Chapter 2: The Sakura I Know
As soon as she had walked into the door heads turned. The hostess had been taken aback. And the walk down to her table behind her waitress seemed like the catwalk to which she was the sole model and everyone's attention was in the palm of her hand. She couldn't wait to see what he thought.
She knew her table would be coming soon, the anticipation of his face when she rounded that corner made her stomach ache for a moment, but as soon as it was clear that the expression she was hoping for was the one he wore on her face. She grinned a grin that put Sasuke's to shame.
As she sached the last few steps to her booth, and sat down across from Kakashi who you could simply tell was in awe, was enough pride to boost her ego way past it's borders.
"Uh-uh menus? ...Miss?"
"Oh thank you." Sakura smiled politely only leaving Kakashi's sight for a second. When the waitress left, there was an awkward silence, filled with heads still staring at the beautiful and almost unrecognizable, Miss Haruno Sakura.
Kakashi's mind was blank. It's not that he had not recognized the girl coming around the corner, but more like he was not believing it. This girl...who was supposedly Sakura, would not be considered...a girl. From the slinky and most comlipmentary dress, to the wavy troused tresses, smoky eyes, hint of lipgloss. And the heels...there was not too much more than a sexy stilleto heel to compliment very fine legs...to which in this case, Sakura's were incredible. Was this really his student?
"Sorry I was late, Sensei."
Kakashi snapped out of it, she had almost said Sensei, seductively. This was not Sakura. "Uh...it's alright, I didn't mind too much."
"I couldn't find the right purse to go with my new dress."
"Yes...I must say, I have never seen you in such attire..."
"You don't like it?" She asked while she pouted, playing with Kakashi's head really was fun, she should do this more often. But she did realize this was just dinner. Dinner with her Sensei...who had actually dressed up for the occasion as well...
"Not at all, it looks very...flattering."
She supposed that was indeed a compliment. "Why thank you Sensei, I see you have chosen to dress up for our dinner as well?"
"Not to enough extent apparently." He rubbed the back of his head. "You really do look amazing Sakura."
For the first time tonight, she blushed. Kakashi was very seldom on compliments. "Thank you Sen-,"
"-Now I thought we agreed I was no longer your Sensei?"
"I'm sorry, it's just...I'm so used to it Se-Kakashi."
He grinned.
"What shall I think of you if not my Sensei?"
"I'd like to say friends, but at the very least...equals."
Sakura smiled, "Well I think both."
Throughout dinner conversation it seems that the conversation was more in debt than both thought to anticipate.
Sakura couldn't believe that her and Kakashi really were having dinner as easily as her and Ino. Frankly, the man hardly spoke, so it was quite the shocker. I can't believe this is happening, and he thought I looked amazing. And he really is attractive...
Kakashi was thinking among the same thoughts...Was this really Sakura? First she shows up looking like a possible main character of Icha Icha Paradise...and she hasn't even mentioned Konoha gossip once. It's not that she thought of her as stupid, or gossipy...he always knew she was intelligent, but the Sakura he was having dinner unveiled one he hadn't seen, and didn't expect. A more mature and actually...very attractive woman. But what was he thinking? This was his ex-student...
"So, are you ready to order?"
"Hm...yes, as soon as our waitress comes around."
"What are you getting?"
"Well I think we should defintely get a side of their dumplings."
"Of course." She smiled. Seforas was known for their dumplings.
"But I think I'm getting this...'Seafood Cuisine'."
"Mmm, shrimp."
"What are you getting?"
"I was thinking about that...but I think I'm gettin Terriyaki."
"Also a good choice."
"Are you ready to order?" The waitress had appeared at the perfect time.
"Yes." The said in unison.
As Kakashi was watching her eat, he couldn't help but realized how beautiful she really was...maybe his ex was right...she would be blossoming soon.
"Uh...sensei?"
"Hn?" He awoke from his train of thought.
"You haven't touched much of your food, is something wrong?"
"Oh no, just thinking is all."
She smiled that smile he could remember back from the older days. It showed her true youth, but he liked that smile very much. "Oh really? Tell me...?"
"Hmm, just thinking about how long it's been since we were a team."
"Oh..."
He then realized, who should have re-worded that. He saw the her expression change in her eyes when he realized she thought he meant when they were a 'whole team', a whole team meaning including Sasuke. He hadn't meant it like that at all actually. "Sakura..."
"No, it's okay." Sasuke. In truth she really had moved on, but it was only the memory of her first love was what made it nostalgic. She hadn't seen Sasuke in a year. After the battle he had with Naruto, both were left near dead, Naruto healed obviously, since he was still around. They that Uchiha Madara collected Sasuke's body while both were unconcious. They say he's still alive now, but no one has really seen or heard from him since. And those who did just didn't have the proof.
"It's not what you're thinking Sakura..."
She looked up.
"...I only meant that you've grown up so much since then, I can't believe it's been this long."
She perked up immediately. "Oh...of course, I-I shouldn't have assu-,"
He shook his head, and put his hand on hers. "Don't worry about it. It's in the past."
When she realized that his hand was on hers, the touch of him sent shivers down her back. This was quite the different experience. She liked this side of Kakashi, not so much her sensei...but actually her friend. And vice versa for him. In this short period of time he had grown a different impression of her. And strictly evading his better judgement, every time she tossed her hair back, batted her gorgeous emerald coloured eyes, he realized that he was attracted to her...and everytime he realized that he got a hold of himself.
As the waitress cleaned their plates off the table, Kakashi found he was rather enjoying this more than he hoped.
"And will you two be wanting dessert menus?"
"Oh no," Sakura said, as she shook her head and smiled, "I don't think I could eat any dessert."
"No dessert?" Kakashi smiled back, "Are you on a diet then Miss Haruno?"
Sakura gaped at him, as Kakashi brought their conversation to a more playful manner. "Uh, no...are you just trying to con me into dessert so you don't feel fat? Mr. Hatake."
"Ouch."
She smirked playfully.
"And here I thought you were a lady."
"I am too a lady!"
"Real women like dessert."
"Alright fatty, let's get some dessert."
"Ouch, name calling? Oh that's definitely lady like."
"Haha, alright Hatake you had your fun." She stuck his tongue out at him. And finally acknowledged the waitress who had been standing there throughout their awkward spat. "He'll have strawberry cheesecake, and nothing for me because actually, I am on a diet, a very effective one and one I intend on not breaking."
"Of course Miss, one strawberry cheesecake coming up."
As the waitress left, both could no longer hold in their smiles.
"And what makes you think I wanted cheesecake?"
"Oh...sorry, I wasn't thinking I-,"
"Sakura, it's alright. I actually really like cheesecake." To say the truth he did.
"Oh...well then lucky guess."
"So you are on a diet? Does that mean I have to eat all that cake by myself...?"
"Well maybe I'll be nice and help you eat the strawberry."
"Afraid if you eat anything fattening you'll pop out of that fine dress of yours."
"HATAKE." That was unexpected. But for some reason the teasing turned her on. "And here I thought you were a gentleman."
"Well it appears I thought you were a lady, but apparently I was wrong."
"Hmmpph." She crossed her arms and turned her head playfully.
He laughed. "Come now Sakura, I was only joking."
"I know Sen-Kakashi."
"And...you don't need to diet you look...you are...perfect."
Right then is when it hit her... She was starting to like...Kakashi? Her perverted sensei and one of her most trusted friends? Fourteen years her senior, and after telling herself over and over that this was just a dinner. He really had her?
"Uh..." she blushed. "Thank you."
"Anytime Sakura."
Later, as the pair nibbled at the Cheese cake that was finally brought, and shared more teasing laughter a voice was heard.
"Kakashi?" Kakashi looked up from the moment he was having with his ex-student.
"Ikairi."
Sakura turned around to see who this 'Ikairi' was.
"Sakura...?"
The girl Sakura was looking at was beautiful. Long, dark, brown hair. Deep brown eyes, and a full figure that made her look just as beautiful as Sakura even in just a waitressing uniform.
"Uh hi...I don't believe we've met?" She stuck her hand out.
"Hn..." Ikairi shaked it briefly, but it was clear that the girl was not found of Sakura. "So Kashi-chan! How was your...dinner?"
"Fine." He rethought that, "Great actually. Catching up was good."
His words hurt Sakura a little. Was that all it had been? Catching up?
"Oh really...well I'm glad you had a good dinner here at Saforas? And come to think of it, you should come back," she leaned on the table, coming closer to Kakashi, "and...we should catch up."
"Of course. But it's late now, I think we should be going."
"Right..." The smile from Ikairi's face wore down. "Well, I guess that's true, but keep in touch Kashi." She turned to face Sakura and smirk at her. "I look forward to...catching up with you."
The moments after that were only awkward. Sakura couldn't help the jealousy that was beginning to burn within her...I mean really she had no right to. She knew all along that she was out of Kakashi's league, and was stupid to think she might have had a chance.
They didn't speak until they were outside of the restaraunt. Kakashi could feel the tension was up although Sakura was not showing it verbally.
"So who was that?" She finally spoke.
"Uh, Ikairi...she was my ex."
"Oh...I see..."
"Look, Sakura, I'm sorry if that made you feel awkward."
It did, but it shouldn't have. "Don't be silly Sensei...there was no reason more me to feel awkward about that."
"Kakashi."
"Hm?"
"We agreed you would call me Kakashi."
"Oh...yeah...sorry." She knew she was being childish. She knew this would happen from the very beginning.
"Sakura?" He mumbled.
"Hm?"
"Would you...agree to let me walk you home?"
"Oh..." She blushed, and somehow that feeling took over her again. "Well...I suppose it's okay."
He smiled, "I know you can take care of yourself, but-,"
"-no. I'd enjoy the company."
And the small talk began again. On the way to Sakura's house, Kakashi saw the girl he had taught and watched grow appear more in the beautiful woman he had not recognized. From the way she was always blushing now, and fiddling with her hands...brushing her hair behind her ears. Of course this brought out the child in her, but he found it cute actually. In a way that even though she was a grown woman now...clearly, but it was nice to no that the Sakura he knew was still there. He hadn't wanted her to change, had agreeing to this date really made Sakura buy new...sophisticated per se? Attire. He hadn't wanted her to grow up due to him, he was very much fond of the girl he knew...which is why he was beating himself up. He knew he was attracted to her. But he wouldn't admit it. Not even to himself.
And despite her jealousy earlier, as they approached the door to her apartment. They had that moment, the moment where you feel you should just man up, and kiss the other person. But she didn't dare. Same for him.
But they stood there, waiting, him looking in to her large emerald eyes, her looking at his deep black eyes. They had a naturally lazy expression, his eyes revealed nothing which made her search deeper for something in the meaning of them. But he broke the silence.
"Good night Sakura."
"Uh...good night. Kakashi."
Maybe it was just her imagination, he swore the thought he was leaning in...but then he pulled away, and walked about five paces forward.
She blushed in embarassment. But he turned around to wave and smile, "I had a good time...Sakura-Chan."
"Uh...me to Sensei."
He walked off, "It's a Kakashi."
"Right, Kakashi."
This was so right...and so wrong? Had she really fallen that easily for him...no, this was stupid...it was just stupid.
Was she starting to like Kakashi...oh my god. She couldn't like Kakashi. It was wrong, he was her sensei...or her ex-sensei...really. It was stupid to even consider going after him that way. No she wouldn't. She had always been a sensible person, and that's what she would do. Be sensible. Definitely sensible.
There was a knock on the door.
Oh my god. Had he returned? So many thoughts ran through her mind. For a moment she regretted changing so quickly to a pair of sweats and a V neck t-shirt she had. She fluffed her hair in the mirror, quickly anticipating as she opened the knob.
"Hell-Ino?"
"HEY! I brought dessert!" She let herself in immediately and sat on her couch.
"INO-PIG what are you doing here?" Sakura fumed, "IT'S ELEVEN."
"Oh jeez Sakura-chan, are you really that work-consumed that you go to bed that early."
A sweat drop fell from Sakura's forehead. "It's not like I choose those shifts...and what are you doing here anyway?"
"I wanted to talk to you about your date with Kakashi-sensei!" She grinned.
Oh geez...she was not up to confession with Ino. "Oh gee, you really had to come here right now? You couldn't wait till tomorrow?"
"If I waited you would have had all night to think about the dirty details you wouldn't tell me!"
"There were no dirty details..."
"Well then I won't be here long," she smirked. "just tell me what happened."
"We had dinner."
"Oh really? And what? You didn't talk at all that whole time? He can't possibly be boring ever hour of the day? Or is that why you're a grump...? Date was a dud."
"No, it was fine. I just don't feel like talking about it." Sakura looked for a distraction, and began putting away the dishes. She was usually better at avoiding things she didn't want to talk about, but nothing escaped the blonde hell-raiser.
"So it was bad...? I knew it."
"No Ino. It was fine."
"Then why can't I know?"
"Because it's not your damn buisness to know everything in my life!"
"Gee, just because it was bad doesn't mean you have to be a complete bitch..."
"IT WASN'T BAD."
"THEN WHY ARE YOU SPAZZING? Oh...I know," she smirked.
Oh god...here it came.
"IT WAS GOOD WASN'T IT!"
She put more dishes in the cupboard to hide her extremely red face. "NO. IT. WAS. FINE."
"Then why are you as red as a bleeding tomato?"
She hadn't realized the blonde was up against the cupboard door now, glaring at the back of her head.
"No I'm not..."
"Yes," she moved to the other side of her.
Sakura moved away.
"Yes you are."
"I'm not..." She bean washing dishes now, "I'm just, you're making me nervous Ino-Pig!"
"Because I'm right!"
"NO. Because you storm into my house! Let yourself in-,"
"-uh you opened the door."
"And confront me about a date that was NOT a date and then make me feel awkward by prying stuff out of me that is not of your damn buisness!"
"Sakura..."
"I think you should go Ino."
She was about to say something as Sakura opened the door, but then reconsidered and gave up. "Alright..."
Sakura stood with her back toward the door waiting for Ino to shut it as she leave.
"But you know," She said before it closed, "no matter what you say, I know you."
About a minute passed as Sakura still stood there. She knew the blonde would pry it out of her sooner or later. She had been upset because Ino barged it...but deep down she knew it was because she was right. But she would never admit it. Especially to herself.
Sakura lay in bed thinking about her whole day. Asking Kakashi out, buying a new dress, being interrogated by her bestfriend, going to dinner with Kakashi, walking home with Kakashi, being interrogated by her bestfriend, again... And now she was lying alone in bed...wishing that somebody was there to fill it...well maybe wishing, was too specific a word...wondering, might be more appropriate. Wondering what would happen if she dated Kakashi. If she slept with Kakashi...? No...no...it wouldn't happen.
She rolled over. 3:32... She really needed some sleep, and just as she closed her eyes to fall into a dream world...she heard something.
She sat up immediately scared by the sound. What was that sound? Thumping? No...knocking... Who would seriously knocking at this time? If it was Ino she would kill her. But she really doubted that she would bother coming back. Especially at this hour. Who could it be? Was it Ino? No...Kakashi...?
As the knocking became further, not really rushed and demanding, but firm and constant, like whoever it was was nervous to wake her up, but was still there... She grabbed her robe and her brush as she combed the tangles out of her hair. "One second!"
And just as she opened the lock, and saw who it was, she dropped her brush.
"Before you say anything...I'm sorry I came, I just, I've been having weird feelings, and I don't know...this is the first place I thought of coming...and I knew you'd probably been sleeping, but...I don't know...I'm sorry."
"If you knew I would have been sleeping, how'd you know I'd open the door?"
"Because I know you...Sakura."
To all readers thanks for reading! I'll be updating once every week from the last chapter! But probably sooner than that!
