To Love and to Love Again Chapter 20: Watching
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER AND AUTHORS NOTE: I do NOT own Naruto. The awesomeness of the Naruto Manga and World is the creation of Masashi Kishimoto. This is Purely Fanfiction. All things Medical in this entire fanfiction should not be taken as serious medical advice or facts. PLEASE CONSULT AN ACTUAL DOCTOR FOR ANY MEDICAL INFORMATION/QUESTIONS. THANK YOU AND ENJOY!
"Does it hurt Daddy?" Suki asked as she stared at her father's bandaged leg.
They were in one of the guest bedrooms. Even though it was a spare room, it was furnished nicely with pictures of Kakashi, Sakura and Sora. A queen sized bed, dresser and nightstand lined the walls along with a large armchair that Sasuke was now quarantined in. The said man was ordered by his doctor/girlfriend to rest and allow his wound to close up on its own. That damn dog gave him quite a deep bite.
"No," Sasuke answered. Suki pouted and began to poke at his leg, testing it for sore spots. She was all dressed up in her little doctors outfit with her hair pulled back in her little nurse's cap with the doctor's kit at her side and fully prepared to heal her father, but Aunty Sakura beat her to it.
"Are you sure it doesn't hurt Daddy?" she pressed as she continued to poke his leg. Sasuke sighed at her persistence.
"No Tenshi it doesn't. Sakura already fixed it," he explained turning his head to the side. Suki gave him another pout before she asked him something that caught him off guard.
"Did Aunty Sakura kiss you?"
Sasuke snapped his head back so fast that he heard it crack. He massaged his neck and tried to ignore the throbbing sensation as he composed himself.
"What?"
"Aunty Sakura said that kisses make it all better," Suki explained as she scooted closer to her father. "She always kisses my boo-boo's, so if she made you all better, does that mean she kissed you Daddy?" she asked with a small giggle.
"Yeah Teme," Naruto piped as he came into view. He leaned against the doorway with his arms folded over his chest. "Did Sakura kiss you?" he asked smugly.
"Dobe." Great, Naruto was the last person he needed to hear that. "What are you doing here?"
Naruto snickered and looked over at Suki. "Just wanted to check up on our little victim, but don't avoid the question. Did she kiss you?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"No," Sasuke said looking at Suki. "She didn't." Suki smiled at her father and got up to give him a big kiss on his cheek. She pulled back and gave her father one of her million dollar smiles.
"Now you're all better Daddy," she declared happily.
She got down off the bed and collected her things before walking out of the room and gave her Uncle Naruto a smile as well. He ruffled her hair as she passed him and once his precious goddaughter was gone, Naruto turned back to his best friend to annoy the hell out of him.
"So you got a thing for Sakura. Who knew?" he teased with that fox like grin of his. Sasuke was quickly getting annoyed with the world for producing the knuckle headed idiot.
"Shut it Dobe."
"No can do. If you're going to be dating Sakura, then it's my job to make sure you don't screw her over," he said with a big brother tone to his voice.
Sasuke restrained the twitching sensation coming from his right eyebrow. Why was it that the male population around him suddenly decided that Sakura was off limits? He didn't really care though. He's an Uchiha and he'll be damned if someone stopped him from getting what he wanted.
"That's none of your business," he replied as he got off the chair. His leg didn't hurt anymore and it was ridiculous to sit around all day, regardless of doctor's orders. Before he got out the door, Naruto blocked his escape with his arm. Sasuke glared at the idiot before noticing his unusually serious expression.
"It is my business Teme," he said intensely. "I think of Sakura like a sister. If you like her, that's great but…" he stopped for a minute before looking him in the eye. "…It's not really that believable."
Naruto waited to get a reaction out of him. He noticed that Sasuke's eyes got just a bit narrower and Naruto knew that he had just pissed him off. But he didn't care. He really did see Sakura as sister and Kakashi will surely have his head if he didn't interrogate the man somewhat.
Sasuke shoved his arm out of the way and gave him a death glare. "I don't give a damn if it's believable," he said with a calm edge to his voice. "It doesn't make it any less real," he added before stepping into the hallway and walking towards the stairs. Naruto smiled at his best friends retreating back. He knew Sasuke better than anyone. He would treat her right, regardless of what anyone said.
"I wasn't expecting that answer," Kakashi mused as he came out of his hiding place in the adjacent bedroom with one of his novels in hand. Naruto grinned at his Commander.
"That's Sasuke for ya. Expect the unexpected from a Grade A bastard," he grinned with a thumbs up. Kakashi gave Naruto a look at his choice of words.
"And you think my daughter is okay in the hands of a "Grade A bastard"?
Naruto's grin was reduced to a dopey smile. "She's better than okay. You know, Sasuke isn't a bad guy. He isn't exactly the most fun to be with, but I've seen a big change in him ever since he met Sakura."
Kakashi kept his gaze fixated on his novel, but Naruto knew that he was listening. He placed both his arms behind his head and looked up at the roof.
"She brings out the best in him. Believe it," he added as he began to walk towards the stairs and out of sight.
Kakashi finally looked up from his book at the space where Naruto once was. That knucklehead really did have a way with words. The familiar sounds of angelic giggling reached his ears. He walked into the bedroom and looked out the window into his backyard.
For years he would watch Sakura play outside. Now he saw his grandson and the little Uchiha girl playing around in the snow. Sora was kicking and punching into the air, probably practicing his karate, while Suki was just happy making a snow castle.
His dogs were also getting a hoot out of playing with the kids. All ten of them were there and from what Kakashi saw, they were doing their job as security hounds well. When you look from a distance like he was, you could see that seven of the dogs formed a large circle around the kids for protection, while three of them were within the circle playing with the kids. He really couldn't ask for better canines.
He saw Sasuke make his way outside and watched as he came up to Sora. His grandson suddenly got a determined look on his face before doing a series of martial arts moves. Kakashi was actually impressed at the display considering that Sora had only been in the program for a few months.
"So he's a mentor huh?" he mused as he watched Sasuke guide Sora. He also saw how Naruto had come to Suki and made some snowballs for her to throw. Suki threw them at her father, effectively hitting him at his knees.
Kakashi went downstairs and out to the back porch. The snowball fight now turned into a martial arts lesson.
"Hiyah!" Sora shouted as he punched a snowball in the air. Sasuke was doing the same thing.
"More snowballs Uncle Naruto!" Suki ordered as she continued to throw them at her father and Sora. Naruto was working at a fast pace making ten snowballs a minute and handing them to Suki.
"Knock them out Suki!" Naruto encouraged. Suki was more than happy to throw them as hard as she could.
"Hiyah!" Sora punched and kicked them all out of the way. Sasuke told him to think of it as practice, but it was fun too. He felt proud that he was hitting them all, until one of them was about to collide with his head.
Sasuke's arm came out of reflex and destroyed the snowball before it even touched Sora's little head. He still had that wound on his forehead and he didn't need it reopened so he blocked it, much to Suki's dismay.
"Daddy you cheater! I almost got him!" she huffed as she pointed a finger at Sora, who gave her a smirk that would have made Sasuke proud.
"Nothing can hit me!" Sora declared as he got into a defensive stance. Pakkun and the other dogs were happily catching snowballs in the air alongside him. Sora caught sight of Kakashi watching them and waved at him.
"Grandpa, watch me block the snowballs," he shouted. Kakashi waved, indicating that he heard. Naruto and Suki launched another round of snowballs and Kakashi watched as Sora blocked them. All in all, he was quite impressed at Sora's muscle movements. He was quite the clumsy kid, but he was showing excellent coordination.
"As to be expected from Sai's son," he thought. Sora did have some amazing genetics after all.
"What are they doing?" Sakura asked as she came out onto the porch and stood next to him. "Looks like war." She handed her father a cup of what appeared to be hot cider. Kakashi took the cup in one hand and wrapped the other arm around his daughter.
"It's training, with a little bit of fun I suppose." He took a sip of cider. "Good cider."
"Hinata made it. I hate to break up the fun, but dinner is ready."
Kakashi smiled down at her. It's been a while since he sampled her cooking. Where she learned to cook, he'll never know. He whistled to get everyone's attention and motioned for them to come inside. Naruto's disgruntled voice could be heard and both looked up to see him waving his arms frantically.
Suki and Sora came running as they laughed about something.
"Uncle Naruto stepped in doggie poop," Suki giggled. Sakura laughed as she saw Naruto and Sasuke from a distance. Naruto seemed to be taking it out on Sasuke, who was walking away from him.
"It's time for dinner now. Both of you go wash up," Sakura instructed before guiding the kids inside. Sora and Suki nodded and followed her in, just as Sasuke came up to the deck.
"That was some interesting training," Kakashi commented. "You coordinated all his muscle movements in his arms, which were free from the snows restrictions."
Sasuke replied with a nod as he shoved his hands in his coat pockets. He refused to wear mittens—they were simply childish.
"You seem to be quite good at martial arts. Black belt I assume?" Sasuke nodded his head again. Naruto came up while holding his infested shoe.
"Tai Kwon Do, boxing and even Kendo," he added. "He's practically done it all at the expense of a social life," he said earning him a glare from Sasuke. Kakashi raised an eyebrow. Naruto ignored the glare and just went inside while leaving his poopie shoe outside.
"Impressive," Kakashi replied. "Perhaps one day we might have the chance to spar. I have a few martial arts merits under my belt as well. That is, if you're up to it," he challenged.
It was Sasuke's turn to raise an eyebrow. He could tell just by looking at him that Kakashi was a physically fit man in his early forties. Yet there was something about his lazy, yet sharp eyes that were emitting power. Perhaps it was the scar running down his left side, but Sasuke wasn't afraid to provoke him.
"Only if you're up to it." He knew he did it when Kakashi's lazy eye narrowed ever so slightly.
"I look forward to it," he said before Sora came running past him and up to Sasuke excitedly.
"Mommy made grilled tomatoes! Come on," Sora said as he practically dragged Sasuke by his coat into the house. "You too Grandpa. Suki said she'll eat them all."
"I'm coming." He whistled for the dogs to come inside. They all came running and went inside before Kakashi entered and closed the door. Sasuke could wait. Sakura's cooking could not.
After an incredible dinner that consisted of all of her father's favorite foods and getting the kids showered and in bed, Sakura retreated to her room to unwind. She walked around her room slowly. She still couldn't believe that after all this time her father had not moved a single thing from its place. All her old high school photos, awards, and knick-knacks were just as she had left them years ago.
She stopped near the window and sat along the windowsill. A very large tree that was now covered in snow stood right next to it. That tree held many fond memories for Sakura, all of which centered on Sai.
That was the tree that enabled them to have so many private moments together. It was a way for him to see her without her father's knowledge, although Sakura was always baffled as to how he got past the dogs. Sai would often come to her late at night from who knows where, just to say goodnight to her.
She found it incredible tacky, yet sweet. Sai's reasoning was that he wanted to practice how to be romantic, seeing as how he was never one for romance. He was always reading books on human emotions and behaviors. It was strange, but then again, so was he.
Sakura smiled as she leaned her head against the window and got lost in her memories. This room held so much of her past that she was secretly glad that her father hadn't touched a thing. She was especially glad that he kept her bed. That one held some memories that she wasn't comfortable with her father messing with. It was the bed she almostlost her virginity in.
"This room still looks the same," Tenten said from the doorway. Sakura whipped her head in her direction and saw her incredibly pregnant friend waddle in along with Hinata. "Talk about not being able to let go."
"Hey guys. How'd you get up here Tennie?" Sakura asked as got up to help her sit on the bed.
"I'm pregnant, not disabled," she retorted with a sigh as she propped her feet up.
"Tenten and I were wondering where you were," Hinata said. "The guys are outside again. Well, all except for Neji."
"Neji's asleep and I didn't want to bother him. He's been sleep deprived for while and I figured he needed a break. The four of us kind of take a toll on him." Tenten placed her hands on her belly.
"I bet you do," Sakura smiled as she placed her own hand onto Tenten's belly. "Hello babies, I wuv you," she cooed. She got a series of kicks in response and giggled like a schoolgirl when she felt them. "Aww I can't wait for you to deliver. I miss having a baby around."
"You work with babies every day," Tenten pointed out.
"Yeah, but they're all hanging by a thread in the NICU," Sakura replied. "I mean a healthy baby that I can play with. Sora grew up just like that, and I feel like I missed his baby years because I was doing my Fellowship when he was born."
"You're incredibly strong to have had a baby while in school," Hinata praised. "I don't think I'd be able to handle that."
Sakura practically snorted. "Trust me when I say it was no walk in the park. I'm surprised I made it out alive and that Sora didn't come out with a gigantic brain from all the studying I did."
Hinata chuckled. "But you're lucky to have him. He's such a good boy."
Sakura smiled. "Thanks, but he's growing up so damn fast and I don't want him too!"
Tenten and Hinata laughed at her childishness.
"Well you can do one of two things," Tenten said as she made herself comfortable on the bed. "You can deprive him of his veggies and keep him short and skinny or… you can have another baby."
Sakura playfully tossed a pillow in her direction, which Hinata suddenly karate chopped out of the way.
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to compromise the condition of my nephews and niece Sakura," said Hinata in a mock serious voice. The three girls laughed.
"You've got pretty good reflexes Hinata," Sakura observed, to which Hinata smiled. "Well I won't starve my son but obviously another baby is entirely out of the question."
"How come?" Tenten asked. "You're young, what's the problem?"
"Oh I don't know Tenten, how about the fact that it takes two to make a baby and I have no husband. Women can't impregnate themselves," she muttered sarcastically. Upon saying that, she noticed the looks that her two friends were giving each other, as if they caught her in some sort of act.
"Well," Tenten began with a hint of mischief in her eyes. "It seems to me like you and a certain man by the name of Uchiha are something of an item?"
Sakura blushed and looked away. "Why would you say that?"
"A ballroom full of people including your father witnessed your incredible kiss in the middle of the dance floor," Hinata reminded as Tenten grinned. "And it didn't look all that innocent if you ask me," she added.
Sakura blushed even more as it just now occurred to her that she and Sasuke had some major PDA the other night.
"…" was her response as her cheeks took on more of a reddish tint.
"You're re-living it aren't you?" Tenten smirked.
"I think it's sweet," Hinata replied. "It's almost like its fate. You're a perfect match."
Tenten agreed. "You and Sasuke do look pretty good together, considering that we've never seen him with anyone…ever."
That sparked Sakura's interests. "What do you mean you've never seen him with anyone? What about his wife?" She saw Hinata and Tenten give each other looks, as if debating whether or not they should say something to her. "What's going on you guys?"
Tenten still looked hesitant before she decided to speak. "Sasuke and his wife weren't exactly that close." After seeing the confused look on Sakura's face, she continued. "It was an arranged marriage."
Sakura's eyes widened. That was surprising to say the least.
"Oh…I didn't know that. I never thought Sasuke was that type of guy." She was suddenly filled with a very awkward feeling.
"Well, Sasuke isn't exactly the social type as you know," Hinata said after a beat. "Naruto would often tell me that he was worried about Sasuke during our college years. He never went out and he was never seen with a girlfriend of any kind."
"Hell, even Neji was more social than Sasuke was," Tenten huffed. "He was always so detached from our group. Whenever we'd go out, he would rarely join us so it really came as a surprise when he got married so suddenly, but that marriage was short lived."
Sakura nodded knowingly. "Because of Suki."
Tenten nodded sadly. "Exactly. She almost immediately got pregnant with Suki and then died from complications. They weren't even married for a full year. It was so sad. We hardly knew her."
"And then Sasuke was left to raise a child on his own," Hinata concluded. "And ever since then, he's never been with another woman…until you came along that is." The lavender eyed woman smiled, making Sakura smile as well.
"Yeah Sakura, Sasuke's been noticeably happier since you showed up, and judging from the display at the gala, I'd say he's hot for you." Tenten teased.
Sakura blushed again. "Tennie!"
"What? He's hot, you're hot. You're both just one big ball of flames," she exclaimed making the women chuckle. Then Tenten got a mischievous look on her face. "So…"
"…So what?" Sakura asked hesitantly.
"What goes on in that inferno?" she asked wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. Sakura almost passed out.
"Tenten," Hinata breathed with a huge blush on her face as well. "You're being too nosy."
"Oh come on!" Tenten huffed. "I haven't gotten any in months because Neji treats me like I'm made of glass." Hinata blushed to the point of unconsciousness. "I will live vicariously through you so spill!"
Sakura cleared her throat. "…I don't want to say." She couldn't even control the blush anymore. Sure, nothing has happened yet, but they've come oh so close.
"Don't tell me you two haven't done it yet? After seeing how possessive Sasuke is, I can't believe that he hasn't jumped you." Sakura just laughed at Tenten's bluntness.
"For crying out loud Tenten, I've only known the man for a few months," she chuckled. "I couldn't possible go that far so soon. He's our boss!"
"But do you want too?" Hinata asked. "Because it seems like he does," she said mentally referring to the Gala display. That was one hot looking kiss after all.
"Well that makes him a man doesn't it?" Sakura sighed. She lay down on the bed across Hinata's legs. "It's too soon."
"Says the woman who's been practicing celibacy for the past three years. You're my hero Sakura," Tenten said dryly.
"Well it's not like I can do whatever I want when I have a five-year-old son running around the place. And Sasuke has Suki so what are we going to do? Drop the kids off and fool around?"
"I'll baby-sit," the pregnant brunette offered raising her hand. Sakura rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Thanks, but no thanks." She now had some thinking to do. She never once questioned what Sasuke's relationship with his wife might have been like, but this was somewhat of an eye opener. She realized how little she really knew about him.
"But you know Sakura," Hinata said thoughtfully. "Sasuke never looked at his wife in the same way that he looks at you. You're special to him."
"How does he look at me?" She drew in a breath and held it there. She was curious to know just how obvious they had been when they were trying to keep it a secret.
"Like he wants to eat you," Tenten deadpanned as she placed her hand on her shoulder. "Sakura, you're one of the most intelligent people I know, but you're painfully oblivious when it comes to men and how they react around you."
"I am not," she pouted.
"Yes you are. You were never able to tell when other guys were into you, and I think it's because of your lack of experience in dating. You've only been with Sai."
Sakura was quick to defend.
"Yes, and I'm happy that he was the only one I ever loved." Tenten and Hinata knew by the tone in her voice that they had hit a nerve. "I don't care if I hadn't dated extensively before I married him. When you date a lot of people, you give them a piece of your heart that you can never get back. And then when you finally meet him, that man you can't live without, all you can really give him is what's left."
She brought her hand up and placed it over her chest. "Now you guys tell me. Wouldn't you want to give your whole heart to the man you love? Doesn't he deserve that much? Because Sai deserved it."
Tenten and Hinata looked at her with full understanding. "We know he did," Hinata agreed. "He was lucky to have you. He was lucky to have all of you."
Sakura smiled at them with glossy eyes.
"No. I was lucky to have him. You know that feeling you have when you're with Neji?" she asked looking at Tenten. "And when you're with Naruto?" she said turning to Hinata "I had that with Sai." The girls looked at her sympathetically. They couldn't imagine life without their husbands.
Sakura looked down at Tenten's belly and placed her hand over it. "That feeling grew ten-fold when we had our baby. It's the most defining moment in your life. When I held Sora for the time I felt so complete, and my love for Sai intensified."
"I know. Believe me, I know," Tenten said when she felt her babies kick. "But Sakura, just because you gave your whole heart to Sai doesn't mean that you're incapable of loving again. Sai has your past, but you're future is still here."
Sakura let the words sink in. She had no idea what the future held.
The girls decided not to talk about that topic any more. They didn't want to make Sakura think about anything upsetting. After chatting about life some more and discussing possible things for upcoming events in the following year, the girls bid her a good night. Once they left, Sakura changed into a t-shirt and pajama bottoms before climbing into bed.
She was about to turn the lights off, when she heard a knock on her door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and her father stepped into the room. "Just wanted to say goodnight."
Kakashi sat on the edge of her bed. He smiled and pulled out a worn out stuffed animal from behind him. "You're not too old for this now are you?"
Sakura instantly reached for it in awe. "Aww you saved Katsuya?" She held the white and blue stuffed slug in her arms. "Oh I thought I'd never see this again." It was her favorite stuffed animal as a child that was given to her by Tsunade when she was born.
Kakashi smiled. "I'm glad you still like it."
Sakura hugged the stuffed animal to her chest and gave him a childish smile. He smiled back at her. She was only twenty-five, yet more accomplished with her life than most people in their forties. He was a proud father indeed.
"I'm glad you saved it," she said softly. "I'm surprised that you kept my room intact, but I'm glad you did."
"I wouldn't change this room for anything. It will always be here for you and Sora." Sakura smiled and hugged her slug closer. "Sakura, how are you doing back in Tokyo?"
"I'm doing fine," she replied. "The hospital is pretty busy and my schedule is tight, especially with Tenten as my patient now, and Sora has karate after school with Ino's son. He's doing so well now that Sasuke's teaching him. He's so happy with our new life."
"How often does Sasuke teach him?" he asked. That question was his indirect way of asking how often Sasuke sees her outside of work. Sakura didn't seem to get the underlying meaning though.
"He comes over every now and then and the two of them practice in the back yard. Sasuke brings over all his old equipment and sets up a mini dojo, it's so cute," she said smiling fondly. "Sora's so motivated when Sasuke's around."
"And what about his daughter? I assume she comes with him." Sakura nodded her head.
"Suki is my little helper and such a sweetheart," she gushed. "She's always willing to help me make dinner or learn how to patch up Sora's boo-boos, or practice her ballet. She does a lot of the things I used to do when I was her age."
Kakashi smiled. "She really is so much like you. I couldn't help but think of you when I saw her. She even talks like you did at that age," he said to which Sakura chuckled.
"She and Sora really get along well. I'm glad that she's one of his friends. Well, more like siblings I guess. She calls Sora "onii chan" sometimes. It's so precious."
Kakashi smiled at that. Even though he had his feelings about her life, he promised that he wouldn't start any confrontations. The little time he had with her was precious and he didn't want to waste it.
"I see. Sora is a very protective boy. He's doing a good job of keeping you safe." Both of them laughed at that.
"Believe it or not, Sora didn't like Sasuke at first," she admitted.
"Really now? You wouldn't think that judging by the way they are now. Any reason why he didn't like him?"
Sakura just shrugged her shoulders. Her father would surely over analyze things if she told him the truth about Sora's confusion. It was best if he didn't know that part.
"Nothing in particular," she replied as she played with her slug. "It was more like he was territorial and sizing him up, just like you would. He was so protective he would have made you proud, but after spending some time with Sasuke, Sora grew to like him. He looks up to Sasuke, and I think it's great for him to have some male influence in his life. He's so determined to be as strong as he can be. My little hero," she said fondly.
"That's good to know. So long as you're happy and safe, I can rest easy," he said as he placed his hand on top of her head like a child. "You really did grow up way too fast."
"I know that feeling. Sora is doing just that. I feel like it was yesterday I was feeding him from his bottle, and now he's bigger and taking karate and making friends. I feel like I blinked and five years went by."
"Try twenty-five. It doesn't get any easier the older they get." He chuckled when she pouted.
"Sora at twenty-five? Oh no, I can already see the fan girls. He's already got some from Suki's ballet class."
"He's got some of my genes you know," Kakashi boasted playfully. "Naturally he'd be appealing to girls, even at five."
Sakura laughed. "True, but I don't know how I'll handle his teen years. He's son of an artist. Who knows how moody he'll be," she said as she placed her chin on top of Katsuya. A brief image of Sora becoming a punk rocker or Goth popped into her mind, and it freaked her out.
"You'll handle him just fine. You're my daughter, and a very capable individual. I've seen you overcome a lot of things, and look where you are today. I'm very proud of you," he praised as he touched the side of her face. Sakura smiled and leaned forward to hug him.
"Thanks Daddy." Kakashi held her close and kissed her forehead. No matter how old she got, she was still his baby girl. He never wanted to lose her to anything, or to anyone, ever again.
"Well you should be getting to bed," he said as they pulled apart. Sakura nodded and got under her blankets, all the while hugging her little stuffed slug close to her chest. Kakashi smoothed out her hair and gave her one last kiss on her forehead.
"Goodnight Sakura."
"Goodnight Daddy, I love you," she said watching him walk towards the door.
"I love you too." He flipped the switch for her lights down. Once he left the room, Sakura lay flat on her back and stared at the ceiling.
She had so much to think about. She was filled with memories of Sai just by lying here, and yet she was also thinking of her discoveries about Sasuke and his marriage. There was no way she would be able to sleep right away. She turned and looked at the time on her cell phone. It was 11:30 yet she was wide awake. Sighing, she decided to wait another half hour or so before going downstairs and either raiding the fridge, or baking some more cookies.
"Cookies, definitely cookies," she decided. At around midnight, she got out of bed and walked out of the room, all the while unaware of the hidden camera in the hall recording her movements.
Sasuke watched her mix the batter. He heard something going on in the kitchen and came to see what it was, only to find her there. Flour was smeared on various areas of her cheeks, hands, shirt and forehead. She was too preoccupied to notice him. There was soft music coming from a small CD player in the corner of the kitchen, and only half the ceiling lights were on, giving the kitchen a dim glow.
Sakura let her mind wander to the one person she's been thinking about a lot: Sasuke. Tonight she learned a little something about him, and she wasn't sure how she felt about it.
"Arranged marriage huh?"she thought. "It doesn't make very much sense, but then again with his supposed lack of personality he just might go for that stuff."
She knew very little about him, other than the fact that he was great father and sexy as hell. The small things like his introverted nature and strange love of tomatoes didn't count. Who is Sasuke? What was his past like? What are his interests? What are his hopes, dreams and ambitions? Basically, what makes him tick?
The fact that she didn't know any of these things depressed her.
"Thanks a lot Tenten, now I want to know that fool," she stewed as she continued to mix the tough batter. "He'sso mysterious. What's he hiding from the world?"
His arranged marriage was still weighing heavily in her mind. On the one hand, she was very much against the concept and thought of people who participated in them as weak willed. Sasuke certainly wasn't weak willed, so there must have been more to it. At the same time, a part of her mind felt happy at the thought that he supposedly never loved another woman, and she had no idea where the hell that thought came from.
She stopped mixing and shook her head at her selfish thoughts. "What kind of person am I? It's a tragedy that he didn't love Suki's mother…so why am I still happy about it?" she thought before she suddenly noticed a presence behind her.
"AH-!" a hand covered her mouth while the other hand caught the spoon that went flying out of her hand.
"Sakura." Sasuke released his hand on her mouth. She took in a few deep breaths to calm herself and placed her hand on her chest.
"You scared me," she hissed as she turned and shoved him on the shoulder. Her heart was beating so fast she swore she was going into tachycardia.
"Hn."
Sakura gave him a look, but said nothing. She was still trying to calm down. She went back to her cookie dough and began to place small handfuls onto the baking sheet.
"What are you doing up?" she asked as she continued to break the dough. "You should be resting."
"You're one to talk," he returned. "Who bakes cookies at one in the morning?"
"Someone who cares enough to make sure her kids have some snacks on the long train ride home," she replied without meeting his eyes. Sasuke raised an eyebrow and gave her a half smirk. She didn't realize that she said kids rather than kid. The fact that she didn't realize it made her more endearing.
"Hn."
Sakura's shoulders dropped as she gave him a half smile. Her conversation with the girls came to mind and she suddenly got a bit nervous. Now that he was here, what should she do?
"Keep him occupied that's what!" said her inner voice.
"Are you hungry? I could reheat some left overs for you." Sasuke shook his head.
"Uh…want to lick the bowl?" she asked as she took the two trays and placed them in the oven. Sasuke sort of looked at her funny before answering.
"I don't like sweet things."
Sakura closed the oven door and looked back at him. "Oh, I didn't know that." She went to the coffee maker to brew them a cup of decaf. Perhaps now was her chance to get to know him a bit more. "So…what else don't you like?" She looked back at Sasuke, who was giving her that questioning look again.
"A lot of things," he answered. "I dislike a lot of things and I like very few things." He placed his elbows on the counter and rested his chin on his interlocked fingers. That threw Sakura off for a bit. That was pretty weird. What do you say to that?
"Well…what do you like then?" she asked assuming that list was shorter and more helpful. "Details are encouraged here."
Sasuke smirked and briefly looked her up and down before meeting her eyes. She caught onto the gesture and blushed, making Sasuke's smirk grow.
"Pervert." She tried to cover her blush by looking down. "I mean what kind of food or music or movies are you into? Do you have any hobbies or special interests?"
"No" he answered monotonously. Sakura gave him an "are-you-serious" look before she heard the coffee pot ding. She shrugged to his response before grabbing two cups and filling them up. It was kind of depressing how he refused to open up, but she held her own. She would get something out of him sooner or later.
"Well anyway," she continued as she brought the two cups of coffee to the counter and sat next to him. "I find it hard to believe that you don't like sweets."
"And why would you say that?"
She looked up at him and smiled. "Because Suki is cute little bag of candy, and I know you love her more than anything else. So who's to say you don't like sweet things?"
He fought hard to control the sudden urge to kiss her. All he's been doing lately was losing control and kissing the woman before him. He couldn't understand why his body felt the need to ignore his brains command to keep in check. He'd never felt this loose before. No girl had ever caught his interest as much as she did. Confusion clouded his mind as he wondered just what it was about her that made him feel so unfocused.
Watching her in the arms of another man was what it took to make him realize that he didn't want Sakura around other men. Only he would be able to touch her, hold her, kiss her, and ravage her as he pleased. He didn't care if he was possessive. Sakura had suddenly become something of a treasure; one that he would keep buried in his own arms. If his desire for her wasn't enough, then Suki's smile was plenty for him to hold onto her.
The corners of his lips quirked up to form the tiniest of smiles.
"Hn."
Sakura just gave him a weak smile as she slouched on her stool. She could only put up with that one word for so long. She looked away from him and took a long sip of her coffee. Talking to him was like performing surgery. It would take precision and skill to get what she wanted.
Sasuke watched her from the corner of his eye. He could tell that she was frustrated with him by the way her jaw tightened and her lips puffed up. However, any serious reaction she had was discredited by the flour smeared on her cheeks and forehead.
Sasuke brought his hand up and brushed her cheek with his thumb. She put her coffee down and looked at him. She saw the flour of his fingers as he pulled his hand back.
"Oh." She smiled sheepishly. "Thanks."
She carelessly ran her arm over her face and gave him a somewhat childish smile asking him if she was clean, when all she did was smear it even more. Sasuke gave off a slight hint of a chuckle before going in and using his thumb to smear of the smudge that was on the corner of her lips.
He instantly regretted that when he brushed his thumb against her bottom lip. It was soft and warm to the touch from the coffee she drank.
His gaze stayed on her lips as he ran his thumb over them once more. Then he settled his whole hand on the side of her face and finally looked into her cloudy eyes. Her eyelids were half closed and her breathing quickened.
"I think you got it," she whispered before he lowered his head and caught her warm lips with his own. She melted in her seat as the warmth of his kiss enveloped her.
She blushed and covered his hand with her own, smiling sweetly at him when they parted.
"This is weird," she whispered. Sasuke raised an eyebrow and she laughed. "I mean you and me being here is kind of strange. No matter how you look at it, we have a professional relationship. You're my boss, yet you're here with me in my childhood home."
"And?" he asked in a dangerously low voice as he stood from his chair. Sakura got nervous, because she knew that he just might attack again. But as she looked at his face, she smiled.
"And you've got flour on your face now," she said as she stood up and used both her thumbs to wipe off the smears, however she soon found herself in another heated kiss as his arms pulled her to him.
"Screw it," she thought as she tightened her arms around his neck and kissed back with just as much ferocity. Their tongues clashed as her hands instinctively tangled themselves in his hair. He lifted her up onto the island counter top without breaking their kiss. Sasuke began trailing kisses down the side of her neck. She angled her head to give him more access.
His lips on her neck sent shivers down her spine. He lightly bit the flesh over her pulse before tracing his markings with his tongue. He kissed back up her throat, meeting her lips once more. His hands slid down her backside and rested at her hips before pulling her closer. She would have slid off the counter had he not been right in front of her. Her legs parted and rested at his sides as he continued his assault.
"I enjoy tomatoes," he said, kissing the other side of her neck. She gave a soft chuckle as she kissed his cheek.
"I know." His hands massaged her hips before sliding down the outside of her thighs.
"I hate sweets." He brought her left leg around his waist, teeth grazing her pulse. She moaned.
"Blasphemy," she whispered. He kissed her lips once more before kissing down her collarbone and biting the sensitive skin, making her gasp.
"I prefer the quiet."
"A little too much." She brought his head up and smashed her lips with his again. She still had the hickies from their last make out session and they needed time to heal.
"Loud people are annoying," he said as he bit and sucked on her bottom lip. He smirked when she pouted playfully, allowing him more access to her now plump lip.
"But you really can't get enough of us," she returned, tightening her arms around his neck.
"I prefer my privacy." He pulled her flush against him and attacked her lips full force. The kitchen was getting warmer, and he was sure it wasn't because of the cookies. She kissed back at first, but then gently pulled his face away from hers.
"But I'll find out who you are," she vowed as she held his face in her hands. They were barely a centimeter apart and breathing profusely. "I want to know," she said looking at him with determined eyes. "I have to know," she thought.
Sasuke could see the challenge that flooded her eyes, and he was more than willing to accept. Other than the Dobe and Neji, people never tried to challenge him at anything in fear of what he might do to them. Most women he encountered were annoyingly flirtatious and men were just envious of his physic and intellect. Yet this girl, this woman, was the only one who freely spoke to him as if she had known him for years. She didn't put him on a pedestal or treat him like a ruler. She treated him like a man, an opponent even.
It was sexy.
He pushed his lips on hers once more. Her legs tightened their pull on his waist making him smirk into their kiss and pull her even closer so that there was no space left between them.
Sakura moaned into his mouth, loving the feeling of his muscular torso pressed against her chest and his calloused hands roaming around her backside. He made her feel like a woman again. His right hand traveled down from her hair to the hem of her shirt. He gently tugged on the material and allowed his hand to graze over the smooth skin of her back. She arched her body on reflex and softly moaned at the skin on skin contact.
Sasuke let his hand caress the small of her back. A mental image of her in the backless dress at the gala entered his mind, and he was pleased to remember that her skin was just as soft as it looked. She was so delicate yet feisty.
He leaned his forehead against hers, allowing them time to catch their breath. Sakura brought her hand up to his face and smiled.
"I think you might be a romantic at heart." Sasuke raised an eyebrow at her.
"Is that what you're hoping for?" he asked as he pecked her lips.
"That's what I can guess." She kissed him again. "Are you saying a card and a rose aren't romantic? Because I thought it was."
Sasuke kissed her again before looking at her questioningly. "What card?"
"The one you sent me back at the hotel. It came with a rose and a sweet message."
Sasuke now looked at her evenly. "I didn't send you a card."
Sakura tilted her head to the side. "You didn't? Well someone did and I thought it was you. Maybe it was my dad?" she thought. "Well thinking back on the message, it probably was him."
"What did it say?" he asked, suddenly curious about who was sending her flowers.
"I can't wait to see you tonight," she answered. "It sounded romantic, but I guess he just missed me?" She could feel him tense as he looked into her eyes.
"Or it wasn't him," he said in a somewhat dark tone. Sakura chuckled.
"I don't think it could have been anyone else. Who would send me something like that?"
Sasuke still looked at her with that calculating look. He didn't like that someone sent her a love note, because that was what it was. Never take anything for granted. His grip around her tightened and his aura took a dark turn.
Sakura sensed his distrust and brought her hands up to his face.
"Hey," she said softly. "What's wrong? It's not that big of a deal. Or are you jeal—" she didn't get to finish that sentence as Sasuke pulled her into a rough kiss. His wandering hand traveled down her thigh as the other tangled itself in her hair and angling her head, deepening their kiss. She couldn't help but moan into his mouth as his lips assaulted her own. Now she knew that he was jealous—extremely jealous.
His kisses grew more intense and forceful. She could feel her lips swell from the impact, but she loved the intensity, and she loved that he was jealous. As evil as it might have been, she liked knowing that he didn't want her with anyone else, but her lungs were running out of air.
The sound of the timer going off alerted her that the cookies were done.
"Cook…ies" she breathed in between kisses. "Sasuke," she said as she grabbed his face. "They'll burn."
Sasuke held her tighter for a few seconds before releasing a frustrated sigh and letting her go. They were both breathing heavily and she quickly hopped off the counter and put her oven mitts on.
"Honestly," she said breathlessly. "I didn't know you were that jealous."
She pulled out the cookie sheets and set them on the rack to cool before removing her mitts.
"I'm not," he retorted crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yeah right." She came over and stood on her toes to give him a peck on the cheek. "You're putting too much thought into that card. I'll ask my dad if he sent it to me in the morning, which is only a few hours away. We should get some sleep."
Sasuke briefly looked her up and down before pulling her into his arms again. "We should," he said making her blush. He leaned forward to kiss her, when the rest of the lights came on. Both turned to look at the intruder only to find a suspicious looking Neji standing in the doorway.
"Neji" Sakura yelped, instantly pulling away from an annoyed Sasuke. "What are you doing up?"
Neji just raised an eyebrow at the two. "I could ask you the same," he said eyeing her appearance. He gave Sasuke a glance and a partial glare. Neji's big brother instincts were kicking in. It was obvious what they were up to, and he didn't like it.
Sasuke glared. "Why are you here?" All these interruptions were really pissing him off.
"I have a pregnant wife to attend to," he replied.
"Oh is Tenten craving something?" Sakura asked excitedly. Her godmother instincts were kicking in. Neji sighed.
"Cereal, bean paste, tomatoes...and olives" he answered with an inward disgust. Sakura smiled at him and went to fix up a bowl for her. Neji stood at the doorway and continued to glare at Sasuke. Sasuke glared right back. Sakura was oblivious to the tension as she prepared the cereal. She got out some bean paste, chopped tomatoes and olives and put it in a separate cup and went to hand it to Neji.
"Hang in there, Neji. She's almost ready to deliver. She lucky to have such a good husband," she said to placate him somewhat. Neji stopped glaring at Sasuke and gave her a meek smile.
"Thanks. Goodnight Sakura." He turned to leave but not before giving Sasuke one last glare.
Sasuke gave off an annoyed sigh.
"You should really get to bed," Sakura suggested. "I just have to clean up in here and put the cookies away."
Sasuke said nothing walked out of the kitchen without so much as a glance her way. She watched him leave and sighed. Now he was upset. She cleaned the baking sheets and bowls and put them away in their proper places.
Sakura yawned as she turned the kitchen lights off and walked down the hallway. Being with Sasuke tired her out and she was looking forward to crawling into bed and snuggling with Katsuya and her pillow. She passed the living area where Sora and Suki were sleeping with the dogs surrounding them.
Pakkun perked his head up at her presence. She put her fingers to her lips, telling him to be quiet. She smiled when she saw that Sora had kicked his blanket away in his sleep while Suki was curled up in her own blanket like a caterpillar with her stuffed piggy. Sakura brought the thick blanket over Sora's little body and tucked him in before smoothing out his hair and kissing his forehead. She gave Suki a kiss on her forehead as well and smiled at the two kids.
She was glad she baked those extra cookies for them. Pakkun scurried over to her and licked her hand. She smiled and scooped the little dog into her arms.
"You were a bad doggie today," she chided as she scratched his ears and walked out of the room. "But I still love you." Pakkun gave off a contented whimper and licked her face. He loved Sakura and always prided himself for being her favorite puppy throughout the years.
Sakura reached the stairs and placed one foot on the steps before Pakkun perked his head up. She looked in his direction and that's when she noticed the shadow coming from the den. Judging from the chicken haired shadow, she knew it was Sasuke. The man just did not listen to reason. Sighing, she changed course and walked over and sure enough, he was there.
"I thought you would've gone to bed."
Sasuke turned from looking at the pictures on the mantle and saw her walk up to him…with that dog.
"Hn."
Sasuke and the dog in her arms locked eyes. Pakkun stared at the Uchiha male with lazy yet calculating eyes. Sasuke was instantly reminded of Shikamaru and he knew that this dog had a mission.
"Are you in pain?" she asked with concern. "I'm really surprised that you're walking around. It was a really deep cut." She looked down at the dog in her arms. "He's usually such a good doggie."
He got confused when she came closer to him and held out the dogs paw.
"Pakkun wants to say he's sorry, don't you Pakkun?" she asked looking down at the dog.
The canine whimpered and continued to lock eyes with Sasuke, who didn't really know what to do at the moment. Did she expect him to shake his…paw? Instead he locked eyes with the dog again, staring him down.
Pakkun saw what he knew was a solid resolve behind those eyes of his. This man was strong, and there was something else that he sensed beyond the surface. Few humans ever intimated him, but Sasuke was one of them. He was surprised when Sasuke's hand came to rest on top of his head and stroke him.
"Aww there you go. All better," she cooed putting Pakkun on the ground. He scurried of the couch and made himself comfortable. "Are you sure you're not in pain Sasuke?"
"I'm fine," he answered. "It's not like I can't walk."
Sakura looked down at his leg and noticed that he removed the dressings.
"You shouldn't have removed the bandages. Here, let me take a look at it." She tried to get him to sit on the couch, however Sasuke wouldn't budge. "Sasuke, I'm serious let me take a look at it." She grabbed his arm and literally dragged him there. Sasuke tried to remove his arm from her grasp.
"Sakura—"
"Sit down!" she yelled suddenly as she placed her hands on his chest and shoved him onto the couch. He grunted as he hit the sofa with a thud. What the hell? He wasn't expecting her to be forceful. Before he could say or do anything, she was already on her knees and inspecting his ankle.
"Dammit Sakura, its fine," he insisted as he tried to pull away from her, but she had his leg in an iron grip and wouldn't let go.
"Just shut up and let me see it," she ordered tracing the cut with her fingers. "See you shouldn't have taken the bandage off. The blood is barely coagulating and you could reopen it at any—oh just-stop struggling!" she shouted as she got up and sat on his lap with her back facing him.
Sasuke froze the moment her behind made contact with the top of his thighs. She didn't notice as she bent down to inspect the cut. His eyes instantly went down to see her slightly exposed lower back. Did she realize what kind of position they were in and how hard he was trying not to let his thoughts take the turn they were making? He averted his thoughts to other things and pushed back his arousal. That would have been a shocker if she abruptly leaned back against it.
"I have half a mind to go back and get some more gauze for you, but maybe you'll learn something if it gets infected and gives you more misery," she grumbled.
She was about to get up, but Sasuke's hands gripped her hips and forced her to stay where she was. It was at that moment when her eyes widened as she realized that she was sitting on her bosses lap. She could practically feel his smirk.
Sasuke pulled her back against his chest. She looked back at him and huffed.
"You turned that around nicely. Stop smirking already!"
She tried to shove him on the shoulder, but couldn't since he held her arms down. She resisted his hold and squirmed until she was at least sitting on the couch next to him, rather than on him. Sasuke kept his arm around her shoulders.
"If you're not sleeping then talk to me. Being with me means lots and lots of talking." He gave her an exasperated look. "Fine, I'll start. How's Sora doing with his karate?"
"He's doing fine," he replied. When he saw Sakura gesture for him to continue, he sighed. "He's learned to coordinate his muscles without over exerting himself, and he's built up his stamina which means he can train longer."
Sakura smiled and placed her hand on her chest. "My baby has muscles now? Aww my little man," she said affectionately. "He's been accident free for the longest time now and that's all thanks to you."
"He's determined. Kind of reminds me of the Dobe and Neji combined," he said making her chuckle. Since they were talking about kids, he might as well tell her about Suki. "Suki's been happier," he shared, noticing her smile again.
"How so?"
"Just, smiling more I guess. She's always smiling, even when the occasion doesn't call for it," he said thinking back to their visit to the cemetery. "I'm not always there for her when she needs me. She puts on her brave face, just so I won't feel bad. I don't understand how she can do that," he admitted.
Sakura placed her hand on his chest, making him turn back to her.
"Suki and I are the same in that sense. My dad was away a lot and yeah sometimes it got to me. But that doesn't mean we love our daddies any less. It just makes the time we have with you even more special. Suki doesn't want you to feel sad. She loves you. She always talks about you," she said surprising him. "She asked me to teach her how to cook tomatoes so she can make it for you." Sasuke's lips turned up in the tiniest of smiles. "You're her hero."
"Really."
"Suki has so much to tell you, but she never does because she tells me that you're always busy." She saw the look of guilt that passed through his eyes. He never intentionally made himself a busy man, he just was. She placed her hand on the side of his face and looked into his eyes.
"You always close yourself off from everyone," she said softly. "Don't shut yourself out from your family, and don't hide from me," she stressed as her fingers smoothed out against his cheek. She looked at him with such sincerity and concern.
She was so beautiful, even in her homely state. She truly cared about him and wanted to know that he was okay. He leaned his head forward so that it was touching hers. His arm around her tightened, bringing her closer while his other hand came to rest on her cheek. Slowly, he brought his lips down onto hers in a soft kiss. They barely broke apart before they kissed again, and again, and again.
Sakura wove her arms around his neck and leaned on him as he leaned back against the couch. She was practically lying on top of him as she kissed his cheeks and forehead. He could feel every curve of her body with her pressed over him like that, and it felt good. He brought her lips to his own in a long fervent kiss. In that moment, he felt close to her. Whatever else he was feeling at that moment was enough for him to tighten his hold on her waist, without any chance of letting go. Their lips parted ever so slightly, and Sasuke was able to gaze into her emerald eyes.
He had never been more enthralled by the color green before. Sakura gave him a quick kiss before resting her head on his chest and making herself comfortable against his right side as she yawned.
"You've got one minute to tell me something more until I fall asleep," she said as she placed her hand on his chest and drew lazy patterns. Sasuke sighed and closed his eyes. When she wanted something, she really wouldn't give up. What did she find so fascinating about him anyway? "Anything besides 'hn' will do," she added sleepily. Sasuke smirked and held her closer.
"You're still annoying." She closed her eyes and gave a half smile.
"I know," she whispered before drifting off to sleep. She couldn't help it. He was so warm and comfortable to hold onto, and she was so tired. He won again.
Sasuke knew she had drifted off and was grateful for it; anything to stop the questions. He felt something climb onto the couch by their feet and opened one eye to see Pakkun there. The small dog moved to their couch and pulled the blanket that was on the back with his teeth, making it fall on the both of them. Sasuke smirked and pulled the blanket over them. Seems like the dog approved of him after all.
Pakkun circled the area on the couch before lying down by their feet. He may have behaved around the Uchiha, but he was still a protective guard dog. No funny business on this doggie's watch.
Sasuke watched her sleeping face, memorizing every detail. He just now noticed how long her eyelashes were. The light from the fireplace reflected off her porcelain skin, making it glow into the night. Her warm body fit comfortably against him, and for once in his life, Sasuke felt a sense of peace as he lay there with her in his arms. Her even breathing soothed his senses, and he could feel his body surrendering to his subconscious.
He was never so content to fall asleep as he was at that moment.
The Tokyo PD was alive with activity. These missing people were the hot case for all the major police departments but most of them came from this very city.
Underground from the police department was the Tokyo branch of the CIA. Here it was quiet for the night. The usual amount of activity was done with the utmost secrecy, even within the department. Trust no one. That's the way of life in a society of individuals with lives as shadowed as theirs.
Itachi Uchiha was one of those individuals who trusted no one and was therefore working by himself in the data base corridor. He had been at it for hours. A flat screen monitor lowered before him and flashed indicating a video message. A robotic voice asked him if he wished to respond to the call.
He accepted the call and leaned back in his chair. Shikamaru Nara's face appeared. He was smoking in what seemed to be some sort of greenhouse or flower shop "Shikamaru" he said with a nod.
"Itachi, how's the research going?" he asked.
"No progress," he replied. "I trust that you have information regarding that other matter though." Shikamaru blew out the smoke before nodding.
"I've made as many comparisons and references as possible. Everything given was legit," he said as a few documents appeared on the screen. One was a profile on Sai, followed by Sakura and Sora's profile as well. "Basically, Sora is the legitimate son of Sai and Sakura. No genetic alterations or codes can be detected from his blood line and the fingerprint data base is up to code."
"No other family members from Sai's side?" he asked, even though he already knew.
"As far as the blood work goes, no other families in Japan match the records with Sai's bloodline. As a matter of fact, the Black Ops division is the only carrier of his genetic information. A select few have access to that branch, primarily Danzo, and the only one we're affiliated with is—"
"Kakashi," Itachi finished as he leaned back in his chair. "And he's already made his own records as far as Sai goes."
Shikamaru nodded. "Right. As far as Sakura goes, the Commander is the only living blood relative, aside from her son."
"She's got quite the family line though," Itachi noted. "Daughter of Hatake Kakashi and Rin, granddaughter of the legendary Sakumo Hatake, wife of the top Black Ops Assassin Sai and apprentice to Tsunade herself."
"CIA royalty," Shikamaru commented, lazily exhaling smoke. "Researching matters this close to internal affairs is no easy task. That's about as troublesome as it gets," he said before he was suddenly strangled from behind.
"There you are you lazy ass," Ino screeched as she appeared on the screen. "Of all the places for you to smoke you come into my parent's greenhouse? You'll kill the flowers you idiot! What kind of genius are you?" she shouted as she continued to strangle her husband.
"Good evening Ino," Itachi drawled as he watched the marital banter. Ino looked into the screen, clearly unaware that Shikamaru was working and released her chokehold on him.
"Oh hi Itachi," she smiled sheepishly. "I didn't know you were there. You're working this late?" she asked as Shikamaru gasped for air behind her while muttering strings of troublesomes.
"No time for sleep, as I'm sure you know," he answered. "But it seems like I've kept him from you long enough. This information should suffice for now Shikamaru." Shikamaru composed himself and nodded before exiting communication.
Kakashi woke up from his sleep, stretched a bit and then tossed on a robe and went downstairs to get the newspaper. As usual his dogs greeted him, minus Pakkun, at the foot of the stairs. They seemed eager about something. He passed the den and went outside to get the paper. There was a small package wrapped in brown paper on top of the newspaper. Kakashi unwrapped in and nearly shouted to the heavens when he saw it was the latest edition of Icha Icha Paradise!
He tucked the scandalous book under his arm and picked up the newspaper and stared at the front page. His giddy feeling was lost when he read through it.
Another missing person was reported in the last month. Sighing, he continued to read the headlines when his dogs stopped near the den. He looked up and dropped the paper to the ground.
There on the couch, looking snug and intimate, was his daughter in the arms of the Uchiha. Her head was resting on his chest with her body nearly lying on top of him…and his arms were wrapped possessively around her waist. Pakkun was at their feet.
His right eye began to twitch uncontrollably as the urge to pry his baby girl out of that man's arms overtook him, but that would definitely cause a scene. Instead, he forced himself to walk past them and into the kitchen.
Kakashi tried to calm down as he grabbed the ingredients began to make his famous pancakes for a house full of guests, only occasionally twitching at the thought of Sakura in Sasuke's arms. At least Pakkun being there guaranteed that nothing happened.
Pancakes were something that he would make almost often when Sakura was younger, since it was her favorite breakfast. No matter how tired she was, she would always come down to the smell of fresh pancakes. She was such a gem when she was small. Kakashi remembered seeing her walk in through the kitchen, blanket in one arm while the other rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
She would walk right into the kitchen and call out to him, and then proceed to help him finish the pancakes by adding chocolate chips. She always had a sweet tooth.
Kakashi closed his eyes remembering the good times, when Sakura didn't know what boys were. He snapped out of his dream when he heard a familiar angelic voice call out to him.
"Daddy?"
Kakashi opened his eyes and half expected to see a five-year-old Sakura standing in the doorway. Instead, he was greeted with another five-year-old: Suki. She was dressed in light blue footy pajamas and rubbing the sleep out of her eye while holding onto a stuffed pig. Kakashi smiled. Father time really enjoyed playing with him.
"Well, hello there," he greeted as he smiled at the little girl. Suki stopped rubbing her eye and looked over at Sora's Grandpa and blinked. Clearly she forgot that she wasn't in her own home.
"Hi Mr. Sora's Grandpa," she greeted, not really knowing what to call him. "I thought you were my daddy," she said as she smiled. Pakkun and the rest of the dogs came up to her and licked her good morning. Suki giggled as they did this. There were so many of them that she was getting lost among them.
Kakashi smiled and went over to stop her from getting crushed.
"Alright now," he said as he pulled the dogs away. "Let her through. Would you like some pancakes?"
"Yes please. Pancakes are my favorite!" she said happily.
"I could use some help making them too. Do you know how to make pancakes?"
"My daddy showed me how. I can help," she said as she stood next to him. Kakashi pulled up a bar chair and placed Suki on top so she could see.
"I'll have you mix the batter," he said as he gave her the whisk. Suki happily stirred the batter next to him and helped him pour it onto the pan. They had made several batches before their houseguests came crawling.
Sasuke opened his eyes when he smelled pancakes. He moved to get up when he realized that there was something clinging to his side. He turned and was met with her sleeping face. She had not moved from her position all night and neither had he. Her hand that was resting on his chest was gripping onto his shirt, and her nose was twitching from the smell of pancakes wafting through the air.
"…Daddy?" she mumbled sleepily as she stirred. She slowly opened her eyes, and was met with onyx counterparts, staring at her intently. Sakura's eyes widened for a second before remembering her position. She smiled at him and got up from his side. She yawned and stretched. She looked at the clock and saw that it was 9:00 in the morning. She froze as realization that her father had probably seen them sleeping together flashed across her mind.
"Crap!" She shuffled out of the blanket and got off the couch. "It's already nine." Sasuke look at the clock. He had never slept in so late before.
"That doesn't give us much time to get to the station. We have to leave here by noon."
Sakura ran her fingers through her hair and look around the living room. She was a little too preoccupied with the knowledge that her father saw them. She knew he did. He was always the early riser and she knew he was cooking pancakes, which meant he had to pass the den in order to get to the kitchen.
"Sakura," he said snapping her out of her revere. "Did you hear what I said?" he asked, not really liking repeating himself.
"What?"
"I said we have three hours to get to the train station. I don't want to miss it again."
"Right, I'll make sure everyone's ready on time. But first, let's go eat breakfast." She grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the kitchen. "I refuse to function without Daddy's pancakes."
They entered the kitchen, which was bustling with activity. Suki and Kakashi were making pancakes, while Hinata was cooking what appeared to be breakfast sandwiches on the mini grill. Neji was at the table drinking coffee and reading a newspaper while Tenten was chowing down on a stack of fluffy pancakes. The only person who was missing was…
"Well look who decided to wake up from their honeymoon," Naruto teased as he came from behind them and placed an arm over each of their shoulders. "Had a good night?" he asked mischievously as he grinned at them. His grin disappeared when Sakura punched him in the gut while blushing about his comment. Luckily, no one heard him and didn't notice them until Suki called them.
"Daddy look I made pancakes," she said as she walked up to him with a plate. Sasuke took her little hand and walked away from Naruto, who was still keeled over from Sakura's punch.
Everyone ate their breakfast before getting ready within the hour and packing up to go back home.
They gathered at the train station on time. Shikamaru and Ino had actually left on an earlier train, seeing as how he had some important things to get back to sooner.
"Grandpa, can you come with us?" Sora asked as he tugged on his grandfather's coat. He really loved his grandfather and hated being away from him. Kakashi smiled and picked him up.
"I wish I could, but I have to stay here. I'll come visit you soon. I promise."
Sora continued to pout, but nodded his head. "Okay," he said dejectedly. Sakura smiled sympathetically at her son. It was times like these when she felt like a bad guy for taking him away from the only real father figure he grew up with.
"Maybe he can come for your karate match next month," she suggested as she looked at her father expectantly. Sora looked back at Kakashi hopefully.
"Can you Grandpa?" Kakashi smiled and nodded his head.
"I wouldn't miss it for anything. I want to see how much stronger my ninja man has become. You're doing a good job protecting your mother. In fact…" he trailed off as he dug through his coat pocket. "I think it's time that I give you this." He pulled out a small case. He lifted the lid and displayed a knife-like object within it.
"Is that a dagger?" Sakura asked as she looked at the sharp object.
Sora however, was awestruck. "Coooooooooool."
"It's a kunai knife, just like the one real ninjas used to use…and now it's yours," he declared as he carefully handed it over to Sora. Sakura rolled her eyes as her father handed that sharp object to her son.
"Thanks Grandpa!"
Kakashi ruffled his hair. "Use it only to protect the ones you love," he instructed. Sora nodded as he looked down at the dagger. This was officially the coolest gift ever! Sakura however, was not too thrilled.
"Was that really the best thing to give to a five-year-old?" she grumbled as she placed her hand on top of Sora's head and looking at her father accusingly. "I can see the future wounds already." Her father just smiled and stood.
"I think he'll be fine. It's a family heirloom after all. It's only right that he should have it."
"Couldn't it have waited thirteen more years?"
Kakashi just grinned. Sakura sighed and checked the time on her watch. Kakashi checked his watch too and knew that she would be leaving him again soon. It didn't get any easier saying goodbye.
"Come back soon alright? Four months is still a long time." Sakura smiled and went to hug her father. Kakashi wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
"We will. Don't worry," she promised. "And you need to come see us too. There's always a place for you with me, you know that."
"The same goes for you. Your room will always be there…literally," he chuckled.
He kept her in his arms for as long as he could, partly because he knew that the Uchiha was watching them and Kakashi wanted to show him where his authority over her life stood, but mostly because he would miss her greatly the moment she was out of sight.
"You're the best daddy in the whole world," she said as she continued to hug her father. Kakashi chuckled and kissed her forehead. The train pulled up and everyone else bid him a farewell before getting on the train.
"Bye Grandpa," said Sora as he hugged his grandfather. Kakashi picked him up and hugged him back. He would miss his little ninja man.
"Bye Daddy, I love you," Sakura said as she kissed his cheek. Kakashi placed his hand on the side of her face.
"I love you too, always," he returned. "Be safe." He placed Sora on the ground. Sakura smiled at him and took Sora's hand. With one final wave, they boarded the train.
As the train pulled away, Kakashi pulled out his cell phone and dialed Anko's number. He suddenly felt very alone, and she was the only person that could make that feeling go away.
Sakura and Sora stepped out of the cab and after paying the driver, went up to their home. Even though it was midnight, Sora was still wide-awake and playing with his new kunai.
"Sora put that Kunai away. You are not allowed to play with that until you're older." Sakura ordered.
She smiled at Sora's pouty face and inserted the key into the lock. She pushed the door open and walked into the dark living room. Sora followed her in and nearly tripped over something that was on the floor.
"Ow!" he whined as he moved to get up. Sakura went to flip the switch near the door. Once she did, her eyes widened in shock.
"What the…," she gasped as she saw the wreckage.
The living room was completely turned upside down and trashed. Someone had been in here when they were away. Fear immediately filled her body, for she realized that they could still be in here. Sora got up and stared at the room wide eyed.
"Mommy?" he asked uncertainly as he looked in her direction.
"Sora we have to go right now," she said as she moved towards him. Then she saw the horrified expression on his face as he pointed behind her. Before she could say anything, Sakura felt a hand cover her mouth and something wrap around her neck and tug her backwards onto someone's chest.
"Mommy!" shouted Sora as he watched the scary man in black attack his mother.
Sakura released a strangled cry as she brought her hands up to try to pry the arms off her. The man behind her tightened his hold around her as he attempted to lift her off the ground. She instinctively brought her foot up and slammed it down onto her captor's foot, making him grunt and barely loosen his hold on her neck.
Sakura turned around gasping and quickly shoved her palm upwards and slammed it against his nose giving her the space she needed to get away from him. She tried to move towards Sora, who was paralyzed with fear.
The man quickly got over the assault and grabbed her arm before harshly shoving her against the wall. Sakura yelped as her head and back painfully slammed against the wall. Sora snapped out of his stupor and ran over to the man and gave him a swift kick on his ankle.
The intruder turned his head toward the boy and shoved him out of the way, making him fall to the ground.
"Sora!" Sakura yelled when she saw him fall. "Run baby!" she screamed as she tried to shove the man off her, but he was just too overpowering.
"Shut up!" the intruder yelled as he flipped her around and shoved her against the wall again. Her head hit the picture frame that was there, shattering the glass and making her scream in pain as blood seeped from the cut. He grabbed her wrists and was about to tie them together when all of the sudden, an immense pain shot through his right leg, ripping through the muscle.
"AHHHH!"
He looked and saw what appeared to be a knife imbedded deep into his thigh. Blood oozed out of the wound as he saw that it was the boy who did that. He released his hold on Sakura, who slid to the floor, and grunted as he removed the dagger. It was dripping with his blood and staining the carpet as he quickly moved towards the boy.
Sora stood in fear as the man came to him with the knife in his hand. He reached for the boy, but before he could strike, Sakura had thrown herself onto his back with enough force to topple them to the ground.
"Sora! Run away from here! Go!" she shouted as she struggled with the man beneath her. Sora saw the blood dripping from the side of her head as his mother struggled with the man, who quickly flipped them over so that she was beneath him.
"Get off my Mommy!" Sora shouted as he ran to kick the man, only this time, he gave him a good kick right over his blood stained leg. The man cried out in anguish giving Sakura enough time to gather her strength and shove him off her.
She immediately scrambled to her feet, grabbed Sora and rushed out the door, only to collide with another chest. Sakura screamed as his arms held her.
"Go Akamaru!"
Sakura looked up and realized that it was none other than Kiba. A big white dog quickly ran past him barking up a storm as he jumped into the house. The sound of glass breaking reached her ears. Sakura didn't even look back as she clung to both Kiba and Sora. Her heart was racing and her head was throbbing. She could feel herself becoming lost as she began to lose consciousness and fall limp in Kiba's arms.
The last thing she heard before she surrendered to the darkness was her son's voice, desperately calling out to her.
An abandoned warehouse just on the outskirts of Tokyo stood still. It hadn't been in use for over ten years, and no one thought twice about inspecting it for criminal activity. It was surrounded by a desolate wasteland and was so barren that only sand could thrive around it. About several feet underground from this particular warehouse though, was a place that was undetectable to the surface.
It was a labyrinth of rooms and chambers that were filled with all kinds of experimental equipment with the smell of formaldehyde and an ever so slight hint of blood lingering in the air. In one particular room was a man, who was sitting with what appeared to be an autopsy cadaver on the table next to him. It was a woman, who appeared to be in her late forties, with her abdomen exposed to the air.
He heard the chamber door open and saw his little pawn walking in from his latest mission. He closed his books and straightened up before him. He noticed that he was limping, as well as bleeding from his right leg.
"I would trust that everything went as planned, however I can see that you ran into some interference." He smirked deviously. "The CIA is such a damned annoyance. Which one got you?"
"Not important," his little pawn replied. The last thing he needed was to have his name discredited by a five-year-old boy. "There was no time to rummage. She returned before I could leave," he said, noticing his boss's sudden change in mood.
"Did you…touch her?" he asked vaguely. His glasses caught the light and cast a glare on the lenses, making it hard to read his eyes. He knew he had to tread carefully with his responses. This was a sick man that he was dealing with after all.
"I had to restrain her," he answered. "However the CIA saw fit to interfere at that point. She is unharmed," he said, knowing full well that he at least landed a concussion or two on the woman's head. He also remembered that she was bleeding.
"She better be," Kabuto warned as he pushed the rim of his glasses up. He then placed a smirk on his face and looked at his pawn expectantly. The man internally rolled his eyes before reaching into his bag and pulling out a thin piece of silky white material. He then walked away and left his boss to his own twisted thoughts.
After his pawn left, Kabuto held the stolen material before him and looked at it. It was one of her nightgowns. The last sight of her in that white ball gown had him desperate for her touch. He began to envision her body covered in the white silky material, before ripping it off her with his teeth. He brought the delicate material to his face and breathed in deeply. Her scent flooded his mind with images of what he would do to her once he had her. All of them involved her screaming his name.
Her face, her body, her soul would all belong to him soon enough. Once he was finished with his research and eliminated all other obstacles along the way, he would make his move.
"But for now, it's time for bed,"he thought as he fisted the gown in his palm and walked out of his lab.
He would have many a good nights with this small piece of his cherry blossom beside him.
Authors Note:
Mystery Dude number one has finally been revealed as KABUTO! Congrats to those of you who guess correctly on that one. But that still leaves you with the second one, what none of you will ever guess because it's way too complicated to piece together (cough or at least I think so cough) MUAHAHAHA!