A/N: Oh, wow! I'm so sorry for the delay! Finals with a terrible cold was not my ideal circumstance, and among many other things I decided to partake in this semester. But I'm free now! And as long as my beta and I agree with the next few chapters, I'll be making my updates more frequent.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 8 - What Makes You Happy

Earlier that day..

Finally, the talk was going to happen. There were still a good, few hours till Sakura got out of work, so he had some time to kill.

Kakashi walked to his dresser and turned on the radio, tuning it to a particular jazz station that he had taken quite a liking to. Although barely being introduced to the genre, there was just something about the complexities and lack of rules that appealed to him.

He laid on his bed, propped up a pillow and brought out his laptop to surf the internet, or whatever they called it, just to pass the time.

Lately his days were filled with some explicit reading delights, grazing over three-thousand channels, struggling through many failed attempts to break into his main computer, and going over kata positions again and again.

Once upon a time he use to take naps, his default- not to mention his favorite pastime activity. Sadly, resting and him were no longer clicking. With all the reading, researching, and his unusually high stress levels, sleeping had become a difficult feat to accomplish.

So, instead, there he sat on his bed, his droopy eyes looking even more droopier due to his tired, bored expression, and began typing random words into the search engine. Words like 'funny', 'food' and 'cars'.

One of the many ads on the page he was on had a picture of a rather sturdy dog with the words 'spayed or neutered' at the top and Kakashi looked pitifully at the poor animal. He would never do that to his ninken. Sure, he had heard of others' doing so for their animal summon, but it wasn't for him. Puppies were cute. And he could afford some time to babysit for his pack if needed.

Be it sheer boredom, or sudden inspiration, Kakashi typed in 'dog' into the search bar and scanned through pictures- a bit too longingly for his comfort. There were many different types of dogs in this world, some even interesting enough to tempt him, but sadly he longed for certain faces. There was just something so right about man and his dog that he couldn't deny. While searching through the pages he found a database of Konoha City's pound of dogs available for adoption. There were hundreds of them much to his displeasure. All these fully grown dogs without a home? The thought saddened him. Such things never happened in the village.

Just as he was about to close his browser something caught his attention. A tumbling wave of joy, comfort and strange longing fell over him, he could barely contain the excitement growing.

Was that.. Was that really him?

Kakashi could not believe his eyes! Located at the very bottom corner of the screen was the happiest sight he hadn't seen in a while- droopy, large brown eyes, floppy chestnut ears, light brown, soft hair and a pudgy, apathetic expression.

Immediately he reached for his cell phone and called the pet shelter. His excitement was immeasurable. He underwent a simple phone interview and pressed for an appointment that evening, which he was reluctantly granted.

Kakashi hung up the phone feeling remarkably light inside. And for the first time in a long while, his eyes grew heavy. He fell into the wonderful bliss of sleep.

Thankfully Sakura had excellent interrupting skills, and woke him up his unexpected, yet very pleasurable nap. The shelter was only open for forty more minutes so he had to hurry. Being his second time ever driving his brand new automobile he didn't think he did half bad.

Skeptically, he pulled into the parking lot of the shelter. He kept in mind that the owner asked him to retrieve Pakkun from the rear of the facility. After instructing Sakura to stay in the car- the area did look suspicious- he ran into the building.

"Hello?" he called out into the empty lobby. It certainly smelled like a place that housed a lot of animals.

A hefty, ginger haired man with squinty eyes appeared from the back room holding a pure white cat with a flat, smudged face in his large arms.

"You Hatake?"

Kakashi was unsure if this man was glaring at him or if that was simply his natural expression. "That's me."

"One more interview and you get the pug." he said gruffly.

"No problem." Kakashi smiled complacently while casually stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Stand straight."

He cocked his head to the side confused. "Is that really necessary?" he questioned.

"You pass the first test. Being alpha dog in your pack is important. No pansies will ever adopt these dogs."

"Ah." Kakashi uncomfortably smiled. Did his laziness really qualify him as being an alpha male? Well, he couldn't argue with that.

"Job?"

"Genetics Professor."

The man snorted, stroking the small cat in his arms with a heavy hand. "House?"

"Apartment. But I live by a small park."

He shook his head in displeasure. "Family?"

"Nope. Just me."

Again, the large man shook his head letting out an exasperated sigh. With his free hand his pulled out a piece of paper from beneath the counter and pushed it Kakashi's way. "Sign here. Cash only."

Kakashi smiled amused. Elegantly, he signed his signature and pushed the paper back to other man along with a single large bill to cover his expenses.

"Follow me." he disappeared behind the door without pausing for Kakashi to catch up.

Not feeling the need to hurry, he strolled around the counter and followed the hefty man to the back. There were hundreds of dogs, cats, birds and other small animals filling this vicinity. Walking down the many twists and turns, he kept a wide eye open to see if Bull, Urushi, Shiba, Bisuke, Akino, Uuhei and Guruko were here as well. To his disappointment he did not see any of those familiar faces.

That was until the ginger opened up one of the cages bringing Kakashi face to face with the littlest, toughest pug, staring up at him.

The room went deathly quiet. No bark or meow could be heard. It was as if all the oxygen in the room had been sucked out.

He didn't know how to react. He was ecstatic, nervous and, for some strange reason, hesitant all wrapped up together. He took a deep breath. Slowly, he squatted down never leaving eye contact with the dog.

The pug simply gazed up at him with no reaction. There was nothing in its eyes or demeanor that gave away its feelings. Not even a wag of its tail or a twitch of its ears.

They both just stared at one another in silence.

Carefully the dog began to approach him. Step by each agonizingly slow step, the silver haired man could feel himself grow more ecs-nerv-itant. When the animal was only a foot away, he held his breath awaiting to see if the pug would sniff, bite or claw at him. But he did something even better.

The dog maintained aloof eye contact before he plopped his large rump down and sat, as if saying 'Let's get on with this already'.

Kakashi smiled and picked up the awaiting pug into his steady arms.

"Got a leash?"

"We're going to pick up some supplies after this."

"No leash, no dog."

"I didn't see that sign. Do you have any rope?"

The hefty man's eyes narrowed even more than they already were.

"Or not.. May we make other arrangements? I want to take him home tonight."

"The leash is to make sure he doesn't get away." he walked to the end of the cage and pulled out a box, "Put him in here and don't let him out until you get home or get a leash." the large man commanded.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Kakashi happily trotted back to the lobby, "Thank you for your help!"

And with that, Kakashi left the building carrying the oversized box filled with the smallest dog- his new/old little friend.

He was.. well, happy to put it in small words. He never realized that that wrinkled face could bring him so much contentment.

During the car ride home he began to wonder if Pakkun was like his Pakkun back home, not necessarily in the terms of personality because he already demonstrated that they were pretty similar, but if the little dog could talk. But he'd wait to learn if the canine possessed the ability to speak on his own time.

Kakashi was just so preoccupied in his own thoughts that he really did not notice Sakura. At least, not until they were in the elevator shaft of their building. She wasn't scolding him or shrieking that he did not tell her about where they went, or what he just did. She was.. quiet. Unnervingly quiet.

Strange.

But he brushed it off his shoulders. She was probably just tired.

When they exited the shaft she was ahead of him walking so painstakingly slow he wanted to sigh, but instead he cleared his throat to urge her forward and she darted so fast he had to look behind him to make sure there was no one after them. He cocked his head to the side in confusion. Safe to say it was just them two in the hall.

He tried to address her but she was spouting nonsense like 'Professor' and 'Sir', and he definitely knew there was a problem here. But he didn't know exactly what. She was acting scared and nervous all on her own accord, without him saying a word.

Interesting.

Interesting and most definitely hilarious.

He was curious to what was going on in that temperamental brain of hers but he decided to have a little more fun. It wasn't because she was mad at him for avoiding her, or that she was tired. No. The way her eyes would shift back towards the box and him laid the root of the problem. She was probably imagining the worst scenarios in that magnificent mind of hers. When she said that they didn't have to do the 'talk' with him anymore and that all was forgiven he was even more satisfied with the situation.

He couldn't wait to show her that the source of all her dread and fear was just a fourteen pound pug. Watching her squirm gave him much more amusement than it should.

"Sakura, meet Pakkun. Pakkun this is Sakura." Kakashi introduced smiling. "But since we don't have to have that talk now I'm going to take this little guy shopping for new stuff. See you later! I'm so glad that we had our talk.. or not have it. Ah, how should I put this, I'm glad everything is settled. That's better."

"Hold on." she looked at him and back down at the canine in disbelief, "What?"

"This is my new dog, Pakkun." he stated so matter-of-factually as he tried to exit the door quickly but the little brown pug remained in his spot. Gazing up at the towering, pink-haired maiden, the dog lifted a little paw to shake her hand. Mechanically, Sakura bent down to return the greeting in deep shock.

"This is your dog." she stated, never taking her eyes away from the pug's deep brown eyes.

"This is my dog."

She shook her head and smiled. "We'll I'll be damned."

Kakashi walked over and gathered Pakkun into his arm and half saluted Sakura. "Well, since we're not doing the talk I got to go get this little guy some food and other things. I'll call you tomorrow! Bye, Sakura!"

The wheels began to turn in her brain realizing that he just manipulated the situation to fit him so perfectly. "Wait!" she yelled, but she already heard the rapid sounds of two doors closing. "Bastard."

Kakashi splurged a bit too much at the pet store and practically bought himself his own little pet store. The largest, softest looking bed, the best organic supplies- vitamins, food, treats, shampoo and conditioner, a full bodied blue harness and matching leash, among many other toys and supplies. There was just so much stuff he had to get the rest shipped to his apartment since he didn't have any more room in his car. He wasn't a man to divulge into spending on the littlest thing for himself, but when it came to his canine companions, there were no limits to his capabilities to provide for them.

Once finally settled, he fed Pakkun and went directly to bed. He was too tired to try to interact and find out answers, knowing that if the pug did talk he would be in for some kind of lecture or long bout of advice from the dog. He was amazed to find that the animals here did not speak. But, in some cases and perhaps in his own, that could be a blessing in disguise.

So he decided to wait until morning.

Kakashi poured out Pakkun's breakfast into his stainless steel bowl and watched as the little guy devoured the little morsels.

"So.. Pakkun." he addressed the busy pug, "I'm Kakashi. Hatake Kakashi, but I'm sure you know that."

The canine stopped eating and turned his head away as if sighing. Slowly, he turned his head back, to regard Kakashi, and plopped his butt down as if he was really listening to what this man was telling him.

"Can you speak?"

The dog cocked his head to the side as if perplexed, but Kakashi could see into the depths of its eyes the intelligence that sparkled beneath the dark brown orbs.

"Speak."

Pakkun barked.

"No, I mean really speak." he squatted down.

Pakkun barked, again.

"Not quite there. Maybe try something a little along the lines of 'Hello' or 'How are you?'."

This time instead of barking the dog walked up to Kakashi and placed a paw on his barefoot. The dog moved its head side to side and returned back to finish the rest of his breakfast.

"Can't speak, but you can clearly understand me. Not what I'm use to, but I think this is good for us."

"Kakashi, open up! I know you're in there!" yelled an angry, shrill voice from outside his door. Kakashi looked toward the direction of his door and smirked to himself, finding the morning to be quite satisfying already. He languidly walked over and opened it. Sure enough there was Sakura standing in front of his door, arms crossed, hair tousled, with quite the haughty expression on her delicate face, still dressed in her flannel pajamas. It appeared he left her in such a bothered state last night that she had to get it out of her system as soon as it was a decent hour. At least she was polite enough to not to bother him at dawn or something.

"You could've knocked." he smiled walking away leaving his door open for her to follow.

Sakura slammed his door. "Would you have answered?" she bit back. Even the way he walked away looked smug to her.

"Of course." he sat crossed legged on the ground of his widespread living room and threw a ball at Pakkun. Instead of running after it to retrieve it, the pug simply watched the ball fly into the air and drop on the floor after several anti-climactic bounces. Kakashi frowned.

She stifled a laugh feeling that for some reason, the infuriating man before her had finally found his match.

He focused his attentions back to Sakura and smiled. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence this early morning?" He motioned for her to follow him onto the couch.

"We haven't spoken yet."

"We've spoken plenty." he waved a hand in front of him, innocently pushing away her statement, "We're speaking right now, aren't we?"

"Oh, no. You're not getting away with this with your mumbo jumbo. You were avoiding me. "

"Are you hungry? I was just about to get breakfast started.." he tried to sway the conversation fully knowing that this wasn't the right way at going about Sakura, but he found himself unable to stop. An angry Sakura was increasingly becoming more and more intriguing.

"You didn't pick up my phone calls, I'm sure you turned off your television when I knocked on your door, you replied to my-"

"I thought we weren't going to have this conversation." he interrupted, not really interested with listening to the rest of this list of how he did purposely avoid her. He was there, he knew what he did. Didn't make him very proud, but he didn't really want to let go of the idea that he was off the hook as of last night.

"Well, you thought wrong."

"You clearly said it was fine. Remember? You do recall dismissing the situation, don't you?" he asked so angelically it made her frown, "But you did seem distracted. Was there anything bothering you last night? You did seem a bit... frazzled." he onyx eye drooped even further almost making him appear sickeningly innocent.

'Touche' thought Inner-Sakura.

Without any reserve, she openly blushed from head to toe. "Well, last night.." She didn't want to admit her forgiving him so instantly was due to the fact that she was crazy. She just had to decide that he was a murderous, sadistic, mad scientist all on her own accord. If she had paid attention to the streets he was taking she would have realized that he had driven to the pet shelter. But it wasn't her fault! Who paid attention to street signs when they were a passenger? That was the best part of being a passenger! Did she really want to tell him what she really thought last night? "Fine.. We don't have to talk about it." she said begrudgingly.

"Wonderful."

"You're crafty, I gotta give you that, but things like this don't work on me a second time."

Kakashi smiled. He wouldn't have it any other way.

An odd warmth jumped into her lap startling her. Looking down she found Pakkun snuggling his way into her lap before finally resting his eyes.

"Food coma. He just had breakfast." Kakashi explained.

"There's something so brilliant about this little guy." she admired, petting his soft fur. "What made you decide to adopt a dog."

He shrugged. "I've always had dogs up until recently and I decided it was a good time to start again."

"He reminds me of you." she commented fondly.

"How so?"

"He has this look about him, as if he doesn't have any worries or stresses."

"He doesn't. He's fed and he's sleeping on a young woman's lap. Many find that a luxury."

Sakura smiled. "You both go around doing what you want, saying what you want and sleeping wherever you want. Now that I think about it, you both have this sleepy look about you."

"I don't always look sleepy."

Sakura laughed. "Yes, you do actually."

"My eyes naturally droop." he defended bemusedly. Now that they were on a good note, he decided now was the best time to execute his plans for his mission. "... Do you have any free time this week?"

"Not really. If it's not school, it's work or my internship. The only day I get off early this week is tonight."

"Then tonight it is. I was thinking that we should-"

"Stay in, watch movies and eat an absurd amount of junk food?" she interrupted, batting her eyes.

Although Kakashi's itinerary was to do something fun and daring for his mission, her offer was much more appealing. There was still tomorrow and he could use today to gather as much information as he could, since he was still quite lost on how to approach everything. "Sounds perfect."

"Great! I get off around eight. Now if you excuse me I think I'm going to sleep a couple more hours before my shift." She grabbed a throw pillow and moved Pakkun to rest on that instead of her sore leg. "I'll let myself out. See you later, Kakashi."

He grinned inwardly. No 'Professor' or even a 'Sir' anymore? That was good. Even better, he did not have one naughty thought or forbidden urge around her. Well, besides his new found satisfaction with frustrating her a bit. But that was okay with him.

When at the bottom, the only place to go is up. Things were certainly looking up.

Walking into the dimly lit bar he scanned his surroundings. Nope, there was no Genma in sight. Typical. Genma had to be his only friend that purposely arrived later than the designated time just to spite his own tardy tendencies.

Kakashi took a seat on an empty bar stool away the other people present. "Vodka tonic." he called out to the unusually small, bartender in front of him. The drink was instantly placed in front of him. Casually taking sips while trying to be inconspicuous of the women across the bar currently staring and pointing at him, Kakashi contemplated how pleased he was at the moment. Contentedness use to be available to him abundantly, whereas now it was more of a fleeting feeling. He had learned to appreciate the calamity whenever his life allowed him so.

Pakkun, his dear friend, was now reunited with him. He wasn't able to explain why the simple presence of this creature made him so.. leveled.

Even his odd relationship with his dear student, things were much more on the comfortable side than not. The moment between them that night had hardly haunted him lately. Yes, he hadn't been really around her in a couple weeks, but that distance did help his psyche.

It was simply a drunken mistake. And the more he thought about it, drunken mistakes were a common occurrence for him. There had been many unwanted mishaps with his comrades back home. Till this day the image of Gai coming towards him with his big...

Ah! Not happening. Not envisioning. Kakashi closed his eyes and winced, forcing the memory back down where it damn well belonged. Kakashi placed his drink down deciding it was best to lay off the alcohol for a while, if not forever.

Now was the time to fully try to concentrate. Safe to say that Wizneyland ended in a complete fail but he supposed that was probably because he disdained crowds and unsafe contraptions that made one unwillingly nauseous. And he really hated wearing dog ears for long periods of time. It just wasn't his thing.

"I've been giving you the eye since you've got here."

Apathetically he turned to find an annoyed Genma staring right at him, arms crossed over his chest. "You were here this whole time?"

Clasping a hand on his friend's shoulder, Genma turned Kakashi's attention toward the corner of the room where three relatively attractive women sat. "I was sandwiched between those delicious creatures the past forty five minutes you were late. You're fuckin' lucky I found my piece of heaven while waiting for your ass, or else."

"Ah, or else what."

"Or else.. I would have been very pissed at you."

"I felt that one." he touched his chest as if it were in pain.

"Yeah, I know. Come on, I told them I'd be bringing them a treat if they wait good. And by treat I meant you."

"While I'm flattered, I'd rather just sit here."

Genma's face fell dejected. "But there are three of them!" he whined.

"A wonderful number but I've got some things I want to discuss with you privately."

"One mojito." He called out to the bartender. Quickly getting over his disappointment, Genma shrugged and sat down on the next stool. "It sounds like you're breaking up with me. We're breaking up aren't we?"

"It's not me, it's you." Kakashi smirked, "Actually, I have to do a little research on my next project."

"And I'm the guinea pig."

"Of course."

"I'm in."

Kakashi inhaled hoping that the question he was about to ask was not ridiculous out loud as it was in his head. "What makes you happy?"

Genma outright laughed. "This is Dr. Hatake's unsolvable question? Man, you really are running out of things to do."

"Just answer the question." he asked again sighing. The question did sound more embarrassing out loud. Damn.

"Alright, alright. I can't wait to read this pansy shit article in a few months." he brought a hand to his chin and tapped with his first finger in deep thought. After several personal moments passed he looked Kakashi dead in the eye, "Women."

"Women." Kakashi repeated apprehensively.

"Women."

"You can't be serious."

"I love them."

"Damnit, Genma."

"There are just so many types and flavors. I can't seem to get enough of them. I don't think I ever will."

Kakashi sighed. For some reason, he believed him. "Anything else?"

"Hmm.. Anything with needles." Genma shrugged while taking a sip of his drink.

"Should I be worried?" he asked afraid.

"Nah. I don't do drugs. Gives you wrinkles, you know. I like throwing them, giving botox shots, sewing.." he trailed off, thinking of other needle fun/needle safe activities.

"Sewing." he repeated, "I had no idea." Kakashi's voice was full of amusement.

"Yeah, it's nice. None of my clothes have holes in them."

"It is an acquired skill." he shook his head feeling as if this conversation was going no where already, "When are you the most happiest?"

"Didn't I just answer this question?" his blonde friend asked confused.

"You're answers were great just not quite what I'm looking for. Go a little deeper."

"Story of my life."

Kakashi cringed, "Well, now I'm uncomfortable. Check!" he called out to the bartender.

"Keep it in your ball sack. I'll answer the damn question just give me a minute." This time Genma spent a much longer time deliberating in his head. "Shit, women just keep popping up in my head."

"And sewing."

"Yeah.."

"It's fine, let's just get a beer."

"Beer! That's definitely on my list."

Most viewed online banking as efficient means to keep track of their funds. Sakura saw it as a painful reminder of how devastatingly broke she really was. She looked at her screen with pleading eyes, silently praying that every time she blinked money would magically appear into her account.

"Please?" she stroked her computer screen affectionately hoping to coax currency from it.

A knock disturbed her from her thoughts. She looked at her computer one more time longingly before shutting it off. "Coming!"

Opening the door she was greeted with the sight of two large paper bags held by a sturdy body without a head. "I see you've brought snacks." she mused shifting off the the side to allow him access into her apartment.

"I think I got a little carried away. One of these bags is filled solely of dango and the other one has miscellaneous junk foods."

"I'm excited." A deep, slow bark called her attention and Sakura smiled. "I see you're here too, little guy." she bent down to pick him.

Pakkun peered up at her nonchalantly and nodded. At least, he moved his head up and down like a nod.. but Sakura was sure that dogs couldn't respond. She looked deep into his huge brown eyes and she could see understanding in them. It was slightly unnerving.

"Kakashi, what's around his head?" She noticed the blue headband wrapped around the pug's head with an emblem on it.

Kakashi unloaded his bags onto her coffee table, "It's a good memory."

"Huh?"

"It's from my," Kakashi hesitated while trying to find the right words to say. Was he able to say it's from the Konoha from a different dimension, where he was actually from and he brought it along with him when a wizard- or whatever Mylan was- transported him to this dimension? "home. It's from my home." he said cheerfully.

"The insignia is beautiful." She traced her finger lightly over the coil design in honest wonderment.

"Hn." Kakashi sat on the couch looking over the single swirl and point composing the symbol of the leaf. It was a commonality. Something he was more than accustomed to. Every shinobi and kunoichi from his home wore this proudly without fault, recalling the day they had overcome the obstacles from the academy and received their honorary gift of their hitai-ate that now marked them nin. Kakashi, too, wore this symbol proudly everyday. He protected and fought for his village, his comrades till his fingers were raw and bloody, he had died and was resurrected, he gave and gave and gave, and still, he found himself willing to give more despite the days when he felt he didn't have anything left. The will of fire still burned deep inside the depths of him. But, it had been a long while since he really.. looked at it. "I suppose it is."

And for the briefest of moments, his pitless eye flashed an emotion he found to be very dangerous. Swallowing, he pushed a memory that suddenly surfaced, back down inside where he hid the few images he couldn't bear to remember. When remembering became habitual to him, to respect his precious people that left his side for a more peaceful existence, there were only a series of what he chose to recall. Everything else hid in the darkest corners deep within him. The rare moments when these hidden memories resurfaced, he did what he knew best.

"So what are we watching?" He ignored them.

Sakura grabbed a bag of chips and jumped on her couch excitedly, "I rented a few movies. Which one do you want to watch first? I got a romantic comedy, a thriller, a dramatic romance and Naruto's latest movie, you know, since you like that kind of stuff."

"I do?"

"I think so? Remember! The day at the park you were wearing ninja gear. His movie is live action from this one really famous anime. I know, live action can be a bit weird sometimes, but Naruto's movie is pretty good."

"Ah, I believe you said I was cosplaying. What is that?"

Sakura laughed, "Are you serious?"

Kakashi's serious expression told her he wasn't kidding.

"You mean you dressed like that casually?"

He nodded apprehensively. Why was it funny? Why was his standard uniform funny to her?

Sakura took out her laptop and searched pictures of anime characters, "Anime is pretty popular animations. There are many different types of stories, some are actually pretty good and some are just plain weird."

Kakashi looked over the cartoons absorbing the new information she was telling him.

She then looked up cosplaying, "And this is when people impersonate these animations."

His eye widened, "I don't do that."

"Ah, well I thought you did. You usually dress normally. I suppose you were just being a fashionista and tried to be daring that day." She shrugged, "If you don't like this stuff we don't have to watch it, but you're missing out. Naruto even started acting in this series from twelve till now and it's still popular. Hard to accept that his perverted Godfather created such a phenomenon."

"What's it about?"

"Well there are quite a few movies. The first movie is about this boy dressed in orange reeking havoc in his village determined to be a ninja. He was completely ostracized growing up but that didn't kill his spirit. His main goal is to be accepted and he has it in his head that the only way is to become their leader. I don't want to tell you the rest 'cuz you have to watch it. I was skeptical at first because it was Naruto jumping around dressed all brightly, it really hurt my eyes, but it was so addicting. I can't wait for the next part of the series to come out. Funny how Naruto could play such a courageous, tragic character when he's lived such a happy life. For some reason, he says he could really relate to the story."

Kakashi smiled inside. Were worlds really this connected with one another? "Let's watch it. Sounds interesting."

Quickly, she popped out the dvd and placed it into her dvd player and returned to the couch. They sat in complete silence for two hours. Kakashi originally wanted to talk to her, as he did with Genma earlier that day, but he was so absorbed in the movie. It was amazing that the storyline, even to the last detail, was Naruto's life story.

Naruto: Alright! I've decided to follow my own way of the ninja. I'm going to run straight down the path where I'm not going to regret anything!

The credits began to roll. Sakura turned to Kakashi and was amused to see his eyes were still glued to the television screen. "Did you like the movie?" she asked amused.

Regaining his composure he turned to her and shrugged, "That Sensei they had was pretty amazing."

"That's what you got from all of that?"

"Simply amazing."

Sakura laughed, "Well, yeah I suppose. He was a bit irritating up until the fight. He was late all the time, always sleeping, so lost in a third dimension.. Well, actually, I guess I see why you like him."

"Hn."

"He's exactly like you."

"I take that as a compliment. Did you see that copying technique? I've never really seen anything like it." It was true. He was always the one doing it instead of seeing.

"I can't wait to see you do that same technique." Sakura mocked, "Anyways, I'm picking a movie this time."

"Aren't we going to watch the other ones?" he asked worriedly.

"Don't get me wrong. I love the series, but I've seen them all too much. I can't wait till Naruto films his next one. I believe it's going to be the final installment."

"Is that what I trained him for?"

"Yeah, I'm guessing they're going to have him do ridiculous fight scenes." she reached for a movie across the coffee table. The cover had a blonde man caressing a woman's face on the cover. Kakashi looked at the container and her, back and forth in complete disbelief. "We're watching this next!"

"What is that?"

"Romance. We need something fluffy since we watched all that gore. Although it was fun gore, it's nice to add this so Pakkun here doesn't get any nightmares." She rubbed the pugs head affectionately.

"He doesn't get nightmares."

Ignoring him, she happily clicked play and skipped back to the couch.

Twenty minutes passed by. Twenty minutes of complete utter hell. Kakashi hated it. The main character- the 'hero'- was someone who apparently carried a gene that caused him to time travel. Remarkably unbelievable. The worst part- this man was always naked. Always.

"So.."

"Shhh. Now don't you start."

"But-"

"You shushed me during the last movie. There's only an hour or so left."

Kakashi inwardly groaned. He couldn't take another hour of this. He wasn't opposed to the romance genre, he loved his books, but there was only so much a man can take of this movie. There was just something about this that was.. not good.

"I wanted to ask you questions for my next experiment."

Sakura's ears perked up and she turned to him curiously, completely forgetting the television. "You want my advice?"

"If you don't mind. It's just a few questions."

"I guess it is an honor to be chosen to partake in the great Dr. Hatake Kakashi's next project." she mused, "Shoot."

"I know it may sound ridiculous, I've gotten that reaction already, but-"

"It's okay! You can ask me anything."

"I was getting to that. I wanted to-"

"Ah, don't you want to get paper and pen?"

Kakashi sighed, "No, I have a photographic memory."

'Of course he does.' Sakura thought jealously as he waited patiently for her mind to get over his statement.

"May I ask now?"

"Sure!"

"No interruptions?" he pointed a decided finger towards her.

She made a motion over her mouth as if she was zipping it close and she gave him a thumbs up.

Kakashi hesitated a moment, quickly looking her over and surprised with her earnest expression. Perhaps she wouldn't find his question as stupid as Genma did. "What makes you happy?"

Sakura snickered.

"It isn't that funny."

She put a hand over her mouth to stifle her laugh. "I'm sorry! I was expecting something not.. like this. More on the molecular level than psychological."

"Just answer it."

"You're serious?"

He nodded with no trace of amusement on his features.

Her brows furrowed and after several moments she answered. "In all honesty, my loved ones make me most happiest."

While that was a good answer, better than whatever the hell Genma said, it wasn't what he was looking for. Kakashi had kept all his important people around him often, at least as often as possible for shinobi and apparently that didn't work.

"How about activities that make you happy?"

"Hmm.." Sakura hummed in contemplation, "I love the lab when I'm by myself. Playing with poisons and antidotes. Manipulating molecules, watching them move and stuff."

"Anything else?" He was completely positive that would not interest him much.

"Hmm.. I like music? Eating, days I get my paycheck, traveling, buying food, paying my bills off completely without a single late payment, going to the gun range-"

"Gun range?"

"I know, I know. I get enough shit from Ino. There's just something exciting about mastering weapons even though I am learning how to be a healer. Kinda contradictory, huh?"

"Not at all. It's just learning another skill."

"I'm pretty simple. It doesn't take much to make me happy. Usually all I need is a good book, plenty of good food around me and I'm a happy camper."

'That's what I thought, too.' he thought disappointingly.

"I hope that helped you."

"I'm about to offer you an opportunity of a lifetime." he announced.

"I can't, Kakashi. I'm just so busy with everything else."

"You haven't even heard what I was going to say."

Sakura chewed the inside of her cheek half hoping and half dreading what he was about to ask her. "Okay, go ahead."

"How about you partner with me in my newest project?"

Her eyes widened. His proposition was exactly what she had thought it would be and it felt even better hearing the words aloud and confirmed. But did she have time to really help him? That was her biggest concern. With bills, work, bills, school, bills and her internship, would she be able to manage? But this was the literally the opportunity of a lifetime, as he so kindly put it. Working with the great Dr. Hatake Kakashi in something life changing was her childhood dream. Did she have the courage to turn him down? "Really?" was all she managed to choke out.

"Really."

"So, when everything is all done my name will be published along with yours?"

Kakashi shifted uncomfortably. Published? "Well.. yes." he answered apprehensively. If he had to he could. "And you've already helped me with me research."

She stared at him curiously, "I have?"

"The trip to Wizneyland was my first step to my project." he smiled, "So, since you started this with me, want to continue being my partner?"

Ignoring her other worries, she made her decision, "Yes! Of course I will!" she exclaimed excitedly, throwing herself across the couch, over his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Kakashi groaned from the impact of her body slamming into him but despite the pain he smiled. Warmth from her body reached out to him and he could practically feel her joy radiating. Did his simple question of asking for her aid in this project really make her that happy? He smiled underneath his mask feeling a sense of accomplishment for reasons he had no idea, but it was nice that he could give her this. Her pouring happiness was.. nice.

He lifted an arm apprehensively, debating if he should return the hug or not. He felt the urge to but felt another urge rise unwillingly from other parts of him.. Suddenly he became aware of the compromising situation he was in. Here they were, laying on a narrow couch and she was currently nestled between his legs, pressed up against him in every way that he could feel every curve of her down his body, leaving him marveling at the discovery of how she fit against him like a puzzle piece. His wide chest absorbed each excited breath she took and he couldn't help but enjoy the small shudder run down his spine as he felt her against his strong neck. The soft smell of vanilla and strawberries deluded his senses as he tried to regain focus.

"Thank you, Kakashi! You have no idea how much this means to me!" she tightened her lithe arms around his neck unaware of his growing discomfort in himself.

"Your welcome, Sakura." he said steadily, willing his breath to remain constant.

"It's my lifelong dream to witness some kind of amazing study! But this? Having my name published right along with yours is a dream come true. This is.. this is unbelievable! Ah, you're the best. Whatever I said in the past about you I take it back! You are the best."

Kakashi closed his eyes trying to get a hold of himself. Disturbing thoughts that he pushed down before began to resurface, and with her pressed into him, he couldn't chance this embrace to continue without the fear of something really awkward happening. Was it wise that he just asked her to do this with him? Their lives were going to be intertwined indefinitely, and she was a hugging person. It was more than likely that 'touching' situations were going to happen.

He slowly grabbed her arms tangled around him and carefully pushed her forward. Her expression was still blindingly overjoyed, completely unaware of him. He tried to smile back while swinging his legs over the couch and away from her. "What do you mean things you've said in the past?" he joked, trying to make the conversation casual.

"Oh, get over it. You know you're frustrating, but that's becoming one of your best qualities. I always have fun with you." she punched him in the shoulder playfully. "I still cannot believe it! So what are we doing? What's this new project about?"

"Ah.." he actually didn't think this out as much as he thought. Damn. "So far I'm just researching levels of endorphins and dopamine. And to do so I must personally experience activities that can bring about the most possible amount. When that happens I'll inform you of my hypothesis so it makes more sense." he sincerely hoped that sounded convincing.

"Hmm.." she narrowed her eyes in thought, absorbing and trying to come up with her own hypothesis' to his experiments. "Okay, I get it. I'm not going to ask questions, I'm just glad you picked me."

"Yeah, me too." he said as excitedly as he could, but he couldn't help but feel deep regret. What the hell was wrong with him? She should be like a cupcake to him. They look good, they smell good but he shouldn't want to fuck it.

"I know I just started working on my doctorate but I assure you I graduated top of my class in biochemistry and although I don't have an extensive background, I promise you I will be an asset to you." she clasped her hand together in delight. "I still can't believe it! I want to be there with you every step of the way. When are we starting?"

"Well, when are you free?"

"I was thinking about working overtime on Monday but I can do it Thursday. Does Monday work out for you? Too soon? It's too soon." she rambled, calculating every minute she could spare this week.

"No, no. Monday sounds fine."

"Great! I can't wait! We have so much to do! I'll try to set up my schedule and send it to you. Hopefully we can come up with something that works for both of us. We should also discuss what experiments we should execute and supplies we may need and-"

"Whoa, slow down."

"Sorry, I'm just so excited. This is such a privilege."

"Ah, really? It's a privilege to work for me?" He smirked, deciding to take the route of infuriating her than wanting to do things to her. He watched her expression turn sour.

"Working with. With. I suppose I'm going to have to put up with more of you. I like science and you just happen to be the Mick Jagger of it even if you're infuriating."

"This just keeps on getting better."

"Fine, fine! I admit it, you're awesome. Don't expect me to fawn and squeal like a fan girl-"

"Like you wanted to when you met me."

"Ugh.." she closed her eyes and shook her head, "but what I wanted to say until you so rudely interrupted me, I will acknowledge how cool it is that I get to work with you on this. It's kinda an honor."

"Well, I'm kinda glad to have asked you." he winked.

Sakura smiled radiantly and reached to hug him again when he immediately reached for the remote and turned up the volume, chuckling nervously , "Let's watch the movie."

"Deal! Oh! This is my favorite part!" Sakura stabbed a dango with a toothpick and handed it to him, "Eat up! You're going to need your energy."

He took the treat from her and focused his attentions back to the television. At least he tried to focus, and that was saying a lot since he did not take enjoyment in this wretched movie at all, but he'd try anything to keep his mind from thinking. Sakura was right. He was definitely going to need his energy the next few months. The energy to suppress his dirty, inner pervert.

A/N: Kakashi and his defense mechanisms.. Gotta love him. :D Please review, you awesome people.