Chapter 26 - He's been vetted
“Uh…”
Obito feels this is an appropriate response, considering that little Haruno Sakura, aka the toddler who terrifies him, has finally worked up the courage to be within his immediate vicinity.
And judging by how she pouts up at him with her arms outstretched like she did to Bakashi all those months ago, Obito knows she is demanding to be picked up.
Why by him, of all the teens in the room, he does not know.
But he knew better than to deny the little girl her request. So he picks her up from underneath her armpits, like one does a cat.
(That’s how wary he is.)
The rosette obviously doesn’t appreciate the hold if the adorable pout and scary scowl mean anything. But Obito is hesitant to bring her any closer.
“She’s a child, not a paper bomb, Dobe,” Bakashi snorts. From his side eye, he can make out the Hatake heir watching Naruto and Sasuke tussle like puppies with something decidedly fond and amused in his eyes.
Before Obito can snark back at his best friend, he flinches at the familiar feel of medical chakra flowing through his body. Something about this chakra runs a bit deeper than anything Rin or another medic has ever done to him, but he ignores that. It’s instinct alone that keeps him from dropping the toddler in his precarious hold. When he turns to look at her and ask, gently, what the fuck she just did, he pauses.
After three months, three weeks, and two days, Haruno Sakura is smiling at him.
He will forever deny the reverent gasp that left his mouth at the sight.
Obito only has one thought as he takes in her flushed plump cheeks, her spring green eyes with amber flecks, and the truly iridescent smile on her lips. (He thinks part of that smile is relief? But-)
I get it.
Little Haruno Sakura yawns adorably. Almost kitten-like and drops asleep in his definitely uncomfortable hold.
His heart is pounding so fast, and he never noticed his sharingan activated to capture her smile. He brings Sakura closer to his chest and takes a seat on the couch next to Kakashi.
(The playdate this weekend happened in the Hokage residence.)
“I get it, Bakashi,” He whispers, so as not to wake the rosette.
Kakashi hums, book open but eye on the squabbling boys.
--
“I need to take Sacchan home, Obito-senpai.” Haruno Kaede says, very amused.
Obito debates instantly if he wants to get into a fight with the rightful family of the little girl he’s keeping captive in his arms.
Itachi and Shisui, who have come to pick up Sasuke, share a commiserating look before giving Obito a knowing glance.