[ He's quiet as she contemplates her actions, never really giving thought to what he'd do if she chose to keep her distance. He wouldn't have blamed her in the slightest if she did. After all, he knows he can be difficult to deal with.
But when she takes that step, moving closer, stopping within reach...
It's not something he's ever said or done before, part of a memory he won't let go of, of a person he genuinely wishes could have been a part of his life again (or part of hers, for that matter), but it's the one thing that left a lasting mark on him. Reaching out toward her to tap two fingers to her forehead, a gesture he's been the recipient of time and again. The only sign of affection he really knows how to give. ]
Sorry, Sarada. I'll tell you another time.
[ ...except he knows all too well that he can't be what she needs, so that time may never come. Better to let her down now with the promise of a later that he won't make good on. ]
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But when she takes that step, moving closer, stopping within reach...
It's not something he's ever said or done before, part of a memory he won't let go of, of a person he genuinely wishes could have been a part of his life again (or part of hers, for that matter), but it's the one thing that left a lasting mark on him. Reaching out toward her to tap two fingers to her forehead, a gesture he's been the recipient of time and again. The only sign of affection he really knows how to give. ]
Sorry, Sarada. I'll tell you another time.
[ ...except he knows all too well that he can't be what she needs, so that time may never come. Better to let her down now with the promise of a later that he won't make good on. ]