xxx

"Kakashi-senpai," Sakura greeted, a large white towel wrapped around her body. "I thought it would be nice to join you."

"How nice of you to join me," Kakashi joked, eyes on hers but really focused on her hands, peeling the towel from her body. He'd enjoyed the hot spring until now, most of all its deserted state. Konoha didn't have such nice springs. One of the advantages of missions away from home. "I didn't expect any company."

Sakura dipped a foot in the water, testing its warmth, as she finally dropped the towel to the ground. Kakashi was tempted to cough in his fist at the view of her choice of attire, but resisted. Sakura had always favored more modest apparel. The redness she couldn't keep away from her cheeks sparked a different reaction, though.

"Don't tell me you still shop in the kids' section, Sakura?" Kakashi teased, his eyebrow arched as he looked her up and down.

"What are you talking about, Kakashi-senpai?" Sakura mumbled, dropping down in the water quickly enough to send droplets of water to splash him.

"Nothing," Kakashi chuckled, reclining where he sat to rest his head on the rock behind him.

Sakura scoffed. "You're the worst."

Kakashi simply smiled through his mask, arms spread at his sides.

"Do you want a massage, Kakashi-senpai?"

Kakashi opened his eye, looking straight into hers before he answered dryly, "No."

Sakura avoided his gaze, lips pursed. Then, she treaded through the water to his side, slapping the water to splash his face. Kakashi recoiled, but he didn't say anything. "I was trying to be nice. No need to be such a jerk."

Kakashi knew he should have seen it coming, but he still found himself watching when the knot of her bikini came undone, the strings falling down her chest to float in the water. Sakura let out a weak shriek when she saw them, covering herself with her arms. Immediately, she pushed herself over to Kakashi's side and sat with her back to him.

"Could you tie that again for me?"

She knew that over her shoulder, he could see a nipple she had neglected to hide well enough in her fake modesty. At the very least, the color on her cheeks wasn't a lie.

Breathing in deeply, Kakashi placed his hands on her shoulders, far away from the strings. Too roughly, perhaps, he pulled and pushed until her back hit the wall and he was in front of her. He saw the spark in her eyes, the beginning of a smile she was too eager to conceal.

"Do you know what men can do, Sakura?" Kakashi said, his voice even as his eye bored into hers, one of his fists gripping her bikini between her breasts, making the straps dig into her ribs.

"W-what?" Sakura gasped, frozen where she sat, immobilized by his unexpected reaction.

"I said," Kakashi murmured, leaning in even closer. "Do you know what men can do?"

Her eyes searched his face, uncertain, before she nodded and said, "Yes."

"I'm not joking, Sakura," he growled, tugging on the flimsy fabric that no longer covered her chest.

"I'm not joking!" Sakura cried out. "I know, okay?"

Then, Kakashi realized that the pain in her eyes was real, more than a knee-jerk reaction to his aggression. The tension in his arm melted, leaving it to float in the water by her side.

"Who?" Kakashi growled, breath picking up.

"It doesn't matter, stop it," Sakura let out, pushing him away and heading for her towel.

He grabbed her arm before she could haul herself out of the pool. "When?"

"Why are you asking me all of this? It doesn't concern you," she growled, yanking her arm free to get out of the water.

"I made sure you never left on missions without me," Kakashi whispered, eye lowered as he searched his memory for any time it could have happened.

"Not everyone celebrates the end of the war in good ways," Sakura mumbled, quickly and clumsily wrapping her towel around her body before she walked towards their inn.

Kakashi chased after her, grabbing her shoulder again. "I'm sorry I let-"

Sakura cut him off before he could continue. "You didn't let anything happen. You were out cold in a bunk somewhere. Stop acting like everything is your fault!"

He still didn't let go. "I didn't mean to... to remind you," Kakashi let out, obviously uncomfortable and feeling guilty beyond words. "Or frighten you."

"You're the only one I'm never afraid around, Kakashi-senpai," Sakura whispered, finally looking up at him.

With a little hesitation, she stepped forward and hugged him, pressing her cheek against his hot skin. His hands remained at her shoulders, twitching with uncertainty.

Sakura raised a hand to his neck, feeling the wet fabric of his mask, before she tilted her head back to look at his face again. Kakashi watched her stand on the tips of her toes, still so short compared to him. Before she could press her lips to his, Kakashi cupped her cheeks, his fingers tightening around the back of her head to still her movements.

"Go back to the hotel, Sakura-chan."

Even as he told her to go away, he knew he was leaning forward, that closing his eyes in an attempt to center himself helped little. He knew when his clothed lips brushed against hers as he spoke, because he felt the warmth of hers through his mask. Then, he turned her away with a jerk of his wrists, and Sakura fled.

xxx

Chapter Seven: Nightmares

...

"Wake up, princess," Kunan said as he shook her shoulder. "We've got a visitor."

Sakura grumbled a variety of curses and rolled onto her stomach, pulling the covers above her head. "I'll play dead. Don't worry, they won't know I'm here."

"I have a feeling I'm the not only one he wants to see," Kunan chuckled.

Another knock came from the door. Sakura groaned and sat up, her senses coming back to her enough to feel Kakashi's chakra. She groaned as she crawled out of bed and searched the room for her clothes. Now that she wasn't quite drunk or passed out, she was surprised to find Kunan lived in an apartment much like Kakashi's. He had a sink, stove and fridge, though.

Kunan didn't wait for her to dress to go open the door.

"Hey - can't you wait a second?" Sakura growled, hopping in her pants. Where had her panties gone? And her bra? There was her shirt, at least.

"A little early, don't you think?" Kunan said, sidestepping to let Kakashi in.

"Apologies." Kakashi watched her; Sakura could see it over Kunan's shoulder as she slipped into her sweater. "Duty calls."

"We have another mission?" Sakura asked, walking to them now that she was more presentable. Her cheeks burned and were certainly a lovely shade of red, but that wasn't quite on the forefront of her mind.

Kakashi nodded, handing them both a scroll. "Details are inside. We'll leave at midnight, tonight."

Sakura tore open the scroll, eyes scanning it quickly. When she spotted the Tsuchikage's name, her breath caught in her throat. "Are… Are we really going to meet with the Tsuchikage?"

Kakashi frowned, not missing the way the blood drained from her face. "Is that a problem, Sakura?"

Sakura paused, then rolled the scroll back up. "No."

Kunan was staring at her, too, trying his best to guess what was wrong with her. Kakashi nodded and headed for the door. "I'll see you tonight then."

"Ah, senpai!" Sakura called, jogging after him. "Wait!"

Kakashi didn't slow down, letting her catch up to him a small distance down the hallway of Kunan's apartment building.

"Kakashi-senpai," Sakura said, reaching for his sleeve. "I - "

"You don't need to say anything," Kakashi said as he turned to face her. "It's like you said; you're not a child anymore. I know."

"That's not…" Sakura whispered, avoiding his gaze. "I'll see you tonight."

"Later," Kakashi said, resuming his walk.

Sakura sighed, rooted to the spot a little longer before common sense reminded her to go back inside with Kunan.

"You don't want to go Iwa," Kunan needlessly pointed out, sidestepping the awkwardness between them. "Why is that?"

He was offended that she'd run after Kakashi, Sakura knew. "It's nothing. Don't mind it."

Kunan nodded, knowing better than to probe into sensitive memories. While Sakura searched for her underwear, he prepared tea.

"Why does one shove panties under a mattress?" Sakura thought out loud, frowning at herself. Her bra hung from the windowsill. "How stupid is that?"

"I think you did that in your sleep." Kunan chuckled, handing her a scalding mug of tea. "You were moving around a lot, you might have sleepwalked."

Sakura sighed and shoved the offensive underwear into her pockets. Today was going to be a long day.

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

Reaching the mountains of Iwa had taken them a whole two days of travel. Hiruto wasn't quite the fastest prisoner to drag around. The sun was up now, and Sakura was glad to have her ANBU mask covering her face. Hiruto recognized her regardless, of course, from the color of her hair, but he hadn't said anything. Shame was drawn all over him, from the way his head hung low to his limp limbs.

With the mask on, Sakura didn't have to worry so much about hiding the hammering of her heart or the sweat that coated her forehead. Perhaps, with the mask, if she covered her hair, he wouldn't recognize her and -

"Sakura."

Sakura jumped, head whipping towards Kakashi.

"I need to have a word with you," he ordered more than asked, motioning for her to follow him.

Sakura swallowed. Shokubai and Kunan's eyes were on her as they distanced themselves from the rest of the group. Sakura wished they could mind their own business for once

"You don't want to go to Iwa," Kakashi said bluntly, removing her mask before she could stop him.

Sakura reached for her but he raised it above his head. "Give it back!"

"You don't want to see Hisao," Kakashi precised, letting her grab the mask.

"Why would I be so against seeing Tsuchikage-sama, he's - "

"Cut the bullshit, Sakura," Kakashi warned, his voice raising dangerously in volume. Sakura's lips thinned in a small line. "I can see it, it's all over your face. Learn to lie better. The mask won't do it for you."

Sakura shut her eyes tight as she placed the mask back on her face.

"This is why you never told me," Kakashi added, the same anger in his tone. "You thought it would - "

"Kakashi-senpai," Sakura pleaded, clutching at her hands. "Don't do this. You can't force this out of me - it's mine!"

The tension in Kakashi's shoulders lessened and he returned to his usual slouch. Sakura stared at her feet. It was her secret, and hers alone.

"Did Tsunade know?"

Sakura shook her head. "No one does."

Kakashi looked to the side, his chest expanding as he breathed in deeply. Sakura fidgeted with her thumbs, worried how he might react when they met with Hisao. Kakashi wasn't known to let emotions meddle with missions, but she was afraid this was a problem he couldn't ignore.

"Sakura," he finally said, removing his mask, his sharingan exposed and spinning. "Look at me."

"What is it?" Sakura muttered, looking up at Kakashi's mismatched eyes.

"I can make you forget, if you let me." They both knew he didn't need her permission. He could erase the memory from her brain and she would never know the difference. "Look at me."

At me - Kakashi truly considered the sharingan an integral piece of himself. Sakura had always thought of it as a parasite, rather.

The sound of metal colliding against metal surprised them both. They turned to see Kunan had successfully blocked a shuriken from killing their captive.

"Shit," Kakashi cursed.

Sakura and Kakashi sprung to regroup, but a wall of earth blocked their path. Punching through it wasn't an option; the enemy was already attacking again. They both recognized the seals as a high-level lightning jutsu. Kakashi ushered Sakura behind him, repeating the same signs. When both jutsu clashed, Sakura cowered and covered her ears, gritting her teeth. Such a large concentration of lightning too close always made Sakura hair rising on her skin, the jolts that whipped her skin - worst of all, the sound. The screech.

As soon as it dissipated, Sakura took down the wall.

"Retreat!" an enemy called, and they were all running away already.

Kakashi ran past her back to the group and Sakura followed. Hiruto's mangled corpse lay between Kunan and Shokubai, burned and disfigured beyond recognition. Kakashi cursed again.

"Follow them!" he barked. "Capture any of them!"

They sprinted after the enemy, but they already had a head start. They chased them in silence, too far for any kind of confrontation, for more hours than Sakura cared to count. The sun was already close to reaching its zenith.

"They're going towards Ame," Kunan said, frowning. "We're almost there."

"Kakashi-senpai?" Sakura called. They all knew what their plan was - use the civilians to their advantage.

Kakashi didn't speak.

He knew that, if he asked her to, she could run faster than all of them for a short period of time, using her chakra to propel herself. It would leave her entirely open to the enemy's attacks, though. Sakura had already counted twelve of them back near the mountains.

"The plan stays the same," he finally said. "We chase them until we can't."

Even if they managed to catch one, they most likely all carried explosives. They wouldn't let themselves be caught.

When they reached Ame, the enemy took the rooftops, slowing to a stop in the center of the city. Kakashi signaled his squad to stop and wait for his command. Too long for Sakura's liking, Kakashi and the leader of the other side only glared each other down. Finally, the enemy gave the signal to resume their race, though not without striking down a few buildings on their way.

"Captain?" Shokubai called, unsure.

"Let them," Kakashi said, removing his mask. "There would be too many casualties."

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

Sakura sighed as they walked up the stairs of the same inn they'd stayed in the last time they were in Ame. They walked to the end of the hallway, to the same two rooms. Sakura couldn't wait to crash into bed and forget the day as a whole. Her arms were killing her again and it would still be a few minutes before the painkillers kicked it. A few minutes too many.

Kunan hesitated when he unlocked the door to his room, throwing a glance over his shoulder towards Sakura.

"Sakura."

Sakura turned her head towards Kakashi, blinking. "Yes?"

Kakashi simply motioned for her to follow him, disappearing inside. Kunan watched her, perhaps hoping she wouldn't obey. Sakura avoided looking at him, slipping in Kakashi's room before she closed the door behind her.

Kakashi was waiting for her, facing her, his porcelain mask long removed. "Come here."

Sakura diligently obeyed, stopping shy of his reach. Kakashi stepped closer, sliding one hand up her cheek and into her hair. Sakura didn't look at him; she didn't want to see the sharingan.

"I meant what I said at the border," Kakashi said, cutting straight to the heart of the subject. Sakura wished he'd simply forgotten about it. "It's likely we'll still have to meet with him. Look at me, Sakura."

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Sakura obeyed. She looked straight in the spinning red orb that was the monstrosity of the sharingan. Sakura understood the significance of it to Kakashi; it was Obito's gift. But the sharingan was merely the physical form of hatred and pain.

"Don't move," he whispered. "It'll be over quickly."

Sakura frowned and pulled Kakashi's forehead protector down over his eye. "No."

"You won't know the difference, Sakura," Kakashi said, hand already on his headband, waiting for her to accept.

"Do you want to forget everything that hurts, senpai?" Sakura whispered, stubbornly holding his protector down. "Is that what you would do, if you had the choice?"

Kakashi paused. Reluctantly, he lowered his hand.

"You're better than that, Kakashi-senpai," Sakura whispered, offering him a forced smile. "And so am I."

Kakashi pulled down his mask and leaned down to kiss her, hips lips moving too hard against hers when she responded. Not giving her a chance to catch her breath, he led her to the bed, lowering her onto it. Barely a second later, his lips were on hers again. Their kiss was broken again when Sakura pulled his shirt up to remove it, taking a second to run a hand up his chest before he did the same for her shirt.

Her pants and underwear didn't take long to join the rest of the clothes on the floor. Kakashi kissed his way down her neck, moving down to tease one of her nipples.

"Kakashi..." Sakura whispered, tugging at his pants.

Obediently, he pulled them down before settling between her thighs. Sakura whimpered weakly, locking her legs around his hips. It stung a little when he thrust into her, but she moaned nonetheless and tightened the grip of her legs, loving the warmth that traveled from her crotch to her breasts.

Sakura tugged at his arms until he lay over her, pressed to her. She wrapped her own arms around him, clinging to him as she breathed heavily into the crook of his neck. Immediately, he imitated her, giving her neck a kiss every now and then.

Kakashi's pace was faster than the last time, harsher. Sakura whimpered in his arms, reveling in the feel of his skin against hers. He was warm. His chest was hard and pressed down on her breasts almost painfully every time he sank back into her, making her whimper quietly under him. While his stubble scratched her shoulder, his hair tickled her cheek, creating an interesting contrast of sensation for Sakura.

His hand trailed down her stomach to her sex so he could stimulate her clit, but she pulled his hand away.

"No, just keep going," Sakura breathed in his ear.

Kakashi grunted in response and his hands moved to grip her hips, thrusting into her faster and a little harder. A moan escaped his lips as his pace changed, his pleasure seemingly escalating. The sound made Sakura's body tingle and she curled up against him, whimpering again.

"Kakashi," she whispered, tangling her fingers in his hair.

"Let me -" Before he could finish his sentence, he grunted and stiffened against her, breathing ragged. Kakashi stopped moving for a few seconds. "I can do something different if..."

"This is perfect," she breathed out, grinding her hips into his and making him moan again. "Please, don't stop."

He complied, resuming the movement of his hips. Sakura gasped, feeling her legs quivering against him. Kakashi groaned, gripping her hips again as his pace became erratic.

"Kakashi," she moaned into his ear.

Sakura could feel that he was on the verge. Butterflies filled her stomach and she closed her eyes, focusing entirely on him. He was panting against her neck, grunting with every thrust. His chest rubbed against hers smoothly thanks to the thin layer of sweat that now coated their bodies and every time he sank in her, her hips moved to meet his.

Even with her eyes closed, Sakura could feel the world spinning around her. There was nothing to see in the darkness. Only him to feel, his moans to hear, his warmth to comfort her.

"Sakura," he grunted as he gave one final thrust, spilling his seed in her.

Kakashi lied down at her side, pulling her into his embrace. Sleep wasn't hard to find now that she was relaxed.

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

Sakura woke with a start when Kakashi shook her. Instinctively, she tried to shove him away from her.

"Sakura," Kakashi called, holding her tight. "Sakura, it's okay. You were having a nightmare."

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Sakura tried to calm her breathing, her mind still reeling.

"Are you alright?"

Sakura nodded, wiping at the sweat on her forehead. "Yeah, sorry."

Kakashi got out of bed and went in the bathroom. Sakura heard the water running and took a moment to center herself before Kakashi came out with a wet hand towel.

"Here."

Sakura took it, pressing the cold cloth to her neck. "Thanks."

"Which one was it?" He sat by her, massaging her shoulder.

Sakura pressed the cloth to the chest, easing the beating of her heart. "The war."

Kakashi didn't say anything, his fingers still rubbing her shoulder.

"Kakashi-senpai, can you…"

Sakura didn't need to finish her sentence for Kakashi to move behind her, pulling her body between his legs so she could lay against his chest. Sakura pressed her cheek to the material of his shirt, forcing her breaths to even out. That was the way he'd held her, that night, when Pein destroyed the village and she felt like a part of her world ended.

"Go back to sleep, Sakura," Kakashi said into her hair. "It's all over. It's fine, now."

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

"Go tell Hokage-sama that Squad Mutt is back," Kakashi ordered to one of Tsunade's assistants, a small woman who looked like she never handled more than paperwork. "It's urgent."

"Squad Mutt?" Sakura said indignantly, frowning. "That's our name?"

"Hokage-sama has a thing with mocking Hatake," Kunan provided, chuckling.

Sakura huffed. That much was true. Kakashi didn't react, simply leading them into Tsunade's office when the assistant came back.

"Back so soon?" Tsunade said, standing from her desk and coming closer to greet them. "What happened?"

"Our captive was killed and disfigured beyond recognition," Kakashi explained. "I gave order to chase the enemy; they outnumbered us three to one. We chased them into Ame, where I ended the chase. Civilians casualties were too likely for the low likeliness of capturing another enemy alive."

"Goddamnit!" Tsunade grit her teeth, crossing her arms over her chest. "How did they track you down?"

"The captive claimed he was from Iwa," Kakashi said, shoving his hands in his pockets. "We were attacked when we reached the mountains; they were only so many paths we could take."

Tsunade growled, slamming her fist on her desk. "They have nothing to do with Iwa! It was their scapegoat."

Kakashi nodded. "I came to the same conclusion."

Tsunade ran a hand down her face, leaning the back of her thighs on her desk. "Good work. You're dismissed."

As they walked outside, Sakura looked up at Kakashi through worried eyes. "Kakashi-sensei?"

"Yes, Sakura?"

"This narrows down the options?" Sakura whispered, the name on the tip of all their tongues. "Doesn't it?"

"Yes, it does."

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

"Sakura."

Sakura looked up from her book, smiling. "You're on time."

"I see you've spent too much time with our captain," Kunan joked as he sat beside her. "You forget not everyone is chronically late."

"True," Sakura chuckled.

Around them, the other patrons were loud, either drunk or caring too little about the ruckus they made. Sakura didn't mind it. It was the very reason reason for bars to exist, after all.

"I see you didn't wait for me either," Kunan said, looking down on the table at her glass of umeshu.

"Habit," Sakura said, sticking the tip of her tongue out. "It makes waiting easier."

"Talking about the devil." Kunan smirked, pointing at the entrance. Kakashi was walking in. "Hatake!"

Kakashi turned to look at them, waving to them before he walked over to them, treading through the crowd.

"Sakura," Kakashi greeted, smiling under his mask. "I didn't expect to see you two here. Are you dating now?"

Sakura couldn't help but throw Kunan an uncertain look. He ignored it, smirking as he stood up. "I'll go order something. Don't try to flee, Hatake."

Sakura frowned. Kunan had asked her to come drink with him, just the two of them. What was the point of asking Kakashi to stay with them?

Kakashi sat down at her side, leaning back in his chair. "You're too old for me to play chaperone," he deadpanned.

"Then what are you doing here?" Sakura snapped, kicking his shin under the table. Kakashi winced and pulled his leg away. "There's bars everywhere!"

"Ow, Sakura!" Kakashi's eyes narrowed and he glared at her. "Pure coincidence. I swear."

"Lies," Sakura growled, meeting his glare with her own. "All that comes out of your filthy mouth is lies."

"You two always get along famously, don't you?" Kunan chuckled as he came back with a full bottle of sake and set of cups.

He frowned when he noticed Kakashi had stolen his spot, but didn't say a word, taking the seat across from Sakura instead.

"Famously," Sakura snorted. "You have no idea."

"I've heard a thing or two about you," Kunan said, smirking as he served the sake. Sakura could only dread what would come out of his mouth next. "Rumor is one of your favorite games is to see who outdrinks who."

"That's a dangerous game," Kakashi warned, crossing his arms as he leaned forward. "Are you sure you want to try your hand at this?"

"Absolutely." Kunan nodded, handing Sakura her cup. "Drink."

"What?" Sakura frowned, leaning her elbows on the table. "No way. This isn't what I signed up for."

"Doesn't matter," Kakashi said, pushing the cup closer to her. "Semantics."

Sakura glared them down a second longer before she grabbed the cup and swallowed its contents. "You'll regret this, both of you. I swear."

"That's the spirit," Kunan laughed.

He emptied his own cup and Kakashi followed suit.

It was many a rounds later before Sakura noticed how badly her head swam. Kunan and Kakashi had meant business and didn't disappoint. They did have the advantage of weighing nearly twice as much as she did.

"Hatake," Kunan said, his hand unstable as he poured them yet another cup. "Sakura sure has grown into a beautiful woman, hasn't she?"

"This is a trick question," Kakashi complained, frowning. The alcohol had started getting to them quite a while ago, too. "If I say no, I won't survive."

Sakura rolled her eyes. Sake deserved her attention more than this clown.

"Look at her," Kunan insisted. His dark eyes were on her, examining every little detail of her he could take in. "Sakura, you're one of the most beautiful women I've seen. Even drunk."

"Aren't you charming," Sakura scoffed, serving the next round.

Kakashi took the bottle from her when she spilled some of it, steadying her with his other arm. "You are beautiful, Sakura."

"That wasn't so hard," Kunan said, laughing. "Is there anything else you should tell her?"

"Yes," Kakashi answered, solemn. Sakura frowned, the cup of sake tilted against her lips. "Sakura. You're drunk."

"So are you!" Sakura defended, exasperated. She turned to Kunan. "And you too!"

"Perhaps it's time to head home, then." Kunan stood, using the table to stabilize himself as he was a little wobbly. "I'll walk you home, Sakura."

"Oh, it's fine." Sakura shook her head. "I don't live that far."

"I will," Kakashi said, helping her up. He was much more steady on his feet than either of them. Sakura threw him a nasty look; she hadn't counted his drinks, but now she was certain he had avoided some rounds. "We're practically neighbors."

"Sakura?" Kunan said, waiting for her confirmation.

"Yeah, that's fine," Sakura said, voice detached. Her bed seemed irresistible right about now. "Let's go. I wanna sleep."

When they were finally outside, the cold air was all too welcomed by Sakura. Its bite sobered her up a little and reminded her how to walk straight, even though she still leaned heavily on Kakashi. Kunan bid them a nice night and was on his way before Sakura could return the favor. Kakashi led her away.

His arm was around her waist, but she had no qualms with it.

While they walked, Sakura noticed how empty the streets were. It was late and the moon was high, but there was still a strange feel to it. Like they were the only ones alive left in Konoha. Or like everybody had moved away suddenly and abandoned the village.

Snow had fallen and the covered the ground and houses with a fresh coat of white. It was a pretty view.

"I love you so much, Kakashi-senpai," Sakura let out as she wrapped her arms around his chest, stilling their steps.

"I know, I know," Kakashi replied, ruffling her hair before he restarted walking. "I love you too."

"I mean it," Sakura muttered as she struggled to follow his pace. "I love you."

"You always tell me that when you're drunk, Sakura-chan," Kakashi said, sounding like he was scolding her.

"So? Is that so bad?" Sakura mumbled, pouting as she stared at the ground.

"People are going to get the wrong idea," he said blankly, urging her to walk faster.

Frowning, Sakura made him stop and faced him, pressing her body against his in an intimate hug. "I don't care what people say. Kiss me."

"Sakura, let's just get home already," Kakashi sighed, trying to free himself from her arms but she held on tight.

"No," Sakura said stubbornly. "Kiss me."

She could see he hesitated, even glanced around first, but he complied. Sakura sighed against his masked lips, holding him tighter. For a second, he broke the kiss, only to pull his mask down before he pressed his lips against hers again.

"I love you, I really do," Sakura breathed out between a few more kisses.

"I know," Kakashi repeated, giving her one last kiss before he replaced his mask and forced her to walk with him. "You love me, Tsunade and Shizune every time we drink."

"You're so mean," Sakura sniffed, wiping away a tear that had just fallen from her eye. He was breaking her heart and didn't even pay attention. "I'm trying to be serious."

"You can't be serious when you're drunk, Sakura-chan," Kakashi scolded as they arrived to his apartment. "Just listen to how badly you slur."

"Then I'll tell you again when I wake up tomorrow," Sakura said, trying to sound serious but slurring even more than he had mentioned it.

When he had opened the door, Sakura was quick to drop on his bed.

"You didn't take me home," she said, looking around in slight confusion.

"My place was closer. You were walking too slow," Kakashi explained as he helped her out of her clothes.

"It's okay. I like being here more," she replied, smiling as she lied down again. "I like sleeping in your bed with you."

Kakashi wasn't long to join her, not saying a word when she snuggled up to him, though he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and held her to him. "Stop talking now, we have to sleep."

"Okay," Sakura said, already starting to doze off.

...xxx...xxx...xxx…