Linger and Leave
The sight that Tsunade witnessed that morning in Kakashi's hotel room was a morbid one. She hoped she could erase it fully from her mind, but it seemed to have been permanently etched into her brain. She remember how a cold shiver reverberated through her spine as she watched him vigorously wash his hands together in the kitchen sink.
The lines in his face screamed out his petrified and helpless expression. As he continued to 'clean' his hands, he grew weaker and his eyes began to lose its sight. As if he didn't even know what he was staring at anymore.
Tsunade didn't know what to do, she stayed stood in front of him with her mouth half-open. His hands bled and the portion of his skin cracked because of the constant swipes of soap he lathered on. It was until he stared crying out about it not coming off, that Tsunade dropped the keys and bag in her hands and rushed by his side.
She pushed him away from the sink and pressed against him next to another counter. Her hands grabbed a fistful of his black polo shirt, as she huffed out short breaths. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"T-Tsu..nade," he slowly spoke. He blinked several times, trying to recognize his surroundings. Quietly he glanced down at his bleeding hands with a soft apologetic expression. He didn't look vaguely surprised, it was as if what he had done wasn't good enough.
The blonde tiptoed and clasped both sides of his face and drew him down to her. "...Why the hell are you harming yourself?!"
"Why are you here?"
"I'm here to invite you to breakfast. But right now, I'm here for a whole other reason!"
"What?" He mumbled, annoyed.
"It looks like I'm here to save you from yourself."
"Quit exaggerating."
"Exaggerating?!" She roared, yanking up his hand. "This is not an exaggeration! You're bleeding!"
Tsunade quickly rummaged through the drawers and cabinets, checking each and every component for a first aid kit. Upon retrieving it on the top cupboard, she gently guided Kakashi to a nearby stool and tended to his wounds. After she cleaned his hands from the blood, she found that his hands were barely scarred, it only had small traces of where his skin splintered.
With a grimace she disinfected his wounded and put a plaster over it. Kakashi's gaze never left her meticulous hands, tending to his needs, being as soft as feather. Being the hot tempered woman she is, she shoved back the leftovers of the bandages and slammed the box closed before she shot a menacing glare at him.
"Well?" She prodded.
Kakashi didn't look at her in the eye, but he did caress her hands with his own. "Can we forget this ever happened?"
"What? No-!"
"Please."
"We're going to talk about it!"
"...Tsunade-"
"We always dodge this. There will always come a time where you act like this - melancholy and shit!" She roared. "All those time... we never talked about it. You keep telling me it's nothing. Well, this isn't nothing!"
"How can I talk about it when I don't know how?!" He fought back, startling her. "...I want to, I just..."
"Well-"
"Just drop it, Tsunade."
"Do you really expect me to just forget about this?"
"Yes."
It was until after a while that Tsunade trudged back to his door. He raised his chin and looked at her standing by his door, waiting patiently for him. "Don't tell me you're not hungry. Come on, we have to be at our rendezvous at one thirty."
Kakashi feigned a smile. "Let me just get my coat."
That afternoon, as planned, they attended the catwalk that was organized by Mei Terumi - a revered icon in the fashion industry. Her looks could enchant, and her intelligence and taste would be to die for. She was everything men (and women) lusted and adored.
Kakashi came in leisurely, with Tsunade tottering behind him as she fumbled with her clothing. They took their seats in the front row, and the show started in the same glowing manner of extravaganza.
As the catwalks took place, Kakashi took out a wad of paper and began to scribble down on it. One after the other perfectly shaped women came out in small numbers that left barely anything to imagination. They sauntered on the platform with a fixed look of determination and foxiness, taunting and showing off their bodies that women craved to have across the world.
Their features were sharp and focused. Makeup varied and complimented their features evenly. They flaunted their good looks and pristine skin with an excessive amount of confidence. At the end of the platform they would pose - as you would - and stare squarely at the camera with a slanted smile or smirk.
Lights sizzled and dazzled per new entrance of a model, and the crowd were captivated.
The show ended with Mei Terumi coming out herself with nothing but a blue bikini on and a loose kimono. Her heels clacked on the platform, her hand on her hip, and she directed her smile at Kakashi, as she walked on by. The other models followed after her, like ducklings would.
Mei was given a microphone as the room became a pandemonium filled with cheers, whistles and claps.
"Thank you very much!" She laughed, bowing slightly. "But, this show wouldn't have been as great, if it weren't for a very special guest." Her hand gestured to Kakashi to come forward.
Reluctantly, with a small sound at the back of his throat, Kakashi joined her on the stage with a smile. Their hands intertwined and she leaned against his body, the other hand skimmed over his white shirt in a flirtatious manner.
"Kakashi Hatake, you may have heard about him, was the person who funded this show for us this afternoon!" She drew his attention down to herself and tiptoed.
He looked down at her with a matching smile, his arm snaked around her waist. Mei planted a soft kiss on his cheek and grinned slightly. "Well," she regained her composure and drew away from the silver-haired man. "Getting back on topic, Kakashi is the founder of Poise. One of the - if not the - biggest company in the fashion industry!"
The cluster of applause grew louder by the second. The lights dimmed and that was the cue for the final speech. Kakashi took the microphone and took the matter in his own hands.
"It's been an honor to be here, in the most anticipated fashion show of the year." He delicately placed his hand on Mei's shoulder, "The work you do is absolutely stunning, and you deserve all the publicity you have gained."
The show ended and only the VIPs remained for meet and greets, and questioning. Tsunade, before she could reach Kakashi, was surrounded by anxious men who tried to impress her. She grew flustered and, at the same time, incredibly annoyed. She watched Kakashi drape his arm around Mei's waist, from where she stood.
"Are you guys currently dating?" One curious interviewer asked the two.
Kakashi sheepishly scratched his head. Mei slapped his chest, giggling quietly. "Don't act so shy!"
"...So are you?" He prodded.
"I don't really know." She craned her neck and looked up at the ravishing man who lazily returned her look. "Are we... honey?"
Tsunade felt a notch tie in her stomach at the mention of 'honey'. Her hands ran down on her arms as she sucked her breath in. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, it prickled. She felt the hotness of his breath against her skin again, as if they were together again. The way he whispered it to her was enchanting... almost poisonous.
"Miss-!"
She broke out of her own world and snapped back. "What?"
"Is there a possibility that you're free this afternoon?"
"No. I've got work to do."
Kakashi feigned a chuckle, but the underlying tone it contained, Tsunade knew, was filled with annoyance. She knew how he didn't like people being privy to his privacy. And now, this was stepping into the boundaries Kakashi often held off-limits.
Mei coyly smirked at the interviewer. "You can kind of say that. Kakashi and I actually have a long history together."
"Really? Can you specify more on that?"
"Well-"
Kakashi palmed the camera. "That's enough for one day."
Without bickering, the interviewer left with disdain. Mei tugged at Kakashi's arm with a pout, "I was just teasing. C'mon, let's have some fun, Mr. Hatake."
"Mei-"
"I trust you don't have any reservations after this?"
"Why?"
"I want to take you out for lunch, and maybe... I can give you a little private show back at my suite."
Kakashi looked at his watch before he surveyed the area keenly. He didn't see why he shouldn't have a little bit of fun. His eyes then landed on Tsunade who grew to be overwhelmed with the amount of men piling up around her.
"Actually," he expressed a slanted, rueful grin. "I have someone important I need to attend to."
"Who?"
He dipped down and kissed her near the lips, intentionally teasing her. "...I'll see you around."
"I'll call you!"
"Sure thing." He turned on his heels and hurriedly paced towards his assistant editor. He grabbed her by the hand and led out of the crowd. "Geez, Tsunade, I leave you for a few minutes, and you're already playing Juliet. I thought you already found your Romeo?"
"Bastard, you left me for an hour!" Tsunade bit back. "By Gods, honestly..."
"I'm sorry about that."
"So, who is this important person you have to attend to?" She asked. "Is it another-"
"You."
"What?"
"You're the important person I have to attend to."
"What?!"
"I want to show you something."
"Where are you taking me?" Tsunade sharply asked once the door of the car was opened for her. Kakashi took her by the hand and led her out. His gloved hand resumed to hold hers tightly as he tugged her along behind him.
"You'll see."
They entered an empty construction site in the middle of the Grass' city. It was until they got to the highest point of the unfinished building did he finally release her from his clasp. He smiled with gaiety, removed his sunglasses, and gestured to the spacious surrounding. "What do you think?"
She frowned. All she saw was pillars of concrete, no glass work, or any interior decoration done, it was just a grey room of concrete. "What?"
"I don't know if I've told you this, but our company is branching out of Konoha." Kakashi pocketed his shades. "This is one of our locations."
"Great," Tsunade plainly replied, dumbfounded. "What of it?"
"Tsunade Senju, I want to give you a proposition."
She folded her arms. "And what would that be?"
"I want you to relocate here. You'll be in charge in this district."
"What?" She sharply inclined. "I-I don't want to relocate!"
"It's a great opportunity! Your salary will double, and for your first three months here all expenses shall be covered!"
"But-!"
"You have worked with me for years now. I have seen what you're capable off. And I want to entrust you with this." He stepped closer to her and placed his hand softly on her shoulder. She shivered. Didn't he know what...
"Let me think about it." She answered curtly, eyes made out of steel. "I can't make a decision like this without consulting with Dan."
"Of course." He lightly raised her face up by her chin with his index finger. "Just don't think about it for too long."
"R-Right..."
"Okay." He smirked. "We have our final reservations tonight. After that, we shall have three days to ourselves."
"Alright."
Kakashi swept his hand over her soft tendrils and tucked it behind her ear. "I'll see you tonight. And remember - dress to impress."
Dressed in a lace, backless dress, Tsunade strolled in slowly through the classy marble and tile mosaic atrium of the hotel's inner courtyard. The lavish decorations, western mosaics, even the unique sculptures; the place was more akin to a palace than a hotel.
As Tsunade sauntered to the bar, she admired the beautifully frescoed walls, framed between dark-wood panels and beveled glass. The panorama of scenes from ages past transformed the bar into an art gallery.
She placed her clutch bag on the polished bar-top and settled into a comfy stool. As she comfortably watched the older gentleman pour the whiskey and Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker, her phone began to ring in her bag. In the quiet solitude of the spacious room, it sounded much too loud and discourteous. Tsunade removed it as quickly she could and pressed it to her ear with an apologetic glance at the people around her.
"Where are you?" She quipped quietly.
"Enjoying the view."
"Well, if you don't get your backside here you will have the pleasure of viewing my foot kicking you right up in your balls!"
"Ouch," he deadpanned.
"So?"
"Like I said, I'm enjoying the view."
That is when she saw his reflection in the beveled mirror at the back of the bar. In he walked, hair slicked back, donned in a suit and tie. Her eyes were became drawn to him subconsciously. Muscular and handsome, he was impeccably dressed in an expensive, charcoal woolen suit jacket. He slapped his phone shut, expressing a slanted grin.
"Ka-Kakashi," she breathed, lost for words.
"I thought you were going to kick me in the balls, Tsunade?"
"Forget about that. You actually dressed up!"
His hand found her waist as he shadowed over her. "So did you. I haven't seen you dress like this since..." his words left his mouth, a rueful tone etched at the edge of his lips. "Well, you look like you're ready to impress."
"Thanks."
"Our driver should have the car outside by now." He looked at his silver watch and tutted. "I hope we can make it in time."
"Why? What time is our meeting supposed to be?"
"In ten minutes."
"What?!"
His hand left her waist and relocated on her bare back. "C'mon, let's not waste time."
Tsunade stumbled as she drew out a whimper. His hands still burned.
Their last meeting went as well as it good be. Their next issue was finished, and it just needed to be typed out. Tsunade inwardly sighed out with relief, her job was nearly finished. God, she missed home.
After their dinner Kakashi proposed they walked instead. Of course she protested because of her lack of clothing, but after he clothed her with his coat, she couldn't exactly complain anymore.
The route which they had taken had a street with endless cafes, luxurious boutique shops and antique brass lanterns which bathed everything in a soft glow. They strolled together under the clipped chestnut trees.
In the far distance up ahead was the hulking form of their future second headquarters, standing resolute under a sky clouded by a blanket of snow baring white and grey. They stopped for a moment to gaze at the building.
"What's your answer?" He finally asked.
"I still don't know." Tsunade softly replied, shuffling her hands together to get some warmth. Her nimble fingers shivered and were deadly cold. In the end, she stuffed her hands in the pockets of his coat.
Kakashi took one of her hands with his gloved one and tugged her along. Tsunade unexpectedly blushed a little as Kakashi interlaced their fingers, his warm palm warming her own. They continued to stroll together, hand in hand, perusing the brightly lit boutique shops up and down.
"It's been a while, huh?"
Tsunade blushed and guided them across to a shop front in order to avoid having to provide an answer the question. They stopped in front of chocolatier, the golden caramel display behind the glass, a succulently sweet taste. As Kakashi stood behind her, she felt him rest his hands on her shoulders. It seemed like it took an age, but she eventually plucked up the courage to ask him.
"What are you thinking about now?"
"Chocolate," he replied.
Tsunade smirked and leaned back against his body, as he gave her shoulders a playful squeeze.
"Liar." Her eyes demurely watched his reflection in the glass shop-front.
"...You know the answer."
"I do."
"So you know."
"That you're actually thinking about manipulating me into accepting your ludicrous offer of promotion?"
Kakashi chuckled. "Tsunade, you really are unbelievable."
A shiver of excitement ran down her spine as his fingers absently began to encircle around her waist. Despite the cold night air, she could already feel a prickling heat spreading through her body.
"And you're a bastard."
Tsunade tilted her head to gaze up into his eyes. He turned her body to face him as she felt her cheek redden in an embarrassing flush. Kakashi smiled disarmingly as he stepped close, placing one hand on her hip. Tsunade felt an involuntarily flutter, and immediately rebuked herself for the childish indulgence.
Every feeling felt new and ungoverned, adolescent in their impure, adulterated power. She gazed into his eyes, her body arched for him. He swiped the golden strands of her hair from her face and stroked her face.
"You were really beautiful tonight, honey." He whispered, lost in her eyes. Tsunade felt her knees weaken as she held him close to herself. A part of her wanted him to say it again. Say it again, just like he used to. She tiptoed and pulled him by his blazer's collar. As he bent down to touch his lips against hers, he abruptly pulled back and rushed to the trashcan.
With a harsh tone, he began to vomit violently. Tsunade grimaced.
"I'm sorry... I don't think-"
Tsunade rushed by his side and placed her hand on his chest. "Are-Are you okay? Do you want me to call us a cab?"
"Er-yeah." He groaned. "...I'm sorry about this."
Tsunade threw his arm over her and allowed him to put his weight against her. As her arm wrapped around him to keep him into place, she drew out a sigh of exasperation.
He was just drunk, she concluded bitterly. She should have known. He was off character to begin with and the hint of whiskey that clung onto his clothes was potent. Her nose wrinkled at the fragrance of strong alcohol.
"Did you drink before we met up?"
"...Yeah."
"You shouldn't do that."
"I'm sorry."
"Look at you, you're losing your balance."
"I'm sorry."
Kakashi's head lobbed over to hers and he exhaled. "I'm sorry," he muttered again with more sincerity.
"You should be."
"I owe you one."
"You bet your ass you do."
He smiled.
After she called for a taxi, they remained stood like that. Kakashi continued to mutter incoherent things into her hair as she tried her best to keep herself upright.
"This sucks."
With some assistance with the hotel staff, Tsunade managed to place Kakashi down on his bed. He seemed to have dozed off in the cab, that bastard. With an endearing look, Tsunade watched the slow rise and fall of his chest. He was in a deep slumber, she concluded. She was used to watching him sleep now, it was a normal occurrence in the past.
After their tryst, she would wake up in the night, and find him fast asleep beside her. Weak and poisoned with fatigue, he never shifted from his sleep to catch her adoring him in the dark.
Slowly, lithely, she crawled onto the bed and loomed over his sleeping form. Softly, she descended down to his lips. She kissed it tenderly and savored the feeling his cold lips pressed against hers. When she drew back, she parted some of his hair away from his face, and forced a smile.
She missed him. She missed his hands, his teasing, and those damned lips. She closed her eyes and saw his eyes smiling at her. She even missed the smell of those stupid cigarettes he sometimes smoked after they had sex. That smug expression on his face always made her roll her eyes, him knowing her thighs were shaking from his ministrations.
He shifted slightly. "...R-..Rin,"
Tsunade kissed him again, but on the cheek. "You always say her name in your sleep, you fool."
As she left his room, she heard him mumble the same name over again.
"Rin,"
A/N: Late I know. It's just because I kinda forgot that I write stories now. Ehehe. Sorry, my bad. But yeah, fast paced I know. But that's because I don't want this to be a long winded story. I ain't about that life.
I don't know if you picked up on the big give away last chapter. When Tsunade was masturbating, the flashback that occurred was of her and Kakashi. She even screamed out his name. That should have given everything away. Hahaha.
I love reviews. Please review. I know, shameless review request. Sue me. Tell me what you thought about this chapter, though! I'd love to hear your thoughts and predictions!
xox
