Hey you guys. Sorry for the very late update, but school has been a pain. I hope that explains it all. This story will not be discontinued, but I am afraid that my updates will probably be longer when I head back to school. For now, with summer here, my updates will hopefully be quicker.
Keep in mind that I do not own Naruto, but damn I wish I would!
With no more delays, here you go!
It was becoming a bad habit to eavesdropping on other's conversation, especially if it's one as powerful as the Hokage. He couldn't help it though. His brain never functioned correctly when his rosette was involved. When she had suddenly left, he couldn't stop the urge to go follow her. He hadn't expected her to go running to the Hokage's office of all places.
Silently he stood by the Hokage's window. His concentrated on everything that was happening indoors. He heard Sakura's light knock touch the Hokage's door followed by a loud "come in". As they greeted each other, he realized it was deja vu all over again. His mind reminded him of the last time he stood before these walls, concealed as he had heard his old student speak. He felt a dread rise within as he rallied the thought that more terrible news were heading his way. He pleaded to kami that he was wrong. He had learned so much in less than a year, more than he bargained for.
His thoughts refocused to the two women beyond the wall. Not much had been said other than a simple hello followed by a moment of silence. He didn't know what they were waiting for to speak. For a second he thought they had learned of his presence. He quickly disregarded that thought when he heard them speak again. He felt relieved and stupid at his paranoia. From the last time, Kakashi had learned to not let his guard down. The only reason he had slipped up was due to the shock of their conversation. This time he wouldn't mess up.
"What are you here for?" Kakashi was stunned at Tsunade's tone. There was no loving care in her voice as she usually applied when it came to Sakura. It did not even hold the irritated tone she had when she was working for hours with no sake.
This was different. Her tone sounded indifferent toward the pink medic.
Sakura's voice cracked at her sensei's demeanor something Kakashi quickly picked up. She had been hurt by her mentor's lack of acknowledgment. He could never forget how he had, at one point, done the same. He knew she always worked harder than the others to prove her worth. To have it thrown out the window by the woman that had taught her so much was surely devastating her.
"About giving up..." Her words stumbled, "I won't. I can't. "
Tsunade said nothing.
Sakura tried again.
"Being a ninja is the way I've always lived. I worked hard to be where I am, for people to recognize that I am as good as my teammates! I can't throw that away!" Her voice was higher than usual. She was pleading to be given a chance. Kakashi just wasn't understanding for what.
Once again Tsunade didn't speak. What was she waiting for?
"Please," came Sakura's voice again, with more confidence, "I know what I want. I will fight tooth and nail to continue being a ninja!"
Kakashi stood stupefied. Why was she asking to stay in her position? Why was Tsunade thinking of taking the best medic, that had already surpassed her, off the job? This wasn't making any sense.
She finally spoke with the same casual tone as before, "Are you sure about that?"
There was no hesitation as she replied, "Yes!"
"I will not take pity on you, understand!" There must have been a silent yes as Tsunade proceded, "You have wasted three days. Use the rest wisely. I want a full report on your encounter. I don't care who it is as long as the person is not a civilian. Only after that will I acknowledged you as a full fledged ninja and as my apprentice. Understood!"
Sakura's "yes" held a sign of fear and determination as well.
"For now, I don't want you working in the hospit-"
"But that can't be! They need me!" She had cut in, frantic about the news.
"You think a ninja who can't do the essentials to have eye contact with a man has the right to work in this facility! How could you have the courage to say you'll lay a hand on a dying man when you can't touch one when they are alive! There is no need for a dispute here. My word is final!"
It was over. Sakura left the room with a deepening silence in her departure. Kakashi didn't bother to hide anymore than he had to. He quickly left the scene; his steps following Sakura once again. His pace increased in an attempt to catch up. He didn't have the chance as a voice called her name. As in any mission, he quickly concealed himself searching for the caller.
She walked without acknowledging anything or anyone. Her pace was much slower than the rest, but at that moment that was irrelevant. She could not concentrate on anything else, but her future task. How was she supposed to get a man and do the-the unimaginable? She had already gone through it, more than once. She could not possibly do it again. Her career, her life was on the line however. She could not give that away. She had stated this over and over again in her head as motivation to walk through the Hokage's office, but for what? Right after the talk she was already fretting the decision. Did she actually think she would be able to get a man and have casual sex with him? She couldn't even think of doing such a thing with a civilian. What the hell was she going to do?
Her mind continued to ponder on her dreaded task. Her clouded mind caused her to unexpectedly jump at the hand that grabbed her shoulder.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you Sakura-chan." The owner of the hand, Rock Lee, said apologetically.
"Oh no, that's fine. I wasn't paying attention so I was startled." She feigned a smile in reassurance.
"Are you sure you're fine? I've been calling your name for a while, and you didn't answer." His bushy brows crease together in worry. To not alarm him she repeated the same lines.
"You know as youthful beings that we are we should help each other in anyway we can. Only in that way can our youthful future blossom. "
She nods out of kindness more than anything else. She would not tell him that the idea sounded preposterous. Her future was nothing but bleak. In her eyes there could see no future with her life as a kunoichi gone. She would love to argue how wrong he was, but she couldn't. Lee's friendly smile and good nature prevents her from pointing out the flaws in his view. She knew that it would do no good in rubbing her I'll mood on him.
He continues explaining his philosophy to her in an effort to help, "We are all united one way or another. If there is anything you need just ask for help. We'll be there for you, I'll be there." Her green eyes befall his face and in that moment an idea ignites in her. He could help her. He would not harm her, he would make it easier and allow her to continue her ninja career.
Her mind loved the idea, but would she be able to do it? Her eyes drifted to her feet knowing that she wouldn't, couldn't. Even if it was Lee, the same person who had confessed to her in their genin days and saved her from the sound ninjas that had come after Sasuke. She just couldn't do it.
"How about I walk you home Sakura-chan? You seem sick today." She gave no response nor did she head toward her previous destination. Lee felt something off with her, but knew that he couldn't push her. He waited until she took steps towards her home, following behind.
Sakura unlocked her front door, Lee behind her waiting for her to be safe indoors. She stepped in and allowed Lee to do the same. Hesitantly he did. She had forgotten this was the first time she had invited him to her apartment.
"Please sit," she gestured to her couch in her small living room. He did as he was told. "Would you like something to drink? Tea, maybe?"
"Yeah, sure that would be great." Lee replies feeling a little out of line with this new setting.
"Ok, I'll be right back." She walked to her kitchen and opened her cabinet. She fetched two cups and a pot to boil water. All her movements were automatic as she thought of her next steps. Even as she was trying to mentally prepare herself she was still scared and uncertain. It was not the fact that she didn't feel comfortable with Lee there, it was more on what she planned to do. Would she chat with him for a while and then escort him out or would she attack? Attack sounded like a rough word, but that was exactly what she was thinking to do. She couldn't ask to have sex, it just didn't work for her. She wouldn't be able to mouth the words let alone do it. The idea of plunging into something so-so undesirable, as she viewed it, disgusted her. What if he pushed her away and became horrified by the act, would she be able to live through that? Could she do to Lee what that man did to her?
She knew the answer and yet she was still debating. He career...what would happen to her career, to her hard work, to all the sweat and tears she poured into becoming who she was. Yes! This was a part of her that she loved and wanted to continue to discover. She could not throw it away. Whatever it took she would do it.
The pot began to whistle signaling the water's boiling point. She poured the water on each cup and added the tea. She walked toward the the living room, both cups in her hand. Again her pace slowed dramatically as she saw the back of Lee's head. "I can do this," she chanted to herself. "Men like this, all men like this. Lee will like it as well." This was her reassurance. It was the only thing that would allow her guilt to reside.
Quicker than she had hoped she stood in front of him passing him one of the cups. He thanked her and began a conversation that she didn't follow. She took a seat beside him nodding at him to pretend she was following. She tried her best to sit as close to him as possible. She leaned forward to cover the empty space for their lips to meet. The proximity felt uncomfortable, but she couldn't quit yet. Her eyes focused on his lips as they moved. There was no more distance between them. All she had to do was to incline her head toward his and their lips would be together. With a heavy breath she shut her eyes as she tried to close the distance. The feeling his breath before her was giving her anxiety.
Lee was still. His words left him the moment he felt her beside him. He didn't know what to do. The close contact was strange for the youthful ninja, but he was excited at the same time. Sakura was before him, closing her eyes, leaning in as if preparing to kiss him? He, for a long time, had a crush on her, so he couldn't say he was not delighted to have such a moment with her. He wanted to know where this would lead but there was something wrong with this whole picture. He soon figured out what it was. His hand landed on her shoulder stretching them to regain their comfort space. Sakura's eyes opened to the contact.
"You shouldn't do things you don't want to do." Lee said in response to his action.
Sakura gaped at his reply. "It's not like tha-"
"Sorry, but I can't do this with you, not like that." His eyes looked toward her trembling hands, the key sign to her unwanted behavior. "If you want to speak about it, I'll listen."
She was in disbelief. Isn't this what all men wanted? Wasn't this the perfect timing and person? As much as she asked herself this, she felt relief. She smiled out of relief, out of thanks that Lee was there to prevent her from doing something stupid.
"No its fine. I'm alright. I just did something impulsive without consulting myself first. Sorry. "
Lee questioned her answer, but he would not pry it out from her. If she didn't want to do it, he wouldn't force her.
With that out of the way the conversation died out. There was nothing left to say or do. With their minds set, their gathering was over and Lee took his leave.
"Lee," said man turned to the green eyed girl still sitting on the sofa, "thanks."
That truly ended their meeting and with a "your welcome" he left.
Lee headed back to his home to rest for the day. With the early exercises and the encounter with Sakura he was beat. It was too bad for him that life never did stop with surprises.
"Lee." An older man called in greeting. Lee turned to find that it was his sensie's rival.
With a bright smile Lee returned the greeting, "Kakashi-san! How are you?"
"I'm fine." The older man answered.
Lee thought he saw grimace from the Copy-nin, but dismissed it as pure imagination. "That's great! With such a youthful life its best to live everyday with passion and happiness! "
Whenever he saw the young boy, he could never forget how uncanny both he and Gai resembled each other. "I see that Gai has rubbed off on you a lot. By any chance have you seen him recently?"
"No, I haven't today. He was sent on a mission."
"I hadn't heard. I thought both of you were together since this is usually the time both of you train."
"Today I began my training earlier since Gai-sensei wasn't her. Maybe next time you would like to train with me?" Lee practically jumped at his invitation. It was always fun to have more people in their training.
"I can't say I'll be a right fit with you guys." Although it was a simple response to say no, he knew it was more than accurate. Even with the strange occurrence with Sakura, he was glad to see a friend.
Lee didn't get the hint, "With your youthfulness you will make a great addition to our team.
A little more clear Kakashi responded, "Sorry, I just don't think your training is for me, but I'll come see you guys from time to time."
The bushy brow-nin was let down by the rejection, but it was soon gone. Maybe he wouldn't convince him today, but there were other days where he could persuade him.
"Well it was nice talking you." The Copy-nin waved, as he took out his book from his pocket and walked passed him.
Lee was about to say his goodbye's when he remembered something. "Kakashi-san." He called.
The white haired man stopped when he heard his name, a devilish grin on his face. "What is it Lee?"
"There is something I need to speak to you about regarding Sakura. I saw her today and she seemed unwell," Lee stopped himself, contemplating whether this was such a great idea. Was it appropriate to say this information to her sensei? What if she didn't want others to know?
"What about Sakura?" He was obtaining what he wanted a lot easier than he had hoped.
Lee explained the earlier occurrences, still wondering if he should of kept his mouth shut. "She seemed distraught about something. Most of the time I spoke to her she was zoned out. The only time I knew she was paying attention to me was when…"
"When what?" The older man asked, curious where he was going with this.
Lee blushed. Yes, he knew there was no actual kiss, but there was about to be one. The thought in itself made him extremely embarrassed. The word kiss couldn't even leave his mouth, before he was thinking about the about-to-be-moment and once again turning more red in embarrassment. Thankfully he didn't have to finish his sentence. Before coming back from his thoughts the elder had left.
This chapter is over with, thank god! I hoped you guys like. I Thank you guys for bearing with me this long, but I will promise to come back, at least until this story is all done.
Hope the start of summer is going well for everyone!
-Zero =D