A/N:
I have a not so new mantra and I think you kinda figured out what it is by now. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Again, I'd like to thank you for reading this and for caring about Obito. :)
Also, your reviews always make my day. Hope I'd do the same to yours, 'cause here's another chapter:
Chapter 6
Temporary
The school cafeteria was packed with students and their typical everyday chatters. But most of the conversations at the individual tables had a common denominator; they all include something, or rather, someone.
"Gosh! You're so lucky forehead!... What I'd do to get a hot bodyguard like that."
"How many times do I have to tell you, Ino-pig? He's just a temporary."
"Whatever! How can I get my own bodyguard?! Tell me, now!"
"Geez… I don't know… Hire your own kidnapper or something?"
"I'll consider that."
"Good. Don't jump into it right away."
Ino, together with a number of students in the room – boys included, had been gazing out the windows and to the parking lot. A young man, who was leaning against a red convertible, captured most of the attention.
He was clad in black suit, the standard uniform for the Harunos' bodyguards. Although he was just standing there, with his back to the driver side door, he appeared to be in a pose for a photoshoot. Well-built physique, arms crossed in front, head slightly tilted to the side, clear fair skin, an indifferent expression on his aristocratic face, black colored irises and spiked black hair pointing to the four main directions and beyond; Sakura admit he was a looker.
Alright! He's gorgeous. So what?!
If the situation were different, he could pass as a potential crush. Potential, because the physical appearance wasn't the first thing she was looking for in a guy. Potential, because she still didn't know him as a person. Well, not that she was planning to. As if! Besides, he had ruined all those potentials long ago since he mentioned the taboo word... princess.
How dare he call her a princess? Princesses are weak. Princesses always have a knight in shining armor to save them. Princesses always cry when they're in danger. Princesses accept the insults, mistreat, and wrongdoings of other people in silence or without any complaints. Princesses stand behind those who protect them and do nothing.
Princesses are the pathetic feminine images an eight-year old once believed in… and once had been.
If being a princess meant being alone in a castle while just watching the palace guards come and go to protect her, then she refused to be one. If it meant staying alive and letting others sacrifice for her, never mind.
There was only one person who could call her a princess. And since that person was gone, consequently the title had also ceased to exist.
'Sakura-hime'
Dammit! This isn't the time and place to be thinking such things. It's all that temporary's fault!
Tch, just look at that stance! Why is he a bodyguard, anyway? He should be in the entertainment industry with his unbelievably good looks.
Most girls in this school, or girls in general for that matter, made his presence a big deal; and Sakura cursed herself for starting to think the same. She had to remind herself that he was the person who took her Kakashi-sensei's place. No, he stole it. And she would do anything to make him quit the position. She would make him wish he had never even applied as a bodyguard in the first place.
That was her plan, to pester him until he'd have enough and quit the job. Then, Kakashi-sensei could regain the place as her personal bodyguard as soon as he was out of the hospital, just the way it was supposed to be. The sooner she could get the temporary to quit, the better. Although her efforts were just ignored at this moment, she would not give up. Behind all the stoic appearances, surely there was some irritation in there.
She knew her actions could be considered hypocritical, since she was against bullying from the start. But it needed to be done. It was the only rational option in her objective of maintaining Kakashi-sensei as her bodyguard, unless she would confront her dad about it. No, the latter was out of the list.
She couldn't let her emotions took over again, like that time when she had shouted at her dad. Whenever it came to people she was close to, her emotions tended to have a life of their own. In truth, she wasn't aware that she had raised her voice until after she had done it.
Shame had been the next thing that hit her. If Sakumo-san were there, he would have been disappointed at her behavior. After all, he had taught her to be polite when talking to the elderly, especially to her own father. She had apologized to her dad after that. But she wouldn't risk opening up the same subject with him again.
So, she was stuck in the first option: to torment the temporary by showing him inappropriate behavior. She would make him suffer the consequences of stealing her Kakashi-sensei's place. If she would continue being mean to him, he would eventually reach his breaking point.
And when the time comes… Victory will be mine!
"Um… Sakura-chan, why are you grinning? No offense, but it's getting a bit creepy."
"It's okay Hinata, I was just thinking about something. Even I am sometimes creeped out with my own thoughts."
"Ooh… What's goin' on behind that forehead, huh forehead? I knew it! You're a closet pervert and you're lusting over that new bodyguard! Admit it!"
"Huh? Where did that come from Ino-pig?"
"Oh come on! Who wouldn't be attracted to that god-like creature? I could just imagine the muscles underneath that suit…"
Another person made their presence known. "Do you have any idea how gross that just sounded? Not everyone thinks the way you do, Ino."
"Oh yeah! I forgot! Not everyone at this table is attracted to guys. Isn't that right, Tenten?"
Sakura and Hinata remained silent as they watched the two persons across the table. Eyes fixed on the brunette.
"Oh, so you're in 'miss know-it-all' mood again. Don't just assume things, 'cause you don't know anything."
Two pairs of eyes glided to liquid-blue ones.
"Puh-lease! It's obvious. You're more into guys' sports, you don't make any effort to dress up, and you don't find the guy population attractive. No need to hide it, we accept you for who you are."
Two pairs of eyes glided to rich-brown ones.
"Whoa! Don't pick on my sports and clothing preferences. Not every girl should be all Barbie-like the way you are! And just how sure are you that I'm not attracted to guys?! FYI… I have a thing for Ne…"
Three pairs of wide eyes stared at equally wide rich-brown ones, until Ino decided to break the silence.
"Were… you just gonna say… that you have a thing for Ne-?"
"Excuse me, ladies." A smooth masculine voice interrupted the girls' conversation. They turned to the source and there was Suigetsu, also a junior student but in a different class. Tenten let out an audible sigh and took the opportunity to change the subject.
"Hey there Suigetsu! What brings you here? Do we have a basketball practice this afternoon?"
Suigetsu rubbed the back of his head and his cheeks somehow gained a faint red color. "Uh… No, the practice is still scheduled for tomorrow. Heh, actually I was wondering… if I could excuse Sakura for a sec."
"Me?... Um, sure." Sakura wasn't expecting that. Still wondering what the matter could be, she rose from her seat and followed Suigetsu after facing her curious friends and muttering "Be right back."
Suigetsu walked out of the cafeteria, turned right and stopped a few meters away from the doors. The hallway was much less busy, with only the subdued noises from inside the cafeteria and the few students that passed by. He turned to face her and kept his eyes to the wall beside them.
"Hey… I know it's late to say this but uh… are you okay? I mean, after what happened to your birthday party…?"
Sakura pushed back the memories of that event and focused to answer his question. Suigetsu was one of the guests in that party; he was even one of those guys whom she danced with. The Hozukis had been a loyal business partner of the Harunos, so it was natural for them to be invited in special occasions.
Though she wasn't sure why he had to ask how she was doing, since the media announced that to the world, she would still grant him an answer. After all, he went through the trouble of excusing her from her friends.
"I'm fine now, thank you for your concern."
Sakura was finding it hard to catch those dark blue eyes that were strangely close to purple. What was wrong with him? It almost looked like he was getting nervous just by facing her.
"Oh, great… It's just that you'd been absent for weeks, so… yeah."
"Oh my God! Is this about the Science club activity this Friday? Damn, I forgot about that! I'm really sorry. I'll help in the preparations later. I promise!"
"No, it's… Uh… Pres Nara already took care of that."
"Seriously?... Wow, I gotta say, it's a challenge to imagine Shikamaru being busy. Are all the preparations set? I feel like I'm a VP for nothing."
"Well, the stage still needs a fix…"
"Okay, I'll go there after class. Thanks for informing me."
An unwelcome voice joined the exchange. "Well, what do you know?... Losers attract losers after all."
"Ugh, what do you want now Karin? Don't bring Suigetsu into this."
"Whatever! He didn't need to get near you to be considered a loser. I'm sure he's doing well all by himself, or should I say herself?!" Karin turned to Ami as they both snickered.
Ami gave Suigetsu the once-over. "I vote for 'herself', it fits better. C'mon Karin, let's not waste our time with these losers."
"Yeah… See you at class, girl face! And hope I won't see you again, freak!"
Karin and Ami continued walking down the hallway while laughing at their own jokes.
"Don't mind them, Suigetsu. All they do is made fun of other people."
"Yeah, I'm used to it by now."
"So, Karin's also been bullying you?"
"Ever since grade school."
"Oh, then… welcome to the club!"
It was their turn to share a laugh of their own, and this time the school bell joined them.
It was another weekend, another day without school, another bonding day with the Uzumakis, and another pretend day with Karin.
The lunch was held at the Harunos' this time. They just had their meal and Kizashi was having a chat with Mr. and Mrs. Uzumaki in the living room. Karin, on the other hand, decided to take an afternoon swim at the backyard pool. And because they were 'close friends', Sakura had no choice but to hang out with her.
Sakura wasn't in the mood to swim, so she didn't change from her shirt and shorts. She was just sitting by the edge of the pool with her feet submerged in the water, while the temporary bodyguard posed for another photoshoot on a wooden beach-lounge chair to her left.
Seated on the edge, legs about two feet apart, elbows rested on the knees, joined hands covered his mouth, and the ever so indifferent expression on the face; Sakura detested him more. Why did he have to look good without even trying to? She kind of envied him for that.
They were waiting for Karin, who was taking the time changing into her swimwear.
She'll probably try to impress the temporary. Well, this could be entertaining.
Karin had been extra friendly today, and Sakura was certain the new bodyguard was the culprit. First, Karin asked to be 'formally' introduced with him. Then, she stayed at Sakura's side and clung to one of the bodyguard's arms, or at least whenever his arms weren't tightly crossed on his chest. Thirdly, Karin offered the seat between her and Sakura at the dining table, which was much to Sakura's glee, he declined.
And because Karin wasn't running out of advances, she insisted to have a swim at the pool. Sakura guessed it was the 'next level' move. What better way to get a man's attention than to display the 'womanly assets'? And what better way to discreetly do so than to take a swim at the pool?
The water had a tinge of blue and its constant swaying created a distorted image of her feet. She wiggled her toes and rotated her feet clockwise and counter. It became a form of entertainment in a weird way and she couldn't contain the chuckle she had been holding.
"Hn."
She whipped her head to the temporary's direction. "What did you say?"
"Hn."
"Thought so."
She looked back at the water, and then an idea popped into mind. It was time to take action towards her objective. Operation: torment the temporary… begins.
Slowly, Sakura tried to get a visual of Sasuke by glancing through the corner of her eyes. He wasn't looking. In a flash, she scooped her hands at the pool surface and swung them toward the temporary. The formless liquid shards flew into the air and struck the target.
Jackpot!
With eyes closed, he raised a hand and wiped the water off his face. There was an improvement, he was scowling. Sakura took that as a good sign and went for strike two. When she risked another look at him, a chill ran down her spine. His glare was competing with the sun. She put the sudden decrease of courage aside and raised her chin.
"Do you have something to say now?"
"What was that for?" The low voice just added to the scare factor, but she shrugged it off.
"Nothing, I just felt like doing it. Do you have any problem with that? If you do, I'm more than willing to make a resignation letter for you."
"Spoiled brat."
Instead of being offended, Sakura took delight at the comment and expressed it in a full out beam. Her plan was working. "Why, thank you!"
He rose from the lounge chair and started walking inside the house. "Annoying."
"Hey! Are you gonna start that letter now?"
"I'm going to the rest room." His tone was low, but she still caught it.
As soon as he was out of sight, she laughed at her own antics. She ignored the faint guilt in her gut and reminded herself that this was for a good cause; she was doing this for her Kakashi-sensei. The whole acting thing with Karin sure had its perks.
"Hey freak, where's Sasuke-kun?"
Speak of the devil. "Rest room."
Sakura opened her mouth for more words, but then decided it would be best to keep them to herself. To critic Karin's attire would be suicide on her part. Karin was practically wearing strips of red fabrics that were excuse of a two piece bathing suit, barely concealed by the white open bath robe over her shoulders. But Sakura had to admit, Karin put justice to the attire. Another insecurity of hers awakened from its dormant state: her less than average bust size.
Her young age had always been her excuse to that, but now that she thought about it… Aren't she and Karin of the same age?
Genetics sucks.
Karin took the robe off and threw it to the nearest lounge chair. "Oh well… Better start swimming now, 'cause Sasuke-kun would definitely give in to my charm if he sees me wet." She sniggered. "Get it?"
"I like to make believe that I didn't."
"Yeah, stay in your make-believe world, freak!" Karin made her way to the diving board at the far side of the rectangular pool.
"I don't need to hear your own positive affirmations, Karin. Oh, you might want to lower your voice down. You wouldn't want anybody to think we're arguing, would you? It might ruin our make-believe friendship… not that I mind."
Karin snarled and threw a glare at Sakura, before setting herself in a diving stance and plunging into the pool. Splashes of water jumped from the surface upon the sudden intrusion.
Sakura squinted at the water since Karin's figure could hardly be distinguished. She had to give Karin credit for being able to swim deep underwater. No matter how many times Sakura tried to do that, she always ended up being forced up the surface.
Finally, Karin sprang near the edge of the pool, just opposite from where Sakura sat. She fixed the now darker red hair behind her ears and scanned the area.
"Is Sasuke-kun here yet? What's taking him so long?!"
"Maybe he's busy with the hair dryer…"
"Why would he need a hair dryer?"
"Same reason why you use it."
"Are you making fun of me, freak?"
"I'm not laughing, am I?"
Karin made a growling sound and slapped both hands on the water, creating more splashes around her. "You won't get away with this."
"Whatever."
The group of bushes to her far right was much more interesting to look at. Sakura hadn't noticed this before, but most of the plants at their backyard were grouped in odd numbers. This group had five.
Maybe it's a landscaping rule or something?
She was about to have a look at another set of bushes when a tug at her foot and a shriek beat her to it.
The next thing that made sense was water… a lot of it. Sakura struggled to kick and bring her arms up and down at the sides to push her way up, but something was keeping her down. Only then, she realized that the shriek had come from her. Whenever her face would break the surface, she tried to inhale as much air as she could; but the stubborn water wanted to follow and forced itself into her airways.
There wasn't any progress, even if she kept on digging her way up. Was this it? Would she die this way? Her eyelids were starting to weigh more, but she refused to stop her limbs from moving. The anchor at her foot was released, but now her limbs were also heavy. The water was turning into solid and it was getting more difficult to move.
Something wrapped itself around her waist, and then the atmosphere greeted her back. She couldn't raise her eyelids yet as she coughed out excess liquid. Something hooked under her legs and upper back, before she floated in the air. She was a lightweight this time.
Then a thousand soft needles tickled her nape and she was now horizontal. She had never been more thankful to be on solid ground. While she relished at the reunion with the soil, she kept her eyes closed and allowed the air to fill her lungs.
"Oh my God! Sakura, are you okay?" Karin's worried voice came from a distance.
Karin! Dammit! I should've known.
Something warm made contact with her chin.
"Hey."
The same warmth tapped her left cheek.
"Wake up."
Then her nose trills were pinched together, blocking her air path.
Oh, no you don't. Not again!
She opened her eyes, and lo and behold… the temporary's face inches above hers. The untamed spiked hair was soaked and fell downwards, making water droplets hit her face. He didn't seem to notice her eyes because he continued to slowly lower his head, thin lips slightly parted.
Time had been jumbled; seconds turned to days and milliseconds turned to hours. Everything was in slow motion.
Her jaw was pulled down and her own lips pulled apart. The temperature rose at his proximity and her throat dried all of a sudden. After her pool episode, she still needed water at this point, a drinking water. It looked like the sun chose to strike its maximum heat at this hour. She noted to observe that tomorrow.
So, now it's fire? What's up with the four elements today?
As she drifted back to the situation before her, or above her, or whatever; she realized what he was about to do, and her reflex took over.
No! I won't let you steal my first kiss!
"HYAAAAAA!"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"What do you want now?!"
"Sakura, it's me."
Sakura threw her book to the side, crawled to the edge of the bed and run toward the door.
"Kakashi-sensei! You're back!" With the speed of light, she threw her arms around him in a hug.
"I am? I haven't noticed." Kakashi ruffled her hair as she pulled back to grin at him.
"So, does this mean you can go back to work now?"
"About that… Your dad wants to talk to you in the study. Right now."
"Why can't you just tell me?"
Kakashi shrugged and led the way to where the older Haruno was, before Sakura ran after him and matched his steps as they walked down the hallway side by side. Then he initiated another conversation.
"I heard about what happened to you the other day."
"Oh, it's no big deal."
"Everything life threatening is a big deal, Sakura."
"Yeah? Well, I'm alive, right? That's what matters now."
"Yeah. Thanks to your bodyguard, who, by the way, received a very interesting thank you gift."
"Heh, you can say that you're proud of me, you know. I wouldn't mind. And for the record, he's a 'temporary' bodyguard. Where is he anyway?"
"In the study room... Hey, Sakura?"
"Hm?"
"I'm proud."
Inside the study, the atmosphere was all business-like. The two sofas facing each other both had occupants. On one were her dad and his remaining bodyguard, Iruka. On the other was the temporary, with the still visible purplish bruise at the left side of his lips.
Sakura fought back a smile at the observation, remembering just when, where, why and how he obtained that. But most especially, who gave him that.
She was grateful that he saved her, of course. But the attempted CPR wasn't needed. She would rather die than have him as her first kiss. Well, it wouldn't count as a kiss… but it still involved the lips, so that was a no no.
He didn't look so perfect now, did he? That'll remind him that nobody's perfect, so he didn't deserve to look like one!
Kizashi was the first to speak as he motioned to the couch opposite him. "Honey, have a seat first. Kakashi, please."
Sakura sat beside the temporary, and Kakashi-sensei sat beside her. She had this nagging notion that this conversation wasn't going to end well.
"Honey, I just need to inform you about some matters… What happened at the previous party took a toll in our security squad. The incident just proves that our security measures were inadequate. So, I decided to recruit additional bodyguards, whom would presumably be arriving in the next few weeks. I also plan to have additional CCTV cameras installed around the premises. Partially, those are the changes that will take place."
"O-kay… But what do those things have to do with Kakashi-sensei?"
"Honey, as we all know… Obito's gone… Now, I had talked to Kakashi about it and he agreed with the offer… Kakashi will take Obito's place as one of my personal bodyguards. So, that means… your official bodyguard will now be Sasuke."
"…"
"Honey?"
"WHAT?!"
The fresh air helped Kakashi to evaluate his thoughts as he strolled around the backyard.
After they talked to Sakura, she locked herself in her room. He expected her to react that way, but he had never seen her that mad before. He could only hope that she could forgive him for the decision he had made.
He wanted to honor his friend in any way, and being able to take Obito's place as Kizashi's personal bodyguard was the perfect chance. He would take whatever opportunity there was to convey his gratitude to Obito, no matter how indirect it might be. Besides, he would continue to reside in the Haruno mansion, therefore, Sakura would still be able to see him often.
Also, he made that decision to keep the Uchiha. If Sasuke were permanently assigned as Sakura's personal bodyguard, it would allow Kakashi to keep track of his actions. Since Sakura would most likely prefer Kakashi's company, he could discreetly monitor Sasuke. It was a great risk to let Sasuke near her, but so far, Sakura was doing well in protecting herself.
Kakashi would rely on that for now, while he also trained in using his lone eye. He requested to be out of the hospital earlier than expected. As a consequence, he wouldn't be able to use the new left eye for a while. So, he would spend the rest of his vacation days in training and in gathering information about the new bodyguard.
The application records were the nearest and most basic source of information. And according to the documents, which were authenticated, Sasuke was the only one left of his family. His parents' name were written there and labeled as deceased, together with their death certificates. So, that crossed-out Kakashi's 'imposter theory'.
Sasuke did survive the accident… But how? How come he's the only one?
One more thing that bothered Kakashi was the sibling part. It was left blank.
From what Kakashi could remember in Obito's stories, Fugaku had two sons. He was sure about that. So, why didn't Sasuke write down his older brother's name? Where was he? Was he also alive?
Kakashi remembered Sasuke's reaction at the hospital, which was another puzzle piece. Was he bearing anger towards his brother?
All the questions only strengthened Kakashi's resolve to uncover the mystery that was Uchiha Sasuke.
A murmur distracted his train of thought.
It came from the rear of the garden storage shed. On instinct, he reached for the pistol from its holster, stealthily walked near the structure, and hid behind the tall bushes.
"Yes, I know... No one, so far…" Sasuke?
Kakashi couldn't see his face, but there was no doubt that the voice and that kind of hair style belonged to Sasuke. He appeared to be on the phone, his back to Kakashi. Now, Kakashi wasn't the type to eavesdrop, but this could be considered as part of his investigation. So, he continued listening in on Sasuke's side of the conversation.
"Hn. Even better… I'm now the permanent."
So, he's talking about being Sakura's bodyguard. That confirmed Kakashi's intuition. Whatever it was Sasuke had been hiding, was connected to Sakura.
"I won't… I know that… Bye." Sasuke turned his head from left to right, before striding out of his place and across the yard to the house.
Who was he talking to? Why did he need to hide behind the storage shed for a call? Kakashi emerged from his hiding spot and stared at the Uchiha's back.
Just what are you up to, Sasuke?
