He'd never seen something so beautiful.

He'd never witnessed a person crumble to pieces so wonderfully, so absolutely, painfully remarkable that it took his own breath away.

His heart palpitated in empathy for the woman; his arms held her to his own bare chest—skin to skin, heart to heart. Keeping her close, kissing her temple as she sobbed; he felt her, then—as if it was the first time he'd ever really connected with someone before. Her pain was palpable, like recognizing the taste of blood in your mouth; disheartening, gut-twisting. The cries that wracked her trembling frame shook him to his very own core; amazed him, humbled him.

Never in his life had he been witness to a person so emotionally raw—not once.

Never in his life did he have a complete stranger stripped bare before him—cry into his collar bone, grip at his shoulders, and begging his forgiveness.

Forgiveness?

Kakashi kissed the top of Sakura's head, murmuring easily, "You have nothing to apologize for. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Sakura hiccuped, burying her face deeper into his chest; crying harder at his tone, beating her small fist on his shoulder weakly. He let this happen, continuing to hum softly and keep her in his hold; continuing to kiss her sweaty temple, rocking her. An immeasurable amount of time passed, and he noticed Sakura begin to come down, slowly but surely. The shaking went away along with the hiccups, her palms were now busy wiping away all the snot and tears. Kakashi pulled back slightly to get a better look at her, asking, "Are you thirsty?"

She glanced up, lashes wet and spiky; watery eyes so brilliantly emerald and glittering.

Really, he'd never seen something so fucking beautiful before.

"I am," she croaked, voice weak and horse.

Kakashi gave a solid nod, gently moving to place her on the bed as he stood to his own feet. He promptly turned on his heel and beelined it for the bathroom; grabbing a towel and moving to crouch in front of Sakura. He began to pat gently along her skin; first her temples and forehead, neck and shoulders. She said nothing as she watched him dab along her face where a few stray tears remained; cleaning up in between her thighs before pulling back. He tossed the towel into the basket and went into the kitchen; pouring her a glass of water with ice, moving into the living room to grab a crocheted blanket that was both soft and weighted.

After care was just as important as the actual act of sex itself—especially if it was as intense as it had just been.

Kakashi knew this.

Sakura was very clearly in a vunerable spot, the last thing he wanted to do was have her simply leave when she needed comfort the most. As a matter of fact, he often considered after care to be more important than having sex itself. Of course, sex broke a person down in a special type of way that nothing else could—but from that break, something had to be built.

And he was damed if he wasn't going to build...something...with Sakura.

What it was, really—he had no fuckin' clue. He had no idea what was going to become of...whatever this is...But he knew that he didn't want Sakura out of his scope. He wanted her, tangible and touchable, within his realm of reality. This is the second time they've ever seen each other, and while he knew rationally he wasn't in love with the woman and she was a complete stranger to him—he couldn't seem to bear the thought of her simply walking away...

...again...

Be it his own aching heart or otherwise.

Deep down, he knew it was fucked up to keep her around because it eased the sting of Rin's loss. And now, months later, it wasn't even really Rin's loss, as it was just...loss in general. Kakashi spent years, four to be exact, entertwining every aspect of his life with a woman who ripped it all away. Hopes, dreams, goals for the future. Memories, dates, and late night dinners...all down the drain. As if it meant nothing.

Yeah, it fucking stung.

But there was something about Sakura...he couldn't peg it. He mused it must be the mutual heartbreak—as it brought them together—that makes him want her to stick around. And, as he placed the blanket over her shoulders and handed her the water—he imagined she felt the same way, too. Though, he's been wrong before—that was screamingly obvious. So, how could he possibly know what Sakura wanted? She could, after all, really truly disapper from his life after tonight. Maybe all he was to her was a good, therapudic fuck.

And yeah, that fucking stung.

It stung, because, for all the times he'd hooked up with someone—it was never like...this.

So raw.
So primal, so in the moment of what felt right.

So magnetic, an unseen force pulling them together.

So trusting, a give and take so intuitive that he couldn't help but feel something must run deeper underneath.

And sure, he'd only slept with her on two occassions—but it was enough to give him insight on the woman sitting before him, sipping the water softly and plucking at the fiber of the blanket.

Maybe it was selfish, but...he wanted her around—for as long as she'd be willing.

And, for as selfish as he was—he hoped in some semblance he was equally kind. Kind, in that she looked like she needed that cry—kind, in that maybe she needed some company, someone to hold her and tell her she was going to be okay. Ease the pain, even if only by a little.

Even if it was from a stranger.

Kind, in that he'd decided then he'd hold her for as long as she needed him to—for as long as she was around, because—and he hoped—he was kind.

Kakashi crouched down in front of Sakura, hooking a finger under her chin and raising her eyes to meet his. He hummed, soft and low, "How are you feeling?"

Sakura blinked, "I'm...okay...Good, actually. That..." She shook her head, rubbing her lips together, "I felt like I haven't cried like that at all since...you know..."

Kakashi nodded, "Yeah, I know."

Her brow crumpled, "But, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for crying and ruining everything. I didn't mean to...freak out, or whatever."

"Honey," Kakashi brushed his thumb along her cheek, "you didn't ruin anything. The type of sex we had was incredibly raw, intimate, and intense. It's been known to sort of break open the emotional gate, so to speak. You probably had so much bottled up—and what we did just brought it out."

She searched his gaze, "Is that what you meant—when you said you were going to break me?"

"While on some level yes- I did want to see you at your most raw form—it wasn't for the sake to have you cry. That was just how your heart decided to react to everything—to being on the highest peak of emotion and intimacy."

"I've never...I've never felt anything like that before."

Kakashi's brow ticked, "Did I push too far?"

Sakura shook her head quickly, "No- no it was amazing. I..." A blush rose to her cheeks, a deeper pink complimenting her rosy hair, "I loved it. But...why? Why...break...me?"

Kakashi stood and sat down beside Sakura, meeting her gaze evenly; earnestly, "Maybe...maybe it's because I understand exactly what your heart is feeling. That same pain I feel is the same pain you feel and- I don't know. You seem so full of light and life, that it sort of kills me to think that when you're alone—you feel this way. It makes me want to...be there."

"Be there?" She mimiced, soft and small.

He nodded, "Yeah- be there. Honestly, Sakura—and this is just me being completely, undoubtedly honest with you—I dread the thought of you leaving and never hearing from you again."

Sakura's mouth twitched down, "Why? We have no history—you don't know me."

Kakashi leaned forward, "That's right- I don't know you. I don't know your full name, I don't know when you were born—what your favorite food is, what irritates you, what makes you happy. I don't know your back story, I only know what you told me that night at the club. But," he scowled, "what I do know is that being in an intimate space with you fills the cracks. Your energy is so soothing, you're like a honey that just pours all over me and I can't help but get lost in it. It makes the world bright again. My heart doesn't hurt, my head isn't busy mulling over the why or how. All I can think about is being present, is feeling, and living."

She pulled back slighlty, "So, you're saying I'm a distraction?"

"No," Kakashi bit, reaching forward to clutch at her hand, "that's not what I'm saying. If you were a distraction, I would have let you leave forever after that night."

"But, didn't you?" She quipped. "You didn't try to reach out to me, you found me today by happenstance."

"Because you didn't leave a number," Kakashi rumbled. "No note, nothing. I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable, or push you past your limits-"

"Then why push me tonight? What drove you?"

"You," he answered easily. "You drove me. I wasn't lying when I told you that I couldn't get you off my mind. There wasn't a single fucking day in that time frame where you weren't running in the space of my head, taking up all my thinking. The honey of your soul just leaked into my world and my heart literally ached without it. I told myself that when I saw you again I wasn't going to let you get away so easily. And now, now that you're here—and the thought that you could quite possibly leave again..." Kakashi shook his head, his scowl deepening, "It's hard to put together. All I can say is that, truthfully, I'm selfish for your company. I'm selfish because I want more of you, all in the cracks of my life—for as long as you want to be here. And at the same time, I want to be that for you, too."

"You want to be my honey?"

He chuckled once, "Yeah, I do. I want to fill that void for you—I want to ease that ache the same way you seem to soothe mine. For as long as you want me to be."

"But you don't know me," she began.

Kakashi was now gripping her shoulders, "But I want to know you, Sakura. I want to figure out who you are by being in your space."

Sakura's eyes watered, emotion rising, "Kakashi, we can't do this. This—it's only going to hurt us more."

"Is it, though? Having comfort and company?"

She scowled, "By getting fucked senseless?"

He grinned, "Is that really your argument?"

Sakura huffed, cheeks a deep pink again, "I'm not that type of girl."

"I never said you were," Kakashi remarked. "The sex is just...a perk, I suppose. What I want is your company and to be your company. I want to fill the cracks of your heart, Sakura—the way you make mine feel."

"But why," she pressed.

Kakashi hummed gazing at the ceiling in thought, "It's just something about you. I can't tell you, because I can't even explain it to myself. All I can say is that I'm selfish and want you around."

Sakura's gaze dropped, "I don't have it in me to do a relationship right now."

"I'm not asking for a relationship," Kakashi rumbled. "I just want your company."

She frowned, "But, what if...What if we move on?"

He plucked a shoulder, "Then we'll have had our fill in that time, I suppose."

"Wouldn't it hurt more? Make things more complicated?"

"There's nothing to complicate," he replied. "There is nothing complicated with being in each other's space. Yeah, it might sting a little—but it won't hurt, because we've been around for each other...does that make sense?"

Sakura gave a slow sigh, "So...company, huh?"

"Company."

"And the sex...?"

He hummed, "Doesn't have to happen, if you don't want it to."

Sakura glanced back up, grinning, "I didn't say that."

Kakashi matched her grin, "Do you want me to reel the intensity back in...?"

Sakura deliberated for a moment, brilliant jade eyes taking him in. Pink lips parted, "I've never felt like that before...I would be remiss to miss the opportunity to feel it again."

Kakashi chuckled, "I'll keep that in mind. Before we do...this...let's set some ground rules. I never once will expect you to develop feelings for me—or answer to me, or anything like that. I'm not your boyfriend, you don't owe me your time—or anything for that matter. You are free to come and go as you please. That being said, how do you feel about affections?"

"Affections?"

Kakashi nodded, "Yeah- like kisses and such."

Sakura chewed on her lip in thought, "Well...I think that rationally being affectionate might make it harder to step away—or not develop feelings. Maybe, we should just keep it when we're being intimate?"

Kakashi gave an understanding bob of his head, "I understand. All affections will be kept to the bedroom."

"And..." she sighed, "no complications, right?"

"Right."

She nodded, smiling softly, "Truth be told, I like your company, too."

Kakashi was going to speak, but the loud growl of her stomach filled the space of the room and they both laughed. He stood to his feet, grinning down at her, "You're definitely as hungry as I feel." He glanced back, "The food probably sucks, now—all cold and shit. I can order take out and we can watch a movie?"

Sakura's eyes raked his form, "Are you gonna get dressed first?"

Kakashi glanced down at his bare body, smirking, "Ah- I get it. I'd be distracted, too, if this was sitting next to me all night. How could you possibly pay attention to the plot of an incredibly good movie when, in fact, you have a man carved by Michelangelo himself right next to you."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "You really are such a drama queen."

Sakura tossed her keys on the table, sighing heavily as she sank into the chair.

Today had been a long day.

It was a little close to five in the morning when she got a sudden call from work, stating there was an emergency that she had to attend to. She had fallen asleep in Kakashi's lap, the kink in her stiff neck making her wince when she sat up sharply; searching for her clothes and pulling them on in a hurry. Kakashi awoke immediately, glancing around and asking what was wrong.

"Work," she replied, glancing around for her bra.

Kakashi moved, scooping it up off the ground and handing it to her, "Everything okay?"

She shurgged, pulling her shirt over her head, "Who knows with this job. I was told that it was an emergency, and I guess Kiko isn't in—I don't know." She manuvered herself around him, plucking her purse up from the ground and wiggling her feet into her shoes, "I still have to go home and change, too—so I'm really pressed for time."

Kakashi cleared his throat, "Alright, well—be safe. I hope it's nothing major or-"

"Gory?" She finished.

He grimaced, "Yeah."

"Let's hope not," she hummed, unlocking the door and pulling it open. She paused briefly, humming softly, "I'll...text you?"

Kakashi grinned, "Yeah, I'd like that."

She smiled, shutting the door and practically running to her car.

Of course, the scene was gory.

A biker had been T-boned by a truck so huge the man didn't even stand a chance. Blood was all over the asphalt, organs spred between the man's split body. Flesh clung to the front of the truck, the sound of a man sobbing to police that he never saw the biker coming. Police tape blocked and cars blocked off the block, keeping curious bystanders at bay. The clean up was a mess, and when the wife of the biker arrived, the sounds of her screams were something she couldn't shake.

Sakura knew loss.

But she'd never known loss.

When she was a kid, her grandmother had passed away—but she was so young at the time that she really didn't have the emotional capacity to realize what was going on. All she understood was that her grandmother was a pale, cold body. Her parents were in good health, and she was thankful that nothing serious had ever happened to her friends or family—let alone herself. Hearing that woman scream about her husband—begging an invisible god to bring back the father of her children...

Sakura just coulndn't fathom it.

She couldn't wrap her mind around the pain that woman must be feeling—to have the one you love the most, the one you built a life with and beared children with—ripped in half and scattered across the road. A human being with memories, with feelings and emotions—soon to be in the earth, soon to be ashes in a palm-sized bag. The man who helped life grow within that woman, the man who held her children and smiled ear to ear; motionless, thoughtless, lifeless.

Her world would simply shatter.

Sakura was a professional, though. Despite the wails that pierced the raising sun, despite the police doing their best to keep her at bay; Sakura did her job. She cleaned up the mess. She took the man that was driving the truck to the hospital and she filled out several reports. The rest of the day was filled with random calls; a pass out here, a woman in labor there—for the most part it was uneventful. The weight of that morning wore heavily on her shoulders until she got home sometime around eight at night.

She loosened the pony tail and shook her hair loose, plucking her phone out of her purse and looking at the notifications for the first time all day today. Some emails, social media posts, and text messages.

Twenty two text messages, to be exact.

Twenty one were from the one and only, Ino herself—berating Sakura to call her and let her know everything that happened last night with Kakashi. She sighed, replying back to Ino simply:

'Sorry, it's been a long day at work. Started the day with a real bloody wreck and it's been nonstop. I'll call you.'

The last unread message was from Kakashi that read:

'Is everything okay?'

Sakura bit her lip, gazing at the message and running over last night's events in her mind.

She wanted to say it was all a blur, but really—every detail was burned into the core memory part of her brain. Every single detail; every touch, kiss, and the words they spoke after. Her skin flushed at the memory of being so...full. Of being pushed over an edge so intense, she was positive she was going to fall for the end of time. Never in her life had someone brought her to that point Kakashi put her on; never had she felt such pleasure, nor the plummet as the floodgates burst open and she was sobbing in his arms. Sakura had gone through some rough times with Sasuke, especially in her line of work, and while he had been good at comforting her—he'd never been one to rock her. They always cuddled after sex, but he never asked if she was okay, or if she needed anything. Kakashi was so tender with her, so gentle and kind.

And then he starts talking about honey and cracks and company.

Of selfishness and comfort.

In the beginning, she felt upset—she thought that he was essentially making her a replacement for Rin and his heartache. And while he had trouble relaying over what he was feeling, her own fractured heart could do nothing but understand where he was coming from—because she felt it, too. That weird connection, the frayed edges of her heart feeling somewhat knitted together when he was in her space. She didn't love him—she was attracted to him, slighlty intimidated—but she didn't love him. Though, she was on the same page as he was—the company was...nice.

Healing.

Maybe that's what he was trying to get across—was that they help each other heal.

And what was so wrong with that?

It was clear that he wasn't in it just for the sex, considering he offered to take it off the table completely—which did make her feel better about the arrangement...or whatever this was. It felt good to understand that, should things change, it wouldn't cause more hurt than harm. At least, she hoped it wouldn't...but she wasn't sure. She was tired and worn down. All she wanted to do was take a scalding hot shower and cuddle up—maybe read a book, or something.

She texted back:

'Yeah, everything is okay. It's been a really busy, long day and I am wwwaaayyy worn out.'

Setting the phone down, it surpried her when it went off in less than two minutes with a response:

'I'm sorry to hear that. Have you had anything to eat today?'

She hummed, replying:

'Not at all—it was really nonstop today. I want to eat, but I'm just so tired that I don't have the energy to do much at all. I'm gonna shower and read for a bit, definitely pass out.'

Sakura walked into her bedroom, tossing the phone on her bed and quickly stripping herself of her clothes. A couple minutes after she turned the shower on the room began to fill with steam, fogging mirrors as she stood under the spray and closed her eyes; letting the hot water ease the tension in her shoulders, run over her head and ears as if it'd wash away that woman's cries. Thirty or so minutes passed of this, of her simply standing there trying to destress. Once she was out and wrapped in a towel was when she heard it—a quick rap on her door. Confused, she peaked out the peep hole, noting no one outside before she cracked it open slightly; glancing down at a bag that smelled absolutely amazing. Give one quick skeptical glance around the outside of her front door, she picked up the bag and brought it in.

Attached to the bag was a slip of paper she assumed was the reciept, and—intending to call whoever it was to say the delivery was at the wrong address—she noted a familiar name on the bottom of who paid.

Hatake Kakashi.

Grinning, she marched to her room and picked up her phone; quickly dialing the man's contact.

"Hello?"

Sakura cleared her throat, "Ah, um—hey."

"Hey," he chuckled.

"Did...I think you got your food delivered here?"

"It's not my food, but yeah."

"You got this for me?"

He chuckled again, amused, "It certainly isn't for the neighbors. You said you hadn't had anything to eat—and that you were too tired to do much else, so I took the liberty of making sure you had some good food in your belly."

"Kakashi, you didn't have to," she began, frowning at the cost. "Delivery is super expensive...and, how did you know where I lived?"

He snorted, and she imagined he was waving his hand at her, "You told me that night at the club, whne we were talking about noisy neighbors...And don't worry about it. I'm a firefighter, remember?"

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Okay, at this point you're just rubbing it in."

He laughed, deep and throaty, "Well, to be fair—you didn't believe me. I feel like now I have to remind you that I, in fact, am-"

"A firefighter," Sakura decapitated bitterly, a grin pulling at the corner of her lips.

"Exactly, a firefighter. I'm not barging into burning buildings for nothing."

Sakura paused, her smile falling. Somehow, his remark brought this morning right into the forefront of her brain. Of loss. She wondered if he's ever danced on the edge of death before, or if he's gotten lucky is whole life. She thought of the wailing woman, and his friends who seemingly loved him.

"Are you...safe?" She asked, quite suddenly.

This took Kakashi by surprise, "Huh? Safe? Like, in what way?"

"Like, at work—you know, being a firefighter. Are you safe?"

There was a confused hum, "Well, we are highly trained—and often consistently re-trained so we stay sharp. The job is dangerous, you know—especially when sometimes a building could cave in on top of you at any moment, but...we aren't chosen for nothing. I'm qualified for the job, I know what precautions to take, and I know how to do my job. I'm as safe as one can be doing a dangerous job."

Somehow, this didn't make her feel better. She scowled at the to-go boxes in front of her, lost in thought. It was Kakashi's voice that brougth her back to the present.

"That's pretty random of you to ask," he managed to chuckle. "Don't tell me now that you believe I'm a firefighter you're worried for my safety? I can assure you, I have the best training around—along with men who have my back no matter what, should things get serious."

Sakura suspired heavily, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to just...jump on you with that. It's..."

"It's what, Sakura?"

She swallowed, "Nothing...It's nothing. Just work, is all."

"Talk to me," he pressed with sincerity.

Sakura shook her head, "No, it's a lot. I just can't dump that on anyone."

"I'm not just anyone," Kakashi rebutted. "I've seen some pretty awful things on the job, Sakura. Whatever it is, I promise it won't negatively affect me. You're safe."

Sakura deliberated for a beat, "So...this morning, you remember I had to leave pretty quick because it was an emergency—and you said you hoped it wasn't gory?"

He gave a low, knowing hum, "It was gory."

"Awful," Sakura replied without missing a beat. "Terrible. This truck hit this biker—and it ripped the man's body in half. His guts were spread out between the two body halves, and...skin was everywhere, blood was everywhere. The man driving the truck was sobbing, begging not to go to jail and that it was an accident. Maybe thrity minutes into the clean up, a woman shows up—practically barrels herself past all the police and breaks into the clearing. She's seeing what I'm cleaning up, you know—she's watching me scrape this man off the road. She starts just...screaming. Screaming and crying, about how he was her husband and that they had children. I kept doing what I needed to do—and I went about my day as normal...but it got me thinking."

"About?"

"About loss," Sakrua hummed. "You know, death. I know in my line of work, death can be an every other day thing—depending on what happened. I've always been aware of death, and I've never been afraid of it—but, maybe it's because of Sasuke leaving me, or something- I started thinking about what it meant to really lose someone. I thought about how...that man loved and kissed her. He had children with her—think about it, about her telling him when she was first pregnant and how excited they probably were. She had hopes and dreams with him—memories, stories they'd laugh over. A whole human being that could talk, and think, and feel—who was so loved...just gone in the blink of an eye." She snapped her fingers. "I've never known loss like that—let alone with someone I could love as a partner. Or a family member—or a dear friend. It just..."

Kakashi sighed, "It's a lot to process. Death is inevitable, you know. No one knows how or when they're going to die, so it matters what you do in the time you have now, while you're here. To soak up the moments, to make the memories. That way, even in passing, they're still with you."

"But could I handle losing someone I love?" Sakura pressed. "If I can barely handle losing a man I'd spent seven years with...over a break up—what if it were a partner I'd been with longer? And I loved just as dearly? Ripped away from me. Someone I could no longer hold, talk to...I just don't think I could handle it."

"No one can," Kakashi answered gently. "No one is equipped for the death of someone you love. No book, no Youtube video, Tedtalk, or podcast can give you what you need to better handle losing someone. It's messy, it's emotional, and it's world-changing. Your whole life shifts, in an instant. It's a huge gaping maw in the middle of your chest that you learn to live with. Time will come and go, and eventually it get's easier, but...it'll be there, always—like a birthmark or a freckle. It becomes apart of you, something that reminds you of them."

Sakura cleared her throat, "It...You sound so familiar with it, I just can't help but think..."

"It was my dad," Kakashi suited, his tone even and calm. "I was six—he killed himself."

Sakura gasped softly, "Kakashi..."

"I lived with his death for a long, long time, Sakura. I've experienced every emotion available, and then some. I was a wreck as a kid, and I came out just fine. You've got your head on your shoulders—you're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. Should, and gods forbid, something ever happen—you'll be just fine. It'll hurt, because it always does...but you'll be fine."

"I'm so sorry, I wouldn't have even brought this up had I known-"

"I told you it was safe to talk to me about it—and it is. Really. I've come to terms with my father's passing. It was a big fucking mess, but it happened. I told you that you can trust me, and I promise you that this conversation is not affecting me in any negative sort of way."

"I'm so, so sorry you had to endure that," Sakura continued. "I am so severely sorry. That must have been so hard for you."

"It was incredibly hard," he replied lowly. "My father was my everything to me. My mom and dad, wrapped in one."

"Your mom...?"

"Gone. Gave birth and took off while my dad was asleep in the hospital chair."

Sakura's heart wrenched, "Oh, Kakashi..."

"It's okay, really," he hummed. "My past has made me the man I am today, and I'd like to think I'm a stand up guy."

"You are a firefighter, after all," she managed a weak chuckle despite her sinking gut.

Her laugh didn't decieve him, and she knew he heard her tone when he spoke, "Sakura- you don't have to worry about anything. Accidents like this morning, statstically are a lot, but happen so rarely in your own life. Your friends are safe and healthy, your family is safe and healthy—you are safe and healthy. You are perfectly fine. Honestly," his tone perked, "I'm sort of flattered that you're worrying about my safety."

Sakura bemoaned, rolling her eyes, "Have I ever told you that you are so dramatic and pretty insufferable?"

"Three times on the dramatic, twice on the insufferable."

"I'm glad you're keeping count," she deadpanned.

He laughed, and the tension broke, "I'm an expert at what I do. Don't worry about me."

Sakura loosened her shoulders, as if she'd had them bunched up the whole time, "Well...thank you for dinner...and talking with me. That's really kind of you and I definitely owe you one."

"Just buy me coffee sometime," he chuckled.

"Got it," she smiled. "I'm gonna eat, read, and pass out now."

"Whatchya gonna read?"

Sakura gave a thoughtful hum, "I don't know. Maki has a book called Burning Sun that's really good—I might read that."

"Are you sure you're gonna be able to sleep after that?" He remarked, his voice dark and teasing.

"Shut up," she grinned. "Good night."

"Night."

Sakura popped her bubble gum noisly, tapping her foot to the beat of the music that played on the stereo overhead. She watched Ino's pony tail swish back and forth as she went table to table, taking drink orders and dealing out food. Her make up was fresh and flirty, her laughter a sweet chime in the air to guarantee her good tips. Ino glanced over at Sakura and gave her a crafty wink before talking to the bartender; turning on her heel and prancing Sakura's way. Big breasts bounced as Ino plopped down in the seat from across from her, giving a worn out huff, and remarking, "Sorry- we've been so busy today."

Sakura smiled, "It's all good, I've just been chilling. Are you doing okay today?"

Ino nodded, her cheeks pink and her face glowing, "Yeah- so far, so good. It's been a great day tip-wise, so you don't hear me complaining. How about you?" She slapped her hand hard on the table, leaning forward, "Scratch that—tell me everything. I haven't seen you since that day at the gym."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "It's been four days, Ino."

"Yah, four days too long. What happened? What did you two do?"

Sakura plucked a shoulder, stirring her straw in her water, "We just had dinner, that's all."

Ino deadpanned, blinking twice before shaking her head, "Nope- no ma'am. That blush on your face tells me otherwise."

"Damn," Sakura muttered, raising her free hand to her cheek.

"Sakuraaaa," Ino practically moaned, dramatically flopping her torso on the table. "I've only got 15 minutes, you can't drag me along like this. What's wrong with you? You used to tell me stuff all the time with Sas-"

Sakura flashed her eyes at Ino, causing the woman to stop midsentence.

Ino cleared her throat and sighed, "Why are you clamming up on me?"

"It's just...different. He's different, I don't know." She shook her head, "Don't rub it in, but yes—we slept together again."

Ino opened her mouth, as if to scream 'I told you so,' but instead fist pumped the air and smiled brightly, "That's my girl!"

"Ugh," Sakura groaned.

Ino leaned in, "How was it? Better than last time?"

"It was...different," Sakura sang, a blush creeping back to her face as she thought back to it. "Something I've never experienced before...um," she glanced around before whispering to Ino, "toys were used, and ah—I'd never come so hard in my life. But," she shook her head, "then after I started to...cry?"

Ino's face blanked, "Cry? Why—did he hurt you?"

"No, no he didn't. He actually made me cum like...I don't know, like five times before the big one. It was after the big one that I just...started sobbing. I don't know why or how it happened, but everything was so intense all at once, so much happening at such a burning rate that my heart exploded with my body and I just...sobbed. Hard. I mean, it was humiliating..."

"Awe, baby," Ino hummed, reaching out and running her hand over Sakura's, "did it freak him out or something?"

"Actually, no," Sakura replied. "He held me and like, took care of me. He just let me cry it out and then gave me water, and food, and we watched a movie. But, there was a talk after everything—about where this was going."

Blonde brows raised, intrigued, "OMG are you two dating?!"

Sakura huffed, eyes narrowing, "No, not dating...it's more like...having each other's company."

Ino's nose scrunched up, shrill as she echoed, "Company?"

"Company?" Several voices mimicked in unison.

Kakashi tipped his head back and let out an irritated huff, "Yes- company. Can you pricks mind your own business, for fuck's sake?"

Genma's brow was crumpled, struggling to understand, "That sounds like friends with benefits with extra steps."

Kakashi turned halfway to cast the man an incurious glance, "No, it's not that. We could have no sex, and I'd still want her around."

"For what, though?" Genma pressed, geniunly lost in translation. "I'm not understanding, are you committing but not committing? Are you fucking? Dating? Not dating? Keeping it casual?"

"I don't know what to tell you," Kakashi admonished sharply, lobbing the sponge on the truck and scrubbing hard. "We just are both in weird spots in our lives right now. We're both still hurting, you know. She doesn't have it in her to do a relationship, and I still need more time to feel better about it all."

"It's been months," Shika remarked in mild annoyance. "Damn near half a year, almost."

"Yeah, and I spent years of my life with Rin," Kakashi shot back. "You can't just forget years of shit over the span of some odd months. It doesn't work like that. Granted, I'm not hung up—but the shit still stings, man—and I can't commit to someone if I'm not in the right mindset."

"But you can keep someone around?" Shika deadpanned. "Hook up with them?"

Kakashi shook his head, his own scowl deepening, "I wouldn't expect you pricks to get it. We aren't dating, there's no commitment here to make anything more complicated. We just are giving each other company because it helps with the healing process."

Shika took pulled the cigarette out of the corner of his lips, exhaling as he spoke, "That sounds complicated."

"It's not," Kakashi rebuttled.

"It's friends with benefits," Genma barked, shaking his own head and wiggling his straw around. "Just call a spade a fucking spade, man."

Kakashi dunked the sponge into the soapy water bucket, "If it were friends with benefits, there woud be some sort of complicated obligation there, still. This is just...I don't know. I can't put it into words. All I can say is company, man."

Asuma rolled his neck around, "Right, so let me understand if I'm hearing you correctly—you're not just in it for the sex, you want to be there to give each other support and help when you feel fucked up and lonely. Except, you're not dating—there's no strings attatched, no obligations, and if she wants to do her own thing she most certainly can. All for the sake of your bleeding hearts."

"More or less," Kakashi shrugged.

"Right, okay—I can sort of understand that. I've had my heart broken a handful of times, I can understand what you mean by company."

"Thank you," Kakashi grunted, wringing out the extra water and running the sponge over the rim of the truck.

"But," Asuma began.

Kakashi closed his eyes and sighed, waiting.

"If I know you like I do—and I've known you my whole life—you're not gonna take little miss breaking away too kindly."

"I'm not some possessive, jealous asshole," Kakashi snorted.

Asuma snorted back, "Yeah- you may not be an asshole, but you're sure as shit both possessive and just a tad bit jealous. Not at the woman, but moreso when men come sniffing around what you consider to be rightly yours."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, she can do whatever she wants with whoever she wants."

Asuma laughed, booming and irritating, "Bull-fucking-shit. So, you're telling me that if home girl started seeing some guy—or got back with her ex, you wouldn't be green at the gills?"

Kakashi stood to his full height, spine popping in the process. He turned to fully face Asuma, silver hair flicking as he shook his head, "That would never happen, because she's not mine to-"

Asuma raised his finger, cutting Kakashi off, "Unlikely. I can guarantee you've already marked your territory. I saw the way your shoulders got when we rolled up. You got possessive."

Genma cracked open a beer, remarking offhandedly, "Isn't that like, your kink, or something?"

Asuma's eyes glittered deviously, "You know what, Genma—you're absolutely right. Don't think we haven't forgotten that night we all got shit-faced talking about kinks. It took five shots of strong as hell sake to get you there—but oh boy, did you spill the beans. You are possessive and dominant and get off on someone trusting you. Nothing gets your dick harder than-"

Kakashi groaned, "Enough- enough, okay? You assholes just stop while you're ahead. That was with Rin—Sakura is completely different."

Shika's dark eyes narrowed, a grin pulling up, "It's because she's different that you're doing this whole company thing. If she wasn't, you wouldn't be so wrapped up in her."

"I bet that pretty pink honey gives you all the trust in the world, doesn't she?" Genma sang, low and teasing—pressing Kakashi's buttons. "I wonder, when she moves on who else she'll trust like that?"

Kakashi's teeth clenched, "That's none of my business."

"Oh?" Genma hummed, a brow quirking high. "So, you don't mind then if I would happen to be that man? I can be pretty dominant, too, you know."

Kakashi laughed, shaking off his shoulder muscles that twitched at the idea and the fact that they were trying to bait him into saying they were right. He laughed, doubling over and clutching at his stomach; wiping away imaginary tears.

He placed a hand on Genma's shoulders and shook, grinning, "Genma, my dear friend—the only thing she'll be able to trust is that you'll blast off in three minutes."

Asuma and Shika laughed, howling like dogs in the night as Genma slapped Kakashi's hand off his shoulder and mumbled something nobody heard. Guy was the only one not really laughing or doing much of anything; he simply gazed at Kakashi, his own thick brows tilted.

Kakashi shrugged, "What? You can give me company too, Guy."

Guy shook his head, "It all seems like it's a good idea, but...I just get this feeling that you're watering down what could really make things much worse if you're not careful."

"I'm not going to fall in love and get married," Kakashi chuckled. "She's kind, and pretty, and we like being in each other's space. Can't it be left at that?"

Guy tilted his head to the side, muttering even though Kakashi couldn't hear him, "I'm afraid you've already fallen in love, my dear friend."

"That literally makes so sense to me, but hey—if you're getting fucked as thoroughly as you are, who am I to complain."

Sakura shook her head, "It's a perk, yeah, but-"

Ino's brows shot up, "Perk, my ass. That should be like...the main reason."

"Well, it's not."

Ino shrugged, waving her hand fecklessly, "Details. What matters is your happiness, and I'm glad you feel comfortable enough around him to want to hang out more. Just...you know, be careful."

Sakura's brow ticked down, "What do I have to be careful for?"

"I just don't want your heart broken again, that's all."

"I'll be fine, Ino."

Ino raised her hands up on either side, "Alright, sweetie. Whatever you say. Whatever you say..."

Four months later

"What baffles me is your complete disregard for real artistry."

Pink brows shot up, "Artistry? Is that really what you call this garbage?"

He winced, as if wounded, "Hey, you take that back."

Sakura scoffed, "I will do no such thing. I'll have you know, I went ahead and read Jiriya's newest book, The Secretary's Stash-"

"And it was amazing, was it not?" Kakashi interjected, teeth glittering as he smiled. "That one part, about the desk drawer-"

Sakura tossed her head back and groaned into the sky, "Was so typical. Really, everything that old pervert writes is just so...typicaaaal, it drives me crazy. I mean, even the words he uses for nipples is just so...old man-ish? Honestly, I'm surprised you ended up the way you are despite reading this awful literature."

Kakashi gasped, "What does that mean?!"

"It means where did you learn to sling dick that way? No man who reads Jiriya's work with as much passion as you do have sex the way you do."

Kakashi chortled, "Sling dick? That's a new one. I didn't know I was slinging it, I thought I was thrusting it."

Sakura blushed, "Oh, you sling it, alright."

Kakashi tapped his finger to his lips, bemused, "Hmm- how does one sling said dick? Asking for a friend."

Sakura shook her head, "No, you know all too well how one slings dick—you just want me to spell it out."

He chuckled, "Well, yeah—nothing makes me sling dick harder than you describing to me how to sling said dick."

Sakura's blush deepend, glancing around as people walked to and fro. It was a beautiful fall day, the air was cool and the sun was bright. The wind danced through rustling leaves, invisible fingers threading themselves through Sakura's pink locks. The park was busy for a Tuesday afternoon, but they had found a spot sort of off from where the crowds were; just under a huge tree that offered even cooler shade. Kakashi brought his dog, Pakkun, who sniffed and snorted around the laughing duo. Both Kakashi and Sakura had an incredibly long week—Kakashi having to deal with training as well as Sakura getting more calls than usual. Both were pulling ten plus hours a day and happened to both be off—so what better way to destress than to have some sake at the park and people watch.

These past four months have been nothing short of, well—fucking amazing.

While work seemed to be stressing her out more than usual, ever since that biker accident, she found solace in Kakashi's company. At first it was one night out of the week—that turned into two nights and a day. Having dinners, visiting museums, and just doing every day things. Sometimes she'd come home to him at her apartment, propped up in her living room reading one of her books; tea already made, food warm and waiting. There was something so familiar and casual about his presence that always made her feel so at ease; the tension in her body would instantly leak away and she'd find herself laughing with him. They'd shared so many jokes, and so many late nights discussing a variety of topics. She felt no complexity with him, no qualms, and no hang ups. It felt as easy as breathing, just being in the presence of someone who made it all simpler. She found she barely thought about Sasuke any more, though he was still there—sometimes. More often than not, it felt like she was really just living her life. Working, going out, having hobbies. She renovated her apartment and she took up plants and painting. Kakashi's presence fell in step with her life easily, and she found that Sasuke's loss was a lesson to the new life she's gained—one of happiness and comradery.

Of course, there was the sex.
They were always having sex.

While in the beginning they had talked about no affections outside of sex, she found the line had been blurred along the way—considering they were always tangled with each other. And for every time they slept together, it felt as thrilling and as new as the first time—except she found he never pushed her again like he had did the night they agreed to be company. She wondered if maybe it was a one time thing, or if he did it to protect himself—she wasn't sure. But because passion was not lacking, she never asked questions. So, while they weren't supposed to be affectionate with each other outside of the bedroom, she found a peck here and a touch there wasn't so harmful. In fact, she quite liked the warm gaze he offered her; the familiar smile and calloused hand.

"Go on," Kakashi spoke up, breaking Sakura out of her train of thought. "Tell me how I sling my dick."

She turned her head and smiled at him, "I will do no such thing."

He grinned, flashing a canine, "Why, are you afraid it'll turn you on?"

Sakura tsked, "Horny at the park, that's a first."

"What does a slung dick feel like, I wonder?" He mused, glancing up before flicking dark eyes back to her. The sinful glint in them had her biting her lip, blushing as she broke the gaze. Kakashi chuckled, leaning over to hum in her ear, "It must feel pretty fucking good for you to have a face like that, honey."

Sakura's body shuddered at his warm breath in her ear, goosebumps breaking across the skin of her arm as he trailed his fingernail down. He kissed the hallow beneath her ear, rumbling, "You know, I have a general idea of it."

Sakura sucked in a breath, "Do you?"

He nodded, "Mmhmm. It's a lot like having you on your back with your legs spread wide, me dragging my cock out to the tip slowly. I'd grip your hips tight and I'd shove it back into you so hard your pretty eyes would roll to the back of your head."

"Maybe so," she hummed, turning her head to face him.

"You know what else?"

"What?"

He grinned, gripping her chin, "That skirt your wearing looks so fucking good on you. I've been thinking about all the ways I can fuck you in it."

"You're extra horny today," Sakura admonished softly.

His mouth twitched, humored, "It's been a week since I've seen you, I've got a lot built up."

Sakura deadpanned, "Wow, a whole seven days."

He chuckled, "Oh, don't you start. If you don't recall the text messages you sent me three nights ago?"

Sakura choked on the sake she was sipping, face cherry red as she coughed; Kakashi laughing, grabbing a napkin and handing it to her. Eyes watery and throat hoarse, she replied, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Kakashi plucked a shoulder, turning a bit to snag his phone and unlock it.

"What are you doing?" Sakura hummed, cherry red face now paling as she watched him pull up their text messages and begin to scroll back. He paused at a video of a very pink body part, glancing over at her devilishly before clicking on it. Instantly, the sound of Sakura's soft moans began to play, along with deep wet noises that were easily distinguishable. Sakura bristled, snatching his phone out of his hand and silencing the video.

"Ring any bells?" He hummed, moving his hand to her hip.

"I was drunk," she muttered defensively.

"And horny," he grinned, sighing fondly. "I'll treasure that video forever, you know? When I die, please play it at my funeral in honor of my life."

Sakura couldn't help the laugh that bubbled, her head tossing back, "You'd have a boner, even after death."

Kakashi smirked, leaning forward to kiss her, "I'd come for you, you know. I'd haunt you and play with your boobies."

Sakura giggled, "You mean my BOObies?"

Kakashi rolled his eyes and shook his head, "And I'm the insufferable one."

"Speaking of boobies," Sakura began, glancing down at her own. "I feel like mine have definitely gotten bigger."

Kakashi paused, "You're not pregnant, are you?"

Sakura deadpanned.

He shrugged, deflecting, "They are definitely fuller."

She frowned, "Maybe it's all the food you're feeding me."

Kakashi shrugged again, toothy and smiling, "It just means your happy."

Sakura poked the hard muscle of his body, voice monotone, "You must be overjoyed, then."

"It's different for men," he replied, pulling her frame closer. "There's only one part of me that keeps getting fuller, and I think you know full and well what it is."

Sakura gasped, slapping his chest lightly, "You are so horny."

"What are you doing tonight?" He pressed, ignoring her.

Sakura hummed, "Well, I'm supposed to have dinner with Ino, but that's it."

He shook her lightly, "Can I come over?"

"Since when have you asked, at this point?" She chuckled.

Kakashi jut out his lower lip, "Fair."

"Yeah, you can come over," she replied, playing with a lock of his hair.

"How does eight sound?"

She nodded, "Eight is good. I might be a little late, so just help yourself inside."

He winked, "I'll help myself inside, alright."

"Stop being naughty," she chided, running her hand down his shoulder.

Kakashi glanced at the time, "Oh- shit. I'm running late myself."

Sakura's brows ticked down, "I thought you didn't have work today?"

He shook his head, "No, but I do have errands to run." He moved to his feet, pulling Sakura up with him and leaning down to kiss her again, "I'll see you at eight?"

"See you then," she sang, watching as he scooped up his wallet and keys. He began to walk off, pausing midstep before turning back and jogging to her.

"What did-"

Kakashi gripped her face, molding his mouth over hers and kissing her so deeply her head spun. She reached up to thread her fingers at the nape of his neck, pulling him down to her, arching her body into his. Kakashi pulled back for air, kissing her twice more, and stepping back.

"I really missed you," he remarked.

Sakura smiled softly, "I missed you, too."

"Eight?"

"Eight."

She watched him leave, the pink never leaving her face.

Yeah, so technically they broke one of the rules.
But what harm did it cause?

Horny was an understatement.

The entire week that they were apart, all they could seem to think about was getting back together again. Each day consisted of the hottest sexting he'd ever experienced, and when she sent him that video of two slim fingers fucking her pink pussy- he was a dead man. There was no way he could come back from that, no way it wasn't scorched into the very recesses of his mind. He craved her, with each passing day; her laugh, her scent, her body, and her energy.

Somewhere, somewhere deep down he knew something was amiss—but he didn't give a single fuck. Not when a beautiful woman with a temper like no other was fingering herself, moaning his name so goddamned desperately that he had no choice but to remind her what she'd gone without for a week.

Somewhere, something told him he was damned.
But he couldn't hear it.

Not when all he could think about was how her face was going to light up when he surprised her with Maki's newest novel, Helpless. Sakura had been gushing about it, checking Maki's website over and over for the release date. She had even planned to preorder the book, but there was only a limited amount of preorders available and by the time she logged on, they were sold out.

Lucky for her, he happed to be one of those customers.

He didn't tell her that, though.

So, he was actually excited. Excited to see Sakura, excited to hand her a book that she cried over, and excited to be in her space again. The sting was no longer there, but he found that in place of the sting was this deep, warm feeling. Sweet and warm, her honey that had taken over his thinking. One would argue that he's given up rationality for that sweet taste, but he would beg the differ.

He still knew what this was.
At least, that's what he told himself.

He still knew that their parting would be inevitable, and that he would be perfectly fine should this end.
At least, that's what he said.

He knew his time was limited, so he'd decided to go all in and experience all he could before it slipped out of his hands. Give happiness and experience happiness- to give company and have company. No feelings, no strings attached; no complications. He didn't love her, he loved having her around.

At least, that's what he told himself.

Sakura gazed at the clothes on her bed, humming skeptically as she decided which dress was going to suit her best. Several moments of deliberation passed before she settled on a pretty light blue sun dress, dotted with small white flowers. It hugged her torso beautifully, flared out at the curve of her hips and stopped mid-thigh. She was excited to hang out with Ino, maybe take some cute selfies.

She was excited for a lot of things these days.

For every time her and Ino hung out, though—Ino had to always remind her how bad she apparently had it for Kakashi. And while she did admit, she was incredibly attracted to him and the chemistry was definitely there—at the end of the day, she understood that her moments with him could be fleeting. They could decide to end being in each other's space and move on for good.

She understood that.

Yet, as she put on her mascara and ran gloss across rosy lips; she tried to peg the quesy feeling in her stomach as a reaction to all the sake she drank earlier that day. As she curled her hair and pinned back a few strands, she told herself that pang in her heart would be the loss of a good friend, and nothing more.

Sakura's heart didn't hurt like it used to, and for that she was glad. Kakashi was true to his word in that, they helped heal each other. Life was normal, happy; and she was glad.

Her phone rang again, breaking her out of her thoughts. She answered quickly, "Hello?"

"Hey!" Ino sang.

"Hey! I was just about done getting ready."

Ino hissed, "Ah, right—about that."

"What?"

"Well...you remember when you ditched me to hang out with Kakashi?"

"Yeah..."

Ino cleared her throat, "Well, now you owe me one."

Sakura gasped, "Who?! Who is it?"

"Um...well, you remember that guy I danced with that night? Black hair and pale skin?"

Sakura wracked her brain, scowling before barking loudly, "Crop top?!"

Ino laughed, "Yeah, crop top..."

"You're...just fucking, or what?"

Ino coughed again, "No, actually. He's taking me out."

Sakrua gaped, "Like...out out?! Like one a date?!"

Ino sniffed, "Yes, is that so hard to believe?"

Sakura shouted, "Ino never goes on dates!"

"Well, we've been talking for a bit, and-"

"WHAT?!" Sakura practically screeched. "How long?!"

Ino sighed, "Look, I'll give you the deets later. I've got to go, though—and I'm sorry, this was super sudden and last minute."

Sakura waved her hand despite Ino not being there, "No, it's okay. I owe you one, after all."

Ino hummed, "Thank you! I'll let you know how it goes! Bye!"

The line ended and Sakura tapped on the messages part of her phone, about to text Kakashi that he could come over sooner if he'd wanted—when she noticed a text from a number she didn't have saved on her phone. Scowling, she tapped on it:

'Sakura, I don't mean to bother you and I hope you're doing okay. It's been awhile since I've seen you, and I was just wondering...can we talk...? - Sasuke'