Last night was nothing but a gaping black maw for Sakura. Only bits and pieces seemed to flutter in, blurry and fleeting. Just when she'd think to herself that she'd have a hold of something, it'd break away into furry particles; dancing just off of the edge of her memory. Just before her and Kakashi left his apartment to meet Ino, Sakura was staring long and hard at her reflection in the mirror. On one hand, she wanted to believe that she hadn't been so crass than to do what Kakashi said she did. On the other, she didn't doubt it, either. Especially if Tequila had been involved last night; then there was no doubt in her mind that what played out did. She wondered if maybe Kakashi was holding anything else back, but the shameless way he let her hear all about it in the morning quickly squashed that notion.

Still, she had told him she thought he was hot? It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the way she'd imagined herself telling him. She figured it would come about in flirtatious conversation via a sly quip, not a drunken explanation that she was positive she slurred at him if she was as wasted as she thought she was last night.
The throbbing migraine was proof of that.

Still, she had tossed him on the bed and humped him? She remembers being told from her past hook ups that she can be pretty assertive in bed, but she had chalked it up to both parties being drunk so every action was exaggerated.
That is, until Kakashi told her everything.

Sakura knew Kakashi hadn't been drinking; she only caught a glimpse of him at the club. It was a brief moment, a glance under her lashes during a drunken twirl on the dance floor. He was leaning up against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, with one foot propped against the wall behind him. Just as soon as she had seen him, he was gone; mingled in the bustle of bodies that meddled together the quicker she spun. She remembers that, having fun, and dancing. She doesn't remember slapping a man; she doesn't remember Kakashi walking her home, or anything else after that. She doesn't remember essentially assaulting him, NOR does she remember masturbating in his shower.

Sakura let out a groan, her head dipping low between her shoulders in shame.

She was beyond mortified. A part of her wanted to be mad initially at the thought that Kakashi barged in, it was invasion of privacy that drunken Sakura was under the idea she had. Although, she couldn't blame Kakashi for doing what he did. Had Sakura been in her shoes, and she were having to babysit someone heavily drunk; she would of thought whoever was in the restroom had hurt themselves, too. Especially if there was a scream, like she did, apparently.

Fucking Christ, Sakura thought to herself, splashing cold water on her face.

If she were being honest, she had to admit Kakashi had a point. What if she did go home with some random stranger, drunk as all get out? Even back when she used to randomly hook up, Sakura never let herself get so hammered she couldn't take herself home. What if she had taken off with someone? They could have taken advantage of her. Robbed her, pushed her past what she was willing to give up. She shuddered at the thought. At least it was with Kakashi. She didn't know why, but she had this innate sense of trust with him. His character before appeared wholesome, but after last night's events, it had quadrupled in effect. Kakashi had every opportunity to take advantage of her and have his way, whatever way he wanted. Instead, he merely saved her dignity and pushed her away. In a sense, Sakura only had her feelings mildly hurt. This incredibly handsome man that she'd only gotten to know just a little bit was shoving her advances away. Sakura had only ever dreamed about what having sex with him was like, and last night could have been her chance with alcohol as the perfect excuse to push her to initiate it; without feelings getting involved. Last night could have been purely physical.
At least, that's what she told herself.

Walking with Kakashi to the diner, Sakura was lost in thought. As much as she wanted to deny that there was anything between her and Kakashi, she couldn't deny the tension between them was thick. Between the conversation that seemed to flow way too easily, to the flirtatious gibe that happened a little too casually. Some days she found herself taking a little longer to get to her apartment if it meant she could catch him in the hall. She was even double checking her appearance in the mornings, hoping to milk from Kakashi a very sleepy, "You look beautiful, today." Even if he already always said it every morning. There were a handful of times she quite nearly asked him if he wanted to get coffee, only to think twice about it and back out. Sakura knew she was long over Sasuke—she had been even during the time with him—but it was his harsh words that still reared their ugly faces at the slightest flicker of hope. She told herself that she wasn't ready for someone else, not this soon into being in Tokyo. But her thoughts were flip-flopping erratically. One minute she was the confident woman on her way to the top, ready to live life to the fullest and that meant letting go of inhibitions, following your gut, and doing what you want. What she wanted to do was be intimate with Kakashi. She wanted to be in his space, she wanted to be a part of the familiarity. Then, there was the other half. Telling her she's not ready, that this is too soon, and that he'll just use her and throw her away. She'll be replaced by some woman with thick thighs and big breasts; Sakura will be old news. There were days she'd get so stewed up in these thoughts that they'd carry with her all the way home, up until she met Kakashi in the hallway. That sly glint in his eyes revealed something she'd never seen before, and still couldn't put a name on. It was familiar, it was comfortable, and it was one big smile. A patient regard she couldn't fathom.
On those days, seeing that look in onyx eyes seemed to dissipate all previous thinking.

Sakura was torn, and she felt that only time would tell just exactly what woman she would give into and become.

Secretly, she wanted to be the first woman. It didn't help that the words Kakashi spoke to her this morning seemed to seed themselves deep into her heart, despite any retort she came up with to disprove it. The way he spoke was so genuine it hurt. The way he met her gaze with a startling honestly; his eyes searching hers by far more intimate than touch alone. Then to top it off, the chaste peck on her forehead sent tingles radiating from her forehead down the rest of her body. The action was so pure, so sweet, and so reassuring. It was a gesture she'd never received from Sasuke, ever. While one man only ever made fun of her birthmark, another chose to kiss it in a manner so tender that she had to leave to the restroom, or she'd surely cry.

At the end of the day, Sakura only ever craved intimacy. Watching how Kakashi regarded her smart ass remarks with an equally witty come back of his own, she wondered if maybe it was just within her reach.

They had reached the diner, which was unsurprisingly packed for a Sunday afternoon. The diner took on the traditional Japanese mom and pop shop feel, and Sakura found herself loving the vibe. The inside reminded her of her grandma's kitchen; she supposed that the diner mimicked the same concept. Booths were light brown, the tables and chairs resembling a darker brown; all of which stood out stark compared to the white curtains pulled back on huge windows. Small lights hung over each of the tables, though the place was pretty lit up due to all the windows. There was a bar where people could eat, along with a waist high cut out where you could see the chefs hard at work. Waitresses went from table to table fluidly, while the one behind the bar counter greeted guests by name with a red-lipped smile. Kakashi led Sakura to a booth that was in the furthest left corner of the restaurant, sectioned away from the crowd of the diner, but still close enough to be considered involved with the overall aesthetic of the joint. Sakura gyrated her eyes around the place; observing decorations, people, and things of the like.

"First time here?" Kakashi's voice broke Sakura's speculation.

"Hmm?" Sakura focused her attention on Kakashi, who was stretched out before her in a feline manner. He was leaned back against the booth, his left arm resting on the top of the booth, right leg resting atop his left. He was wearing a black t-shirt, fabric stretched taunt around his arms and over his chest while the rest sat loose, folding over itself on the hard plane of his body. He had worn dark blue jeans on and what appeared to be black converse. The outfit had no real appeal to it, it was your simple every day guy-fit, however Sakura couldn't seem to keep her eyes off of his frame. How did someone make simple so appealing?

"Sakura?" Kakashi contested finically. "My eyes are up here."

Sakura scowled hard to fight back the rising blush, "Don't flatter yourself. I was just—"

"Checking me out?" He chuckled, using both hands directed at his chest. "I mean, this isn't even one of my nicer shirts. I've got this one that—"

"You've got nicer shirts?" Sakura wondered mockingly. "I don't know…it's hard to imagine a shirt nicer than the one you're wearing right now. I think I even saw that exact same shirt on a Louis Vutton fashion show once? Must have cost you a pretty penny."

Kakashi nodded knowingly, lips pressed into a thin line. "Mmmh, mmhhmm. Best believe it. Hey, I'll do you one solid. I'll let you wear this shirt first. After, I'll let you wear my nicer shirt. The V-neck on the nicer one is like an inch deeper, but it makes all the difference."

"Why am I wearing your shirts again?"

"Uh, so you can see how much nicer the other one is compared to this one—duh," Kakashi answered wryly, arms out on either side.

"How about I just take your word on it?" Sakura propositioned vacantly.

Kakashi rubbed his chin with his thumb, "Ah, well. It's just that, I see you in one of my shirts once and I wouldn't mind if you tried them all on."

Sakura's eyebrows fancied, "Most people would keep something like that to themselves."

"Sakura, kink shaming is a thing assholes do," Kakashi retorted in an instant.

"Maybe kink shaming is my kink," she rebutted without missing a beat, biting down on her lip to hold back the smile that threatened to form across her face.

Kakashi gave his own lively smile, black eyes crinkling in the corners as he did, "You can kink shame me all day if it means I get to see you in my nice shirt." His eyes glittered artfully, the side of his mouth pulling into an alluring grin.

The eye contact between the two had stretched out just long enough for their waitress to hobble her way up to them. The waitress was an older woman who was slightly hunched over. She had a mess of white hair that was teased into a beehive, and spray painted rock hard for good measure. Her yellow uniform appeared washed compared to her tanned skin. She was wearing pink lipstick and eyeliner that looked as though it was days old. The woman let out a hefty sigh, "You never know how to fuck off, do you?"

Sakura started, turning her head from the woman to Kakashi.

Kakashi grinned wickedly, "I suppose not."

"Mmh," the waitress deadpanned, pulling out a small notebook and pen. "None of your buddies today?"

"No ma'am, I'm afraid it's just Sakura and I."

The waitress gazed over her fifties-styled glasses between Kakashi and Sakura, "Whose this?" She barked, smacking her gum loudly.

Kakashi raised his chin, unbothered by the waitresses abrasive behavior, "This, my dear Flo, is Sakura."

"Sakura, hm?" Flo grunted, scrutinizing Sakura openly with squinted eyes. "Who is she? Your sister?"

"Now, Flo…if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to patronize me. You know full and well I don't have a sister. I knew you were getting old, but my my my," he closed his eyes and clicked his tongue, shaking his head back and forth as he did.

"Go fuck yourself," Flo remarked dismissively.

Another over-the-top smile, no doubt to irritate Flo, "Promptly. But right now, we are very hungry and you have those fluffy pancakes that I am dying for."

"Sa-kur-ra…" Flo sounded out, turning her back on Kakashi. "What will you have ?"

"I think…I'll take the fluffy pancakes, with eggs sunny side up," Sakura decided, folding the menu shut. "Can I have coffee, too?"

"Cream?" Flo barked, scribbling down on the small note book.

"Yes, cream."

"Mh," was all Flo gave Sakura. She then turned her back to Sakura, facing Kakashi again. "Dipshit?" She asked, pen and paper in hand.

"I don't know…" Kakashi trailed off, looking over the menu. "It all looks so good. Flo, could you tell me the difference between these pancakes and these ones?" He pointed at the menu, glancing up at Flo expectantly.

Flo remained still, expression deadpanned. "Fluffy pancakes, black coffee, orange juice, and toast with blackberry jam." She snatched the menu out of his hands, folding it and tucking it underneath her arm. "I'll be back with your drinks," she muttered gruffly, sulking off.

"She's sweet," Sakura commented wearily.

Kakashi chuckled, "The sweetest. I've known Flo for years, now. She's worked here since I was a kid. We give each other shit, but when it boils down to it she'd give you the shirt off her back if you needed it."

It didn't take long for their drinks to arrive. Sakura dumped a happy helping of cream in her coffee, along with a couple packets of sugar. She inhaled the earthy scent deeply, taking in a long, careful sip. Kakashi watched her over his own cup, but otherwise said nothing to her at first. Five minutes had passed of the two stealing glances from each other before Kakashi spoke up. "Sakura, do you have any siblings?"

Sakura shook her head, "No, I don't. I've been an only child since I can remember. When I was ten, my mother was pregnant, but she lost the baby."

Kakashi's mouth twitched, "I'm sorry, I hear that's hard for women to handle."

Sakura cocked her head to the side, "Yeah, that's what I hear, too. But, if it was hard for my mom, she never let it show."

"What do you mean?"

"I just mean that, she looked happy—all the time. She kept working; she still took care of me, and talked as if nothing happened."

"And your dad?" Kakashi pressed.

"Well, my dad is…a brick wall of a man. He's tough, rough, and abrasive—to everyone that isn't my mom and I. He's never been one to show emotions or cry, or even show us that he was stressing out. He was a master at hiding his emotions so mom and I wouldn't stress out or worry."

"Mmm, so that's where you get it," Kakashi mused aloud, swirling more cream into his coffee.

"Get what?"

"You do this thing where you sort of just randomly shut down. It's like a gate I can literally see slamming shut in your eyes," he replied matter-of-factly.

Sakura worried her lip, "If you think I'm going to say sorry…"

"Why would I? It's how you protect yourself." Kakashi shrugged. "I get it. Besides, I personally kind of like seeing that stubborn look in your eyes. It reminds me how hard I've got to work to get behind those steel gates."

"Why do you even try so hard? I mean, what's your end game?" Sakura suddenly bit, leaning back into the seat with a peculiar expression on her face. She hadn't meant to burst out and say that, she was more thinking it than anything; but it was already out and in the open, so she just had to stand by it.

Kakashi's smirk only grew wider with confidence, eyes gleaming that same familiarity she longed for. "Someone's gotta. And, this is no game, Sakura. This is an endeavor I wholly intend to conquer. If going two steps back means I get one step forward to you, then I'll do it."

Sakura worried her lip again, focusing her gaze on the off-white coffee cup in front of her. "I really don't understand. I'm no one special."

"Hm." In Sakura's line of sight, she watched his big hand slide across the table, his finger tapping the top of her hand wrapped around the coffee mug. She peered up to see Kakashi regarding her candidly, stout ebony eyes centered on her face. "I beg the differ."

Sakura rolled her eyes, but she could feel the tingle of blood in her cheeks. She cleared her throat, "So…does this count as a date?"

"Mmmmm…" Kakashi hummed humorously, pulling his hand away from hers to lean back into the booth. "Do you want it to be a date? Because technically, no this is not. We are here to meet Ino so you can get your key." His eyes were challenging, the dark depths dancing with sharp amusement.

"I mean…you did say that I owe you one because of last night, so I was just thinking…That maybe…you and I could…" She trailed off, trying to formulate a sentence that didn't make her come off like a fucking idiot. She wasn't used to feeling so timid around someone, and though she usually just said what she wanted, she felt nervous at the notion that there's a possibility he could shoot her down. Sakura didn't know why the thought of putting herself out there bothered her that much, but it did. She felt slightly sick, her palms a little sweatier than normal. If she was being honest, she didn't even know why the words that were coming out of her mouth were even being said. Her insecurities told her she was making a big mistake, and that she should stop while she's at it. But she was saying them, and it was too late to back out, now.

Kakashi leaned forward, running a hand through thick silver locks in a careless muss. "Sakura," he began artfully. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

For a moment, Sakura faltered. She opened her mouth to speak, snapping it shut when she couldn't think of a witty retort. She straightened, "I mean, I owe you one, right?"

Kakashi nickered, "So, are you asking me on a date out of obligation? Or is it because you want to go out on a date with me?"

"A date's a date, right?" She contested.

"Nope, not even close," Kakashi shook his head with a grin. "It's got to be something you want to do, after all; not something you feel like you have to do."

"I want to…" Sakura exhaled cordially, using her top teeth to nibble down on her bottom lip in anxious pulses.

"Say it, then." He prompted, leaning on his elbow with this hand on his face, pointer finger close to the corner of his eye.

"Say what?"

"I want to hear you ask me out, of course."

Sakura scowled, "Isn't that what I'm doing already?"

Kakashi clicked his tongue, "No, ma'am. You haven't actually said the words, yet. Sakura, I am a man of senses. Touch, smell, taste, hearing, and sight. This moment is incredibly important to me. So it's prudent that I hear you say it, I see your mouth move while you're saying it to me. I want to be able to fondly think back on this moment when our children ask how we got to know each other."

"You're impossible," she scoffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "What do you mean our children? What makes you think I want to have kids?"

"I don't think anything," he replied smoothly. "You can do whatever you want to do. If that means you don't want kids, that's fine by me. But…it would be a shame to waste our good looks by not gracing the world with our beautiful offspring."

"We haven't even gone on our first date yet, and you're already talking about kids?"

Kakashi shrugged, mimicking Sakura's pose by crossing his arms over his chest, "I already know my future involves you. So, I can't help to think about it."

"You know…some people would call you creepy for saying something like that," she teased outwardly, though on the inside her stomach leapt. Did what he say excite her?

"Creep. Pervert. Fool. Buffoon. Funny. Charismatic. Smart. Incredibly-handsome-and-good-looking. Financially stable. The list goes on."

From the distance the two could hear Flo's hacking as she brought a wide circular tray with their food on it. She dumped the plates on the table roughly, muttering about refilling their drinks and then not being bothered. Sakura tucked into her food quietly, much too absorbed in how good it was to carry a conversation.

"I'm waiting," Kakashi remarked before biting into jam-covered toast.

"Huh?" Sakura glanced up, mouth full of food.

"You still haven't asked me out, yet."

She rolled her eyes, "Seriously."

"Dead. Serious." He enunciated, his tongue darting out to lick off some jam on the corner of his mouth.

"Where's Ino?" She asked simply, cutting up her eggs in small bites.

"Am I a joke to you?" He egged in mock disdain.

"Fine." Sakura grunted sharply, placing her utensil down with a clatter. She looked Kakashi in the eye, swallowing her pride and lifting her chin. "Will you go out on a date with me?"

The smug grin he wore stretched into a sprightly smile, brilliantly white teeth revealing themselves while his eyes all but twinkled actual light. "Sakura, I would love nothing more than to go on a date with you."

"Great," she huffed, focusing her attention back to her food to mask the giddiness she felt.

The two finished their food, chatting casually about small stuff between the other. Sakura learned that Kakashi is an only child, he loves animals, and he has a thing for fresh produce. Right in the middle of them discussing their favorite movie, Ino's shrill shout could be heard across the diner. Ino had walked in, and following her was a small group of men. One of the she recognized right away as Kiba with Akamaru following loyally beside him. The closer they neared, the more she was able to observe each person.

Right beside Ino was a blonde-haired man with big blue eyes, and lines on his cheeks that resembled whiskers. His expression was bright and unendingly happy. He was tall, none of them as tall as Kakashi, but tall nonetheless. His build looked dense, as though he was by far stronger than what his frame let on. Next to him was a man that had jet-black hair that surrounded his head in a messy bowl, with thick black eyebrows to boot. His eyes were very wide and circular, lips in a slight cupid's curve. This man's body appeared thinner compared to the blonde man, but she noticed the way the green jumpsuit hugged the cut muscle of his arms, shoulders, torso, and legs. His muscular was different from Kakashi's, in that it resembled more than that of a MMA fighter; lean and cut. Trailing behind them was a man wearing circular sunglasses. Black hair shot in a spiky disarray. His jacket came up halfway to his face, covering the lower half. He appeared far more reserved than the others.

"Hhmmm, you brought the kids!" Kakashi sang comically.

"Some of them, at least," Ino replied, stopping at the front of the table. "What's up with you two?"

"Sakura just asked me out," Kakashi beamed casually, glancing over at Sakura who was glaring at him.

The blonde man gasped, "SHE DID?! What did you say?"

"What do you think he said, idiot?" Ino bit, shaking her head and scooting Sakura over to sit down.

"WELL?!" Blonde haired man pressed excitedly, his face moving in close to Kakashi's.

"I said I'd love to," Kakashi answered, unbothered by how close the whiskered man was.

"FFFUUUCCCKKK YYYEEESSS!" he shouted, pulling back and thrusting a fist in the air before turning to face Sakura. "You have no idea how cool this is! He's been going on and on and on and on and ooooonnnnnnnnnnnn about you for like, the past two to three months or whatever."

Sakura looked over at Kakashi who was wearing a very unashamed smirk. "It's true," he remarked.

The whiskered man continued, "I just hate that it took so long. Like, just get on with it? Anyways, my names Naruto."

"Uh…hey," Sakura waved, taken aback by Naruto's high energy.

Ino leaned in, "You get used to it. He's always this hyped. 24/7. Every day. All day."

The man in the green jumpsuit stuck out a wrapped hand, "Congrats. I'm Rock Lee. Kakashi told me that you've practiced Taijutsu?"

"Oh, he told you that, did he?" Sakura queried, expression irked when Kakashi just shrugged at her. She turned her attention back to Rock Lee. "I have, yes. But since I've moved here, I haven't."

"I have a dojo, you know," Lee remarked. "You're more than welcome to come and train with us."

"How much is it?"

Lee blinked, shaking his head. "No charge for Kakashi's wife."

"Wife?!" Sakura nearly shouted.

Kiba snorted, "He's been saying stuff like that since he first laid eyes on you."

"I mean, not right away," Kakashi laughed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Tch." The man with the sunglasses scoffed. "You staked your claim on her immediately like some caveman."

"Shut up, Shino."

"Hey, he's right!" Naruto exclaimed. "You said something about her being your ass."

Sakura choked on her water. "What?" She spluttered with Ino patting her on the back.

Kiba laughed haughtily, "Yep. If I remember correctly, I was calling you an ass. Kakashi said, 'she may be an ass, but she's my ass.'" Kiba lowered his voice in attempts to make it sound as throaty as Kakashi's is.

"My ass is your ass?!" Sakura stated, incredulous. She didn't know whether to be offended or flattered at news of the statement. Though she thought she should probably be upset, the other part of her found it endearing and kind of cute.

"Wwweeelllll, anyways," Kakashi interjected loudly. "Ino, do you have her key?"

Ino, who had been cackling at the entire exchange, dug in her purse to pull out a silver key. "Here you go, Sakura."

"Thank you," Sakura smiled, taking the key and pocketing it. "So how do you all know each other?"

"We all work together," Ino replied, grabbing Sakura's water and taking a deep drink. Naruto was next to grab the glass, finishing off whatever Ino didn't.

"Help yourself…" Sakura muttered. "At the club? So you're all bouncers?"

"Well, sort of. We all do a lot of everything," Rock Lee stated.

"How long have you all known each other?"

Shino spoke up, "Years."

"We are family, honestly." Lee commented.

"I guess you guys are cool…" Kiba grunted, rolling his eyes but wearing a small grin.

Kakashi slapped his hands down on his lap, "Well, we've got a meeting here soon. Sakura, are you ready to go?"

Sakura nodded, "Yes. Let me just go to the restroom really quick."

Ino scooted out of the booth, letting Sakura cross to make her way to the restroom. As Sakura walked away from the table, she could hear Ino snapping at Naruto for something she didn't catch. The restroom was just up the small walkway, around a corner, and down a narrow hallway. Walking in, she was surprised at how spacious it was for the diner, with two stalls, a small love seat against the wall and a table beside it with things such as magazines and tissues on it. The color of the tiles were a muddy red, the lights casting a dull yellow glow making the restroom slightly dark.

Walking into the stall furthest away from the door, she locked it and did her business. Sitting there, she could hear the door open as someone else came in, but she was too lost in thought to really pay that much attention. She was too busy reveling over the fact that she had been a topic among Kakashi's friends for some time. She had to admit she was flattered, as he never came off as the type of man who gushed over someone.
Then again, she never anticipated for him to openly state he saw a future with her.

Even with Sasuke, Sakura only ever hopped he'd talk about the future with them. Five years in, the words never left his lips. She'd bring it up, he'd shoot it down. After awhile she let go of that girlish dream, settling for his presence as if it would be enough. And now, there was a man who known her maybe two months and he was talking about things like kids. Granted, he was teasing, but behind those words she knew there had to be a sliver of truth. She knew this, because she'd do the same with Sasuke. She'd point at jewelry stores, joking about which rings she thought were the prettiest. All Sasuke would do is snort a response. There was even a time that Sakura had a real pregnancy scare, to which Sasuke immediately told her to "get rid of it." She obviously found out later she wasn't, but it was enough to deeply hurt her feelings and make her find a more long term birth control. Because of Sasuke, when it came to things of talk of the future, she'd just brush it off as meaningless. What shook Sakura, was that she was beginning to understand that Kakashi was a man of his word. He meant what he said, he said what he meant.
The hard, determined glint in his eyes made her sure of that.
She couldn't decide if this excited her or frightened her.

Once she finished up, Sakura walked out of the stall to wash her hands. Her attention was on the water running through her fingers, so she didn't notice the arm that hooked itself around her neck tightly; jerking her back away from the sink. Sakura let out a yelp when something sharp jabbed into her side not once but twice, an immediate, sharp burning sensation throbbing suddenly. Using her left leg, Sakura kicked back as hard and as quick as she could. The person behind her grunted when she hit something soft and she propelled her torso forward, breaking the arm around her neck.

Sakura whipped around, facing her attacker. The individual was wearing jeans and a black shirt, with short black hair and a hateful look in his eyes. He lunged for her, punching Sakura hard in the stomach. Breath rushed out of her lungs, causing her to double over gasping for air. Glancing up, the glint of silver in his hand told her he had a knife, and he was going straight for her again. His hand jutted out for her, tip of the blade drawing across the base of her neck in a bloodied line. Using what she learned in Taijutsu, she knocked his hand as hard as she could, causing the blade to fly out of his hand and skitter across the linoleum. Staring this man down, she could feel her heart hammering wildly in her chest. Fear and panic trembled in her being, but she did her best to remain focused. She didn't know who this man was, possibly a mugger, she didn't know. The adrenaline pulsing in her veins kept her alert, carefully watching the man.
As afraid as she was, she wasn't going to back down without a fight. Or at least letting someone know she was being attacked.

The man charged at her, swinging for her face. Sakura deflected his hand expertly, dodging to the side and jamming her elbow into his temple three times before stepping back to land a punch to his adam's apple. The man leaned back, avoiding the hit, and jumping at her with a fist to her chest that caused her to stumble back against the sink. She opened her mouth to scream, but his hand flashed across her face, landing a slap so hard it echoed in the restroom. She gasped, eyes watering at the stinging sensation. He put the whole of his hand on her entire face, shoving her head back into the mirror repeatedly; each shove harder than the last. Pain pulsed aggressively and she could feel herself getting dizzy. With his free hand, the man had another knife at her throat. Using her forearm, she bumped his hand up. The edge of the blade ran up her neck, she lifted her chin and turned her head to the side to avoid the knife. Taking the moment, she landed several punches to the man's gut that sent him back a few feet.

Seemingly unaffected, he reeled again, grabbing her wrist and pulling her into his arms; hand over her mouth. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck coming out in labored huffs when he whispered, "It's over, bitch." Sakura squirmed erratically, shifting and twisting her body as hostilely as she could to get out of his hold. She could feel his chest heave when he laughed at her efforts. "It's useless. You're as good as ours."

Sakura could feel something trickling down her neck and side, a hot liquid she could only guess was blood. She could feel her body getting drained, as hard as she fought in his hold, she couldn't seem to break away. Hot tears spilled out of the corners of her eyes, but she fought back the sob that threatened to make its way out of her body. She refused to let this man think he's won. Thinking fast, she shot her head back, feeling the tip of his nose slam into the back of her head. She did this twice with as much force as she could, wriggling out when his hold loosened only a little bit. She moved for the door, only to have a hand wrap itself in her braid and yank her back. Sakura fell to the floor, her head knocking on the ground. She tried to scream again, but the man was on top of her now, his hands wringing themselves around her neck.

The blood in her ears pulsed as fast as her heart was beating. She could feel the heat in her face, she could feel the lightness in her head as her airway was cut off. Sakura fought as much as she could. She scratched the man, she punched him, she pulled at his hands to get them off of her neck to no avail. He didn't budge, he only laughed more at her efforts. Her body writhed underneath him, legs kicking and hips jutting up in desperate efforts to knock him off of her. The edges of her vision was blackening in pulses, threatening to close the gap of vision she had more and more each time. Her movements started to become weaker as she started to fade, and the man noticed this. He pulled back one hand far past his head, bringing it down with another deafening slap across her face, "Don't die on me, bitch." The slap snapped Sakura to attention. She watched as he reached into a holster, holding out a needle for her to see. With a sickening smile, he used his teeth to pull of the cap, aiming the tip of the needle a foot above her heart. With as much energy as she could, Sakura shot her fist out straight for the man's throat; landing a solid hit.

The man sputtered, the needle clattering out of his hand as he reeled back with his hands on his throat. Sakura slid out from under him, kicking him so hard that he flung backwards. Whatever was driving her now was a pure, instinctual need for survival. This man was choking the life out of her, and she had almost given in. Even though tears were spilling, the rage she experienced became far greater. She jumped on top of the man who was still heaving for breath, coughing and gagging. With both hands clasped in a tight fist, she drove it down to the middle of his chest, driving more air out of his lungs. He heaved, digging his nails deep into the side of her face; dragging them down and then pulling back for another slap. This time, Sakura did scream. An engorged shriek that bounced off the walls of the restroom.
She was tired of being slapped.

With newfound energy, she positioned herself over him more so that her knees were digging into his biceps and she was squeezing him as hard as she could. She jabbed him in the throat again, fisting her hand on the top of his head and laying into him with harsh, fury-driven hits. Even with all of her rage, her strength couldn't outmatch that of the man beneath her. He swung, punching her in the temple and knocking to the side some. Sakura struggled to regain her position, twisting her torso so slam her elbow into his face. He grabbed her arm and bit down hard, using his size to push her back on the floor with his hands around her neck again. He lifted her head by her neck, slamming it back down on the floor. Sakura reached out, digging her fingers into his eyes. Despite this, he squeezed her neck so tight it felt like her airway was going to collapse. What felt like hours passed as he strangled her, hissing through clenched teeth. She tried to scream for help, only to have nothing come out. She tried to gasp, but she couldn't. Her lungs felt like they were expanding to the point of exploding, the throb of her heart obscuring her hearing.

He wailed, being suddenly thrown back off of her. Sakura hadn't even noticed the bodies that had flooded the restroom. Everything became frantic to her, then. Somewhere she could hear a multitude of voices outside the restroom, along with the ones inside, too. There were people all over the place, the sound of feet scuffling and raised voices. Two hands went for Sakura's shoulders, dragging her back away from the man. Sakura screamed in response, jerking her torso further and twisting, sending her fist flying. Several hands caught her elbow, followed with multiple voices calling her name. Squatting in front of her was Ino, hands stretched out as if to catch her. She glanced around frenziedly, trying to take in what was going on. Standing in the doorway were the diners that had been eating, faces crowding the frame trying to peer in. Standing in the restroom was Naruto, Shino, Kiba, Lee, and Kakashi. Lee and Kiba had her attacker in their hold, Kiba's hand fisted in the man's hair in a tight hold that strained his head back. Shino was walking around the room, picking up what appeared to be the knife and needle. Standing directly behind her was Naruto and Kakashi, their hands holding her arm. Naruto's expression was riddled with worry, brows furrowed over concerned blue eyes. Her eyes flicked from Naruto's to Kakashi's gaze. His eyes were hardened, his face etched with a mix of worry and anger. She watched him crouch down in front of her, his free hand cupping her other arm. She watched his eyes search hers, the petrified way they scanned her face and body.

Sakura was overwhelmed.

Watching the man struggle against Kiba and Lee's hold, the fear and panic that was replaced with adrenaline crept its way back up. It bloomed in her chest with an electric jolt, her breath coming in panicked huffs. Tears spilled down her cheeks, her face stinging when the salt water flowed into the scratches there. She raised trembling hands to wipe away the tears, her head dizzy from how fast she was breathing. Shino stood beside Naruto now, leaning over and whispering in Kakashi's ear. Kakashi stiffened for a brief moment, muttering, "You three deal with him. Samurai."

Shino gave a curt nod, straightening and talking to Kiba and Lee.

"Sakura…" Kakashi titled, pulling her attention away from the man they were dragging out.

"Mmmh?" She hummed weakly, looking back at him. She felt like a coward. She wanted to appear strong and sure, she didn't want to be shaken up. She didn't want to cry, but she couldn't stop the flow of tears. She couldn't stop the way her body shook, or that her heart hadn't stopped pounding frightfully in her chest.

"How are you feeling? Can you stand?" He questioned carefully.

Sakura nodded a little too quickly, shifting so she could stand on her feet. Kakashi kept his hands on her arms, guiding her up. When she straightened all the way, she hissed in pain and doubled over. Kakashi stepped in, letting her torso lean onto his chest. Behind her, she could hear Ino hiss, "Shit, she's bleeding Kakashi."

"Where?" He replied in a chilled tone.

"Here," Ino whispered.

Sakura felt Kakashi's hand reach for her side, gently pulling up her shirt to expose the wounds there. There was a brief pause in time as Kakashi scrutinized the wounds, his finger tips fluttering over them and around them. "They're deep…" he remarked grimly. "You're going to need to go to a hospital, Sakura."

"Okay," Sakura replied in a bare whisper. She felt weak and useless. He would have definitely killed her had they not intervened. Sakura wished she was stronger, wished she could of done more to protect herself. She felt ashamed of herself and embarrassed. She stepped back, breaking out of Kakashi's hold. When she went to place her face in her hands, she was met with another bee-like sting from the contact. Her face was incredibly hot, pain was throbbing from her side, face, neck, and back of her head. She was smacked around like a rag doll and there was nothing she could do about it. She glanced down at her hands, balling them into fists and pressing them into her eyes. No matter how hard she tried, a sob broke its way out of her chest.

"Honey," Ino whispered, placing her hand on Sakura's back.

"Sakura," Kakashi uttered, reaching out for her. The sudden contact caused her to flinch, and she saw the faint echo of distress flicker across his face. Instead of letting go, he pulled her in graciously, being careful not to touch anywhere she had been hurt. He closed his arms around her, pressing her against his chest and humming, "You're safe, now. I won't let anything happen to you."

She glanced up, meeting his gaze and questing his face. Her body was stiff in his hold, she was afraid and unsure. His eyes never left hers, he never looked away. "I promise, you're safe," he whispered again.

Sakura's lip trembled, her entire body shook violently. She let go, letting her head fall into the nook of his neck, and sobbed.