Caged: Chapter 8

Cage Closed

A/N: Apherion, thanx for being the sweetheart you are, putting up with my craziness and vice versa. Lil sis, I couldn't have done it without you and the rest of my reviewers. Hugs to ya!

Thanx to the following for reviewing, whether it was once or for every chapter:

SweetAssassin

Infinite'sgirl

GinaCat

Silent Kunoichi

Raefire606

Madness Incarnate

Thanx and hugs to you all... you've helped give me the confidence to keep on going! YOU GUYS FREAKIN ROCK! I'm not sure how many more chaps I'm writing, but it'd help alot to get some more reviews to further judge how I'm doing. Let me know what more you'd like to see.. I'll do my best to incorporate it into the story:)

Disclaimer: Once again, here I find myself, reiterating my previous chaps disclaimers, so here goes nothing. Don't own Naruto and never will. If I did Kakashi would be my personal bodyguard! My original poem, Heartbreak is also included in this chapter and that, however, I do own. Screw the dis and down the business...

Kakashi stopped in front of room four, pushing the door open, to go over and sit by her side. His hand reached up smoothing her hair, caressing her face, thinking how lucky they'd been this time.

His soft voice echoed loudly in the silence,"Sakura, I love you. Hurry and get well. Almost losing you brought something to my attention. I don't want to live without you. I know you can hear me, so I humbly ask you this one thing,"Sakura, would you marry me? I want to thank you for the gifts you're giving me... first of all, you and your love. Second, our child growing in your body, I couldn't ask for more. Despite the adversity we face, I don't want to live a lonely existence so please say you'll agree... that you'll marry me."

Looking down at her face, he saw tears flowing from her eyes. "Is this a yes?"

Slowly opening her eyes, she nodded, "Yes, Kakashi. I will marry you."

Kakashi tenderly kissed her then laid his forehead on hers. "Sakura, I never want this experience again. You scared the hell out of me!"

Sakura looked away for a moment, turning back, she said,"I'm so sorry Kakashi! I never intended for anything like this to happen" Her tears turned to sobs, shaking her whole body, which at this moment, appeared even more fragile.

"Sakura, who did this? They will pay !"

Her eyes widened in fear, shaking her head. "I can't Kakashi. I can't talk about it...please don't make me live it again." Sakura was on the edge of hysteria.

"Calm down. I won't let anyone hurt you. I'll be staying with you. We don't have to talk about this now but there are others who also want answers." Relenting, Kakashi dropped the subject for another time.

Climbing in bed beside her, holding onto her tightly, because if he let go, he was afraid she'd disappear. He kissed her again, mumbling good night finally succumbing to the restful sleep his body demanded from his emotional overexertion. Tomorrow, maybe, would dig up all the answers. If not, it would be hell finding the person responsible and Kakashi would make sure that someone paid, with their life, if need be.

No matter who I'm with or to whom I turn

It's for you I burn.

Wishing to be with you every minute

Wondering every waking breath

Do you feel it?

Yes, Kakashi and Sakura both felt the same, they breathed it;they lived it. Passion unfettered, unchecked to pass between those lovers. Would their love survive the oncoming mire?

Tsunade gently shut the door after watching them sleep. She'd wanted to check up on Sakura one more time before the night was over. Now to head home to grab some sleep before tomorrow came and the unending responsibilities of being the Hokage. She walked out of the hospital, darkness swallowing her figure to be seen no more that night.

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Two weeks had gone by allowing Tsunade to discharge Sakura home from the hospital but requiring supervision for her at all times. The blonde Hokage didn't want a repeat of what happened right under their noses. For that, she'd never forgive herself!

Sakura had always been like a daughter to her, unfortunately this hit to close to home, disturbing Tsunade greatly. Seeing Kakashi and Sakura together broke her heart for what was close to occurring. Being so angry, hurt and confused just a few emotions that she felt, but knowing severe emotional trauma was on the way with no way to stop it.

Tsunade had already sent Genma and Asuma after Kakashi for that discussion she'd promised him the night of Sakura's near brush with death. The coldness inside her grew to anger beyond proportions that someone could attack such an innocent girl, leaving her to die.

She glanced down at all the papers littering her desk. 'Where to begin first?' Maybe , she thought, I'll just wait til everything's taken care of with Hatake before I do anything else! I'm sure I'll need the break then! Putting her head in her hands, she tried to relax; appearing just as laid back as Kakashi himself.

Kakashi, laying next to Sakura, planted a small kiss on her mouth, attempting to wake her. He was hoping to get breakfast with her before his appointment with the Hokage. Blowing gently on her face, watching her eyelids slowly flutter, she softly moaned.

"Kakashi... it's too early in the morning for this.", she complained, yet she smiled.

"I wanted breakfast with you before I go to see Tsunade. My appointment is today. Hurry up, get dressed... let's go eat." Smiling at her, he prodded her along.

His smile, she knew, could make her do just about anything, which might not always be a good thing! Oh to see him smile... the sheer beauty of it!

knock, knock,knock.

"I have a feeling we're too late, Kakashi." Her smile slowly turned into a slight frown.

Heading toward the door, Sakura crossed her fingers it wasn't who she thought it was. Opening the door, she had the priviledge of seeing Genma first then Asuma.

"Sakura... how are you?" The senbon master was so concerned he forgot to flirt! That was a first.. ever!

"Genma..i'm well. How are you? I think you need to be checked out!" Sakura wasn't about to give up the opportunity to tease him.

"Why? What's wrong?" Genma looked down at every inch of his body, covered or not, wondering what the deal was.

"I'm pretty sure this if the first time you've seen me and you didn't flirt! I'm... hurt!" Trying to sound a little pathetic she was really laughing inside.

"Kakashi would kick my ass no offense Sakura. Not that kind of guy. I don't mess with my best friends girl." Genma looked to Asuma, who, for confirmation just shook his head in the affirmative.

"How right you are Genma." Kakashi joined in wrapping his arms around Sakura like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Should we tell them?"

The excitement in her eyes reminded Kakashi of a child getting ready to spring a surprise. "Yes.. we have to. They can be the first."

Kakashi agreed saying, "Guys, I've asked Sakura to marry me and she's agreed. Also, I'd like both of you to stand with me on that happy day. I've got one other to ask when I find him." He looked down into Sakura's eyes reflecting the love and warmth he found there.

Both men offered their hearty congratulations to the lucky couple. It was never more trully deserved by anyone else. The two lovers, having found their soul mate to grow old with was a rarity in the ninja world and must be charished when found by two such as these.

Asuma stepped forward to break the news. "Kakashi, Tsunade wants to see you in her office immediately. What it's regarding, we don't know. What I do know, is that she sent us to bring you as soon as possible."

Kakashi's eye narrowed. "Why wasn't ANBU sent? Not that I'm complaing or anything? Usually, that's who accompanies requested parties to the Hokage's office." Nervousness was twisting his stomach. The bad feeling that had started a few weeks ago, is festering, swelling into who knows what. He just hoped that him and Sakura both wouldn't be at the center of this. Her attacker still hadn't been located and he was frustrated by the lack of leads.

"Kakashi... we need to go." Genma was trying to be understanding about this. Hell, this was his best friend this involved whatever it was it couldn't be good.

Kakashi kissed Sakura. "I'll return shortly. Naruto's on his way over now. You won't be alone... I promised you...remember?"

Nodding her head she replied, "I'll wait here for you. Hope your meeting with Tsunade goes well."

All three jounin walked out the door and were gone in a flash.

Right after they departed there was a knock on Kakashi's door.

"Who is it?",Sakura called out.

"It's your number one best male friend in the world. Who else?"

She'd recognize that loud voice anywhere. Opening the door, her smile widened considerably. "Naruto!" Sakura threw her arms around him. "It's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you as well, Sakura-chan." He was relieved she was up and at least smiling!

"I have something to tell you Naruto."

"What is it?" Noticing she was happier than he'd ever seen her, he had a hunch what that something was.

Sakura could barely contain herself she was so excited. "Naruto, Kakashi asked me to marry me and I've said YES!

"Oh yeah. Now that's what I'm talking about." Hugging the pink haired woman who'd been his friend, who he even considered like his own sister.

"Let's sit down and eat something. Before you ask, Naruto, yes, I have ramen!" She love to mercilessly pick at him about ramen. Ramen is his second love, Hinata being his first.

Several minutes later, steaming hot ramen was ready for the taking. The two friends sat down, chopsticks in hand and saying the traditional ,"Itadakimasu!" Eating, now underway, Sakura and Naruto conversed between bites, all the while hoping Kakashi hadn't gotten himself into some kind of trouble.

Tsunade, examining scroll after scroll of missions ranked A to D, rubbed her eyes, secrectly hoping her intel was wrong on Kakashi's situation. If not... there'd be hell to pay and it wouldn't be pretty! Her door opened, the forementioned, silver haired jounin coming in escorted by Asuma and Genma.

Raising her eyebrows she sarcastically asked,"What? No poofs of smoke this time? No attempts to scare me, forcing me to spill my sake? Hmmm?" Waving Genma and Asuma out of the room, she asked Kakashi to have a seat. Making himself comfortable she continued on." We have a problem that's been brought to my attention and I wanted to hear your version as well."

Steeling himself for the worst, Kakashi hadn't been worried til now, but what was going on and why did the Hokage want his version of the story? Mentally trying to calm down, he prepared for the fact this was going to be a long meeting with some possible nasty consequences if he based it on Tsunade's expression.

"Kakashi.. it's come to my attention that you slept with Hinara from Suna. I have no problem with that except it's been told to me be one of her attendants that Hinara is with child... YOUR CHILD! So doubtless that's why your here. I need to know... did you sleep with her ?" Leaning forward, staring intently at him, she hated this part of the job. Inevitably, she'd end up hurting two people who trully love and care for each other.

He looke at Tsunade speaking forlornly, which was a first, "I don't really know what happened. Genma and I had gone out drinking.. when we left, I headed home alone, went into my apartment alone and got into bed alone. When I woke in the morning, Hinara was there beside me and Sakura walked in at that point. The rest is a big freaking blur! I don't know if I slept with her or not! She's been following me around since I saved her when we were stationed in Suna for our mission." Tiredly, rubbing his hands over his face, Kakashi felt at his wits end.

"She's always acted the spoilt brat, Hokage. Whenever someone's in her way... she removes them. Hinara's been after me a long time; I really don't want anything to do with her. What's even worse, I can't validate or deny the accusation brought forth against me."

Resignation was something Tsunade believed she'd hear in Kakashi's voice. He's always been the type to never give in, fighting to the last. That was why it was going to kill her to say this. "Kakashi... I've already spoken to Hinara and even the Kazekage. If a wedding doesn't take place... severe recriminations will occur." She looked definitively angry whilst delivering this ultimatum. It was bull and she knew it but there wasn't much she could do.

"Hokage, forgive me, and I mean no disrespect but I'm already engaged." He went straight for his trump card since that stupid sand whore was trying to trap him.

Tsunade's eyebrows rose to her hairline."Oh? To whom are you engaged?"

"I've been engaged to Sakura these last two weeks. She carries our child, Hokage." Desperation laced within his words, he hoped to change her mind.

Tsunade smiling to herself thought, it is as i believed. Unfortunate ... that sand woman's been nothing but trouble since her arrival. I'd like nothing more than to kick her sorry tail all the way home to Suna! Shaking her head, sorrowfully, "I'm sorry,Kakashi. Your engagement to Sakura will have to be broken off-"

"NO!" Kakashi jumped up shouting,"Why should I have to end it because of something stupid Hinara did?" Pacing furiously as a caged tiger that couldn't be calmed, he pressed forward,"I love Sakura, Tsunade. Don't do this to us! Our baby needs a father...I'm the father. This will destroy Sakura, you know this. How could you do this to your own apprentice who you love as your own daughter?"

":You think I'm forcing this because I want too?" She was yelling back now... Tsunade had drug her mean old lady side out and it was on now." I love that girl, as you said, like my own daughter. But there was the talk of cutting off all ties and even a war, if it came down to it. It sounds stupid over something so small, I know. But to them, this is a matter of pride and honor."

Frustrated, Kakashi took a deep breath. "You realize this is Hinara's way of getting what she wants. I'd rather die than hurt Sakura this way, obviously, though I have no choice." Eyeing Tsunade, knowing it wasn't easy for either of them, he waited for her to finish her orders.

"Kakashi, I know this won't be easy; you'll both be fine, trust me on this." Her voice had grown sadder throughout the length of their conversation;sounding as if she would break down and cry. "We have to do this for Konoha. That 's all you ever known and done. You've always done a superb job no complaints there. Now, the wedding will take place in three weeks time, so go to Sakura tonight. Let her have tonight; that and the child you'll share together. At least she won't be alone. All this is a small consolation compared to what you'll be dealing with... Gaara as a brother-in-law. I actually feel sorry for you. Anyway, I'm prattling, so go home... home to Sakura for tonight. give her all you can and then she must go back to her own place. I'm sorry this is how is must be. Dismissed."

Slowly, Kakashi rose and walked out with the gait of a man who'd lost everything. Earlier, He'd felt the cage descend. It was all bull...now how to tell his fiance. Dragging his feet all the way to his apartment, ignoring all the fellow nins who greeted him along the way.

Standing at the door to his place, he took several deep breaths aiming for some calmness but it didn't seem to be helping. Gripping the doornob, turning it and going in, two heads looked up to see him enter.

"Kakashi, you're back, man. That took forever. Whatever it was, you must've really pissed off Granny Tsunade!" Laughing, Naruto couldn't help picking on the older jounin til he noticed the serious expression on his face. "Ok...well, Sakura, I gotta go. Ramen to eat, Hinata to go see, training to go do and Tsunande to go bug!" Haha..Naruto left out the door laughing. It'd be nice if there were more congenial people around like Naruto that's also a true friend.

"Kakashi...what's wrong?"

"Sakura, we've got to talk." He debated on the best way to break this to her. Damn it this was already killing him and he didn't even want to see her face when he told her.

"What's going on, Kakashi? You're scaring me." Uneasiness started in her stomach spreading out to every part of her body making her want to throw up. Afraid of what he was going to say, she knew it was going to be bad regardless, so might as well try to brace myself for the worst, she thought.

"We can't get married Sakura."

"What?" Unease went right towards panic.

"I've been ordered by Tsunade, herself, to break our engagement." Kakashi voice bordered depressed with that statement. If anything, he really wanted to cry for the hurt he was going to cause Sakura.

Sakura's face paled then turned bright red as she cursed, using every colorful metaphor and phrase she'd ever learned. Apparently, she'd spent way too much time around Naruto and Genma. Her voice rising to a scream and the longer she railed she started becoming hoarse. She only asked him one question, "Why?"

"Why, Kakashi?" Her eyes bloodshot from the tears and her hoarse voice... all of it was killing him to put her through this. None of this could be good for her or the baby.

"Hinara." His voice dead. No other emotional sound from it whatsoever.

"What about her?" Sakura was back to angry again.

"The morning you walked in on us... it's been told to Tsunade that we slept together and now she's... she's pregnant."

Sakura gasped."No." Shaking her head, "No,no...this can't be. Please Kakashi say it isn't so. Say it's just a dream. That it's just a lie. Please." Screw panic, her emotions flying straight to hysteria.

"I can't say the things you want Sakura. Hinara dragged her brother into it as well. If there's not a marriage then Suna withdraws all ties and there's the possibility of war. Stupid, I know." Bowing his head he couldn't think of anything else to say to comfort her, to help her.

Sobbing, she closed her eyes, "I can't believe this. What about me, Kakashi? What about our child ?", she raged. "What happens to us? Do we get dropped in the cracks to be forgotten?"

Kakashi's head shot up at this. "No, never forgotten. Never if I can help any of it. I'll always love you and our child, Sakura. Don't forget that. I don't care anything for this she-bitch."

Yelling, Sakura said, "Do you think any of that makes me feel any better? Hell, no! She's had her eyes on you all along and guess what, Kakashi, she got it! She got you!" Sakura cried harder, her knees weakening, she started to fall but Kakashi caught her. Together they fell to the living room floor, in tears, his lips gently finding hers.

"Sakura, I love you more than life itself. I make this promise that I'll carry out , if I can, that when time comes for our baby to be born, I'll be here. I wouldn't miss it for nothing, not even her." He kissed her eyes, nose, cheeks and down her neck.

Moaning, she replied back, "I love you too, Kakashi! If all we have is tonight, then let's make good use of what we have." She removed his mask, kissing a trail from his lips down his neck.

"Sakura.. I think we should finish this where it's more comfortable."

"I agree."

He picked her up carrying her down the hall bridal style to the bedroom. Gently sitting her down so they could get back down to business. Sakura unzipped his vest and pulled off his black shirt, admiring his well built, taut chest and arm muscles. He kissed her gently again quickly gaining passionate ground and pulling off her medic vest and shirt off as well, leaving her bindings. Pulling out a kunai, they were quickly shredded, pooling around her on the bed.

Standing up, they both finished ditching clothes such as pants and underwear, then falling back together onto the bed kissing heavily, hands roaming. Not a patch of skin remainged untouched or not kissed. Kakashi made sure to pay special attention to Sakura's stomach, no longer flat, just a small bulge, but she's like four months pregnant. He loved the fact their child was nested there. This child was proof of their love and he or she would be there to keep Sakura company because he couldn't.

Kakashi moved everywhere at once, getting Sakura to give in to his Sharingan, fully increasing her pleasure one hundred fold or more. Who was keeping up with it? God the pleasure of it was driving her crazy!

"Kakashi... please... I ... I need you!" Her cried were becoming frenzied."Please, I can't keep going.. please... Kakashi...!"

Then suddenly, Kakashi was there giving her what she wanted, what she needed. He would be the only one who ever could and no one would ever be able to match his abilities with or without the sharingan. Drawing a deep breath, feeling everything wash over her, giving in to the feelings she let Kakashi take her where no one would ever take her again. Shadows playing against the walls and on the ceilings two voices spoke out in unison and then all was quiet again.

"I love you!", they said in unison, to each other, fading into the dark clutches of sleep.

A/N:

Apherion: This is as close to a lemon as I'm going to type right now so I hope your a little happy... besides it's 1am in the freaking morning, can't expect much, can ya:) The lemon was for you baby girl, my lil sis! luv ya! I hope you and everyone else enjoys this, really I do... if anyone has any ideas... if you share them and I use them.. you definitely get the credit... anyway... bedtime for me.. nite..

GinaCat: Hinara will get hers.. don't worry baby! what comes around goes around... hehehe...

Raefire606: I'm thrill you love my story. It means so much when you guys take the time to review and tell me how i'm doing... after all, this is my first fic.

YOU GUYS ROCK!