Sorry for the wait guys, but school is harsh -.-, but no worries here is chapter 8!
Now remember, I don't own Naruto.
And now the story:
Yamato looked at the dark clouds that were closing in on Konoha. It was going to rain soon and by the looks of it, it was going to be a big storm. Walking home he increased his pace. He had thought that with the bright sun taking up the sky it would continue to do so, but that was not the case.
Rain slowly began to pour and then, as soon as it started, began a full bathe of water.
As he walked he watched three young children run past him looking for refuge. He smiled at their innocence as he heard them betting who would get wet the most. Looking back ahead at the almost empty street he noticed a young woman. Her movements seemed minimal from where he was. She looked like she had nowhere to go. As he got closer he realized that the lady wasn't moving at all. She was basking in the rain, letting it drench her completely.
He watched her in curiosity. The small amount of people who were still there were running from the fallen water, but this girl stood there, motionless. He felt that he knew her, but his vision was slightly ruined by the rain. He squinted them a little to get a better view. What he saw was...pink? The only person he knew with pink hair and that lived in Konoha was Sakura.
Not wanting to take any chances he kept a distance between the two, but continued his watch. He didn't understand what she was doing. He was sure that she would get a cold standing there without a jacket or an umbrella. He continued to wait for her to walk or move, but nothing happened. He told himself that if she stayed like that for one more second he would butt in.
That second turned to a minute and then five. His mind argued for him to go, but his body stood still. He hoped that someone would intervene with whatever she was doing and make her head home. But no one came. His mind out won his body, and with swift movements he began walking toward the pink haired girl.
Stopping right next to her he called her name. The girl turned to him with mere shock at his presence.
"Yamato." Was all that came out of her lips. It wasn't by any means a greeting.
Somehow his name sounded disgusting in her voice as if it were poison. But anyone else who would have been there could tell that it was his imagination making him delusional.
"Hello Sakura." He replied back hiding the un-comfortableness of the situation.
"What are you doing here?" she asked still surprised.
"I was going to ask you the same question. Shouldn't you be getting home?"
Sakura no longer stared at the man before him, embarrassed of being seen acting ridiculous. Averting her eyes she looked at one of the shops. "I was heading home."
Yamato saw her eyes fall off him, and misunderstanding, felt a sting of pain come across him.
"Then you should hurry before you get a cold." Sakura gave a slight nod and with that Yamato turned and left.
Sakura watched him leave, just like she had watched Ino.
Her walk had been slow and was the reason why she arrived home so late. The rain had certainly given her a nice shower. Her first action when arriving home was to dry off and continue her sleep. However, once in front of her house she felt the presence of another person inside. One she felt like pounding since this morning.
She walked into her apartment to see Kakashi lying on her couch reading his porn book. Giving a glare at him, which he didn't acknowledge, she walked to her room to get a towel.
"I thought I send you out with Ino to talk not to get a shower."
Sakura gave a fake ha-ha at his comment. Closing her room door she dried off and changed.
"I thought you were going to leave me alone for the day, but your still here." Coming out of her room she made her way to the kitchen and prepared tea for herself.
"I did leave, but then came back. I just couldn't get away from this wonderful coach of yours."
Sakura gave him a yeah-right look and took her seat at the end of the sofa with her tea at hand.
"Can I have some." Kakashi asked pointing at the tea.
"Go make your own, this is mine." Her reply sounded like a selfish child, but she was not going to correct it. After walking in the rain she felt that it was the least she could do for herself.
Sighing Kakashi stood up to make his own. The young girl watched him as he found one of her cups and added water and tea. For such a short time he had gotten so familiar with her house, she thought.
Taking back his former seat he asked, "How did it go?"
Her fingers trailed the top of her cup as she answered. "I found out Ino's engaged to Shikamaru. That was a surprise."
"Was it really? They seemed fine together, so it was assumed that it would happen."
"Kakashi, do you think they are happy?"
Sakura felt her question seemed absurd, but Kakashi answered anyway. "They have been together for a while now, they should be more than happy with each other."
"Do you think they'll regret it?"
To this Kakashi had to think. Not so much of the question itself, but more so of where the question came from. His old Sakura would have taken Ino's news with glee and without questions, but this one was so...different. "I don't know. Maybe they might in the future, but that might not matter. Both are shinobi and they could die at any moment. For them this is their future."
Sakura took in his words. They didn't calm whatever was inside of her that had asked such a question, but it was satisfied, even if it was just a little.
With a smile she thanked him. A thanks that turned to confusion to Kakashi and created a laugh from Sakura.
Showing his growing lost in the situation he spoke, "May I ask what's so funny?"
"You are." Was her only explanation. He waited for her to further explain, but she didn't say anything else afterwards.
Giving up on the last topic he restarted on the one he had left. "Did you enjoy your time outside?"
She thought about the question. She couldn't say she was enthusiastic about her time out of her comfy house, but it wasn't unpleasant. "It was nice."
Her short answer wasn't much to go by for the man, so he asked a more straight forward question. "What did you guys do?"
"We went to a restaurant and then we talked."
Kakashi wanted to slap himself. Every question he asked was returned with a simple answer. He, as a ninja, should be able to question anyone and get every response he wanted, but she wasn't doing such a thing. He, however, seemed to forget that the one he was questioning was a capable ninja herself. "What did you guys talk about?"
"Girl stuff."
"Sakura." His voice sounded like that of a father asking for her daughter to cough up all the candy she was told not to eat.
The pink haired girl gave him a small smile knowing his irritation at her short responses. "Well then father," at her slow pronunciation of father he flinched, and was not left unnoticed by Sakura whose smile only grew wider. "We talked about the things that have happened during my absence from society." With more awe in her tone she said, "Did you know that Hinata became the head of the clan? That Neji and Tenten are a thing? That Shizune is dating Genma! How did that happen?"
Her words grew with curiosity and excitement. She wanted to know how, why, when and felt that Kakashi could answer them all.
Kakashi gave a smirk at her change. He saw that, the one with all these questions and curiosity, was the Sakura he had known.
"I don't think I can answer all of your questions, but I can answer the last one. I was there." From there he explained of the time he and Genma had a night out at the pub where they had also encountered Shizune. He had watched when Genma had tried to woo her and failed terribly. At the end of the day, though, he had managed to charm her and she had chained him to her.
Sakura laughed at the idea of Genma settling down. He was always a player and she never imagined he would actually date anyone, none the less Shizune!
"Genma settling was big news. Never thought he would be able to do such a thing. He must really like Shizune."
Kakashi agreed with her. Indeed he never would have believed that Genma would settle down, but miracles had occurred and this one was named Shizune. "If they stay the way they are they might even get married."
Hearing the word married she turned to Kakashi and asked, "Are you going to Ino and Shikamaru's wedding?"
"I don't think weddings are for me?"
"Do you plan not go?" Her face fell as she said this.
The white haired man saw her sudden reaction and was inquisitive of why. "I doubt it."
"Why not?" Her word came out wounded as if she had been greatly betrayed.
"I have a mission that I will be leaving soon." He answered and added, "Why?"
Staring at the hot liquid in her cup her cheeks turned a light pink. "I-Ino is making me go and I don't want to go alone so...maybe you...would" Her voice grew lower with every word that followed.
He found her embarrassment endearing, a thought that shouldn't have crossed his mind. "I'm sure you'll know a lot of people there. You'll have nothing to worry about, you won't be alone."
"I guess, but can't you attend!?" She pleaded.
He began thinking. In two days he would have to leave for a two week mission. The day he came back would be the day of the wedding and he knew he would be tired. Too tired to go anywhere. But he was convinced that with the young girl pleading at him to go he wouldn't be able to say no.
"I don't promise I'll be there on time, but I'll be there." As he finished his last word she smiled again.
She wouldn't be alone, she would have Kakashi by her side.
She didn't understand why but he was becoming something important to her and that's why she needed him with her. Even though there would be people she knew well, she felt it crucial for Kakashi to be there. Even if he was late, just by his presence the idea of the wedding no longer sounded as troubling as before. Once again she thanked him and although he knew why she did so, he didn't understand the gravity of its importance.
The whole week Sakura had spent a lot more time outside her home. This time, however, her former sensei had nothing to do with it (or so she hoped). It was Ino that had her running around town looking for flowers, catering, and last minute check-ups on her wedding. They had also gone shopping, looking for a perfect dress for Sakura.
Sakura had replied to Ino that she had plenty of dresses she owned that would have been suitable but Ino was reluctant. With that it took three days for Ino to finally agree to the attire Sakura would wear.
The next week was not any easier. After having a tedious week before she thought the next would be easier, but she was wrong. Brides found that their weddings had to be perfect and the week before the wedding was by no means time to rest. However, the bride that was getting married was Ino. So the last week wasn't just time for no rest, but for no sleep, either.
With the days growing closer to the wedding date, Ino became more anxious and, to Sakura's demise, she became troubled. Every day Ino would come over her house asking if she should get married, if she was prepared, if Shikamaru was prepared. Sakura with two cups of coffee for both of them listened to her without ever having to answer any of her questions. She didn't need to, Ino answered them herself and all she needed to do was nod.
She cared for her friend, but she knew that coming to her was not the best idea. If Ino wanted true opinions she would have gone to someone who was married or at least was in relationship. But Sakura was useless at these topics.
At one point Ino did sounded frustrated and she asked a question she had asked many times before. "Do you think I'm making a mistake?" But this time she didn't answer it herself. She waited for Sakura to answer.
Sakura, having no idea what to say, recited what Kakashi had told her. "Both of you are shinobi and may die any day. This is your future, so enjoy it, be happy. This is your time to make mistakes."
Ino's eyes began to tear. Opening her arms she wrapped them around Sakura and in the embrace showed her thanks, because somehow what she said was enough.
The day had finally arrived. Ino was going to marry Shikamaru. Sakura was standing on the end of the aisle waiting for Ino to walk down the hall and say her I do's. As much of a joyous day it was, especially for Ino, she was exhausted. At 5 she had woken up to help Ino "prepare". Who would have known that preparing was setting up everything, including the bride!
As the piano began to play, indicating the bride was there, her bridesmaid (which were Ino,Tenten, Temari, Hinata, and her) waited patiently as she slowly and gracefully walked down the aisle.
The dress she wore feel to the ground and was carried by two small children who Sakura didn't know. The top of the dress was shaped as a heart and had in crested diamonds that started from the right of her chest and went down all the way to her hip. Her blond long hair was tied up in a bun with an in crested diamond symbol of her clan and hanging over it her veil. Everyone turned when she entered and had awed and ohed at her.
The ceremony was an hour long made by one of the Elders that was from the Nara clan. After it was done everyone left to the Nara's estate where the party would be held.
The resort Ino had talked about was a huge ball room. It held everyone that she had invited and knowing Ino she had invited the whole village! The place had been decorated with great thought and with great money as well. The chandelier on the ceiling had thousands of small crystals. Coming out of it was four rows of lined, evenly spaced out crystals that went to each corner of the room. Right under the chandelier was a table with a banquet with nicely placed flowers that covered the top of the table and went to the right and left of the table falling to its legs. That's where the bride and groom sat.
The rest of the tables were all set in the form of a u so everyone had a clear view of the married couple. On the right side of the room there were white curtains that where left opened. In it held a large table with a variety of food and a bartender. On the left side there were glass doors that took you out of the room and into a hall that had the bathroom further down the right and the exit/entrance door toward the left.
All in all, Ino's wedding party would be one she wouldn't forget.
Sakura, excluding herself, had taken a seat in one of the furthest tables in the room where no one had been sitting. Off course she wasn't left unnoticed by her friends. Her five unoccupied seats were quickly taken by Hinata, Kiba, Shino, Naruto, and Sai. There was only one more seat left and this was a problem when Tenten came in with Neji and Lee. The problem was soon solved when the waiters united another table with theirs to fit. Sakura thought her table couldn't get any fuller when Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro took a seat and the other chairs.
Her once silent and lonesome table was now filled with chatter and joy. Naruto yelled everything that he said as the music was on, but Sakura could swear that compared to him the music was whispering. The others joined in as well, happy about the new couple and talking about their own future.
Their chatter was broken when a song came up and Tenten asked Neji to dance. The Hyuuga quickly answered no, but Tenten didn't give in, and taking his hand pulled him to the dance floor. Naruto, being overacted and all, was sick of sitting and wanted to go dance as well. He asked Sakura who declined. The blond turned to the shy Hyuuga who stuttering accepted. Then went Kiba with Temari taking the floor. One by one they left to dance, even Gaara who was forced to accept by the brides wish.
She thanked that Ino let her tired excuse go and was left as she started.
Yamato had also secluded himself, or was left secluded as each of his companies had come with dates to enjoy the evening. Well almost everyone.
Walking towards him walked Gai with a pile of food on his plate. His regular attire was no longer on, but the tux he was wearing was not off the charts with his other suit. The tux looked like any other except for the bright green color that attended it.
"My friend, how have you been!?" Gai said cheerfully.
Smiling as Gai took a seat next to him he answered, "I've been fine and you?"
"I've been great! Ah, isn't this wonderful! All these people dancing and enjoying themselves! It's nice to have a time to enjoy yourself after a long practice."
"You practiced before coming to the wedding?"
"Of course! Every moment is crucial with my rival Kakashi!" At the man's name Yamato flinched. It had been a long time since he had seen him. Inside he was glad that he hadn't seen the white haired Nin in the wedding, yet.
"Yamato why are you so lonely? You should also be having a good time. Didn't you bring someone with you?"
"No, I came alone."
To his response Gai's expression fell. "Why? You are still young enough to find someone! Look at Genma!"
"How about you?" Yamato asked no longer wanting to plaster about his own life.
"I have been out training. I have had no time."
No time!? You had no time because you were training, Yamato thought. As he thought, Gai looked around the room. He saw that most people they knew were no longer on chairs but in the dance. He kept eyeing the room and saw Sakura with another women sitting beside her on one of the far off tables.
Getting up himself and leaving the large amount of food on his table, he directed Yamato to follow him. Yamato stayed a while in his chair wondering what the man in front of him was up to. Warily he stood up and followed.
Sakura had been sitting alone watching everyone else in the room. She was so occupied with watching as poor Hinata followed Naruto's uneven steps to the music that she had missed Sika walking up to her. The girl had gotten her attention when she took the seat next to her and called her name.
Sakura replied back with a hello.
Sika was a medic Nin just like her, but still needed years of experience. At times she had helped the girl with her development of medicine. She was older by a couple of years, but since she began her learning on medical jutsu late, she needed someone with more experience.
The woman was very beautiful with light brown hair falling mid back and chocolate colored eyes. Her tan skin was so smooth that it was impossible to think that she was a true ninja. Her curves were smaller than Ino's, but still very noticeable. All in all the women was gorgeous, especially for any man who laid eyes on her. However, Sika had been rumored of not dating anyone for too long because of her idea of finding the perfect man. When one doesn't qualify one of her standards they are thrown to the dust.
"Sakura-san, nice seeing you here!" She exclaimed.
"Yes, it's nice seeing you too." It had been a while since she had last talked with Sika, but then again it had been a while since she talked to a lot of people.
"Did Ino make you come?" Sika asked with a curios smile. Sika had also been very acquainted with Ino who had liked Ino by her bluntness and personality. Off course anyone who was able to high Ino's ego was a good friend to her.
"Yes, how did you guess?" Sakura said incredulous.
"Ah, I just assumed. She can be very persuasive when she wants to be." Sakura laughed showing her agreement to her comment. "What I don't know is why she isn't making you join the fun?"
"I explained to her that I was tired after spending the whole day helping her."
"She bought such an answer? Knowing her she would have grabbed you by the collar and dragged you to the dance floor."
"Thank Kami she did no such thing." Sakura replied, showing all her relief at the uneventful idea.
"Hello ladies." A voice said that had taken both of them by surprise. Sakura turned her head to see Gai standing in front of her with his original suit.
"Why hello." Sika answered raising one of her eyes to man before the two girls. Being a second Ino she seemed to have no second thoughts on her actions or words and was never, ever, shy.
"Hello Gai-sensei." Sakura replied and also greeted Yamato who stood behind him as if hiding.
"What would you gentleman need at this time?" Sika asked.
"Ah the youth have so much energy!" Gai said more to Yamato than the girls. "We were just wondering what such lovely ladies as yourselves were doing all alone."
"Why the question? Are you inviting?" Sika asked.
"Will you agree?" Gai replied. Both Yamato and Sakura were shocked on the continuing conversation. Sakura wasn't surprised at Sika's responses, but who would have thought that Gai had such lines.
Standing from her chair, Sika put her hand in front of him. Gai took it and escorted her to the dance, but not before whispering something to Yamato that Sakura couldn't hear. Sika also gave her a small apologetic smile and then turned to Yamato, yelling at him to take care of her.
As they got lost in the crowd, the two remainders stayed in their same position. Yamato didn't know what to stay and decided for Sakura to break the ice. To his happiness she did.
"Don't you want to sit?" She asked, pointing her hand to the seat next to her.
Yamato, with a nod, sat beside her and thanked her.
Sakura saw that those would be the last words spoken to her if she didn't do anything.
She, like him, felt uncomfortable at the situation, but didn't want their time together spent like this. But, she thought, that starting a conversation was going to be difficult. After their mission she had never seen him again, except for the rain incident, which they also barely talked.
Thinking back at their abrupt encounter she remembered about how she wanted to say more to him. She urged herself to speak to him, ask him how he was doing, but she didn't get the chance. No, as she remembered, it wasn't due to chance, but due her lips that wouldn't form any of her words.
For a while she had thought that he was distancing himself away from her, but she let that thought go. She was the one distancing herself. She had made herself a lone wolf, so it was possible that she was unintentionally pushing him and everyone else away.
Inside of herself, she knew she didn't want that.
Yamato was someone who knew her well and they had experienced something that no one else would understand. Distancing herself from him was absolutely the last thing she wanted.
She, thanks to Kakashi, was able to see that she needed help. She guessed that Yamato needed help as well, right? He couldn't go around acting the same after what happened. Or could he? He is an ANBU after all; maybe what happened was nothing to him.
Deciding that asking herself these questions would lead to nothing she asked, "How have you been?"
Yamato turned to her with a puzzled look. He seemed to wonder who she was talking to. Seeing as her eyes were fixed on him he answered. "I've been fine." His voice had come out more as question than a response.
With a raised eyebrow she asked, "Is that a question or an answer?"
"It's an answer." He responded, this time with more certainty.
"That's good." Was all Sakura could reply. She didn't know what else to say, it was turning back to rain incident. Her lips were on automatic.
"How about you?" He asked, but not daring to look straight at her.
"I've also been fine."
"I've heard you spent a lot of time working."
In a way she was happy he was talking to her, but she didn't want their topic to be about work or herself. "I do."
" "
She didn't want their conversation to drag like this. Pulling herself together she asked, "What are you looking at?"
"Nothing in particular." He said still keeping his eyes on what was ahead. This, however, lead Sakura to make her own conclusion.
Getting the courage to say her next words Sakura took a big gulp. She didn't know what gave her the audacity or courage to ask such a thing, but it came out before she could think. As the last words slipped her lips her creamy face turned red.
"Sorry what did you say?" Yamato asked.
Repeating herself she replied, "Would you like to dance?"
Yamato was stunned to say the least. He had heard her well after all. He wasn't hallucinating. Answering his "Am I dreaming?" question other arose. Why would she ask me such a thing? She must be repulsed by me, she must hate me and yet here she was asking me to dance.
"Do you not want to dance?" She asked with a more timid voice.
"I don't want to force you to do something you don't want to." His reply was not understood by the pink haired female.
"I'm not forcing myself to do anything." She said and began thinking that maybe he didn't want to dance. "But if you don't want to dance then forget I asked."
"No!" Yamato exclaimed. "I mean, if you want to let's go." He finished, standing he extended his hand to her. Sakura with a shy smile took it and walked with him to the dance floor.
Both failed to notice the white haired male watching them from a far.
What do you guys think :)! I'm getting into this whole jealousy thing its nice +.+ Tell me what you guys think. Reviews are highly appreciated and make my stamina go up. I'm also apologizing for all the OOC-ness in the story, but I don't think its gonna work out- sorry, either way hope you guys like.
Thanks again for reading.
-Zero =D