In an instant, they clashed.
The flames of his hands sizzling their way through the ice of her body; pooling in his palms for him to eagerly lap up.

Lips molded to each other, pushing and pulsing to a desperate rhythm. Hearts drummed erratically in chests as arms scrambled to pull the other in tight; flesh to flesh, heart to heart. Kakashi could feel Sakura's tears on his face as they meshed; swallowing up her broken sobs as if they were his own. His body thrummed with electricity; his mind buzzed with each painstakingly raw kiss. Sakura pushed against him hard, throwing her body onto his and clinging to him; the monsoon of her apology and love pouring over him, threatening to drown him. Kakashi was pressed flat against his side of the hall, big arms cinched around her securely; an unspoken promise to never let her go.

The moment he stepped into his room; he had regretted his words.
He cursed whatever pantheon of gods were at work, then. He turned his head to the heavens and swore, wishing he could take it all back in an instant. He knew it had to happen, he just wished it didn't.

Visions of lonely nights simmered in the back of his mind, reminding him that maybe he was never meant to keep intimacy; only taste it. His heart ached instantly, his gut sank, and it took everything in him to keep it together. Never a day in his life had something ever tore him up immediately like he was being torn up then. Had it lasted any longer; he would have been torn to shreds, he was sure of it. The woman he loved more dearly than life itself would be a simple memory; a nightmare, laughing beautifully in his dreams only to bring him back to the harsh reality in the form of heavy breathing and cold sweats.

No.
Losing Sakura was out of the question.

He was going to turn around, then. He was going to turn around and say it all; the blade of love tearing across his flesh, spilling his guts out for her to see. He was going to be as raw and open as possible, and if she rejected him still; then that was it.

Hearing his name being bellow outside of his room caused his stomach to flip.
Hearing the knock on his door set him on edge.
Seeing her standing there, so terribly beautiful and painfully vulnerable; it devastated him how fucking pretty she was.

He couldn't stop himself.
Neither could she.

The heat between them increased to the point it was nearly insufferable; but he didn't care. He wanted to burn up with her, the ashes of their bodies spreading across the glimmering hope of their future. He wanted to break down with her; fall apart to pieces so they could build each other back together again. He wanted to drown in her waters, lungs full of her love; he wanted to suffocate in the whirlpool her depths, forever lost in the abyss of her heart. A firsthand witness to the magnetism of her soul.

Hands came to either side of Sakura's face, breaking away to search her eyes. Pain swam in those emerald orbs, along with fear and insecurity. Love stood there, too; arms stretched out wide in reckless abandon, begging to be embraced; praying that she doesn't get rejected. He leaned down, kissing her so sweetly it hurt before pulling back; hovering over her trembling lips as he murmured, "I love you, Sakura. I love you, I'm in love with you, and I'll never stop falling in love with you. You have become everything to me, in a manner of seconds. You are a rare, beautiful gem hidden away and I was lucky enough to see you sparkling in the dark. I fucking love you, I can never stop that. I honestly can't imagine my life without you—do you hear me? All my life I've prided myself on being a man all on my own. I thought I had it all figured out, and then you waltzed in and shook my world. Everything I built up, you tumbled down the very first moment you yelled at me and slapped my hand so hard I had to stuff it in my pocket. I thought days by myself were fine, and now I just can't imagine you not being there. I need you, Sakura, I need you in my life. I'll protect you with everything I'll have. I'd kill for you; I'd die for you. You just don't understand the depth of my love. I've kept so much to myself out of fear that you would run away, but I'm not doing that anymore. This is the severity of my emotion, and I want you along for the ride."

Sakura squeezed her eyes shut, tears streaming down her flushed face; lips in a quivering pout. Small hands rose to brace themselves on his face, fingers digging past the edges of his hair; shaking as she sobbed, "I am so fucking sorry, Kakashi. I'm sorry for everything I said to you; for the way I treated you. I'm sorry for always pushing you out, I'm sorry for blaming you. I'm sorry for lashing out on you. I'm sorry for being such a wreck. I'm a fucking idiot and I am so sorry." Tears continued to spill over the edges of her eyes, trailing down fair skin and soaking the collar her shirt. "I don't deserve you, I don't deserve-"

Kakashi cut her off with a kiss, "You deserve the world, Sakura; you deserve all of life's treasures—and I will be the man to happily give them to you. I know you don't need me; I know you can do you all on your own—but I want to do it with you. I want us to be a team, I want us to be unstoppable. I want to wake up with you, lie down with you. I want to do it all with you, Sakura."

She shook her head slowly, patting away a tear as she spoke, "How could you possibly want that with me? I can't seem to get myself together. I can't seem to look past all these fucking walls I've built myself in. I'm afraid I'm just going to keep being hurtful to you—for no reason at all. I'm a fucked-up mess."

Kakashi snorted, "And I can be over-protective. Fact of the matter is, no one is perfect. I know I'm sure as shit not. That doesn't mean we just walk away from each other—not with as far as we've come. Part of being a team is that we help each other to be better—we grow together. I'll happily grow with you, Sakura. Just promise me going forward that when you start to feel any type of way—just talk to me about it. I'm the least judgmental person out there, I won't shoot you down for expressing how you feel—no matter how messed up or crazy you might think it is. Just talk to me, and just trust me."

Sakura's eyes flicked as she searched Kakashi's gaze, softening as she nodded. "I'll try my best," she muttered softly.

"I'll try my best," Kakashi echoed with a lopsided grin, pulling back to get a better look at her. "I love you, Sakura."

"I love you, Kakashi," she replied breathily, standing on her tip-toes to plant her pink lips on his.

As the lovers kissed, something set for Kakashi. As her hands began to rove over the bare expanse of his chest; pads of fingers delicately tracing flaming fine lines over his muscles; it became more real than it had ever been before. Before, he knew Sakura was the one for him; he couldn't deny it. But now, with her in his arms, swallowing up her breathy sighs and closing his hands over her waist; she was forever branded on his heart. He wanted to kick himself, giving up so easily just then. This woman was worth everything to him, and the moment he felt the fissure in his heart spread in the fleeting time he really thought it was over—he knew. No one affected him like she did. No one made him crumble like she did, and no one revved him up like she did.

She was definitely revving him up.

The way her hands were folding over his sides, squeezing the skin and pulling it tight, he couldn't help the hand that was on her back slink its way down; grabbing her right bottom cheek and cupping it softly.

Sakura broke the kiss, leaning in to huskily whisper in his ear, "Be rough with me."

Kakashi's cock very nearly jumped out of his pants at her words; her hot breath tickling the inside of his ear and sending chills down his spine when she scraped her teeth along his earlobe. He grinned, squeezing her ass harder; fingertips rubbing against the back of her pussy in a fleeting touch when he reached in to pull her behind up. Sakura hummed raspily, rolling her hips back into the gesture the third time he did it; her back slightly arched while her hands were braced on the tops of his shoulders. With his free hand he quickly grabbed the other cheek, opening her up wide from the back; loving the slight moan she emitted when he reached around to rub her pussy from behind in the process.

"Should we really be doing this," Kakashi hummed against her temple. "With everything going on, I figured this would be the last thing on your mind."

Sakura shook her head, eyes closed as she ran the tip of her tongue along his collarbone. "No," She muttered evenly. "I need this. I need you, give me this." As if on cue, her hand came down to grope his hardened member, rubbing up and down across the length that threatened to tear through his sweats.

Kakashi grit his teeth at the sensation, jutting his hip forward to better meet the palm of her hand. Her other hand was rubbing up and down his left side; nails slightly scraping along the goosebumps that formed there. Sakura kissed his lips, his chin; down the length of his neck and torso, swirling her tongue along the hardened muscles of his stomach and lower still. Dainty fingers hooked over the tops of his sweats, slowly inching them down as she lowered.

Kakashi grabbed her wrist, "Sakura, in case you haven't forgotten—we're still in the hallway."

"I know," she winked, grinning wickedly as she gently tugged her wrist out of his hold and continued to inch his sweats down.

Silver brows shot up at her last tug; his hardened cock springing out eagerly. He watched the tip of her pink tongue sweep along her plush lips, her hand coming up to grip him firmly and pump slowly. He watched her eyes practically sparkle as she eyeballed his pride; exotic and daring. He bit the inside of his cheek when she kissed her way from the base of his member to the tip; full pink lips parting to take the tip of his cock in the hot cavern of her mouth, moaning at the same time Kakashi did as she sucked him in. Kakashi's head was spinning at the sensation of his dick being sucked so slowly; so leisurely. Her head bobbed over him, taking him in as deep as she could and pulling him out with a wet pop. He glanced around before his eyes involuntarily squeezed shut when she hummed around him again; cheeks pulling in as she moved her mouth up and down in a tight wet ring; driving him insane.

He wrapped his hand around the back of her head, other fist squeezing shut as he gave himself to the pleasure; grunting at the sensation of her taking him all the way to the back of her throat. Without even realizing it, he began small, shallow thrusts; blinking rapidly at the sight of her lips roving up and down his member. She braced her hands on either side of his thighs, bobbing her head with the small thrusts of his hips; humming deeply and jarring her head slightly. She raised her chin up, mouth tugging up his dick until it came out; glistening from her saliva. She grabbed it by the tip, trailing her tongue up the vein that ran on the underside; impish emerald eyes locking with his when she sucked him in again.

Had Kakashi not been a trained ninja, he wouldn't have heard the voices down the hallway that connected to the one they were in. In a flash he pulled his member out of her mouth, quickly tucking it in his sweats and pulling Sakura up on her feet. In one swift motion he hooked her leg around his waist, scooping her up so both of her legs were wrapped around him. He turned to open the door to his hotel room, walking in quickly and shutting the door behind him. He tossed her on the bed, watching her bounce up and down as she settled with a confused expression on her face.

"Why'd you do that?" She pressed, tongue darting out to lick the corner of her mouth.

"People were coming down the hall," Kakashi answered thickly, putting his hands on his hips and squinting at her. "Since when did you become the queen of blowjobs?"

Sakura laughed and plucked a shoulder, "I don't know. I actually never liked blowjobs or ever wanted to do them until I met you."

Kakashi steepled his fingers on his chest, "I very nearly lost my shit, it felt so good. You literally made me dizzy."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "You're just being dramatic."

Kakashi shook his head, "Oh, no I'm not, Sakura. You had me at your mercy, like putty in your hands. You do anyways, but in that moment, I would have done the most ridiculous shit if you wanted me to. In the middle of a hallway at a hotel, no less."

"What can I say?" She remarked mischievously.

Kakashi took a step closer to her, the front of his legs hitting the edge of the bed as he loomed over her; his tone dark when he leaned in to murmur, "You're being very naughty, bunny."

Sakura turned her head to meet his gaze; a very artful, wolfish grin pulling at the corner of her mouth when she spoke, "Punish me, then."

Kakashi's brows quirked in surprise, "You don't want that, Sakura."

She leaned forward, grabbing his shoulders and pulling him in so roughly he nearly toppled on top of her; Kakashi halfway up on the bed with his feet touching the floor. She molded her lips onto his, her wet tongue coming out to tangle with his; soft, raspy hums vibrating deep from her throat. Her hands roved up and down his bare back; scratching her nails slightly as she rolled her body, grinding her hips against his. Kakashi kissed her back just as hungrily, snaking his hands under her shirt and gathering the fabric as he moved them up until he just tugged the shirt off altogether. He was eye level with supple alabaster breasts, delicately heaving in rhythm with Sakura's breathing. Kakashi broke the kiss, easily moving her bra to the side and taking a rosy nipple in his mouth—sucking instantly.

Sakura's head tossed back and she groaned, the roll of her hips more needy as her hands held either side of his head. With his right hand he grabbed her free breast, squeezing the flesh firmly and growling with satisfaction when he felt her hard nipple graze his palm.

He plucked his mouth away, smirking up at Sakura and rumbling, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that arguing turns you on."

Sakura said nothing, rather she pushed against his shoulders, scooting herself back against the headboard and wiggling a finger at Kakashi. Grinning, he slinked up to her like a big cat hunting its prey; stalking his way up the bed and stopping just in front of her. Sakura hooked her fingers in the waistband of her pants and began to wiggle them down; carelessly tossing them to the side. Kakashi's eyes traveled to the apex between her legs, chuckling darkly when he noticed she had been going commando the entire time.

He grabbed her ankle and kissed it, dark eyes burning into hers, "You're not wearing panties, bunny? You are being very, very naughty. Was this your plan all along—get me riled up so we can make love?"

Sakura giggled, her gaze just as predatory, "No, I don't want to make love tonight. I want you to fuck me, Kakashi. I want to be fucked so hard I can't walk straight. I want you deep inside me."

Kakashi stopped, leaning back to regard her fully, "Sakura, are you secretly this crazy sex maniac and never told me about it?"

"Why don't you come here find out?" Sakura challenged, lowering her chin to level her hot gaze with his.

Kakashi kissed up the length of her body, stopping to delve his tongue deep into her folds; warranting a soft wail from Sakura that sent chills down his entire body. His hot tongue explored every inch of her pussy lazily, big hands wrapping around her gyrating waist as he did. Sakura's small hands bunched in his hair, her head was tossed back; her cries becoming louder and louder. Her body twitched, her toes curled, and she was humming his name so huskily that he couldn't take it anymore. He sat up, stepping off of the bed and quickly removing his sweats before dragging her across the bed. He stood her up, placing her feet on the floor and her back against his chest; grabbing each of her wrists and pulling them back behind her, crossing them at her tailbone with one hand. With his free hand he moved to fist tightly into her hair, pulling her neck back and shoving his hard cock through the little space between her thighs; rubbing along her wet pussy and bumping her clit. The moment he drove his cock through, he was greeted by her wetness, grunting harshly when the head of his cock rubbed in and out; causing both of them to moan.

Sakura wriggled around in this position, arching her hips back in attempts to receive his waiting member. Noticing this, Kakashi tightened his hold on her hair, angling her head back more so that her back arched even deeper; her ass riding up even higher. He teased her like this several times, clenching his teeth at the sensation and sight of her desperately trying to grind her pussy on him. The sight and sound was erotic, and the pulse in his cock was begging for more.

In one swift motion, he thrust hard into her; the unison of their moans with each weighted thrust echoing throughout the night.

It's been two more days since the two have been in New York; making it four days in total since they've arrived.

The morning after their night of rather wild make up sex, Kakashi got to meet Sakura's dad. Her introduction was rough; pausing midsentence to look over at the question of what exactly Kakashi was. Kakashi, very smoothly, flashed an award-winning smile and shook the man's hand; introducing himself as Sakura's husband to which her dad seemed shocked until Kakashi followed up with, "Not yet, anyways." During their time at the hospital, it seemed Sakura's dad and Kakashi had a lot in common, and both talked for what seemed like forever to Sakura. Kakashi had to admit that, despite the situation, he was overjoyed at the fact that he got along so well with Kizashi. It meant that her father would likely approve of Sakura spending her days with him—and that meant the world to Kakashi.

Her mom's condition seemed to be improving, and as the two got up this morning to get ready, Sakura was practically buzzing with excitement. The doctors were supposed to be waking her up today, and all she wanted to do was talk to her mom. She even went as far as to rush Kakashi when he was brushing his teeth; jerking down her top and stepping into some black flats.

"You're going to make yourself sick if you don't chill, Sakura," Kakashi chuckled after he rinsed his mouth out. "She's going to still be there, don't worry."

"I know, I just want to be there when she wakes up," Sakura explained hurriedly, tugging her brush through her hair quickly and tossing it into a very lazy high pony tail.

Kakashi came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and planting a kiss on the nape of her neck, "I know you do, Usagi. We'll be there in no time. I've just got to put on my shirt and we can go."

For a second Sakura paused, leaning into his hold and turning her head sideways to him, "You're absolutely right...but still hurry."

Kakashi gasped, landing a hard smack on her ass as she detangled herself from his hold, "Bossy."

Sakura leaned against the bathroom door frame, watching as Kakashi tugged on a shirt, "You like it."

Kakashi simpered, "You bet your ass I do. Especially after last night."

Sakura giggled, taking Kakashi's outstretched hand and letting him guide her out the hotel room and to the hospital; Kakashi deciding to stop at the gift shop at the hospital to grab her mother flowers.

When they arrived, they were greeted with the sight of Kizashi hunched over Mebuki's body; though they couldn't see what he was doing. He was muttering something, but they couldn't seem to hear him over the beep. It was only when Sakura moved around to the foot of the bed and practically screamed that Kizashi shot up; revealing Mebuki turning her head, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Sakura.

Sakura bolted to the free side of the bed, hunching over Mebuki and kissing her face tenderly; both sobbing as Mebuki did her best to embrace Sakura as much as she could. Kakashi leaned against the wall, tucking the flowers under his arm and smiling. He'd never seen a more emotional sight, and it tugged on his heart strings hard.

Kizashi walked over to Kakashi's side, leaning over to nudge him with his elbow, "She's awake."

Kakashi nudge him back, sincerity in his tone, "Congratulations, sir. You must be relieved."

Kizashi gave a curt nod, "I am. We're halfway there. The other half is getting her on the mend, the physical therapy—everything."

"Well, Sakura is pretty strong and she is your daughter, so: I know you and your wife will get through it."

From the hospital bed, Mebuki spoke up, "Is this Sakura's boyfriend I've heard about?" Internally, Kakashi winced. Her voice sounded just as bad as Sakura's had after she got attacked. He had to stifle down the sickening wave of emotions he associated with that moment.

Kizashi clapped Kakashi on the shoulder, "You're up, champ."

As Kakashi made his way to side of the bed Sakura was at, Sakura moved out of the way some; allowing Kakashi to squeeze in. He smiled at her, holding out the flowers, "We got you these, Ma'am."

Mebuki eyed Kakashi gingerly, and Kakashi noticed her eyes were the same startling emerald as Sakura's were. Her eyes roved over his frame, then flicking over to Sakura as she spoke, "Hubba hubba, blossom! You didn't tell us you were dating a stud, my goodness! I'm just blushing looking at him honey, I can only imagine what-"

"Hey," Kizashi spoke up from behind them. "Stop seducing my wife."

Mebuki rolled her eyes, "Don't mind him, sugar. He's just an ass."

"I'm your ass," Kizashi remarked offhandedly, picking up a water bottle to drink deeply from it.

Kakashi chuckled, "Don't worry, sir. I won't seduce your wife—just your daughter, if that's okay with you."

"Mh," Kizashi grunted, a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Oh, you are so handsome! Sakura, he is way more handsome than that Sasuke boy—and polite, too? Kakashi, what do you do for work—do you make good money?" Mebuki smiled brightly, and Kakashi was struck with just how similar Sakura looked to her. Despite the fact she was covered in healing scratches, she was obviously beautiful—and he wondered if Sakura was going to look like her when she got older.

"Mom," Sakura hissed. "That's rude to ask."

"It's okay," Kakashi soothed, rubbing his hand along the back of Sakura's shoulders. "She just wants to make sure her daughter is sewn up—I get it. Ma'am, would you like my AGI or-"

Mebuki broke out in a loud laugh, "You're a smart ass! I like that. Sakura, I like your boyfriend. Maybe I'll ditch that old man back there for a young stud. What do you say, Kakashi? You, me—wheel of fortune."

Kakashi snickered, leaning over to wink at Mebuki, "As long as we get to place bets."

"I've got something you can bet on," Mebuki winked back, once again laughing loudly when a small blush managed to rise on Kakashi's face. She was definitely assertive, and he found it unendingly interesting to be around her parents and see aspects of them in Sakura.

"Anyways," Sakura sighed, rolling her eyes. "Why are you awake?"

Mebuki gasped, "Excuse me?!"

Sakura shook her head, "No, I mean they said they were going to wake you up today—I hadn't expected it to be so early. If I knew I would have shown up earlier."

"We thought so, too," Kizashi commented from behind her. "But the doctors came in here around 6AM and woke her up. It took her an hour and a half to start feeling like herself again—but she's still on pain medicine so she's higher than a kite right now."

Sakura gently rubbed Mebuki's hand, "How are you feeling, mom?"

Mebuki's lower lip jutted out in a careless grimace, "It's like your dad said, blossom. I'm higher than a kite, so I'm fine."

Kakashi turned to Kizashi, "Did they say when they'd discharge her?"

Kizashi nodded, flipping the water bottle in his hand as he spoke, "They said maybe three more days, give or take."

"Do you have aftercare set up?" Sakura pressed, readjusting some of the IV tubes dangling around her mom.

"I mean, the doctor told us they have aftercare available for us. What'd he say honey? A live-in maid?" Kizashi jerked his chin up, focusing his eyes on Mebuki.

Mebuki rolled her eyes, "No- a live in nurse." She turned her attention to Sakura. "The doctor said that they'd have a nurse pretty much live with us for awhile—at least until I get to moving on my own again."

"Mom," Sakura frowned. "That's going to be expensive."

"That's none of your business to worry about," Her dad remarked sternly. "Let us worry about money. She's alive and well, she'll get better—so just take it at that."

"Kizashi," Mebuki bit mildly. "The poor girl is just worried, that's all. Honey," Mebuki smiled sweetly at Sakura. "We will be fine. I will be fine. We'll have one of the most top-notch nurses looking after me—besides you, I mean."

Sakura sighed, "Fine...but, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."

"Blossom, no offense but you're going to be halfway across the globe. All my calling you for things would do is stress you out—and we aren't going to do that. Just relax, trust us and trust the doctors."

"By the way," Kizashi grunted. "When are you going back to Tokyo? Surely you're not planning on staying here forever, right?"

Kakashi watched Sakura's face fall as she spoke, "Well...I mean..." Her gaze flicked to Kakashi's, and he gave her a small, reassuring smile. She glanced back at her dad, "I guess...just until you two get back home. Once you're home and I've met the nurse, I'll feel better flying back."

"You know, that is so sweet of you to fly with our dear cherry blossom," Mebuki sang to Kakashi cheekily. "It's kind of romantic, you taking care of my baby girl and all."

Kakashi simply laughed, "Ma'am, Sakura can take care of herself all on her own. I'm just here doing it with her."

"Dreamy," Mebuki giggled. "Nice body, the face isn't hard on the eyes, and gentlemanly? What's next, blossom, does he have a big-"

"MOM!"

It was around 8:30PM when they reached their hotel rooms again. Kakashi went ahead and moved his stuff over to Sakura's hotel room—since it was nicer and all. The rest of the day seemed to flow easily, as he noticed the stress had lifted off of Sakura's shoulders some. Her and Mebuki chat throughout the day—Mebuki even telling Kakashi all the stories of Sakura could think about. From when she used to always rip her diaper off as a baby and run around naked, to when she laughed so hard in middle school chocolate milkshake came out of her nose. While Sakura didn't necessarily seem embarrassed by the stories, she did on multiple occasions try to change the subject—which only fueled Kakashi to ask for more.

"So, you're telling me that when it's just us at the house you'll walk around naked whenever?" Kakashi teased, stripping off his clothes and turning the shower faucet on.

Sakura tittered, "I mean, maybe? Are you just saying that because you want me to walk around naked all the time?"

Kakashi, now as naked as the day he was born, looped his arm around Sakura's waist and pulled her in; kissing her deeply and running his hands over the globe of her behind. He pulled back, grinning at her as he spoke, "Bunny, I would love nothing more." He moved his hands to the bottom of her shirt to pull it up at the same time there was a knock on the door; causing both to still instantly.

Kakashi turned his attention to Sakura, "Did you order room service or something?"

Sakura shook her head, eyes wide, "No..."

Kakashi turned, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist, "Just stay in here." He walked to the hotel door, opening it slightly and peering out. Stood there was a man a little under his height, with jet black hair and dusty black eyes. He had fair skin and a strong nose, though his expression bordered on expressionless to mildly irritated.

Kakashi adjusted his body, making sure to block the man's line of sight, "Can I help you?"

"Is Sakura Haruno here?" He asked dully.

Kakashi shook his head, "I think you've got-"

"Sasuke?!"

Kakashi whipped around to see Sakura standing directly behind him, small hands balled into fists; eyes hard and glaring. He turned to see the man raise his chin defensively, brow only quirking slightly. Sakura grabbed the door and swung it open, "What the fuck are you doing here? How did you even find me?"

Sasuke sighed, "Sakura, I'm not here to fight. I just want to talk to you—alone." At his last word, his eyes flicked over to Kakashi, who was watching him with a careful, leveled gaze.

Sakura snorted, "That's fucking rich. You're fucking high if you think I'm going to give you the time of day."

"What's wrong with your voice?" Sasuke muttered. "Who is this?"

"That's none of your business," Sakura growled at the same time Kakashi very cheerily remarked, "I'm her husband."

Sasuke started, eyes widening only slightly as he glanced between Sakura and Kakashi, "Husband? Sakura, are you serious?"

Sakura set her stance, crossing her arms and scowling deeply, "Fuck. Off."

Sasuke set his own stance, mimicking Sakura and crossing his arms as well, "I'm not leaving until you talk to me. It's important."

"No, obviously it's not, Sasuke. I don't give a fuck what you have to say."

Sasuke sighed again, "Tch. I figured you would act like this. All I'm asking is that you talk to me—just for a couple minutes."

Sakura shook her head, "Fine. Whatever you have to say, you can say to me in front of my husband."

"I'd rather talk to you one on one, Sakura." Sasuke scoffed, "You can't be serious about the husband thing. I don't even see a ring on your finger."

Kakashi grinned, "We preferred a baby over rings."

At this, the stoic man openly balked; eyes bugging and jaw slightly slack as his eyes roved over her form looking for proof, "You're fucking lying to me."

"Just say what you're going to say, or fuck off," Sakura asserted, tapping her toe impatiently. "I don't have time for this."

"Neither do I," he bit back bitterly. "But it's important."

Sakura started, "You know what? FUCK-"

Kakashi raised a hand, cutting her off while evenly matching Sasuke's gaze, "Would you mind us really quick?" He grabbed the door and shut it on Sasuke, immediately turning to brace either hand on her shoulders. He searched her gaze for several beats, deliberating. The woman was so angry fumes were practically steaming off of her; her fists balled and her cheeks flushed red. He's seen her mad, but he's never seen her this outrageously angry before. Nothing but pure hatred swirled in those emerald eyes—and he hated to see it. He wanted her to be happy, moved on from Sasuke so that he was only a ghost of a memory, and nothing more.

Carefully, he spoke, "Sakura...I think you should hear him out."

"What?!" She barked, incredulous. "Do you know who that is? That's-"

"Usagi," Kakashi decapitated gently. "I know who it is. I think it would be good for you to talk to him and get some type of closure—even if it means calling him an asshole. You don't have to stay there for long. Just hear out what he has to say, say what you have to say—and close that chapter for good."

Sakura's jaw twitched, "If you're implying that I'm not over him, you're wrong."

Kakashi shook his head, "No, I know you are. Doesn't mean you shouldn't get your closure. It'll help you feel better—just by a little bit. You've probably got things you want to say to him that you didn't say before. It would really be good for you, I think."

"You're not worried he might try something...?" She muttered, her gaze softening slightly.

"No, ma'am, I'm not. You almost decked him not twenty seconds ago, so I know you'll be able to take care of yourself. Plus, you love me, don't you?"

"Of course I do," she replied in a breath.

Kakashi flashed a toothy smile at her, "Then there's nothing to worry about. Besides, I'll be right here. You can talk in the hallway; you don't have to go anywhere. And if you're uncomfortable, just come back in here and I'll handle the rest."

Sakura worried her lip, "Are you sure I should do this? I feel like it's opening up a can of worms."

"Better to open up the can and get rid of it instead of keeping it and never dealing with it."

Sakura huffed, "Way to call me out."

Kakashi kissed her sweetly, "It'll be good for you, I promise. Just say what you have to say and then walk away. Then when you come back we can shower together."

At this, a smile stretched across her face; tip-toeing up to kiss him just as tenderly before making her way to the door. With her hand on the handle, she turned back to gaze at him once more before walking out.

Kakashi hoped she would say what was on her chest. He hoped she would tell that fucker exactly what she thought and felt, because he knew it was going to make her feel better about herself. She was going to feel stronger, more accomplished—and she can walk away from that season for good. Besides, he figured if she was still out there after thirty minutes, he could go out there and check on her—just to be sure.

He loved her.

He only wanted her to grow, and to be happy.
And he wanted to be apart of that process.