Eclipse

Part 3

The following days are quiet. Sasuke mostly spends time trying to settle back into life in Konoha. He tries to vow not to leave ever again, but the potential is still tantalizing. He doesn't feel like he belongs in Konoha anymore and the largest part of him hates being here. It isn't just the bad memories, it's the people, too. He knows that he'll never be fully, truly accepted back into the ninja world by the town he once betrayed. Naruto may be optimistic, but Sasuke isn't. He understands that he did wrong and many people won't be sympathetic towards him regardless of his reasoning.

Sakura, Kakashi and Naruto have been visiting frequently. Sometimes they bring others with them - people like Ino, Kiba, Shikamaru. Just like everyone else, they were surprised to see Sasuke with a baby. He's sure it has gotten around town by now and he's sure that everyone is trying to figure out who the mother is. He knows that it can't stay a secret forever, but he'll try and keep it quiet for as long as he can. He isn't ready to talk about it - let alone say her name.

Sasuke eventually decides to leave his house and venture outside with Sarada. He catches people staring, but he tries not to pay any mind to it. He puts on a look of content and doesn't let it bother him. He knows he's young and he knows that a lot of people would consider what he did a mistake but he doesn't. His daughter isn't a mistake.

He walks towards the center of the town and into the administrative building. Inside, he knows he'll find Naruto in his office. In the lobby, however, he spots Tsunade. She approaches him and says, "Sasuke, I heard you were back." Sasuke bows his head to the older woman. He catches her staring at Sarada, but she doesn't question him. Instead, she adds, "Let me take you to Naruto."

Sasuke thanks her as she leads him to the top floor and down a hallway. She knocks before simply letting herself in.

The first thing Sasuke sees is a desk. On it, a huge stack of paperwork. Behind it, Naruto.

"Naruto," Tsunade starts, pulling him away from his thoughts. "Sasuke is here to see you."

Naruto raises his head and smiles. "Thanks." With that, Tsunade nods and leaves the two friends alone.

"Hokage," Sasuke greets him. "Hey, Sasuke. Come for work?"

"I've been thinking about that," he says offhandedly, staring down at Sarada. "It's not a good time for me to be distracted. I want to be home with my daughter until she's a little older."

"There are daycares, Sasuke," Naruto points out. "I don't want to put her in a daycare, Sasuke says protectively. "I don't trust anyone with her."

Naruto gestures to the sofa in the center of the room. "Sit," he says to Sasuke, who obeys. Naruto stands up, moving in front of his desk and standing in front of him. "You cannot raise her without help, Sasuke."

"I have been," he argues.

"And look at yourself," Naruto murmurs. "You're a mess. You're tired. You barely sleep. Don't think I haven't noticed. You need a break, Sasuke. You carry your daughter around with you everywhere... but it's not healthy. You're over-parenting. Kids need to be socialized. You need to let her be around other people."

Sasuke frowns. He never thought about it that way before and he has a hard time disagreeing. "I suppose," he relents, not bothering to deny it.

Naruto stands up from his desk and nears Sasuke. "Come on; let's go to the daycare center."

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Together, the two men leave the building and Naruto leads Sasuke to the town daycare. It's a colourful building with a playground. Outside there are children playing - children of all ages.