The drive to Mashimo's home was doing funny things to Sakura's stomach.

Or maybe it was the coffee she had—she wasn't entirely sure.

She was thankful that Kakashi and Guy were chatty with each other—their hilarious quips served to keep her spirits lifted, if only slightly. She was thankful for the coffee Kakashi got her; she was thankful that their conversation seemed to get her mind off of Sasuke—even if she was slightly confused. Because, while the man had an air about him that delivered cool, seamless confidence; she wondered to herself if he was flirting with her—this morning, at least.

She also wondered to herself, in lieu of everything going on, why she liked it so much.
She wondered why one man has seemed to pay more attention to her in mere months that Sasuke ever did in six years—a man who had no romantic ties to her...

Who knew nothing about her...

He knew nothing about her, and really—she should keep it that way. Sakura checked herself, because she knew this much—the moment he, or any other man, found out about what happened to her would be the moment he'd run for the hills.

The moments she'd flinch.
The moments she'd wake up screaming from nightmares.
The moments when she'd have episodes.
The moments she'd disassociate and leave her body.

Not to mention intimacy.

Sakura didn't even know why her thoughts were getting this far away from her—well, that was a lie. She fucking knew.

She also figured, had Sasuke come around more often after Sakura's abduction—he would have left her himself or assaulted her sooner.

If the man who she dedicated herself to for so long left her for another woman even before she became this way—there's no way any man would stay now. She was a lost cause, doomed to be caught in the cycle of her own torment—she didn't want to bring anyone else down with her, either.

Besides, Sakura figured as much that she was reading into it too much. Kakashi was incredibly kind and friendly—chances were, he was just being nice and trying to get her to smile. But as they neared their destination, her smile was falling. Her gut was twisting in uncomfortable knots and she could feel flashes of heat across her chest. She wasn't nervous about the selling aspect—though, Mashimo was going to be more than just a tough egg to crack.

No.
She was anxious for what Mashimo or Kaba might say.

The last time Sakura saw the two, was when they were visiting her hospital room after her abduction. They witnessed her, beat up and practically mute. They offered their love and support, only for her to push them back and ask to be left alone—and that's exactly what they did. They left her alone, and while her mom would mention they asked about her, Sakura hasn't seen them since. She worried if maybe Mashimo would be upset with her—or if she hurt Kaba's feelings.

Furthermore, she hoped they wouldn't say anything about the incident in front of Kakashi or Guy.

Sakura was already humiliated.

The last thing she wanted was for more people to think her weak and helpless.

Really, his own astute nature astounded him.

As both Guy and Kakashi went back and forth on what they were planning to talk about—Sakura had practically shut down. She was withdrawn, peering out the window with lips pressed together tight. It was only when Guy asked her several questions that she answered—the force behind her optimistic tone evident.

Guy might be mildly dense when it comes to such things, but Kakashi was not. It was clear that Sakura was on edge, however he wondered if it could be nerves, whatever was bothering her this morning, or something else.

The three climbed out of the car once they reached Mashimo's home; Guy clapping his hands together and loudly declaring it was time to "eat this up." Sakura followed the men to the doorstep of the surprisingly modern home, a dark blue folder clutched to her chest. Guy raised his fist and knocked on the door several times; Kakashi turned his head to Sakura and gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't look so nervous—the worst that can happen is he says no."

Sakura gave a tight smile, "I'm not nervous."

"Too bad we refuse to take no for an answer," Guy butt in, grinning cheekily. "When have we ever lost a sale?"

"Could have fooled me," Kakashi hummed to Sakura, ignoring Guy. "Your folder is going to warp if you keep squeezing it like that."

Sakura glanced down, giving an awkward chuckle and plucking the folder away from her chest. She brought it down to her side, shaking her head, "I just haven't seen them in a while, is all."

Guy knocked again.

Kakashi gave a knowing nod, "Ah- well, it sounds like Mashimo has beef with your dad, not you."

She plucked a shoulder, muttering softly, "He might have beef with me...I don't know."

"What, did you shit on his lawn?" Kakashi chuckled, leaning over and nudging her lightly with his elbow. "What could you have done that would make anyone have beef with you? You're the world's sweetest person."

"Um..." Sakura's eyes dropped, arm folding over her chest to clutch the other. "It's...A long story."

He nudged her softly again, "I happen to love stories, if you ever feel like talking about it."

She shook her head, "No."

Kakashi started, silver brows lifting slightly. Before he could get a word out, there was gruff shouting behind the front door alerting all three of them.

"Who the fuck keeps knocking on my goddamned door?!" The metal clicking of locks being undone followed the sound of the knob turning; the door opening slightly and the head of a balding man poking out. Thick, bushy black brows that would give both Lee and Guy a run for their money pinched hard over shrewd, narrow eyes, "Who the fuck are you? What the fuck do you want?"

Guy gave a huge smile, unbothered by Mashimo's crude behavior, "Hello and good morning! My name is Maito Guy—this here is my trusted partner Hatake Kakashi-"

Kakashi raised a hand, "Good morning, si-"

"Fuck off!" Mashimo barked, sneering at the men. "I don't have time for you door to door salesmen—it's the twenty first fucking centry, be like everyone else and just do it online."

Guy continued, "And with us today is our newest member of Dondon-"

"Dondon?" Mashimo grunted with a scowl. "You fuckers-"

"Haruno Sakura!" Guy gleamed, moving over some so Sakura could step into Mashimo's line of sight.

The scowl fell off the man's face; the door ripping completely open and his body stepping out. He was a little short, with a bit of a gut that jut out like men his age tended to have. The man wore a brown shirt buttoned halfway up, with tan pants, and brown house shoes. He had white hair that still hung onto the sides of his head—thick brows and a wide nose. Mashimo gaped at Sakura, a look of almost longing on his face as he spoke, "...Sakura...? You're with these two?"

Sakura gave a small chuckle, bowing her head, "I am. We came by on dad's behalf."

Twin brows ticked down for a second, "Huh? You're here for Kizashi? For the tea shop? Where is he? Why did he trust you with these two—do you really know these men?"

Another chuckle, "They work for him—they have for a very long time, now. Dad had to go to a very important meeting—he wanted to come, but he really couldn't. So, he sent these two that he often sends to talk to clients. I'm here with them because they're training me. They're good men—dad trusts them."

"Do you trust them?" He grunted, eyes flicking between Guy and Kakashi.

Sakura gave a nod, "I do."

Mashimo jerked his chin after moments of deliberation, "Fine. I suppose you two may come in. But any funny business—and you're fuckin' out of here, understand me?"

Guy and Kakashi bowed, "Understood."

Mashimo held a hand out in Sakura's direction, "Sakura...You look..." His mouth twitched, "Can we hug you?"

Sakura glanced around briefly before meeting Mashimo's gaze; once again bowing her head and humming, "Of course you can."

Mashimo kept his gaze on Sakura, angling his head to the side slightly and shouting, "Kaba-kun! Come out here, I have a surprise for you!"

There was a faint hum from inside the house; a smoky voice that carried out the door, "Surprise?"

"Yes, yes," Mashimo nodded impatiently. "Hurry and see—you won't regret it."

"If I come out there and it's you spraying the neighbor's dog with the water hose again, I'm going to-" The voice grew louder, a surprisingly tall woman with long, grey and black hair that hung to her hips. Her skin was slightly tanned and she bore a pointed face with wide cheek bones and a wide jaw—making her appear statuesque and almost goddess-like. She wore a long, maroon red dress that had tassels broken along the bottom; simple tan house shoes and long legs.

Kakashi glanced between the two—slightly perplexed that a woman like that was married to a man like him.

Kaba stepped out, a gasp falling off of her lips when Sakura raised a hand and offered a simple hello. A tanned hand clapped over her mouth, eyes crinkling and tears instantly spilling over. She inhaled shakily, "Cherry...?"

"Kaba-kun," Sakura titled softly, taking a small step forward.

Kaba took her own step, "Can...Can we hug you?"

Sakura nodded, her expression unreadable as the pair began to make their way to her—both on either side of her, arms stretched out and pulling her in; holding her in between their bodies, Kaba crying as she kissed Sakura all over the top of her head, Mashimo's hand rubbing tender circles across Sakura's back.

Kakashi turned his head and swallowed hard. He felt wrong watching them embrace—a moment so raw and intimate, a moment that had nothing to do with him. He glanced over at Guy who gave him an arched brow and curious expression. Kakashi shook his head subtly, making a cutting motion with his hand; swearing internally when Guy cleared his throat loudly and spoke up.

"Would you like us to enter your home so the three of you can have some privacy?"

"What the fuck are you talking about," Mashimo grunted, the three pulling away from each other when Kakashi decided to glance back. Mashimo kept his hand on Sakura's back, scowling at Guy, "It's my fuckin' house. If I wanted some privacy I'd leave your sorry ass out here and go in there."

Guy chuckled, "I apologize, sir, I was just-"

"You know what, here's what we'll do," Mashimo decapitated tersely. "Kaba and I are going to bring Sakura inside. Since Kizashi doesn't think meeting me himself is a priority when he begged me to meet up with him and not his employees, I don't see the point in you two being here."

"Kizashi isn't here because-"

Mashimo waved dismissively, "I heard it already—and I don't doubt it, Kizashi is a man of his word. Still, he made a promise to me and he broke it. Thank you for bringing Sakura—now kindly fuck right off."

Guy's brow ticked, "Sir-"

"Nope, don't wanna hear it," he sang, beginning to tug Sakura along with him to the door. "Just tell Kizashi he's out of luck, I knew I was better off-"

Kakashi stepped to the side, in the way; chin raised and evenly meeting Mashimo's scowl, "With all due respect, sir—Kizashi sent the three of us trusting that we will meet with you and talk to you about building your business through Dondon. I understand that Kizashi gave you his word—I understand that's frustrating not getting what you were expecting, and you have every right to tell us to fuck off however you see fit. That being said," Kakashi's shoulders squared, remaining calm and unbothered by the daggers Mashimo was starting at him, "Kizashi wanted us to bring Sakura along as means of a peace offering, if you will."

"Hey," Sakura bit, leaning forward and raising her brows.

Kakashi plucked a shoulder, "What? It's the truth. Kizashi was stressed all week about the meeting he's currently sitting at. He tried time and time again to either reschedule or see if he could send anyone in his place- I know, because as Chief Operations Officer of Dondon I work with Kizashi day in and day out. There is a lot riding on the meeting he's at right now—additionally, there's a lot riding on you choosing to work through us. If anyone knows Kizashi- it has to be you, correct? How long would you say you've known the man?"

Mashimo squinted, "Longer than you've been alive."

"Right," Kakashi nodded, offering a grin, "so am I wrong in saying that it's not out of Kizashi's character to consider all options and elements when he makes a decision? Is he not considerate in what he does?"

"I suppose so."

"So, then you understand that if Kizashi—knowing him the way you do and being the man of his word he is—chose to send us and Sakura in his place, it was the best decision given everything else going on? Not only did he think seeing Sakura would butter you up, this is a great training opportunity for her as well." Kakashi pointed at Sakura, "She's been working at Dondon for several months now—and she's doing incredibly well. So much so, that she's getting sales training privileges above those who have been with us for several years. Sakura has become an amazing asset to the company, we are excited to see her growth."

Mashimo huffed impatiently, "Okay- what are you getting at? Hmm?"

Kakashi smiled, "Well, you tell me. Are you going to turn us away because you're upset Kizashi's hands were tied—and deny Sakura here the chance to train? Are you telling me you want to stunt her growth, Mashimo?"

Kakashi kept his gaze locked on Mashimo's tapered gaze, refusing to break eye contact and letting the beats of silence pass until Mashimo tossed his head back and laughed boisterously—surprising everyone.

"You," he cackled, shaking a finger at Kakashi, "are fuckin' clever. Using my own Sakura against me—that's smart, you must've known she's the only reason I'd listen to either one of you. I knew there was a reason Kizashi kept you around."

Kakashi winked, "So, you have heard of me, then?"

Mashimo grunted, "Don't let your balls get too big. I know who you two are—Kizashi has told me before. I just didn't feel like talking to either one of you—but Sakura is here to train, so I'll let you talk. But you've got thirty minutes—we've got places we've got to be."

Kakashi bowed, "Thank you."

He straightened, letting Kaba and Sakura walk into the house with Mashimo behind; turning and giving Guy an arrogant wink as Guy muttered under his breath, "Defeated again by your smooth talking."

Kakashi chuckled, shouldering past Guy and responding, "One Kakashi; Zero Guy."

He unlocked the door, the creak of hinges echoing in the eerily quiet place—he was used to music playing or the TV on. He hobbled in, tossing his keys on the glass coffee table and glancing around the room suspiciously.

Silence was not what he was expecting.

What he was expecting was a flurry of small fists; of being sworn at and berated until she ran out of breath. He was expecting to see his clothes piled up in the hallway; his shoes tossed along the place and shattered glasses. Maybe even a good slash or two into the new sectional he just purchased. Instead, he was met with just silence.

It didn't sit well with him.

He made his way down the hall, calling out as he did, "I'm home."

Nothing, except for the echo of his expensive loafers.

He opened the bedroom door, stepping in, "Karin?"

"Not quite."

Sasuke flinched, leaping around and glaring at Itachi who was standing in the threshold of the walk-in closet; holding up a velvet black box with his eyes narrowed on it.

Sasuke straightened with a grunt, shifting to sit down on the bed, "How did you get in here?"

"I had Karin give me her key," He replied easily, shifting the box around in between his fingers.

Sasuke scowled, "You spoke with Karin?"

Itachi nodded, "Sure did. I mean, she did seek me out."

Sasuke cocked his head to the side, "What are you talking about? I thought I told you not to talk to her."

Itachi snorted, "What- are you worried she'll find me more attractive and leave you for me?"

Sasuke squinted and scoffed.

"Mmhmm," Itachi hummed, shaking his head. "Really, you are a real piece of fuckin' work. I mean, you have been cheating on Sakura—for two whole years—and yet you fret over Karin treating you the same?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Sasuke muttered, unbuttoning his shirt as he spoke. "I told you, Karin has been only for-"

"Stop with the lies," Itachi barked, dark eyes now burning into Sasuke. "You either decide to tell me the truth from here on out—or you are sorely fucked."

Sasuke grunted, shaking his head and glaring at Itachi, "Where did you even hear that—hmm? What's your source?"

"My source?" Itachi echoed, chuckling bitterly. "You- of all people—want my fucking source? Sakura. She's my source."

Sasuke sighed and rolled his eyes, "Well, then your source is wrong. She's making up lies so I won't press charges against Naruto."

"Oh, so—the two years worth of text messages and explicit photos of you eating red-head pussy isn't credible?"

Sasuke froze, "What?"

Itachi shrugged off the door frame, "What- you knew Sakura had your phone, right?"

"I knew," Sasuke remarked lowly. "It has a passcode—she couldn't get into it even if she tried."

Itachi nodded and hummed, "I guess you just don't give her enough credit—because she got into it, alright. And she saw everything on it. I mean, everything."

"She's still lying."

"Really? So, was she lying when she pretty much read out my text to you verbatim before you flew down to see her? Was she lying about Karin's happy two year anniversary text to you? Did she photoshop all those pictures on your phone—and also label it Karin? I mean, she went into great detail—about everything. You buying Karin nice dinners, you paying for Karin's photo shoots, and modeling agents. Oh- and let's not forget that you apparently have a baby on the way?" Itachi gave a wide, toothy smile; his tone bleeding sarcasm as he held out his arms, "Congrats, little bro! You're gonna be a dad. You know, I always thought you'd be the first of the both of us to knock someone up. I mean, you're careless. Take this, for example-" Itachi held up the velvet box, opening it to reveal a dazzling diamond that was all too familiar to Sasuke. "I'd take it that this isn't for Sakura, is it?"

"What's your fucking point?" Sasuke sneered, standing and stepping forward.

Itachi easily met Sasuke halfway, "My fucking point is that you are a lying, cheating asshole. You know, when I first heard about Karin- I figured a month or so wasn't so bad and that maybe you just weren't thinking right because you haven't seen Sakura for so long. Then I find out that not only have you been fucking around behind her back for years—you've been playing house, too!" Itachi held out his arms in a grand gesture, "I mean, you told me when I found out about her that you were just being nice and giving her a place to stay—but this bitch has really got her shit everywhere here with you. A walk in closet full of nothing but her clothes and a small dresser just for you. The bathroom?" He placed a hand on his chest and let out a dramatic whoosh of air, "I mean, wow. It's like a beauty store exploded in there. Oh, and—there's several positive pregnancy tests in there, too. She has them all lined up for you. I mean, when I found out she was pregnant I thought she had to be lying—she's fucking crazy, after all. But then I come here, do some snooping—and sure enough, we've got a little Uchiha cooking up in the looney oven. I think one of the tests said she's about ten weeks along?"

"You're lying."

Itachi chortled, "Is that all you've got to say? If you don't believe me, go look for yourself."

Sasuke glared, twisting to go to the restroom when Itachi spoke up again.

"Ah- but before you do, there's just something I have to say."

Sasuke remained standing, back to Itachi and fists clenching.

Itachi crept up behind Sasuke as he spoke, "Along with all this thrilling news- and I mean, it is really a shit show—I also found out that you found out about Karin being pregnant just before you showed up at Sakura's—I mean, she read the texts off to me and the time stamps."

"So?" Sasuke growled.

"So," Itachi sang, clapping a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, "you still walked in. You walked in, you behaved like a fucking jackass—you told me that you had a talk with Sakura."

Sasuke didn't realize it, but his stomach was twisting—the same, sickening way a child's would when they were caught red handed. He shook his head, "I don't have time for this."

"But you have time to assault Sakura when she made it clear multiple times, she didn't want to be intimate with you?"

Sasuke whirled, shoving Itachi back and sneering, "That's a fucking lie."

Itachi shoved him back, "A fucking lie? Just exactly who do you take me for, Sasuke? You tried to rape Sakura—and would have done it if Naruto hadn't run in there and fucked you up, you sick fuck."

Sasuke shook, brows pulled in tight and swallowing the lump in his throat, "I was just trying to be intimate with her- I was trying to make us close again."

"So you rape her?!" Itachi roared, throwing the velvet box at Sasuke and shoving him again. "You wanted to be close to her but you've been cheating on her for two fucking years? Are you fucking stupid?"

Sasuke shook his head, "I thought if I just kept going, she would remember how good it felt before-"

"That's not how it works, dipshit," Itachi sneered. "That's not how it works, and you fucking know it. You never loved her—you strung her along for profit and then you tried to fucking rape her just so she'd think things were good and you can still keep getting paid. The way I see it, as long as you've got money rolling in, little miss baby-momma is as happy as a clam- am I right?"

"Why are you fucking here?" Sasuke pressed. "Are you trying to prove a fucking point or something? We get it—you're the perfect fucking brother and I'm the fuck up."

Itachi waggled his finger, "Don't start that self-depreciating shit. That won't fly here, fuck boy. You attempted to rape a woman who was nothing but loyal to you. Who, for some fucking reason unknown to me, loved you. You're a fucking cheat, you're a fucking coward, and you're a fucking piece of shit."

"Tell me something I don't know," Sasuke growled.

Itachi smiled brightly, "Right- here's something you don't know: when Kizashi hears that you attempted to rape his daughter, he is going to come for you with guns blazing. That man has more means, money, and connects than anyone both you or I know. Charges are going to be pressed and chances are you'll lose everything- because there are two witnesses to the entire thing. So, not only did you lose your 'cash cow' but you'll for sure lose the firm. Your reputation will be fucked- so good luck getting another firm to hire you. Once you start losing money, I don't doubt Karin will take off with the baby and get you for all the money she can for 18 years afterwards. Then, you'll be a fucked-up nobody—so have fun with that."

"Lose the firm?" Sasuke inquired sharply. "I'm not going to lose the fucking firm—and the charges pressed against me won't go through."

"Why's that?" Itachi hummed, pointing at his chest, "Wait- you don't think I'm going to back you up, am I?"

"You're my brother."

Itachi scoffed, "Brother or not—I don't condone what you did. And if Kizashi comes at you guns fucking blazing, I'm not stopping him. You need to get your fucking head on straight, Sasuke. You've become some arrogant, fucked up asshole—I don't know if it has to do with Karin or the other fucks your hanging around with—but until you shape up, I want no fucking part of it." Itachi sighed, turning and making his way out.

"Did Sakura say she was going to press charges?" Sasuke muttered, fear slowly dripping into his tone. "Did she say she told Kizashi?"

Itachi paused in the doorway of the bedroom, glaring at Sasuke, "I hope she presses charges. I hope you feel even a fucking inkling of the suffering you put her through. Do you not understand what the fuck she endured when she was kidnapped? And you were heartless towards her healing. You came onto her and tried to rape her knowing full and well what she's had to go through." Itachi paused, shaking his head, "I mean—imagine what the fuck was going on through her head when you were doing that. Imagine how fucking scared she was—imagine all the scenes she was reliving while you were feeling her up. Imagine how she felt, thinking she could trust you—only to have you violate that and her. I hope you get stripped of everything you worked so hard for. I hope you experience loss like she fucking has. Maybe that would open your fucking mind."

Sasuke faltered, staring at the floor and scowling, "I didn't...I didn't mean to."

Itachi snorted, "That's a good alibi."

Sasuke watched Itachi walking through the door, calling out, "Where's Karin?"

Itachi was partway down the hall when he remarked back, "Hell, hopefully."

Impressed was an understatement.

Really, she was full of surprises.

The moment the trio sat down at the dark wood kitchen table, Kakashi and Guy were really having a tough time talking to Mashimo. For every statement they made—fact, claim, numbers, or otherwise—Mashimo never failed to clapback with his own reason as to why setting his business up himself was a better idea.

In all his years of doing this, he could say with confidence he's never had a client as combative as Mashimo.

What's worse, is what he said made sense. He'd give his own numbers, cost, and everything in between—and came out the champ every time. By the time twenty minutes had passed, Kakashi was leaned back against his chair and running a hand through his hair while Guy prattled on about businesses helping businesses—which Kakashi knew wouldn't sell Mashimo, but he was taking advantage of the moment to think something up—until a dark blue folder slammed down on the table, followed with the hum of Sakura's voice, "Excuse me, Guy—I think I'll take it from here."

"I'm sorry?" Guy pressed, glancing over at Kakashi. "Sakura, I appreciate it—but you're training. It's important that you listen and watch how we-"

"Because we're doing such a great job?" Kakashi cut with a chuckle, relaxing into his chair and crossing his arms on the table. "She brought that folder for a reason—let her have a stab at it."

Guy leaned back, "Alright. Sakura, you have the floor."

Mashimo clapped his hand over Sakura's forearm in tender pats, chuckling, "I love you—but I'm telling you, I refuse to budge."

Sakura smiled, opening up the folder and plucking out papers, "We'll see."

Following that was the sweetest, brutal take down of a client Kakashi had ever seen. All of Mashimo's previous, and incredibly valid, arguments were beaten down—point for point. Sakura had pages printed for things Kakashi assumed she knew he'd say—and proved to him each time Dondon was better. She spoke with grace and confidence, the melody of her aggressive, matter-of-fact tone so tender that Mashimo was—as Kizashi put it—putty in her hands. She even began to scold the man on pride and business, stating if he let his pride in the way she doubted the business would succeed due to competition. Another twenty minutes later, ten minutes passed the time Mashimo said they had, and the man was now agreeing to a contract with Dondon. Mashimo then tried to say he will sign the agreement at a later time—to which Sakura only chuckled and handed him the slip of paper herself for him to sign.

And, for such a brash man, he sure did look upon Sakura with love.

Even if Mashimo wore rose-colored glasses, the manner in which Sakura presented herself and the business; the proof she had, the numbers and logistics she brought up—quite honestly blew Kakashi away. He watched her with keen interest as she sipped on the tea Kaba had given her; chatting over her shoulder to the woman while Guy walked Mashimo through what to sign and where.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Mashimo grunted, singing along the last line and sliding the paper over to Guy.

"It's for the best," Kaba reminded him sweetly, kissing him on the temple and rubbing his shoulder.

He scoffed, "Alright-I'm counting on you, Cherry. You said Dondon would do well to make sure my business fits in with what we're wanting and the...ah, what was it again?"

"Demographic," Sakura finished with a light chuckled. "Yes, you can count on Dondon."

"Are these two grunts gonna build it?" He inquired, pointing his thumb at Kakashi and Guy.

"No," Sakura shook her head. "Dad has a contractor company he uses."

"Only the finest men, sir," Guy beamed with a smile.

"But she can design it," Kakashi cut in with his own smile.

Sakura blinked, "Design...it? That's a major project, I don't think I could do that."

"Sure you can," Kakashi hummed, nodding his head at her. "I mean, you're excelling in design, you kicked our asses in your first sales training meeting—I am confident you can design this to not just Mashimo's standards, but Dondon's as well."

Mashimo squinted at Kakashi, lower lip jutted out, "You sure do like talking about Cherry. Are you her boyfriend?" He turned his head to Sakura, "Is this your boyfriend you haven't seen in forever?"

In an instant blood rose from the base of Sakura's neck to the balls of her cheeks; head shaking and eyes wide, "Oh- no, no no no, he's m-my-"

"I'm her boss," Kakashi chuckled, raising at Mashimo.

Mashimo grunted, "Huh. Where's your boyfriend? How come I've seen him twice in—how many years now, Kaba?"

Kaba hummed, expression thoughtful, "Longer than we anticipated."

"Ah," Mashimo nodded knowingly. "That's right. What's his name again? Sissy?"

"No," Sakura bit.

"Sas-gay?"

Sakura sighed, "Sasuke."

Another slow nod, "Ah- Sasuke. You're still with him? I never liked him, Cherry—not since the first moment I met him and definitely not during the second."

"We think that he just doesn't love you the way you need to be loved," Kaba cut in with a husky hum, smiling fondly at Sakura. "We've always thought that."

Kakashi watched Sakura openly frown; emerald eyes glued to the wood table top and fingers drumming along the tea mug.

"Kizashi told me that he hasn't seen you in a fuckin' year!" Mashimo barked incredulously. "What man doesn't want to come home to you? I mean, really. I wouldn't be surprised if he's up to no good—men who think their hot shots like him do shit like that. What has he done to help you through everything, Sakura? What-"

"You don't have to keep going," Sakura cut loudly, eyes shooting up and that plastic smile on her face. "You don't have to say anything else. I'm not with Sasuke."

Kaba gasped, "What? What happened?"

"Finally!" Mashimo exclaimed, pumping his meaty fist into the air. "You've come to your senses."

"Oh," Sakura clicked her tongue, "I think I came to my senses a little too late."

Kakashi's brow arched at her tone; at the forced expression she was making and the tightness along her jaw. It was clear she was projecting—appearing unbothered, maybe even making light of whatever it was.

He wondered if it had anything to do with the call last night—or this morning.

"Honey. What do you mean?" Kaba pressed, leaning over to get a better look at Sakura. "Did something happen?"

There was no lying.

What was the point?

Even with multiple sets of eyes on her, Sakura was at her breaking point. She was tired of trying to keep it in—they'd find out eventually, right?

Might as well be honest and tell the truth.

Sakura sucked in a breath, gazing at Kaba; smiling as she replied, "Oh, well I found out that he's been cheating on me for the past two years with a woman named Karin—only after he assaulted me, got his ass kicked by Naruto, and left his phone at my apartment. They have a condo together, he pays for her modeling career—ah, and she's pregnant; he actually found out she was pregnant right before he tried to rape me."

The words were out.
They were out, and there was no taking them back—and judging by the silence of the room, of the eyes glued on her, and ticking of the clock; she wished she just kept her mouth shut in that instant.

Mashimo was the first to break the silence, "He fucking did what?!"

"Don't worry about it," Sakura interjected quickly, pushing away from the table and standing to her feet. "We've got it handled."

"The only thing that needs to be handled is that motherfucker—I'm going to kick his fucking ass, I'll get his ass kicked—I know a couple people in the Yakuza, I can easily-"

Sakura raised a hand, "Please, stop. Just stop. Naruto beat him up to a bloodied pulp. I am talking to dad and we'll press charges."

Kaba wrapped an arm around Sakura, "Are you okay, honey?"

Sakura gave a curt nod, "I'm fine. We were pretty much separated anyways because he never came to see me—so, really what can I say?"

Kaba's brow dropped, "But with what happened, how-"

"Please," Sakura whispered, grabbing Kaba's hand and holding it to her chest. "Just, please. I'll be fine."

At the table, Guy cleared his throat, "Ah- we'll go wait in the car."

Sakura kept her gaze on Kaba's dress as Guy and Kakashi stood; bowing and muttering thank you before shuffling out.

For the next ten minutes, Sakura sat through the lecture of a lifetime. Both Kaba and Mashimo had choice words to say, hugs to give, and threats made. She listened and nodded, fighting back her own surge of emotion and doing her best to remain collected. Once everything was said and done, she kissed both of them on the temple and promised she'd visit more often—and promised to keep them updated on what happens with Sasuke.

Though, really, she still didn't know what to do. She hasn't had the space or time to think things through clearly—but that was going to take time.

She was confused, hurt, betrayed, and exhausted.

If she were being honest, the thought of going back to work daunted her. All she wanted to do was go home and sleep.

The drive back to Dondon was quiet, besides Guy prattling on about how impressed he was with Sakura's initiative—which he then used as a segway to how youth was a mindset and to always strive for more; she wasn't really listening. She kept her gaze out the window, picking at her nails and worrying her lip. It was only when they were parked at the office that Guy spoke up about Sasuke.

"Sakura, about what happened—I am terribly sorry, I-"

"No," Sakura cut, unbuckling her seatbelt and opening the door, "I'm sorry. Neither of you were meant to hear that—but I just spat it out without thinking. I'm sorry for making the both of you uncomfortable—and bringing my personal problems into a sales meeting, no less. Going forward you can rest assured nothing like that will happen again."

Kakashi turned his head, "It's not like that in-"

"It was unprofessional," She huffed, shaking her head. "I really am sorry. Perhaps you should find someone else to go to your sales meetings with you."

Kakashi and Guy started; glancing at each other briefly before both swiveling in their seats to better look at her.

"What are you talking about?" Guy pressed, big brows pinched in concern. "You did outstanding today—why would we get somebody else?"

"Because, I clearly cannot keep personal and business separate," she replied, twisting to gather her bag and the folder.

"They were drilling you," Kakashi supplied evenly. "You said what you said to shut them up. There's no crime in that, and besides—Mashimo is like family, so it hardly counts as unprofessional."

"Fact of the matter is, I still did not manage to keep business and personal separate. I let out something incredibly humiliating—is that what we want clients to think? Is that Dondon hires emotionally unstable crybabies?"

Kakashi deadpanned, "Fact of the matter is, you let out something extremely traumatizing because you couldn't keep it to yourself anymore. I am also not a big fan of the word cry baby—being human and having emotions is healthy and normal. What happened was not humiliating—it's-"

"I have to go," Sakura huffed, scooting out of the car and to her feet quickly. She gave the men a nod, "Thank you for bringing me along—I think Genma or Shika would be best to go with you next time." She turned on her heel, marching towards Dondon at a nervous speed.

"Sakura," Guy titled, opening his door to step out. "Just hear us out."

Kakashi reached out and grabbed Guy's forearm; shaking his head and rumbling, "Just let her go—she needs space."

Guy fell back some, "I hate to have her just walk away. I feel bad."

"I do, too," Kakashi nodded in agreement. "But I think that's why she's taking off so quick. She doesn't want to be pitied or anything like that."

"Having sympathy and feeling pity are two separate things," Guy mused.

Kakashi sighed, watching as Sakura pulled open the doors of the office and disappeared inside, "I know, Guy. I know."