A/N: Reviewed, alerted, favored, read; many thanks to all of you. Here's a very long chapter for the wait.
Q/A: Topaia - Your reviews really make me smile. :) All the questions you asked will be answered in due time. I'm planning quite a few surprises and twists. :D But before I get to answering I gotta get Kaka comfy first and settled. The other Kakashi that's floating off in Mylan's dimension in sleep has his reasons. I assure you, I would never do anything to make anyone hate him. Thank you for your questions and concerns, dear!
Lizid - lol! I love that you want to make perfect imagery of Kakashi. I do the saaame thing. :) I believe in the second chapter Sakura makes a joke that she didn't expect him to be cosplaying, so he's definitely in his ANBU gear. Third chapter, where he texts Sakura, I describe his attire and I just left the rest for the readers to assume what kind of civilian clothing he chooses. Thank you so much for your question and review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 6 - Kittenish Excuses
August 1st
Dear Journal,
I'm on a plane right now heading back home now. Only three more hours to go! Kakashi is currently sleeping, as friggin' usual. I swear, I've never seen anyone sleep so much. He's like a bear in the winter, always hibernating, except that it isn't winter and it's all year..
I've been so busy! I haven't had the time to write in a while but now is the perfect opportunity.
Kakashi and Naruto got along well much to my surprise! And Naruto actually started looking like a ninja by the end of the two weeks. It reminded me of the ugly duckling story with a fairy godmother, Naruto being the ugly duckling turning into a swan and Kakashi being the fairy godmother. Lol. Ah, a little rough around the edges, but Kakashi does make for a good fairy godmother.
I believe they're going to keep up in correspondence through e-mail and Naruto is making sure I invite Kakashi to our tradition Christmas dinner. I kinda hate to say it but they are adorable together.
Even Gai and Lee began to warm up to him. Instead of calling him 'enemy' and 'bastard', Gai began addressing Kakashi as 'rival'. That's progress I suppose. Kakashi even allowed him one more chance to redeem himself. The fight didn't last a minute, but it was thrilling.
Man, that guy moves so fast. He's so good at everything it's almost unfair.
::Insert sigh here::
I guess being his friend is nice. I know, I know. I'm an idiot..
My mother use to tell me that the heart could tell the mind want it wanted, but whatever the mind would tell the heart, the heart wouldn't listen. That the heart beats for what it wants and no matter how much the mind tries to reason, the heart still beats for what it wants.. There's a bunch more to it, but that's when I usually tuned out..
After all these years, I think I understand. I use to think that was a load of crap. Until I was actually put into this stupid situation. Damnit...
Being Kakashi's friend is a risk. After all he put me through I should've said no, right?
If he approached me like he did in the club, cold and confident, wanting nothing but what my body could offer.. I'm sure that despite what my stupid heart wanted I could've said no.
But he was different. Different than the guy he was when I first met him. He was.. warm?
Seriously, Hatake Kakashi, a warm person? If someone would've told me that I would've laughed in their face.
.. but he really is. He's actually kind in a sort of cryptic way. Not in words but in little discreet actions. Like teaching Naruto so I could have time to spend with my bestie when he didn't have any time for me. He catches on to my numerous amount of quirks and doesn't judge me; that I don't tolerate milk unless it's the morning, I eat bagels cold, that I have to alphabetize/color coordinate everything, etc. He quietly helps me out. Doesn't include dairy in our lunches, leaves out bagels for me in the morning when he goes and works out with Naruto, and he helped me arrange the hotel to my liking. But I think the last part is because he's secretly neurotic as well..
And he listens. I talk a lot, I ask a lot of questions, and though he wasn't really the topic starter, he definitely made the effort to talk to me. Even if it were answers a little too snarky and frustrating, or when it seemed like he wasn't paying attention, he still listened. Who would've thought I'd have a decent conversation with the legendary Hatake? And daily, too.
Yeah, a lot different than what I than I thought he'd be. I still think he's hot and he has that thing about him that makes every girl want to take off their pants, but he's warm. And when he looks at me it feels like he knows me more than I know myself sometimes.. That he trusts me when I'm sure he's not the type of man who gives his trust easily.
His natural ease is so infectious I feel like I've known him half my life.
Doesn't stop me from fantasizing.
I really should stop doing that. I now know there will be nothing between us besides a tall, thick, unbreakable wall of friendship.. ::sighing again::
Have I mentioned that he's been good to me?
He took me everywhere! And on our last day he even brought me back to Bad Sushi and Wizneyland to see the fireworks show. It was beautiful. He said since our last memories there weren't really.. ideal, he wanted to change them into something memorable in honor of our new friendship.
Isn't he ideal?
Ah, I really need to get over my little crush.. I do like being close to him. I don't want to jeopardize that. Time. It takes time. I'll eventually be over him..
I'll write more later. I am just sooooo tired.
- Sakura
They landed safely into K.C with limited disturbances. Ironically, the same stewardess from the last flight served them again, and she was adamant with staying clear away when they did not require a nice soft drink or peanuts.
Kakashi, with the company of Naruto and Sakura, had purchased a car during his stay. Instead of buying an extravagant luxury car, he chose a simple, black, hybrid sedan, much to Naruto's distaste. The interior was soft and when he heard the word efficient when the sales man described the car, he pulled out a wad of cash before the man could even finish his pitch.
Sakura called him impulsive. Naruto called him boss, whatever that meant. He, well, he couldn't call himself anything. He was just excited.
The car was flown out before their own flight, so it was safely awaiting them in K.C.
With hurried steps he approached his new car waiting for him at the terminal exit. "Come on, Sakura!" He called out to the pink-haired girl currently lugging all their baggage on a cart by herself.
"I would if I weren't giving birth to an elephant."
"That doesn't sound pleasant." he turned to help her, timing it perfectly, so she was already a foot away from the car, no longer needing his now unnecessary aid. Kakashi never saw himself as a cart pusher and there was no need to start now.
"It's a metaphor. I just meant I was pushing a large load."
"Yeah, I got that." he lifted their luggage into the trunk. He could definitely do that much.
"Kakashi," she addressed him, still enjoying the feel of his name on her tongue. "Now don't you give me lip. I'm tired. I was terrified of falling asleep just in case I might have nudged you accidentally and having you try to kill me in your sleep."
"It's good to always be on your guard." he shrugged, "And I only sleep attack when I'm most tired."
"I'm going to rest on the way back."
He hissed as he inhaled. "Ah, there's just one problem with that."
"What is it now?" she asked exasperatedly, reaching for the door handle to the passenger seat.
Kakashi sensed one of her moods setting in and he decided now was the perfect time to give her his best smile. "I don't know how to drive."
Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling the silent hum of aggravation in her blood stream. "Then why did you buy a car?"
"Seemed like a necessity."
"That's Sunangeles. Everyone in K.C. uses public transportation."
"I don't like relying on others." he was still giving her his million dollar smile underneath his mask, opening the door of the driver's side while motioning for her to enter with a wave of his hand.
She glared and begrudgingly walked around the car and sat down not once looking his way. "Fine. I'll drive." she held out her hand to him.
Feeling amused, he placed the keys in her awaiting, outstretched hand and walked satisfied to the other side when a strange thought occurred to him. "Wait. You know how to drive, right?"
"What kind of question is that? Of course, I do!"
Letting her drive was his biggest mistake he had made in this dimension. Experience with a few cab drivers, Kakashi was able to learn what road rage was. It was pretty common amongst drivers, but he should have known better. With Sakura and her temperament, road rage was taken to a different level.
She swerved in and out of traffic, she honked at every car that attempted to pass her by and at every pedestrian, just because. She yelled strings of obscenities that he had never heard together in combination.
By the end, Kakashi didn't exit his car shaking in fear. No. He was shaking because his body still felt like it was ricocheting back and forth and back and forth from her ridiculous driving.
"See, I told you I could drive." she declared proudly.
'Never again.' he swore silently to himself.
"Yeah." he apathetically replied, nursing his lower back with his right hand, slouching a lot more than usual.
"Kakashi, are you okay?"
"Perfectly." he attempted to stand up straighter but his body just wouldn't allow it. He attempted to roll his luggage out of the parking structure and into the awaiting elevator.
Sakura gazed at him apologetically, "Here, let me get this."
Before she could grab his bag from him, he silently took hers, both suitcases now carried carefully at his sides.
The corners of her mouth softly quirked upward. "I may look small, but I'm stronger than a hundred men."
"I wouldn't doubt it." he half-joked. "A thousand men don't have anything on you."
The elevator dinged and opened on the eleventh floor. Sakura lead the way, with Kakashi trailing behind her.
"Do you need some pain relieving cream or anything?" she asked worriedly.
"No. I'll be fine." the sound of her voice making him feel slightly better. He always found her concerned tone adorable.
She smiled in return, turning to open her own door when she remembered something.
Gratitude. Kakashi gave her an experience she could never afford for herself. He chased her mind instead of her body. He was respectful. He helped her best friend and not once had she expressed her appreciation.
"Hey, Kakashi," she addressed him, "I just wanted to say thanks." she inhaled deeply, gathering as much courage as she could muster. With shaky steps she walked up to him, catching him off guard him by bringing her arms around his strong middle in an embrace.
Although sore, Kakashi couldn't help but smile. He brought an arm over her shoulders and returned the endearing hug.
"Thank you." she said meagerly. "Don't be a stranger."
Not allowing herself time to bask in his warmth, she quickly let go before retreating back to her door. She was about to enter her apartment when Kakashi called out to her.
"Sakura."
"Yeah?"
"Dinner tomorrow night? I would say this evening, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to fall into a twenty-four hour coma, only walking up to eat in between."
Sakura smiled, unable to hide her thrilled expression. "I didn't think you'd have time, but yes of course."
"Great. I'll see you tomorrow." Kakashi opened his door when he realized Sakura said something very odd. "What do you mean you didn't think I'd have time?" he called right before she was going to close her door.
She leaned against the frame, "With school starting next week, I thought you'd like to go over your lesson plan. But I guess you have everything under control." her land line began to ring furiously, "Hey, I gotta go. I'll talk to you tomorrow!"
She left a stunned Kakashi standing in the hallway alone. "Lesson plan?"
After breaking out of his daze, Kakashi entered his apartment feeling immense pressure building over his shoulders and the throbbing of an incoming migraine. He completely dismissed the fact that sooner or later he would have to teach whatever the hell course he was teaching at Sakura's school. And now he had a week to master it. Great.
He shook off his shoes, feeling and making it look like it was the hardest task in the world, when a familiar smell invaded his senses.
"Yo." he called out half-heartedly from the hallway.
"How'd you know I was here?" the old man's weary voice called cheerfully from the living room.
"It's the cinnamon."
"Ah." Mylan chuckled amused, "Slipped my mind that you were a Hatake. Heightened senses. Comes in handy, I see."
Kakashi plopped down on the couch on the opposite end of where the old man sat. "Why cinnamon, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Because all good things smell of cinnamon." he stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Of course, silly me."
"Do you happen to have any tea to offer? I'm afraid I haven't had any today and strangely I found it to be quite useful with aiding me to age more gracefully."
His exposed eye trailed over the fragile man's frame before deciding that he did look pretty good for a man who was at least two million years old, give or take. It seemed that Mylan read his mind and took the thought as a compliment.
"It's quite alright, my boy. You are rather tired. I'm sure you're working diligently on my rather difficult task. I'll get the tea."
With a small wave of his hand a small, blue peony patterned tea pot and two matching tea cups on a silver tray appeared on Kakashi's coffee table.
If he wasn't completely exhausted, Kakashi would have been dumbfounded. Although he already knew Mylan was capable of of great power, it was still amazing to watch.
"Do not fret. I won't bother you for long. Sadly, my itinerary allows me only a few minutes today."
Kakashi forced himself upright, despite the throbbing pain in his lower back and poured the old man his tea respectfully. "What brings you by?"
"Today is the first of the month, meaning, it is your monthly progress report."
"Ah, is this where you tell me if I was happy or not this month?"
"By heavens no, child. This is where you tell me if you were happy or not. I cannot be the one to judge your joy levels." he mused, "So, tell me, how was last month for you?"
He shrugged. "It was fine." came his usual response to prying questions.
"I can't help you if you refuse to give me details. Despite it being uncomfortable, indulge me."
Kakashi shifted, "... overwhelming."
"Sounds fun!" the old man commented joyfully.
"Not really."
"Tricky things can be enjoyable."
"Hmm.. I spent the first two weeks reading and learning what I can about this society so I could adapt.. I believe I only had in total ten hours of sleep when I wasn't reading and I'm pretty sure I'm not that well adjusted here yet.."
The younger man hesitated. He wasn't really one for sharing his day with others.
"Come on now. No need to be shy. It really takes away from the experience."
He shook his head disdainfully remembering the floppy, puppy dog ears he was forced to wear. "I'm not falling for that again."
"Progress reports are a mandatory criteria. I should have made that more clear." Mylan said with a twinkle in his moon shaped eyes.
"Alright. I can't believe I'm doing this." Kakashi half smiled and lounged further into the couch for comfort. He was already doing foolish things, he might as well just roll with the punches. "I met up with some of my old friends.. Well, technically they're new.. but, ah, this is very hard to explain."
"Go on." Mylan urged grinning madly.
"I don't understand how this task will help me. All these familiar faces, I know their habits, likes, dislikes, but they don't know who I am. It's confusing enough here and I have to try to befriend my friends again. Do I have anyone in this dimension? Anyone that I know?"
"So basically you are informing me that this sucks. All will be answered in due course." he answered omnisciently with a friendly grin. "Why must it have to be your comrades?"
Kakashi paused for a moment thinking deliberately why was it natural for him to choose the faces he was most familiar with. The thought of making new friends never even crossed his mind. "I suppose I'm comfortable with them and I don't make friends easily. And I'm pretty sure I can't complete the mission without help."
"Good! You're on the right track!" his words puzzled Kakashi even more, "So tell me about your reunions."
"Naruto and Gai were fine.." he answered feeling no need to add the details. It was what it was, and it was easy enough to be around them. One person on the other hand.. "And then there is Sakura.. You know, out of all of my students she has never given me any kind of grief before. Sure, she was a bit naïve at times, but that was all part of her charm. Now, I'm dealing with a whole new set of issues."
"There should be only mild differences between the two. This is troubling. Has she threatened you in any way?"
"Not exactly." Kakashi lifted his hand to scratch the back of his head, "I think, well I fear that she has developed some sort of crush on me."
Mylan smiled, "Well isn't that nice."
"Actually, it isn't.."
"Are you certain your Sakura back home doesn't feel that way as well?"
"I'm certain. I'm practically old enough to be her-"
"Partner in life? Brother perhaps?" the older man mused.
"No, no, not that."
"Certainly you aren't old enough to be her father. You would have to be pretty young to walk on the path with the birds and the bees."
"No, of course not." Kakashi could feel himself grow steadily more uncomfortable by the second.
"She is beautiful."
"She is a beautiful girl, but that's besides the point."
"She's intelligent, compassionate and I do believe she has an excellent sense of humor."
He brought his hands to his face and groaned. "Why are you doing this?"
"You aren't asking for advice on how to- what do you youngsters say- to bag this girl?"
"No one is going to bag anything around her." he said protectively, "I was merely sharing my troubles since this is a progress report."
"How is this troubling? She is quite a catch. Very worthy of you, if you don't mind me saying."
Kakashi sighed, sensing that defending himself would just make him out to be a bigger fool than he already felt like.
"Alright, my boy. I am only teasing you." Mylan reached for his tea cup and took a sip as they sat in awkward silence.
"In my eyes, she will always be my adorable little student. She is a wonderful young woman and she will someday make some man very happy, but that man isn't me. I don't want to see her get hurt." he calmly said after several moments, "My Sakura back home would have never acted this way towards me."
The old man smiled, "That may be true but that also may not. I have said time and time again that they both share the same soul and although some parts of their personality may differ, when accounting matters of the heart, it is all the same."
"Are you saying that my Sakura has feelings for me, as well?"
"Possibly, possibly not. But it is all possible. Circumstances may change everything, but you shouldn't worry too much about the Sakura of this world. You have informed her of your intentions, have you not?"
"Of course, I have."
"I believe she will respect it, after all, she is quite the understanding creature. And her feelings may develop into the platonic sort, similar to how your Sakura feelings for you." Mylan took another sip of his tea, smirking as if he were hiding a very juicy secret. "Month of July, has it been good?"
"I have no other complaints." he said thankful for the change in conversation.
"That's a relief. I hope the rest of your months will pass more smoothly. I will check in on you the first of every month. I'm afraid that now I must go."
"So soon?"
"I am quite busy. Ah, but this is an added perk. I've installed my number into your phone, in case you are in need of anything, please don't hesitate to shoot me a text." he said with much amusement in his aged old voice. He stood to walk towards the door and Kakashi followed, pulling out his phone. He scrolled down his contacts list and there indeed was Mylan's contact information.
"You have a cell phone?"
"They are quite useful."
"And it works while you're traveling throughout different worlds?" he lifted his exposed brow.
"I have excellent service." he said with a twinkle in his eye. "Farewell, Kakashi. I wish you well."
With a shrug he opened the door. He thought best not to question it.
"Thanks for stopping by." he leaned against the side of the door and looked behind him but the old man was already gone. Figured.
He closed the door and with a heavy foot he made way for his bed. The excitement of his trip and purchasing his hybrid car had now faded as he realized he was about to embark on the real life of Hatake Kakashi, the professor, while attempting on completing his challenge.
And he had to decide on what to do with Sakura. After having that talk with her, she had calmed down a lot, treating him a lot more friendly than flirtatiously, however he did not fail to miss her lingering glance every now and then or the feint blush that would grace the apples of her cheeks ever so often.
It wasn't as disturbing as he thought it'd be, but he was worried for her. He was even contemplating if he should distance himself from her for her sake. But that wouldn't do him any good.
He needed her. He assumed that to achieve a moment of pure happiness he needed Sakura in his life- and of course the rest of the gang, Naruto and Sai as well. Possibly his other comrades if he could find them.
Selfish as it may be, he couldn't imagine going through the next five months without her. Hopefully she would lose her interest in him.
'I'm sorry, Sakura, but I'm doing this for your sake too.'
He silently thought of his comrade, now obliviously sleeping far away, tucked in Mylan's dimension. She needed him. And he needed her to be safe and living her life the way she should.
"No the fuck way."
"That's exactly what he said."
"So you're basically telling me you blew it? How could you blow this? It was right in your fucking hands!"
"I didn't blow it, you idiot. It's just how he feels."
"I would have changed how he feels."
"Pig, it's way too early in the morning to be doing this. I have work in a bit and have to find time to get ready for dinner with him later."
"Change his mind then, forehead."
"No. I don't want to. What we have is good. I don't want to mess that up."
"You've been hording every magazine and article that has ever mentioned his name since puberty. Take the freakin' risk!"
"No! He's made it perfectly clear on how he feels about me and I'm okay with it. Now if you excuse me, I have to sleep!"
"It's ten more minutes till your alarm clock goes off anyways."
"Ten minutes of sleep is worth it. Bye! Call you later!" Sakura hung up her phone before her friend could say anything else.
She flipped over, burying her face into her pillow. Right in the middle of her pleasant dream of a beautiful house, white picket fence and silver (with a hint of pink)-haired children running around, Ino just had to call her and remind her that her reality was very, very different.
Sadly, there was work and school to worry about. And that had to be her top priority. If she didn't pass her genetics course this semester she would flunk medschool. Perhaps she could request for independent study rather than attending Kakashi's class, because clearly he was a distraction. School was starting next week and she was also starting her internship with the in the Dean's personal lab- an honor given to one student once a year.
And this year she was chosen. Not because she was the goddaughter of the Dean, but because being the goddaughter of the Dean, her resume was very detailed with accomplishments. She was published countless times even before she entered medical school. Tsunade had forced Sakura into every lab, hospital and research facility she could get her hands into. For that, Sakura was very thankful, but it was tiring.
Now it was going to be even more exhausting being under her wing. Tsunade was known to be the best doctor in the western hemisphere and she was even more well known for her temper.
There were bigger things to worry about than Hatake Kakashi.
"Where could they be?" Kakashi frantically searched through his open apartment, rummaging through every drawer and cabinet he could find.
His job was starting next week and Sakura mentioned that he needed to have a lesson plan. First of all, he had no idea what subject he was teaching so he had no idea what to plan.
But he was sure, somewhere in this apartment there had to be some sort of documentation that his alternate ego had kept. If they really shared the same soul, this dimension's Kakashi would have research papers and notes on everything.
However slothful he was, he always made sure to do his job correctly and thoroughly, because lives were in his hands. Even though lives weren't necessarily depending on him teaching a bunch of med-students, he knew he had to keep up airs. He didn't want any suspicions around him.
Wasn't he a well known scientist in this world? Didn't he have any papers on anything?
Kakashi reached for his cell phone in his pocket. Perhaps he should call Sakura to borrow her notes on his class.
Right before he was about to hit the call button his door bell rang.
He looked at his phone and back at the door several times before frustratedly shoving his cell phone back into his pocket while hurrying himself to the entrance. Hopefully that was Sakura at the door now.
He turned the knob and opened.
"There you are, you bastard! I haven't heard from you in a month. I'm glad to see that you're still alive." A friendly smirk of a man chewing on a long wooden coffee stirrer greeted him.
"Genma?" he was stunned.
"No. I'm you're maid and mistress." his friend replied sarcastically, "Aren't you going to let me in?"
"Yeah. Come in." he opened the door further, now smiling. "It's good to see you."
It was the first time Kakashi had ever seen his comrade in civilian clothing. The man was dressed in simple khaki cargo shorts and a stripped v-neck white t-shirt. Genma removed his olive flip flops and walked towards the living room with Kakashi trailing behind, unable to mask his surprise and excitement.
"Get me a beer, will you?"
"It's noon."
"So?"
Kakashi smirked and walked into the kitchen, pulling out a bottle from the fridge. "What brings you by?" he tossed the beer haphazardly to shake up the carbonation.
"Ass." Genma caught it clumsily and glared. "It's the last week of our vacation before works starts. I thought we needed one last hurrah before that whole nine to five bullshit." he cracked open the seal and caught the foaming rush into his mouth expertly, as if this weren't the first time Kakashi had done this to him.
'He works with me? This could end well.'
"I know what you mean. I was just looking for my papers to start a lesson plan." he said smoothly.
The sandy blonde snorted, "You starting a new lesson plan? That's hilarious. Don't you just reuse yours."
'I do?'
"I seem to have misplaced them." he shrugged leaning against the wall beside his book shelf casually, arms crossed in front of him.
Genma sighed, picked himself off the couch and moved towards him with confident strides, "I swear, you would lose your dick if it wasn't attached to you."
Kakashi watched as Genma leaned in closer to him and he suddenly felt a wave of awkwardness. Why was Genma suddenly getting to close to him?
"No, not you too." Kakashi groaned, leaning away from Genma's out stretched arm.
"What the hell are you talking about?" he leaned forward to pull the metal string of the antique wall lamp right above Kakashi's head.
Soundlessly, a section of his book shelf protruded and slid off to the side revealing an opening.
"I remember you putting your shit in here before we went to party it up in Misturope."
Mystified, Kakashi walked into the small entrance in sheer amazement. He had a secret room in his apartment and he had no idea. He had to admit, that was pretty awesome.
Genma pushed passed Kakashi and into the room, looking around for something specific. "I swear, this place looks like some kinky ass fantasy you dreamt up. Why can't I see anything?"
Kakashi ignored his friend, soaking up every detail of this hidden room. His hidden room.
The room was large, probably about the same size as his apartment if not bigger. It was dimly lit by black and red lights but he was still able to make out everything around him. Three of the walls were covered with flat screens of all different sizes, the wall furthest to the back was one large screen in front of a large, outstretched control panel with a plethora of colorful buttons. The wall closest to him was covered from top to bottom with tacked on papers with various scribble marks all over them, many post-it notes laying on top. There were at least a dozen foot long, rectangular, ebony, epoxy top tables with chrome legs, all carrying tubes of chemicals of various sizes and colors.
Genma eyed Kakashi strangely before walking across the room to a medium sized, black wood desk. Unlike the paper filled wall, his desk was neatly kept- a laptop, clock and a mug full of pens was all that was there. "Why are you acting like you haven't seen any of this before?" he opened a drawer and rummaged around until he found a specific file folder that he wanted.
"Ah, I think someone robbed me." Kakashi lied casually.
"Yeah, right. No one wants any of these stupid chemicals lying around. The only thing worth anything in here is in your main computer and no one can break the password into that."
"I'm guessing you've tried."
"Many times." he smirked, handing Kakashi a very thin grey folder. "Here's your lesson plan. I knew you left it in here."
"That's it?"
"Yeah.. I don't know if you're a very good teacher."
"Where's your lesson plan?"
"I don't have one."
"Ah, of course."
Kakashi took the folder gratefully. A large part of him wanted to rummage through whatever was in the folder and study every crevasse of this room but now was not the time. He would explore his new exciting room later. Genma was the first person he had met in this world that knew his alter-persona and could give him some kind of valuable information, after all, the man did just find his lesson plan in less than a minute.
They both exited the secret room, the shelf-door closing automatically behind them, and both sat on the bamboo fashioned couch, backs slouched and legs extended to rest on the coffee table.
"What the hell have you been up to man? You missed my birthday." his gruff tone unable to mask the hint of hurt dripping.
"Ah, sorry. I forgot."
"Asshole."
Kakashi smirked. "When's my birthday?"
Genma's eyes widened just a fraction. He didn't even have to say words, Kakashi already knew the answer.
"How long have we been friends?" he mused half-jokingly.
"Whatever man. Just 'cuz I forgot doesn't mean that I didn't celebrate them with you. Since we hit puberty I never missed the opportunity of getting strippers for every celebration."
"For Christmas?"
"Especially Christmas."
Kakashi laughed and reached for the beer that was still in Gemna's possession. "I've been in Sunangeles."
"You went across the country and no invite?" his voice boomed his deep hurt and shock.
"Do you mind? I have neighbors."
"You better have went with a girl with a nice rack or else I will never forgive you."
Kakashi cringed, not really wanting to answer the question. What could he say that wouldn't sound wrong? He went across the country with his very young, attractive student, however, nothing happened. To top it all off, she willingly made herself very available to him and he didn't want it. Yeah, that sounded believable.
"Oh, this should be good. Who is she?" he said omnisciently.
"No one you know."
"Come on. Sharing is caring."
"I don't want to."
"I'll buy you dango after this but only if you tell me."
Kakashi paused. Did this thug just say dango? Even this world had this delicious, delectable desert? His mouth was already watering. He never missed home more than at that exact moment.
"You have to get me a box of dango every week when work starts for the next five months." he said after a long moment. Damn his stomach.
"You're kidding."
"Nope."
"The information better be good." he extended his hand and Kakashi reached over and shook it once. "Deal."
He sighed deeply purposely waiting a few minutes for his friend's anxiousness to grow.
"Well?"
"Hmm?" Kakashi hummed innocently.
"Out with it!"
"I went with one of my students."
Genma began to tremble with excitement and pure joy. Were his ears playing tricks on him? Did his friend just say the word student? "I never knew what got you off dude, but I guess you go for that forbidden love. Nice!"
Kakashi glared daggers, "It's not like that. We're just-"
"Friends?" Genma smirked.
With a grimaced face, he nodded.
"Bull. Shit."
"Believe what you want to believe. Nothing happened between us."
"Oh, so you only went to third base with her. It's not what I would have done, but at least it's something."
Kakashi sighed. "No. When I said nothing, I really meant nothing. We slept in separate bed rooms."
"Were there glass walls?"
Kakashi glared.
Genma looked deeply into his friend's onyx eye, looking for an flicker of deceit, but there was none. The bastard was telling the truth. "I'm ashamed of you."
"That's fine. I'm ashamed of you, too, most of the time."
"Who is she? I memorized all the names of the fine ass at the University- both student and faculty."
"I think it's time we get you some help." Kakashi smiled optimistically.
"No name, no dango."
"I said 'student'. That's worthy enough for a lifetime supply of dango."
"Bullshit, the agreement was you saying who it is."
".. I'll tell you but you can't fantasize about anything and if you do, you can't say that shit out loud." he warned.
"Got it."
He inhaled. "I went with Haruno Sakura."
If he thought Genma's smile couldn't get any wider, he was wrong. He let out a manly squeal and kicked in utter joy. "The pink haired second year with legs up to her chin and an ass that you know would just bounce like a perfect melody? Man, she's sexy."
'Who the hell says that?' he thought inwardly. Kakashi narrowed his eyes, "Careful."
"Protective already? Damn, she must got you whooped."
The silver-haired man sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew he shouldn't have shared anything with this dumbass no matter how delicious dango was. "We're just friends."
"Mind if I have a go?"
Kakashi lifted a scrutinizing brow silently daring the other man to say another word.
"Alright, alright. I'll stop. But I just have one question."
"What is it?" he groaned.
"Is she a natural pink?" he winked.
In an instant Kakashi took the wooden stick that his friend was chewing on and broke it in half.
Genma was in shock. "What the fuck.." his voice was quiet in disbelief.
"Sorry, reflex." he said nonchalantly, "Plus, it's bad for your teeth."
"Shut up. I don't care. I loved that thing."
"Shiranui Genma, loving a thin piece of wood." Kakashi smirked and pointed towards the kitchen. "If you want another one, just look in one of the cabinets. I saw a container full of them the other day."
"No, you're a jerk." If the man could pout he would have.
Kakashi sighed again, "I'll buy you a beer."
The smile returned on the sandy blonde's features. "That's what I'm talking about."
"And you're buying the dango."
"Aww..."
"Just no more wise remarks about Sakura."
"I can't promise anything, but for today I'll play nice." he smirked, "So, what did you guys do there anyways if you didn't bone her? And why her?"
"You mean, why not you?"
"Nah, I get it. She has boobs. I'd take her over you any day."
"I bought a car." he didn't want to say they went because of Wizneyland. He could hear Genma's taunts already.
"You took her there to buy a car.. Is she a car expert or something? 'Cuz that's pretty hot."
"No. She's my neighbor. Seemed like she needed a vacation and I was bored."
Genma furrowed his eyebrows in deep thought, before nodding. "Sounds like you. Yeah, I buy it. But, are you really not interested in her?"
"It's not like that between her and I."
The familiar ding of his cell phone caught his attention. Kakashi reached inside his pocket and pulled it out.
Still on for dinner? - Sakura
"Oh, dinner." Genma's voice was rich with amusement, "Are you sure you two aren't fuc-"
"It's just dinner. When have I ever paid for my own food?" he sincerely hoped that his alter ego was like him in this aspect as well.
Genma hummed in contemplation before shrugging. "Cheap ass. No wonder you don't have a lot of friends."
"Thanks." he said dryly.
"You've been with her all month. You're hanging with me tonight."
While he didn't want to bail on her, he wanted to go out with his friend. It had been a while since he had seen Genma, with both of them being on nonstop missions the past year, and now he had an opportunity to hang out with his comrade even if they weren't exactly the same person. It was also good to be around him to learn some valuable information about himself. Even in this world, they were still close. That was a relief.
I apologize, Sakura. While I was walking to get my mail an old woman that lives on the seventh floor was asking for help. Apparently her cat was giving birth to kittens. I volunteered not knowing that the mother wasn't dilated far enough. I think this may take a while. Rain check? - Kakashi
"That is the saddest excuse I have ever seen."
"The more detailed the excuse, the more believable it is." he said confidently. He usually got away with these things almost ninety-nine percent of the time. To tell her that he was ditching her to go drinking with a friend... Ah, knowing her, she'd be furious. If he had to name three things he was most terrified of he'd have to say Tsunade-sama's temper, Sakura's temper and Gai drunk. Only because he couldn't punish or truly ignore them without repercussion. Ghosts, sharks and spiders be damned. He would rather deal with anything else.
Genma sighed while shaking his head. "Let's just go."
"I hate this place." Sakura twirled her straw in languid circles, playing with the bright turquoise colors of her drink. It had been hours since she had received that text from Kakashi. And she had to admit, she was still disappointed. She wanted to see him but if he was busy with kittens, she supposed she understood.
Although, she had a feeling that wasn't the whole story, if that was the story at all. But she knew he probably had a real reason on why he had to cancel on her. Right? Maybe he liked cats? She did see him save one during their vacation..
Because of her distraught feelings, she thought that stopping by at Ino's place would help cheer her up. She was sadly mistaken. Of course, she should've expected that Ino would drag her to this infuriating, packed club.
"Oh, come on. We were here practically every weekend last summer. I thought you liked it."
"No, I hated it then too."
"Have some fun! It's our last week before we start handling drugs professionally." Ino winked grabbing for Sakura's glass and shoved it into her face. "Drink all of this now, then we dance."
"But I really-"
"We will dance." her eyes threatened.
Sakura rolled her eyes before grabbing her drink forcefully. "Fine." she took a sip of the strong concoction and gagged. "I'll dance if I don't have to finish this."
"That could work." Ino smiled dragging her party pooper friend from out of the booth.
How Ino convinced her to go out tonight was a still a complete mystery to her. She could have sworn she said no at least a dozen times but next thing she knew she was shoved into an impossibly tight, incredibly short, black, sweetheart neckline dress, with only three horizontal straps covering her back. It was uncomfortable and highly revealing. After being forced into the dress, next thing she knew she was in a cab with Ino singing along to whatever the hell was playing on the radio.
Why she had no recollection of really protesting, she had no clue.
Wait.. She mentioned handling drugs professionally.. Did the pig just drug her?
"Ino, how did you get me to come here?" she yelled while she swayed to the loud music.
"I put a mild sedative in your drink at my house. You should be fine now." she replied casually, lifting her arms above her head as she rolled her body.
Sakura went wide eyed. She grabbed Ino wrist angrily, bringing her closer. "What the hell? Why did you give me alcohol earlier?"
"Come off it, Sakura. I know the dosages and it won't bother you nothing." Ino pulled her wrist back and continued to dance. "While you're here, just have fun. I haven't seen you in so long."
"You just drugged me!" she yelled angrily.
Ino clicked her tongue frustratedly before encircling Sakura's hands in hers and bringing to her endowed chest. "Yes, I did. If I ever wanted to see you again, I did what I had to do. You know, you haven't been out with me at all since last summer. We hang out sparingly, whenever you have time, which is never and when you do we're just at my house or yours. Our phone relationship is excellent, but lately you've been such a bitch. This is more than neglect, girl, this is relationship suicide. So I decided to take matters into my own hands."
Sakura's angry expression softened. Her best girl friend had just drugged her because she missed her.
However twisted and psychotic that sounded, she suppose she understood. Possibly being a little crazy herself at times, she understood her psycho friend.
Since Kakashi had become a regular figure in her life, she hadn't been quite the same since. Of course the closest person to her with unstable hormones would be most affected.
"I forgive you, but you can't do it again."
"Okay, let's keep dancing!"
"I hate it here." Kakashi shifted uncomfortably in the booth seat. The beer was flat, his stomach was already full- of course, from dango- there was far too many light lasers, it smelled awful and, because of his sensitive ears, the music created a constant ringing sound resonating inside them. And it was a really bad idea to be wearing a leather jacket in this club.
"Stop being boring for once in your life."
He shrugged, pulling out a book from his back pocket.
"Oh, no you don't." Genma reached for the novel but Kakashi was too fast for him. The sly devil easily shifted to the side, completely missing Genma's hands, while still being able to read his book perfectly.
"Your bottle service, sirs." a waiter dressed in nothing but black, sequenced pants and bow tie appeared with a large bottle of dark alcohol and two shot glasses.
Casually, Kakashi snapped his book closed, placing it safely back into his pocket before pouring out the shots for the both of them.
"Here's to you never bringing me here again." Kakashi smiled, handing Genma the shot glasses.
The both made motions in the air in cheers and downed their alcohol quickly, in one almost painless shot.
"Fat chance. Do you see all the tail here?" he let out a long whistle of appreciation as he roamed his eyes over every pair of breasts that came into view.
Kakashi poured himself another shot, shrugging.
"I swear, if I didn't personally know about your sex life, I would have believed you were asexual or gay."
"You know about my sex life?"
"Please, no stories. I've already seen what leaves in the mornings from our hotels."
Kakashi made a sour face underneath his mask. "We spend too much time together."
"I'm trying to spend less time with you and-" Genma grazed his eyes around the room and found exactly what he was looking for, "And more time with that."
He pointed at two very curvacious girls dancing on the dance floor and Kakashi couldn't help but appreciate what his friend was currently drooling over.
'Not bad.' he thought to himself. It had been sometime since he had.. well any, actually. Stepping into this world, he would be lying if he said the thought hadn't crossed his mind at least a couple dozen times. He was simply curious but he had been busy. He wasn't busy right now.
There were attractive women around, but these women that Genma pointed out were exquisite. Their clothing was like liquid against their porcelain skin exposing their widely flared hips, toned stomachs and pert, plump breasts. And one had amazingly unique hair. He was always one for unique. This beautiful woman spun around and Kakashi suddenly felt like washing his eyes.
"Whoa, isn't that your student that you went to Sunangeles with? Haruno-"
"Sakura." Kakashi finished in disbelief. There was his innocent student, wearing nothing but practically her underwear in public. He wanted to shield everyones' eyes.
"Man, you did mention there was nothing between you two right? She is sexy. Now, I really want to know if she's a natural pink."
Kakashi smirked knowing that Genma would never have the chance, "I bet you couldn't even make it past hello with her."
"Wanna put some money on that."
Without hesitation Kakashi pulled out a large bill from his pocket and slapped it against the table. Genma was insulted.
"What makes you think I can't have a simple conversation with her."
Kakashi thought for a moment and shrugged. "You look like you don't shower." he said casually.
"I shower!"
"I meant daily."
"Whatever. Soap is for bitches."
"Well, that's disgusting." he scrunched up his nose, reminding himself never to let Genma borrow or touch anything of his. "If you can get her to respond to you in a positive way, you get the money."
"Don't be crying when I make your student mine for the night." he slid himself out of the booth and proceeded to strut confidently towards the dance floor to where the pair were dancing.
Kakashi inwardly smiled knowing something amazing was going to happen. Sakura from any world, he was absolutely positive of, would always be repulsed by Genma. It had to be a law of physics, he was sure of it. It was amazing how his Sakura would find the most creative ways of getting Genma's slimy hands off her- some scenarios involving fire.
Genma plucked a random straw from a nearby table and placed it in his mouth to chew. He had to look cool, after all. Once he hit the dance floor, he swayed his body to the music, exaggerating his moves until he came close to his target. Her back was in facing towards him and he couldn't take his eyes off her ass as she moved.
'Damn, she moves so nice.' he gloated inside.
He swayed himself so he was dancing right beside her, his fingers imitating guns as he moved them in circles.
"Hel-"
"Not interested." she said quickly without even bothering to look at him while swiftly grabbing the smirking Ino's hand and slyly dancing away.
The corner bottom of his left eye began to twitch- a compulsive, involuntary movement which only happened when he knew Kakashi was somewhere around laughing his ass off at him.
He grew more determined.
Deciding to make an aggressive play, he made his approach again as silently as he could. Luckily, her back was still facing him. All he had to do was snake an arm around her waist and they'd be dancing. It was the perfect plan.
Ino giggled as she secretly scanned their surroundings. "Not to scare you but that guy that looked like a douchebag earlier is back."
"Ugh, don't they get the picture when I say not interested and I immediately move away?"
"If you take away the bent straw in his mouth and cleaned him up a bit, he'd be cute."
"I'm not really into the fixer-upper kind of guy."
"Well, he's going to be here in about five seconds and he looks pretty determined. Wow, he really does look like a douche. Want to go sit down? I want to get back to my drink anyways."
"Please?"
Sakura could feel the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, somehow knowing that the unknown, blonde man was still following her. She grabbed Ino's hand in hers, hurrying off the dance floor when she felt a soft hand stroke down the curve of her hip.
"Why, hel-"
"No." she removed his hand, sending him an icy glare before taking off into the other direction.
Genma could already tell that this girl was definitely not his type, however, he could see Kakashi from the corner of his eye, and although his friend's face was mostly covered, he knew the bastard was smirking. He really did not want to lose.
Without thinking it through, he reached for her wrist with the intentions of pulling her towards him in a sexy, manly fashion, but the second his skin touched hers he found his arm twisted behind his back and a shooting pain rush over him.
"Oww! Let go! Let go!" he wailed as she twisted his arm further.
"I've already said no. I'm not one of those women who say no but really mean yes. And I am not one of those women who enjoys getting manhandled by strangers."
He couldn't help himself, by goodness, he couldn't help himself. He just had to say it. "But you like getting manhandled by people you know. Think we can get to know each other?"
There was no hesitation in her. Sakura kneed him in the balls from behind him and threw him forward. She dusted her hands off against one another, smiling smugly to herself and turned to her friend.
"You go girl." Ino crossed her arms over her bust, with an expression that told Sakura that she was highly impressed. She walked over and hooked her arms around her friend and they both walked off the dance floor together.
Despite the pain throbbing up his stomach, Genma fought for the courage to stand up. Usually with women, when the going got tough he always went going (away). If a woman didn't like him, there were plenty of other women who would. Simple as that.
But this pink-haired creature, this little minx, set his skin ablaze with her own fire. She was gorgeous and was a complete spitfire. And she just kicked his ass.
"Wait!" he groaned through the pain between his legs and he rushed to catch up to her departing figure. "Please!" he pleaded. He clumsily ran towards her, his arm out stretched and as he was about three meter apart from her beautiful body when some dumb guy in front of him decided it was the perfect time to start break dancing.
There was no time to move out of the way! A leg swept Genma's leg and he was sent flying forward.
Sakura turned around feeling incredibly annoyed. She wasn't in a good mood to begin with, perhaps yelling and kicking the ass of a complete stranger would work as free therapy for her. But as she focused her attention she was terrified to see that strange man coming straight for her like a missile.
She wanted to move out of the way but there wasn't any room around her besides forwards, and there was no fucking way she'd get closer to this creeper. It was like time had slowed down. The music playing went deaf to her ears. The people around her blurred. She could see him flying towards her, droplets of saliva flinging from his open, screaming mouth. His arms flailing, his face jiggling, as he came closer and closer. Instinctively she closed her eyes and brought her arms over her chest as a safe guard, awaiting the impact that she knew was about to come.
She inhaled, bracing herself and waited.
And waited.
.. and waited some more.
She peaked an eye open and saw the sturdy back of a man greet her.
"I can't believe you literally threw yourself at her."
"Asshole, I tripped."
Genma was currently draped on Kakashi. With the shove of his shoulders, he pushed his friend to standing position. "Get off."
He regained his balance, dusting himself off embarrassed. "How the hell did you get here so fast? You were in the booth last I checked."
"Ah, well- You see-"
"Kakashi?"
The small voice from behind him caught his attention.
"Hey, Sakura." he turned around and greeted her apprehensively. He somehow couldn't shake the feeling that he was in trouble.
"What are you doing here?" she asked confused. "Aren't you suppose to be delivering kittens?"
"Ah, I had called my friend here," Kakashi pulled Genma forward to present him, "to better aid me and it went by quickly."
"Yo, I'm Genma." he extended his hand to shake hers but she simply eyed it, hesitating before taking his hand.
"Genma as in Professor Genma the plastic surgeon?" she tried her hardest to hide the distaste in her voice.
"The one and only." he grinned.
"Hey you guys, it's kind of weird that we're just standing in the middle of the dance floor, you know, not dancing." Ino hooked her arm in Sakura's, "Want to continue this conversation there?"
"I think they're busy tonight." Sakura said softly but surely, eyes focused on Kakashi. She knew. She knew he lied to her.
"Nah, not at all. We'd love to, gorgeous." Genma winked at Ino and followed them towards their booth.
Kakashi fell into line behind the group, feeling an overwhelming urge to make his escape. He had a feeling that the night had just fallen down a steep hill. Or mountain. Or even a large crevasse in the earth.
Sakura had slid into the circular booth followed by Ino and Genma. Kakashi had no other choice but to sit far across from her. He felt like he needed to explain or tell her the truth privately but she was too far away to whisper to her. From the way she was averting her eyes, he knew that he was in trouble.
"So, what brings you guys here?"
"This guy owed me a drink because he broke-"
"His favorite thermometer." Kakashi interrupted without thinking. He really did not want to keep going with his farce but what choice did he have? She probably didn't know him as well as he knew her. There was a large possibility she would grow to believe him, right? "I wanted to check the temperature of the mother cat, but I had accidentally dropped it and it shattered."
'More details, more believable.' he chanted in his head.
"Why check her temperature?" she raised her eyebrow questioningly and omnisciently.
"She had a slight fever prior to birth. I was just being safe."
"I didn't know you knew so much about the veterinary sciences."
"Ah, I learned just to pass the time. I use to own many dogs."
"Oh, really?" she rolled her eyes and he grew more nervous. "I've never seen one dog in your apartment or even pictures of dogs."
"Yeah, the old man is an animal lover." Genma interrupted, feeling the need to help his friend out. "Even though the bastard is well known for being a doctor of medicine he is still a scientist. Of course he knows about most animal anatomy and physiology."
After several moments of looking between the both of them Sakura sighed heavily. Seemed like whatever the hell was going on, she wouldn't be getting the truth any time soon. She was hoping for his sake whatever was going on, it was something important and worthy to cause him to lie to her.
Ino steadily felt the tension between the group lessen and turn more.. awkward. There was one thing she knew could rectify an awful situation. She raised her hand in the air and snapped her fingers.
In less than fifteen seconds a muscular waiter, also dressed in sequined pants and bow tie, appeared with colorful drinks in tow. He skillfully and swiftly placed each drink in front of each person and left just as fast, much to Ino's disappointment. But she could get to that much later. She had a table of people to save.
With a raise of her glass, she smiled her million dollar smile. "To a night of good fun and good looking people. And of course, to an awesome last week before school starts."
"I couldn't have put it in any better way." Genma raised his glass in the air. Kakashi also raised his glass, the corner of his eye still watching his former student. Reluctantly, Sakura raised her glass as well and half-heartedly took a drink of her mixed beverage. Although she was fully aware she had sedatives in her system, had hardly a chance to eat tonight, she needed a drink.
The next thirty minutes were complete torture for Kakashi. She knew. She had to know. Her cold demeanor put him on edge as he instinctively prepared himself for any violence coming his way.
He wasn't use to this. Usually when delivering his feline excuses, he was met with rolled eyes and exasperated sighs, and his tardiness, or whatever he was lying about would be instantly ignored. An efficient way of halting all other talk of prying into his private life. He did this all the time! If not daily.
Now, there were the rolled eyes and exasperated sighs, but he wasn't forgiven immediately afterward. The situation gradually worsened and he had no idea how to make it better. This had never happened before. Sakura would barely look at him as she took large sips from her beverage- already being her sixth strongly mixed drink- looking far off to the side or at her cell phone. She hadn't spoken a word nor did she acknowledge anyone's presence.
And to top it all off, the other two at the table were rather engaged in some ridiculous conversation about something called Pop Music, and reciting some of the most absurd lyrics he had ever heard in his life.
Right as Genma attempted to make drumming sounds with his mouth- an act he called beat boxing- Kakashi was saved by a new distraction; beautiful twins with long, ebony hair, violet eyes and lean, toned figures. They both smiled at him radiantly.
"Professor!" they both simultaneously chirped, running perkily up to him, the top of their spilling breasts bouncing.
All three members sitting in the booth watched Kakashi and the twins in amazement, one of them growing increasingly peeved.
"Yo." he acknowledged nonchalantly, "I take it you both are my students?"
"Well, duh!"
"We totally aced your course."
"Top scores of the semester."
"We're always on top." one of them winked, her voice hinting something more suggestively.
"I bet you guys are.." Sakura's drunken self bitterly muttered, purposely trying to not make her voice heard but everyone within a ten foot radius of her could hear.
"I see." he nodded, mindful of Sakura's reaction. They were both very attractive girls who seemed quite interested in him and they were identical twins which was always a wonderfully blessed phenomenon. But he wasn't really interested in such festivities tonight, contrary to his previous thoughts on being curious. Now that the opportunity was staring him in the face, he found it more troublesome than appealing. If it were his original home and this was at the tavern, without hesitation- perhaps even without conversation- he would find the nearest, semi secluded wall and ravage both of them on the spot, but it wasn't really home. And he had enough on his shoulders to deal with than to add women issues to the mix. Well, any more women issues.
"Don't tell us that you don't remember us?" the one closest to him pouted.
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat in silence, making strong attempts to remain casual.
Both of them squatted down, innocently giving him ample viewing of their deep cleavage, and looked up at him with submissive, seductive eyes. "I'm Connie."
"And I'm Tanya."
"Pleasure to meet you both." he replied respectively.
"No, the pleasure is all ours."
"All ours." Connie repeated, winking her violet orb.
"Stop talking like that. It's giving me a headache." Sakura snapped earning herself a glare from two sets of identical eyes.
"Sakura!" Ino feigned shock, but there was an underlying of amusement in her voice. Drunk Sakura was always the most fun for her.
Connie snaked her head back to regard Kakashi. "We were wondering if you'd like to join us later?"
"You know, for some tutoring."
Kakashi raised a brow, "School hasn't started yet." He was very aware what kind of tutoring these girls were after.
"We like to be prepared."
"And we believe you are just the person to prepare us." They both leaned their arms on top of each of his thigh. His muscles stiffened at contact, feeling very uncomfortable.
"Reading books helps me prepare." Sakura commented dryly before happily taking a sip of the newest drink being placed in front of her. She badly wanted to scold them for being whores, Kakashi included, but somehow she felt that in the morning she would regret making a spectacle of herself. Now, if only she could finish her drink faster she wouldn't have to think of such consequences.
"He'd love to." Genma intervened, sensing the momentum of this glorious situation fade downward.
'Lucky bastard.' he swore to himself.
Kakashi momentarily glared at his friend before looking back at the kneeling girls below him. "I'm actually quite busy tonight. Sorry to disappoint you girls."
"Yeah, he probably has to neuter a cat or something tonight. Perhaps feed kittens. Preferably not together." Sakura hiccuped while Kakashi coughed.
But quickly he regained his composure as he appeared nonchalant once more. "She's right. Lots of things to do, not enough time."
"We insist."
"Yes, we insist."
"Kakashi, they insist!" Genma repeated excitedly, "This was the whole purpose of coming out tonight. Have some fun before work starts. And you've told me on numerous occasions how much you enjoy teaching. Tutoring them will be so much fun." he winked.
Kakashi went wide eyed as he finally looked Sakura's way. He was now fully 'outted'. He had been originally avoiding eye contact with her, unable to predict her reaction, but now he was certain. Her emerald eyes had narrowed into slits. She snorted while angrily shaking her head.
"Whole purpose of coming out tonight, right? I knew it! What a horny, inconsiderate, naïve, LYING asshole!" Without missing a beat, Sakura got up from the booth and swiftly walked away. Kakashi couldn't help but notice that despite her attempt to furiously stalk off, her body swayed- actually stumbled against walls- hinting of her intoxication.
"Damnit, Genma. You always fuck everything up." Kakashi cursed. He stood up almost knocking the twins down. They immediately stood straight, shocked expressions blatantly plastered on their face. "Sorry, girls. Perhaps another time."
He quickly grabbed Sakura's things before taking after her.
"He is so cool." Ino sighed in amazement, watching his slouched figure disappear right after her friend.
"The bastard gets everything!"
"Sakura! Sakura, wait!" Kakashi called after her as she hastily exited the building, her bag carelessly swinging between and around his legs as he struggled through the thick crowds of people.
When finally getting out of the building he scanned the streets for her but she was no where in sight. She didn't have her wallet or phone and they were at least fifteen miles away from home. He silently prayed that she didn't dare think of walking home in this populated city in the middle of the night.
Knowing her, she would be. He trudged on towards the direction of their apartment complex and finally after a block he saw her. She was currently leaning against a stop light on the corner of an incredibly busy street and even though the little light on the opposite end signaled that it was safe for her to cross, she remained still, her eyes closed and oblivious to what was around her. Also oblivious to the two men who slowly inched themselves closer to her.
Right as they were about to make their approach Kakashi appeared in a flash and encircled his hand over both of their wrists and twisted. Their squeals of pain went unnoticed by him as he focused his sole attention on the drunkard before him. He threw the two men off to the side and signaled with a single finger to his masked lips for them to remain quiet, then quickly made motion with his hand for them to leave with an apathetic expression on his face.
"You need to be more careful." he said seriously to his student as the other two men scrambled away, needlessly complying to the calm, forgiving vigilante.
"Whatever." her eyes were still closed.
He stood quietly, looking her over to make sure nothing had happened to her on the short walk she took alone. Finally, after several minutes, he was finally satisfied with his inspection of her. He removed his leather jacket and placed it around her shoulders to protect her from the chilly midnight air and the prying eyes of strangers walking by the crosswalk.
Instantly, she opened her eyes and glared while shrugging off the jacket, having it fall on the pavement.
"Don't you have some tutoring to do tonight? I'm sure those girls are waiting for you." she spat bitterly.
"Sakura.." Kakashi picked up his jacket off the ground and held it smoothly over his forearm, "I wasn't planning on doing anything with them."
"I don't care."
"Obviously, you do."
"Obviously, I don't!" she yelled, pushing her lethargic body off the metal pole stalking up to him with heavy breath and angry eyes. "What makes you think I care? You could do whatever you want with those whores."
"Then why did you leave?"
She bit her lip, not wanting to explain anything to him. She'd rather just go home, sleep and get over it by morning. Yes, she was pissed, and he probably guessed the reasoning would be her jealousy over the whorish twins. To be honest it was partially that, but jealousy over a man that wasn't hers she could easily get over. She was pissed for a whole other reason.
"Because I'm angry." spoke the alcohol in her system.
"No, I couldn't tell." he said sarcastically, placing one of his hands into his slacks pocket. "If it was because of those girls, Sakura.. We aren't.. and I wasn't going to.. shit, I don't know how to say this." he ran his hand frustratedly through the lush, thickness of his silver hair, thinking desperately on how to explain himself.
"Then don't."
He silently swallowed. She could see the movement of his adam's apple beneath his mask and the worry in his eye. "Believe me when I say that I wouldn't do anything with anyone while you are in my presence."
"Do whatever the hell you like!"
"If you're jealous, we can work-"
"I'm not jealous!" she screamed as passersby quickly glanced and walked away from the two. Kakashi raised a brow skeptically and she sighed knowing that, being the person she was, her feelings were always transparent and worn on her shoulder. "Okay, alright. I was jealous. But that's not the reason why I walked away."
He gave her a puzzled look. "Why did you walk away then?"
She sighed and paced away from him, "If you don't know, then the smartest man alive is an idiot."
Kakashi stood still recalling the night and pinpointed exactly to the moment her mood had changed. "It's because of the excuse I made."
"Ding, ding, ding." she praised sarcastically, "You actually had the galls to lie to me and continued to do so. Tell me the truth."
He sighed heavily, feeling an awkward tension growing on his shoulders and spreading through the atmosphere. "I wanted to spend time with my friend and I didn't want you angry with me for ditching you." he confessed.
She walked straight up to him angrily, but failed to look intimidating while she tottered from the dizziness in her head, "I don't care if you want to hang out with your friends. If we had plans and you wanted to change them, as long as you tell me the truth, I wouldn't get hurt or pissed or reprimand you for wanting to spend time with someone else. Hell, you can go on an orgy fest with half the girls in my class, but so long as you don't lie to me, I'd get over it after being extremely angry and disgusted with you. We aren't in a relationship, Kakashi. I'm not here to keep tabs on you and keep you in check. I'm here as your friend, am I not?"
He felt his guilt increase by the second. Back home his excuses would be accepted as harmless by the people he was most closest by and those he wasn't as familiar with, he would simply bypass their curiosity with sarcasm or sharp wit.
Every single problematic issue he had created in this world had one thing in common- he constantly treated this place like his own Konoha and was comfortable with the people he surrounded himself with like he knew not only their history but their habits- what made them, them. But technically he didn't and they didn't know him either. A thought that crossed his mind a few times, but not really hitting him until that exact moment.
It was hard to accustomed to something you've been so use to your whole life.. How was he to change his entire being, his personality, tendencies, and comfort with the familiar faces around him in such a short amount of time so he could stop making mistakes? Could he treat his precious people like strangers in order for their relationship to work out? "I wanted to spare your feelings."
"My feelings are none of your concern."
"Yes, they are. Just as mine are yours. That's how friendships go." he explained with earnest.
She snorted. "Do good friend's lie to one another?
"On occasion." he replied honestly.
"Mine don't."
"Then I won't."
"Who said I'm going to keep you around?"
"Because you're forgiving and you want to give me another chance." he stated simply, searchingly reaching into her eyes for forgiveness. He grew increasingly worried for their relationship by every second she wasn't talking.
Sakura could feel her resolve breaking. "You lied to me... about kittens."
"Yes, I did. And for that I'm sorry."
"I hate lies.. even the stupid ones."
"No more excuses, I'll try. I'm sorry, Sakura-chan." his usually endearment escaped his lips before he could stop it. Yeah, it was evident he couldn't control how comfortable he was around her.. But he had to learn starting tomorrow. They were strangers, the woman before him was not his student, confidant, nor was she his long-time friend. But she could be. Kakashi somehow couldn't help but feel a bit.. sad. Relationships he held very close to him and he had to pretend they didn't exist..
She clicked her tongue frustratedly, "Kakashi, why are you so calm?"
Her body visibly relaxed and he could see that he was slowly winning her over. He smirked a little walking closer to her, lifting his jacket with both arms to wrap around her securely. "I won't lie to you anymore."
"How do I know that isn't a lie?"
He could see the hazy intoxication in her large eyes as she peered up at him. "I guess you'll just have to stick around me to find out."
"Nothing good has ever come from a lie with me. I hate the term white lies, when people try to spare my feelings or whatever. The people who lie to me.. something always terrible happens even if they didn't mean for it to happen. Even little lies, I don't tolerate."
"I'm not going anywhere." he smiled to her reassuringly, suddenly curious about this girl's, this woman's past. He made a silent vow to find out. "And I promise you, I won't lie to you again."
"Kakashi, I hate broken promises the most."
"Then I suppose I'll just have to keep it." he smiled again placing his hands on her shoulders. And, for the first time, he initiated a hug. He wrapped his strong arms around her small frame as she leaned into him, her arms too heavy for her drunk state to completely return the embrace. He rubbed her back in a friendly manner. "I usually don't apologize multiple times for a mistake I've made, but I want you to know that I am truly sorry."
She leaned her forehead against his shoulder, "Damnit, why do you always have to say the right things to make me not mad at you."
"I'm that good."
She shook her head against his shoulder silently debating inside herself. She really did still want to be angry but she could feel her blood cool and the angry palpitations of her heart slow. "Fuck."
"What?" he brought his head back to look at her, his arms still wrapped around her.
"It's just that.. I want to still be pissed at you. But I'm not! Not at all!" she yelled, her speech slurred. Without her rush of adrenaline from being furious, Kakashi now could tell that she wasn't in any completely lucid state. "It's because you are.. shit. Honestly? You are so good."
Kakashi immediately dropped his arms to step away from her but that was when her own arms snaked around him, holding him in place flush against her. He held his breath while trying his best to not notice how her chest heaved, pressed tightly to his own or the fact she wasn't wearing a bra and her dress left very little to the imagination. A feint blush graced his cheeks as he focused his attention to the side while trying to release himself from her but, without surprise, her grip was unbelievably strong. "Sakura, let's head back home, okay?"
"My apartment or yours this time?" she drunkenly giggled. Sakura buried her face in his chest and breathed in his sandalwood musk in contentment, mewing like a feline in heat.
"What?"
"You smell so good."
"Sakura, I think it's time we should leave." he said nervously, trying to pry her hands off him unsuccessfully.
With an awkward, quick flip of her head she gazed up at him, "You really don't remember me?" she asked sadly, her emerald eyes bleary.
"Of course I remember you." he strained a smile, feeling himself give up. She had to let go eventually he reasoned. He hoped.
"No, no, no. From a long time ago. From last year. You don't remember me?"
He was at a lost for words. Again, with this question. What the hell did his counterpart do to this girl? And why was his innocent self taking all the blame for him?
"Then I'll make you remember." she slurred determinedly.
With speed he did not recall her having, she pulled down his mask and pressed her cherry lips against his forcefully and clumsily. Kakashi stood still, completely stunned. His eyes went wide as he felt the softness of her body and lips pressed against him. Her velvety tongue sloppily pushed through his lips and into his mouth and he could feel her expertly explore him, coaxing and pleading with her tongue for him to respond. He tried to tug away but her arms encircled and tightened around his body, securing him to her. Then her hands began to explore his body and he could feel himself slowly lose control. His muscles twitched underneath her touch as she massaged up and down his back. But he was still not yet responding. He couldn't. This was Sakura he chanted inside him. This was his student. This was Sakura.
He tried to pull away again but this time she combed her hands through his hair and strongly gripped the strands laced in between her fingers. She ran her tongue over his bottom lip before she bit down and sucked. And that's when he felt her pull. The soft sting from the roots of his hair combined by the pleasurable pain of her bite sent a shiver down his spine. He was shocked and his mind couldn't process fully what was going on.
But his body had a faster reaction. The feel of her full breasts covered only by thin fabric pressed hard against his chest, the warmth of her mouth and the aggression- fuck, the demands of her mouth were hard to ignore. Instinctively, his body betrayed him and he closed his eyes and pulled her by the back of her arms, pressing himself even closer to her if that was possible. Nothing had ever felt more right.
His mouth fought hers in a battle of control as he ravaged her mouth. She began to grazed her teeth over his tongue lazily and he growled in pleasure. He couldn't get enough as he relished in the salty, sweet taste of her mouth. She tasted so damn good- his body instantly hardening with the amazement that a woman could taste so delicious and be so aggressively skillful.
He could feel her hand caress down his chest, over his chiseled abs, and downward. He leaned his body into her hand when he heard a honk from an on going car and whistles around him. His eyes widened with the realization of what he was doing on a public street with his student and he forcefully pulled her away from him by the arms.
"Sakura, we shouldn't be doing this."
"Shit, we shouldn't." she agreed worriedly.
He stepped away from her, feeling disgust in himself for actually enjoying- shit, he couldn't even think it completely through. Just what the hell was he doing?
"I apologize, again, Sakura. That.. what happened between us was a one time thing. We've both been drink-"
"Hmm.. That scar shouldn't be there." she reached over and ran her thumb over a small, white indent on his chin. Her eyes clouded with lust as her thumb caressed the bottom of his still exposed lip slowly.
"Sakura, we shouldn't. We can't-" the words found its way out from him as he unwillingly grew hypnotized by her ministrations.
Suddenly, her head began to spin and she could feel the familiar sensation of an uncomfortable burn in her throat. She cringed.
"You're right. We can't." That's when lurched over and yacked the entire contents of her belly onto his shoes.
A/N: And this is where the fun begins. Five more months to go! Please review!