Introduction

It was a clear afternoon at the uni, with sunshine and a cool breeze. The campus was abuzz with minds that were constantly being shaped; with students that were discovering the meaning behind their chosen career path. For many, there was no underlying meaning to their study: a dream to fulfil. Their education was all about the end result, where a steady income was the prize…and perhaps that meant letting a dream or two go along the way.

It didn't surprise me. Money made the world go round, after all, and I felt lucky that I had a talent that I could work with.

For me, university was about getting that job, yes; but that wasn't all there was to it…

I also wanted to hone my skills, and learn about who I was. I wanted to know when to ask questions, and absorb the answers. I wanted to understand the information that I had learned – the questions that I'd asked –, and apply it to myself; only after aligning it with what I already knew to be true – with who I held myself to be, and the scope of my world, which grew with each new piece of data.

Yes, I'll admit that the university had helped turn me into a nut-bag, who contextualised all that I read with parallels of my real life. However, I could probably attribute most of my bad habits, and fantasies, to my part time job at the bookstore, where I had been employed since high school. The people at 'Kakashi's Corner' were crazy, and had turned me crazy too, but they were my family away from my family…

If you hadn't guessed it by now, I'm an avid reader; though, not by profession. While I had enjoyed literature at school, I was a lover of romance and whimsy. I'm Sakura Haruno – I'm 21 years old, a nursing student, bookworm, blanket stealer, I had pink hair, and I was bad for unintentional violence when I drank. I lived in a crappy apartment closer to the other side of town, where the hospital I interned at was located, as well as my work. Aside from uni, I didn't really leave my little sphere, and life was working out just fine.

And by fine, I meant that I was running incredibly late!

Picking up my pace, I secured my book bag over my shoulder. Then, I proceeded to weave skilfully through the people filling the halls for evening classes. I had just finished my last lecture for the day, and my brain felt dead. I'd downed three coffees earlier, which fixed the oncoming crash that I was due for, on account of not sleeping very well the night before. My legs were seasoned from walking everywhere, though, and it didn't matter how tired I was.

It was hard juggling uni, placement, and work. I had friends, but they were all tied up with the same bullshit that I was.

Turning the corner, I bolted down the entranceway stairs, where I saw my friend Sai standing at the bottom. His black hair was immaculate, and he was dressed very neatly, like always.

Sai was my quietest friend, though he was definitely the rudest; at least to me he was. Nevertheless, I loved that pale skinned introvert. Obviously, it wasn't love love; I had never come upon that, unfortunately.

"Sorry Sai. Can't talk!" I exclaimed as I barrelled past him. I had time to see him lift his hand up in a silent wave, and I catalogued his expression as comically confused; though, knowing him, he had been keeping up with his bad habit of painting all night and napping during the day, and his features were just resembling sleep-dumbness – an expression that described the state of a person who had just woken up.

I crashed through the doors and ran for the train station. I had never cut it this close before, and although my train usually left in half an hour's time, it was a 25-minute walk from the uni. I ran quickly, ignoring my book bag thrashing around on my back. I was puffing by the time I reached the station, and I wished for some water.

There was no time, as I scanned my train card and followed the beep of the departing signal.

I was the last person to enter the cabin, and there wasn't very much room for me at all.

Regardless, I sighed in relief and leaned my head against the pole situated behind me. My heart rate showed little sign of slowing down, and I concentrated on my breathing.

"You look in a rush." A woman's voice cut through the throng of chatter. She was sitting in a disability seat beside the door, and I turned to look at her fully. I had to hold onto the pole as the train curved around a bend, and the scraping sound of heavy machine against copper filtered in through the tightly sealed cabin.

"I am." I said simply, feeling very tired all of a sudden.

"Where are you headed?" The woman asked.

"The old district." I divulged.

"That's a stop before mine." She smiled and the movement of her lips against the stillness of her jowls made my heart warm. It was a possible oddity that I had always been afflicted with; I really liked the elderly…

I didn't know the woman (which was usually the case), but I turned my attention to her for the rest of the trip…

"Thank you, Momo-san. Stop by when you come into the hospital, if you like." I said as my stop came up. The twenty-minute travel saw that I knew all of her ailments. We had a nice long conversation about the ups and downs of osteoarthritis (not that there seemed to be many ups), and I learned that she had a cat named Rupert.

The bell dinged, and the cabin slowed. I bid goodbye to Momo-san, and still smiling, I pushed my way onto the platform. It took a good few minutes to get through the throng of exiting passengers, and onto the street. From there I made a beeline in the direction of the bookstore.

I was already five minutes late for my shift, and work was a ten-minute walk from the station.

Of course, that was the moment that my stomach grumbled and I realised exactly how hungry I was…

"Shit." I swore to myself, but I didn't slow down. Internally, I weighed up the pros and cons of not eating, versus eating and being extremely late.

I decided on option B, because really, what was five minutes more? Surely my boss wouldn't mind.

I could visit the convenience store along the way…

The convenience store was empty, and I thanked my lucky stars. Quickly, I passed the junk food and chose the bento with the latest time stamp. It wasn't gourmet, but I'd eaten plenty in my life to know that it was better than top ramen. Though, I had a friend that would dispute the fact until the cows came home.

I grasped the clear, but flimsy, container, and strode back to the counter. I'd pay and be on my way.

A throat cleared…

Turning, my green eyes fell upon a young man that was waiting for assistance. He looked about my age, but he obviously lived a different life. His skin was pale, and his hair was black. He was clad in a leather jacket, tailored shirt, with silver chain around his neck, and jeans; he looked like a gangster. The guy smirked as I reached his face, and I registered that he had an eyebrow piercing, and intense dark eyes.

I realised that I was staring and felt myself turning red. He had caught me, and probably got the wrong idea!

To be fair, he was very attractive…

"Sorry! I didn't see you there." I jumped back, allowing him to have access to the counter, and he grunted in reply.

Not much of a talker, I assumed, and I watched as he paid the store clerk in cash, for the cigarettes, before uttering a soft, "Thanks," and exiting the store. The bell dinged to signify that he had left, and I turned back to the clerk.

"Just this thanks." I said, and the older man rung it up. I took the disposable chopsticks, and offered him a smile.

"Come again." He said politely, and I reached for the door handle that would lead me to the street.

"Thanks." I responded as the glass swung open, and I was greeted with the sharp light of evening, and an unpleasant sound.

"Whatcha doing Miss?" A man asked me from across the street. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and tattered pants, his hair (that was an uncomfortable orange) was spiked up, and when he sneered I could see his golden grillz. How distasteful…

He watched me lecherously, and I scowled. I had dealt with plenty of people like him before, and I wouldn't let him get to me. There were others with him though, and it made me a bit nervous.

I stepped forward, walking along the footpath, and I pretended like I hadn't heard.

"Come on, baby." He called out. "Why you runnin away?"

I kept walking, bundling my jacket closer. It made me feel less violated, until he spoke again. His words were typical of a rejected heathen.

"Yeah, that's right you bitch, couldn't handle me anyway." He growled. "I'd fuck you into next Tuesday." He illustrated to his group, and they laughed.

I clammed up instantly, stopping in my tracks. I wasn't quite certain what this rage was called, but I felt it in my bones, and it wasn't the first time either. Misogynistic behaviour was always worse when it was violating; I couldn't stand the way it made me feel, which was sick.

I couldn't stop myself from turning around and facing the group. I met his eyes, and spoke strongly.

"You aren't on my list to be 'handled', so that's convenient! I would never let you 'fuck me', least of all until next Tuesday. So unless you want to do a stretch for rape, I'd say go fuck yourself!"

I turned then, and revelled in the silence behind me. I didn't waste any time by waiting, and started off to my shift.

I didn't see the quiet guy with dark hair, leaning against the wall of the convenience store, smoking a cigarette. He exhaled a puff of smoke from his nostrils and narrowed his eyes at the scene.

The cat calling sons of bitches didn't see him standing there either…

"Sakura-chan! You're late!" Naruto scolded me, as I entered the store. His blond head popped up from behind the counter where he was covertly pulling on his training pants.

"I know, I'm sorry!" I exclaimed, throwing my bag beside his and huffing loudly. My bento hit the counter, and I sank into the plush computer chair. Naruto fixed me with a look that said I did not deserve the comfy spot.

He was leaving, however.

"You're lucky I'm your best friend." He told me, and I smiled.

"I know. I just had an interesting time getting here. Bad day…" I explained, giving him an apologetic look. "I've made you late now, so I'll make it up to you later." I suggested.

"Yeah?" Naruto's blue eyes twinkled. I knew exactly where he was going with this.

"Yeah." I replied anyway. "Name your price." I smirked. This was a game we had been playing since the 8th grade.

"Tonkotsu ramen. You're making." He grinned. "And dessert afterwards?"

"Whatever you want." I smiled, and he saluted me – the fool.

"See ya!" He called out, before ripping the door open and bounding toward his goal.

"Ah, Naruto." I murmured softly.

I sighed, and looked at the empty shop around me. It was always quiet when Naruto went to the studio. He taught martial arts to kids in the area, and he was pretty good at it too. My best friend was goofy, but his heart was made of gold. It was the main reason why I didn't tell him about my run in at the convenience store. Naruto would have gone all 'big brother' on me, for sure.

He wasn't supposed to participate in violence unless it was for self-defence. Those guys were gone and there was no reason to tell him.

Naruto told me once, about the importance of self-restraint and knowing when to act. Unfortunately for him, he had a habit of being impulsive.

Nevertheless, he was never one to start a fight. I even asked him about it, a while ago:

"I've been given these skills to use them responsibly, just like you and healing." He replied.

I told him that I didn't actually heal. I was training to be a nurse, not a doctor.

Naruto just smiled and shook his head like it didn't matter.

"You've always patched me up when I needed it." Naruto countered me, and I couldn't argue.

That conversation happened where I was sitting right now. Actually, most conversations with Naruto and I occurred here, or at my apartment.

Naruto lived upstairs with Kakashi. They were legally father and son, but Naruto was adopted. Hatake was my mother's maiden name, and on the family register it was also my name. I used my dad's legacy though, just as Naruto still used his mother's name. Kakashi liked to say that Naruto was an affliction that we needed to have. We certainly weren't a traditional family unit. My boss and uncle, wasn't good at keeping women.

In fact, he even said once:

"Sakura, it was a simple choice. I could have found a woman, dated her, gotten married, had a kid, and then be tied down eternally. Or, I could adopt an orphan like myself and be done with it. Besides, I thought you needed someone to play with."

I had to admit that Kakashi made sense. However, I couldn't help but wonder if he needed more than me. Kakashi loved me, but I knew that there was more to it. He had a commitment complex, but he looked at Naruto like he was the sun, like he understood Naruto.

Kakashi had never looked at me like that, and he had known me since I was born.

My mother still lived in the town that we were from, and I lived there until I was 10. Then, I was shipped off to Tokyo to live with uncle Kakashi to make something of myself. I didn't know that my mother was having money issues at the time, and we needed Kakashi to bail us out.

I knew that my mother loved me, and for a while I thought that I'd be able to go home. By my 15th birthday I realised that 'home' wasn't an option anymore, but I didn't so much mind. Kakashi's bookstore, with the flat upstairs, was my home.

It wasn't until I was much older that I moved out. I lived here when Naruto came along, and after. We became fast friends even though I was jealous of him. He was cheeky and Kakashi loved him openly. When we turned 18 Naruto was given the title of manager so that Kakashi could slack off. I handled a lot of the bookwork for free and manned the store part time, and found myself growing jealous of Naruto again. I shouldn't have, Naruto had become my brother, and both he and Kakashi were rooting for my future. Kakashi had been helping me save for an education; he knew my dream and wanted me to succeed. He even helped me get my flat. I couldn't have become a registered anything if I had to look after the store all the time.

Naruto on the other hand, had plenty of time on his hands. He was the obvious choice for the role, despite his lack of education. He went to high school with me, but didn't go onto college. I agreed that it wouldn't have suited him, and Kakashi and I supported his decision.

I exhaled, and pushed away any lingering jealousy, that should have died with age. I focussed on cracking the wooden chopsticks apart and tucking into my bento. The sushi wasn't as fresh as it could be, but I groaned in happiness all the same. I anticipated the cramp that I'd feel in my stomach, from waiting so long to eat, but I didn't care at this moment.

It had been a hard day, and although I was at work, I could relax for a while. It was very rare that we had an influx of people at this time of evening - and until we opened up the new back room, (which I suspected was of the porny kind), I would close up at 9pm…

My shift went without incident, aside from Kakashi arriving home from the pub and being overly doting. He tried to sweep me up and dance with me, but I wouldn't have it. Instead, I asked him what he'd been up to he gave me a reproachful look.

"Come on Sakura, why ruin the fun?" He asked, making me feel like an old woman. I'm sure that it was his intention, as well, because his eyes were twinkling. Kakashi knew exactly what he had to say to get what he wanted. He was a trickster in his 30's and I was convinced that he'd never grow up. In the end, he told me that Iruka, his only male friend, had talked his ear off. Then, as if to add insult to injury, he told me of an injured animal that he saved on his way home. I knew that he didn't think me stupid, or perhaps he did.

Knowing my godfather, the true story was a bit different. He had probably just had a few drinks past chatty, and strolled home upon calling time. It was a weeknight, after all, and their local had an early curfew. It was implemented a couple of months back to protect the ladies in the area. Apparently there had been some trouble with drunken women being taken advantage of.

I shook my head and thanked Kami that I didn't drink often. I made sure the security code was typed in correctly, and I called out a goodbye, even though I knew Kakashi would be asleep. Naruto had returned home an hour before though, and he called back,

"You sure you don't want me to walk you?"

"It'll be fine, Naruto. It's two blocks." I projected my voice. We had this conversation almost every night.

"Alright. Text me when you get home." He yelled back on cue.

I smiled and called my agreement.

"Love you!" I said, as I locked the door to the store.

I didn't turn around quick enough, and found a hand at the back of my neck. The person fisted my hair and ripped me backwards.

"I love you too." A sinister voice sounded behind me, and my blood chilled. He chuckled, and I realised that it was the creep from before. I struggled and tried to scream, but he held his hand over my mouth. I kicked, wriggled, and bit him, yet it didn't stop him from carrying me into the dark street.

I wanted to throw up, this couldn't be happening. I had just been thinking about the curfew…

I couldn't let it!

With all of my might, I pulled my head forward and then slammed it backwards. I heard a sickening crunch, and the heel of my foot happened to land solidly against his stomach. My attacker wailed, and then groaned. I scrambled forward.

Unfortunately, he wasn't alone. I felt tears rise to the surface as hoodlums revealed themselves from the shadows.

"No…" I whispered, my eyes growing fearful; the sick fuck behind me barked a pained laugh.

"You stupid bitch." He said, and I was truly scared of his tone. It sounded like he wanted to destroy me.

"Fuck off." I growled, even though I knew that I was outnumbered and outgunned.

I hoped that Naruto could hear me scream, but it wasn't likely. He always turned the T.V up so that he wouldn't have to put up with Kakashi's snoring.

I was well and truly fucked…

"Step away from her." A deep authoritative voice sounded from the darkness. I cursed the broken street lamps and looked around for the owner.

The guy behind me cackled and I heard him stand properly. His men watched me, and I stood from where I'd fallen. Slowly, I turned to face my main captor. He sneered and I thought that perhaps I'd imagined the voice. No one was going to save me…

"I told you – Get the fuck away from her."

This time I knew it was real, and a figure appeared. I realised instantly where I knew him from, and gaped as the dark haired man stepped in front of me. He lifted his arm up to reveal a knife, which he held out menacingly. His grip said that he knew how to use it too, and his face dared someone to call his bluff.

I couldn't look away from the person who was coming to my defence. The spike of his hair looked genetic, and his jaw was angular. The aura that he exuded wasn't something that I wanted to mess with.

This guy didn't just look like a gangster.

His weapon told me that he was one…

"Anyone touches her and I'll fuck you with this knife." The black knight threatened, and I glanced toward the slimy fuckhead to see if it registered. His grillz shone in the moonlight, and he looked like he was snarling in silent rage; he still made me feel sick.

"Calm down, man. No need to be crazy." Someone from behind me said, and the weapon wielding man didn't turn around.

He did say, "Come closer to me," softly, so only I could hear him.

I did so quickly and I was assaulted with the scent of cologne mixed with tobacco. It was an interesting flavour that wasn't completely unfamiliar. Though, there was an underlying something that I couldn't place; it was sweet.

My saviour stood tall in front of me, and he asked icily,

"Do I have to say it again?" It was clear that something bad would happen if he had to repeat himself.

"Come on, boss." Another henchman implored, and the leader's eyes narrowed.

Then, the suspense fell; the fucker shrugged, and spat on the ground in front of us.

"Bitch isn't worth it." He growled, and made a show of raising his hands as he passed. Still, the guy in the leather jacket shielded me, following the dickhead with his knife.

They exited with a round of curses, all aimed at me, and I exhaled shakily.

My knees gave way and I anticipated the hard ground beneath me. I felt like I was going to throw up. The fall never came, however, and I felt arms wrapped around my waist. I was behind held up.

"Woah. It's okay." He said, and I barely understood it. My vision was spotty and I felt myself being lowered to the ground. It felt different though, and as I opened my eyes again, I realised that I was on a bench.

He was sitting under me; my head must have been on his lap.

I closed my eyes again only to have them snap open. I tried to sit up quickly, and the dizziness began all over again. He pulled me back down.

"Just be there for a second." The stranger told me in an annoyed tone.

I scowled, but did as he said. I found that I wasn't able to speak, at first, or even form words.

Finally, I managed a squeak.

"Thank you." I said croakily, and this time I succeeded in sitting. I moved slowly, because I still felt like shit. I was too out of it to notice how close we were sitting. My knee bumped against his and I felt safe, despite being a little out of it.

"You should have been more careful." He scolded, and if I was in my right mind I would have gotten annoyed. Though, to be fair, he had saved me.

"Don't look like that." The guy said. "If I hadn't of come-"

"I know!" I exclaimed suddenly, raising my hand. I closed my eyes in desperate plea. I didn't want him to say it.

We both knew what was going to happen. That sick fucker was calling my bluff from earlier.

Some people obviously didn't care about prison - or perhaps - he wasn't planning on going to prison because I wouldn't have been around to tell.

I shivered as I thought about what that meant.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that he was looking at me. He had turned to face me, leaning closer in observation. His almost black eyes were blank, and it was a little disconcerting, but I didn't feel afraid.

"Are you okay?" He asked, and I found that even his voice of concern was demanding.

I paused to think about his question.

"I will be." I came up with, and he nodded, before moving back to sit properly. His arms crossed over his chest, and he looked satisfied with my answer.

"I'll walk you home." He told me. There was no room for question in his tone, but I wasn't sure how I felt about him knowing my address. While, he was gorgeous, and had saved me, it didn't change the fact that he was a criminal.

I shook my head. "It's okay. I'll just call my brother." I told him, as I dialled Naruto's mobile.

"Uh. Hi. Naruto. I'm not feeling too well. Do you think I could stay with you tonight?" I knew that he wouldn't say no to me.

The guy watched me as I replied to Naruto's words, and told him to meet me out the front.

When I hung up, the man stood.

"Where's your brother?" He asked, and I pointed towards the shop. It was then that the outside light flicked on and I heard the distant entrance bell ring.

The guy nodded, and I took in his features once more. This was probably that last time that I'd see him.

I felt regretful for a moment, as I studied the arch of his brow, and the paleness of his skin. There was something in his eyes that I couldn't decipher because it was guarded, and he pressed his thin lips together as he pulled the edges of his jacket forward; it was a smooth movement that only the coolest of people could pull off, and I watched in guilty wonder.

Then, he looked over his shoulder. My eyes met his and he said,

"Protect yourself."

I nodded dumbly, as my heart thumped in girly response.

By the time I was done watching him walk away, I realised that I hadn't learnt his name.

I cursed myself with a growl and stood. I could see Naruto waiting for me at the store entryway, yawning and leaning against the wall.

It was probably for the best. I decided. If I didn't know the guy's name, then I couldn't get involved.

Feeling paranoid, I rushed toward my best friend and cannoned into his arms. I wrapped Naruto up tightly, and revelled in the safety that I felt.

"It's okay Sakura, I'll make you some soup." Naruto told me, as he stroked my hair.

I felt immeasurable love for my friend in that moment, and I allowed him to pull me inside.

That night I was too tired to dream, but when I woke, I wondered,

'What was his name?'