22 - You can take him from her cold dead HANDS
Sakura wakes up, lightning thrumming thrumming mildly beneath her and knows she is still in her sensei’s arm, safe, comfortable, and relaxed. But the urgent need to stand between Sasuke and Naruto creeps upon her as she yawns and lifts her head from the ever familiar shoulder of the copy-nin.
“Maa~ Morning, Sakura-chan.”
She looks up into his masked face with bleary but clearing eyes and smiles that smile she saves exclusively for her boys. Sakura ignores the hitch in his breath as she hugs him tight for one more moment before letting go.
“I’m sorry, Kashi-san. Can I get down now please?” Her voice is tiny and slightly embarrassed at how she had no self control and just demanded to be lifted up.
(In her defense, she had only barely sensed his general area when she was a baby. She hadn’t seen his face, touched him, confirmed he was alive and well with her own hands.)
She waits a few seconds, still in his arms, and reads the hesitance in the teenager’s eye. Like he wants to acquise to her request but something primal is holding him back.
Sakura understands that. Very well in fact. But regardless, she pats his shoulder to reinforce her need and he finally lets her go. But Sakura immediately grips his hand as she stands before Sasuke and Naruto. Both boys smile at her and bring her into the conversation easily.
Something about presents after cake and Naruto’s desire to beat Sasuke in a contest over who can eat the most cake.
Sakura feels it pertinent and mature of her to tell them both, that neither will be able to eat more than her with her button nose in the air.
As expected both boys take offense and she can see Sasuke bracing himself to eat the detested sugary treat.
Sakura cackles inwardly in glee.
Kakashi adamantly ignores the stares from his teammates and his sensei at the hand that is still gripping his own as he converses with Haruno Kaede, actual heir to the Haruno Clan.