A/N: Written for the Through Time Challenge at LJ. This piece is considered AU. I think I'm getting back in the swing of things and hey! this is probably the longest one-shot I've written for an entry. I'm proud of myself just for that lol. Thanks for some of the support I've received lately. Again, reviews are encouraged but not necessary. Enjoy!
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
The sun beat heavily down on Sakura's back as she worked, the willow branch familiar in her hands.
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
"Has the wool wronged you, Sakura?"
Wiping her brow under her friend's shadow, the young woman looked up and squint her eyes against the sun. She shook her head and offered a sigh. "No, I just… can't believe demand is still so high with a war looming around the corner. I can't even prepare myself or travel home to the farm to see my parents. It's ridiculous."
The blonde knelt beside her, her blue eyes wide and worried. "You shouldn't say such things. The Count's soldiers are everywhere these days; you don't want them to overhear you."
As if on cue, the sound of hooves approached and a small group of soldiers ambled by, eyeing the two women and showing off their swords. Sakura's friend politely smiled and waved.
"Ino, don't draw more attention," Sakura grumbled.
As the soldiers' voices grew distant again, Ino turned back to face her. "Things could be worse; at least you're still making money and drinking wine."
"I suppose you're right," she answered with a drawn out sigh. "I really do appreciate your help."
"Of course you do."
"So, can you take this inside? It's ready for combing."
Ino quirked a brow but never stopped smiling at her. As Sakura helped her move the wool, she wondered how her friend could remain so bright in the face of war - especially since her father had joined the ranks of the Count's army. Not many people spoke of the conflict openly, it was always behind closed doors - doors that had been built by hand by families that once broke their backs for wealth, families that now fled from it.
The King of France sought to take control over the land of Flanders, which included her hometown, a place now well known for its cloth. It was these riches that had become too big to turn a blind eye to, so the King wanted to claim it.
Sakura herself was a fourth-generation Haruno, a family well known in Lille for their excellence in woolen cloth. Many of the other families that she had come to know were now gone, including Ino's. Her friend was just staying behind to help until her mother sent for her, and then she'd be leaving with the few remaining members of her family for what was, hopefully, a more peaceful life.
Conflicts between armies started as gossip, but then as they rose in frequency and moved closer, those that were "wise" moved out, including most of the help. That wasn't to say that the town wasn't bustling; cargo still passed through, orders were still filled, and wares still fetched a solid price at market. But a different kind of feeling settled over the town, a silence, an uneasiness that covered everything much like the sun.
As the girls combed the wool to prepare it for spinning, Ino delivered the inevitable news to Sakura: she was leaving. As her friend went on about their farmland and how her aunt was expecting her third child, Sakura, as happy as she was for her, couldn't help but feel lonely. She wanted to go home, too, and be with her parents, but even with as much as she complained she knew that she was doing the best thing possible for them - which was working. So she'd stay and spin and weave as long as it put money in their pockets and allowed them the luxury of full bellies.
They combed well into the night, working by candle and lamp light and reminiscing. Neither would say it, but the oncoming farewell felt final.
Ino yawned in dramatic fashion and clasped her hands in her lap. "I wish I could stay and help you with the rest."
"No you don't, you hate weaving."
"Yeah, you're right. Still, I'm going to miss you… and your big forehead."
"It's not that big," Sakura nearly screeched, lifting her fingers to touch it. It had been years, but she was still sensitive about its size.
Ino smiled, she was going to miss doing this. "I'll be seeing you soon, alright?"
"One moment! Don't leave yet." The rosette dashed off to the adjoining room and returned shortly after. "Here, take this."
Ino outstretched her hand and her eyes widened as the silver pieces fell into it. "Sakura!"
"Hush! It's for your work and your travel."
Ino shook her head in awe. "And enough for food."
"You're my best friend, just accept it and buy something wonderful for your aunt. Don't make a big show."
Arms wrapped around her shoulders in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Sakura."
Softly smiling, she hugged her back. "Send me letters, and I promise I'll inform you when I leave for the farm."
"You had better."
Releasing each other, they sat back and exchanged another smile. Sakura nodded towards the door. "Go on home, I'm sure you'll be setting out early and you'll need your rest."
Ino nodded, and then with a final hug and a whisper of thanks the two life-long friends parted ways, unsure of when they'd see each other again.
Deciding to leave the wool for tomorrow's work, Sakura blew out the candles, saving one to help light her way to the front of the house. After securing the door, she let her feet carry her to her room at the end of the hall.
After dressing for sleep, she opened her bedroom window and gazed out of it. It was quiet in town, but a heavy feeling settled in her gut. Somehow the picturesque townscape before her felt different, almost foreign. A wind moved in, and a sense of approaching change came with it. Uncertain of what to make of the feeling, Sakura backed up from the window and climbed into bed before blowing out the candle and covering herself in darkness.
.oOo.
The next morning, Sakura set herself to work, standing before the heavy machine as she spun the wool into yarn. The mundane task kept her busy and her mind off of such sad thoughts like missing her friend. Working alone was quiet, but not unpleasant. Sakura rather enjoyed it, really. She didn't have to shout orders (or threats) and she could do it all at her own pace, ensuring it was done properly.
At midday there was a delivery of fresh wool that came from her parents. She could hardly believe it. She had just finished processing the last bit of raw material and now she had more. The accompanying letter explained that they had taken on more flock and while they knew she was looking forward to coming home, they needed her to stay a little longer. As her father had put it: Haruno's didn't run away when things got difficult. The Haruno reputation was on her shoulders now and he knew she'd make them proud.
With a growl she crumpled the letter in her hands and fought back the tears as she threw it to the ground. She just wanted to go home, get away before the fighting was taking place in the streets, before it was no longer safe for her there. She walked to the back of the house and outside, sighing under the brilliance of the sun. Wiping her eyes, she found another reason to be glad that she was alone: no one could see her cry.
After picking and munching on a few berries, and deciding she was done feeling sorry for herself, she went back inside and picked up the letter from the floor. She did her best to smooth it back out and then she carried it to her room to put with the others. Just a little bit longer, she told herself. She had already wasted enough of her day, so with renewed determination she went back to work. She'd spin as much as she could and wash the new wool in the morning.
The sun traveled the sky, and Sakura didn't break again until it dipped behind the horizon. Lighting candles, she worked by their flickering flames until her fingers were sore and tired. She wasn't sure what time it was, but the candles she had lit were burning low. She lit a fresh one and blew the others out, deciding on a late dinner and then sleep. A large yawn split her lips - yes, definitely sleep. Warming the stew over a low fire, her stomach grumbled as the wonderful scent filled the air.
She ate the way she worked, alone in the silence until it was done. She sighed, suddenly feeling the absence of her friends and coworkers. After rinsing her dish out, she picked up her candle and trudged to her room. Removing everything but her chemise, Sakura collapsed into bed and pinched out the flame with her fingertips. Tomorrow would be another long day.
As she closed her eyes and felt sleep tug at her consciousness, a loud commotion jolted her back awake. Remaining still and straining her ears, she heard something fall in the back of the house. She flashed upright in bed. The wool!
She wasn't about to let some thief make off with it. With swift, but quiet actions, she got up and pulled on a pair of pants. Quickly striking the flint, she lit a candle and picked up the large stick she kept at her bedside and readied herself. Sneaking down the hall, she peered out into the main room. It appeared empty so she continued to the back of the house where the equipment and material was kept. As she got closer, she heard rustling just beyond.
She winced as the stick struck against the door. Mentally cursing, she opened it and peeked inside, her eyes scanning the room. She paused as she spotted something on the ground - a tiny splotch of crimson. Her heart sped from a trot to a full-on gallop and with steady hands that betrayed the nervousness pounding within, she lifted the light.
Leant against a stack of crates was a man, one arm wrapped around lean torso. His hair took on a pale yellow color from the candle light and stuck out in messy spikes that somehow still seemed to flatter him.
"What are you doing in here?" she asked, just loud enough to be heard.
"I'm not looking for trouble," he replied, voice low and smooth as he pushed off away from the crates.
Her grip tensed. "I'm armed. Don't come near me."
"I wouldn't want to do that." He gestured to her weapon. "And trust me, you don't either."
When he moved, she noticed a dark patch under his hand up on his side. Still keeping her guard up and her eyes trained solely on him, she called him out. "You're injured."
"It's nothing serious."
"Somehow I don't believe that. What happened to you?"
"It's none of your concern," he nearly snapped at her.
"You entered my home; I believe that makes it my concern."
"You don't want to get involved with this."
Sakura's brow rose. "Then get out of my home and get me uninvolved."
He suddenly perked up and brought a finger to his lips. A moment later she could hear noises rise outside.
"I thought he came this way," said a voice outside the door.
"He must have gone down another road," another man sounded in.
"Let's circle back around."
Sakura's eyes locked with his and somehow she could sense - feel - his apprehension and urgency. There was no doubt in her mind that it had been those men that had chased the stranger standing before her.
After a few moments in heavy silence, Sakura set down the stick. "I can't… without a clear conscience… let you leave in your state. Would you," she paused as his eyes suddenly flickered to hers. "Allow me to treat you?"
"You'd do that?"
The sound of footsteps silenced them again; the both of them snapped their attention to the back door.
"Now do you smell it?" one man asked.
"Yes, a candle."
Sakura turned her attention back to the stranger. She pointed to a far corner of the room. He nodded and she faced the door just as there was a knock on it. Looking back to the crates, she saw that he was already gone. She snatched up her stick as she passed by it and approached the door with cautious steps.
She set her hand on the latch. "State your business, please."
"We are loyal members of the Count's army. May we speak with you?"
Unlatching the bar, she opened the door and peered out, looking at their uniforms. Sure enough they were wearing the correct colors. Looking up at their faces, the soldiers seemed to relax a bit as they saw her. She offered a fake, but friendly-enough smile. "Forgive me, you can never be too sure about the type of person that comes knocking after it's dark out."
"Very wise," the older soldier commented. "I suppose the same could be said about those who remain up at this hour."
She shook her head. "When it comes to wool you could always use more hours of light."
"You're a weaver?"
"Yes, just checking my machines over again before going to bed."
"Well, perhaps you could help us, too, before you go?" the second, younger soldier asked.
"And what may I help you with?"
"We're looking for a man, and we believe he may have come this way. Since you're still awake, perhaps you can tell us if you've seen or heard anything?"
"No, I haven't."
"You didn't see a man with gray hair and eyes of different color?"
"He'd have a possible wound to his side, so he may have been limping," the older man offered up more detail.
Sakura thought for a moment and then shook her head. "No, I'm sorry."
"Back-tracked here for nothing. I told you he went down the other way."
"Sorry to trouble you. Goodnight and best of luck with your business."
"And you as well," she replied with a polite wave.
Securing the door once again, she let out a steadying breath. She spun around, and using the candle, she lit the wick of an oil lamp nearby. She came away from the door and towards the area she had pointed the stranger to.
"They're gone."
He stepped out of the shadows and she could see now the light sheen of sweat that covered his face. She glanced toward the hall. "Come on."
They stood in silence, almost as if sizing each other up before he nodded and followed her to the next room. After pointing him to a chair, she retrieved some bandages, a bowl of water, and a tiny jar of salve she had made herself.
Feeling a bit nervous as she set her materials down, she glanced at him and then away. "Um… you'll need to remove your shirt."
She heard the tight hiss he pulled through his teeth as he slid it from his body. Keeping her eyes on the discarded shirt, she cleared her throat. "I should have a shirt that you could wear, that one is pretty destroyed.
He was going to argue - possibly that he could cut and patch it - but she ripped a section of it off. She rinsed the wound the best she could with the water and then pressed the cloth against him.
"I won't hurt you." His quiet words pierced her ears and she looked up at him. One of his hands came to rest atop hers. "So you can press harder, I know you need to."
Pushing her lips together, she put more pressure on the wound. "For a moment I thought you were going to tell me that you weren't dangerous."
She didn't look at him, but she could feel his eyes, heavy on her.
"That would be a lie. However, if you were going to turn me over, you would have done it the moment you were able."
"I could say you're right about that."
"Why didn't you?" he wondered aloud.
"Your eyes."
Her quiet, simple answer shocked him and a questioning noise rose in the back of his throat.
As she gently lifted the cloth, she responded, "I could just see it in your eyes, that there was something more going on."
She twirled off the lid of the jar and dipped her finger in the dark green ointment. She spread it with a careful touch and then picked up the bandages. Her cheeks flushed as she wrapped her arms around his chest. "Could you hold this in place for me?"
He held an edge down as she circled it around him again. After the first few wraps, the rest went on with ease. She secured it in place and tucked some stray hair back as she stepped away. "There. Are you hurt anywhere else?"
"No, thank you..." his voice trailed off and his brow dipped, almost as if he felt uncomfortable that he didn't know how to address her.
"My name is Sakura."
He tried it out - "Sakura" - and found that he liked the way it felt coming from his lips. "And I'm Kakashi."
She offered a warm smile. "Would you like something to eat, Kakashi?"
"You can spare some?"
"Yes."
"Then I'd like that."
"Please wait here."
Sakura took in a large breath as she entered the kitchen. She definitely hadn't been ready for that. Pressing the side of her hand against her forehead, she tried to wrap her head around what just happened. She certainly hadn't lied to the Count's soldiers. They would have her life if they knew. No, she definitely didn't do that.
Luckily the remaining stew was still warm, so she put some in a dish and brought it to him. He gave a small smile with a crinkle of his eye that said how much he appreciated her kindness. He looked a little better now, his face was not as ashen and the sweat had been wiped clean. She was a bit relieved to see him in higher spirits for the situation they were in.
Before he could bring the first spoonful to his mouth, she spoke up making him pause. "We don't know how long they will try looking for you. You're in pain and you need rest. There's a cot in the spare room down the hall. You can sleep there if you'd like and I can get you a new shirt in the morning."
Lowering the spoon, he looked to her, disguising his skepticism. "That is a very generous thing to do for someone you don't know."
Sliding into the seat across the table from him, she rested her chin in her open palm and cocked her head to the side. "For some reason, I feel like I can trust you. Besides, you're a soldier, too. Aren't you?"
It didn't quite sound like a question coming from her and he was intrigued. "How could you tell?"
"You're dressed like a swordsman. Field workers, travelers, farm hands - they don't wear boots like those, nor do they have bodies like yours." Her cheeks warmed, but she still kept her expression straight.
"You have a sharp eye," he commented, a little impressed by her deduction.
"And a sharp mind as well. Go ahead and eat, then I'll show you where you can sleep."
After sampling the first bite, the rest of the stew was gone in a flash. He speedy eating habits surprised Sakura, and as she collected his dish she couldn't refrain from commenting on it. "Either my cooking was that delightful or you must have been starving."
With an absent scratch to his cheek, he glanced away and lightly coughed to mask his embarrassment. "A healthy combination of the two."
"Come this way." She beckoned with her hand as the other picked up the lamp. She led him to a room at the right, not far from the entrance of the hall. She held out the lamp to him. "I'll leave this with you."
"Thank you."
Either he was a wonderful actor, or he was truly sincere. She nodded and then leaving him to himself, she continued on down the hall.
"Do you not need the lamp for yourself?"
"I know this house inside and out." The manner in which she said it left no room for him to think it was a lie.
Sakura opened her door enough to squeeze in, and then she spun around, leaning back against it as it closed. She shut her eyes, what was she thinking taking him in? Maybe it was in her blood, the drive to help people, she thought as she readied for bed the second time. Her mother had always been kind to others. So Sakura, too, tried to be kind and foolishly so, once. But she refused to think back on that time. She had been young and naïve - and this was different.
She lay awake, staring up into nothing. What would Ino say if she knew? Was Kakashi sleeping soundly enough? Was he even asleep at all? She strained to hear, but was met with only silence. Would her mother care that a strange man was in the house? Would her father be upset at her for lying to the soldiers?
Rolling over, she attempted to rid herself of thought and go to sleep. It took longer this time, but slowly slumber touched her and she fell into a dreamless state until morning.
.oOo.
When Sakura woke again the inky blackness of night was a now a royal blue. After pulling on the same pair of pants from last night's events, she headed to the kitchen to get the morning started. Her eyes lingered on the closed door where Kakashi slept. She wondered if he was still asleep or if he had left some time in the night. She wasn't about to walk in on him and find out. Growing up with a brother and his friends, she learned that the hard way.
Remembering her promise to get him a new shirt, she disappeared off into another room to look through some items left behind when her brother went off to travel. She found one that would be suitable for her guest, though perhaps the size was off. She'd find out after he joined her.
When Kakashi did wake that morning, Sakura was already eating breakfast and entertaining herself by watching the colors of the sunrise bleed into the sky. She smiled politely as he joined her. "Did you sleep well?
"I did, thank you."
"Breakfast? All I have to offer is rye bread, some berries, and ale."
"That's not necessary-"
"Would you like to eat or not" she asked, interrupting him.
A low grumble from his stomach gave her the answer. His ears reddened. "Yes, please."
She pushed a small wooden bowl to him that held a large piece of bread and a handful or two of berries. Pouring him a glass of ale, she continued on about her plans for the day. "After you've done eaten, I'll check your wound and change the bandages. Then you can dress."
"I am in your debt, Sakura."
She shook her head as she handed him the drink. "I'm happy to help someone who needs it."
She figured he was pleased with that answer, or decided not to push it any further, as he turned his attention to his meal. Afterward, she did as she said she would. His wound appeared better and the bleeding had stopped. He was relieved when she told him that. She applied more of the salve, and blushed again as she put new bandages on.
Standing next to him as she held up the shirt, she frowned. "I thought perhaps you could wear this, but it looks a little small. You can still try if you'd like."
Mindful of his injury, she helped slide it onto his shoulders and then wrapped the front over and secured it with his belt. He gave her a curious look, his brow creased in uncertainty.
She bit back a laugh as the shirt was obviously too small for him; the sleeves barely covered his biceps and the bottom hem came just below his waist.
"I thought it would be…."
"Bigger? I'm sorry," she giggled. "This could be good though."
"Go on."
"I can fix the shirt and make it to your measurements, but it will take a little time… which is good because your injury needs to heal."
"And how much time will you need?"
"A few days. I have a lot of work to do and on my own at that. But I can promise you that the shirt will be worth the wait."
"Since you have work to be done, and I am in your debt, then will you allow me to help?"
She eyed him carefully. "What do you know about wool?"
A lop-sided grin spread across his face, making him more handsome. "You actually work in clothing? That wasn't a lie last night?"
"No, my entire family is involved. This house is ours; it's been in the family for generations. It's come a long way from its origins as a shack with thatch roofing."
"Impressive."
"So you didn't answer my question. What do you know about wool?"
He shrugged. "Not much, but I can learn."
"It can be quite complex."
"I'm a quick learner," he countered.
She thought for a moment, chewing over the idea of having help – however temporary it may be. "With that wound I can't have you doing much, but you can learn what I'm working on." She sighed remembering all the fresh wool she still had to sort. "And there's so much to do."
The legs of the chair scraped the floor as Kakashi stood. "Then we should get started."
She nodded and then stood, gesturing for him to follow her. In the room at the back of the house, Sakura opened the window which allowed more light to come through. The cool spring air filled the room which Kakashi could now see was lined with equipment and numerous crates. His bi-colored eyes took in everything – every curve and notch, nook and cranny.
Sakura was at a table where she was dumping out sacksful of fluff. He looked down at the curly hair.
"This is fleece sent from my parents; they're tending to the flock back at our farm."
"And they've left you here, alone?"
"They didn't leave me," she snapped. "They're just not as young as they used to be. They trained me to be a fine craftsman, and I used to have plenty of help…"
"But they've left, too. Because of the conflicts, yes?" he guessed.
She nodded. "That's right. Here," she paused and took a deep breath. "We have to sort the wool."
"It all looks the same."
She huffed and shook her head. "Yes, but feel it. The wool here on the outside is longer and coarser. The wool on the inside is shorter and softer. We have to separate the coarse wool from the soft wool."
"I can help with that."
"You think so?" she asked as a playful challenge.
He sat beside her and began tugging at the fleece. They worked in a companionable silence, Sakura taking time to correct him when necessary. But like he had told her, he was a quick learner.
"Since you have sorting down, I'm going to do some spinning. Take a rest if you need to and let me know when you're finished."
He nodded and continued pulling the material apart, setting certain pieces into different baskets.
"And Kakashi… thank you."
.oOo.
As Sakura worked, she could feel him looking at her from time to time. When she'd glance over at him, he'd be busy with the task at hand, but as soon as she'd look away again she would feel his eyes once more. She felt like a silly girl, but honestly, it felt good. After Sasuke she had a few short-lived relationships and romantic encounters before putting all her focus on work. She was fresh into her twenties and she felt like an old maid. This stranger, this man Kakashi, came into her life and in the few short morning hours they had spent together, he had made her feel more like her age than ever before.
Sakura took a break, setting the spindle on a table beside her machine and checked on Kakashi's progress. All of the coarse wool had been separated.
"Wow! You are quick. Thank you."
"So now what do we do?"
"Well, now we have to separate the soft wool. Some of it is heavier and thicker than the others, but I'll do that. This wool here needs to be washed."
"I can do that, too." He said as he stood hands ready on the basket.
Sakura set her hand on his forearm. "Just be careful, you don't want to disturb the cut, it's still healing."
"I'll be fine."
Looking into his eyes she could tell that he wasn't going to back down and that he was intent on helping her – on settling the debt he believed he owed her.
So she conceded. "I'll show you where we wash."
After instructing him on how to properly wash the wool and showing him where the slats for drying were located, she went back inside to sort what was left. It wasn't that she didn't think he could do it, but this was the material that was going to make linens – and her name was going to be attached to it.
It didn't take her long, her mother always said she had quick fingers for sorting, and soon she was carrying a basket of fine wool outside. As she rounded the berry patch to where Kakashi was washing, she paused and burst out into laughter. The man was soaked in water; it covered his entire front and his arms. His bangs were even droopy under the weight of it.
"It's my pleasure to amuse you," he commented in a flat tone.
Stifling her laugh with a fist pressed to her mouth, Sakura set her basket down. "I just hadn't been expecting to see that… and you look like a drowned cat."
"I hate cats," he sighed.
"Do you prefer animals of a canine variety?" she teased.
"Actually, yes, I do."
She shook her head as she approached him and then she helped him move the remaining wool over to the slats. Shielding her eyes, she looked up in the sky. The sun was nearly at its peak. "We'll finish washing what's left, put them out to dry, and then we'll break for dinner."
"Alright."
As they washed, they made small conversation. Sakura learned that Kakashi actually owned several dogs where he was from and that he was indeed a soldier. In comparison to her large family, with dozens of cousins, Kakashi's family was small. He didn't speak much of his parents just that his father had been a soldier and that it was expected of him at a young age to be one as well.
Sakura was fortunate enough to be literate, as many children she had encountered didn't know how to read or write. Kakashi, too, enjoyed reading as she did - although she found his material to be questionable. He had laughed when her eyes had grown wide when he told her his favorite book series to read. "Scandalous" she had called it.
Dinner was simple - bread, cheese, and more berries and ale – and eaten under the shade of the trees. Looking at him in the daylight, he looked much younger than a man with grey hair should. His eyes were of two different colors – one was a light grey, like a storm cloud, and the other was charcoal, as dark as night itself. The left eye and cheek was bisected by a thin scar that started under his eyebrow and ended in the middle of his cheek. She wanted to ask him where he got it, but scars like that usually came with horrid tales that weren't pleasant for the listener or the teller. So she decided not to pry.
She insisted on checking his cut, so he allowed her to do so. Her hair fell into her face as she knelt beside him. She chanced a glance up through the curtain of pink and she could see his eyes watching her right back. Her cheeks burned and she brought her attention back to his chest. Focused on the wound, she didn't see his hand lift or the weighty gaze in his eye as he debated on whether or not to push it back so he could see her.
"It still looks the same, so I'll close the bandage back. I can change it again at the end of the day, there's no need to risk infection."
She sat back and looked up, watching as he rubbed at his left eye. He offered her the same eye-crinkling smile. "Thank you."
"You look tired. Stay here and rest; I'll go check on the wool."
Out of sight, Sakura placed her hands against her cheeks. She didn't know what had gotten into her. Sure, he was attractive and he had a nice body… and she hadn't been with a man in quite some time. Still, he had been hurt and they barely knew each other. He'd leave soon and there was still much to do. Surely, she wasn't that lonely. Giving her cheeks a few taps, she stooped over to check on the wool. It was still a little wet, so she'd give it more time.
Taking the path back towards the house, she stopped as she noticed he was sleeping under the tree. He looked peaceful, innocent, but she knew that he wasn't – he admitted that much himself. Deciding to let him stay there, she went back in to continue spinning.
.oOo.
He was still asleep when she went back out later. She shook her head at him; hopefully not all soldiers were that lazy. With a quiet chuckle, she continued by him and on to the wool. Even if her help was sleeping, she still needed to get it done. Pulling out the willow branch, she swept her hair behind her ears and then set out beating the wool.
She hadn't wanted to disturb his slumber, but beating wasn't a quiet activity, and soon he was strolling up behind her, hiding a yawn behind his arm. He watched her for a few moments before speaking up. "What are you doing?"
She spun around at the sound of his voice, hand over her heart. "You startled me."
He looked apologetic, but didn't say anything. Instead he gestured to the wool. "Can I help?"
Wiping the sweat from her face, she replied, "This is called wullebreken and we beat the wool to separate tangled fibers and remove pieces that don't belong. I'd let you help, but…"
"Don't worry about my injury so much. It's healing just fine thanks to you."
"Is there no way I could talk you out of it?"
Sakura couldn't be sure, but she thought she saw his expression change for just the briefest of moments. Whatever it was that she thought she saw made her stomach clench. He stepped closer to her and reached out. His hand covered hers on the branch; his touch was cool and his fingers were calloused from work but she liked the way it felt.
He stared down into her eyes and the power she felt from him was disarming. He effortlessly took the branch from her hand. "No, I still have a debt to settle." Then he side-stepped around her, leaving her to shake herself out of a daze.
She blinked rapidly and turned around. "Hey!"
He looked back at her as if he had done nothing wrong at all – and then she realized that he hadn't, not really. "You won't make any progress without the proper technique," she mumbled.
"Show me?"
Feeling her cheeks warm again at just the idea of getting close to him, she worried her lip to keep the nervousness at bay. After taking the willow branch from him and putting it aside, she took his hand in hers and went through the motions, giving him pointers on where to strike the wool and how hard. Once he had it down, she handed over the willow branch. But not leaving him to work all alone, she picked up another and joined him.
.oOo.
By the time the sun began to sink, they were done and loading baskets with the wool to take back inside. Both of them were tired, hungry, and sweaty, and Sakura truly believed they had made some progress with the material. If she had been on her own, she wasn't sure how much she would've gotten done. She was really thankful for his help and she let him know. She offered him the chance to bathe first and he gladly accepted it.
While he was cleaning up, Sakura quickly washed her hands, arms, and face and then set about making supper. This time she set out some wheat bread with the berries and large cups for the ale. Supper wasn't anything exceptional, but vegetable pottage was better than going hungry. Letting the pottage warm over the fire, she went to the front of the house and lit a fire. It was the first time she had used the fireplace in over a month. She felt rather happy to have a reason to light it.
Kakashi returned from his bath, pants slung low and her brother's shirt open revealing still-wet skin pulled taut over sculpted muscle. The breath caught in her throat at the sight and she wordlessly directed him to the fire.
Now turned away from the distraction, she wet her lips and tried to speak. "Dry off here. I need to take your measurements for the shirt."
He nodded and let her take the shirt off. With a piece of fabric that doubled as a measuring tape, Sakura took the width from shoulder to shoulder and jotted it down. Then she measured from shoulder to hip, being extra careful to not touch him too intimately, which was hard to do when his skin was so soft. She circled his chest again, eyes going wide and pausing as she brushed across a nipple. She pulled a face behind him, hoping childishly that he didn't notice her do that. It was an accident after all. She then lowered it to his waist, and then continued shyly to his hips after writing down the numbers.
By the time she circled to stand in front of him her heart was hammering. She took one last measurement around his arm and then offered a small smile as she looked up at him. His face was close enough to hers that she could hear him breathing. His eyes were locked on her, but not in a menacing way. When had she gotten that close to him?
She quickly looked away and stepped back, breaking whatever spell she had been under. "I can get started on it tomorrow hopefully, if the spinning gets done."
He nodded, acknowledging her, and then she helped him with the bandages and put the shirt back on.
"Supper should be ready. Do you like pottage?"
"Most of the time."
Sakura chuckled. "I agree, some seasons the pottage is horrible, isn't it? But this one is very good, I made it myself."
"Well then, I have nothing to worry about."
"Have a seat."
As they ate, Kakashi asked about her life: the farm, learning the trade, and her friends. Sakura was happy to answer. It had been a long time since anyone sat at the table with her and it made her a bit talkative. She thought about apologizing, but he seemed to enjoy her stories – she had his attention as if he was a child and she was telling a bedtime story.
Yet, when she asked about his life he clammed up. Picking at the bread, he told her that there simply wasn't much to tell. So she asked about life as a soldier. He still didn't say much, but offered her a little information on training and the men he had come to know. There was a fondness to his voice when he spoke of the few friends he had made, and she could feel that warmth.
"You'll get back to them soon."
He hummed as he sat back. "I like how quiet it is here, though. The camps can be quite noisy."
"And I imagine it interferes with your reading," she said in a stale voice.
He grinned. "Yes, but luckily I know a few spots where I can't be bothered."
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me."
"Supper was delicious, thank you."
She gave a bright smile. "Well, I'm going to bathe and then get some sleep. There's combing and spinning to do tomorrow."
"I have to say, I wasn't aware that much work went into clothing."
"It's not so bad though; there could be worse work to do. You're welcome to stay up as long as you'd like. There's more ale in the kitchen."
She stood and headed toward the bath, glancing back at him over her shoulder. His eyes caught hers and she softly smiled as she turned back around. It was strange, feeling so drawn to a person. Her skin tingled at the memory of running her hands across his back as she took his measurements. How could one person's body look so strong and yet fragile at the same time? And the way he looked at her! It was maddening.
And then another realization struck Sakura, she was attracted to this man. One full day of interaction and she felt the odd magnetic pull grow stronger. There were still a couple days until she'd have the shirt ready.
This, she thought, could be a problem.
.oOo.
The next morning was much like the first. Sakura rose first and he joined her for breakfast. Afterward, she showed him how to properly comb the wool before she continued spinning. While they worked she learned about the different places he had seen as a soldier: the villages he had passed through, the waters he had crossed, and the nobles he had met – including his favorite author of the times. Sakura had no such stories to share, but she listened intently, asking questions about the different festivals and ships he had been on.
Dinner was shared comfortably with Sakura answering his questions about her hopes and dreams. Thinking so far into the future was not something she did much of, but she told him that she imagined that her reputation would grow and she'd be seen as one of the best textile manufacturers in the country. She wanted to take earnings from dressing nobility and use them to enrich her peoples' lives. But it seemed like a far-fetched dream, she told him. So she'd be happy to live in peace and make enough money to give her family a cozy life, and if one day that included a husband and kids, it wouldn't be so bad.
She asked if he wanted to remain a soldier or if there was something else he wanted to do, and she gained a little insight into the mystery that surrounded him. His father had always wanted him to follow in his steps and serve a lord, but when he was younger his mother often told him stories of her land and the garden she tended to and the animals she cared for. While he lived a life of duty, he admitted - with a faint blush - that one day he'd like a place like his mother's. After that Kakashi seemed focused more on work and less on talking, and Sakura understood that speaking about such things were probably difficult for him.
After their conversation Kakashi seemed a bit distracted and easily frustrated with the wool. Even though Sakura knew there was still a lot to do, she put down the spindle and called for Kakashi to follow her. Sighing, he dropped the combs and eagerly went after her out of the back door.
"What is it, Sakura?"
"You look miserable."
He blinked. "I look – so, we've come outside for…?"
"Let's fight."
She kept her expression cool as he gave her a funny look. "Fight? Against you, a woman?"
"Soldiers train and fight, do they not?"
"Well, yes we do, every day to keep in shape."
"Show me then."
His brow raised, interest piqued and body thrumming with the chance to instruct and move. "You're serious?"
She nodded. "I am."
"Women don't learn these techniques, but I'll show you. I believe you can handle it."
Seeing him smile made her feel happier, so she relaxed her stance and waited for instruction. He circled around her, eyes raking up and down. It wasn't sexual in any way, he was simply analyzing her, but she still couldn't stop the blush from spreading across her face.
"When someone strikes at you with his hand, you block it here," he said as he lifted her arm and tapped against the forearm. "There are different ways to keep your attacker confused. We soldiers, once we've become unarmed the fight changes. With no weapons, we keep the body moving. The purpose is not to let the opponent know where and when we will strike."
"And if your opponent hits first?"
"Swing at me."
Recalling the fights she had seen her brother get in to, she raised her hand and then swung it forward, aiming for his chest. He caught her arm, one hand closing around her wrist before jerking her and applying pressure with his other hand at her elbow, effectively locking her in the position.
After releasing her, she looked up at him with a small grin. "That was very quick."
"Would you like to try?"
She nodded and then they went through the motions until she was able to flow through it. When he attacked her, she blocked him and locked his arm with ease.
"Very good."
The tiny bit of praise warmed her, and she wanted more of it. "Can we continue?"
"Sometimes grappling can get intense and the opponent gets in close." He stepped into her personal space. "And malice is in his eyes as he grabs for you." He raised his hand, the heel of his palm pressed against her collarbone as his fingers loosely settled around her neck. Her lively eyes widened and he offered a small smile. "I won't hurt you."
"Okay. So now what do I do?" she asked, voice hushed.
"Raise your hand and strike my arm. The elbow is weak. With the right amount of power you can loosen the hold and counter. So you strike my arm, I let go, and then you catch my arm and apply the hold I first taught you."
"I think I understand."
His fingers flexed on her delicate skin. "Try it."
Taking a deep breath, she did exactly as he told her and squeaked in surprise as she managed to succeed in getting out of his hold. He chuckled at her antics, and he let his hand fall atop her head. He gently ruffled her hair, letting his hand sweep down the back of her head. Sakura stilled as a jolt of pleasure from his touch rippled down her spine.
His thumb swept across her jaw as he lowered his hand and he gave her another smile. "Perhaps women should be allowed to fight."
"With only two maneuvers? I don't know about that."
"Would you like to learn more?"
She could tell that he was enjoying himself, so if she could make it last longer then she would. "Yes!"
He walked her through a few more different attacks and ways to counter or escape, and he taught her when to widen or narrow her stance. The sun had moved in the sky and late afternoon settled in when they were ready for the mock-fight.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked one final time.
"Yes, I'm sure."
With a light shrug of his shoulders, he lifted his hands out as he spun around to face her across the open space between them. "Remember, you just have to tell me to stop."
She nodded as she got into her stance. She watched his legs as he started to advance on her, and while instinct was telling her to back up, she knew that she could protect herself. Letting go of her apprehension, she moved, trying to fake him out. She blocked his first hit and the second. When he tried to grab at her, she spun around, only for him to catch her from behind. His grip on her wrists was tight, but not threateningly so. She struggled against him to try to stop him from keeping his balance. Turning her hands out, she thrust downward and broke out, turning on him to strike.
But he was ready for it. He grabbed her arm and spun her. She clenched her eyes shut as her feet came off the ground. She felt one of his arms settle under a knee before she felt herself falling. Then suddenly, it all stopped. She didn't hit the ground and she could still feel his arms supporting her. He held her there, just above his knee. With caution she slowly cracked open her eyes and his own were staring right into hers. A light sheen of sweat covered his face and what was visible to her of his chest. His lips were wet and parted for breath, and the urge to jump forward, to throw her arms around his neck and fuse their mouths together was almost too strong for Sakura to take.
"You lost," he said quietly.
She laughed. "You didn't show me that one."
He shared in her laughter as he lowered her leg and then helped her up as they both stood.
"Thank you, Sakura. I think I needed that."
She gave a short bow of her head. "It wasn't a problem at all. Thank you for showing me."
He gestured back to the door and they went inside to finish up for the day – the atmosphere much lighter than before.
.oOo.
The pair woke to a dismal morning, the sunrise blotted out by large, dark clouds and dense tufts of fog. Sakura rubbed at her eyes as she served breakfast. Getting up and going felt so hard to do this morning. But she had told Kakashi she'd show him how to weave, and she needed to get started on the sleeves for his shirt.
So that was exactly what they set out to do after eating. Although women weavers were common, Kakashi had been surprised to learn that many of the professional weavers were men. After she had shown him how to do it, he took over. His fingers moved slowly at first, but soon he grasped the pattern and his rhythm sped.
Sakura worked on his clothes, the needle and thread moving with quick, sure actions. She looked up at him and smiled as he worked. He had been a huge help, and she truly enjoyed his company. It was a shame that he would possibly be gone tomorrow. She refrained from sighing, and instead focused on the stitching.
By the time they broke for lunch, Kakashi had finished a loom and Sakura was nearing completion of the shirt. The sky had cleared and the sun was shining brightly, bathing the meadow behind the house in golden warmth.
"If the weather remains nice, would you like to have supper outside?"
"I'd like that, yes." His head tilted to the side and his eyes creased when he smiled.
"Good. Then we can finish up early today so I can cook for us. I have some pig meat that I'd like to use… you do eat pig, don't you?"
He nodded as he chewed on a berry. "Pig is very good. I haven't had any in a long time."
"Then I'll definitely make it!"
"A quiet home with three meals every day… careful, you may tempt me into staying," he joked.
"You should be cautious as well, with as much of a help as you are I may not mind it."
Again, she swore she saw something in his eyes; it came and went so quickly she couldn't be sure, but it was definitely something. He offered his hand to her after he stood, and helped her to her feet. Neither of them was in a hurry to let go, but he relinquished her hand, sliding down til only their fingers touched as if to prolong the contact.
"Come on, let's get more work done."
The afternoon passed quickly, and it made Sakura anxious. Why was it that when you wanted moments to last, time seemed to fly by... indifferent to the circumstances? Kakashi was currently bathing and dressing the injury and she was finishing up supper. The weather held out for them; some distant clouds were moving in, but it was still plenty warm and sunny. She moved some of the dishes outside under the tree where they had shared meals before. The shirt was completed, so she would be giving it to him tonight. After that, there would be no reason for him to stay. She frowned, but then shook it off and smiled. If this was to be his last night then she'd bring out the wine.
She stepped out of the kitchen to find Kakashi waiting for her. "You're done already?"
He nodded. "And you as well?"
"I have something for you that I think you will like."
She pulled the completed shirt out from its cubbyhole and smiled at the quality of her work. "Care to try it on?"
Kakashi shrugged out of her brother's too-small shirt and welcomed the one she made that fit his body so much better. The white shirt was much like his old one; it tied around the wrists and left the neck open with a square cut. The cloth was soft, light, and felt good against his skin. He folded it over in the front and secured it with his belt before looking up to her. "It's amazing! Thank you."
"I told you it would be worth the wait. Ready for supper?"
He opened the door and held his arm out, gesturing for her to go first.
"Why thank you," she said with a chuckle and led the way out into the clearing.
Supper had been a wonderful feast – not just necessarily in terms of food, but the company and the conversation felt perfect. The roasted pig meat was praised by her guest and the wine topped it all off. They sat side by side, munching on berries and drinking wine. Sakura tipped her head to the side as she looked at him in the setting sun.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Nothing, you've just helped me a lot. I must admit, I'm going to miss you Kakashi."
"I'll miss you as well. There aren't many women that have both hair like roses and a fighting spirit."
She smiled and shyly looked away. "Just be careful out there, not everyone will give you the treatment I have."
"And it was very fortunate that you did. You do realize that you quite possibly saved my life?"
She was suddenly feeling very sentimental and she huffed, embarrassed by the rising feelings. "Just don't count on me to do it again!"
He shook his head as he poured some more wine. "I would never dream of burdening you twice."
"You haven't been a burden."
His brows lifted. "No?"
Their eyes met and she sincerely answered him, "No."
Sakura was trapped again by his gaze. He seemed to look into her, deep into her, paralyzing her there in her spot. His stare penetrated her defenses, sent a thrill straight down her being that made her heart dance and her fingers tremble. He leaned closer to her, testing the waters, but there was no way she could move to stop him – not when she wanted him.
His face inched closer, his wine-stained lips advanced. The breath caught in her throat; he was going to kiss her!
"All you have to do is tell me to stop, Sakura."
"Kakashi -"
A pleasant sound resonated from the back of her throat as his lips crashed upon hers. Her arms circled his neck as he pressed her down to the earth, mouths moving in desperation to keep up with their tongues.
A heavy roll of thunder sounded in the distance, but they continued undisturbed by the first splatters of rain. She tilted her head as his lips descended on the sensitive skin of her neck. She knew he had only two hands, but it felt like they were everywhere: combing through her hair, squeezing her sides, skimming across her leg under her gown, and brushing over her breasts. The pleasure that hummed through her body was surreal.
The rain began to fall harder, and as it soaked into her hair and clothes she felt his kisses return. She turned her face back to his to find his eyes were darkened with want and his sterling hair was stuck haphazardly to his face. Pulling her bottom lip between her teeth, she lifted her hand and placed it on his cheek – completely unaware of how gorgeous he thought she looked wet and laid out against the ground.
"Would you like to continue this inside?" he asked rather boldly.
The rain may have begun to cool her flesh, but Sakura still felt as if she was burning. "Yes…" She moved to briefly connect their lips. "Very much."
He pulled up from her and then helped her to her feet. They abandoned the dishes, the wine, and what little food was left, and ran through the downpour. She laughed as she pulled him inside, through the workspace and toward the front of the house.
He caught her wrist and spun her around, wrapping his other arm around her waist. Bodies pressed together, his fingers slid across her cheek to outline her lips. Her eyes fluttered close, absorbing his calloused touch. He tilted her head towards him and melded their mouths together.
She could feel his hands go further down to her hips where he lifted her gown, inching it higher and higher with each pull of his fingers. She knew what he was doing; she could feel the air touch her skin as it was exposed. When his hands found her thighs she gasped and he took advantage, slipping his tongue in to twist with hers. His hands were strong and sure as they squeezed tight skin and maneuvered her backwards. She bumped the edge of the table, but it was apparently where he wanted her as one quick lift had her sitting upon it.
The cotton bodice she wore sat under her bust and was lined with buttons in the front. It looked to be quite a challenge, but Kakashi had never backed down from one and he wasn't about to start. He kissed down her neck, one hand creeping up her leg as the other began to work the buttons. His fingertips teased her inner thigh, brushing so tantalizingly close to the heat pulsing at her center.
His attention on her was dizzying, between the kissing and touching Sakura felt as if she was on a cloud. But then she plummeted back to earth as his fingers trailed over her clothed center, dragging over the dampness that had gathered there.
He had only made it halfway through the buttons when she pulled away. Her face was flushed as she reached behind her back. "I'll just get it laced again," she mumbled as she quickly untied it.
A predatory grin quirked his lips as he helped her take of the restraining bodice, leaving her in only her chemise and skirt. She smirked back, sexually charged adrenaline pumping through her veins. She grabbed his belt and pulled him closer to her before she unfastened it. It fell to the floor and she laid her palm against his abdomen, smoothing it across his skin and opening his shirt as she went. She could feel the ridges of muscle beneath her touch and watched as tiny goose bumps were left behind it.
His eyes closed, a soft hum drifting from his mouth. Her fingers curled over his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be careful with this one."
He grinned as she pressed feather-light kisses to his chest and pushed the shirt off of his lean frame. As if he could only surrender power temporarily, he was back in control, guiding their movements. He tugged her chemise over her head and added it to the growing pile on the floor. There was no time for her to even try to be modest as he covered her body with his.
"Beautiful," he commented between kisses. His lips continued over skin that had been unexplored - he mapped the valley between her breasts and tasted the smooth succulent skin of her stomach, taking enjoyment in the fine hairs that stood in the wake of his mouth.
The table top was rough on Sakura's elbows as she propped herself up, watching and biting back the wanton sounds rising in her as he paid homage to her body. Hot mouth enveloped a rosy nipple and she moaned, chest pressing closer to the warmth. He nipped and sucked, tongue twirling and tapping against the tight bud.
He wanted to hear, taste and see more, he craved it. His hand found her thigh and traced along her skin, no longer deciding to tease as he dipped it between her legs. Her eyes widened as Kakashi's touch slipped beneath her panties, work-hardened fingertips danced over her most sensitive spot before full fingers pushed past slick folds and into her wet heat.
Sakura's head fell back, lost to the wondrous feelings that assaulted her. Every kiss, touch, tug, and stroke sent her closer to that promising release. Arms no longer able to support her, she lay out on the table, hands clutching knuckle-white to the edges.
He watched her body undulate, seeking more of that delicious friction – more of him, and he'd gladly give himself to her. He thrust his fingers faster within her, angling them with each inward stroke until she was a writhing mess, pleading to come undone. Bent over her, his mouth found hers where he greedily drank down her sounds of ecstasy.
It was like a bolt of lightning ran through her when his thumb pressed down on her. Her back arched and hands, tangled in his thick hair, tugged as her legs quaked. Her body was rocked by the first orgasm she had experienced in far too long.
Kakashi pulled back, eyes watching intently as he eased from her. Bliss settled over her features and when she opened her eyes, he was all that filled her vision. She weakly smiled. "How do you do that?"
He was clearly amused. "Do what?"
"Make me… make me feel so…"
He kissed her once. "Because it's how I feel."
"Show me again."
His gaze softened as he moved, fingers curling into the waistband of her skirt. She lifted her hips, allowing him to pull it off of her. Being so open to him should have been more embarrassing, but it wasn't. She was completely comfortable with him, she trusted him – as silly as it might have sounded.
Sakura watched as he undid his pants and started to slide them down. Her eyes went as low as the deep v-cut on his body before she blushed. He pulled her towards him, one arm supporting her back as he fused their lips together again. With his free hand, he aligned himself with her entrance, and then with a gentle push, he laid her down – mouths barely parting from each other – and eased inside her at the same time.
A soft whimper fell from her lips as her body accommodated to him. "Kakashi…"
His hips began an unhurried pace, drawing out the feeling of their union, allowing her to feel every inch of him as he entered her again and again. Her breaths came in short puffs against his neck; her soft mewls echoed in his perfect hearing, driving him to go faster. On instinct, she wrapped her legs around him and not only did it change the feeling for her, but it must have made a difference to him because his hands clutched at her thighs and a strangled groan left him.
Her lips found his throat so she teased and licked, and her hands roamed his strong back, scratching and clinging to him, encouraging his motions. As their desire for one another intensified so did the rhythm, until Kakashi was upright with her legs in his hands as he snapped his hips forward. Sakura thought the strain and flex of his muscles was incredibly sexy, and she was so caught up in watching his body move that she hardly paid attention to the fact that he was watching her just as close. But that didn't mean she couldn't feel his stare, because she could. She could always feel it when his eyes were on her and gods was it thrilling.
Each forward thrust, each jar of her body, was feeding the fire that was swelling within her. She could feel it, that tightening sensation inside that pleaded just a little more.
Perhaps he felt it, too; perhaps that was why his grip tightened, and his jaw clenched, and his brow dipped as if he was struggling with some inner dilemma. "Sakura… I… I'm-"
"Ah! Don't stop!"
His composed rhythm broke and his thrusts became erratic, going harder and deeper, and striking a place within her that he hadn't before. He bumped that spot again and again, making her toes curl and the muscles in her back tighten. Her entire body trembled like a low rumble of a volcano before the eruption, and then her body went taut as she stuttered his name out in the midst of climax.
He clawed at her skin, unable to hold on any longer. Her walls gripped him like a vise, coaxing him to come with her and he willingly let himself go, grinding against her as his body jerked – empty and satiated.
Gathering her strength, Sakura pushed up on the table and grinned as she found his lips again. Their noses bumped as they traded soft, delicate kisses. He wrapped his arms around her and she sighed. "The moment you kissed me, I knew it."
"Knew what?"
"That you were to be leaving."
His expression seemed strained somehow, but he could only mirror her sigh and place another kiss to her forehead. "Yes, in the morning."
"I know that you're better now and you have to return to your duties, but -"
"It would be nice if I could stay with you longer."
She nodded against him, taking the opportunity to really feel his embrace, to appreciate the weight of his arms. "But you're not leaving til morning."
"Yes."
"Which means we still have the night."
Catching on, he grinned. "Yes, we do."
Sakura pulled back a little and turned her eyes up to him. "I have a bed in my room."
Their eyes locked for a moment and she suggestively quirked a brow. She shrieked as he picked her up and turned to go.
"It's on the left," she directed with a laugh.
In the cover of night the couple made love to the sound of falling rain, catching glimpses of each other in the throes of passion when lightning would cut across the sky. In the end, they fell into each other's arms, exhausted and sated.
Sakura set her hand to his chest and hummed as he ran his fingers through her hair. "Maybe one day you can visit my farm, see if you're as good with garden tools as you are with the loom."
He chuckled. "Do you have other animals beside the sheep?"
"We do, and lots of land for them to roam… your mother probably would have liked it."
"Sounds nice. Do you have a bed there, too?" he joked.
She playfully smacked him on the shoulder. "If I say yes, will you come?"
"I'd come even if you told me that we had to sleep on animal skins in the barn."
Eyes growing heavy, she nuzzled against him and pressed a single kiss to his collarbone. "I'd really like it… if you meant it."
"I do. How do you reach your farm from here?"
"You wouldn't remember," she commented with a yawn.
"Sure I will."
"If you board a boat and take the river south, you'll pass three docks. The fourth one, where you can see the steeple of the church, is the one where you get off. Just outside of town there's a signpost where the road diverges into three paths. Our farm is to the west, you'll know it's ours because of the circular sign, and a sheep that my father carved from wood hangs from it."
Kakashi nodded and curled his arm around her. "It will take me some time, but I will go to you, Sakura."
She smiled against him, sleep already pulling at her. "Okay, Kakashi."
.oOo.
In the early dawn hours, they shared more gentle kisses as they dressed. Kakashi even laced up her bodice for her as he teased her about her eagerness, and then kissed her flushed face. With not much else to offer, Sakura shared a final breakfast with Kakashi. She hadn't been sure of how far he'd have to travel to get back to his men, so she wrapped up some bread and provided him with a wooden canteen.
As the townspeople began to rise, setting out for fields and merchant towns, Sakura and Kakashi stood out in the meadow. The bite of the crisp early morning air seemed less harsh with his warmth next to her. Sakura was going to try her hardest not to miss his company. Yes, it was true that they didn't know everything about one another, and in the space of three days she had grown to like him. That kind of attraction didn't happen to everyone – least likely her.
When he kissed her goodbye, she could feel hope in his lips. Because in a time with war nipping at their heels like ravenous hell hounds, two people – brought together by the winds like falling leaves – could still find a measure of happiness.
She smiled as his hand lifted with a small parting wave, and she continued to watch after him until his body disappeared in the morning's dense fog.
.oOo.
Months passed and Sakura had returned home to her family's farm after receiving word about her father's death. As strange as it was, the letter called her home just in time. Only after reaching the arms of her family did she learn that her town had been overwhelmed by the opposing forces. It was a full-on civil war.
Sakura did the only thing she could do; she grieved her loss, hoped and prayed for Kakashi's safety, and tended to her family. Weeding gardens, harvesting crops, feeding the pigs – life continued. A year passed in this fashion.
Then two.
Then one day - a day just as ordinary as any other - as she was tending to the animals she could hear footsteps approach.
With a rather loud sigh she said, "Mother, I told you to stay inside. You're not feeling well and I can handle the chores. Are you that desperate to join father?"
"I'm afraid I can't answer that considering I've never met the man," a voice clearly not her mother's replied.
Sakura froze with her hand full of feed. The seeds and grains spilled as she spun around, eye still locked in disbelief. She never thought she'd hear that voice again, but there he was standing before her.
His name tumbled from her mouth in a breathy surprise. "…Kakashi."
A smirk danced on his lips as she abandoned the flock and raced through the gate. He dropped his bag and opened his arms just in time to welcome her.
"I can't believe you're here!" she cried, arms circling his neck.
"I told you that I'd come to you."
Pulling back in his hold, she noticed the patch over his left eye. "What happened to you?" she asked as her fingers gently traced around it.
"A casualty of war," he offered, and she accepted it without pressing further.
"Are you hurt anywhere else?"
He shook his head as he ran his hand through her hair. His hands cupped her cheeks, his thumb brushed across her lips, and he leaned down to her. The same stutter that her heart felt the first time their lips touched came back with a vengeance as they met again.
She tightened her arms around him and breathed him in. It didn't matter that he smelled like earth and sweat, he was there and the brief happiness they had found together could continue.