A/N - Again I apologise profusely for the time it takes me to update! Thank you to the followers who are sticking with me! Especially to those who emailed me to ask if I was still going, it's very flattering to know people are looking forward to your work and all your emails act like a good kick in the butt to get me writing again! :D

It didn't take long for Kakashi's dogs to pick up a scent for them to follow and Sakura felt better the further away they got from that preposterous house with all its pretentious people. Tearing through the trees at break-neck speed was exhilarating enough that she could tolerate the sound of her sensei's footfalls behind her. Yes, behind her. For whatever reason, he was letting her lead the way. She had no idea why and would usually be suspicious, but she was actually having fun. It had been a long time since she had been on a mission that involved loads of running and little risk, and it felt really good.

Sakura was quite surprised at how silent the dogs moved as well. For some reason, she had been expecting them to bark to let her know where they were, but obviously being ninken, they knew the benefits of moving silently. As she cleared through a wash of golden red leaves, she broke into a small clearing and noticed all of the dogs wandering around with their noses to the ground. Clearly they had lost the scent momentarily. She landed in a crouch next to Pakkun before straightening up and looking around. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but the wind had picked up. She wasn't sure if it was the strength of the breeze, the fact that it was just on the cold side of being pleasant, or that the leaves rustling was the only sound she could hear, but Sakura suddenly felt a ball of unease forming in her stomach.

Kakashi landed behind her, close enough that she knew if she was to take half a step backwards that they would be back-to-back. For whatever reason, his simply being so near caused that little ball to tighten nauseatingly. Neither spoke for a few minutes, each hyper-aware of their surroundings, using all of their senses to memorise every inch of that clearing and the surrounding tree line, both trying desperately to see beyond into the darkened green depths.

It was a matter of time, of that Sakura was certain. There was no question that something was about to happen, but whether it would be in a few minutes or a few seconds she couldn't have guessed. The two shinobi stood dead silent, their stillness almost melting into the air around them.

A rustle out of place to the rest, and two kunai, one thrown from each ninja, flew across the tiny field and into the shrubbery beyond. A loud shriek followed and a small rabbit raced from the undergrowth before disappearing down a hole.

"Ah," came Kakashi's voice, "that was a bit emba-"

An almighty flash of brilliant light lit up the landscape before complete darkness swept across Sakura's vision. Everything was black.

"Kakashi!" She cried.

"Use your ears," was his only reply, confirming for her that he couldn't see anything either.

Sakura forced her rising panic back down and strained her ears. For a few seconds, she could hear nothing but the sound of her own blood rushing through her body, but footsteps through the grass quickly broke through and she spun towards the sound.

"It's the dogs," Kakashi spoke quietly and Sakura realized the steps did have a strange sound to them and the more she concentrated, the easier it became to distinguish the four footfalls of each animal.

"Just concentrate," came the older jonin's soothing voice. "Relax and focus. The sharingan is still working, I'm not completely blind. I'll guide you as much as I can but if we're under attack you need to focus."

"Hai," was her only reply. Sakura tried to tune into her surroundings. She felt as though every cell in her body was buzzing with adrenalin. She tried to slow her breathing down – it was so loud! She painstakingly drew a kunai from the pouch on her thigh.

"Sakura, left!" She threw up her arm and felt rather than heard the impact of an enemy weapon hit her kunai.

Growling and barking broke out in the ninken around her and she heard the rushing of paws as they ran to assail their attacker.

"To the east, Pakkun." Sakura could feel the anger bubbling through her body. She felt helpless. It was a feeling she particularly loathed.

"Shit!"

"Kakashi?" She whirled around in panic. What was going on?!

"3 o'clock!" Was his urgent reply. Sakura pictured the clock in her mind and sliced. She felt the blade slice through skin and warm blood spattered her arm. A small groan escaped her assailant.

"Where?!" She demanded.

"Gone."

She felt a hand clasp over her wrist and in alarm, Sakura swung the kunai in the general direction of where she hoped a head was. Instead, another powerful hand clamped down and held her in place. A breath of air stroked her cheek and a whisper of "it's me," made her instantly relax. Actually, if she was completely honest, her mind may have relaxed but an interesting bout of goosebumps flourished across her skin. Choosing to ignore that particular development, Sakura waited for instructions.

"Let's get out of here, shall we?" Her sensei sounded almost jovial.

He began running, still holding on to help guide her through the swirling blackness. She had only been running a couple of seconds (though it sure did feel like an eternity) before light flooded her vision so acutely she couldn't help let out a cry.

"Keep it down," muttered Kakashi as he pulled her into some shrubs.

"Focus your vision, we need to get out of here and it will be a hell of a lot easier if you can see."

"Easy for you to say, Sharingan Kakashi," she snapped.

Blinking, eyes streaming, Sakura could slowly start making out the shapes of the trees. She had to wipe her eyes several times and bite back the urge to complain about the stinging sensation. Somehow she didn't think Kakashi would care much to hear about it. After blinking more times in a minute than she felt she had ever done in her life, Sakura's vision was mostly restored.

Kakashi was crouched next to her staring avidly out of the dense green shrub. She noticed a pretty nasty gouge on his arm but didn't bother offering to heal it. She knew he would just shrug it off until they were safe.

"Surroundings, Sakura" he barked pointedly, and she gave herself a little mental shake before peering around. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Whatever had impaired her vision was nowhere to be seen. Neither were any of the enemy ninja. Or Kakashi's dogs for that matter.

"Ninken?" she asked.

"Hopefully being enough of a distraction that we can escape. Let's go"

Without waiting for a reply, Kakashi spun around and crept like a cat from the bushes and up a tree. Sakura slunk after him. They moved slowly at first, not wanting to draw any attention to themselves, before breaking into a lightening sprint back in the direction of the village. Neither of them stopped until they were on a rooftop in the middle of the town. They fell down back-to-back, breathing heavy.

As soon as she got her breath back, Sakura moaned loudly. "What the hell just happened?"

"No idea," was the curt reply. Remembering his injury, Sakura sat on her knees and began flooding Kakashi's arm with healing chakra.

"Don't wor-"

"Shhh," she snapped.

He sighed audibly but was quiet while she patched him up. She had just finished when a pattering of feet made her spin around, chakra flooding her fists ready to fight.

"Uh, hi?" The little pugged pulled up short, eyeing Sakura suspiciously.

"Sorry," she sighed, running her hands through her hair in a pointless attempt to untangle it. "Bit on edge," she offered as way of an apology.

"I get that," Pakkun nodded.

"Any idea who they were?" Kakashi asked.

"Unfortunately they hit a river early into the chase and we lost them." Pakkun began scratching at his ear.

"They did leave behind something that the pink one will find interesting though."

Choosing to ignore his remark, Sakura asked, "like what?"

A small scroll appeared at his feet. When he touched his paw to it, it disappeared, leaving behind a four-pronged kunai.

"What the hell?" Sakura was dumbstruck. How on Earth would lowly thieves have got their hands on specialized weapons like these? Either they were connected to these kunai in some way or the producer had begun selling them quite cheaply to whoever would buy. Even though it would make this mission much more dangerous than originally anticipated, she sincerely hoped it wasn't the latter. If they had gone into mass production, all crooks and S-class criminals would have their hands on them before long, making the simplest D-rank missions potentially fatal.

"Well," Kakashi sighed whilst pulling himself to his feet. "Guess we better go and report our big failure."

He bean trudging slowly across the rooftop.

"Ugh, thanks for all your help today, Pakkun. Please pass my thanks on to the rest of the pack too." She swooped up the kunai and placed it in her pack. "I'll bake some special doggy treats for you all someday soon," Sakura smiled, before following after Kakashi.

"We'll hold you to that," Pakkun grunted before disappearing.

"My, that definitely is unfortunate news."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes at Satoru. The tone was right, the expression also, but still there was something there that the old jonin couldn't quite put his finger on. He had a definite feeling this man knew more than he was letting on. The suspicion was so acute that he had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from doing or saying anything to give away the fact that he was on to the scumbag.

"Is there any chance of finding them now?" Yuuki asked softly.

Kakashi rubbed the back of his hair and smiled sympathetically.

"We could head back to the area and check it out tomorrow, but I think it's highly unlikely the assailants would still be present."

"Oh…" Her face fell and she scuffed her shoe into the dirt in the most endearing way.

When they had made it back to Yoshida's house, they had been greeted with a table full of food in the garden. No doubt the girl had been so convinced he'd succeed that she had organized a small feast in celebration. He felt pretty bad for letting her down.

"Poor Satoru-san; you must be so displeased with me for letting your precious item be stolen." Her big eyes were full of tears.

"Now, now," his tone was sickening to Kakashi's ears. "These things happen. Let's enjoy some of this delicious food that has been prepared and put it behind us for now." He took her hand and Kakashi glared as her face lit up. Seriously, it shouldn't have bothered him. Still, he had become somewhat accustomed to random women finding him intriguing and he quite liked it. Not that he would ever admit it, but he was finding it rather infuriating to find himself second best in this situation.

He glanced over at Sakura, who was at that very moment rolling her eyes. Apparently he was being more obvious than he had thought. He winked at her. It took him a moment to realise she could only see one of his eyes, so to her it probably looked as though he had just blinked. He sighed to himself. Some days he had it, some he didn't.

"Will you stay tonight?" Yuuki looked at him.

"Uhh…"

"Why would they need to?" Satoru asked. Kakashi noticed a slight edge to the man's voice. Apparently he didn't want Kakashi here. Well, in that case…

"Of course." He gave the woman his best eye crinkling smile. "We'll make sure they don't come back and then have another look in the morning to make sure we haven't missed anything."

She smiled at him and beckoned him to the table. He could settle for equal first, perhaps.

"I'll organize the rooms close to my daughter to be set up for you," Yoshida nodded towards Kakashi. "And if it's ok with you Sakura, would you mind sharing my daughter's room tonight? Just in case."

Kakashi shot a sideways look at the kunoichi, waiting for some kind of objection.

"Of course," she smiled sweetly. "I'll keep one eye open all night." Yoshida gave her a small, appreciative smile before reaching for his cup. Kakashi caught a glimpse of Satoru's face and couldn't help thinking that his mirrored what he saw. Quite simply, if Sakura was in that room, he wasn't.

Kakashi gave himself a mental shake. If he was supposed to be wooing the pink haired terror, seducing Yuuki probably wouldn't earn him any points. His eyes glanced over the hair, pale skin, stunning figure and then to his once upon a time student. How this had happened, he would never know.

After the meal, Kakashi excused himself with the excuse of recon. He assured Yoshida-san that he would check all points of entry into the house and do his best to make them secure. In reality, he just wanted to get away from the table. The way that bastard Satoru fawned over Yuuki made him equal parts furious and sick. Especially in front of her father! The guy had no respect and he couldn't put his finger on why Daichi would put up with that crap. He had a feeling money had to be involved somewhere and thought to snoop around. Technically it wasn't his mission, but if he found something out whilst securing the building, well, that could hardly be his fault.

Unfortunately, an hour into his quest, Kakashi was getting ready to give up. He could find absolutely nothing on the son-of-a-bitch. He heard the unmistakable sound of fists hitting wood and assumed Sakura was training in the garden, so he wandered slowly in that direction. A little sparring before bedtime might be just what he needed to help him relax.

He pulled the screen doors back ad was surprised at how bright the night was. The moon was full and shone through the trees, glistening off the surface of the pond. A few lanterns were scattered about, adding a softness to the garden. It was rather beautiful, Kakashi had to admit.

His eyes roamed the garden until they fell upon Sakura. She had wrapped her hands and was steadily punching a wooden post. He studied her for a moment. Her posture was all wrong. She was very tense, and her eyes were unfocused. He had the distinct feeling she may have been picturing his face. He didn't think he had been that annoying today. Then again, it was probably just his ego talking. She could just as easily have been imagining Naruto.

"She's quite stunning in her own way, your little partner."

Kakashi felt his hand twitch but managed to control himself. Stabbing Satoru in the throat probably wasn't the best idea. At least, not right at that moment.

"Mmm." He wasn't much up for a conversation.

"Seriously, all that toned muscle. She must be quite fun in the sack."

Kakashi suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Apparently he was picking up some of Sakura's habits.

"Wouldn't know," he replied.

"Seriously?" Kakashi flicked a glance over at Satoru and found genuine surprise there. "How could you work with her and not try anything?"

Kakashi stretched his arms above his head, rocking onto his toes to lengthen his spine. He felt a few pops and thought idly about getting a massage when he was back in the village.

"Because I have integrity." He smiled, before sauntering over to the kunoichi as she threw one last punch, knocking the post out of the ground. He didn't bother looking back at Satoru. He could feel the hateful stare boring through his back. He was oddly happy about it. He decided not to dwell too much on the irony of his parting statement. Someone with integrity wouldn't sleep with a student.

Kakashi threw his arm around Sakura's shoulders and pulled her in close. Yes, it was more for Satoru's chargrin than anything else, but he did enjoy the slightly confused look in those pretty green eyes.

"How is my favourite little kunoichi doing this fine evening?" He asked, all smiles.

Next thing he knew, he was smiling up at the stars.

"Really," he sighed, "I'm just wondering how you are."

He ignored the aching along his spine. Getting thrown on the ground is an everyday hazard when you know Sakura Haruno. Deciding to stay where he was, Kakashi put his hands behind his head and crossed his legs. The grass tickling the back of his hands was softer than he expected. The crickets were more pleasant than annoying tonight, too. He took a deep breath in, enjoying the earthy scent coming from the grass mixed with the jasmine that grew along the walls nearby. After a few moments, Sakura sat beside him. Her breathing was slightly accelerated, which was to be expected. His nose detected the faint trace of sweat, but it wasn't completely unpleasant mixed in with the garden.

"Why are we here?" She snapped.

"Because Saturo finds you rather appealing," Kakashi decided to use that new found gem of information to his advantage. He assumed at first Satoru was just saying it to push Kakashi's buttons, but he felt there had to be an element of truth to it. He has just been too surprised to hear Kakashi had not gone there.

Sakura said nothing for a moment. He could feel her processing that little tidbit and tried not to chuckle.

"How is that relevant?" She asked finally.

"Because he is up to something, and now you can help us find out."

Sakura threw herself backwards with a thump.

"I am not seducing that jerk. I wouldn't even know how."

"Call it practice then."

"Oh Kami-sama," she groaned, covering her face in her hands. He had no doubt she was blushing under there and he just loved to see it.

Kakashi rolled onto his side, supporting his head with one hand, he gently removed her hands from her face with the other. Her eyes were huge. She seemed uncertain, as if she had no idea in the world about anything, least of all why he suddenly had hold of her hands. Kakashi could see the entire moon reflected in her eyes. It was slightly overwhelming, almost like if he leant too close, he'd be drowning in them. He pulled his eye from hers and glanced down her face instead. There was definitely a pinkish tinge to those cheeks, but that could have easily been from the exertion of earlier. Her breathing hadn't slowed much though and he could feel the breath escaping those slightly parted lips and brushing along his neck, even through the material of his mask.

He chuckled and leaned back, dropping her hands.

"I think you'll be fine," he whispered.

Rolling away, he sprang to his feet and jumped onto the roof. "See you in the morning, Sakura-chan!" He called happily.

Sakura was in trouble. A part of her had known in for days, maybe longer. Now, however, she could confirm the suspicions she had been ignoring for a while. What was the point denying it? It was only going to end terribly. When she got home, she would march straight up to her shishou and demand to be removed from any and all missions involving Kakashi Hatake. And when Tsunade asked her why, she would just look her dead in the eyes and say it was because… its because she – "DAMMIT!"

Sakura kicked over a pot plant in the hall way. She froze and looked around. It didn't appear to attract any attention. She quickened her pace and turned the corner before anyone could pin it on her. Slamming through the bathroom door, she turned the tap on and splashed water over her face and down her neck. She was still warm. Still painfully aware of how close he had been to her. Still trying desperately to shake the image of his face, the way his eye seemed to be drinking her in…

She had to have imagined it. There was no way these weird, twisted feelings were being reciprocated in any way, shape or form.

What the hell is going on?!

Whenever her and Ino had gotten particularly drunk and started discussing the potential of the male jonin, Kakashi had always been the joke! Ino had admitted to a vague curiosity to finding out what he was like under that mask, but that had been it. Jokes had been made regarding his preferred book women to actual women and everyone had laughed before moving on to the next man in their long line of potentials. Yet here Sakura was, and that small, insignificant curiosity was quickly growing to proportions that she didn't think she would be able to handle very soon.

She couldn't pinpoint the exact moment she had begun thinking about him a little more than was necessary for a former student to think of her ex-sensei, but at least now that she could admit to herself that it was happening, she could try and squash the thoughts very deep down inside herself.

She smirked slightly. Catching her eyes in the mirror, Sakura gasped, completely aghast with herself and her dirty little mind; something Kakashi was also to blame for! How had he done this to her? She had no idea she was this easy to manipulate.

Wait though, was he manipulating her? Sakura had to tread carefully here. She couldn't even begin to imagine how mortifyingly embarrassing it would be to find out that he had absolutely zero intentions behind his actions and was completely unaware of the affect he was having on her.

That would be about right, really. This was probably just who he was, how he interacted with adults he was friends with.

You don't really believe that, inner-Sakura snorted.

"Shut up," Sakura muttered to herself. She grabbed the nearby towel and wiped her face. She needed a shower but for some reason, couldn't trust herself to get in. Something about hot, streaming water and thoughts of Kakashi just didn't feel like a wise decision.

She threw the towel into the nearby laundry basket and banged the door shut behind her as she stomped out of the bathroom.

Satoru was walking up the hallway towards her, a grin spreading across his face.

Great

"Sakura-san," he said, bowing slightly, "is there anything I can do to help you settle in for the night?"

He stopped just short of her, which Sakura felt was too close for comfort. Stepping back, her heel hit the bathroom door.

"No," she replied, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, thank you."

He stepped closer, eyes full of something Sakura couldn't quite place. What was he doing?

"Are you sure?" His voice was barely a murmur and he placed his hand on Sakura's arm before she knew what was happening. Surely Kakashi was wrong, he wasn't interested in her, considering his apparent interest in Yuuki? Her eyes flickered from his towards movement in the hallway.

"Sensei..?" Sakura's eyes narrowed as he ambled over to them all smiles

"Ah, my apologies for interrupting," Kakashi beamed, clearly not sorry at all.

"Sensei?" Satoru looked between the two, perplexed for a moment or two, before letting out a low whistle.

He grinned up at the copy ninja. "Lucky bastard." He walked passed Kakashi, the latter of which barely registering his presence. Kakashi's eyes were on Sakura, but she watched Satoru saunter up the hallway. As he rounded the corner, he glanced back at her former sensei. Sakura felt something icy form in the pit of her stomach. There was nothing friendly about that look. Malice poured from his gleaming eyes. It was gone as soon as she'd seen it, but it made her fists close by her sides. His look had triggered some deep instinct within Sakura. The age-old fight or flight response was triggering an onslaught of adrenaline flooding her veins. The atmosphere was suddenly tense.

"Kakashi…" She whispered his name, as if any loud noise might trigger something monumental.

Kakashi looked as though he would rather dismiss any further thoughts of Satoru, but he caught the question behind her eyes and nodded knowingly.

"I'd rather not today. Keep one eye open tonight though."

Sakura nodded, satisfied that Kakashi had registered her concern. There was something about that man they were missing. Something that could get them killed if they didn't tread carefully.

"So,"Kakashi stated matter-of-factly, "any chance I could get you to write some more of your delightful story?"

Sakura blinked uncertainly, not quite over her body's reaction. "Uh, maybe?"

Kakashi gave her a thumbs up before vanishing in a puff of smoke. She rolled her eyes. Of course that was what he really wanted to talk to her about.

"Idiot," she muttered, before entering Yuuki's room with a small smile playing upon her lips.

"Who is an idiot?" The beautiful brunette asked, glancing up from a letter she had apparently been reading.

"Oh, just my captain." Sakura returned, walking over to her sleeping bag that was laid out and the foot of Yuuki's bed. Sakura slumped onto the floor with a small groan of happiness. She hadn't realised how tired she was until that moment and now all she wanted to do was bury her head under her pillow and sleep until tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, she would be barely be snoozing, just in case Satoru made a move.

"Kakashi? He seems very intelligent."

"Yeah," Sakura yawned, "he's pretty smart."

"Lovely gentleman too. He appears to be a very kind-hearted man," she sighed slightly.

Sakura was lying on her back, one arm thrown over her face to shield her closed eyes from any light.

She decided to pretend she hadn't noticed the prolonged sound of longing whispered from Yuuki.

"Mm-hm," was the kunoichi's only reply.

"Are you and he…?" Yuuki seemed too concerned. Almost like she was putting it on, acting, because she didn't really believe Kakashi would be interested in someone like Sakura.

Sakura decided to pause for a moment. Just long enough for Yuuki to think perhaps there was something, before letting out a small chuckle.

"No," she finally grinned. "Kakashi isn't quite what I'm looking for." Sakura tried very hard to derisive and disbelieving. She thought it had been enough to cause Yuuki to rethink her interest in Kakashi, however, Sakura was not quite able to fully convince herself.

Because how was she supposed to truthfully say he wasn't what she was looking for when she had absolutely no idea herself what she wanted anymore?

She let out a small, disappointed sound and rolled over onto her stomach. There was just enough light that she could make out her bag within reach. She shuffled forward slightly and brushed the strap with her fingertips, before giving a tiny lunge, just enough to hook her fingers around and pull it towards her. The contents spilt onto the floor.

"Ugh," Sakura grumbled, exasperated.

The draft was just in reach, but the pencil had rolled in the other direction. She thumbed through the pages for a few minutes, scanning the notes she had made herself, before throwing it back in the general direction of her bag.

There was a soft knock on the door.

"Yes?" Yuuki answered.

"Just wanted to wish you both a goodnight," came a cheery voice. Sakura sat up slightly and Yuuki seemed to lean towards the sound.

"Goodnight, Kakashi-san," the girl called in a voice that Sakura supposed was meant to sound sweet.

"Night!" Sakura shouted, biting back her frustration.

"I hope you don't have any more nightmares tonight, Sakura-chan," he called.

Sakura stared at the ceiling, mortified, as she so often was with his antics.

She woke with a start. The details of the dream were already fading, just on the edge of her mind. Each time she thought she remembered, it slipped away again. She ran a hand over her forehead and felt a light covering of sweat.

A soft rustling sound from behind made Sakura shoot up. She span on her heel, scooping up the kunai she had placed under her pillow earlier as she did. Sakura ended up in a crouch, kunai drawn level with her chest, facing a rather startled Yuuki who had one foot out of the window.

"Uh, sorry to wake you?" The Yoshida girl offered.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sakura snapped, irate. Loosening her posture, she sat cross-legged on the floor, twirling the kunai absentmindedly.

"Well, umm…." Yuuki looked thoroughly embarrassed. Like she had just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She was staring everywhere except at Sakura, as if trying to pull an answer out of thin air. Finally, she sighed, obviously unable to come up with an excuse, she said simply, "going to see Satoru."

Sakura blinked stupidly. Why would – Oh.

"Do you think that's such a good idea?" The girl shrugged, her head to one side, trying desperately to appear contrite.

"Look," Sakura stated, "I can't let you leave this room."

"But I have to!" There was a strange, almost wild look in the girls eyes that Sakura was unsure of.

"Why? Can't you wait just one night?" The pink-hair kunoichi asked.

"No!"

Sakura just stared disbelievingly.

"You're a woman, Sakura-san, you must understand. I simply just can't wait!"

Sakura scratched her head and glanced at the draft that lay untouched since she had thrown it aside.

"Sure," she replied. Yuuki cocked her head and her eyes widened in realisation.

"Look," Sakura pressed on, "That's not the point. I'm supposed to be watching you. I can't protect you if you go gallivanting off around the woods."

"You cannot stop me, Sakura-san." Yuuki said determined.

Sakura just snorted in response. She would tie the brat to the bed if she had to.

"I have to go to him. He's waiting for me." The pleading in her voice intrigued Sakura in an almost disgusted way. How could this girl be so desperate to have sex with some guy who frankly, Sakura thought was part slimy and parts terrifying.

"He's so gentle and passionate," Yuuki continued as though she had read Sakura's thoughts. "Honestly, I can't begin to describe how amazing it is. I need to go."

Sakura looked into those brown eyes and felt her resolve weakening. She really seemed to care for him. Which Sakura honestly believed was completely foolish. She wouldn't be surprised if the girl knew nothing about the object of her desire apart from that he was semi-decent looking. Yet here she stood, apparently in love. One way or another, Sakura felt this would end in tears, but as she would rather fight than babysit a lovesick girl (who was starting to remind her forcibly of her younger, Sasuke obsessed self) she would take having to punch Satoru in the face any day.

"Fine," Sakura conceded, "but I'm coming too."

"What?" Yuuki stared at her like she was insane. "I don't need an audience!"

"Eww, Kami-sama, no!" Sakura stood up, pulling her shorts on underneath the t-shirt she slept in. "I'll patrol the area. Stay far enough away that I can't overhear the more, umm… intimate noises," -Sakura tried to hide the slight shudder- "but close enough that I can hear you scream for help if you need it."

Yuuki considered her proposal, before looking up at her uncertainly. "What if you hear screaming for other reasons?" She mumbled quickly.

Sakura closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. Some things just really didn't need to be said out loud. "You'll just have to control yourself for one night," she snapped, stomping over to the window. Yuuki's cheeks were as red as Sakura's felt. This had to be up there on her list of most uncomfortable conversations ever. Right alongside explaining the menstrual cycle to Sai and Naruto.

Sakura stuck her head out of the window. The night air was fresh and a little chilly, but not too bad. She decided against walking the few feet to the other side of the room to grab something warm.

"I know how I'm getting down," Sakura said, "but what exactly was your plan?" She doubted this girl had any hidden chakra abilities. They were only a floor up but it was enough to break a bone on impact. Yuuki pointed to her left, and Sakura saw a small wooden ladder propped against the wall.

"That wasn't there this morning," Sakura replied.

"No," Yuuki swung her legs over the windowsill and prepared to shift her weight onto the ladder. "Satoru puts it their each night and takes it away again after I return."

Sakura watched her climb down before leaping to land cat-like beside her. She wasn't really sure what to make of that information. As they began moving slowly towards the village gate, Sakura glanced back at the house. There was no movement, no indication whatsoever that anyone had noticed their absence.

"This is how that box got stolen, isn't it?" Sakura asked.

Yuuki shot a guilty look in her direction.

"There was no one in your room when it happened." Sakura shook her head.

"Satoru-senpai thought it would be best if I said nothing of our time together, particularly infront of papa."

Senpai? Sakura cringed. What had she gotten herself into?

Yuuki lead them through the gate and out towards the forest. Sakura was on high alert, and was frankly amazed this girl had been strolling around out here during the night so confidently.

"Aren't you scared?" Sakura asked. Yuuki smiled in response but said nothing.

The further away from the village they walked, the more pressing the dark became. Sakura wasn't usually bothered by the night, but after yesterday's little foray into the woods, she was less than keen on the idea of not being able to see again. After they were deep enough in that the only sounds to be heard were insects and the occasional melancholy hoot of an owl, Yuuki stopped.

"With all respect, Sakura-san, I would appreciate it if you came no further. I will remember to shout if I need you."

Sakura nodded, staring around. "And I will do my best to hear nothing but that shout. How long will you be?"

Yuuki shrugged. "Usually around two hours." Sakura's eyes widened.

"Seriously?"

Yuuki giggled. "Thank you for looking out for me, Sakura-san. I shall see you later," and off she went, the darkness and trees swallowing her in seconds.

Sakura stood there, unsure of what to do now. Yes she had promised to stay clear of their activities, but what if something bad happened and she wasn't close enough to help? Worse yet, what if she got too close and saw something she really didn't want to see…

Sakura let out a frustrated sigh, and walked on. She made sure not to follow Yuuki directly. She didn't think the girl would be able to tell she was being followed, but she was more than unsettled about Satoru and whatever capabilities he may be hiding. Sakura was pretty certain now that his interest in the young Yoshida had nothing to do with the girl herself, and he may be willing to dispose of her if necessary. She was just so besotted with him that she probably wouldn't even try to resist. She needed someone to look out for her. Sakura was almost sorry they wouldn't be staying much longer.

Sakura's thoughts had caused her to lose track of where she was for a few minutes, but she eventually found her way again when an unmistakable moan reached her ears.

She froze. Peering around, she realised there was a tree close by with enough leaf cover to hide in for a while. She figured she was close enough to intervene if something was to go wrong. She sat with her back against the tree, trying desperately to ignore the sounds of pleasure floating through the air. She should have brought the draft with her. Sakura rolled her eyes. Plenty of material she could use going on right now.

She glanced in the direction the sounds were coming from. Right now, the leaves were sufficiently blocking out any visuals. Maybe she would learn something useful for the book if she took a peak?

Sakura squashed the thought as soon as it rose. That's how it started! She was turning into Jiraiya! She was NOT a dirty pervert.

A more masculine groan reached her ears and Sakura licked her dry lips. Why did she even care about that stupid book anyway? She wasn't a writer, she was a shinobi, a medic; she had no business writing porn. Or reading porn. Or watching it! She shook herself, unaware for a moment that she had leant forward and was reaching for the leaves to brush them aside. She stared at her hand, horrified, before sitting back against the trunk of the tree.

This was ridiculous. She was a grown woman for Kami-sama's sake, she shouldn't have to behave like such a child about sex. Most people having it sure didn't think it was embarrassing. Maybe she should find out why..?

Deciding to not be such a coward, and that this had nothing to do with her possibly turning into a pervert, Sakura rocked onto the balls of her feet and crouched with her face almost touching the leaf barrier. All she had to do was poke a few aside and have a quick look. Just a few seconds, to see what all the fuss was about.

She reached a shaking hand out and painstakingly pushed the leaves aside.

The first thing she noticed was Satoru. Now, Sakura didn't like him in the least, but she had to admit he had a very nice, toned body. His muscles weren't as defined as some of the male shinobi she knew, but they were definitely there, flexing away as he pumped into the girl sitting on his lap.

The position looked intense, at least from the expression on Yuuki's face. She was straddling him, her back pressed into his chest. His hands were currently squeezing her breasts, which she was apparently enjoying a lot.

"Yes…" She breathed, and Sakura's face flushed. That was about all she could take for the night. Letting the leaves fall slowly back into place, Sakura sat back with a small sigh of indignation, connecting with something soft.

Before she could react, a hand clamped tightly over her mouth, cutting off the shout that was bubbling forth. Another hand went to her wrist, stopping her from reaching for the kunai she had stupidly put down. She couldn't move! The enemy had her pressed into him so forcefully she could barely squirm. His legs had wrapped around hers, preventing her from kicking out.

It was only when she began gathering chakra that a voice whispered in her ear.

"It's me."

She relaxed instantly and Kakashi let her go.

"Kami-You could have said something sooner!" She whispered furiously. "What the hell are you doing?!"

He put a finger to his masked lips before pointing in the direction of a much louder groan than she had heard so far.

"Following Satoru?" Kakashi nodded in response, before settling against the tree. Sakura sat on the branch, letting her legs dangle of the side. She didn't feel the need to say anything else. Mostly because she wasn't sure what would come out of her mouth. He had very clearly just caught her perving on a couple having sex out in the woods. She was clearly not initialising any form of conversation with him.

"How was it looking?" Kakashi whispered. Sakura cringed. She refused to answer, or even look at him. She didn't want to know what colour her face was at that moment.

"I'm not being a pervert," he continued, "I just mean, does it look genuine?"

Sakura picked at her overly large shirt. "I don't know," she said truthfully. How would she? She had no idea.

Kakashi shuffled forward and leaned passed her to move the leaves aside and take a peek. Sakura sat perfectly still, staring straight ahead into the darkness.

"Hm," was Kakashi's only response to what he saw. He didn't drop the leaves though. "Well," his voice seemed to come from all around her, "I dunno about love, but I'd say our little Satoru is definitely in lust." Sakura held out as long as she could, but her curiosity got the better of her and she glanced in the direction of the two lovers. Yuuki was now on all fours while Satoru ground into her from behind.

Sakura felt the heat rise within her as goosebumps broke out over her skin. There was something so primal about the image now burned into her mind that she couldn't calm her pulse. She looked away and swallowed. Her throat was so dry. She wished she'd had the foresight to bring some supplies.

Kakashi finally let the leaves drop down. Much to Sakura's dismay, he did not shuffle off to the trunk again, but remained on the branch, legs swung either side of her.

"Are you alright?" His whisper held the evidence of mirth and Sakura continued to glare at the tree opposite her. How dare he make fun of her? It's not completely her fault she was still a virgin and found all this awkward.

And hot, Inner-Sakura reminded her

What was she going to do with herself? Maybe she should just leave. Retreat to a safe distance. Surely Yuuki wasn't in any kind of trouble and even if she was, Kakashi could watch on and jump to the rescue if necessary, which she was sure he would be all too happy to do. In fact, Sakura was surprised he had stopped watching. Hell, maybe he hadn't. She wouldn't be surprised if his hatai-ate was pulled up and he tomoe in his sharingan were spinning lazy circles as he watched. Feeling slightly grossed out at the thought, she turned her head to snap at him, only to find his face barely an inch away, his one deep grey eye meeting hers.

Sakura's breath hitched.

"I asked if you were ok," he repeated, his breath brushing across her lips.

"Y-yes," she stuttered. Her mind was racing and standing still at the same time. The night seemed to freeze around her and she honestly couldn't find the will power to pull away from him. She could feel him. His chakra was all too familiar, his scent so strong, she could have sworn the air around them was buzzing with its electricity. Almost like being wrapped up in a chidori, but a warm, caressing one, rather than a lightning strike.

"Kakashi…" she whispered uncertainly.

She wasn't sure if she imagined it, but she saw something in his eye as she said his name. A look she wouldn't be able to shake. It was strange how it reminded her of Satoru and the look he had given Kakashi earlier that evening. Kakashi seemed just as dangerous in that moment. Dangerous in a way Sakura found interesting as well as frightening.

All at once the moment broke. Kakashi sat back and pulled his jumper off. Sakura's mouth opened, though whether she was going to say something in protest or encouragement, she thankfully didn't find out, as her old sensei proceeded to throw said jumper over her head.

"You have goosebumps, Sakura-chan," he said cheerily. "Put that on and keep warm. I'll go and make sure the perimeter is clear."

And with that he was gone. Sakura sat alone as the night went on around her. Crickets chirped, wind rustled the leaves and a small breath escaped from Sakura that she hadn't realised she had been holding. It was a mistake though, because when she breathed in all she could smell was him.

His earthy, pine and slightly sweaty scent rushed through her body and caused something deep within her to react. Something she had barely scrapped the surface of when making out with other boys seemed to really enjoy the way Kakashi smelled.

Sakura ripped the jumper off her and threw it to the ground in horror. What the hell was going on? Since when did someone's smell turn her on? The noise of flesh hitting flesh and increasingly arousing groans reached her ears again she realised this was entirely the fault of the situation she had found herself in and nothing more.

Sakura dropped quietly from the tree and put the jumper on. She was cold. She proceeded to walk to the place she had left Yuuki and wait for her return. She would think of nothing but medical jutsu for the next half an hour.

When Yuuki returned, hair ruffled, leaves and twigs hanging of her robes, a shy smile on her face, Sakura turned sharply and proceeded to lead the way back to the house. She said nothing, climbing into her sleeping bag as soon as they were back in the bedroom.

Yuuki had just settled into her bed when she asked, "were you wearing that jumper when we left?"

Sakura grunted in response and pretended to fall asleep. After a few minutes, Yuuki's breathing became heavy. Sakura rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She had no idea where to go from here.

Kakashi watched the two women walk back. He blamed the brunette. She was so curvy and bouncy, how could one glimpse of that in action not turn a man on? His eyes, however, were watching the pink head more than the brown one. She almost seemed furious at Yuuki, though he wasn't sure why. He had no doubt that she had found the display just as much of a turn on as he did.

Too much of a turn on, perhaps. He rubbed the back of his head before leaping towards the inevitable cold shower he would be having shortly.