A/N – Big chapter guys – bear with me!
Chapter 10 – And so we dance
Hinata ambled slowly through the village. She didn't usually take her time as she often had somewhere to be and she hated keeping people waiting. Today, however, was different. Hyuuga Hinata had taken a day off. She had actually requested one, something her team, Kurenai-sensei and the Hokage had all been surprised about. They almost seemed suspicious, which Hinata hadn't thought was warranted. She supposed, in their defence, the last time she had asked for a day off was, well… Hinata stopped walking and scratched her head. Never. She had never taken a day off. No wonder everyone was confused. Heck, she was confused. Earlier that morning her alarm went off as usual, but instead of jumping up and starting to get ready, she had sighed heavily and stared up at the ceiling for ten minutes. Today she didn't feel like being a ninja. Today, she just wanted to be a girl. Trouble was, Hinata had no idea what 'just girls' did. She glanced around, trying to find a civilian girl her age to see what they were doing. Unfortunately, the street she was on seemed mostly dominated by mothers and their young children or the elderly.
Hinata let out a small sigh and continued moving. Sometimes she wished she could be more like Ino, who had no problem wandering around the village, ducking into every shop she could find to try on ridiculously priced clothes; or even sitting idly in a tea shop watching the world go by like Sakura often did. She decided sitting at the tea shop couldn't hurt, so she meandered in that direction, glancing at a few market stalls as she moseyed over.
Hinata blew gently on the scolding tea, wishing it would cool down faster so she didn't look like a complete idiot sitting there on her own. Unfortunately, Naruto chose that moment to walk around the corner. Hinata panicked. He would think she was such a loser sitting there on her own. She wasn't Sakura! She couldn't laze around looking like she owned the place. She took a hurried sip of tea and nearly spat it out over the table. Why was it still scorching hot?! Please don't notice me, she thought desperately. Please don't notice me. I'm not here, I'm not-
"Hey, Hinata-chan!"
Crap.
"N-Naruto-kun," she murmured, eyes focused on her tea.
"I saw Kiba and Shino on a mission earlier." He plonked himself in the chair opposite her and Hinata clenched the cup in her hands tightly. She wondered if that cherry wine she had the other night would have helped her loosen up around him. Her face turned red as she remembered. Fortunately, the story of her table dancing antics had not reached her father's ears, but Naruto had seen it.
"They said you had taken a day off." Naruto continued, oblivious to the mortified woman in front of him. "I thought that was a bit strange as you've never done that before, so I figured I'd find you and make sure you weren't sick or something."
Hinata looked into his eyes. Was he concerned?
"I went by the Hyuuga compound first when I got back, but they said you left early, so you couldn't be too sick. Then I-"
"When you got back?" Hinata asked, before gasping at how rude her interruption had been. Naruto didn't seem to have minded though. He smiled at her and her stomach fell through her feet.
"I was out training with Yamato-taichou," he shrugged. "Kiba and Shino passed by us. I told Yamato-taichou I'd be back in a bit." He said it so casually, like it was nothing, yet something was happening inside her. A thought she couldn't squash even though she knew it was foolish and probably not true, but the way he said it… Surely if Kiba and Shino had said nothing he would have just kept on training, but Naruto had decided to come back to the village to check on her. Training is so important to him; why would he stop it just to come and find her? Hinata smiled shyly into her tea, before taking another scolding sip. Her eyes went wide.
"Oi, are you ok?" Naruto asked.
Hinanta nodded her head a little too quickly and coughed. Why was she so stupid around him? She had gotten so excited after the War. He had held her hand, she had fought beside him and yet here she was cowering behind a cup of tea that was trying to undermine her at every turn.
Naruto smiled at her again. She really wished he wouldn't; her body couldn't take it.
"So how come you're here? This is Sakura-chan's favourite teahouse, huh?" He glanced around, apparently taking it in for the first time even though he would have been there countless times before. Maybe he was looking for his pink-haired friend. Perhaps he would prefer her company over Hinata's? She spoke sullenly to the table. "Sakura-san is on a mission right now."
"Fair enough," Naruto beamed. "Hey, since you're ok and you have some free time, want to come with me?" Naruto had stood up, but he had his hands flat on the table and was leaning forward. He was so close!
"H-Hai," Hinata stammered. She wondered where he would want to take her, of all people.
"Great, let's go!"
Hinata stood up, half apprehensive and half excited.
"Excuse me, Miss."
Turning around, Hinata saw the server approaching the table.
"Yes?" She asked, confused. She had already paid for her cup of molten lava.
"I don't mean to pry, but did you mention Sakura-san before? Do you know her?"
"Yes," Hinata replied.
The young man smiled, taking a piece of folded paper from his pocket. "She often works on hospital stuff while she's here and she dropped this last time. I haven't looked but I thought it might be something important."
"Oh." Hinata flicked it open, wondering if she should take it to the Hokage.
"Thank you, I'll-" Hinata gasped.
"What is it?" Naruto asked, trying to peer over her shoulder. The server was looking at her concerned.
"Nothing!" Hinata spoke quickly, "Just something for one of her research projects. Thank you again," she bowed to the man, stuffing the paper in her pocket. "Naruto," she continued, "where are we going?" She began walking hurriedly, hoping Naruto would be distracted.
"Oh right," he grinned. "Well since I'm here, let's do some training!"
Hinata nearly tripped over her own feet. Of course. What else?
"Sure, Naruto-kun," she smiled. Anything to make sure he never read what was on that piece of paper. Never found out that apparently, Sakura-san had been entertaining inappropriate thoughts about her sensei. Hinata could feel her cheeks burning scarlet and for once, the man in her company was not the cause. Not that he ever realised he was the reason. Naruto probably thought she was such a weirdo.
The rest of Sakura's night was blissfully uneventful. On waking the next morning, she figured Yuuki would be fine if she ducked into the shower. She grabbed a towel, her clothes and the jumper Kakashi borrowed several hours ago before tiptoeing down the hallway to the bathroom. The house was really quiet and Sakura had a feeling it was earlier than she realised.
As the hot watered pounded her head and shoulders, she sighed, feeling her muscles relax. What the hell was she going to do about last night? Technically, what Yuuki got up to with Satoru was none of her business. She shouldn't get involved with civilian matters that have nothing to do with her. What about Kakashi?
"What about him?" She clenched her teeth together and glared at the clouded glass. She wasn't going to mention it. If he wanted to bring it up she would just ignore him. It had nothing to do with anything and she refused to acknowledge whatever the hell it was that happened in that goddam tree.
Shutting the water off, she climbed out of the shower, dripping all over the floor. There was a gentle knock at the door and she squeaked in surprise, grabbing the towel and making sure it was securely wrapped around her before opening it a crack and peering through.
Of course.
"What?" She demanded.
"Just wondering if you were done," came the aloof reply.
She slammed the door shut and began to dry herself off. Sakura deliberately took her time. He could bloody well wait.
After she combed her hair and pulled her clothes on, she exited the bathroom with her nose in the air. She didn't say a word as she strode down the hall and in the general direction of the kitchen. In all honesty, she had expected some sort of glib comment but to his credit, he didn't say a word.
As the morning stretched on, the household staff began meandering in and out, completing whatever chores they had. Sakura had half expected an awkward breakfast with Kakashi but her sensei hadn't shown up. She was wondering whether to go and find him just to find out what the hell they were going to do today when Satoru sauntered in. He grinned when he saw her and she fought the urge to shudder under his gaze.
"Good morning, Sakura-chan," he beamed at her, sliding a chair up closer than she would have preferred. She just nodded in response. Something about this man just repulsed her.
"So," he began jovially, picking up a piece of the mandarin she had just finished peeling. She looked at him disbelievingly. Someone had an abundance of confidence this morning. She had a feeling she knew why.
"Yuuki-chan mentioned that you accompanied her on her little jaunt into the woods last night."
Sakura's schooled expression didn't change. She just continued to glare at him. How dare the cheeky bastard help himself to her food?
"See anything you like?"
Her eyebrow twitched. Was he serious? Taking in a deep breath, Sakura employed her counting-to-ten technique then shrugged nonchalantly. Obviously she would have rather laughed cruelly in his face, but Kakashi had hinted he was interested in her and if that was the case, maybe it would prove an advantage in the future.
"Well, if you ever get bored with that grouch of a sensei, you know where to find me."
"In Yuuki's room," she smiled sweetly.
He actually laughed. "No need for jealousy," he grinned. Sakura had to use all her willpower to stop her eyes from rolling back into her head from sheer frustration. It was harder than she expected.
"There is plenty of me to go around."
He reached for another piece of the orange fruit but it was snatched up faster than Sakura's eyes could follow.
"That's good to know," came a cheery reply. A look flashed across Satoru's face before he switched to a smile.
"Any progress?" He asked the jounin.
"No," came Kakashi's curt reply.
"Progress?" Sakura interrupted.
"Your sensei gallantly volunteered to have another look around this morning. A shame nothing was discovered."
"Why didn't you say anything? I can't believe you went out there alone!" Sakura was furious at being left behind. What an idiot! They were ambushed only yesterday for Kami-sama's sake.
"I did try," he countered flatly. "You were in an awful hurry this morning."
She scowled at him. What a jerk.
"Anyway, Sakura-chan," he continued jauntily, "who do you think you're talking to?"
"You may be one of the best but you still shouldn't have gone without back up," she retorted. She snatched up a mandarin slice and popped it into her mouth, chewing furiously. A line of juice trickled over her bottom lip. Before she could reach for a napkin, however, Satoru ran his thumb along her lips before sticking it into his mouth. He made a deliberate show of sucking the juice off, his dark eyes never leaving Sakura's jade ones. She just sat there stunned at his audacity.
Kakashi cleared his throat purposefully. "Hey, Sakura-chan?"
"Yeah?" She asked, still staring at the man in front of her in outrage.
"At the risk of sounding unchivalrous, can I get my sweater back? It was a bit chilly this morning without it."
Sakura turned to face him, hands clutching at the fabric. If she was honest with herself, she had put it on after her shower without even considering giving it back. Now, staring into his charcoal eye, she wished she hadn't. His expression was completely unreadable. She averted her eyes and hastily pulled it over her head before tossing it to him. Deciding she had had enough of her current company, Sakura got to her feet and marched out of the kitchen.
As she walked towards the garden she wrapped her arms around herself and stared glumly at her feet as she moved. She couldn't put her finger on why but she was suddenly feeling incredibly lonely.
Kakashi pulled the jumper over his head and took a deep breath in, smiling to himself as the scent washed through him. He could still smell himself, but the scent of her skin mingled with the strawberries of her soap was rather pleasant. Their two smells entwined themselves inside him and he suddenly remembered to pull himself back into the kitchen before his mind raced away from him. He made certain to look Satoru in the eyes as he slipped his arms into the sweater.
"Enjoying yourself?" The man asked, all pretence gone.
"Immensely," Kakashi grinned.
"When are you leaving?" Satoru snapped.
Kakashi regarded him distrustfully.
"We haven't found your missing item yet," he replied.
"I don't think you're going to."
Kakashi just stared at him. "Wasn't this extremely important or something?"
Satoru stood up with a disgruntled sigh. "Look, I'm done with you poking your nose into my business."
"Sorry?" Kakashi feigned confusion.
Satoru crossed his arms and glowered at the Copy Ninja.
"I'm not an idiot. I may not be an elite shinobi such as yourself, but I'm clever enough to figure out how sweet little Sakura-chan ended up with your sweatshirt. Particularly as I know for a fact that she was out with Yuuki last night."
Kakashi just continued to give him his best blank I-know-nothing stare.
"You were hired to find the box, not spy on me. You haven't been able to locate it. I'll organise for Yoshida to send payment to your village and you can leave immediately."
"Fine," Kakashi shrugged. He turned and strolled slowly from the kitchen. As soon as he was out of sight, he picked up the pace and found Sakura hugging her knees by the pond in the garden.
"Satoru's onto us," he said without preamble.
Sakura's expression went from one of complete gloom to stone set seriousness in the blink of an eye.
"What?" She asked, standing up.
"Look," he glanced around to make sure they were out of earshot. "As much as I hate to admit it, he has a point. I've been snooping around and I've been busted."
Sakura interrupted him with a loud tutting sound, putting her hands on her hips and obviously gearing up to admonish him.
"Save it," he interjected, holding his hands up. "He's right. Whatever he's doing here has nothing to do with us. We've failed the mission. It's over and we're leaving." He finished with a shrug.
Sakura regarded him for a moment. "But Yuuki…" She chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully. For a moment, the image of Satoru's fingers brushing her lips popped into his head and he had to quash the rage that thundered through him momentarily.
"I'm having a quick chat with Yoshida-san before we depart. I'll meet you out front in ten minutes."
"Wait, what am I doing for ten minutes?"
Kakashi looked at her pointedly before she realised. "Oh right… warn Yuuki."
Without another word, Kakashi set off to inform their host of the comings and goings of his other guest. Sure, he shouldn't get involved, but if the old man happened to accidently stumble upon his darling daughter sneaking around in the middle of the night, well – Kakashi wouldn't be there anymore so what would it matter?
Sakura found Yuuki in her bedroom brushing her long hair. Biting back a surge of jealousy as the sun shone on the silken locks, Sakura focused instead on collecting her things.
"Are you leaving?" Yuuki asked, placing the brush down and turning to watch her.
"Yes," Sakura replied.
"But Satoru-san's – "
"He's the one who asked us to go."
Yuuki stared at her. "But, why?"
"Honestly?" Sakura picked up the Icha Icha draft and threw it into her bag. "You couldn't keep your mouth shut so that jerk of a man you are so disgustingly besotted with is cancelling the mission."
The silence that followed her words seemed to fill the room until it was roaring in her ears.
"He's not a jerk," Came Yuuki's eventual reply. Her words seemed so small.
"Really?" Sakura snorted as she swung her pack over her shoulder. "I must be mistaken then. Apparently nice guys fuck a girl in the woods one night, then the next morning, offer the same thing to another girl."
Sakura's harsh language seemed to have startled Yuuki but not as much as finding out Satoru had offered Sakura sex. "He wouldn't!"
Sakura shook her head. This girl was nothing more than a petulant child.
"You're pathetic and you need to grow up." Sakura stomped towards the door.
"I'm pathetic?" Yuuki shouted after her. "At least I'm doing something about my feelings!"
"What?" Sakura forgot for a moment she was supposed to be turning this girl against her lover for her own good.
"Oh don't act dumb," Yuuki said scornfully. "I see the way you look at him."
"Look at who?" If she was talking about Satoru then this girl clearly couldn't read facial expressions very well. She was sure she had done nothing but look at Satoru with contempt the entire time.
"Kakashi."
"What?"
Yuuki was glaring at her. "Are you that stupid?" She asked flatly.
Sakura continued to look at her perplexed.
"You clearly have feelings for him. It's written all over your face whenever he walks into a room."
"Oh Kami-sama," Sakura sighed, rubbing her temples. "Look, I'll admit. On occasion, I find myself mildly curious but he's like, fourteen years older than me and frankly, I'm not some mindless animal that bows to its lustful instincts."
"Implying I am."
"No," Sakura lowered her hands and fixed the girl with a look that was equal parts scathing and pitiful. "You're in love with a man that doesn't love you back and believe me, there is nothing worse than the moment you realise it."
Yuuki continued to glare at her, but Sakura could see that her eyes had gone glassy. She already knew.
Sakura shook her head and left Yuuki to cry.
Kakashi was actually waiting for her by the front gate. It was probably the first time he had ever waited on her. The midday sun was shining through his hair, creating a silvery hue around his head.
"How did it go?" She asked.
"Yoshida-san was rather determined to not believe me."
"Funny, that." Sakura shifted her pack so it rested more comfortably on her shoulders before wiping away a few beads of sweat forming on her forehead. "Damn its hot today," she grumbled.
"Yep," Kakashi agreed.
They stood facing each other for a moment before Kakashi sighed. "We've no business here anymore." Sakura nodded and glanced back at Yuuki's bedroom window. The girl would just have to figure her own life out.
"It feels wrong somehow," she sighed.
"I know." Kakashi rubbed his chin absentmindedly. He turned without another word and began walking down the street. The dust billowed with each footfall and glittered as it danced through the sun's rays.
They stopped to pick up some food before leaving Tamaji behind to sweat it out under the trees. The air felt thick beneath the canopy and the heat was stifling even in the shade. Their pace was slow and Sakura knew Kakashi was only ambling along because he could tell she was struggling.
"How can you not be dying right now?" She grunted.
"Hmm?"
"Seriously, you're wearing like, three layers. Take the damn jacket off or something. I feel hot just looking at you."
"God, where do I begin?" Kakashi chuckled as he sat himself down on a nearby fallen log.
"What?" She snapped.
"I don't know what to address first; the fact you were looking at me, the fact I'm making you hot or the fact you want me to take my clothes off."
He was laughing at her again.
"Just stop it," she sighed, fumbling around for her bottle of water.
"Stop what?" He asked, handing her his bottle when she gave up trying to find her own. She gulped it down like she hadn't drank in days and it dribbled down her chin and into her lap. She didn't even care if she looked like a slob at that moment, she was just too damn hot. She wiped her chin on the back of her hand and passed his water bottle back to him.
"Twisting my words. The lewd comments. It's irritating." She plonked herself down next to him.
He considered her for a moment before speaking. "Really? I thought you enjoyed it."
"Why would you think that?" She was a little disturbed by his words.
"Let me see," Kakashi began matter-of-factly. "Let's not mention your own occasional slip of the tongue, or that dream of yours. Nor the fact that you're editing and continuing a story where the protagonists are basically us. I will, however, mention your – ah, how did you put it?" He made a show of scratching his head. "Oh, that's it – your 'mild curiosity.'"
Sakura stared at him, horrified.
"You were listening?" She whispered.
He shrugged, "I thought I'd see how it was going."
"Why?" Sakura decided to let her anger take over. It made things so much easier. "You think I can't do my job?"
"No –"
"Obviously that's what you think," she overrode him. "Seeing as you didn't bother taking me along this morning!"
"You were so embarrassed about last night you didn't give me a chance to talk to you about it."
She glared at him furiously. He just gave that trademark shrug of his shoulders and stuck his hands in his pockets.
"Last night was embarrassing," she snapped.
"Why?"
"What do you mean why?" She hissed at him. "We watched a couple have sex!"
"For like, fifteen seconds. Besides we were on a mission."
"That was not a part of the mission!"
Kakashi fixed her with his most bored expression.
"You started it," he said childishly.
Her mouth fell open.
"Are you kidding me?" She practically screeched.
"No, I saw it clearly. You were intrigued. Your mind may be thinking like a virgin, Sakura, but your body sure isn't."
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Her voice echoed through the trees around them as she got to her feet again.
"We can't be having conversations like this; you're my sensei!"
"Not anymore; I thought we were friends now," he shrugged, getting up as well.
"What does that even mean? Seriously! You're the older one here and you're acting like a goddamn teenager!"
Kakashi slammed her unceremoniously into a tree, grabbing hold of her arms so she couldn't push him off. She gasped but Sakura couldn't tell if it was from surprise, the slight pain that had jarred down her spine, or excitement.
"Actually, Sakura-chan, for the first time, I'm treating you like any other adult female I enjoy spending my time with."
Sakura opened her mouth indignantly before pausing.
"Like any other female…" She repeated his words slowly. He just blinked at her whilst she nodded slowly.
"Ok," she gave a small laugh. She carefully placed her hands on his arms and gently removed them from her. "Maybe I'm the one acting like a teenager. Sorry, Kakashi."
He just stared at her.
"Let's go home," she smiled and began walking away. She didn't bother to see if he was following; of course he would be.
She was so damn stupid it hurt. Obviously she had taken things way out of context and assumed he was treating her differently, but he had said it himself. He was treating her just like any other woman he knew. After everything they had been through as a team, she honestly believed she deserved more than that. How much more, she was afraid to guess, but more. She needed to close the door on these 'curious' feelings. If she ever acted on them they would be in for a world of hurt. He used to be her teacher for crying out loud. It was so wrong! She had never even seen his face! How could you be attracted to someone if you had never seen their face? They were just playing. It was just stupid, friendly banter between a man and a woman that worked together and it could not go any further than that. She would admit that it had been exciting, but it had to stop. Obviously he was painfully aware that she was entertaining thoughts about them and either he was encouraging them for the sake of his damn story or simply because he enjoyed having his ego stroked. Probably both.
"Just stop," he sighed. She squinted over her shoulder but kept moving. "We'll be home soon," she replied.
"Sakura, its a hundred degrees. Let's wait til it cools down a bit."
He was already sitting on the ground. He had taken off his flak jacket and his jumper and was leaning against the trunk of a huge tree in his tank shirt and mask, eyes closed and arms bare. She turned towards him. Maybe she could just keep going? Another hour or two and she'd be back in the village. She could have a nice, cold shower and sit in front of her tower fan for the rest of the day. He was more than capable of making it back to Konoha on his own.
She sighed heavily and trudged over to him, dropping to the ground in an undignified heap.
"Give me the draft," he demanded.
"Excuse me?"
He sighed. "Can I please have the draft?"
She glared at him. She supposed it was more about the damn story after all.
"Fine," she snapped, rifling through her bag before throwing it at him. Several of the pages fluttered loose around their feet. She let him collect them, choosing instead to pull the leaves off some weeds growing around the base of the tree.
They sat in silence for the longest time. The only sounds were the rustling of the leaves as a hot breeze ruffled through the forest, the occasional call of a bird and the crinkling of paper as Kakashi finished reading a page.
"I think there is a page missing." Kakashi's voice was so loud next to her she actually jumped. He spared her a glance.
"Think I dozed off," she mumbled by way of explanation.
She rifled through the pages, scanning over the writing. He was right. One of Jiraiya's more intimate pages that she had been avoiding finishing was missing.
"Oh no…"
She had a frantic moment trying to think of where the hell she had been with those pages. Her house, the hotel, the Yoshida house… None of those places really mattered. Had she taken the draft anywhere else? She didn't think so… She certainly hoped not. That page would not do well to fall into the wrong hands.
"What's the matter?"
She looked at him for a moment before placing it back in her bag.
"It's just… that page was rather… detailed…"
"What?"
She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Just some descriptive stuff I wouldn't like anyone we know finding."
She could feel his curious gaze on his face.
"The protagonists were doing some rather… naughty things…"
"Oh really?" He was grinning, she could tell.
"Stop it!" She shouted. She could feel her face burning.
"Sakura," he began, but she shook her head and cut him off. She hated that tone. It was his disappointed teacher voice and it made her want to smack him in the head.
"Why do you keep doing this? Why am I writing this?"
"Because you enjoy it."
She snorted at him contemptuously and he actually had the nerve to laugh. "I do not!"
"Oh, but you do," he leaned into her and she froze. Something was happening to the air around her. She could have sworn she felt the electricity sliding across her skin as he gazed down at her.
"You enjoy writing about something you want to feel. You enjoy it when I do this…"
"Kakashi," she breathed his name like it was the only important thing left in the world. How the hell had this happened to her? A week ago her life was so much simpler.
His name seemed to be some magic word. It worked in the woods the night before and it seemed to work again now because he leant back so suddenly she felt cold in the absence of his warmth. She shivered even though the air around her was still roasting hot.
"I'm confused," she admitted quietly.
He didn't answer for a short while. "About what?" He finally asked.
"A lot of things. Mostly about what you're getting out of me finishing this story."
He didn't answer her, instead getting to his feet in one swift motion. He offered her a hand and she took it, albeit a little reluctantly.
As they began walking again he eventually turned to her. "Would you believe me if I said I wasn't sure?"
She watched him carefully. He was maybe two steps in front of her. His shoulders had that tightness to them she had come to realise meant he was guarding his true thoughts.
"Probably not," she confessed.
He chuckled.
"Alright then." He stopped in front of her. "I'll say this; there is a reason." He pushed his hatai-ate up and stared into her eyes. The sharrigan was a deep, hypnotising red, but the tomoe were still. He wasn't trying any genjutsu on her, just looking her in the eyes. "There is a reason for everything I do, Sakura-chan. The real question is, can you trust that the reason is a good one? Can you trust me?"
She looked into those eyes and knew without a doubt that she would trust him with her life. "Of course I can."
He smiled then, and even though she couldn't see his lips, seeing it in his eyes was more than enough. She felt something tighten inside her. Something she willed away.
"Then stop worrying." He laid a hand softly on her head and ruffled her hair gently like he used to when she was a child.
Kakashi sighed heavily as he threw his pack down next to the front door of his apartment. He needed a shower, a cup of tea and perhaps a drink. He honestly felt like he had had more feelings in the past 24 hours than he'd had in the last year. This mission was going to tear him apart from the inside out if he carried on this way. Maybe he should just tell her she could stop writing. Nothing was really coming of it as far as he could tell. She'd lost the dirtiest page out of the entire thing so there went his window into her fantasies, unless she wrote her own. He was beginning to seriously doubt it. He knew he was right, that she was definitely curious, but some part of her was just refusing to acknowledge it. More importantly, could that curiosity only be platonic? He certainly hoped so, but the way she was beginning to react made him think not. That would be an absolute disaster.
What was he supposed to do now? If it was any other woman he would just pull away and let it go. It wasn't though, it was his teammate and he didn't think the Hokage would appreciate it if one of her best teams fell apart because of him.
"It would be her own damn fault," he muttered to himself.
She trusted him implicitly, he saw it in her eyes. Words could often be hollow but he had never known someone so sincere and what was he doing with that trust? Using it to get her into bed. He honestly wished he was more of a jerk. A jerk wouldn't give a damn about how this would affect anyone; he would just get the job done.
Maybe he could just tell the Hokage that he had tried and failed? Surely it would be believable. Who would honestly think that Sakura would be the kind of girl that would sleep with her sensei? Kakashi barely believed it. Still, he had collected more than enough evidence over the past few days to the contrary. She was definitely interested; she had basically admitted that much in her own roundabout way.
And what about him? Why was he suddenly very interested in knowing what those little cherry blossom lips tasted like? He supposed he could be honest and admit to lust when he felt it. He had somehow slipped from his moral high ground and was beginning to look at her like a woman. The pink of her hair had gone from childish to enticing. He didn't think he had ever been with someone who had naturally pink hair. It would be interesting to see whether the hair between her –
"Nope," he said to no one in particular.
Kakashi was stumped. He really had no idea where to go from here. He figured she would continue writing the draft now so he still had that as an excuse to be in her company but if he knew anything about Sakura at all, it was that she avoided anything that would knowingly cause her embarrassment. How the hell was he supposed to seduce someone who was avoiding him? Eh, maybe he was wrong. Maybe she was more grown up now than he had been giving her credit for.
Sakura had to avoid him at all costs. Tsunade be damned, he could babysit himself. A few weeks apart should put them both back on track and they could go back to being nothing more than teammates. She wouldn't address anything that had happened over that mission, she would bury that damn Icha Icha draft in her underwear draw and just focus on her hospital research and upcoming mission. It's what she ought to be doing anyway. People were counting on her to figure those damn kunai out. Speaking off, she realised she wouldn't be able to go home and relax until she reported the latest discovery to her shishou.
"You're kidding!" Shizune gasped.
"I don't know why this is such a surprise to either of you. Do you really think I would have sent a genin team on a mission where they would come across shinobi dangerous or well-placed enough to have those weapons? I think we can assume they have gone into mass production." Tsunade poured herself another cup of sake and stared at her desk, utterly depressed.
"What are we going to do?" Sakura asked, scowling at the four-pronged kunai sitting between the three of them.
"I need to get in contact with the other Kage. The alliance is still holding for now, maybe they have some information we don't. Honestly, until we can figure this out, we may have to cease the lower ranking missions outside of the village."
"Shit," Shizune cursed with feeling.
Sakura turned wide eyes to her shishou. She didn't have to say it; the older woman would know the financial ramifications for the village. "Is there any way this mission to Hatchimitsu can be moved forward?" She asked instead.
Tsunade shook her head. "We thought the client might have moved early but apparently he's hunkered down somewhere near the border and we can't pin him. Even if we could there is no guarantee it's him. He was just our best guess based on what intel we received."
The three kunoichi stared dolefully at each other.
"Payment came through for you mission," Tsunade said, opening her draw and tossing Sakura the money. "Can you pass it on to Kakashi for me."
Sakura felt her face flush. "Uh…"
Tsunade eyed her suspiciously. "What's the problem? Did something happen?"
"No!" Sakura said quickly. She could feel Shizune's curious eyes on her as her shishou raised an eyebrow. Sakura took a deep, calming breath. "No," she began again, "We had a bit of a disagreement, that's all."
"And you were going to be completely mature about it and ignore him," Tsunade finished for her with a roll of those honey coloured eyes. Sakura just glared at her.
"Honestly Sakura, grow up and go give him his damn money."
Sakura stalked out of the office without another word.
Shizune watched the pink-haired woman go before turning back to Tsunade.
"Ok, let's for a moment forget the fact that I'm not supposed to know what is going on and have a frank discussion."
Tsunade paused with her cup halfway to her lips. "Kakashi told you?" She asked, a little surprised.
Shizune nodded. "It's hard for him too, he needed to talk to friends about it."
Tsunade snorted, "I didn't realise he actually spoke to his friends about his feelings."
Shizune shrugged in response. "I guess this mission is one of the more traumatic."
"He was a jounin during the Third Great Shinobi War for Kami-sama's sake; you can't honestly tell me this is worse than anything he went through during that nightmare."
Shizune shook her head. How did her mentor not understand? She decided to drop the lets pity kakashi angle and play a different card.
"Sakura is going to be so upset when she finds out about all this." She watched as Tsunade lowered her eyes. Probably to hide the guilt she was feeling.
"I know," the old Sannin sighed dramatically. "She'll understand eventually though, right?"
Shizune honestly didn't have an answer for her.
She spent the rest of her evening tying up some loose ends in the hospital before heading to the bar. She was definitely turning into her mentor. She wondered whether to find Kakashi and demand to know what had happened between the two of them. She would probably have better luck getting blood from a stone. Sakura might tell her eventually, but only if she left her alone. Pushing any issue with Sakura was not the way to get things done.
Genma found her sitting in her usual spot at the far end of the bar. She watched him sidle up with his usual idiotic grin and wondered if there was any way to shut him up before he got started.
"Yo, starting without me?"
"I didn't realise I was waiting for you." She quipped.
He sat in the stool beside her, waving over the bartender as he pulled off his headband and let his hair fall around his face. After he had a drink in his hand, he turned his gaze to her onyx eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Genma smirked. "Just come out with it woman."
She glowered at him before taking a sip of her drink. "Just wondering whether someone should let Sakura into the loop."
Genma, to his credit, didn't disagree. "Do you think she would be mature enough to understand why this was better for her?"
Shizune let out a long sigh. Sakura had definitely matured, but that much? "I don't think I would handle it very well, let alone Sakura."
"What do you mean?"
She chanced a glance at his soft brown eyes. Usually full of mirth, he seemed quite serious, concerned almost.
"I don't know," she sighed again. "Sakura is like me in many ways. I'd just prefer straight up honesty to all this tiptoeing around. I feel like it's almost insulting to her that nobody has just sat her down, explained the situation and let her decide."
The look Genma was giving her was completely unreadable.
"What?" She asked
"I, um… I may have fucked something up."
Was he admitting to a mistake? She never thought she'd see the day!
"What did you do?"
He cringed. He almost looked pale.
"Umm, do you like surprises?"
What was going on? "I don't know… sometimes?"
"I have to go." Genma drained the rest of his glass and practically ran from the bar. Shizune just rolled her eyes. Every male shinobi over the age of 18 was a complete mystery to her. She was almost thankful she wasn't married.
Sakura stood outside Kakashi's apartment and stared up at his bedroom window. Ordinarily, she would have just scaled the building and let herself in, but she wasn't sure if their relationship was still at that level of comfort. How had it escalated to that level in the first place? She fumbled with the small pouch in her hands and thought about just tossing it through the window. That was probably pretty childish.
What were they to each other? Friends? Comrades? Why had everything become so blurred in the past week or so? The situation as she could see it was that they were both aware that she had become slightly attracted to him at some point. He was responding to that interest because apparently, that's just what he does with women. If she really thought about it, she had never known him to be in a relationship. He'd basically told her before their mission that he had only ever engaged with casual flings. So if – and that was a huge if – anything was to ever happen between them it wouldn't be long term.
Sakura stared at his window. Maybe she didn't want anything long term? Perhaps she just wanted one night. Just a chance to get rid of whatever the hell was happening inside her. She wouldn't be a virgin anymore so Ino would be happy at least…
"Oh my God…" She whispered, horrified with herself. Was she honestly considering having sex with her sensei?
Not anymore; I thought we were friends now…
"Stop it," She muttered to herself.
"S-Sakura-san?" A high-pitched, breathy voice came from behind her. Whirling round, she came face-to-face with Hinata. The violet-eyed woman glanced up at Kakashi's apartment before turning back to Sakura, horror plain on her face.
"What's the matter?" Sakura asked, getting over her initial fright at having such inappropriate thoughts interrupted. It's not like Hinata could read minds.
The Hyuuga heir seemed to be looking everywhere but into Sakura's eyes. She looked completely mortified and guilty. Without saying a word, Hinata handed her a folded piece of paper. Sakura didn't even have to open it to know exactly what it was. Hinata's expression was enough.
"Oh…" Sakura took it from her and stared at it for the longest time. She could understand Hinata's discomfort.
"I didn't write this," Sakura offered weakly.
"I-I know," Hinata stammered. "The – the writing isn't yours… except for the notes in the margin…"
Sakura crumpled the page and brought her fist up to her forehead. "I know how this looks, but please believe me Hinata-chan, there is nothing going on."
"Sakura-san, it's none of my business!" Hinata was as red in the face as Sakura felt.
"Nothing is happening!" Sakura practically yelled at the poor girl.
"O-Ok…" Hinata stared at her awkwardly for a moment before glancing up at Kakashi's apartment again then walking away.
Sakura watched her go. She may as well have ran from the street.
"Fuck," she said with feeling. Well, that pretty much made up her mind.
She stormed up the building and through his window. She was expecting him to be lying on the couch reading one of those blasted books, but instead he was bent over staring into his oven.
"Sakura," he said blandly, not even bothering to turn around.
"Here," she said, flinging the money pouch onto his small coffee table.
"Cheers."
She watched him for a second before deciding it was best other friends of hers didn't catch her hanging out at his home. As she turned around to leave, however, he spoke again.
"Hey, do you know how long cookies are supposed to take?"
"What?" She asked, spinning in a circle to face him again. He was still crouched with his nose pressed against the oven door glass.
"Pakkun was bugging me about the cookies you promised."
Sakura moved slowly into the small kitchen area and cautiously crouched next to him, afraid of being so close.
"Can I?" He waved his hand in response before moving backwards and sitting with his legs crossed, watching her.
Sakura opened the oven door and peaked inside. They were golden brown and smelled amazing.
"They're done," she said, closing the door again and sitting across from him. He was still staring at her.
"What?" She asked.
"Show me the page," he replied simply.
She couldn't even find the energy to be indignant that he had been listening in to yet another of her conversations. She just pulled it out of her pocket and tossed it over to him. He smoothed it out on his leg and spent a minute reading through her corrections.
"Sakura," he said finally, "this is terrible."
She snatched it from his hands and got to her feet.
"Seriously, I know you're a virgin but you've surely kissed someone before. You're other descriptive stuff is good but wow…"
"Right," she placed her hands on her hips and glared down at him. "If you don't like it, I'm not going to bother anymore."
"That's not it, I just mean use some of your experience. That's what Jiraiya did."
Sakura let out the biggest snort of laughter and looked at him derisively. "Yeah, I'm not really up for spying on people in the bathhouse."
Kakashi straightened his arms out behind him, leaning back on his hands and looking up at her with an expression she was beginning to see more of and like even less.
"But sitting in trees spying on people in the woods is completely different."
"Oh you know what, Kakashi? Fuck you."
Before she could turn and leave, he swiped his left foot towards her and knocked her legs out from under her. She landed on his kitchen floor painfully and glared up into his laughing eye.
"Be careful, Sakura-chan, a man may take you up on that offer."
"When I meet a man I'll make sure to be."
She felt his warm hands close around her thighs and couldn't help the small tremble that ran through her entire body. He pulled her towards him and a small gasp fell from her lips. She dragged her eyes to his and felt her mouth go dry.
"K-" he placed his index finger over her mouth to silence her.
"Don't." His voice sounded horse, like his throat was sore.
"…Why?" She whispered, afraid of the answer.
"Because it's unnerving as hell and you need to sort your shit out before you speak to me in that tone."
She blinked at him, confused. She sort of understood, but wasn't sure whether it was something she should pursue. Besides, this was her they were talking about. Why in all the Nations would he find her attractive enough to not be able to control himself just because she said his name? Besides, she wasn't really sure what tone he was on about.
"What is happening?" She said aloud.
He stared at her for another moment. "Close your eyes," he commanded. She almost hated that she complied without question, but she kept them closed regardless. His hands left her legs and she was almost disappointed. She heard a rustling of fabric as he moved and next thing she knew, a headband was being tied around her eyes.
"Umm…."
"You said you trust me."
She just nodded as she heard him stand up and open the oven door.
After several minutes of listening to him move around, Sakura was starting to feel a little stupid.
"Open up."
Kakashi pushed a little piece of cookie into her mouth. She chewed slowly, enjoying the simplicity of the vanilla and chocolate chips.
"It's good," she said after swallowing. "Why am I doing this with my eyes closed?"
"One more," he said. He was suddenly so close she could feel his breath blow across her face.
Something soft and so, so hot pressed against her lips and she froze. What was going on? What was he doing? Her heart was thudding against her chest so hard she was surprised he couldn't hear it. Hell maybe he could? Surely he would feel it; her blood was thrumming through her body and she almost felt like she was vibrating.
It felt like a lifetime but in reality the kiss barely lasted a second.
A/N – Yey finally! Kinda… Lol ^^