Chapter 19: Mistake
Something was off. Kakashi had reined himself in a bit when it came to her, and she couldn't understand why. The way he was behaving right now was a perfect example. She had shrugged off his arm, for the second time, when he attempted to curl it around her shoulders. And he had merely laughed at her rejection of his touch, before resting it on the back of the booth instead. She was making note of what he was allowing her to get away with. When he leaned in too close to talk to her, she pushed against his chest to silently request for space. And he gave it to her… Not much, if she was being honest, but he permitted her hand to move him back slightly.
However, this more laid-back attitude of his only went so far. In case anyone in the village didn't hear the news they were 'dating,' he made it obvious she was his, incredibly obvious. Men were cautious with her now. No one wanted to give the impression they were being too friendly with her. She was treated politely, but the conversations were kept brief, and they were wary of even standing too close to her. If they weren't one of her established, platonic male friends, they treaded lightly. And she couldn't blame them. It's not as if she could refute his claim on her. Despite his seemingly more patient countenance, she didn't forget who she was dealing with.
He also couldn't keep his hands to himself for very long. Even now, she shivered when she felt the tips of his fingers skimming her shoulder. She shifted forward, so she was out of his reach, but she knew it was only a temporary fix.
Her thoughts drifted to their mission tomorrow. He was a notorious shinobi across the five great nations. How exactly would he be able to partner with her effectively?
"Kakashi, you said we were both hired for this mission. Do you plan to do a henge for it?" Someone was likely to recognize him on sight, especially if other ninja were involved in the assassination attempts. If that were the case, she doubted anyone would be stupid enough to try something again if they saw the Copy Ninja hanging around. That would make finding the one responsible incredibly difficult.
"There's no need for it. I haven't been to the Land of Waves often."
"Your description isn't in the Bingo Books?" She asked in complete disbelief.
"Of course it is, but those unfamiliar with me would look for specific identifiers. I will obviously forgo my mask and make use of colored contacts to hide my Sharingan."
She begrudgingly saw the logic in his observation. Kakashi of the Sharingan, who kept his face almost completely hidden with a mask. But even so, there was one glaring flaw she could see.
"Your face stands out Kakashi," she said matter-of-factly.
"Is that your way of coming on to me?"
She growled at his flirtatious tone. "No! I'm only pointing out the obvious."
He laughed lightly before supplying, "I am aware of what I look like."
"So then you know you won't exactly blend in."
"I'm not trying to be inconspicuous in the way you're suggesting. Very few people know what I truly look like. The fact that I'm handsome would only make it less likely for the average shinobi to make the connection. I'm known as a deadly shinobi that should be avoided at all costs. They wouldn't imagine a man with such a reputation to look like me. My appearance is supposed to fit my menacing persona."
She couldn't think of a rebuttal because there wasn't one. He was right. Foreign shinobi wouldn't associate the fearsome Copy Ninja with a beautiful, young man.
"Is that why you hide your face? Because you're too pretty?"
"What's this? Trying to understand me better, Sakura?"
"It was just a question. Don't make more out of it than it is."
"Oh, of course not." He retracted his arm from behind her, only for his hand to stroke her uncovered thigh.
"I will shatter your fingers."
"That's hot." His mask didn't hide his amusement at her idle threat.
Her eyes scanned his bare torso, assessing the changes. He definitely looked healthier than a week ago. His skin wasn't quite the pallor it was before, his ribs less prominent, and she could see muscle coming back to his chest and abdominals. Itachi was already a handsome man, but pressing her hands to a more robust torso was… well, it was hard to ignore how attractive he really was. She tried to suppress the blush that creeped up on her cheeks as she healed him, but she didn't succeed completely. His lips quirked at her flustered state, but he thankfully said nothing.
"Your lungs are functioning better," she finally commented. "How are you feeling?"
"The coughing has lessened, and my stamina has significantly improved."
"I'm glad to hear it. I think you only need one or two more sessions, but they'll have to wait until I get back from my mission. So, try to take it easy in the interim. Or at least, easy for you."
"I will do my absolute best Sakura."
"Good. I'd hate for you to undo the progress I've made so far by being an idiot." He laughed at her insult. "It's frustrating to go to all this trouble when all I'm doing is prolonging things," she admitted.
"Have I slid into your good graces? You sound a bit bothered by my inevitable demise."
How could he be so flippant? "I don't understand how you aren't bothered by it?"
"Death is something all of us must face."
"You're facing it a lot sooner than most of us."
"Am I?" She pulled her hands away from his body, the glow fading from them. His eyes were on her face. "There are plenty of shinobi that have died in the field much younger than I am now. There are children who never even live long enough to see the title of chunin."
"That's not the same thing," she replied exasperatedly. "You're dying of a disease, not in a battle."
"Ah, so I should have a death befitting of me?"
She huffed and turned away from him. He was making her feel silly. "It's just… shinobi don't die this way, especially one your level. Do you think this is life's way of balancing things out? You're too powerful to outright kill, so your body is doing the work for your enemies," she joked morbidly.
"You may be on to something there," he agreed, smiling at her. "Life is rarely fair."
She glanced at him contemplatively. "Is your disease something you inherited?"
He had an enigmatic look on his face at her question. "No."
Itachi's condition wasn't something she was equipped to mend. In his case, his blood vessels were being attacked by his own immune system. She repaired almost all of them, but it was incredibly temporary, especially with how he kept his Sharingan active. It was a strain on his already compromised system. She had a theory his eyes may even be linked to his disease. But it wasn't as if he'd allow her to delve into that. As amicable as he was with her, she highly doubted he'd allow her to examine his greatest weapon. Scratch that, there was absolutely no chance he'd allow it.
She hummed noncommittally in response to him. "I suppose you'll figure out when I return from my mission somehow?"
"I will."
She still wasn't sure how he was able to do that so effectively. He didn't even reside in the village, nor did he have Kakashi's sense of smell. It was just another one of the uncanny abilities he seemed to possess.
"Do you want some tea before you go?" It was an offer she kept making and he kept accepting.
She felt his eyes on her as she heated the water for it. "Foolish," she heard him say softly.
"What is?"
His silence had her temper spiking. "I hope you're not referring to me as 'foolish.' You know, the one helping you."
"I'm not."
He sounded honest enough, but still, his gaze on her wouldn't cease. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She was getting flustered because she definitely saw his eyes drift down the length of her body. It wasn't a look she had ever seen him from before, especially directed at her. He had commented before on finding her beautiful, but it was said apathetically. An observation, not something said out of any kind of genuine attraction.
"Like what?"
"Like you… want me or something," she murmured.
"Want you?" He laughed briefly at that, and she felt mortified. 'I completely embarrassed myself. God, why would I say that to him?'
"Wanting you would imply it would be possible for me to have you. A foolish thought indeed."
The former feeling of humiliation morphed into confusion at his response. Was he saying what she thought?
"Foolish?"
He sipped the tea she made for him and nodded. "You need not worry about me ever being foolish on that account."
She was still mulling over his words long after he disappeared from her apartment. Itachi never struck her as a man who would desire her. Of the two of them, she always seemed more affected by his looks than the other way around. Yet what he said last night, it sounded like if he did want her, he would never act on it. Foolish, that's what he called it.
He wasn't wrong. What did she think voicing it would accomplish? Even if he did want her, it didn't matter. The circumstances surrounding him made it impossible. Her luck regarding men was truly ludicrous. She wasted her time pining after his younger brother, the unobtainable, handsome prodigy. When she turned 15, she realized what she actually wanted was someone who would, dare she say, be devoted to her. She would need to have that initial attraction to them of course. But beyond that, they didn't need to be as attractive as Sasuke to catch her interest. They didn't even have to be an exceptional shinobi. A normal relationship, that's what she wanted. Not in the sense of being lackluster. She wanted passion, romance, someone who challenged her and certainly wasn't intimidated by her. But when she said 'normal' she meant the typical emotional connection and the sense of security associated with it. That there was a person that was hers as much as she was his.
Sasuke's just as handsome, powerful older brother wasn't what she had in mind. Itachi would die in the next year or so, whether from his disease itself, or if he allowed Sasuke to kill him for whatever incomprehensible reason. And even if he wasn't facing a premature death, considering who he was, it could never happen. Then there was him… Normalcy was laughable in relation to Kakashi.
She had assumed she would arrive at the gate first, but there he was. He was already wearing a colored contact to conceal his Sharingan, though his face was still covered.
"You're early," she pointed out.
"Am I?"
She took in the civilian clothes he had donned. It was a simple outfit, nothing ostentatious about it. And he still looked ridiculously good.
"Such a distraction," she heard him comment. It was enough for her to notice he wasn't looking at her face. His eyes were on the small amount of cleavage that was displayed in her civilian attire.
"Stop perving on me Kakashi."
"Sorry about that." He looked far from apologetic. "I'll try to behave myself."
"Right." They both knew he only 'behaved' on his terms.
"So, are you excited? It's the first mission we've had where it's just the two of us."
"Not quite the word I'd use."
"Well, whatever word you'd like to use then. I'm certainly looking forward to it."
"Of course you are," she said dryly.
He laughed and finally motioned for them to head out. She was proud of herself for keeping up with the quick pace he set. Just as it was approaching nightfall, they were nearly at the bridge connecting the island nation with the Land of Fire.
"We made good time. We'll get a room tonight and meet with the client first thing in the morning."
It was actually standard to get a single room if it was only two shinobi on a mission. It saved on costs and was far more practical, regardless of gender. That still didn't mean she was looking forward to sharing a room with him, again.
Kakashi tucked his mask in his pack before they crossed the bridge, and his bareface was currently receiving a lot of attention – unsurprisingly. It only got worse when they entered an inn.
"Would you like a room with two beds sir?" The woman asked after he requested a room. Her eyes reluctantly fell from his visage to land on Sakura.
"If you have it."
"Really?!" She turned to him in disbelief. She didn't expect that allowance from him.
"See, I can be reasonable," he teased, smiling at her. She heard the woman's intake of breath at the sight. She couldn't fault her for it; he was even more handsome when he smiled. "Unless of course, you want to share a bed with me? You know I have no objections to that." His voice took on a husky quality that had her traitorous body responding to it.
"No, two beds are fine with me, thank you," she said with forced politeness.
"As you wish." She pointedly ignored his infuriatingly attractive pouting.
When they dropped their packs off in the room she took in her surroundings. The beds weren't as far apart as she would have liked, but it was still better than she could have hoped for.
"Hungry?"
"Mhm, but I'd like to shower first," she said.
"I'll go down and order us something while you do that."
She didn't know what to make of this tolerance of his lately. Frankly, she expected it to dissipate as soon as they set out for the mission. Perhaps this was his way of trying to get her to let her guard down with him. It wouldn't work. 'Won't it?' Inner Sakura whispered mockingly at her. 'Not even a little bit?'
A more reasonable Kakashi was certainly preferable than the alternative. But she knew it was a ploy, she wasn't stupid. While he usually could just throw his power around to get what he wanted, he was more than capable of being cunning if he needed to be. And he loved his games with her.
She toweled her wet hair before stepping into a skirt she brought. It was form-fitting, but long enough that it wasn't indecent. She pulled the same top she wore earlier over her head. Her stomach growled uncomfortably, so she supposed she couldn't push off going downstairs any longer. It was easy to spot his silver head sitting at the bar, even if he wasn't facing her. She took note of a woman standing close to him, clearly interested. 'That certainly didn't take long,' she thought. She reluctantly started for him and heard the end of their conversation.
"No thanks. As I said, I'm already involved. As a matter of fact, she's here now." She heard him respond brusquely. She was sure he was referring to the fact she was behind him, even if the woman was oblivious to that. She was suppressing her chakra, but that meant nothing when it came to him.
"She doesn't have to know," Sakura heard her say suggestively. She wanted to cringe in response to her boldness. "I, and my friend over there, are very discreet. Just looking to have a good time, nothing more." Sakura saw her gesture to another woman a few paces away, equally as sultry.
"Is that so?" His voice took on a wicked tone. Was he actually considering the offer, or was he… trying to make her jealous, knowing she was there?
"Your woman shouldn't selfishly keep a man as gorgeous as you to herself. She should learn to share."
Disgusting. She actually couldn't believe anyone would have the nerve to say something like that. Yes, Kakashi was absurdly attractive, but to say such things with no shame? To not care if he was a supposedly committed man? To offer yourself, and your friend, for some kind of threesome? No hesitation whatsoever in being used, and that was completely what it would be, by him.
"I'm not interested," and Sakura heard the impatience in his voice.
It didn't seem the woman wanted to concede defeat though. It was appalling how determined she was to get into bed with him. She watched her move to lay a hand on his arm, only for her wrist to be grabbed in a harsh grip.
"Do not attempt to touch me," he said forebodingly. "That's your one and only warning. If you make the mistake of doing it again, I'll break your hand."
The woman let out a cry of pain, letting Sakura know he must have tightened his hold just enough to allude to his strength.
She quickly intervened, stepping to the side of him and grabbing his shoulder lightly. His face tilted toward her, and she felt his arm drape around her waist, pulling her into him.
"Kakashi, let her go. You're going to hurt her," she admonished.
He huffed before doing as she asked. "Aren't you bothered at all that whore was propositioning me?"
Before she could respond, the woman made a sound of indignation at the word 'whore.' She was cradling her wrist, and Sakura could see how red the skin was from his grip. That would definitely bruise tomorrow.
"Make yourself scarce," he said to the woman, who backed away from them.
As soon as she was gone Sakura sighed in relief. She was lucky she got away with just an ugly bruise. Kakashi didn't have great self-control if something, or someone, displeased him. Even now, she could tell he was irritated. His fingers drummed restlessly against her side.
"She was a civilian Kakashi."
"And?" He looked at her with cold indifference.
"You could have broken her wrist without even meaning to!"
"She would have deserved it if I did."
She squeaked in protest when he pulled her onto his lap. "H-hey!"
"This will send a message to anyone else," he said, in explanation for his action.
"Uh huh. That's definitely your only reason," she retorted sarcastically, squirming in his hold.
"Stop moving Sakura."
"This is so embarrassing, let go!"
"Just until our food comes." His hands were clasped on the sides of her waist, holding her to him.
"Are you really trying to negotiate over me sitting on your lap?!" She knew she was making a scene, so she stopped fighting against him.
"Absolutely."
"Kakashi, please let me go."
His grip slackened enough that she slid away, finding her own seat next to him. Even though he acquiesced, she could see how much he was itching to grab her again.
She glanced away and watched the woman from before leaving with her friend. She was stunning, they both were actually. He had told her he had stopped sleeping with other women on their 'first date.' She didn't doubt his honesty, he had no need to lie. If he told her that, it was definitely true.
"You aren't tempted by offers like that at all?"
"What?"
"I know you probably don't go for civilians, but those women were beautiful. If you exercised some control over yourself, it could have been fine."
"I've been with civilians before," he stated coolly.
"You have?" She was admittedly a little surprised by that.
"You're surprised I wasn't tempted by her?" He looked almost agitated by that.
"Not her necessarily, but in general."
"There is no temptation for me."
"None at all?"
"The reason why should be plain."
Yes, she knew. His feelings for her. He was still a man though, and it wasn't as if she was… "I'm not exactly putting out for you."
"Which is incredibly unfortunate," a smile tugging at his lips.
"You don't get…" She couldn't bring herself to say the word.
"Horny?" He finished for her, delight on his features. "All the time. But that's not what you're asking me."
"You know you don't have to abstain right? You know I don't care," she boldly stated. His earlier glee darkened at that, but she ignored his disgruntlement. "And, even if I would care, I couldn't stop you anyway. You could still, you know, want something with me, and have sex on the side. Especially if I'm not giving it to you."
He didn't grace her with a response immediately. She took in the downturn of his mouth, the furrow between his eyebrows, that indicated he wasn't content.
"Something about me Sakura, as I would have hoped you'd noticed before, is loyalty means something to me."
"I fail to see how that particular quality of yours applies here."
"Don't you?" The look he gave her unnerved her.
She grew quiet at that. She didn't ask for his loyalty, not in this way. She didn't even want it. Yet, somehow, she had it all the same. It was a bit unbelievable actually. He did as he pleased, having no regard for almost anyone, and still gave her something that significant unprompted.
Her thoughts were interrupted when he flicked her nose, reverting to his more playful demeanor with her lately.
"You know I don't do anything I don't want to do."
She rolled her eyes in response but was relieved at the shift in tone. Why did she even initiate such a conversation? She didn't have an answer, but she was thankful it was over.
She was admittedly a little vexed as she ate her dinner. Even now, there were so many eyes on them, or rather, him. He touched her constantly, running his fingers through her slightly damp hair, stroking her back, until she batted him away. And the staring still didn't cease.
"Everything alright?"
Of course he noticed. He always did. "Why wouldn't it be?"
"You look a bit bothered."
"I'm not."
"If you say so." The accompanied smirk conveyed how believable he found her response.
She was tense as he stepped back into the room. His skin glistened from the shower, and the sweatpants he wore lay dangerously low on his hips.
"Can you put a shirt on please."
He laughed, his eyes flashing to hers. "You're too cute."
He also didn't do as she asked. Her stomach flipped when his abs flexed briefly. "Are you sure you don't want to share a bed?"
"It would be a waste not to use two perfectly good beds," she retorted.
"I suppose you're right." She blinked at his lazy agreement.
She tried to walk around him, but he grabbed her bicep lightly, turning her so her back was to him. "Why are you so on edge?" She jumped as his palms lightly kneaded her shoulders. She could feel the warmth they emitted through the thin cotton of the t-shirt she wore. "Relax." His thumbs dug into the muscle in a pleasing way.
"It's hard to relax around you."
"I can tell." She moved away from his hands and spun around to look at him. It wasn't as if it was her first time seeing him shirtless. But just like his face, his body was hard not to get distracted by. An unbidden, explicit image flashed through her mind of a part of him currently hidden. She definitely did not need to think about his dick right now.
"So, the client we're protecting. Do you know why there have been assassination attempts against her?" She asked, partly because she was genuinely curious, but mostly to push away her maddening thoughts.
"I may have an idea."
"Are you going to share?"
He smiled mischievously before replying, "you'll see for yourself."
There was absolutely no reason not to tell her. He did it purely for his own twisted enjoyment. She pushed him in frustration, but he didn't budge. "You're so insufferable."
"I think you secretly like it." He blocked her hand when her fist sailed toward his stomach. "You're always trying to hit me. Is it your way of flirting?"
She logically knew he was baiting her, wanting her to react. She still ended up swinging at him again indignantly, and of course, he caught the blow effortlessly. When he didn't immediately release her hand, she tried to pull out of his grip. "Let go!"
"Or what? You and I both know you're too weak to do anything."
"Fuck off!" Did he really just say that?! His harsh words didn't seem to fit with his seemingly eager expression.
"Make me." He was grinning as he said it. When she launched herself at him, she registered too late what he was actually doing. He was… play fighting with her. She realized it as soon as she brought his body down to the bed, which he obviously allowed. His eyes danced in merriment as he grappled with her, until he had her pinned down. She struggled futilely beneath him as he held her wrists down easily. When she attempted to bash him off with her legs, he flipped her onto her stomach, and his weight settled on her lower back. She writhed in his hold stubbornly, but he was immovable.
"I win," he whispered teasingly into her ear.
"Yeah, whatever."
He got off her after a minute or so, but he didn't leave the bed. He was too close, and the desire was plain on his face. True to her competitive nature, she took advantage of his preoccupation, and struck the back of his knee. He grunted in surprise, and she wrestled him underneath her, trying to get the upper hand over him. It wasn't even a spar, he was flirting. She knew that's what this was, but she couldn't help herself.
"I like when you fight me," he confessed. His face hovered over her as he secured her arms at her sides. "Even though you know your submission to me is indisputable."
"Because I'm weak?"
"You're not weak. You can hold your own against almost any shinobi." She knew he was simply goading her before when he said that, but she was still taken back by his blunt praise at her strength. "You're only weak compared to me."
He smirked when she growled in response. "Don't act like you don't like it Sakura."
His eyes trailed down to her parted lips. "I want to kiss you Sakura."
She didn't know why he deemed it a necessary thing to say. She wondered if his patience would hold out if she pushed him away when he did it. She expected him to lower his head and capture her lips after a moment. But he appeared to be waiting on something. When she said nothing in response, his face got closer, and he looked at her expectantly. 'Is he giving me the option to say no?' She thought in shock. When it became clear that he was, she remained silent at that jarring revelation.
As soon as she didn't refuse him, not even to shake her head in denial, his mouth found her own. His lips moved against hers, almost gently, as if he was still giving her the choice to disconnect them. 'Don't Sakura, don't kiss him back, especially like this,' her inner thoughts cautioned. It was a mistake when she reciprocated. The word blared in her mind as he deepened the kiss at her willingness. She took a shaky breath when he slowly pulled away after a few minutes of perusing her mouth. She could practically taste the intensity in the air, the chemistry between them she wished she could ignore.
"Can I kiss you again?"
She still didn't say no, and so there was nothing stopping him from pressing his lips against hers much more heatedly than before. Inner Sakura raged at her as she matched his energy recklessly. 'This is a mistake!' It absolutely was and one completely of her own doing.
Please review! It truly helps motivate this humble writer!
Darker content in future chapters, because well, this is definitely still a dark Kakashi. Even if he was a bit 'tamer' this chapter lol. And for those who may be wondering about smut, don't worry, that's coming eventually. This is an explicit fic, it's just a slow burn🔥
Another Itachi appearance in this chapter as well! I hope you're enjoying him a bit😊
I know I said this last time, but I anticipate a much quicker update for the next chapter. Fingers crossed.
