AN: Hey folks! First off I want to thank everyone for the awesome reviews/faves/alerts. I'm so glad everyone's enjoying this AU story, I know I'm not the first person to created a story where the characters turns into animals, but I tried to make the story as Original as possible. So once again, thank you everyone for giving my story a chance =)
Also, I want to thank Koda for pointing out a mistake and I want you to know I fixed it thanks to you =)
Also on note, for the time being, Sakura's only demons will be Gaara and Naruto. I want to focus on their story first. Because if I just keep throwing Sakura more demons before she could understand the ones she's with, it will just throw the story into chaos. So for those who wants her to have more demons will have to be patient and wait, please =)
So for any questions just PM and I'll try and answer you as soon as possible.
OoOo
"That's a pretty nasty wound you got there, Uchiha," a low voice growled amusedly.
Pushing back the black bangs covering his eyes, Sasuke winced at the sharp pain to the right side of his rib from the movement. The battle with the Tanuki had only happened four days ago and yet Sasuke still carried the bruises and scars from his opponent. After the fight Sasuke had found a small abandoned cabin just outside of town. Concealed behind trees and mountains, he'd erected a barrier to block off his chakra in order to hide while he healed his wounds. Unfortunately his powers must have been weak if his brother's demon could find him this easily. Hissing out a curse, Sasuke's dull yellow eyes shot towards the smirking plant demon crouching down in front of him.
"Why are you following me?" Sasuke demanded through clenched teeth.
Zetsu scoffed, "I am merely following my Master's orders."
"It is my mission to bring back the Kitsune not Madara!" the half demon snapped only to curse his foolishness when he felt another pain stab through him.
Zetsu observed the wounded Uchiha with bored eyes, "That's the problem with having human blood; it makes your healing progress slow," his tsked his pity before shrugging, "Tell me, Sasuke, did you find anything interesting after our little battle?"
Sasuke grunted, "What? The part where you ran like a beaten dog the second Hatake showed up?"
Ignoring the half-breed's sarcastic remark, Zetsu merely rubbed his chin thoughtfully before saying, "I stayed behind and watched."
"I didn't understand any of it," Sasuke muttered bitterly, his memory replaying the scene he had watched four days ago.
Zetsu scoffed, "Of course you wouldn't notice anything, half-breed. I meant…while Gaara was in his demonic form he licked the human's blood and reacted rather strangely."
With his eyes focused on his wounds Sasuke shrugged off the plant demon's words carelessly. "Perhaps her blood didn't agree with him," he grumbled apathetically. Though earlier Sasuke had sent a message to Fugaku about the recent event he'd witnessed between the human and Tanuki. All he had to do now was wait for a reply. "I don't care about anything else. I just want to capture the Kitsune."
Zetsu barked out a harsh laugh, "And to get to the Kitsune you have to use his little Master, you foolish child."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed dangerously at his words. "Watch it," he hissed through clenched teeth, although his eyes glowered curiously at the plant demon's suggestion. "What do you have in mind?"
Zetsu grinned, revealing rolls of sharp teeth. "No woman, demon or human, can resist the charm of an Uchiha."
Charm? Sasuke almost choked out a laugh at the ridiculous word. He was sure if the human got one good look at his face she'll run screaming at the sight. "But what are you going to do with Hatake, huh?" Sasuke reminded him harshly, "He'll probably keep a close eye on the human."
Zetsu grunted, "And that is why you must stay out of his sight, you are to focus on the human. I'll think of something to distract the big bad wolf, after all, you're part human and Hatake's own rules won't let him hurt anything human." Zetsu eyed the half-breed as though the sight of him was revolting.
Sasuke eyed the plant demon coldly before forcing his stiffed legs to stand. Suppressing the urge to groan in pain, Sasuke hissed, "And while I'm trying to lure the human away what are you going to do with her pets?"
"The Tanuki and Kitsune will be a problem," Zetsu observed irritably, "And if I go into town Hatake will surely sense my presence…" with a curse, the plant demon slither through the room with a furious scowl on his black and white face. "I suppose I do need to make a little visit…"
Sasuke watched as the plant demon make his way towards the door, but before leaving he called over his shoulder. "Stay here until I return, half-breed, hopefully you will heal by then. After all, you can't go to the female looking the way you do without your chakra to disguise your deformity."
With a smirk, Zetus burrowed his body into the ground and hastily made his way north. Watching him go, Sasuke's yellow eyes turned in the direction towards town. Despite his survival instinct to stay in the cabin and heal, another part of him yearned to go and be surrounded by others. Being locked in that cage for hundreds of years, the need to be around people was starting to overwhelm him. Ignoring the warning signs and the ache to his wounds, Sasuke drew up his cloak and pull his hood over his face. Without a backward glance he made his way back to town.
OoOo
An hour and a half went by and Sakura felt as if she'd been running around the forest like a chicken with its head chopped off. It was clear Naruto was an excellent hider.
The area they were in was indeed beautiful; it was hard not to stare at the lovely scenery surrounding her. As much as Sakura wanted to find Naruto, she couldn't help but be distracted by the scenery. The afternoon sun lights stream through the thick leaves, giving the lush green forest an enchanting appearance. The gentle breezes of the warm wind caress her skin like phantom fingers. Sakura hummed her pleasure at the warm scent of the summer's air.
C'mon, Sakura, focus! She scolded herself, now is not the time to stand here like an idiot staring at the trees!
Huffing out her annoyance, Sakura scanned the area with determined eyes. A Master should always know where their demon is. Sakura thought back to Kakashi's words and bit back a groan at the oncoming headache. Simple words and yet Sakura couldn't spot a blonde hair out of the sea of green and brown.
I want you to become familiar with Naruto's scent, Kakashi's voice floated in her head as she closed her eyes and listened. Concentrate on the beating of his heart, I want you to focus everything on it and follow its rhythms.
Sakura scowled, she was human for crying out loud! It wasn't like she was a dog!
Apple, it was all she hinted when she took in Naruto's scent, but other than that…she had nothing!
Of course she could always cheat and call out to Naruto's ears that she had ramen, she was sure the hyper blonde demon would come running out of his hiding spot if he heard that.
Sakura's eyes widened when realized she'd been rubbing her thumb over the tattooed on the back of her hand. Looking down at the black spiral shape, Sakura's green eyes stared at the mark in hopes it gave her some sort of clue. What felt like hours had only been minutes when nothing happened, and with a sigh of annoyance, she scanned her surrounding in clear frustration.
"You look like a lost child," a dry voice said from behind her.
With a startled shriek, Sakura jumped at the voice and whirled around to find Gaara standing there. Breathing in her relief, she glared at the stoic demon, "Wh-What are you doing here, Gaara?"
The Tanuki observed the female through the slit of his eyes before saying, "You were taking too long. I thought you were kidnapped."
Sakura ignored the lack of emotion behind his words, "We're on Kakashi's land, remember? I'm pretty sure no Uchiha would be stupid enough to enter his land."
"You'd be surprised," was his response.
She glared at him impatiently, "And what is it that you want?"
"From you?" his pale green eyes scanned her up and down slowly.
An unwanted blush spread across her cheeks at his lazy scrutiny. Clearing her throat nervously, she demanded, "Well?"
Gaara grunted before looking away, "Absolutely nothing."
Muttering curses underneath her breath, Sakura watched as the Tanuki made his way toward one of the trees and leaned back against it with his arms crossed over his chest. Sakura continued to glare at him until she felt an oncoming headache.
"I suppose you're sticking around to watch me snoop for Naruto?"
His grunt was all the answer she needed. With an annoyed frown, Sakura turned her attention back to her surroundings before walking off. And trailing just behind her was a bored Gaara. Trying her best to ignore the distraction behind her, Sakura moved deeper into the forest with her eyes searching for any signs of Naruto.
"Eyesight alone won't help you," a cold voice said behind her.
Sakura's brow twitched at the monotone voice, "Thanks for the advice," she bit out. "But I'll take it from here."
Gaara's lips unwillingly grinned at her irate tone, "We'll be here all day."
OoOo
Tick…
Tock…
Tick…
Tock…
Silver eyes peered beneath the thick black lashes to glare irritably at the clock sitting innocently on the desk. Resisting the urge to curse out his frustration, Neji forced his weary eyes off the ticking clock to focus on the computer screen in front of him. Unfortunately the more he stared at the words on the screen the more the words began to swirl into unintelligible syllables. Rubbing his temple at the oncoming headache, Neji shut the computer's screen off with a curse. Leaning back in his leather chair, Neji rotated the chair to face the window outside his office. Another neighboring building faced him; much to his irritation, it blocked off his scenery to the sea of green forest just behind it.
Emptiness filled him as his silver eyes continued to look into nothingness. Lately Neji couldn't fathom why nothing could satisfy the empty void inside him. Ever since his date with Sakura Haruno, Neji couldn't take his mind off that bizarre creature she called a pet. The sight of its tails wagging behind it and those eerie red eyes staring at him made his stomach turn.
"Perfect," he growled dryly.
"Mr. Hyūga," a feminine voice came through the intercom on his desk. "Mr. Hizashi Hyūga is here to see you."
Upon hearing his father's name, Neji straighten in his chair and told his secretary to let him in. The doors to his office opened and his father strolled in. Hizashi was an older version of his son with his long black hair tied back and silver eyes. Dressed in a black suit, their family's symbol stitched delicately on to the white scarf he wore around his neck, Hizashi's presence practically oozed out power. Neji stood from his chair and bowed his head at his father's approach.
"Father," Neji greeted with respect.
Hizashi nod his head in acknowledgment. "Neji, hard at work I see…" his silver eyes stared at the files on his son's desk.
Unconsciously, Neji switch the computer's screen back on. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Hizashi sat down in the chair across from his son's desk and gesture with his hand for Neji to sit as well. "I am not here to talk business if that is what you're wondering," he said wearily, "How have you been, Neji?"
Neji's black brows furrow at the concern in his father's tone, "I've been fine, father, everything in the company had been running smoothly—"
"Neji," his father cut him off with a stern frown. "When I said no business talk, I meant it."
Neji stiffen in his chair, but gave a small nod of understanding, "I apologize."
"Now tell me of your wellbeing."
As much as Neji wanted to assure his father he was fine, deep down he knew he couldn't. Since childhood, Neji could never hide things from his father. All Hizashi had to do was look his son in the eyes and know, without having to ask, that there was something bothering him.
Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, Neji push the black bangs from his eyes. "Lately I've been growing restless."
A look of understanding flashed in Hizashi's silver eyes. "Explain."
"It's hard to explain something I don't understand myself," Neji admitted grudgingly, his eyes staring at the ticking clock.
"Try," Hizashi pressed on.
Pushing his chair back, Neji stood up and made his way towards the window. "I feel…unsatisfied," his voice was barely audible, but Hizashi heard it clearly. "There's something missing and I don't know what."
With his back facing his father, Neji never saw the troubled look in Hizashi's eyes. The older Hyūga stood up from his chair to approach his son. Deep down he knew what Neji needed, but it was also the reason why he left his brother's compound in the first place. Hizashi had sworn to his dying wife to never let their son suffer what they went through because of his brother's hands.
Placing a hand on his son's stiffened shoulder; Hizashi gave him a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, my son, it will past."
OoOo
From high above the trees, hidden behind the thick branches and leaves, Kakashi's mismatched eyes crinkled in amusement at the pink haired female below. Even at the height he was in he could easily hear her muttered curses. Unknown to the human, Naruto had been trailing after her every step of the way. In his kit form, Naruto quickly scurried behind bushes and rocks while keeping a sharp eye on his Master. Any experience Master would have already sense the presence of their demon by now, but not Sakura.
"C'mon, Sakura, look with your heart and not with your eyes," Kakashi encouraged softly.
Below, Sakura's green eyes darted left to right. Frustration and exhaustion clawed at her stomach. She was sure an hour went by and still no sign of Naruto. If this keeps up any longer she'll be here until night fall! Not far behind her was Gaara. The damned Tanuki's face looked as though it was carved from stone. Huffing at his expressionless face, Sakura turned her attention back to the scenery ahead.
Birds chirped happily in the background while beetles and other insects munched on the leaves and wood. Faltering in her steps, Sakura recalled during their exercise not a sound was being made. All she remembered was hearing the strong music of Naruto's heartbeat. On his skin he had a faint trace of apple and his own personal masculine scent.
Apple…
Sakura's eyes fluttered when a strong gush of wind blew in her direction. Almost immediately a familiar scent caught her attention. Inhaling deeply, her eyes closed as she concentrated on that particular scent. Her fists clenching and unclenching, Sakura closed her ears off to any sounds the forest made. Pressing the tattooed hand over her heart, she followed the soft rhythms of her heart.
I want you to become familiar with Naruto's scent, Kakashi's voice once again floated in her head as she listened. Concentrate on the beating of his heart, I want you to focus everything on it and follow its rhythms.
Standing not too far from behind her, Gaara's sharp eyes watched as a white glow formed around the female's body. A small hiss escaped from between his lips at the sight of the faint glow. Already he could feel his own body responding to the light. It was the calling, a summoning technique a Master use to call forth their demons. And because of the bond Gaara has with the female, the need to respond and go to her side was overwhelming. Gaara was sure Naruto was probably having the same problem—the Tanuki nearly fell forward when something hard bumped against his leg. A flash of orange was all he'd seen when he realized it had been Naruto rushing past him to get to their—his Master.
Sakura! Sakura! The orange kit was bouncing around the female's feet to get her attention. Right here! I'm right here!
Wincing at the voice ringing inside her head, Sakura look down and spotted Naruto clinging on to her leg. Crying out in joy, Sakura scoop up the mewling kit and hugged him to her chest.
"Found you!" she cried out ecstatically.
"I see that you did," an amused voice said from above.
With a startled gasp, Sakura tilt her head up to see Kakashi hanging above from one of the tree's branch, his red and black eyes crinkling down at her in amusement.
"That's right!" Sakura didn't bother to hide the victory in her tone as she held up a squirming kit, "Now that I found the pip-squeak, what's my reward?"
Hey! Naruto protested at being called a pip-squeak.
With a hearty laugh, Kakashi let go of the tree branch and landed on his feet in front of a smirking Sakura. "I did promise a gift if you found your demon," Kakashi gave the grumbling kit a pat on the head before reaching into the back pocket of his pant. Sakura arched a thin pink brow at the white envelope Kakashi held out toward her. "Consider this an early bonus."
Curious as to what he meant, Sakura took the envelope from him and tore it open. Disbelief and shock was the only two words to come to mind at the amount of money in the check. It was enough to not only pay her rent for the month, but to put food in the fridge! Dumbfounded at what to say, Sakura could only stare at the amused Kakashi with her mouth gasping open like a fish.
With a chuckle, Kakashi gave the speechless human a fond pat on the back. "It's the least I can do."
Shaking her head clear of the shock, Sakura quickly thrust the check back into his hand, "I can't accept this! I mean…I've only worked for you for one day!"
Not taking any offense to the human's rejection, Kakashi calmly took her resisting hand and placed the check into her palm. "Sakura, stubbornness and pride will not feed you or put a roof over your head," the wolf demon advised her. "If it makes you feel better you can cook me dinner tonight; after all, wasn't that our bargain from the beginning?"
As much as Sakura wanted to argue with him, she knew his words to be true. Her pride was keeping her from accepting the check. From the age of eighteen, Sakura had done everything on her own. After graduating and moving out of her mother's relative's home, she moved in with Ino. Working at the restaurant and saving up, Sakura's main goal had been to live on her own. Living with Ino had been nice, but having to listen to her best-friend's constant nagging had been too much for Sakura's poor ears. Peace and quiet was all she wanted.
"Sakura?" Kakashi's mismatched eyes watched the human's face worriedly.
Shifting in her arms, Naruto's snout nudged his Master's shirt anxiously; Sakura, you okay?
At Naruto's voice, Sakura's green eyes stared down at kit's face and instantly felt something inside her melt. Looking into his red eyes made her realized she was no longer living on her own. She now had the responsibility to not only take care of one demon, but two. Her stubbornness and pride definitely won't feed her two demons. And beside she could only repay Kakashi back by picking up more shifts at the restaurant and bookstore.
Glancing over her shoulder, Sakura met a pair of cool jade eyes staring back at her. With what information she had, Sakura knew Gaara had a hard life with his previous Master. She certainly didn't want to repeat those same mistakes and let him down. Despite the Tanuki's cool demeanor, he's helped her lot with handling Naruto and in protecting her from the Uchiha.
And now it was her turn to help both Naruto and Gaara.
Pushing aside her stubborn pride, Sakura took the check and slid it into her pocket. Looking into Kakashi's eyes, she sighed in defeat before smiling, "Dinner at my house at eight. You bring dessert."
OoOo
The world indeed had changed during Sasuke's imprisonment.
Keeping close to the shadows of the buildings, Sasuke kept his distance from the humans as he strolled down the busy street of downtown. Although he had no problems keeping the humans away from him, dressed in a tattered cloak with his yellow eyes glowing from behind the hood, the humans parted ways for him without hesitation. A low growl rumbled in his chest at the heavy scent of food lingering in the air. His stomach clenched painfully; how long had it been since he had had a decent meal?
On the sidewalk vendors was selling food of all sorts. Just from the sight of it alone was enough to make his mouth water. Sasuke cursed when a wave of dizziness hit him. Stumbling, he panted heavily as he leaned against a nearby building for support. His vision blurred briefly before he could focus at the pavement beneath his boot.
Perhaps he shouldn't have left the sanctuary of his hideout. Ignoring his hunger, Sasuke forced his feet to move. He continued walking until the sky darkened with gray clouds- he could already smell the rain heading their way. It wasn't until he heard the sound of children's laughter did he realized he had unconsciously stumbled into a park. Already he could see the mothers gathering their children to take them home. A look of longing flashed in his eyes before he covered it up behind a scowl. After the playground cleared, Sasuke made his way toward a swing and sat down. The world seemed quieter now, peaceful even. He could hardly recall his own childhood while living in the Uchiha compound.
"Shit," he cursed wearily at the feel of his stomach clenching. No sooner did the word leave his mouth when the first droplet of rain fell on his hand. Almost immediately others soon follow and Sasuke could already feel his cloak getting soaked with the rain. Drawing his hood lower, Sasuke didn't bother to get up and leave, and instead continued to sit there and listen to the sound of the rain.
"It's beautiful, isn't it, my son?"
It had been centuries since he'd heard his mother's voice and yet whenever it rains he could always hear it as if she was right there beside him. Closing his eyes against the phantom voice, Sasuke clenched his fist until he could feel his claws piercing his flesh. He hissed at the welcome pain. The warmth of his blood wept in between his closed fists, dripping down into the sand below his feet. Pain was always a comfortable sensation; it was the only emotion he would embrace without hesitation.
"Oh, Sasuke, are you hurt? Here, let mother take away your pain…"
Sasuke growled out a curse as he got off the swing. Why now? Why of all time was his mother's voice haunting him?
Not paying attention to where he was walking, Sasuke grunted when he knock into something soft. His eyes snapped open at the feminine cry follow by the sound of items dropping. He gave a start at a pair of vibrant green eyes staring at him from the soaked ground.
"It's beautiful, isn't it, my son?"
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" cried the pink haired female, "I should have been paying attention!"
Too shocked to say anything, he watched as the human began to pick up the groceries she had dropped on the ground. Nearby was an umbrella she must've dropped when they collided. Time slowed for Sasuke as he watched the human. Other than her vibrant forest green eyes, she had bright pink hair and fair skin. Despite being locked away for hundreds of years, Sasuke never once encountered anyone with pink hair such as hers. Dressed in a thick white sweater, blue jeans and boots, Sasuke knew, underneath those baggy clothes, she had a curvy figure.
"Oh…you're hurt," her wide green eyes were staring at his bloodied hands with genuine concern.
Sasuke hadn't realized the human was finished bagging her groceries until he heard her voice. Tearing his eyes off her shapely legs, he immediately stepped back and pulled the hood further down his face. Without a word he turned to leave.
"He-Hey, wait a second, please!"
Sasuke should have kept on walking; he should have just ignored her feminine voice. And yet he found his legs stopping at her little command, but kept his back to her. With his sharp ears he heard her rummaging through the plastic bag behind him.
"Um…here you go and, again, I'm sorry."
Sasuke doesn't turn to her even though he felt something being press into his hand. Without hesitation his fingers curled around the item and without having to look he knew she had already left. Looking down at the object in hand, his yellow eyes widened at the sight of a loaf of bread covered in plastic. But that wasn't the only thing there; she had also given him a delicate white handkerchief. Unfortunately his eyes were greedily devouring the bread. Tearing the bag open he took a bite and growled his pleasure at the honey sweet taste. The delicious bread was devoured in less than a minute, even with the rain drenching him, it didn't ruin his appetite. Dropping the empty plastic bag to the ground, Sasuke glanced over his shoulder and spotted her pink hair flopping up and down the street toward an apartment complex.
Even with the heavy odor of the rain Sasuke had smelt the scent of demons clinging on to the human female.
A pair of yellow eyes glowed as he watched the human disappear. "Sakura Haruno."
OoOo
Heaving out an exhausted sigh, Sakura shook out the excess water from her umbrella as she unlocked her front door. "Hey, guys, I'm home!" Sakura called out before closing the door behind her and putting away the umbrella.
On the couch with a cup of hot tea in his hand, Gaara gave the human a nod of acknowledgement. Making her way toward the kitchen, Sakura halted in her steps when she realized there wasn't a certain blonde to greet her at the door. She turned a questioning look towards the stoic red head only to have him point towards the bathroom. Only after a while did she finally hear scratches coming from the other side of the bathroom.
Understanding came to her mind, "Ah…did he try to come after me?"
Putting the cup down, he nodded, "He was sure the rain would have killed you."
With an unlady like snort, Sakura walk toward the kitchen and dropped the grocery bags on the counter. Behind her, Gaara observed as she took out bags of vegetables.
"Tonight's dinner will be steaks, red mashed potatoes with a serving of side salad," she announced as she took out the steaks from the bags. "Can you help me wash the vegetables?"
An hour later, dinner was ready and Sakura finally let a grumbling Naruto out the bathroom. The tiny Kitsune shot Gaara a dark look before trotting beside his Master. Kakashi was to show up at eight on the dot and looking at the clock, Sakura scowled. The perverted wolf was half an hour late.
"You've got to be kidding me," she muttered irritably before looking away from the clock to look at the two demons sitting on the couch. "Well…since our guest is late, I'll go take a shower."
Naruto's little pointy ears shot up, Can I join you?
The glare she shot toward him was enough to have him flattened his ears against his head and lowered his eyes. Without another word, Sakura made her way toward the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Whining his disappointment, Naruto paced in front of the bathroom's door. Much to Gaara's annoyance, the kit continued his pitiful whimpering. Gaara knew he couldn't blame the Kitsune; after all, Naruto was merely following his demonic instinct to be near his Master. And Gaara would be lying if he said he didn't feel the same. Already he could feel his skin tightening in discomfort. Thinking back, he couldn't remember the last time he even touched the female. Perhaps it was the time when she found out he belonged to her. Gaara had been standing by the doorway while he watched the human examined herself in front of the mirror. He knew then he should have made his presence known, but something in him couldn't help but watched her. Her back had been towards him when she held her shirt up to expose her stomach. Gaara felt his throat constricted for air as he watched her. With both Naruto and himself healing her, her body held no scars from the previous battle they had with Zetsu. Indeed, her stomach was smooth and flat, he was sure he could if he touched her –Gaara bit back a curse. Great…he was no better than Kakashi.
He wanted to touch the female, yes, but he wouldn't.
He couldn't.
Gaara, hey, Gaara! Naruto's high pitched voice screeched inside Gaara's head, causing the red head to wince. There's someone at the door!
Shooting the Kitsune a look of annoyance, Gaara stood up from the couch and made his way towards the door. A knock came to the door and the Tanuki could already feel whose chakra it was on the other side of the door.
"You're late," the impassive red head said as he opened the door.
Kakashi had the nerve to laugh, "Ah, well, you see—"
"Save it," Gaara brushed off his apology.
With a chuckle, Kakashi walked inside the apartment and closed the door behind him. The silver haired demon sniffed the air and closed his eyes dreamily. "Hmm, smells good in here."
The kit trotted back into the living room to glare his displeasure at Kakashi, We would have been eating too if you'd shown up on time.
Going over to the coffee table, Kakashi put down a bag he'd had been holding on the table to scoop up a snarling Naruto. "Aw, look how adorable you are!" Kakashi cooed as he held the squirming kit at arm's length.
Hey! Stop it! Gaara, save me!
Unfortunately for Naruto, the red head merely walked to the couch and sat back down to finish his tea. Just than the door to the bathroom opened and six pair of eyes watched as Sakura, wrapped in a white towel, walk toward her bedroom. Of the six eyes, Naruto was the first to shake his head clear and rush toward the bedroom just as the door was closing behind him.
"Twenty dollar say he gets kicked out," Kakashi gave Gaara a playful jab as he sat down next to the stoic demon.
Gaara merely sipped his tea.
After five minutes, Kakashi's brows furrowed when he heard no feminine shouting. "Huh…I didn't think Sakura would tolerate someone watching her get dress."
Putting his empty cup down, Gaara grunted, "She doesn't see Naruto as a demon…she's sees him as a harmless house pet."
Kakashi arched a white brow at his word, "I'm sure she sees him as more than that, Gaara."
Just than Sakura walk out of the bedroom, dressed in a simple loose black sweater and leggings. And walking dutifully by her feet was the orange kit.
"Ah, good to see you here," Sakura said dryly as soon as she spotted Kakashi lounging on the couch beside Gaara. "I'm sure there's a good reason for your tardiness."
Gaara held up a hand before Kakashi could make a comment, "Don't bother."
Sakura knew better than to ask what Gaara meant, she was sure whatever Kakashi had to say was complete BS. With a small smile, she made her way toward the kitchen to grab the food from the fridge. As she set up the plates, Kakashi pulled out the items that were inside the bag he'd brought. Watching him, Gaara tilt his head to the side at the 'dessert' Kakashi brought with him.
The red head gave Kakashi a blank look, "Peanut butter and jelly sandwich?"
Kakashi was quick to defend his dessert, "I didn't want Sakura to know I couldn't make anything!"
"And peanut butter and jelly sandwich is your best kitchen skills?"
Kakashi's mismatched eyes drooped in disappointment and hurt, "So I take it you won't try my dessert?"
A low disgruntled growl was the demon dog's only response.
Before Kakashi could say anymore Sakura walked in carrying two plates. She's set the plates down on the coffee table and immediately spied the small tray of sandwiches in the center. She turned her eyes toward a sheepish looking Kakashi.
"Dessert looks great, Kakashi," she forced her stiff lips to stretched into a smile. "I, uh, can't wait to try it."
Kakashi's sheepish look instantly disappeared, "That's great!"
From the way his eyes were crinkling she was sure he was flashing a huge smile behind the mask. As much as Kakashi wanted to converse with Sakura, his nostrils flared at the delicious scent coming from the plates on the coffee table. His mismatched eyes widened in delight at the steak and red mashed potatoes beckoning him with their scent. Sakura was sure he was drooling through the mask.
"This looks great, Sakura!"
Sakura blushed at the compliment, "Thank you," she smiled, "Would you like something to drink, Kakashi?"
"Any juice?" he inquired.
Sakura nodded, "Cranberry juice or orange juice?"
His white brows shot up hopeful, "Both?"
She frowned in confusion, "In separate glasses?"
"Could you mix it please?" he pleaded hopefully.
Who knew Demon Lords liked their juices mixed, she thought wryly. With a nod she made her way back toward the kitchen, not before calling over her shoulder, "Gaara, can you help me with the rest of the plates, please?"
Without a word Gaara got up and follow the human. Five minutes later, the red head came back carrying two more plates in his hands while Sakura carried three drinks in hers. Following close behind her was Naruto, still in his kit form.
Kakashi's brows furrowed at Naruto, "Is there a reason why Naruto's in this form?"
Gaara was the one who answered, "The kit tried to follow after his Master when she strictly ordered him to stay put."
The kit huffed out his annoyance at the Tanuki's words.
"Ah," Kakashi nodded his understanding and gave Naruto a pointed look, "You can't disobey your Master's orders, Naruto."
The kit growled.
Putting the drinks on the coffee table, Sakura sat down on the carpet floor and scooped up the snarling kit in her arms. Naruto's snarling instantly disappeared at the feel of her fingers scratching behind his ears.
Once Naruto was settled comfortably on her lap, Sakura gave Kakashi a stern look, "Let's not talk about Masters and demons right now. All I want is to have a nice dinner, okay?"
A solemn nod from the Tanuki and a happy agreement from Kakashi was all she needed before digging into her plate. A little nip and mewl on her lap reminded her to feed the hungry Kitsune. As silly as it may sound, two pairs of green eyes watched curiously as Kakashi folded a white napkin on his lap and then neatly began cutting his steak into square pieces. Watching him, Sakura couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of curiosity at what lies behind Kakashi's black mask. It wasn't too long ago when he'd warned her that if any female was to catch a glimpse of his face she would instantly fall in love with him. Unconsciously Sakura's eyes wandered toward Gaara's and the two connected. Behind his jaded green eyes he too was curious, Sakura noticed. The Tanuki was over two thousand years old and never once had he seen Kakashi's face.
Maybe the time was now.
Time slowed as Sakura watched Kakashi hook a finger at the edge of his mask. Food halted in mid-way toward her mouth as the mask inch its' way down. Both Gaara and Sakura continued to watch, obvious at the fact they were staring at their guest.
The mask slipped past Kakashi's straight nose.
Sakura's breath came to a stop when she realized she was going to see Kakashi's face!
And she would have seen his face too if a hand hadn't shot out and covered the startled dog demon's face. Bewildered, Sakura's turned her eyes questioningly toward a scowling Gaara. She could have sworn the Tanuki wanted to see Kakashi's face too.
Despite the interruption of his meal, Kakashi's amused eyes stayed on Gaara. "Is there a problem?" his words were muffled behind the Tanuki's hand.
Gaara's eyes darkened, "What game are you playing at, Lord Hatake?"
Kakashi arched a confused brow, "I was planning to eat this delicious meal…but it would seem you have a problem with it."
Gaara growled, "You will not show your face to the human."
This human has a name, Sakura though grudgingly.
Confusion soon turned to amusement, Kakashi's mismatched eyes crinkled as he stared at the scowling Tanuki. "Afraid I might steal your little Master away, Gaara?"
On her lap, Naruto hissed.
Gaara's eyes darkened at Kakashi's threat.
Sakura merely rolled her eyes before resuming in her meal.
Just when the tensions in the room begin to thicken a knock snapped all eyes toward the door. Putting a protesting Naruto on the floor, Sakura stood up and made her way toward the front door. When no demons made a move to stop her, Sakura turned the knob and pulled the door inward. Her forest green eyes widened in both shock and pleasure at a pair of silver eyes staring at her.
"Neji!"
OoOo
AN: Please Review =)
