xxx

"You missed the party."

Kakashi wasn't surprised when Sakura showed up at his window, much like the way he used to do to her all the time at all kinds of inopportune moments. "You knew I would."

Sakura sat on the windowsill, lips stretched in a smile that wasn't all too convincing. "I thought you might show up for my engagement party, at least. You did for my promotion."

"You know what I was going to say."

No, actually, she didn't.

"Then tell it to me now."

Kakashi sat up in his bed, leaning his elbows on his thighs. With the blanket no longer covering his body, he saw the way Sakura's eyes lowered, to the band of his boxers and then back up to his face. There was nothing she hadn't seen before.

"Congratulations."

Sakura smiled the same smile again. "That's all?"

Kakashi shrugged and Sakura stepped into his bedroom, standing just a few feet from his bed.

"No 'Oh, you look so happy together!' or 'Him? I can't believe it!'" Sakura imitated the expressions of whomever had told her that, chuckling at the end. "Not even an excuse about why you couldn't come?"

"Do you want one?"

Sakura sat in front of him, the bed creaking under her weight. "Of course I do."

Kakashi smiled and pressed a palm to his heart, his other hand open in the air above his head "I was heartbroken," he said mockingly.

Sakura's eyes were on him, calculating and expecting. He wondered why she sat on his bed.

"I lost my sense of direction, and by the time I got there… You weren't there."

Sakura chuckled. "You should try being on time, someday."

"Why? You're always there, waiting for me."

Sakura smiled to him, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess I am."

"You should go home, Sakura-chan," Kakashi said, lying down. "It's late."

"Okay."

xxx

Chapter Eleven: Tell the Lies we Tell

...

Just as it had been night when they'd left, it was night when they returned. Though they all wished for a good night's sleep, they lost no time in heading straight for Tsunade's home. There were greeted with surprise by the maid, but she diligently fetched Tsunade for them as they waited in the entrance hall of the Hokage's residency. Distantly, Sakura remembered how Tsunade had pretended to hate having to move into it when she'd become Hokage.

"You're home," Tsunade said as she stepped in the hall, her shoulders sagging with relief. "All of you."

"We didn't complete the objective," Kakashi said quickly, stepping forward. "The Kazekage is alive."

Tsunade paused, eyeing Shikamaru. "I see."

"Shikamaru divulged our position and we were taken captive," Kakashi continued, his spine stiff. "I attempted to complete the objective, but Sakura prevented me from doing so."

"What does this mean?" Tsunade frowned, searching for Sakura behind Kakashi.

Kakashi began to answer, but Sakura tugged at his sleeve and stood at his side. "I can explain myself."

"Then do so," Tsunade said. Though she sounded angry - when didn't she? - her eyes softened, giving away her relief to see Sakura again. "Immediately."

"I knowingly disobeyed your orders," Sakura began, gathering her courage, "because they were wrong."

"Wrong?" Tsunade let out, in disbelief. "Since when do you question - "

"I'm sorry, Shishou," Sakura said quickly, bowing. "I followed Shikamaru's advice instead of yours. Shikamaru is a better strategist than any of us. He weighed the advantages and drawbacks we overlooked. I prevented Kakashi from killing Kazekage-sama because it was the wrong path for Konoha to take." Sakura stood upright again, meeting Tsunade's questioning eyes. "You were hasty in ordering the Kazekage's assassination. You were blindsided by our loss of the troops in Ame and refused to see what caused Suna to act so." Sakura swallowed, feeling herself shrinking under Tsunade's increasingly heavier glare. "The Fourth War was fought to ally the shinobi nations. We are disgracing the memories of our fallen comrades by not providing the help Suna needs. Worse than it all, we are acting on greed and fear. I will not stand for it. Not after their sacrifices. I will not repeat the mistakes we have made over and over already."

Tsunade didn't move for a moment, eyes still glued to Sakura and narrowed in anger. Then, she sighed and shook her head, running a hand through her hair.

"It's too late to talk about this," she said. "Report here tomorrow at noon sharp."

"Yes, Shishou," Sakura said quickly, bowing.

"Be on your best behavior," Tsunade warned as she spun on her heels to face away from them. "The Tsuchikage will be visiting. You and Kakashi will act as my guards."

Sakura's stomach sank, but she nodded. "Yes, Shishou."

Sakura closed the door behind them once they were all out. The hours of travel finally came crashing down on Sakura's limbs, threatening to make her legs buckle under their weight. They hadn't slept or eaten properly in days.

"I'll head to my family's estate," Shikamaru cut in. "Unless you plan to bring me to a cell?"

"Go home," Kakashi said, shaking his head. "If Tsunade wanted you dead, it would be done already."

"Without a doubt," Shikamaru chuckled, walking away already. "Sleep well."

Shokubai went his own way without saying a word. Sakura couldn't tell if he was simply too weary for pleasantries or if he wished them all to be gone from his sight already. Kakashi followed soon enough, though he was polite enough to turn and raise his hand and wish them a good night.

Now alone, Sakura turned to Kunan. He took her hand in his, leading her away before she could protest.

"Kunan," Sakura complained when she noticed they weren't headed for his place or hers. "I really need to sleep."

"I know," he said, not relenting his hold on her hand. "It'll be just a minute."

Sakura smiled when the Hokage's tower came into view. She had forgotten, but he had not. Carefully, he pushed her against the wall, placing his palms on each side of her head as he had before they let.

"I didn't want to wait," Kunan said. Gently, he pressed his forehead to hers, his eyes weighed down by the same exhaustion that claimed her body. "I promised."

"Then what are you waiting for?" Sakura teased, smirking.

Kunan took the bait. He kissed her, impatience and relief clear in the way he moved against her. Sakura threw her arms around his neck, sighing against his lips. When his kisses grew hungrier, Sakura tried to pull away, but Kunan would have none of it. One of his hands slipped under the band of her pants, the other pinning her wrists above her head.

"Kunan," Sakura scolded when he rubbed circles around her clit. Tired as she was, he still managed to coax a small reaction out of her. "We need to go to bed."

"No need for a bed," Kunan chuckled. His mouth moved down her neck, kissing where he knew her to be most sensitive. "Here will do."

Shock sobered Sakura back into alertness and she struggled against his hold. "We're in the middle of the street!"

"Not quite," Kunan corrected, hooking his fingers under the band of her pants and underwear. "That would be a few meters behind me."

"You know what I mean!" Sakura growled, squeezing her thighs together when he tried to undress her. "What are you - cut that out!"

"No," Kunan breathed against her lips before he stole another kiss.

Sakura growled into his mouth, but kissed him regardless. Then, he kneeled before her, pulling hard enough on her pants and underwear to lower them even with her thighs locked together. Sakura gasped when the cold air touched her skin.

"Kunan!" Sakura grabbed fistfuls of his hair when he pressed his face to her thighs. He gripped her thighs with both hands and pried them apart. Sakura was running on empty already, too weak to fight him. "Someone will see."

"Give them something good to see, then," Kunan rasped from between her legs.

She could just see his smug face, even though it was hidden from her view. Sakura scoffed, planting her palms on the concrete behind her when Kunan's tongue slid between her nether lips. Admitting defeat, Sakura let her head roll back against the wall behind her, groaning when he licked at her clit.

Sakura did her best to contain her breathing and voice as Kunan continued his ministrations, though she couldn't help but buck her hips against him. Kunan only took it as a sign of encouragement and gripped one of her hips to steady her.

"Oh god," Sakura gasped when she felt her insides begin to clench. "Don't stop."

"I thought you didn't want me to do this?" Kunan teased, smirking. Sakura growled and pushed his head back between her thighs. "Fine, fine."

Before Sakura could climax, he pulled away. Sakura cursed at him and grabbed handfuls of his hair, pushing him back where he needed to be. Kunan let out a curse of his own when she pulled too hard and managed to free himself. Sakura might have screamed at him, if she didn't see how he was undoing his pants and pulling his shaft out of them.

Sakura didn't hesitate to hook her thighs around his hips, all too glad for the help he offered, and wrapped her arms around his neck for more support. Holding her up against him, Kunan stepped forward until her back was pressed flush against the wall, alleviating some of the weight on his hips. Then, he thrusted into her, wasting no time on gentleness or patience.

Sakura groaned, tightening her hold on his neck and hips. Kunan moaned, his fingernails digging into the skin of her thighs. Once the first wave of pleasure washed away and he regained his bearings, he thrust into her again, settling in a hard rhythm. Sakura's hips protested whenever they hit the concrete behind her, but she paid it no mind. The ache between her thighs deserved her attention far, far more.

"Look at me," Kunan rasped. "I want to see you come."

"Then make me come already," Sakura groaned, arching her into him. She locked her eyes with his, struggling to keep them open with each new jolt of electricity that coursed through her body. "Stop messing around and fuck me."

Kunan exhaled sharply against her shoulder and she could feel him twitch inside of her. This kind of talk always had a nice effect on him, Sakura had found out, and she didn't hesitate to use it when she was getting impatient.

"Is this hard enough for you?" Kunan growled when she slammed his hips into hers. Sakura groaned, bucking her hips against his. "Is this how you want me to fuck you, Sakura?"

Sakura bit her lip, loving the goosebumps that raised on her skin. "Yes," she breathed out, feeling her insides beginning to clench again.

"Then come for me, Sakura, hard," he growled, pressing her forehead to hers as he stared straight into her eyes. "Don't close your eyes, look at me."

Sakura gasped as she came, her breath stuck in her throat through the first few blissful contractions. She did her best to obey Kunan, loving the way his own eyes struggled to remain open as he came in her, bucking his hips against her sporadically.

They panted into each other's shoulders as the pleasure passed. Kunan lowered them to the ground slowly, his legs trembling under their weight.

"Can we sleep here?" Sakura groaned, draping an arm over his chest when Kunan laid them down on the pavement. "I don't want to walk."

"I don't think Hokage-sama will appreciate it," Kunan chuckled, throwing an arm over his eyes. "I doubt she wants to greet the Tsuchikage with a half naked couple sleeping by her office."

Sakura laughed against his shoulder, but she didn't budge and neither did he. They remained there for a little while, too tired and drained to care about how uncomfortable the pavement was or who might walk by. They'd care about it later, when their limbs were able to carry them home.

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

The next day, Sakura wished for nothing more than to return to bed. No amount of sleep could prepare her for the day. Regardless, Sakura had dragged herself to Tsunade's office at the appointed time, wearing a fresh face and her full jonin attire. She'd had to race by the hospital and headquarters to resupply on the equipment she'd left behind in Suna, but she was on time regardless. Kakashi was too, for once.

"Tsunade!" the Tsuchikage exclaimed as he approached Tsunade, extending his hand for her to shake. "It's such a pleasure to see you again!"

"The same to you, Hisao," Tsunade returned, crushing his hand between her fingers. "We need to meet more often, you and I."

Hisao's eye twitched as he smirked. "I see you still have your iron grip."

"Of course," Tsunade laughed, freeing his hand. "Come, let's talk in my office."

Sakura looked straight ahead as she followed them, not missing the way Hisao's eyes looked her way before he walked. Kakashi said nothing next to her. His face was covered by usual mask, hiding away any tension in his face.

"Haruno Sakura, isn't it?" Hisao said, nodding towards Sakura. "Your apprentice."

"Yes, that's her." Tsunade nodded. "You recognize her a decade later?"

"It's hard to forget that hair," Hisao chuckled.

Tsunade laughed and nodded. Sakura grit her teeth. She still remembered the way he had pulled on it and - Sakura swallowed, focusing on her breathing. Kakashi's fingers touched her elbow, just barely, letting her know he was there.

"So what is this urgent proposal that could only be discussed in private, hm?" Hisao took his seat across from Tsunade's desk, reclining in it. "I assume you didn't make me travel all the way here for nothing."

"Right to the heart of the subject, huh?" Tsunade chuckled. "Indeed, I think I have a proposal you will appreciate."

Sakura stared out the window at the monument. Not much of it was visible at her angle.

"I want to offer you fifteen percent of Ame's revenues for the next five years," Tsunade started. "Under a certain set of conditions, of course."

Hisao shifted in his seat, more serious. "It seems the birds don't lie."

"I don't see what you're talking about," Tsunade said, clasping her hands together on her desk.

Hisao chuckled and nodded. "What are these conditions, then?"

"A contract between Iwa and Konoha." Tsunade's brows bunched together, her face hardened into her poker expression. "An alliance, if you will."

"What compensation do you expect?" Hisao asked, his own features schooled into a more serious face. "You expect something from us, so tell me."

"Should any - " Tsunade cleared her throat. "- situation require a large amount of manpower, I expect Iwa to supply what it can spare. And, of course, this generosity should only be extended to Konoha."

"Indeed, the birds don't lie." Hisao leaned back in his chair, frowning. "I see."

Tsunade remained silent. Sakura frowned and look at Kakashi from the corner of her eye. It seemed rumors of the conflict had spread, for Hisao to be aware of the situation all the way into the mountains.

"Twenty five percent," Hisao countered. "For ten years."

"That's ridiculous." Tsunade scoffed. "Twenty, for five."

"Don't be greedy, Tsunade," Hisao said, voice a little too saccharine to Sakura's ears. "You're asking for a lot in return."

"Twenty," Tsunade countered, frowning. "For ten years."

"Prepare the paperwork, then," Hisao answered, smirking as he crossed his arms over his chest. "We have a deal. We can work out the smaller details as we work over the contract."

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

By the time the said contract was written, signed and stamped with both the Hokage and Tsuchikage's personal seals, the sun was already setting. Sakura could practically feel herself falling asleep on her feet. Kakashi's occasional elbow nudge was all that kept her awake.

"Before I take my leave for the night." Hisao covered a yawn with his fist. "May I have a word with your apprentice?"

Tsunade cocked an eyebrow, automatically defensive. "What could you want with her?"

"A woman of her caliber and age, still unmarried," Hisao said, smirking behind his fist. "And you wonder what I might want?"

Tsunade chuckled and waved her hand dismissively. "You may. I won't be responsible for any damage to your person, though."

Hisao laughed and stood, walking to the door before he opened it. He motioned for Sakura to go through first and she obeyed, ignoring the way Kakashi stiffened as she passed him by. In the hallway, Sakura led Hisao to another room where she knew they wouldn't be bothered. She walked with her arms locked behind her back, refusing to look back at Hisao.

"That's not quite the kind of room I expected to have a chat in." Hisao chuckled, glancing at the stacks of papers piled everywhere. Tsunade had certainly slacked on the organizing lately. "But if you fancy it."

"If you may get to the point right away," Sakura said, her voice bland and even. "I have other duties to attend to."

"Of course, of course." Hisao leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his bulky chest. A decade ago, he hadn't been quite so big. He'd only been twenty-five, then, if she recalled correctly. "You never reported it, did you?"

Sakura shook her head, staring listlessly at the wall behind Hisao.

"I never understood. I've been wondering all these years," Hisao said, frowning. "You were strong enough to stop me. You didn't. You didn't report it, either."

"What of it?" Sakura said, struggling to keep the venom from her voice.

"Why not?"

"For peace," Sakura answered, gripping her palms behind her back. Already then, Hisao had been chosen to replace the previous Tsuchikage once the time came. He had been high profile and such a report wouldn't have been swept under the rug easily. "It was an easy choice."

Hisao stepped closer to her. Sakura clenched the muscles in her thighs, but refused to move. He stopped when he was only a foot away from her and ran the fingers of one hand over her cheek and into her hair.

"What tells me you won't decide to open your mouth now?" His hand fisted in her hair, pulling too hard for comfort.

"The same reason," Sakura ground out, wincing when he tightened his hold. "It's not worth it."

"What a perfect kunoichi you are." Hisao chuckled, relenting his hold on hair. "Hatake raised you well."

Sakura didn't rise to the bait, instead only nodded. "He did."

"Then we have nothing left to discuss," Hisao said, gesturing towards the door. "Let us all head home already."

...xxx...xxx...xxx…

"Sakura."

Sakura sighed. Truly, she was exhausted. She didn't need another conversation, more excuses, more arguing. Kakashi caught up to her quickly and stood in front of her, blocking her path.

"What is it, Kakashi?" Sakura said, lacking the energy to give any bite to her voice. "I want to go home."

"It was him, wasn't it?" he asked, hands hidden in his pocket like they tended to be.

"You already knew that." Sakura scoffed. "Do you have any other questions for me or can I go?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Sakura's brows knitted together, frustration weighing down her features. She looked up at Kakashi, wishing no less than to hate the anger and concern that swirled together in his eyes, the tightness in his muscles that demanded nothing more than to lash out the same way hers did.

"It wasn't worth telling," Sakura answered truthfully. "You taught me to value the greater good above my own. I did as you would have."

Kakashi's shoulders dropped and he looked away. "Do you want a drink?"

Sakura arched an eyebrow, unsure whether she'd heard him right or her mind had spoken over him. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," Kakashi said, nodding behind him, towards his apartment. "I have a bottle with your name on it."

"When did you get it?" Sakura's feet carried her without thought; the path to Kakashi's apartment was one they knew well. Kakashi followed, his hands in his pockets. "You haven't had any free time since we came back."

"I had a clone go buy it this afternoon."

Sakura smirked to herself and shook her head. Already this morning, he'd thought his plan through. By their habit, they would go to a bar, where they would promptly be kicked out once they'd had enough and were causing enough trouble. This wasn't one of those days, Kakashi knew.

"Kakashi," Sakura called, eyes lowered onto the pavement. "Why did you lie to Shikamaru? Why did you do it anyway?"

Kakashi looked straight ahead as they walked. They were almost a full block farther when he finally spoke. "We both knew Tsunade wouldn't change her mind."

Sakura nodded. They didn't agree, not entirely at least, but she understood. Kakashi was always one step ahead of her, always aware of the next obstacle before she was. Sometimes, though, he would still crash into it when she wouldn't.

"It doesn't matter," Sakura said, lifting her chin up and looking straight ahead, down the road. "I'll talk to her again. I'll try again."

"You've always been stubborn." Kakashi chuckled. He looked to the side, at the buildings that came and went, not truly paying attention to any one of them. "Headstrong."

Sakura smiled to herself. It had taken a fight with Ino and resisting her mind possession to realize she wasn't weak. Years would still pass before she recognized she wasn't only not weak but strong, perhaps unbreakable. She'd been very young then, still.

Kakashi opened his front door for her and Sakura walked in, heading straight for the bed to drop dead in it. The door closed and Kakashi was at her side, fumbling out of his vest. Inside, where it was only him and her, they shed their layers without a thought. The heavy clothes, the weapons, but most of all, the face. Inside, they could be exhausted, worn from life itself and empty.

There would be a war, soon. Another one.

Sakura kicked her pants off to the floor together with her jacket and sweater. They landed with a heavy thud, the pouch attached to them full to the brim with her arsenal. She pulled down on the legs of her boxer briefs; they always rode up. It was a constant annoyance, but they were more comfortable on duty than regular panties.

"Take them off." Sakura pulled her mesh shirt over her head, then the the tank top. Kakashi pulled on bindings and unwound them from her body. "Thanks."

Sakura inhaled deeply when her skin was finally free. Kakashi was right that the bindings were unnecessary - her breasts weren't so impressive, after all - but they had always made Sakura feel safer. Less at the mercy of a feminine body that was never as imposing or neutral as Kakashi's. She slipped back into her tank top and turned to Kakashi. He never took off much, even at home, comfortable in his pants and muscle shirt.

The bottle was in his hands, the cap coming loose as he twisted it.

"Whiskey," Sakura huffed, playing dead on his bed again. "Couldn't you pick something else?"

Kakashi took one long swig, clearing his throat after he swallowed. "I like whiskey."

Sakura snatched the bottle from his hand when he handed and imitated him. She didn't cough to ease the burning in her throat, though, preferring to ride it out. It came and went, as everything else did.

Half of the bottle's contents were emptied before Sakura rolled onto her stomach, patting the bed. "Come here."

Kakashi stood, slightly wobbly on his legs. Of course, Kakashi had bought the biggest bottle. More bang for your buck, he always said, as if it justified proceeding to empty it out in the same length of time as the smaller bottles. When he sat on the bed, Sakura pulled herself up to a sitting position, pressing her shoulder to his. Her cheeks were hot, the alcohol warming them.

"Last time you drank whiskey," Kakashi chuckle, interrupting himself, "you wouldn't let me put your panties back on you."

Sakura laughed and laid her head on his shoulder, easing the buzzing in her head. "Drink more," she said, shoving the bottle in his hand. "We're not quite there yet."

Kakashi did as he was told, then put the bottle to her lips, tipping it so she could drink from it. Sakura grunted when he was too clumsy and some of the whiskey spilled on her shirt.

"Sorry," Kakashi grumbled, pulling the bottle away.

Sakura would usually complain, but the arm he laid around her shoulders retained her attention, most of all the fingers that rubbed small, lazy circles on her arm. Even their legs were spread out in a way that they pressed against each other's.

"Give me the bottle," Sakura said, frowning.

Kakashi didn't fight when she took it from his hand and watched her with tired eyes as she swallowed a few mouthfuls. She leaned over him and put the bottle down on the windowsill. When she sat back, Kakashi's arm was on her just the same way, his fingers resuming their caress. Sakura reached for his other hand and grabbed it, pulling it closer until it rested on her thigh, too high for decency.

"Sakura," Kakashi said, his frown almost cute without his mask covering it.

"I've had enough, Kakashi," Sakura said before he could continue. He tried to pull his hand away, but Sakura didn't let him. "Haven't you?"

Kakashi didn't relent - he never did. He stared at her with the same stony eyes that always looked back at her when she pressed him too hard. This time, though, Sakura had truly had enough. Enough of the back and forth, of his contradictions. Kakashi's brows bunched together when she sat in his lap, facing him, and he set his hands on her hips, prepared to either pull her harder against him or push her away. Always stuck between the two. Always with the same shame drawn on his face.

"Say it," Sakura breathed out, bumping her forehead against his when she only meant to lean against him. "I want to hear you say it, this time."

"Sakura," Kakashi protested, closing his eyes. "You're drunk."

"Maybe," she said, frowning. "But it doesn't matter, I can still think straight. And you know what I think?" Kakashi looked back at her again, apprehensive as he always was when she was a little too friendly. "I'm sick of you looking at me like this, like you've done something terrible - "

"Sakura - "

"No, don't." Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck, molding her body to his. He was hard, she could feel it against her thigh. "I don't want your bullshit tonight. I want you to tell me the truth."

"What is it you want to hear?" Kakashi rasped.

Sakura rolled her hips into his, satisfied when his hands gripped her hips harder and his breath caught in his throat. "That you wanted me."

Kakashi said nothing, eyes downcast in order to avoid hers. What little patience Sakura had was gone. She pulled her shirt over her head and threw it aside.

"I wanted you, too," Sakura breathed out, lifting his shirt to press her bare skin against his. "Stop acting like you were some sort of freak - "

"I fucked you," Kakashi growled, his voice raising dangerously. He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her to a safe distance. "Is that what you want me to admit? That I fucked you when you were just a child and how fucking disgusting that is - "

Sakura swatted his hands away and resumed their previous position, locking lips with him. As angry as he was, Kakashi didn't pull away; he only kissed her harder. "I was sixteen. Stop making such a monster out of yourself - "

"Too young," Kakashi interrupted, his eyes narrowed with the same shame Sakura couldn't stand seeing anymore. "I shouldn't have."

Yes, she had been young. Vulnerable and young, but she had wanted it when Kakashi joined her in bed, that night after he'd found out she was raped.

"Stop it with the bullshit morals." Sakura reached between them to pull Kakashi's pants down his hips just enough to gain access to his erection. She wrapped her fingers around him, pumping gently and loving the way he bucked his hips into her hand. "I wanted you to fuck me. Before then, after then."

Kakashi groaned and lowered his hands to her hips again, digging his fingernails in her skin.

It was the one and only time he had laid hands on her - save for a few times where they slipped and kissed again, hands a little too curious.

"I don't care what everyone said about it," Sakura whispered into his ear. "Neither should you. Stop being ashamed of us, of this. Say it."

Sakura grunted when the back of her head hit the mattress, the room spinning around her. Kakashi was on top of her, pulling his shirt over his head. Palms on each side of her head, he looked down at her, the look in his eyes tying knots in Sakura's stomach.

"You want me to say how many times I wanted to do this?" Kakashi's fingers hooked under the band of her panties, easily tearing them from her body. Sakura gasped, grabbing at his arms to steady herself when her heart hammered in her chest. "You want me to admit I enjoyed how much you wanted me to do this? Even when you were so young?"

Sakura nodded and locked her legs around his lips in an attempt to pull him closer, but he didn't budge. "I want you to say it - to mean it! - and stop looking at me like a doll you broke."

"Fine." Kakashi stood on his knees and removed his pants and boxers, now as naked as Sakura. He lowered his body onto hers, pressing his lips to her temple as he tangled one hand in her hair. "I want you so fucking much it drives me insane - wanted you so fucking much it drove me insane."

"Then fuck me." Sakura cupped Kakashi's cheeks in her palm, watching the way his eyes lost focus.

Kakashi needed no more encouragement to obey. Sakura groaned when he thrusted into her without so much as a warning. It hurt, yet she didn't want him to stop or slow down. She'd had enough of the wanting, of the hesitation, of the lies.

"I love you," Sakura moaned when he slammed into her again. He tried to look away, but her hands kept him from doing so. Sakura stared into his eyes, into his spinning sharingan. "Kakashi."

"You don't," Kakashi rasped, taking her hands in one of his hands to pin them above her head. "You think you do. You think I do."

Sakura bit her lip, his unforgiving pace causing as much pain as it sparked pleasure. "You're wrong. You're the only man I can ever really trust."

"Really? Are you so sure?" As if to prove his point, he tightened his hold on her wrist. Sakura grit her teeth against the pain that shot through her arms. "How can you be? When you let me do everything I want to you?"

Sakura arched her back, her breasts squeezing too hard against his chest. "Because it doesn't matter what you do to me. You love me and you're going to stay."

Kakashi groaned above her, freeing her wrists so he could grip her hips with both of his hands instead. His thrusts were becoming erratic, struggling to remain as forceful. Sakura ran her fingers through his hair, grabbing fistfuls of it. She pulled him down, forcing a kiss on his open mouth. Kakashi moaned against her lips.

He wouldn't say it, she knew. She was okay with it. She'd said her piece.

When he came, he groaned her name into her shoulder, holding her so tight against him that she couldn't breathe. Sakura said nothing when he finally pulled away, lying on his side and facing away from her. She rolled on her side, too, away from him. Soon, she would fall asleep, forgetting the stickiness and pain between her thighs; the guilt and the fissures in her heart would go with them. Tomorrow, they'd wake up and go about their day as they always did.

...xxx...xxx...xxx…