Chapter 14: Obstinance

Everything was magnified as she slipped back into the world of consciousness. The sounds of innocuous animals rummaging on the forest floor, shifting the dirt and leaves. The sunlight shining down on her face, normally a pleasant sensation, but at the moment it was overwhelming. She had an inexplicable headache and the feeling of someone carrying her finally registered in her mind. She couldn't make out any footsteps, which wasn't odd, considering experienced shinobi didn't make sound when they traveled. As she slowly opened her eyes, Kakashi's masked face was the first thing she saw. He wasn't looking at her, so she only had the view of his chiseled, clothed jawline to look at. She realized it was he who was carrying her, and she remembered why. Her eyes drifted to her surroundings, and she knew they were close to the village gate.

"Put me down," she said seriously. He continued on, as if he didn't hear her. "Put me down Kakashi, right now," she said with contempt.

"I know you're going to be angry with me," he said, almost with resignation.

'Angry?' She thought. That word didn't even come close to encapsulating what she felt right now. When her hand smacked the side of his cheek, she almost wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't still unconscious. Even with his hands full, he should have dodged it. She didn't even put her chakra behind it, and her movement was sluggish. To hear the crack of the hit as her palm connected with his face didn't make sense.

"I'll allow you that this time." He answered her unspoken question.

The way he spoke, it was so patronizing. She didn't want him to 'allow' her to do anything. She'd rather him smash her face into the ground for daring to strike him, instead of acting as if he was above all of this.

"Let go of me or so help me I'll…" He dropped her, and she fell to the ground in an ungraceful heap. When her face lifted to stare daggers at him, expecting to see his mocking amusement, she was surprised to see it absent.

"We're back." She looked, and so they were. The guards at the post greeted Kakashi, who said nothing in response. Her eyes traveled to Sai, whose expression was blank. Whatever he thought about what happened, he wasn't going to convey it right now. Naruto wasn't as good at hiding his emotions. He was visibly upset, and she knew if it wasn't Kakashi, he would have already intervened.

As they passed the threshold, she wondered if she'd be permitted to go home. Evidently not, because he steered her in the direction of The Hokage building. She shrugged off his hand irately, and though he didn't try and touch her again, he was an inch behind her. He wasn't leaving, as if it wasn't painstakingly obvious to her already.

"Naruto, Sai, your presence is no longer required. Sakura and I need to have a conversation with The Hokage. Go home." He ordered calmly.

Sai didn't need to be told twice; he was already gone with a nod. Naruto, however, hesitated. "Sakura, are you…"

"I told you to go home Naruto. Don't make me say it again." This time, Kakashi's tone was cold. He finally left her alone with Kakashi at that, and she couldn't blame him. It wasn't as if he'd be able to help her in any way by staying. If anything, he'd only make things worse. The silence was cutting, and his very presence seemed to be strangling the breath right out of her. When she was finally in Tsunade-sama's office her shishou's eyes took in her expression, before settling on Kakashi next to her.

"What's the problem?" She asked bluntly, not bothering with politeness.

"I told you, did I not? I said what would happen if she disregarded me on these missions, so here we are." There was no inflection in his voice. "She's done."

"What happened?"

Sakura spoke before he could answer, she wasn't going to allow him to paint a false picture of what occurred. "That's not true, my lady. I was simply covering his back, which he didn't appreciate. His so-called order was incredibly vague. I didn't disregard him as my captain at all. There's a conflict of interest here, that's what the real issue is."

Lady Tsunade looked at her in disbelief that she would be so candid right in front of him, but she didn't care. This wasn't happening, there was no way he was going to do this to her. He wasn't in a hurry to speak again so she kept going. "He's overly concerned with my safety, more so than he should be. He's overprotective and his judgment is clouded as a result."

"If I wasn't who I am, she could have gotten seriously injured, maybe even killed. Her pride, not to mention her temper, was a liability. She's a distraction I can't afford on high-level missions, one I won't tolerate."

"Then move me! Believe me, you'll hear no complaints from me! If I'm such a distraction to you let me flourish on another team. My lady, I need the experience. I'm jonin level, you can't keep me in the village. What use am I that way?"

"I didn't say anything about keeping you in the village indefinitely. You're simply done on these types of missions, for now."

"Says who? I believe that's up to The Hokage."

"Kakashi, can't you…" Lady Tsunade started, but was cut off by his laugh, sharp, like the blade of a kunai.

"Is this the part where we pretend I was asking you?" The room was silent at that. "To be clear, I wasn't. This was simply a formality."

"Hatake, I'm still The Hokage. I think you're being hasty here with Sakura. Your feelings are…"

"Haven't you heard, I don't have feelings," he said harshly. It was almost like he was throwing her own words from earlier back at her with that remark. "You won't persuade me."

"Why not just move her as she asked then? I think it would be to both your benefit."

"No." He was unwavering. "She'll have me as her captain, or she won't go on another mission. Period."

The room was stifling to her. He wasn't negotiating and he boldly stated as such right to The Hokage.

"You aren't going to control me this way Kakashi. I didn't work this hard as a kunoichi for you to do this." Her voice was shaking.

"Don't you think you're being a bit…" Tsunade also spoke to him, in a much calmer tone.

"I've given you no problems so far, have I not?" He spoke to her shishou, who looked at him in contemplation. "I've never been particularly unreasonable, even if I could be. I do my duty, I take any mission requested of me, I make sure my comrades come back safe. I don't play by the rules completely, but you know that. You allow it, and in return, I'm on my best behavior in the village."

Sakura didn't like where he was going with this. "I'm an asset, far more than even you are. No one attacks us because of me. You don't have the power to keep me here, and you know it. And yet, here I am. I haven't turned on you, or this place. I don't ask for more money for missions. I haven't demanded anything before."

Her shishou's face was grave at his words. "This is the only thing I want, for you not to interfere when it comes to her. Any decision I make regarding her is mine, and mine alone. If it comforts you, I am not doing this to be cruel. Her safety IS the bottom line for me, and so long as that's put into question, she won't be going on these missions. It's not to say she's incapable, she's far from it. But her obstinance is a problem. It was only a minor thing this time, but what about next time? As I said, if I wasn't the one who was her captain she would have been at risk, and I won't allow that."

Lady Tsunade looked conflicted at his words, and his control over things was never more incontestable.

"If you decide you know better, or if it's even simply your genuine affection for Sakura; I know firsthand how distasteful it is to upset her. If you defy me…" Sakura had a feeling an ultimatum was coming, one that Tsunade-sama wouldn't be able to ignore.

"I will turn on you," he finished. He didn't need to elaborate on what that would entail. They knew what that meant, and Lady Tsunade's eyes widened in response.

"Alright, I understand you. I'd like to speak to Sakura alone." For anyone else, she would be telling them that. But for him, it was clear she was requesting it. He nodded briefly before sauntering out, the heavy door closing with a snap behind him. With him gone, the bitter tears were nearly spilling over her eyelashes.

"Sakura, I know how you're feeling. I know this isn't fair, and I don't agree with his decision. I think you're right; his judgment is clouded when it comes to you. This isn't a matter of you disregarding him as a captain. I think he is scared something will happen to you, and this is his way of protecting you – at least as much as he reasonably can."

"My lady, what happened wasn't even me disobeying orders. It wasn't like I took a crazy risk that jeopardized the mission, or the lives of my comrades! He's being unreasonable!"

"I know, Sakura. I'm sorry."

"We have to do as he says though, don't we?" She didn't mean to say it in a rancorous way, as if her shishou was to blame. It was him after all, but she was feeling particularly venomous, and she couldn't keep it out of her voice. She was told she wasn't allowed on high-level missions anymore and not because she didn't deserve to be on them.

Tsunade-sama nodded heavily. As much as she adored her as her apprentice, and even if she vehemently disagreed with him, it didn't matter. She knew if she would go behind his back when it comes to her, if she'd try to move her to another team, it wouldn't end well. Kakashi didn't make empty threats, so if he says he'd turn on her, he meant his words.

When she moved to leave her shishou's voice called out to her softly, "Sakura, I may not be able to overrule him when it comes to you. But I told you before, I think you can have much more influence over him than you realize. His concern for your safety tells me he cares about you more than you think, more than even he may understand. And a man who cares about a woman wants her to be happy as well, even one such as Kakashi."

She didn't respond to her advice. She was able to get Kakashi to spare Sasuke before, but she didn't see how she could possibly convince him to reconsider this.

Sakura thought she could evade him by going out the building a different way. She was expecting him to be waiting, to gloat over another victory over her. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction. She thought she was successful when she stepped through the entrance of her apartment. It wasn't until the door was caught by a hand that she knew she hadn't succeeded. She didn't see how she didn't even notice him following her, didn't sense him at all. She wondered how he was able to do that so efficiently.

"Avoiding me?"

"One would take that as a hint," she said simply, trying to keep her voice level.

"Can I come in?"

Why did he even bother asking? If she said no, he'd simply do it anyway. So she said nothing and turned away from him. As she predicted, he followed her inside, shutting the door behind him.

"Why are you here? You've already gotten what you wanted."

"You have no idea what I actually want."

"No? So, you're telling me you weren't looking for a reason to kick me off missions."

"Well, you sure handed it to me on a silver platter," he quipped.

"Please, you're so full of it. You don't even treat me the same as Naruto or Sai."

"I give you much more allowances than them and you still defy me. I told you before, I won't tolerate it on these missions. Did you think I was bluffing?"

"So, this is just another way for you to put me in my place?"

"I did what I must," he said rigidly.

She should have held her tongue, but her temper roared to life at his presumption. "You have no right, you arrogant bastard. None!" She snarled. Her entire body was quivering with anger. It was taking everything in her to remain rooted to the spot and not attack him, futilely, again.

"Watch your tone. And I have every right."

"You don't. You may be as powerful as you are, which is why The Hokage won't challenge you, but you haven't won."

"Oh?"

"Not by a long shot." The thought of watching her peers move forward while she was stuck behind, again, had bile rising unpleasantly in her throat.

"What will you do to counter me? The Hokage has already submitted to my will. Even if she doesn't necessarily agree, you and I both know she won't dare oppose me."

"Just because The Hokage herself doesn't clear it doesn't mean I won't go on another mission anyway. If you're out of the village what's stopping me? I could do a henge and she wouldn't be the wiser. What then?" She wanted him to know how difficult she planned to be, how she'd fight him tooth and nail.

"I knew you liked your punishment before, but I had no idea how much. It's like you're asking for it now." He had a look of twisted hunger on his face, and she knew the idea of punishing her again excited him. "Though, if you disobey me on this, I can't promise you'll enjoy this one quite as much as the last."

"You have serious issues," she snarled.

"Oh, I'm more than aware," he smirked.

"Is that really why you're doing this? You want me to suffer by taking me off missions because of your sadistic tendencies? Knowing how miserable you'll make me, and hoping I'll slip up, so you can punish me more?" That would be just like him - that this was all a depraved game of his.

"I said already this isn't a punishment. I don't like doing this because I know how unhappy I'm making you," his voice lost its dark amusement and had a solemn tone.

"Then why are you doing it?!"

"I told you why already Sakura."

"What if I promise it won't happen again. I'll control myself on a mission, even if I don't agree with your orders."

"You will need to prove that to me on less dangerous missions. My authority as captain is absolute. I won't have your rebellion. I have some patience for that fire of yours, but there's a time and a place for it. Show me I have no need to be concerned and I'll reconsider this in the future."

'Patience?' She scoffed to herself. How delusional was he to think he resembled anything close to a patient man. He was probably the most unforgiving person she'd ever met…

"And exactly how long will it be for you to reconsider? A few weeks, a few missions?"

"I don't have a timeframe in mind. That all depends on you."

"Why are you taking this from me?!"

"I'm taking NOTHING. I warned you what my expectations were before."

She remained silent at that, and he continued, "You didn't just take a risk, you wouldn't even take accountability for it. You openly challenged me in front of the others. If the other two would have done what you did, they'd still be in the hospital recovering."

Her eyes were downcast in her discomfort because she couldn't refute that. She knew how domineering and violent he was. He didn't allow for any disobedience, for anyone to question him at all, let alone on a mission. And yet she was standing in front of him after doing exactly that.

"I find it difficult to use those same methods for you…" She finished the sentence for him in her head. He may not want to hurt her, but he would use whatever means necessary to get her to obey him.

"So, you really expect me to wait around until you decide I've learned my lesson, like a good little girl?"

He stalked closer to her, like a predator, and she backed up in response. When she ran out of floor space, and her back hit the wall, she derided herself in her head. Seriously, where did she think she was going to go? She couldn't see his mouth, but she would bet he was grinning in wicked amusement underneath his mask. His powerful arms settled around her head, and she shuddered as she slowly looked up at him. He was nearly on top of her; if she breathed too heavily her chest would press against him. He was so… large compared to her. While her strength wasn't apparent by looking at her, Kakashi's was. Even if one was ignorant of his identity, one look at him and it was clear he was deadly.

"But Sakura, think of how much better things are if you're a good girl for me?" Was it her imagination or did he basically purr when he said that? Her cheeks betrayed her and began to tinge pink at his innuendo.

"I… I didn't mean it that way… pervert," she mumbled.

He laughed, and the sexiness of it made her flush more. There was definitely something wrong with her.

"I did." It wasn't her imagination; he was definitely purring. "I'm just so much more accommodating when you're a good girl, don't you agree?"

One of his hands stroked the lobe of her ear before finding her scalp. His fingers were scratching the sensitive skin, a simple action, but one that was overwhelmingly pleasant.

"Back off Kakashi." She tried to move her head away from his hand.

"You say that, but your body tells me something else."

"I mean it, don't touch me."

He looked as if he was disappointed with her. "What did I say about commanding me?"

She took a breath before relenting, "please."

"Better." When he stepped away, her eyebrows rose in surprise at how easily he abided her. "I'll give you a few days to… adjust. I'd like to have you over for dinner this week."

"You've got to be kidding me?"

"I assure you, I'm not."

"After what you just pulled you expect me to show up at your place?"

"I do, nothing has changed between us after all." If she didn't already know how unhinged he was she would have asked if he was mentally sound. "Of course, you could choose not to come. It wouldn't be the best choice, but you do have it."

Yeah, she knew how that would go. Insufferable asshole. "Fine, whatever."

He brushed her lips affectionately with his thumb before he departed. She was surprised he didn't try and kiss her, with how he's been lately. She supposed she should count her blessings.

She hadn't seen Kakashi in three days, and though it was a relief to her, it was still strange. She was so used to his overbearing presence that to be without it for a period of time now was just abnormal. She couldn't help but wonder what the reason was for his absence. She couldn't imagine he was really keeping his distance from her because he felt guilty over his actions. That just wasn't like him at all. He had to be preoccupied with something.

Ino invited her out to the bar tonight, and she accepted. A voice in the back of her head warned her not to, but she pushed it aside. Kakashi wasn't around, and even if he did make an appearance, she wasn't planning to get inebriated like the prior time.

A few hours later she settled at a table with her fellow shinobi: Ino, Shikamaru, Hinata, Tenten, and even Neji was there. The Hyuga wasn't conversing much, but his presence itself was surprising. Genma joined them as well, buying a round of sake for the table.

She went to get herself another drink and found Sai on her way back, alone, and drawing in his art book.

"Hey there, you're at a bar and not drinking?"

"I don't like the taste of alcohol."

"Fair enough, so why are you here then?"

"This is a good establishment to understand better."

"Understand what?"

"People. I can observe their interactions, their behaviors, more freely here. And many are far less restrained when consuming liquor. It's interesting."

She was about to respond but he kept talking, "I saw something else interesting earlier today."

"Oh? What's that?" She sipped at the sake in her hand.

"Kakashi, at a gravesite."

"Whose?" She asked in disbelief.

"I wasn't close enough to see, but he was there awhile."

"Did he know you saw him? What was he doing?" The questions poured out of her because who could blame her? It was Kakashi.

"If he did, he didn't confront me. Though, I don't think it would be wise to mention it to him. As for what he was doing, he just stood there for a considerable amount of time in silence. It was almost like he was in a trance since he didn't look away from the stone. I'd venture to say it didn't look to be the first time he'd visited either."

What could that mean? As far as she knew, no comrades died under him as a captain. So, it must be a death from years ago. Though, whose demise could possibly stick with Kakashi this long was a mystery to her. Was that why he wasn't actually shadowing her the last couple days? Kakashi wasn't sentimental, she didn't even think he was capable of being such. Yet, hearing this from Sai unsettled her. Her thoughts drifted to the scar on his chest, the one he was uncomfortable with her lingering on. Did what happen there have something to do with the death of whoever he was visiting, or was that a separate incident?

She gulped down the rest of her sake as she pondered his enigmatic nature. He was so harsh, cruel, unyielding. So, how could such a man be plagued by things of the past?

"I must say, he's particularly difficult to comprehend," Sai commented. "Especially his attraction toward you. I mean what does he even see in you? You're far from beautiful, ugly." There was that annoying, fake smile again. "Not to mention, very unladylike."

"Good night, Sai," she growled. She poured herself another glass from the pitcher when she returned to the table.

"Sure you should drink so quickly? You look like a lightweight," Genma remarked.

Just for that, she chugged her glass before raising her eyes to meet his challengingly. He raised an eyebrow at her, and she refilled her drink.

She lost track of how long they were there. When she stood to order some more sake at the bar, she bumped into a wall of muscle. A hand reached out to steady her and she already knew, before she looked up, who it was. She thought she was safe tonight; it was already so late. She didn't think she'd have to worry about him showing up.

'Yeah, Sakura. Because that's how your life works! You drinking almost guarantees he'll be manifested.' Her inner thoughts practically screamed at her.

"Woah there, be careful." His hand still lightly held her side.

She apologized and moved to step around him, and she felt his hand slowly fall away, but his presence did not. When they were out of earshot of the others she spoke, "are you going to stop me from drinking more?"

"Not at the moment."

"How gracious of you."

He laughed in response. "Why are you here Kakashi?"

"I needed a drink." She didn't believe him at all and rolled her eyes. She was about to hand her money over to the bartender when he beat her to it. "I got it."

"You didn't need to do that."

"I know." She also noticed he didn't order a drink for himself either. But it wasn't worth it to call him on it. When she plopped down in her seat, she noticed everyone's eyes on the man behind her.

"You joining us then, Kakashi?" Genma asked.

"Sure."

The entire group's attention was on the man who sat in the vacant chair next to her. He wasn't exactly on top of her, but he wasn't at a respectable distance either. His hand lightly grasped her thigh under the table, but she didn't dare resist him without drawing attention to his action. So instead, her face grew red in embarrassment. At least the sake could explain her hue because no one questioned her. His hand traced little patterns on her thigh. He leaned into her and whispered teasingly, "what's the matter Sakura? You look a bit flustered."

Her eyes closed involuntarily at his proximity. She distracted herself from the feeling by downing her cup again. Intoxication was creeping up on her, so she had to force herself not to automatically reach for another. She knew what she was like when she indulged too much. Kakashi may be… himself, but he was still the most attractive man she'd ever seen. She wasn't trying to repeat what happened last time, especially considering how she was already responding. She needed to be coherent around him.

She jumped when his hand moved slightly higher on her thigh, and everyone turned to look at her in alarm. She pushed his hand off her, only for him to reclaim her leg again.

"They're going to notice," she mumbled under her breath reproachfully.

"And?"

"Stop it."

"No." He ventured a bit higher, and she couldn't help reacting to him. Between the sake she consumed and his own, overwhelming appeal, she felt the beginnings of her arousal. And she cursed inwardly, because he'd smell it, with that infuriating nose he had.

"Maybe we should leave, hm?" He said in a low, suggestive tone.

"No, thanks."

"You sure? You seem a bit… wound up."

"I'm fine."

She wasn't fine, she could feel her wetness seeping into her panties. She couldn't even concentrate on the conversations around her. His thumb was grazing the inside of her thigh and it was driving her crazy. An image of him between her legs, and his fingers teasing her skin just like that, flashed in her mind. She needed to get out of here, she couldn't take this anymore. He had no right to do this, to tease her this way.

"Hey guys, I think I've had enough to drink. I'm going to head home." She probably looked insane as she hurried from her seat, not even stopping to wait for goodbyes. She missed the concerned look from Ino as she fled, and the contemplative look from Genma.

As she walked up the street, she still could feel the stickiness between her legs. She was being absurd. She was hot and bothered because of him, the same man who forced her off missions now? It was appalling.

He was behind her; he couldn't just leave her be. "You're in a hurry," he said playfully. "Are you sure there isn't anything I can do for you?"

"Go away Kakashi."

"Why would I do that when you're just so needy," he enunciated the last word. "I can give you what you want. Just tell me."

"I don't want you, just leave me alone."

"Your want is flooding the air as we speak."

She felt his muscled arm wrap around the front of her shoulders and pull her into him.

"Let me take care of you," he said seductively.

"I'll take care of myself." She didn't mean to say it like that, but it slipped out. Too much sake, more than she should have had. Thankfully she cut herself off before she was prone to flirting.

"Naughty girl," he laughed in amusement. "Though, judging from before, I'd wager I can take care of you so much better."

"You're so full of yourself."

"Am I really?"

She ignored him and continued walking down the deserted street. Maybe if she didn't acknowledge him any further he'd leave. She could hope, right? The sight of her building was just ahead. He stepped into her again, right before she could get to her door. She felt the intimidating length of his erection digging insistently into her.

"You drive me crazy; you know that? Do you know how hard it is to restrain myself right now?"

He spun her around and she felt her back hit the wall lightly. "Your body is begging me to take you. Are you sure you don't want me to come in?"

Her arousal hadn't dissipated yet, so she struggled to keep control over the situation. "Positive."

He lowered his mask and his lips found hers. He kissed her as if he couldn't get enough of her. Her mind was hazy, and she wasn't even sure when she began reciprocating. She felt the rumble of his approval vibrate through her, as he pressed into her harder.

"That's my girl, give into me." His pleased tone and his arrogance had her snap out of her delirium. She bit down savagely on his lip, hard enough to draw blood, in retaliation.

He pulled away from her, but the look of dark desire on his face wasn't what she expected.

"You forget I'm not exactly opposed to being rough. In fact, it tends to be my preference. Though, it seems to be yours as well."

'Don't say anything, don't say anything,' she chanted in her mind. You don't need to have the last word; you know how that'll turn out.

"I'll let you be tonight. I'll see you tomorrow, Sakura."

"What do you mean?" She couldn't help asking.

"I told you I wanted to have you over for dinner this week, did I not?"

"I'm not going." She couldn't stop the words from tumbling out of her mouth. Sober Sakura would have smacked her with a chakra-infused hit for being so foolish.

"Pardon?" His tone was deceptively light.

"You heard me, I'm not going."

"I did say you had a choice. Is this really the one you want to make?" She heard the sick anticipation in his voice. The rational side of her knew she should rectify this situation. But her stubborn side, the one out full force at the moment, was ignoring its urging.

"I'll give you one chance to reconsider it."

"No."

"So be it," he shrugged.

They were in her apartment so fast, her head started spinning. "What are you doing?" She asked hesitantly.

"You know Sakura, I get the feeling you want me to force your submission. This choice just doesn't make sense to me otherwise."

"I'm not going to submit to you." She said it softly, but her voice carried enough that he heard her.

"You think so, hm? Well, let's erase those doubts, shall we?"

Damn it, why couldn't she just keep her mouth shut. Vivid green eyes clashed with his own mismatched ones as he stood a few paces in front of her. He didn't look angry. If anything, he looked excited. His handsome face showed his elation, and she knew she made a mistake. One she was about to pay for the same way she did the first time he 'punished' her.

"I was trying to be patient with you. But it seems you really want to do things the hard way, once again. So, far be it from me to deny you."

Please review as always! Once again, this is an unhinged, dark Kakashi! He doesn't see anything wrong with what he's doing, even if he does care for Sakura. I know I've already given warnings, but I've had a few reviews that suggest not everyone reads them. So, here it is again 😅