hour," Sasuke said confidently. "I've got to meet with Lady Tsunade, report to Kakashi and then pick up Sarada at your parents' house." He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against the crown of Sakura's head. "I've changed my mind. I think I'll at least stay for part of the lunch. The time I spend with you now will feel all the more precious with our upcoming separation."

"Give Master Tsunade my letter — she'll help you," Sakura advised. "And why don't you offer to take Sarada and Boruto out for frozen yogurt in the afternoon? You can have dinner at my parents' house, let Sarada stay the night there. It will be harder if she's in bed at home and you're gone in the morning."

"All those sound good, except for the Sarada and Boruto. How will I handle two children by myself?" Sasuke asked.

"They'll behave. Itachi will have your back," Sakura reminded him. "Just make sure you ask him. And wear your prosthetic. You'll need to hold both their hands. You can't trust a couple of two—almost three year olds."

"Yeah, sure, I'll help keep the little ones in line," Itachi's discombobulated voice agreed. "And if you don't want me to see you two like this, you need to not say my name aloud."

"Oh, something else! During the match, Itachi was watching it next to me. He'd told me that after Naruto's parents died, your mom tried to adopt Naruto," Sakura said. "If the village leaders had approved it — you two would have been raised as brothers."

Sasuke was silent for a while longer. "The leaders disproved," he repeated. "Which means that even if Sarutobi thought it was a good idea, he would never go against the council — which meant Danzo. So he was planning the murder of the Uchiha since then. The coup was just an excuse." He clenched his hand into a fist as a wave of anger washed over him and then he forced himself to calm down. "I am even more glad I killed that greedy, power-hungry coward."

"I didn't say it to upset you, Sasuke-kun." Sakura reached for him, her fingers grazed over the base of his neck and the migraine that was starting to manifest vanished in an instant. "I just thought, thinking back on the time Naruto and I went to another version of our world, it would have been nice to think there was one where the two of you were raised together."

"We were born to clash with one another. I wonder if he andI would have fought over you," Sasuke mused. "Even during our rival days as kids, we both wanted your adoration. He was just more vocal about it." Sasuke touched one of the pair of the ruby earrings in Sakura's lobes gently. "The earrings look good on you." He leaned forward and kissed his wife once more. With reluctance, he pulled back. "Let's go to the lunch."

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OoO

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The banquet Gaara had prepared for his guests was unreal in both its size and scope. The long table could easily fit fifty guests, but it had been limited to the Kazekage, his siblings, Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Sai. He had used his Sand to seal the room from prying eyes and ears to offer privacy for an honest gathering between three most famous people of Sand and the equally famous Konoha shinobi.

Gaara sat at the head of the table and his siblings were on either side of him. Sakura sat next to Kankuro with Sasuke next to her while Naruto and Sai sat next to Temari. After they had all piled their plates high, Gaara had dismissed the serving staff and sealed the room off.

"I had hoped this meal could be a social event," Gaara explained. "It is difficult to speak casually in my position and especially if I wanted to speak with renown legends of the war." He turned towards his sister, a faint smile on his face. "The earrings look quite good on you."

Temari lifted her hands to touch the emerald earrings her brother had created for her a few hours ago. "Thank you. I suspect Shikamaru will be annoyed that he will need to try and compete with such a gift," she said with a chuckle.

"Ha! That sounds like Shikamaru. He'll be annoyed because now he will feel obligated to work harder," Naruto said. He leaned forward and shoveled in a few bites of his meal. "This is really good!"

"It is nice to have a meal with friends," Sakura agreed. "Especially without being interrupted with strangers wanting to express their gratitude. I can't think of a time I met with Ino where we weren't interrupted." He gestured towards Naruto. "And I feel we're interrupted nonstop when it's Naruto."

"That's why I only joined in a Team Seven dinner once in public," Sasuke murmured. He carefully speared a piece of steak - his methodical eating a stark contrast to Naruto's ravenously consuming pace.

"The upcoming Chunin Exams will be the first one in the four years since the war. I am grateful that Konoha has allowed our village to host. It is much better to have allies than to have enemies," Gaara said. He lifted a glass of wine to his lips and sat back to drink, having spoken his piece.

"Master Kakashi is so glad to focus on building the economy and not on constant war," Naruto said. "I'm learning a lot from him." He grinned at Gaara. "When we're equals, I'm hoping to continue the trend."

"When we are equals?" Gaara asked. "Naruto, I am glad you arrived, even if it was under confusing circumstances. You must learn to see your worth for what it is. You are our modern Sage of the Six Paths. No one is your equal."

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck and grimaced. "That's kind of you to say, but I wouldn't be able to do what I have done without my friends."

"Speaking of friends — I've always wondered, who is your best friend, Naruto?" Temari asked. "Because I got to tell you, it's annoying that Shikamaru prioritizes you over his own family sometimes." She gestured towards her brothers. "We have all three speculated and would like to know who is correct."

Naruto's eyes widened at the unexpected question and he looked across at Sakura and Sasuke — as if for the answer.

"I had assumed it would be Sasuke," Gaara said, quietly musing. "You spent years dedicated to bringing him back home. And you seem complete opposites in disposition, but really you are two sides of the same coin."

"And I would say Sakura." Kankuro turned a smile towards Sakura at his side. "I'd be dead if it wasn't for you. And Gaara told me about the time you literally pumped Naruto's heart with your bare hand during the last battle after the Nine Tails had been extracted." He took a sip from his glass of wine, never taking his eyes off Sakura. "You were so unimpressive when we met in those first Chunin Exams and it was your friendship with Naruto that motivated you to become the strongest Kunoichi of our age. That's best friend material in my opinion."

Temari huffed. "I won't argue about Sakura being a stronger Kunoichi, but it does chaff when someone you write off as inferior ends up surpassing you." She leaned back and sighed, sounding dramatically like her husband. "My guess is Shikamaru. He has told me about some of the antics of your youth and he dedicates himself to supporting you now. A friend to you when you first met as young elementary school children and even know as an adult."

Sai reached for Naruto's shoulder and patted it awkwardly. "I am not offended that no one has considered me as your best friend, Naruto."

"Uh, well, that's good. I don't really go around ranking my friends," Naruto confessed. "My old teacher Iruka was the Best Man at my wedding. When I was a kid, he was the only adult that really treated me nicely — well also Chef Teuchi. Shikamaru has always had my back — even when I'm doing something foolish, he tends to keep it from being too foolish. I wouldn't even know my identity if it wasn't for Sasuke — he's my rival and my brother — sometimes we try to kill each other, but now that he's come back to us, I know I can always rely on him too."

Sakura reached under the table and squeezed Sasuke's thigh. He struggled to take complements. For her husband, supporting Naruto was the most important thing. She knew that Sasuke would willingly sacrifice his life if it meant Naruto would live — the blond was the epitome of hope for their Village.

Naruto grinned, a big toothy smile. "Sakura-chan keeps me on my toes too. She was willing to give up Sasuke to protect me— I mean, we all know how much she loves Sasuke, right?"

Sasuke cast a quick look at his wife, but she steadfastly ignored him. His willingness to give up anything for Naruto was something she understood better than anyone else. She too was willing to make the same sacrifices.

Naruto continued, "She lectures me about eating healthy — even taught me how to cook! Which I can only make five types of meals well but Hinata was so happy! Hell — I wouldn't have married Hinata if it hadn't been for Sakura — so that's definitely a huge thing to be grateful for."

"You taught Naruto how to cook?" Sasuke interrupted, turning towards his wife in surprise. "I did not know that."

"There is probably a lot you do not know about Sakura," Sai pointed out. "You were gone for many years."

Kankuro chuckled. "Slow burn," he teased.

Sakura ignored the jabs at Sasuke and could sense his irritation. "After the war, I did my best to help Naruto and Hinata finally get together. She had such a huge crush on him for years — something I could appreciate — even when Naruto was indifferent towards her. Unrequited love is pretty soul crushing. You were gone, Sasuke, for quite some time and it was really nice spending time with Naruto outside of missions."

"I was not indifferent, Sakura, and your love was not unrequited," Sasuke protested curtly.

"Did that hit a little close to home, Uchiha?" Sai asked. "Sakura actually was referring to Hinata and Naruto."

"Yeah, we'd meet up after Sakura-chan's shift at the hospital and go grocery shopping. Then we'd go back to her apartment and cook a meal together." Naruto grimaced. "I burned a lot of noodles and rice."

"How do you burn noodles?" Sasuke's eyes were slightly widened at the thought.

"Trust me, there's a way," Sakura said laughing. "But one time we were in the grocery store and we ran into Master Iruka. He offered to teach Naruto as well."

"So after a year of cooking lessons from Sakura and Master Iruka, I managed to master five dishes!" Naruto explained. "I know when we were first put on the same team, i had a huge crush on Sakura." He grinned across at her and Sasuke. "I mean, she's cute and smart. And she was nice to everyone — well, except me. But she never picked on me, she just got a little violent when we were on the same team."

Sakura set down her fork and leaned back in her chair, her posture defeated at the comment. "I know I've apologized countless times for that, but I still cannot help but feel bad about that. My mental health clinics were not only meant to help children suffering from the PTSD of war, but also the children with anger management issues. I had great grades academically in the academy, but I felt so out of place. My parents weren't prominent ninja. I didn't have any training at home or secret techniques passed down from generation to generation." She looked over at Sasuke. "You were always so sure of yourself." And then she looked at Naruto. "And you were just as inept as me with the jutsus at the time, but Master Iruka took special interest in you — I was jealous."

"You just needed someone to tell you like it is," Sasuke interjected. He reached under the table and took Sakura's hand, squeezed it in reassurance. They both flashed back to the memory of when Sakura had been complaining about Naruto to Sasuke when they were kids and Sasuke had defended their loud teammate and pointed out Sakura's failings. "Your attitude towards him changed once you began to respect his perseverance." He smiled faintly. "My attitude towards you changed once I saw the two of you become friends."

"Ah, so I should get credit for you two then, right?" Naruto asked.

"When we were kids, so many adults disliked Naruto because of the Nine-Tails," Sasuke said. "My mom and dad would encourage me to play with you when we were younger, but I was only interested in my brother's attention to be honest." He squeezed Sakura's hand once more and then released it to start eating again. "Apparently, my mother had wanted to adopt you, but the village leaders wouldn't allow the Tailed Beast to be raised by the Uchiha."

"Yeah, instead the Third had a bunch of Anbu checking on me and enrolled me into the ninja academy early," Naruto explained. "Anbu are not the most nurturing," he said glancing over at Sai with a raised eyebrow.

"That would have been interesting if Sasuke's parents had adopted you," Sai murmured. He looked across at Sasuke. "Why did the adults dislike Naruto? Was it because of his lame pranks?"

Sasuke kept his attention on Naruto, but answered Sai's question. "I still don't understand why they were so hostile to an orphan boy. The fact that his dad was the previous Hokage didn't seem to register. Or maybe it did, but it showed that people are fickle." He looked back at Sakura. "Most people feared the Uchiha as well. It was always to be treated with suspect when someone outside of the clan paid too much attention."

"It was obvious that my father was the Kazekage," Gaara pointed out. "People treated me with fear and loathing as well. My father blamed me for mother's death." He gestured towards his siblings. "These two were the only ones that truly cared about me and I didn't even get to be raised in the same household with them. My uncle raised me."

Kankuro clapped his hands together once and then elbowed Sakura gently. "Doesn't this feel like a group therapy session?" He looked back at the heart of the Leaf. "So who's your best friend, Naruto? Is it Sasuke, Shikamaru, or Sakura?"

"All names that begin with S," Sai mused.

"I'm going to take the safe answer and say that my wife is my best friend," Naruto said. He grinned at Sakura. "I have learned ways to avoid confrontation with words."

"Yes, you have," Sakura agreed. She turned towards Gaara. "Though, I would say that you and your siblings all have valid points. Many people would claim Naruto as their friend. He is a friend to all. But I do think that he's the best friend to myself, Sasuke, and Shikamaru. There is not a one of us that wouldn't sacrifice ourselves to help Naruto achieve his dreams."

Naruto dashed at his eyes. "That's really sweet, Sakura-chan."

"So no winner then," Temari said, deflated. She speared a piece of asparagus and chewed on it with a scowl on her face oddly similar to Shikamaru's expression. Her husband was rubbing off on her.

"Enough chit-chat," Gaara said. "Sakura, will you be able to stay for the Chunin Exam second stage? I know the third round will be out of the question given your situation."

"I have allotted myself six weeks to spend here," Sakura answered. "I should be able to stay for the third round as well. I don't want to risk someone getting accidentally poisoned and not being here to help."

Gaara relaxed visibly. "That would be a relief. It is vital that this exam goes smoothly."

"That would put you not arriving home until November," Sasuke commented. "Isn't that risky? You told me twins often come early. You cannot afford to be away from Sarada too long and traveling with young infants is a very bad idea."

"If you were that worried, you should probably be here with her," Temari pointed out. "Otherwise, I don't think you have much say in the matter."

Sasuke's lips flattened in anger. "My mission is time sensitive."

"I'll fly Sakura back," Sai said. "If there is no risk of rain, I can push it and make the trip in a day."

"Considering what happened the last time we flew where my wife almost died falling into a ravine, I'm not sure I like that idea either," Sasuke growled.

Sakura reached over and touched Sasuke's shoulder, the tension in his muscles eased ever so slightly. "We'll be fine. Don't worry about us, Sasuke. You focus on what you have to do. I believe in you."

"Me too, I believe in you, Sasuke," Naruto chimed in.

It was faint, but Sasuke has a slight smirk at their words.

The conversation moved on to discussing the upcoming Chunin Exams, goals for the hospital, and curriculum changes to the ninja academy.

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It was hard leaving Sakura behind in Sand, but at least a dozen of Naruto's clones were there with her and so was Itachi — somewhat and some of the time. Sasuke had to return to Konoha before his mission, he'd used the Rinnegan to teleport him and Naruto home while also summoning part of his Susanoo. It had been a draining experience, but it wasn't as bad as it was two years ago. His was married to a prodigy at chakra control and he himself had grown more efficient.

"That seemed really smooth and easy," Naruto said as they materialized just outside of the gates of The Leaf. The Susanoo dissolved around them. "Why do you have to leave so early if you can just teleport?"

"This was an experiment," Sasuke confessed. "I hope to be able to teleport with ease. It is easier if I'm familiar with a place. Where I need to go there's a lot of electromagnetic interference and I need to conserve chakra. I cannot risk running too low and being caught in s skirmish."

"How long do you think you'll be gone?" Naruto asked.

"A few months or a few years," Sasuke said with a grimace. "If I can learn to master my powers and collect useful intel, I am hoping months." He raised his injured arm. "I'll be working to bond with the prosthetic again. There's a chance the Senju cells will help me utilize the Rinnegan more smoothly."

Naruto nodded. He either understood or he was doing the nodding thing he used to do when he really didn't understand. "So you'll come by later?"

"Yeah, I'll come pick up Boruto so I can take the kids to get some frozen yogurt," Sasuke said. "It will give you and Hinata a little time together with the baby."

"You're a good friend, Sasuke." Naruto elbowed him in the ribs. "You know you're my best friend, but I couldn't very well say that in front of the others." He grinned broadly. "Well, wish me luck!" Naruto said, bounding off towards home with a pair of amethyst earrings and a tennis bracelet in his pocket for his wife.

Sasuke watched his blond friend's retreating figure for a moment, shaking his head. He appreciated his old friend's concern for both him and Sakura (and frankly everyone he ever met), but was glad they didn't have to spent a lot of time in each other's company.

Sasuke needed to speak with Lady Tsunade about the Hashirama prosthetic, then he needed a talk with Kakashi both personal and professional, and finally he needed to spend the afternoon with his daughter.

Tsunade had been the easiest stop since she was actually in the village. With Sakura off on her mission, the former Hokage wanted to be accessible. Sasuke and the Fifth Hokage weren't close, but she didn't hate him. Tsunade didn't like him, but she didn't hate him. Due to her affection for her Apprentice Sakura, she would help him to the best of her abilities. There was no chitchat between them, which was Sasuke's preference. The letter from Sakura explained the situation better than he could have. The prosthetic arm still tingled where it met his own flesh, but he would just work on getting used to it. Besides, when he'd last met with the Lord Haruto the daimyo of Nakayama whom had a contract with an Otsutsuki clan member, he'd worn the prosthetic. It would be strange if he returned without it.

Kakashi was expecting him. Shikamaru opened the door to the Hokage's office, excused himself, and left Sasuke to fend for himself. "Lord Sixth," Sasuke said, his tone neutral.

"Uchiha, Sasuke," Kakashi answered, arching his brow at the formality. "I noticed you visited Lady Tsunade first. Are you making your report?" He gestured for the chair across from his desk. "Why don't you sit?"

"Yes, then I'll be leaving soon for the next extended mission." Sasuke sat across from his old mentor and teammate. He took a quick survey of the room and noted the framed portraits of the previous Hokages now lined up along one of the walls. It was uncanny how much Naruto looked like his father Minato. "I also have a personal request," Sasuke said. "We ran into a few difficulties on the way to Sand— a flash flood caught us off guard. Everyone is fine now, but Sakura fell into the ravine and I had to do CPR. She's fully recovered, but it was a scare."

Kakashi leaned forward, his dark eyes narrowed in concern. "She's okay? That would explain why Naruto exchanged places with his clone."

"I don't think that's why Naruto substituted with his clone, he didn't know about that until later. It was my sparring match with Gaara that concerned him." He cleared his throat in an effort to get back on track "My wife isn't weak. She's fine. I think I am more traumatized by it than she is to be honest. But she's part of my personal request for you, Kakashi. As you know, she'll be giving birth in a few months. I was hoping you would be her birthing partner." He held up his hand. "She broke my hand last time, I would like if someone strong could be with her— someone I trust."

"First of all, Sasuke, I would be honored. I care about Sakura and you a lot. Secondly though, I don't think it's a good idea given some of our earlier conversations. I'm not trying to replace you and I don't want to confuse Sakura," Kakashi reasoned. "I think it should be Naruto. But if he cannot make it, I will definitely be there."

"Considering Naruto left his wife to pop over to Sand shortly after she gave birth, I'd rather it be you," Sasuke pointed out. "I spoke with Lady Tsunade during our visit and she said that there is a chance Sakura could go into early labor and still be in Sand. You'll be heading there for the Chunin Exams, so either way, you should both be in the same place."

"You know, come to think of it, Sakura probably would prefer me to Naruto," Kakashi said quietly. "I heard that he passed out during Hinata's birthing of their daughter. He was so overcome with joy."

"Kakashi, no on else knows this, but Sakura suffered two miscarriages after Sarada. It's why she didn't tell me about this pregnancy until the middle of the second trimester," Sasuke confided. "I know she's still worried about something going wrong. I would really appreciate you being there." Sasuke's expression was earnest. He didn't want to admit how much he was worried about Sakura in this situation, nor just how much he relied on Kakashi's steadfast nature. He really wanted to be present, but Winter Solstice was his only chance to speak with Lord Nakayama's Otsutsuki benefactor. "We both have confidence when you're around, Master Kakashi."

Kakashi's eyes widened at the revelation and he nodded. "Then I will be there." He waited a moment, letting the gravity of the situation settle. "Congratulations on your match with Gaara. I did want you to know that the council and I do acknowledge you the rank of Jonin." He leaned back and rubbed his forehead slightly. "Though, we both know you're more the level of Sage."

Sasuke lifted up his prosthetic arm. "I still have plenty to master."

"You need to write to Sakura, while you're gone," Kakashi suggested. "I know you care about her, but if you don't write her and your daughter, and your sons, even the strongest of hearts can whither from neglect."

"I love Sakura. We're family," Sasuke reasoned. They would always be connected — she didn't need his sloppy letters. Their rings, infused with each other's chakras could connect tangibly.

"I can make it an order," Kakashi pointed out. "The health of the majority of this village relies on your wife. It would help if she wasn't depressed." He locked eyes with Sasuke. "And try as we might, no one can make her happier than you."

Sasuke stared back, speechless. He wouldn't even know what to write Sakura — it would be stupid things. "I'll have to make reports on my discoveries to you. I'll write her then too." He thought about how lonely he had been on his redemption journey, before Sakura joined him. It would have been nice to read a few letters from her. "I would like to hear from her too." He would have to burn the letters, just like he did any mission notes. But he'd burn them into his memory first, using the Sharingan, and just bring up the image whenever he needed to.

However, it would be really nice to be able to teleport back home and see her. That would have to wait. He needed to conserve his chakra for his mission, not personal gains. He'd spent the last three years with his wife — he liked being near her. Who knew how long he'd be hopping around different dimensions looking for clues? "Also, I keep getting approached about the vacant Uchiha houses in the district. I don't want Sakura and the kids to struggle financially. Maybe you can help advise her if she wants to sell some of the lots. It would be good to revitalize the area, but the neighbors would need to be well vetted. I am too close to the situation."

"When I was in the same position with the Hatake clan, I just sold off all the land," Kakashi admitted. "I'm the last of my clan, but the Uchiha will be renewed. I'll advise against anything hasty. You should get going, Sasuke. Spend the day with your daughter and head out in the morning," Kakashi suggested. He reached across the desk and squeezed Sasuke's shoulder. "The sacrifice you're making is important. You're the only one capable of tracking this god clan. I don't think anyone outside of our old team has any real idea of just how terrifying the Otsutsuki really are." He released Sasuke's shoulder and leaned back, before gesturing around his office. "I didn't want to be Hokage. But because of the reputation you and Naruto created during the war, I can focus on building a strong economy for Konoha instead of dedicating all our resources to defense. You don't want to leave the village searching for clues about the Sage of the Six Path's ancestors. But right now, we're the only ones capable of these roles."

"It doesn't make it easier," Sasuke said. He did feel a little more at ease. He hadn't realized that part of him still craved Kakashi's approval. He thought about Itachi's concerns about Kakashi. "And it's more than just Naruto and my reputation. Obviously, the Copy Ninja is renown and feared internationally and my wife has quite the following too." He smirked slightly before resuming his normally apathetic expression. "So, were you and Itachi close?"

Kakashi stared out the window of his office. "I considered him a friend. He was younger, but his mind was always so wise. We were on the Team Ro together, at least until he was promoted to captain of another team." He turned back towards Sasuke. "We were there that night— clean up duty. I should have known Danzo had orchestrated it, but honestly he always had so much political power. Itachi was a sweet guy — the ninja life was cruel for him, too talented to be left at peace. I am glad you killed Danzo. I just regret I wasn't able to help."

Sasuke was glad he'd killed him too. His mind had been very dark a that time, in fact he almost killed Sakura again afterwards— twice. "You showed up when you needed to," he pointed out, alluding to that time. Sasuke stood up and bowed respectfully at Kakashi. "You deserve some happiness too, Kakashi. Just not with my wife."

Kakashi grinned, his eyes crinkled in the process. "I'll take note of your request."

The scowl on Sasuke's face wiped the smile off Kakashi's. Kakashi held his hands up placatingly. "Okay, there was a time I considered it, but it was before you two were married. And I dismissed it too— the age difference bothered me. In life, I certainly have more experience than any of you - you, Sakura, and Naruto. But honestly, the three of you are also the only ones I view as my peers."

"You are family as well, Kakashi," Sasuke said. He meant it. Kakashi had only been a little older than him when he'd been the Jonin leader to their Genin team. He'd been through a lot of trauma his whole life too - a Jonin at twelve years old and losing both his older teammates in the Third Ninja War. "You know, I think you should go to see a counselor at the mental health clinic too."

"Well if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black," Kakashi murmured.

"What?" Sasuke's eyebrow arched at the comment. "Why would a pot call a kettle black. They are both inanimate objects and they come in a multitude of metals. Personally, I prefer copper."

A chuckle escaped Kakashi before he could clear his throat. "It's a euphemism from when everyone used black iron cooking supplies. It means in a lot of ways, we are the same."

"Ah," Sasuke agreed. Maybe he could get a book on euphemisms and other phrases commonly used. He really didn't talk to a lot of people and he was a little annoyed that he didn't seem to understand certain social nuances. "So, I think you should assign Sai a mission when he returns."

"Oh? I'm all ears," Kakashi answered, using another.

The scowl on Sasuke's face made Kakashi laugh sincerely this time.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. What's the mission?" Kakashi asked, expression serious.

"Have him research different euphemisms, common phrases. I'm afraid I miss a lot in translation when I'm talking to people. If I'm hoping to pick up on little things, it would be better if I understood people better," Sasuke explained.

"I have spent the better part of my life in espionage," Kakashi confessed. "And one of the things I learned, every region had different sayings. It's more important to watch the speakers' expression. Are they joking, are they serious, or are they upset?" He reached over and clapped a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Though, it does sound like a fun mission. I might assign it to both Sai and Naruto. They could both use a little training in listening and interpreting people."

"If you're hoping to teach Naruto common sense, I'm afraid that's hopeless," Sasuke dead-panned. "I really cannot believe he showed up to Sand. If Hinata just had a baby, what was he thinking?"

Kakashi ambled back to his desk, hands in his pocket and sat on the edge. "Naruto wears his heart on his sleeve — meaning everyone knows his feelings. Unfortunately, for Hinata more often than not his priorities are Team Seven."

"It would have really sucked if Sakura had fallen for him," Sasuke admitted. "I had worried about him a few times. Thought she might fall for him whenever he saved her and not me. But then he'd say something stupid and she'd hit him hard." He grimaced. "I did not envy him that. It's one motivator for me to say only what I mean — which means I don't talk much."

"You're talking a lot right now," Kakashi pointed out.

Sasuke smirked. "I'm trying to max out my quota since there are about to be months when I speak to no one. When I send in my mission reports, I'd like to include a letter to Sakura."

"I'll be sure she gets it." Kakashi glanced out the window again. "You don't want it to get too late. Go see your kid, Sasuke."

Sasuke started for the door and paused. He looked over his shoulder again. "Sakura mentioned a violet haired kunoichi."

Kakashi's balance shifted ever so slightly. "She's covering the hospital right now." His dark eyes narrowed. "Is Sakura trying to play matchmaker? I've known Yugao a long time."

"I think you should allow yourself a chance, Kakashi," Sasuke's hand fell on the door. "You deserve a chance. And if for some reason you decide to revitalize Clan Hatake, I would be honored to have your family as part of my community." Then he let himself out and hurried to his in-laws to see his daughter.

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A/N: I had read some fan theories that Mikoto had tried to adopt Naruto and there's really good visual evidence that Minato's childhood team included her and the guy that owns the Ramen shop. I hope we find out in Minato's story that Kishimoto is working on! And with the light-novels I really do like Sasuke so much more again. The idea of Kakashi and Yugao is a new one for me, but she's pretty, has a history with him in Anbu, is connected to Sasuke, and also suffered tragedy. I've tried pairing him with Shizune before and it never sits right. And dammit, I don't want Kakashi alone! I finally read the Boruto manga. I can't believe Naruto lost Kurama and Sasuke's eye got destroyed. So annoying.