"So do you like it?" Sakumo asked the couple as he showed them around their newly constructed house.

Sakura and Kakashi stood in awe as they walked through the freshly constructed house. The air was filled with the scent of new paint and the promise of a fresh beginning. Sakumo had indeed gone above and beyond, creating a space that felt both welcoming and secure.

"It's amazing, Dad," Kakashi remarked, his eyes widening in surprise. "I never expected this. Thank you."

Sakumo looked at the two. "Well, I'm glad you liked it. There's a lot of pink accents here, as it's Sakura's favorite color."

"I love it, Dad." Sakura said, smiling happily at Sakumo. "I love it. I... I just miss the old house."

Sakumo nodded, understanding the bittersweet sentiment. "I know it's not the same as the old house, but I hope this new home brings you comfort and happiness. It's a fresh start, free from the shadows of the past."

"I appreciate everything you've done, Dad," Kakashi added, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "It means a lot to both of us."

"And," Sakumo added. "it's really a fresh start, Sakura. I was in the police department earlier, and I saw Ibiki brought in your mother. She's not going to bother you anymore."

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise at Sakumo's revelation, but pain immediately replaced it. "And the man?" she whispered.

"Killed during the apprehension." Sakumo said.

Sakura's breath caught at the news, a mix of relief and sorrow washing over her. The weight of the recent events and the harsh reality of her mother's actions had left deep scars. As she processed the information, she turned to Kakashi, finding solace in his comforting presence.

Kakashi, too, absorbed the news with a somber expression. The sense of closure was accompanied by the realization of the irreversible damage caused by Mebuki's choices. He placed a supportive arm around Sakura, silently conveying his understanding.

"I'm sorry you had to go through all of this," Sakumo said, his voice filled with empathy. "But it's over now. You can focus on healing and rebuilding your life. The new house is a symbol of that, a place where you can find peace."

Sakura nodded, grateful for the support of her father-in-law and husband. "Thank you, Dad." she smiled. "Thank you so much."

Sakumo returned the smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and compassion. "You're welcome, Sakura. You deserve happiness and peace. If there's anything you need or if you ever feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out. We're family, and we'll face whatever comes our way together."

As they stood in the newly constructed house, surrounded by the promise of a new beginning, Sakura felt a sense of gratitude for the love and support she had found in Kakashi and Sakumo. The challenges they faced had tested their strength, but the bonds forged in adversity had only grown stronger.

Over the following weeks, Sakura and Kakashi settled into their new home. The pink accents that adorned the house, a thoughtful touch from Sakumo, brought a sense of warmth and familiarity. Together, they navigated the process of healing, finding solace in each other's company and the love that bound them.

As time passed, Sakura began to rediscover a sense of normalcy. And Kakashi was able to return to the service fully.

For the nth time in the past six months, Sakura threw Kakashi out of their bed. And Kakashi cannot understand why.

So, when Sakura demanded that he sleep on the couch that night and literally pushed him out of the bed, he had to ask her.

"Sakura, my love, what did I do this time?" Kakashi asked, feigning innocence as he rubbed his backside, having landed unceremoniously on the floor once again.

"I don't want to sleep beside you." Sakura shrieked. "I don't want you anywhere near me, Kakashi."

The playfulness in Kakashi's face vanished as he regarded her expression. "Hey, Sakura. Why? What happened?"

Sakura's eyes were filled with frustration and anger, her emotions bubbling to the surface. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before speaking.

"I don't want to sleep beside me because I know you would want to have sex." Sakura said. "And I don't want to have sex."

Kakashi looked at her with concerned gaze, he stood up and sat on the other side of the bed. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked. "Because if I did, let me know. I want to say sorry and make amends."

Sakura sighed, her anger shifting to a mix of vulnerability and sadness. "It's not about something you did, Kakashi. It's about me. I just... I don't feel like myself lately." she explained as she played with a loose thread on her sleepwear. "Sometimes, when we try I... I can see his face." she trailed off. "I know it's not fair to you, but I can't take him out of my mind."

She looked at him with pleading eyes. "I know, I'm not fulfilling my wifely duties, Kakashi. But I'm still scared. At first, I told myself, I'll just hold you off long enough that if... if I become pregnant there will be no questions about the paternity. But I still can't be intimate with you. I want to because that's what married people do but I can't yet, Kakashi." she looked at him, begging for understanding. "I can't, not right now."

Kakashi's concern deepened as he listened to Sakura's heartfelt confession. He moved closer to her, gently taking her hands in his. "Sakura, you don't need to apologize or feel pressured. Your well-being is my priority, and I want you to feel safe and comfortable above all else."

"You're not upset with me?" Sakura asked, insecurity and fear is reflected in hher eyes.

Kakashi shook his head. "No." He traced circles in her hand and smiled at her. "The most important thing to me is your comfort and well-being. So what, if we can't be intimate? At least, you're here. And I know that you're safe and healing. That's what is important."

"Kakashi, I feel like I'm failing as your wife." Sakura said.

Kakashi cupped Sakura's face gently, looking into her eyes with unwavering support. "Sakura, you are not failing at anything. Our relationship is built on more than physical intimacy. We've been through so much together, and I love you for the person you are, not for any expectations of what you should be. Your healing is my priority, and I can wait for as long as you need."

Sakura's eyes softened at Kakashi's words, feeling a wave of gratitude and relief. "I just... I want to be the wife you deserve, Kakashi. I want to be everything for you."

Kakashi smiled tenderly. "And you are, Sakura. You're everything and more. Right now, what you need is time and understanding, not pressure or expectations. When you're ready, we can take that step. But until you're sure that you are, we will not do anything. Well, aside from cuddling if that's okay."

Sakura's eyes shimmered with a mixture of emotions, grateful for Kakashi's understanding and love. "Thank you, Kakashi. I just... I want to be sure that I'm not hurting you by not being able to give you what you need."

Kakashi leaned in, placing a soft kiss on Sakura's forehead. "Sakura, you're not hurting me. I would never want you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. Your well-being and peace of mind are more important to me than anything else. We have time, and we'll go at your pace. I love you for who you are, not for what you can do for me."

Sakura's tense shoulders seemed to relax a bit as she absorbed Kakashi's words. She smiled, feeling a deep sense of warmth. "I love you too, Kakashi. Thank you for being so patient with me."

Kakashi flashed her the grin that he only reserves for her. "Well, am I still evicted from the bed?"

Sakura chuckled, a hint of playfulness returning to her eyes. She reached out and pulled Kakashi back onto the bed, letting out a mock sigh. "Fine, you can stay. But no funny business, husband."

Kakashi laughed, the tension dissipating from the room. "I promise, just cuddling tonight. No funny business at all."

As they settled into a comfortable embrace, Sakura rested her head on Kakashi's chest. The weight of the past and the challenges they faced seemed to lift, at least for the moment. In the quiet of the night, they found solace in each other's company, knowing that their love and understanding would guide them through everything.