Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Kakashi, Sasuke or any other character from the show.

Thanks so much for the great support for this story. I swear my head will get too big to fit through the door :) I've been trying to figure out where I want this story to go, but I'm not too sure. I have the next several chapters planned, but I don't know how I want it to end once they get back to the village. When I get closer to that point I'll ask for opinions, right now it is too soon to tell. Anyway, thanks for the awesome comments and adds...I love you all !! On with the story...

Chapter 9: Kimono and a Stranger

thoughts / Inner Sakura

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Sakura stirred slightly under the warm blanket. The window's heavy curtains were pulled back allowing the early morning sun to fill the room. A warm hand rested lightly on her shoulder, gently shaking her to consciousness.

"Sakura." Kakashi's voice was soft as he whispered her name into her ear. "It's time to wake up my little cherry blossom."

Sakura groaned as she rolled over to her side to face him. She cocked open one eye to glare at the man disturbing her sleep. Kakashi sat on the edge of the bed starring at the half awake, pink haired beauty. Seeing his smiling face, Sakura instantly blushed as she mentally replayed last nights events.

Did I really have sex with Kakashi?

You bet you did, and it was great!

I remember. It was a rhetorical question

'...'

Sakura opened her eyes the rest of the way, and met his smile with one of her own. "Good morning Kakashi." Slowly she sat up bringing the blanket up with her to cover her still naked body. Like it really matters. He's already seen all of me. Rubbing her eyes with one hand her gaze shifted to Kakashi's fully dressed form. She looked at him a little puzzled.

"Your dressed already? What time is it." She scanned the room looking for a clock, but there was none.

"It's late." He reached his hand out and brushed aside a few stray hairs from her face. "I thought you could use the extra sleep." Sakura's blush deepened at his small display of affection. "But, since your up, I can give you your present."

Sakura playfully rolled her eyes. " I'm only up because you woke me." She scooted closer to him on the bed.

"I know." Kakashi wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a gentle kiss. When they pulled apart Sakura was five different shades of red. Kakashi couldn't help a small laugh, at the still so innocent Sakura. Kakashi turned and pulled a large package from behind his back. It was wrapped in brown paper and tied with a piece of white string. He set it gently on Sakura's lap.

Her fingers carefully traced circles on the package paper, but she made no move to open it. Kakashi noticed her hesitation, and downward gaze. His smile was replaced by a look of concern.

"Sakura..." He began, but was quickly cut off.

"I just...I wanted to talk about... last night." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Kakashi let out a sigh. He was afraid of this. He took it too far, and now she had regrets.

"Sakura, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let it go that far." Kakashi slowly moved so he was farther away from the girl. He was sure she hated him now.

Sakura's face was stunned. "Huh... What are you talking about." She shook her head, trying to make sense of his words. Did he regret what they had done, she didn't.

"It's my fault. I took advantage of you, though not intentionally... But my intent doesn't matter. I should have known better." He was looking away from her now, awaiting her justified anger.

"Kakashi. What are you talking about. You didn't do anything wrong. I came on to you... remember." She moved in to fill the gap he made between them.

Kakashi took her hand in his. "You were attacked, almost... raped." His last word was barely audible. "It was a traumatic experience, you were in shock..."

Now Sakura was becoming angry. " Listen! Yes I was attacked, and almost raped, but YOU rescued me. You kept that from happening."

Kakashi was shaking his head. Sakura had to fight her still rising temper.

"And don't think it was some hero worship thing with me thanking you for saving me... Although I am grateful for that. Don't forget that I am a Kinoichi! I could have stopped him with just one punch. I chose not to. My decision, remember that!! Just like last night, that was my decision too..." Sakura took in a deep breath. "No shock, no trauma, just desire. That's it, plane and simple... I wanted you."

Now Kakashi was looking directly at her. He had never heard Sakura speak with such force or conviction. Before he could answer, Sakura crashed her lips onto his. He was surprised for a moment, but then he began moving his lips with hers. Their kiss was slow and passionate. When they broke apart, Kakashi began to chuckle.

Sakura crossed her arms over her chest and cocked an eyebrow at her companion. "Whats so funny?"

Kakashi continued to smile. " Nothing. I just like your method of convincing me. I'll have to doubt you more often." A new fit of laughter came over him, and Sakura smacked him with her pillow. "Ok, so why don't you open you gift now." He motioned to the forgotten package on the bed.

Sakura smiled as she untied the string and pealed back the paper. Her eyes widened and as her fingers caressed the soft fabric of a white silk kimono. She pulled it against her self to examine its delicate features. It was pure white, decorated with soft pink cherry blossoms. At the bottom of the paper rested a pink, silk obi. Tears filled Sakura's eyes, threating to spill down her cheeks.

"Oh, Kakashi. It's so beautiful. But... it must have been very expensive." Her eyes never left the garment as she spoke.

"I got a good deal." He gave her a playful wink. "You should try it on."

In one swift move Sakura was off the bed and standing in front of the large golden mirror. Her previous notion of modesty gone, as the blanket slipped to the floor.

Quickly she pulled on the lush article. It was so soft, Sakura doubted if she had ever owned something so fine. She examined her reflection as she smoothed out the dress. Surprisingly, the full length kimono fit her perfectly. She wondered where Kakashi could have found the such a modest dress in a place like this. The only thing that seemed out of place was the brown, leather collar at her neck. The symbol of her servitude.

After running a brush through her hair she turned to face Kakashi. " How do I look?"

Kakashi grinned as he saw Sakura's face light up with excitement. "You look beautiful." Right on cue, Sakura's face turned to match her hair. " Now, lets get something to eat."

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The pair walked down the street arm in arm. After sharing a late breakfast, Kakashi had decided they should see how many new buyers had arrived. At first Sakura was concerned about being seen walking in such a friendly manner with her 'master', but the copy nin simply shrugged saying any man who had a slave as beautiful as her, would want to have them on his arm. And so the argument had been ended.

The streets were even busier than the day they arrived. Kakashi led the way back to the 'special merchandise' tent, that they had visited the night before. Inwardly, Sakura shuddered at the memory of the place. As they entered the tent they became surrounded with mummers and whispers.

The large man from the night before took the stage. " If everyone would just calm down. By now I'm sure you have all heard that last night Lord Hideo was attacked." The crowed continued to stir anxiously. " As of now we don't know who the culprit was. His condition is pretty touch and go at the moment. So we are asking that everyone limit their night time activities to only well lit areas."

Sakura looked at Kakashi and gave him a knowing smile.

The round man continued. "But don't worry. The auction will go on tomorrow as planned." He exited the stage, leaving the men to talk amongst themselves.

Once they were updated on the latest gossip, Kakashi and Sakura stood to leave. When they were almost to the exit, an unfamiliar man caught Sakura's attention.

He seemed out of place, amongst all the older men. He was young, maybe nineteen. His shoulder length brown hair was tied back in a low ponytail. His features were soft, and cute, with big brown eyes that completed his gentle look. Instead of sitting with the rest of the buyers he was pacing nervously in a dark corner.

Sakura looked up and saw that Kakashi had noticed the man too. As if he could feel their eyes on him, the young man slipped out the side of the tent. The pair continued out the main entrance.

They waited till they were back on the noisy street to discuss their find.

"So what do you make of the new guy?" Sakura was speaking in a low voice, to be sure they weren't overheard.

Kakashi answered in a equally low voice. "I'm not sure, but he's defiantly not a buyer. We'll need to keep an eye on him, he could become a complication."

To himself he added, There's something about him. I'm sure I've seen him before...but where?

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The evening was wearing on and the couple decided to get some food to go and eat back at the hotel. While they ate, they discussed their plan of action for tomorrow. The night was uneventful, allowing them a chance to relax and rest up. Tomorrow would begin the end of their mission.

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Ok I know, not a whole lot of substance in this chapter, but I promise it has a purpose. Just bare with me, and don't be too disappointed. I didn't want to start the next day till the next chapter. And I couldn't think of anything else to add to this chapter except maybe lemon, but that would have just been thrown in and not really relevant to the story.

Who is this new guy, and why would Kakashi recognize him? Review please :)