A/N: Hello to everyone!
I just realized that I didn't put a disclaimer on the last three chapters so ...
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any part of Naruto
I forgot to put that in my others stories too (x I'm forgetful, but just make note that I don't own Naruto.
Anyways, I would love to say thanks to everyone who reviewed and read my stories. If you were that person who only read the story, then I hate you! No, I'm kidding. But I would love to have all of your critique (:
I know that it got a little too dramatic on the second and third chapter ... or is it just my imagination. Nah ... anyways, sorry if you disliked the drama. I am going try to put Sakura and Kakashi at ease so that they can bond more and such so bear with me.
Enjoy this chapter!
The clock kept ticking and ticking, making the day seem longer by the minute. And Genma's explanations and lectures made it even worse. Sakura just wasn't having the best day, especially since she involved herself in the conflict during first period. Feeling the tension arise in her stomach again, she dug her face into her crossed arms and closed her eyes. To be honest, Sakura didn't know why she took part in the argument. An effect from terror, perhaps.
"Now if you would all shut up and listen, I would like to begin today's real lesson on writing poems."
A small breath escaped her lips and hit her skin, sending chills up her spine. In hope of removing the endless flashbacks, she took her pencil in hand and began doodling in a new page of her notebook, her ears oblivious to the sound of Genma teaching a new history lesson.
At first, Sakura was unsure of what she was drawing. There ended up being a young girl with neither long nor short hair - more like medium - who was rubbing her watery eyes with her curled fists. A minute passed by and then there was a set of two hands placed on her shoulders and a taller figure behind her. Instead of filling in the details of the other person in the background, she carefully outlined the little girl with more pressure and added shadows.
"Go fuck off somewhere else."
Second by second ... Minute by minute ... The picture was becoming more detailed and sorrowful rather than joyful. Without thinking, she drew tears sliding down the girl's cheeks, adding even more dramatic effects. Then her attention was turned to the figure behind her. Having no more of those 'brilliant' ideas, Sakura sighed and let her forehead fall flat on the paper. The sight of her drawing up so close made her own eyes water.
"And yes, I did have a dark past. Similar to yours, Sakura. I'm just sorry I took it all out on you guys."
Something clicked in her brain and she immediately began drawing again. Sakura sketched a slightly larger head beside the mysterious girl's and eventually drew the hair which seemed unusually familiar. Not wanting to put it at much thought, she ignored it for the time being and added the finishing touches to her doodle. Truthfully, she didn't think it wasn't that bad of a picture but it did sadden her a little. At least she knows another way of how to let her emotions go.
"So please, allow me to help you."
The bell sounded off and filled her eardrums, shaking the pink-haired student back into reality. Not caring whether she'd be late or not, Sakura took her time in packing and gathering her things. But before she could even leave, Genma had reached her and grabbed her by the wrist. For a moment, she was frightened and confused but quickly realized that he has noticed the lack of her attention on the lesson.
"Sakura, you weren't paying any attention to the history lesson today," stated Genma, "You missed out on a lot of the chapter reading and didn't participate in answering some of my questions. Honestly, I'm disappointed in you, kiddo."
Suddenly, his dark black eyes flickered toward her desk, giving Sakura an idea of what he was staring at. Eventually, Genma picked up her notebook and held it close to his face. She didn't know if she was going to get in trouble. Seriously, she never wanted to take part in any kind of conflict even if it was her fault. Despite the fact that she was a new student, there is still a chance she might be put into detention for the lack of attention. She knows that's a possibility.
"I thought I knew why you were so down lately," he sighed as he let it flop face-flat back onto the desk, "I heard a bunch of muffled yelling earlier this morning and assumed it was Hatake and another of his stupid students."
Sakura shot a puzzled glance at him.
"Another assumption was you stuck in the middle of the argument. Did I guess right?"
A simple yet small nod answered his question.
"Alright, it's okay." Genma patted her gently on the back. "I could see why you'd act so frustrated. Being tied in one of Kakashi's conflicts could be one of the most hardest things you have ever encountered in your life." He finished the last of his sentence as he began jotting a couple of words down onto a yellow sticky-note.
"Wait, how would you know that?" Sakura wondered aloud.
"I've been buddies with that silver-headed guy since high school. We've had a lot of good memories and a lot of painful memories. And the painful memories were seeing Kakashi in distress," Genma explained silently, "I can't really explain how he ended up like that but I suppose you know what I mean."
The chestnut-haired teacher smiled slightly in hope of lightening the mood up and handed the paper to her. "Here's your late pass to your next class. I could also give your following classes a call about your bad day so that they can take it easy on you..."
"No it's okay, Genma," interrupted Sakura, "Thanks for your concern anyways. I apologize for not giving you my attention and I will read the chapters we were studying to make up for it. And I feel a whole lot better after talking to you, although I didn't really say much, did I?" A sheepish grin managed its way onto her face.
"A nod and a question is good enough to be considered talking in my world," he chuckled as he escorted her out the classroom. He smiled as he watched her walk away. "Take it easy, kiddo," he whispered to himself, "Take it easy."
. . .
With a clink and a clang, Sakura settled her tray of food onto the lunch table and gladly accepted a seat offered by Shikamaru. She managed to squeeze in between him and Ino - Ino's full name is Ino Yamanaka. She's a really nice girl but loves to gossip so everyone tries to avoid talking about secrets around her - and began munching on her food.
And unlike any other school, the food was practically first class and tasted unique. Plus, the lunch room wasn't covered with cobwebs or gum. It was clean throughout the whole area and was set up pretty decently.
"Hey, Sakura?"
Shikamaru poked her on the arm, catching her attention.
"Hm?" hummed Sakura as she sipped on her bottle of water.
"How come you weren't present in science for a quarter of the class? Did Genma keep you waiting or something?" he asked curiously.
Sakura bit back a frown. If he and the rest of her friends were to find out about her little thoughts on the argument in first period, they would most likely bother her about it, including Kakashi. Now that is something unnecessary.
"I just needed to ask a few questions about the history lesson," she lied.
His black eyes were narrowed and his lips were nearly pressed into a pout.
She had an idea that he wasn't really convinced.
But thank God Shikamaru played along.
"Oh right. That lesson was a little too much for me too," he yawned as he brought his hand to his face, "Maybe I should have stayed to ask questions too."
Knowing what he was trying to suggest to her, she elbowed him in the stomach, causing him to try to stifle a groan. Smiling inwardly, Sakura continued to eat her lunch while Shikamaru repeatedly winced.
Shikamaru just wanted to know what was up though. She could tell. Well he was trustworthy enough to hold at least one secret of hers ... Maybe she'd tell him later.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Sakura's eyes flickered at Kiba. He was continuously tapping on the table with his finger, his dog-like eyes glued to her face. She wondered what he wanted.
"I saw that," he stated.
Panic overcame her. "S-saw what? What do you mean?"
"I saw what you did to Shikamaru," he laughed hysterically, "And I can't believe that you actually hurt him. Are you that tough of a girl or what?"
Relief. Oh sweet relief.
Sakura managed to grin. "Ah, well he wanted to borrow some money."
The black-haired boy stared arrogantly at her.
"And you had to elbow him in the stomach?" gawked Kiba, his hood slipping off his head.
"He wouldn't stop bugging me."
"...I guess I would do that too if Akamaru kept pissing on my bed."
"Ha, you are so mature Kiba," snorted Shikamaru.
Deciding that she has had enough of this so called 'teasing' game, Sakura pulled Shikamaru to another open table and sat with him, hoping that Kiba wouldn't follow with his pointless jokes.
He didn't ...
So she began talking.
"Okay, so why did you drag me here Pinky?" questioned Shikamaru after shooting a glance towards their puzzled friends.
"You knew I was lying."
Shikamaru blinked twice after remembering what she had said a couple minutes back. Eventually, he shrugged and opened his mouth to talk.
"Yeah, so - um - what was up?"
Sakura frowned. "First period."
"Oh..." The boy paused to think back. "Right. That yelling and those somewhat violent words."
She didn't bother to reply or add any detail onto his sentence.
"Was that why you held back in history?"
"Genma had an idea because he heard all of the ruckus. He told me that after he took a look of me, he inferred that I was stuck right in between the conflict."
"Well you were but you wanted to stand up to Kakashi."
"I know."
Shikamaru closed his eyes and propped his elbow up, having his chin settle on the palm of his hand. "Why," he whispered, almost too quiet to be heard over all of the yelling students in the cafeteria.
"I know how to stop these kind of arguments."
"I suppose that isn't even half of the reason." Shikamaru shot her a glum face.
Sakura groaned. "Can't you give a new student a break from all of the drama?"
"Hey," he snickered, "You're the one who wanted to talk 'bout it anyways."
He made a good point.
She had wanted to talk about it despite the odd sick feeling it gave her.
Before Sakura had even said another word, Shikamaru stood up and slung his backpack onto one shoulder. "Sakura, I'm not gonna lie to you. If you really don't want to tell me anything, just don't. I don't like watching people forcing themselves to speak up about something so private." He motioned for her to stand up, so she did. "Besides that, lunch is almost over. We have a minute and a half before the bell rings."
"Almost over? It felt like ten minu-"
The bell rang.
Immediately, Sakura glared at Shikamaru.
"I'm not good at telling time, okay?" he sighed embarrassingly, his face growing a tad bit red.
She smiled mockingly at him. "I could see why. A lazy bum like you would never try to tell time."
"I can't believe that I'm agreeing with you," he chuckled.
Then the both of them left the lunch room to walk to their next class.
. . .
As Sakura stepped into the gym, she felt chills ride up and down her spine. It was like being dragged into a demon's mind. The eerie feeling was just too much for her. It was just a gym, she tried to tell herself. It was just a gym indeed, but the building itself wasn't the thing that was bothering her. The fact that her PE teacher is Kakashi Hatake is what was bugging her.
To be honest, she was still horrified from the frightful events that occurred early in the morning.
She knows he's really kind deep inside but after watching the horror that nearly broke her, she can't really trust herself to stay calm around him anymore.
"Sakura-chan!"
Naruto skipped over to her, dragging Sasuke along with him.
"I haven't seen you since first period!" he gleefully exclaimed.
First period.
The events began to crawl back into her mind again.
She shuddered and Sasuke nudged Naruto, having a feeling that she was growing uncomfortable, and quickly changed the subject.
"So how are you liking the Track and Field drills we've been doing this week?"
"Oh, they're nothing," she mumbled.
"It's easy for you? Running is never easy!" gasped Naruto.
"I agree that it's never easy," she said as she smiled slightly, "But I love running. I was in my Track and Field team back in middle school. We won first place three years in a row and it was really fun."
Sasuke and Naruto exchanged puzzled glances.
"Is loving to run wrong?" she laughed.
"I love racing at some points in my life," stated Sasuke, "But I don't think running is that pleasing."
Naruto agreed with the Uchiha.
"Well everyone's opinions differ," she replied quite happily.
"Hey - um - everybody!"
Kakashi walked out the boy's locker room door with a bag of batons and other Track and Field equipment. The sight of all of the items made the students want to whine loudly. Now they knew that whatever they were doing today, it was going to be hard work.
Sakura couldn't help to agree more and stood behind Hinata and Sasuke, not forgetting to keep her distance between herself and Kakashi. The Uchiha seemed to notice and tried to question her for her unusual action but Kakashi began explaining the activities, saving Sakura from giving her own explanation.
"Today we are running the following events: the two hundred and the four by one. You will each be put into a team that I will pick. All of you will have to run but one person in each team has to run twice, including the two hundred and the one hundred," he explained briefly.
He began picking the teams. Each group was full of skilled runners and athletes that it almost made Sakura envy them. Just hoping that she would receive a good team full of known people, she crossed her fingers and closed her eyes.
"Team Seven is Sakura, Sasuke, Hinata, and Naruto."
A joyous emotion overcame her as she playfully nudged Sasuke and Hinata on the arm. Afterward, Sakura looked up and caught Kakashi's eye. She immediately turned away to face her team again to avoid his gaze.
At the moment, she wanted no part of him.
"Alright. Go to the track and begin selecting each person's event and running places. When you are done, I guess you can prepare your own warm-up drills if you would like to. I am giving you guys ten to fifteen minutes starting now."
The whole class jogged out into the sunny daylight and did as what Kakashi had told them to do. Everyone was actually excited for the competition and some were so competitive that they announced that they would be the ones who would win first place.
"Okay, I'll run the two hundred and be anchor for the four by one," exclaimed Sakura, "Hinata, you can run first. Sasuke and Naruto, you decide which one of you would be second or third."
"I'll be third!" called Naruto, his hand furiously waving in the air.
Sasuke shot him an angry glare and muttered, "Fine, I'll run second."
"Good, now all we have to do is wait for the rest of the teams until they are ready," she sighed as she gave a slight smile, "And don't worry. It's not about who wins. Just have fun and don't overdo it."
"Don't overdo it. Pfft," huffed Sasuke, "You know there isn't any breaks in between the events right? You'd be exhausted by the time Naruto hands the baton off to you. Plus, the results all depend on you."
"I'll be fine," groaned Sakura as she crossed her arms, "I can take care of myself."
The Uchiha shook his head and began stretching his arms and legs in hope of relieving any tight muscles or joints. It seemed like a pretty good idea so the rest of the team began following his stretching exercises. On a couple of the drills, Naruto began complaining because he thought it made him look like a fool. Everyone ignored him despite the loud groaning. He was already a fool so why does it matter?
"Alright everybody! We are going to start the two hundred."
Kakashi's loud and demanding voice brought his class gathering around him with shaking legs and widening eyes. Apparently, all of the students were filled with anxiety.
"Racers, on your mark..." He paused to check if every racer was at the starting line. "Get set..."
Another long set of silent seconds. It was becoming more unnerving and the atmosphere had began to fill itself with displeasure and more of an eerie feeling. To be honest, Sakura was just as nervous as her competitors.
"Go!" he suddenly shouted, his arm slashing down in front of him.
And then the students were off, running with unusual yet amazing speed.
The adrenaline was rushing through Sakura's veins. The wind blowing back her pink hair almost distracted her from trying to win. Her eyes watering to the strong breeze pushing past her made it even more difficult. But she didn't stop. In fact, this race was unlike any other. It made her feel more free and alive. And the faded yet noticeable roar of the students made it enjoyable.
All of a sudden, her feet skidded to a stop, nearly making her stumble onto the ground. She looked over her shoulder to only find the rest of the racers crossing the finish line. Feeling victorious, Sakura smiled and waved to her team on the far end of the track.
"Sakura-chan, watch out!"
Kiba crashed into her with great force and the both of them fell back onto the ground, his elbow accidentally jamming into her stomach. Stars began to burst in her vision and she suddenly felt short of breath. Not being able to stand up properly, she let herself lay there.
"Oh my God, I am so sorry!" Kiba apologized frantically as he tried to help her up. Unable to bring her to her feet, he sat beside her and continuously waved his hand at her for oxygen. "I'm terribly sorry Sakura! It's just that when I run, I can barely stop myself in the end after running so fast. I-I'm sorry," he murmured worriedly.
Sakura managed to grin reassuringly. "I'm fine. It's not your fault. It happens to me too," she coughed.
"I would believe that you would bump into someone after failing to try to stop yourself from running, but jamming an elbow into a friend's stomach ... It's just unforgivable," he wailed, "I'm unforgivable."
A minute of silence passed and she finally sat up. Pain shot throughout her stomach and she clutched onto it, feeling sick and dizzy. Sakura blinked twice in confusion, not knowing whether if she was still conscious or not. Everything was just so blurry that it was hard to decide if she was even alive.
After pressing her hand to her forehead, she glanced around to find Kiba long gone. She thought she saw his figure trying to get help on the other side of the track. But just staring into the distance gave her a headache. This day turned from bad into fucking worse.
"So please, allow me to help you."
"Sakura ... Jesus Christ."
Sakura looked up to only have her gaze locked with Kakashi's. She stared at him reluctantly, unsure if she should accept his help. Without the student's permission, Kakashi brushed his thumb against the corner of her lip and trailed it down to her chin, then brought it to his face. Something red gleamed in front of her eyes. Blood. Her blood. She shuddered and looked away, afraid to see at her own seeping flesh.
"Fuck," he silently cursed as he brought his hand to his forehead, "Alright kiddo, we need to bring you to a hospital or something. If you're bleeding this much, I might as well immediately take you to one. I could have a student run to the office and check you out and..." His voice trailed off into silence. Perhaps he was thinking to himself now considering that his lips were sealed shut.
"Can you stand?" he slowly asked.
He offered a hand but she frantically refused his help.
Sakura managed to get up on her feet and stand for at least a couple of seconds before collapsing to her knees once again. Her mind was just spinning, her vision was blurry and distorted, and something was beginning to bubble in the bottom of her gut. Feeling yet another jolt of pain, she clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.
She couldn't believe a single blow in the stomach could bring so much pain and distress.
All of a sudden, Kakashi hooked his arm through her armpit and behind her back, swiftly bringing her up into his arms. Shock overcame her as he brought her head to his chest. She felt his grip on her tighten as he began walking. The sound of all of her classmates worrying and questioning him eventually became oblivious to her ears.
All she heard was him and all she saw was him.
. . .
She watched the passing by trees and other natural objects through the car window. The car's engine roared as it sped up a little, nearly beating a red light. Panic was still by her side, including all of the haunting flashbacks from all of those disappointing and distressful events. At least the blood stopped seeping out of her lips, but she can still taste the bitter dry taste in her throat. Plus, her stomach was still in pain. She was absolutely sure that Kiba had given her a bruise.
"Sakura, you're so fragile."
She rolled her eyes to the right to look at Kakashi, her cheek still settled on the window. He wasn't looking at her - and thank God he wasn't because he should be paying attention to the road - but his face held the worry and fright from PE.
"It looks like you're still confused from your first period class. Perhaps you are mad at me," he breathed. "Well I can't blame you for having to stop an immature person such as myself."
... Silence ...
"Kiddo, I am really sorry for - um - acting up during English. I think I already apologized to you, but I just can't seem to get that predicament off my mind, especially since you're the one who ended it," he continued, "And I'm sorry for what happened to you during PE. Kiba didn't mean it and I am sure that you know he's probably worrying like hell right now. It's not your fault either. You didn't see it coming."
Sakura gave no response. She was unable to speak to him. Not literally, but it was just uncomfortable to be around him. There was a time where she would always have nothing to say. That time is happening this very moment. Sakura didn't know what to tell him. She just didn't know.
"Sakura, I can't stand to see you like this. You're a kind girl and you don't deserve this kind of drama and pain," murmured Kakashi as he put the car into reverse.
Sakura had an idea that they have arrived in the hospital.
"Please ... can you talk to me for a few minutes? At least tell me you're fine."
The pink-haired teenager released a low breath and glanced at him. His face was pale and held so much distraught. The usual and happy glow in his eyes no longer existed and all she saw was a gloomy day behind those broken walls. Like how he felt bad when he looked at her saddened face, the roles switched and she was feeling the same exact emotion that she guessed he experienced.
"Thank you for helping me," Sakura finally managed to whisper, "And it's not your fault that you broke out into frustration. It happens to everyone."
"I'm a teacher though. I am supposed to be more mature about those kind of situations." His voice began to sound more bitter and low as if he was beginning to feel sorrow. Maybe after looking back at what he did, he thought it was horrible.
"Everyone has a child inside of themselves, Kakashi." A small grin crossed her face and Sakura adjusted her head so that she would be sitting properly. "You can't expect everyone to act like an adult."
Kakashi didn't reply and he finally finished parking the car.
"Can you walk? Are you still hurt?" he suddenly questioned.
"Geez, I'm fine," she assured, "Maybe a bruise on the stomach and that's it. I still taste blood in my throat though."
"Then you're going to have to be checked up." Kakashi got out of the car and helped her walk to the entrance. "Are you sure you're in a good condition like you said you were? It seems that you are still weak from the blow."
Sakura smirked. "I'm not a child."
"Hey, I thought you said that everyone obtains this so called inner child," mocked Kakashi, his mismatched eyes cringing joyously.
"Shut up."
"That's not how you're supposed to talk to a teacher," he innocently whined.
"Well you sure aren't acting like one," Sakura commented.
Kakashi hung his head sheepishly. "Well gee, thanks."
"Excuse me, Mister."
A black-haired woman strode up to him and Sakura with a puzzled expression. She had a short cut hair that was pretty appealing for a young woman like her. She wore a doctor's coat and had a pencil in one hand and a clipboard in the other. If Kakashi was to guess her age, he'd say around the thirties. Maybe younger.
"May I ask you of your name? I haven't seen you taking care of Sakura before," she inquired, "The only care-takers of Sakura that I know of is her father and her mother." She narrowed her eyes toward the silver-haired man. "I don't even think we have met.
"Oh Shizune," said Sakura in realization, "He's not-"
"Oh no, you've mistaken me for her guardian. I'm her English and PE teacher, Kakashi Hatake," interrupted Kakashi, ignoring his students restless nudges, "You see, she was in an accident during PE so I brought her here for a check up."
"Ah yes, you're Kakashi Hatake. I recall seeing you hanging around the waiting room. Anyways...Tsunade, your doctor, has shown me your medical files and records. You have had a lot of lousy injuries in the past and even tried to escape this place a couple of times," she stated sternly, "You're an odd fellow for attempting escape."
"You tried escaping?" gawked Sakura, her eyes flickering with curiosity.
"I hate hospitals," he muttered, "And I'll have you know that I'm not that strange of a person."
"Moving on..." Shizune began walking again, only to have Sakura and Kakashi follow her. She jotted down a couple of notes onto her paperwork before saying, "I will now be taking Sakura with me so if you would excuse us..."
"Hold on for a moment, please. I would like to have a quick word with Sakura."
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