Moonlight

Aftermath

Sakura 'Haruno' Cadet Alex- 34 years old

Sako Cadet- 17 years old

Hermie Cadet- 65 years old

Kakashi Hatake- 44 years old

Princess Ayumu Alex Hatake- 35 years old

Kia Alex Hatake- 16 years old

Narrator's POV

When court was dismissed hours ago, Sakura was in her brother and father quarters in the castle. The siblings stayed with their father throughout the end of court and stayed with him back to his quarters. 

They tried to get him to speak but he was giving them silent treatment. All Hermie did since they came back from court was change his clothes and sat in the living room space, staring at a wall. Sako sat beside his father and Sakura couldn't stand the quiet.

 She blows up after a couple hours. 

"Dad, I'm sorry but please talk to us. Ever since the meeting days ago, you haven't spoken either one of us or today was the first time I heard you speak. You're hurting and I understand that but please just talk to us." Sakura said, crouching down before her father and taking his hands. Hermie sigh and look at his children.

 "I'm sorry." He said in a deep voice.

 "I was just thinking about everything. Thinking right before we got married. I should have known something was going on." He continued. Sako look at his father. "What do you mean dad?" Sako ask. 

"As you both know, in our clan, our mind barriers are kept down and open. It's our way of talking to each other telepathically. However, before we got married, Saki came back looking sick and complained of a major headache. She told me she felt better when her mind barriers were up. I didn't question it. Whatever made her feel better. Then as the years progressed, I would encourage her to let her mind barriers down, but she would find ways to change to subject. Again, I didn't question it. However, one of the elder had concerns. He believed that Sumire was hiding something. I took offense to that. I defended her. It wasn't long till all of the other elders believe in those theories. She never had her mind barriers down, not even in her sleep. Now, I know why." Hermie said sadly. 

Sakura felt bad.

 "Don't get me wrong you two, I love your mother, but I just can't. It's better for me to not think about it." He said sadly.

 Sakura and Sako look at each other again and then back at their father. 

"Dad, why don't you come down to the Leaf Village and stay with me for a bit. The kids will be happy to have their other grandfather with them. I'm pretty sure Sako will be able to handle the clan for a bit." Sakura said.

 "She's right dad. Leaving would be a good idea. And you can come back whenever you're ready. I can handle the clan affairs for a bit." Sako said. 

Hermie look up and stare at his son.

 "I can't do that to you Sako. What about your internship? It's intense and dealing with the clan affairs will take a lot of your time." Hermie said. 

Sako gave him a look. 

"When I often visited the Leaf Village, I picked up on a trick I learnt from Lord Seventh. I will be fine. Don't worry." Sako gave his father a smile.

 Hermie smiled at them. "Okay. I'll leave with Sakura." 

Sakura grinned. 

"Perfect. I'll let my husband and the kids know. They will be so happy." Sakura said, slowly getting up and giving her father a kiss on his cheek.