Summary: Sakura puts off her regression after Naruto and Sasuke leave the village. Eventually, she slips but Kakashi is there to help.
Warnings: Angst, mention of throwing up, age regression fic.
Sakura was lonely after Naruto and Sasuke left.
But, that was to be expected. Sheâd lost her two closest teammates, and only one of them departed with a pleasant goodbye. It wasnât like she was all alone or anything though. She had Tsunade, Kakashi and Ino, and the whole rest of her class. Even if they didnât talk that much. Plus she was a fully fledged Chunin now. She could handle a bit of loneliness.
But, without anymore students to teach, Kakashi was being sent out on more missions outside of the Leaf, as if to rub salt in the raw wound of Sakuraâs lost team. And nowadays, Ino spent all her time with Shikamaru and Choji. After just patching up her rivalry with Ino, Sakura didnât want to default to jealousy, but seeing her clung to her two teammates evoked a pang of envy whenever she happened to pass by them.
They would never abandon her.
Sakura had none of these three things. And on top of that, their sensei was still around. Over the course of a week, Sakura had lost everything and she wanted it back. Even if that was impossible. Even if Naruto was who knows where. Even if Sasuke probably hated them both right now.
Nothing was complete without them. While she was training, Sakura opened her mouth to taunt Naruto on how little he was progressing compared to her, only to remember that there was no one to speak to.
When Sakura lingered around the entrance to the village (normally when she was waiting for Kakashiâs return), the bitter memory of Sasukeâs departure flooded into her head, and she felt like throwing up.
When she ate at the Ichiraku, she looked to her side expectantly at the end of her meal for Kakashi to pay for them, but then remembered that he wasnât there. That there was no âthemâ to pay for.
Tsunade helped. She was a good, if stern, teacher who Sakura fought to gain the approval of. Her academic side greatly appreciated the presence of an expert shinobi like her, but there was always some level of distance between teacher and student.
Unless it was her and Kakashi.
Tsunade was a teacher, yes, but not a friend. Sakura couldnât really expect that from her though. The next best thing was trying to win Tsunadeâs approval, which was straightforward.
She didnât have any distractions from her work anymore, after all.
When she wasnât studying, she was training, and when she wasnât training, she was studying. Whenever she wasnât occupied with those task, she was dispatched on missions, working directly under Tsunade or sometimes on guard duty (though she requested not to have to guard the village exit). In the place of her team, Sakura buried herself in her work because there was nothing else to fill the void.
Sakura always tried to act professional with Tsunade. Mainly she tried to copy Shikamaruâs mannerisms, seeing as the boy had grown up faster than his peers. She stood up straight, spoke factually and devoid of humour, buried her expressive personality beneath a mechanical filter. It worked though. Tsunade seemed to approve of her work, and that was really the only reassurance she needed these days.
Having to act so mature and grown up all the time took a toll on her, because Sakura was neither grown up nor mature. She was still fourteen; she could hardly talk to her crush without stuttering like an idiot, she was still a picky eater, she could hardly read the documents in Tsunadeâs office, even for an academic as brilliant as her. She nearly fell asleep while attempting to decipher them.
But, just like her loneliness, that wasnât too big of a problem. Sakura could act a little more mature than her age.
And it wasnât just a little bit of loneliness.
Except it wasnât but a little bit more mature.
Back when Team 7 was still a thing that existed, which felt increasingly like a dream to Sakura, she could regress more freely. She was embarrassed to do so around Sasuke, of course, but Naruto was a good play mate and Kakashi was an even better baby sitter. In such a high-stress environment, Sakura practically needed the down time.
A few months after they left though, Sakura reported to Tsunade that she was no longer slipping, much to the Hokageâs relief. She never brought up the subject again, likely thinking that Sakura would be embarrassed by it, and over time it was as though that was another part of her life that never existed.
Until it flooded back in again.
It was such a stupid thing to get worked up over as well. She was patrolling the streets, her usual pass time when she wasnât working, when she caught sight of team Ino-Shika-Cho. While normally she wouldnât bother them, she figured her current occupation was a good enough excuse to speak with them so she began strolling over. That was when she noticed Asuma, handing out lollipops to his team with one hand while patting Inoâs head with the other.
Just like Kakashi used to do for her.
It was the pettiest thing. She didnât have a right to be upset over knowing that her comrades were being treated well. But, the taste of the sweets that Kakashi used to buy for them flooded back into her mouth. It was like she was there again. In the past that she only saw in her dreams. Her mouth dried up. Her legs quivered, as if they were about to give out from under her, before she swiftly turned on her heels and ran the other way, kicking up a cloud of dust behind her. She hoped that it masked her. She didnât want anyone to see her in a state like this.
Sakura could already feel the tears welling up in her eyes, the sniffles building up in her nose. It felt like a thick rock had lodged itself inside of her throat and was aching to be released through pained sobs. She couldnât do that yet though. She stopped herself from slipping for months at this point. What was another few minutes? With no where else to go, Sakura found herself tumbling towards Tsunadeâs office. Fortunately, her presence was ignored by the shinobi on duty, probably figuring she was doing some sort of training exercise because apparently that was all she was good for nowadays.
A sob slipped out her throat. She swallowed and looked up. Tsunadeâs door. She pushed herself through it and practically tumbled down on the floor, no longer able to support herself with her legs.
âSakura!â Tsunade called out, rising up in an instant and practically flinging herself over her desk, leaving her paperwork unattended. She kneeled down by Sakuraâs side, eyes instinctively scanning over her body for injuries though her eyebrows ruffled when she found her unharmed.
âSakura, whatâs the matter?â She asked clearly, looking down at Sakura with only traces of warm concern. Mostly she was concerned with Sakura as if she were a problem, which was only natural. She was a leader; anything afflicting a member of the Leaf was a problem to her. Sakura couldnât help but sob a little more though.
âI-I dohâ-â she blubbered, hardly able to get her words at before she got all tongue tied, her throat tight and blocking up any explanations that attempted to rise through it. Tsunade considered her state for a moments before deciding to hoist her up off the floor, grabbing her from under her armpits like a kitten before sitting her on her feet. Though Sakuraâs posture was still all wobbly, so Tsunade allowed her to lean against her for support.
âItâs okay. Just breathe and tell me in a moment.â She assured her. Sakura nodded at the simple instructions, doing her very best to steady her shaky breathing with big, deep breaths but Tsunade could see her struggling with this. She wrapped one arm around Sakuraâs shoulder to keep her supported, however she seemed to take this as an invitation of sorts and clumsily clung her arms around Tsunadeâs torso, her forehead pressed against her stomach as she sniffled.
Tsunade froze. Sakura had never acted like this before. All worked up and weepy. She figured it would be best to change her tone into something that, hopefully, the girl would appreciate more. She raised her hand up and ruffled the top of Sakuraâs head.
âItâs alright. Itâs just me here. You can tell me whatâs going on.â Tsunade assured, her voice promising all the affection that Sakura so desperately wanted. She cracked at the slightest amount of attention, needily hoping sheâd continue receiving this treatment.
âF-felt lohnely,â Sakura answered honestly, as if she were giving Tsunade a report, âand I f-think that Iâm slippinââ she admitted, in a similar but shyer tone.
Tsunadeâs eyes widened. âSlipping? Sakura, I thought-â she stopped speaking once she noticed Sakura tensing up. Maybe she thought she was in trouble for âlyingâ about the state of her regression. Tsunade didnât want to frighten her. She could get the facts straight on Sakuraâs little state once she was in the headspace to speak openly about it. Right now, she needed support.
âThatâs okay, thatâs all alright. Donât worry about it. Do you have anyone who can look after you, little one?â Tsunade asked. Sakura thought for a few moments before a pang of grief struck her heart again. Still she answered honestly.
âKa-Kakashi,â she responded in a low, needy whine. Tsunade nodded and considered this. Kakashi had been sent off on a recon mission a few days ago, but he should be returning today. Just maybe she could give this little girl what she needed.
âOkay, honey, I canât make any promises, but he might be coming back soon. Would you mind letting me call him so I can find out?â Tsunade internally snickered; she was the most powerful person in the village and she was negotiating with a little kid. Sakura shuffled about on the spot as she considered her answer; she removed her hands from Tsunade to rub at her eyes with her wrists. Then, she looked up at her politely, joining her fingers behind her back.
âC-can I stay wif you?â She asked. Tsunadeâs heart melted. She hoisted Sakura up into her arms, earning a little giggle from the girl who in turn wrapped her arms around her neck, and her legs around her waist.
âOf course, baby. Now, to find your senseiâŠâ Tsunade muttered, make to herself but she kept her tone audible enough for Sakura to hear, to keep the little girl clued in on what was happening. She strolled over to her chair before sitting down, with Sakura now nestling down onto her lap comfortably. Tsunade rummaged through her desk before retrieving a device which looked similar to a black earring, a chakra transmitter. After fiddling about with it for a bit, first static seeps out of it, which caused Sakura to wince softly and hide her face in Tsunadeâs neck, though the static soon transformed into a clearly defined audio.
âKakashi,â Tsunade spoke, knowing Kakashi wouldnât be the one to speak first, âwhere are you?â
Kakashi rattled off a set of co-ordinates which were too long for Sakura to follow, and dropped the name of a place which she couldnât remember, but a big smile still sprouted on her face at the sound of his comforting voice.
âHow soon can you get back to the village?â Tsunade asked.
Kakashi thought for a moment. âI assume maybe another hour or two, why?â He questioned, figuring that Tsunade was going to send him out another mission.
Tsunade covered Sakuraâs ear with her hand as she spoke and then promptly uncovered it. âThereâs an issue with Sakura.â
âWhat kind of issue?â
âIâll be there in five minutes.â Kakashi decided, before the transmission was cut off. Sakura grinned, feeling all special from Kakashiâs dedication to her. Her heart went warm with impatience as a big smile sprouted on her face; she pried her face from Tsunadeâs neck and stared up at her.
âAwwh, excited to see Kakashi?â Tsunade cooed, running her fingers through Sakuraâs hair, who let out a tiny squeal before nodding rapidly.
âUh huh! Yeah, I ams!â She agreed hastily, already starting to look quite restless. Somehow Tsunade managed to keep her pacified in her lap, though Sakuraâs eyes remained firmly glued to the door for the next few minutes, fingers tapping against her lap as she waited for Kakashi like an over-excited puppy.
What she didnât expect was to hear Kakashi from behind her.
Scrambling around on Tsunade, Sakura shifted herself around to face the noise. There, she saw Kakashi kneeling in the open window, hunched over so that his body could spill into the room. Despite being covered up by his mask, there was an evident smile in his squinted eyes, a familiar one which left Sakura feeling a form of nostalgic comfort.
It felt like she slipped even more at the sight of him.
âKashi!!â She cheered, as if she just watched a magician perform a magic trick. She scrambled out of Tsunadeâs lap, who made sure she touched down on the ground safely, before tumbling over to Kakashi. In turn, Kakashi hopped down from the window and knelt down with his arms stretched to his sides, allowing Sakura to throw herself against his front, clinging her arms around his body in a needy way.
âHey there, Sakura.â Kakashiâs gruff, lightly muffled voice immediately soothed her. She nestled herself out a place against his body, her hands meeting behind his back as she locked herseling against him, absolutely refusing to let go. She held onto him so tightly; it was like she was worried heâd disappear if she werenât constantly attached to him.
âYou can sure make an entrance.â Tsunade commented, not appreciating the Hokageâs office being broken into through the window, even if the situation was evidently dire.
âSorry, Lady Tsunade, but I did promise five minutes.â Kakashi responded casually. Heâd seriously have to thank Guy later; there was no way he could have made it back to his little girl this swiftly without his help. His comment earned a little giggle from Sakura, still riding the high of actually being able to see Kakashi again, like actually in person and everything! She couldnât remember how long it had been since she last saw him. A few weeks, a month, maybe two. Any amount made her heart throb a little.
âDo you wanna go home, Sakura?â Kakashi asked. Whenever he babysat Sakura before, she normally got shy about voicing her needs around people. As much as she liked Tsunade, he knew that her presence wasnât doing Sakura any favours right now.
âMhmmmmm!!â She agreed, nodding her head rapidly against Kakashi. After a glance towards Tsunade, who nodded in approval, Kakashi made his way for the door.
âBye Tsun-Tsu-!â Sakura leaned over Kakashiâs soldiers, frantically waving at Tsunade with a big grin on her face, a bit too little to get out her name properly though. Tsunade just smiled fondly and waved back as Sakura disappeared through the door.
As they walked, Kakashi considered his next steps. It had been a while since Sakura had slipped, and he was under the impression heâd never see her in that state again. Despite the circumstances, he did feel glad at Sakura regressing. Heâd also missed his little girl, missed being able to take care of her, missed carrying her around. But, he was still out of practice. Did Sakura like being rocked? Was that Naruto? There was one thing he knew that he needed to do, at least.
âIâm sorry I havenât been around much, Sakura. You should be more of a priority for me.â His biggest priority really. Not the Leaf Village, not even the whole world compared to her safety, and her happiness, the latter of which heâd taken for granted.
âIs okay, Kashi. I know youâre busy ân stuff,â Sakura mumbled, clearly still a bit disappointed. Or maybe she was just goading Kakashi into reassuring her further. She was never too good at asking for affection after all; distance just hindered her ability even further:
âNever too busy for you, Sakura. Iâll do my best to be here when you need me.â There was something about the way Kakashi said Sakuraâs name that was able to calm her in an instant. A genuinely unconditional loving quality existed in his voice that made her feel perfectly safe with him. She couldnât stop a big grin from spreading across her face.
âThank you, Kashi!â She exclaimed brightly. The sound of Sakuraâs innocent, sweet little voice was welcome to Kakashiâs ears. She settled herself down silently in Kakashiâs hold as he exited the building and began walking the streets to her home, being too small to care if people saw her being carried around. Fortunately, the only person who seemed to take interest in the pair was Guy, who waved Kakashi down.
âKakashi!â He called out, approaching him. Having been with Kakashi when Tsunade reached out, he felt compelled to check up on him. Kakashi wasnât worried or anxious per-say, but there was a deep, protective need that rose up from him when he heard about Sakura. In Guyâs opinion, it was rather manly.
âIs everything alright?â He asked.
Kakashi stopped to talk to him. âEverythingâs fine, Guy. She ju-â Kakashiâs calm voice was cut off by a needy whine from Sakura into his flak jacket. He paused before letting out a huff of amusement. Little Sakura never appreciated when her caregiverâs attention was on literally anybody else. The familiarity eased him.
âSorry, Guy, Iâve gotta get this one home.â Kakashi declared helplessly. Guy gave a wordless salute to Kakashi, understanding his situation. As Kakashi walked off, he began rubbing circles into Sakuraâs back.
âYouâre a real possessive baby, you know that.â Kakashi cooed, moving up a hand to ruffle at Sakuraâs hair.
âI wanâ your atten-attenshun,â Sakura slurred out in a meagre voice, clinging her hands to Kakashiâs back. Her voice sounded so little it was like sheâd be totally helpless without Kakashi. How has this poor girl managed to last for so long without him?
âYou can have all my attention, Sakura.â Kakashi promised. As she approached her home, he was glad to learn that her parents were away, both because it would be easier to take care of her without interruptions, and because he wasnât sure he could keep his composure seeing as they clearly werenât supporting his daughter as much as she needed.
Their daughter, he meant.
âLetâs get you up to your room.â He announced. With Sakura, he had learnt, it was better to tell her what you were going to do and give her a chance to object if she wanted, rather than ask her to make a decision. Seeing as she didnât start whining again, Kakashi figured this was the correct option and carried Sakura up to her room. It was, as he expected, very pink.
Though, Kakashi had also noticed Sakuraâs hands had moved over to her shoulders, picking at the rims of her flak jacket. Chunin uniforms were rather weighty, and far too professional looking for a little baby like her.
âYou wanna get changed, Sakura?â He asked tenderly. Sakura nodded calmly.
âYou want any help?â Kakashi prompted. Sakura bit at her inner cheek in consideration, her face taking on a pink hue before she reached a meek decision.
âI can do its myselfâŠbut uhm..can you pick so-somethinâ please?â She asked. Kakashi smiled with his eyes before rooting through Sakuraâs wardrobe, deciding on a short sleeved pink top, white bottoms and pink-and-white striped socks. He didnât consider himself particularly fashionable, but judging from the smile Sakura gave him, he figured these were a good fit. Kakashi placed the stack of folded-up clothes beside Sakura on the bed before giving her some privacy to change, standing on the other end of her closed door.
After a few moments of some minutes ruffling from inside, the door slowly clicked open, causing Kakashi to peek up. Looking down, he was met with the adorable sight of Sakura clad in the soft, frosting coloured clothes, and a rather proud expression on her face. There was just one problem.
âWell done, Sakura.â Kakashi praised her, patting the top of her head. âBut your shirtâs on back to front.â He commented, causing Sakuraâs face to flush red.
âWant some help with that?â Kakashi offered, his tone light as to avoid unintentionally shaming Sakura. She nodded quietly. Kakashi got to work, skipping her arms out of her sleeves before twisting her shirt around so that it was facing the correct way. Then, he held each of her sleeves taut and allowed Sakura to wriggle her arms through them.
âThere. You look adorable.â Kakashi complimenting her, earning a little giggle from Sakura, and a natural, cat-like grin to form on her face. Then, kneeling down to be on Sakuraâs level, Kakashi opened his eyes, looking at her with all the compassion in the world.
âNow, Sakura. I know things must be hard for you right now, but you should never feel like you have to hide your regression from me, or anyone else you trust. I will always be here to support you when I can.â Kakashi promised her. A few tears wetted Sakuraâs eyes before she blinked them away, nodding with childish resolve.
âO-ohkay! I-itâs jusâ that youâve all been so busy lately, nâ stuffâŠâ she admitted in a shyer tone afterwards.
âJust because things change doesnât mean that Iâll stop caring about you. Youâll always be in my heart, Sakura.â
She couldnât blink away the tears that time. She got all shaky again but it didnât feel bad, like before. There was just too much love inside of her and she didnât know what to do with it. The only thing she could think to do was cry her little heart out.
Kakashi pulled her into his arms, letting her mess up his uniform with her tears and sniffling.
âThere, there, Sakura. Itâs alright; I wonât ever leave you.â He promised, and he meant it.
