Rating M

Disclaimer I don’t own Naruto

Chapter 8: Team Work

Sunday night, filled with anxiety and misgivings. The night at the bar couldn’t come fast enough for Kakashi as he sat in the corner of the bar that had been chosen for the night. The air filled with the aroma of different tobaccos and liquor. Glasses clank and clatter as people celebrate for no reason beyond celebrating, end of a long week or the beginning of a promotion, it didn’t matter the people of the night liked sharing their feelings over a glass of bourbon. Shimmering lights played over the faces of the patrons that didn’t have a care in the world, unknown to them three people were not sharing in their reverie.

At table twenty two, they sat drinking silently reflecting over the days which have passed. It was unusual for them to remain silent for so long. Each of them had their own problems that played over in their minds, but no one wanted to share what the other was thinking about. Exasperated Kakashi sighed leaning forward, “What a month” he started causing the others to look up at him. “I think I’ve told you guys about what I’ve been going through. But I tell you; over time it compounds and multiplies.”

Genma rolled his head from side to side, his boot clad foot propped upon the chair adjoining the one he was sitting in. “You told us some of what’s been happening but,” He glanced over eyeing his drink, “You didn’t tell us anything specifically.”

“Well,” Kakashi started, fingering his eye harshly “Did I tell you that I had to buy a new set of dishes?” His friend shook his head “Yeah…” He trailed off glancing at the ceiling before continuing “She said ‘I’m going to do the dishes now’ that was the only thing I heard before a loud grinding sound coupled with the sound of glass breaking.” Genma sat up a little, sliding his drink to himself. Kakashi had caught his attention “As I rushed out to the kitchen, the look of horror on her face as she looked at me then at what she thought was the dishwasher…”

“You don’t own a dishwasher”

“I know, that’s the problem”

“Was it deliberate?” Asuma questioned, removing the small cigarette butt from between his lips. A trail of smoke wisped from his lips lingering in the air curling and twisting before intermingling with the rest of the haze that filled the room.

“No, she honestly didn’t know. The damage was already done though, when I opened the compactor most of the dishes were crushed beyond repair.”

“Ouch” Genma hissed in remorse, he knew the set of dishes in question; they had been a graduation gift from his late grandmother.

Kakashi continued on with his story, “She cried at first, knowing that she had messed up. I told her it was alright, she didn’t know. But I know she knew it really wasn’t alright, Sakura did offer to buy a new set of dishes…”

“Not the same” Genma interjected sharply “If I were you I would have…”

“You are not me, thankfully. She didn’t need to be reprimanded, she honestly didn’t know. Sakura isn’t like any of us, she doesn’t understand certain things. Needless to say we went out the next day and bought some new flatware.”

“Plastic I assume” Asuma snorted from behind his glass.

“Yes actually”

“Amusing” He remarked eying his empty glass, he waved his hand to call over a waitress to get another refill. Then he turned his attention back to his bemused comrade.

“And?” Genma pressed, he knew that there were more stories to be heard. Kakashi had been calling Genma every few days over the last month to vent, but he hadn’t heard any of the specifics of what really was going on at his apartment.

“She attempted murder on Mr. Ukki.” He said with a lopsided smirk, his eyes however showed that he was displeased. Asuma choked a little on his fresh drink as Genma’s lips rolled back into a smile “I know as amusing as it sounds the question remains: How do you kill a plant?”

“Too much water would be my guess.”

“Wrong type of fertilizer?” asked Asuma looking over the sea of people, it had gotten crowded. Soon there would be too many people to hold a civilized conversation, only having to resort to yelling across the table to make their voices heard. When that happened it was time to leave, Asuma knew there were more stories to be heard and if they had to they would probably end up at the twenty-four seven coffee shop down the street. Which didn’t bother Asuma at all, he would rather go home sober anyways.

“Both,” Kakashi said shortly also taking note of the crowds “I saved its life, the poor plant still looks under the weather.” Sliding his finger over the rim of the glass he reminisced about all the terrible things that happened. Was this a good idea? As much as he liked her she was going to drive him insane. “I taught her the ratio for watering Ukki, and told her that fertilizer only needed to be applied if the dirt looks rather gray.”

“Well that’s good then, poor Mr. Ukki is an old friend. He needs to see another twenty years.” Asuma remarked billowing a hefty smoke ring into the air.

“True, I hope he doesn’t die. I’ve had him for far too long.”

“Hey, isn’t Mr. Ukki one of those special plants that only blooms once in a blue moon?”

“Yes, she doesn’t know that though.”

Genma snorted silently, “Probably a good thing actually.”

“Probably”

“And?” Genma prodded again, knowing that there were more stories to be heard.

Looking around Kakashi noticed that the tables around them had filled up. His eyes caught Asuma’s who then nodded, “Let’s continue this conversation elsewhere it’s getting too crowded for my taste.”

“So,” Genma stood up stretching his back, looking down at his two friends “Coffee shop?”

“Yep” Asuma said putting out the cigarette he had been nursing “Some coffee should do us good to clear the senses.”

“Na, I was thinking about all the cute girls in uniforms.”

“Pervert” Kakashi smacked Genma across the back of the head.

“Hey! Takes one to know one, eh?” He smirked pulling out his wallet, waving his hand to draw the attention of the waitress who slinked over to their table. “Cashing out the tab dear, it’s too crowded for old people like us.”

She smiled pulling out a small slip of paper, “You boys are hardly old” her lips overly annunciating her words. Genma simply smiled back handing her the exact amount, plus what he called a ‘very nice tip’. “Thank you, come back soon”

“Sure” He winked as she walked away, swaying her hips to the soft beating music that now played in the background. It was edging onwards to midnight, around this time at most bars the sounds of music filled the air drawing a younger crowd. They intermingled with the working class making them feel better, bringing life to their dull world. Colors of all types filled the air, girls with ribbons streaked past dancing and giggling their wild dresses flared at the hips creating an illusion of a tiny waist. Some wore tall shoes that buckled around the ankles. It was all so that they could attract a male that would buy them a drink. “Seems a shame to leave early” Genma pouted as they left the bar via back door.

Crisp air filled their lungs, it was still mid summer but the early air of the day was chilly to say the least. The lingering liquor in their belly’s made it easy to walk the few blocks to the coffee shop without feeling terribly cold. Cars rushing by on the main street took little notice of those that walked the sidewalks at midnight. It wasn’t unusual for the streets to have people roaming from bar to bar or even from bar to coffee shop. Most coffee shops wouldn’t attract the younger crowed until early morning, so they would be lucky if there were but a handful of customers when they arrived.

The bell on the door jingled when it was opened, warm air poured out as they went inside. The smells of fresh coffee stung their noses. Asuma put up three fingers to the host who lead them to a small booth in the back. She placed down three menus before sweeping away to help customers who wanted to check out. It wasn’t unusual for them not to say anything; after all if you were coming to a shop in the middle of the night it wasn’t to talk to anyone other then who you arrived with.

Settling in around the booth, each sighed in relief. “Nice and warm” Asuma whispered, he was the type of man that liked coffee shops. Kakashi mused to himself that’s probably why he and Kurenai got along so well. “Now then, where were we?” He looked over at Kakashi with a grin.

“Ah, I didn’t forget. The next part is good, so something to drink would make the story even more enjoyable”

“Enjoyable, is that possible? From all the phone calls you sounded like you were in hell.”

“Very true Genma, you see…” He paused as the waiter came sweeping to the table. Before he opened his mouth Kakashi interjected “Three black coffees, more sugar and more cream thanks.” He nodded politely walking away “You see, as horrible as it sounds it does get worse.”

“Is it worse then the attempted murder of a rare plant?”

“Much”

“Is it worse then breaking all the good dishes in the house?”

“Yes”

“Do share, I want to know”

“Pink” He said shortly half smiling from the corner of his mouth. At the time he had been very angry about it, but now that he thought it over it was rather funny. His friends both looked at him one eyebrow turned up “I ended up with half a load of pink clothing, socks, undershirts and one of my dress shirts… all pink.” Both of them laughed loudly causing some of the closer customers to turn to see what was so funny, Genma waved his hand as to say ‘no more please it hurts!’ “Yeah it’s funny now, but at the time I was really upset.”

“What happened?” Asuma inquired before silently thanking the waiter for bringing the coffee to them in a timely manner.

“One lone red sweater is what happened,” He said drawing his attention to his coffee “Look here, I’ll show you an example.” Drawing them closer he held up the creamer “This creamer is the red sweater and the coffee is the white clothing” They nod slowly he began to pour creamer into the drink, the white color intermingled with the dark brown shade causing it to swirl and mix together, then he stirred the coffee until it was a lighter brown color “So when the red sweater was mixed in with the white clothing, the color seeps out causing everything to be a lighter shade of that brilliant red sweater.”

“Oh I see,” Asuma and Genma said together although they weren’t sure how the coffee was really related to the story. It did have a mental impact though, colors mixing together to create another color. It made sense sort of.

Pouring sugar into the cup he glanced around before continuing “We ended up going shopping that same day to fix the problem, it doesn’t change the fact that there are pink socks in the draw though. She’s claimed the dress shirt for her own, which I don’t mind. Since she did buy a new one for me” He sighed tilting his head back.

“So what’s the problem if she bought you a new shirt?” Genma asked stirring in a few spoonfuls of sugar to his cup.

“The problem was it was my money.”

“Ohhh…” His voice trailed off in a moment of realization.

“Yeah, the first time in forever I’ve spent a ton of money in a week. I thought it couldn’t get worse…”

“Wait, it got worse?”

“Sadly yes” Pausing to take a drink, he had added too much creamer to the mix but there wasn’t anything he could do now other then drink it.

“What? Tell us, we want to know” Genma prodded on, Asuma nodded his head in affirmation.

“Super very berry paradise.”

“The carpet freshener product, that stinks to high heaven?”

“The very one, one of my neighbors gave it to me shortly after I moved in awhile ago. I only opened it once, it reeked even then. I thought I had placed it somewhere out of the way in a zip lock baggy. But obviously I hadn’t put it away where she wouldn’t find it.”

“Oh dear, I know what she did.”

“What, what?” Genma said franticly looking at his friends.

“I came home from the book store one afternoon, when I opened the door it smelled like super very berry paradise. The smell was so overwhelming, she came running up to the door with a mask on telling me that she had cleaned.”

“A mask, don’t tell me she dumped…”

“All of it out on the carpet, yes.”

“Sweet Jesus” Asuma slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand.

“I had a headache the moment I walked into the room,”

“I bet! Good lord you’re only supposed to use a little bit of it…”

“Yeah, so opening the windows I took a small portable fan and placed it out on the patio to try to make the smell leave the house. It didn’t, I think I mentioned before that I had been sleeping in the front room on the large futon right?” Genma nodded “Well, there was no way I could sleep there anymore, she made sure of that.”

“Where are you sleeping then?” Genma asked with a wild twinkle in his eyes.

“My bed,” He watched as his friends grinned at him ‘sly dog’ “I had to convince her it was the only way. I wasn’t going to sleep on the floor in my own room, besides the smell drifted under the door.”

“How long?”

“Hm?” Kakashi watched the grin on Genma’s face turn more mischievous when he asked his question, “Ah, two and a half weeks. She keeps a couple of pillows down the center of the bed.” He was amused when Genma slouched and sighed “She’s going to be the death of me yet, the neighbors have been complaining about the smell as well. I’ve been vacuuming everyday trying to remove the repugnant odor; I might have to resort to renting a steam cleaner.”

“That would work, that’s what Kurenai did when her grandmother’s dog shat on the carpet. It removed the smell right away.”

“Thanks, I might just do that.”

“So tell us, about the house listings. How is that going?”

“Don’t get me started about that, she knows now about the ‘gift’ house.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Asuma mused drinking his now cooling coffee.

“Somewhat, she’s been going over the houses frowning at all the listings.”

“So she found several that she liked then?”

“She hates them all”

“Oh”

“Why?” Genma looked over playing with the spoon in his cup.

“They are all ‘too big’ according to her. I haven’t had a chance to look at any of them yet, but I think she said she found one that was ok. Meaning that we’d have to go look at it before she decides whether or not she likes it.”

“Too big? What did your father pick out nothing but mansions?”

“Pretty much, from what I gathered she wants a home with no more then four bedrooms.”

“That’s surprising”

“Ya, who would have thought she’d want simple?”

“I should have known, because when I took a quick glance at the homes I found myself grimacing at the prospect of going back to how I use to live. I think… no I know I would hate it.”

Silence drifted over the table. The low hum of conversations trickled over the air. It was approaching the hour when more people would be coming in. Which meant if they left now that Kakashi would get a few hours of sleep before having to get up for work. He sighed against the rim of the empty cup; he didn’t want to go home. She would be there, he knew that she had Naruto over to do homework but he didn’t like the idea of her being alone with him for too long. However, he just didn’t want to go home who knows what she’s done to the house while he was away. His imagination came up with wild prospects, torn pillows with feathers flying everywhere, ripped sheets painted with markers, unrecognizable reddish stains on the floor, and lastly an energy bill that would make an old woman blush.

Asuma tapped the table top gently with his fingers; it seemed no one wanted to talk anymore. Kakashi knew this, they were after all solitary men who enjoyed company every once in a while. Even if they were to get married it was vastly different, company with wives is different then company with friends, male or female. You could enjoy the company of your loved one simply because you love them enough to put up with the silly things they do. That’s probably the reason you love them in the first place. He mused over that thought, Will Sakura and I behave like that I wonder? He drummed his fingers on the table looking up at nothing in particular.

Genma oozed out of his seat; meandering to the register he motioned to pay for the drinks. After a time he came back to the table looking down at his two close friends, “I need to go” He mumbled from the corner of his mouth “Need to make sure he hasn’t broken into my house again.”

Asuma laughed lightly at his friend’s comment “Still having problems with Gai?”

Shifting on one foot he looked out the window “Yeah, I mean it’s not as bad as before, I think he’s just lonely.”

“That’s very kind of you to say that,”

“Meh, it could be worse.”

“How so?”

“I could have found him in my bed, but I didn’t. He usually sleeps on the couch if he breaks in.”

“Breaks in…” Kakashi looked at his friend “What does he pick the lock or something?”

“No, I don’t know how he does it.” He sighed straightening his shirt collar “Alright, I’ll see you two later. I need to get something that resembles sleep.”

“Night” Asuma whispered as the brown haired fellow silently walked though the doors of the coffee shop. “We should get going as well. Kurenai will be worried if I stay out any longer.”

“True, I need to make sure a certain blond boy went home for the night.”

“Naruto-kun?”

“The same, she told me that he was coming over for homework. I told her he couldn’t stay the night.”

“Ah, well best of luck then” Half saluting as he straightened up, Kakashi half smiled saluting back.

“Same to you” He watched Asuma leave the small shop before getting up himself. His limbs were heavy from the need to sleep. The liquor he had consumed hadn’t dissipated from his system. He felt the low hum of intoxication flowing in his veins; the sooner he got home the better. Thankfully it wasn’t a long walk home.

-

Sakura laid in bed thinking about her day. Naruto had come over after school to work on a couple of projects, including some needed tutoring in math and literature. He was frustrated that the subjects had gotten difficult on him. But once she explained the factors in math he seemed to get it. She smiled as she taught him different words that they needed to know for their language class. And she felt proud when he understood the classical stories they had to know for that weeks test.

Naruto was smarter then he gave himself credit for. Even if everyone told him he was a little on the dumb side, Sakura saw the other side the smart side. You can’t get a scholarship if you are dumb, no matter what anyone says. It didn’t surprise her that his best subject was gym. However he was good in other subjects too, when he applied himself. Naruto just needed motivation.

The project they had to work on was for Iruka’s class; once again he gave them an assignment on Friday and expected it to be done on Monday. The man is frustrating to say the least, he half expects that students don’t have any lives and his class is the only class that has homework over the weekend. How wrong he is, they had homework for language, art, classical literature, math and sociology. Sakura half wondered if Iruka had been dropped on the head as a child.

Her fingers rolled over the blanket ends while thinking; it had become a habit of hers. She had never had a blanket with a satin trim before and she found that she really liked it. It was a light quilt that covered the bed. Earlier that month they had removed the down comforter because it had gotten warm, especially with two people in the same room. She figured that it would change as the weather got cooler. She had hoped that they would either have a home by then or the smell of her worst mistake would finally clear out. Either or she didn’t want to share the bed with him for much longer.

Sakura had recanted her horrible mistakes to Naruto as he chewed on store bought cookies. He laughed when she told him about the ‘super very berry paradise’ incident. She was modified, reading the instructions again after her mistake only made it worse. She thought it read ‘spread liberally on carpet’ but really it read was ‘sprinkle gently over carpet’. She felt dumb and wanted to cry, Kakashi had been sympathetic stating it was ok. She knew it wasn’t much like the dishes incident. It wasn’t ok.

Rolling on her side she looked at the clock on the nightstand, two forty am. She wondered how much longer he’d be out. I hope he’s not drunk when he comes home… Her heart started pounding in her chest when she heard the front door open, blood rushed to her ears straining to hear. He wasn’t subtle about coming home nor did he try to be quiet. She could hear him fumbling with the door handle to the bedroom; I guess he is drunk, she thought sighing to herself. The door opened swiftly and shut again, she heard him mumbling about the front room still reeking like ‘bloody berries’.

His jacket hit the floor, followed by his shirt. She could hear the rustle of other clothing being removed as he sat down. She looked over but noticed he didn’t bother to see if she was awake or asleep. She hid her face in the blankets as he continued to change, Sakura felt her ears burning knowing that he was stripping. She then heard him crossing the room to go to the bathroom, whispering about too much to drink. She peaked over the top of the covers, to her dismay he was wearing pants. Pouting a little inside she knew she should be ashamed of herself for thinking otherwise.

Several minutes past, she half wondered if he had fallen asleep while going to the bathroom. Suddenly the bedroom door sprung open hitting the closet; he shushed at the door closing it behind him. Padding back to his side of the bed he pulled his arms above his head, she could hear some of his vertebrae popping before he pulled the covers down on his side of the bed. Sakura felt the bed shift; she kept herself from rolling on that side of the bed, like she has done so many times in the past. But this time it was different, she couldn’t explain how it happened just that it had. The pillows that she had purposefully placed between the two of them were no longer there.

She could smell the rum and coffee on his breath as he leaned closer to her. His fingers deftly danced over her sides to her stomach. Her breath hiccupped as he pulled her closer to him. While his fingers played over her shirt his nose was buried in the crook of her neck. It was too warm; she wanted to just get away, far away. This is exactly what she didn’t want to happen. She tried to pull herself away from his grasp, in the end his fingers tangled in her shirt. Sakura could feel his fingers tracing over the scar on her stomach, she flinched from each passing stroke. Her spine shuttered as her skin crawled with gooseflesh. A tingling sensation infiltrated the back of her neck, it was a warning signal.

The warning that she needed to get away, it was instinct, a part of her brain knew but the other half of her brain tried to shut her up. This is way wrong, not right she told herself as he eventually untangled his fingers from her shirt. His cool fingers were against her skin, which crawled again with the tingling sensation, this is way right, right… her brain kicked back at her, No not right, wrong, bad! She wiggled pulling away, Kakashi’s grip didn’t loosen in fact if she had to guess it tightened, she found herself back where she was if not in a worse position. Both of his arms were wrapped around her now. She sighed in frustration as her mind wage war against itself. One half telling her that it was alright, the other half telling her that she should punch him in the nuts.

To make matters worse he was drooling in her hair. Scratch that she had to think about it, that was his tongue against her neck. Her eyes blinked in the darkness rapidly as her skin cooled from where he licked her neck. Oh dear, her brain waves struck a heavy bargain upon itself she found she was all alone as everything shut off. Her skin heated up from every touch, even in the dark she could see spots dance before her eyes.

Her warning signals had turned off but the tingling aftermath continued to send shivers down her spine. His fingers traced over her scar almost monotonically, her shoulder jerked back hitting him in what she thought might have been his collar bone. It wasn’t that she was trying to hurt him, it’s just she wanted to let him know that after awhile that didn’t feel good. Her scar felt raw under the touch, but after she had hit him with her shoulder his fingers drifted away from that point. Thank god… she thought but belatedly she realized that they were drifting up. In her efforts she tried to grab a hold of his wrists before the got any closer to her breasts. Her face flushed when the tips of his fingers brushed the underside and his lips kissed the shell of her ear. He has to be asleep, there’s no other explanation.

Kakashi twisted his fingers over her hand; she couldn’t explain how he did it. One minute she was holding on to his wrist the next he had twisted his wrist over in such an odd angle just to take hold of her hand. Her fingers pressed against her own skin, she found that he was using her fingers to touch her breasts, sneaky bastard… his fingers slipped between hers touching her skin softly. But instead of it going further everything came to a halt. He held her close; she listened carefully and realized that he was lightly snoring. There wasn’t any way for her to escape however. She laid there hoping that he wouldn’t remember what he had done.

-

Kakashi hummed to himself as he made breakfast, it had been the first time in over a month he’d had decent sleep, aside from the erotic dream he had. But after he woke up he realized why he had had that dream. The tips of his fingers still tingled thinking about it. He had woken up with Sakura’s back against his chest and his arms wrapped around her, to make matters worse he was groping her breasts. He sighed in the thought of it, he knew she knew but didn’t say anything when she got out of bed after him. He had managed to untangle himself from her moments before she ‘woke up’. Glancing over at her as she sat at the tiny table he noticed there was something on her neck. What is that? It was dark in color. Picking up the plate he casually walked over to the table she sat at. Placing down the plate he continued to look at her neck. She looked up, “What?”

“What’s wrong with your neck?”

“Huh?” Her eyes blinked vapidly, she already knew what it was. He was getting slow how could he not know what it was.

“Never mind” He said quietly sitting down across from her. How could he be so stupid, pressing his forefinger and thumb to the bridge of his nose he wished that he hadn’t drunk so much when he had gone out. She shrugged her shoulders picking up a bagel from the plate.

“You drink too much, that’s why you have a headache.”

“What?”

She pointed her finger, “Pinching your nose like that, it’s a sign that you’ve had too much to drink. Want me to get some water?”

“No, I didn’t have a headache.”

“Oh”

“Thinking” He said looking at the bagels in front of him.

“About?” She asked carefully he must be thinking about last night…

Almost deliberately his sadistic side twinged “Sex” he watched her face flush, he cocked his head to the side as a bagel went soaring past his head.

“You pervert!”

“Well, that and your breasts are bigger then I thought.” He half smiled pulling the plate in his direction.

“You really are a pervert!”

“No” He said sharply, it made her shrink down in her seat a tiny bit. “If I really was as bad as you think I am, do you really think…” He stopped mid-sentence thinking carefully about what he was about to say.

“What?”

“Nothing, forget it.” Standing up Kakashi went into the bedroom and closed the door behind him. Sakura sat there her face hot with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. She had a faint idea of what he was going to say, but she didn’t want to believe he would say it… that’s why he didn’t. If he really was as bad as she thought he was, he wouldn’t have stopped. She knew it was true, even if he was drunk last night he knew his limit and didn’t want to take advantage. However to her, Kakashi had taken one too many liberties. She touched her neck looking at the door of the bedroom, standing up she looked at the oversized clock. There was still time before they needed to go. She went to the bedroom door knocking before she opened it, she looked in. Kakashi was sitting on the edge of the bed looking out the window. He didn’t look at her when she came in the room.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” He inclined his head in acknowledgment “You are not a pervert,” She sighed looking to the side “Well just a little one” She smiled “You didn’t take advantage of me last night.”

“I did”

“I don’t think so.” She paused looking out the window as well “I was awake so I know, I think the worse you did was…”

“Stop” he held up his hand in defense.

“What?” Agitation was setting in “I’m sure you don’t remember.”

“I don’t that’s the problem,” Kakashi turned looking at her from the corner of his eye “That’s not appropriate.”

“Its fine” He blinked before turning all the way to look at her “I’m serious it’s fine, the worst that happed was a hickey on my neck.” Her eyes slighted downward. “And honestly, I kind of liked it.” Sakura smiled genuinely letting him know it really was ok. “Besides, if my brain had said it wasn’t ok… well I don’t think you’d have gotten up this morning.”

He thought about what she had said for a moment “That’s a reassuring thought.” Sakura laughed as she jumped on him, her arms wrapped around his neck. He could feel her smile against his neck and for once he was glad that she understood. It also hit him that she said she liked it, his back stiffened as she hugged him tightly.

“What?”

“Nothing” He smiled with a fake air trying to hide his surprise.

“Hey, I should give you one too.”

“Huh?”

“A hickey!” She bit down on his neck jokingly, Kakashi jumped in surprise. Sakura let go right after laughing to herself “Ha-ha, kidding!” He looked over his shoulder to see her smiling face, it made him feel warm inside for some reason. He knew that inside his brain deep down, the reason that he did what he did last night is because he instinctively knew he wanted her. The more time he spent with her, even if she was the biggest klutz when it came to house work she genuinely wanted to help around the house. He understood that there was more to her then meets the eye. Knowing that makes it harder for him to think. It squeezes his chest constricting the life out of him and Kakashi wonders if she feels the same way.

“So…”

“Hm?”

“No more pillows then?” He smirked knowing that she would probably hit him for suggesting such a thing.

“Ok” His heart skipped a beat, he wasn’t sure if she had actually said ok “Lets try to keep our hands to ourselves though, I can’t guarantee that someone’s delicates won’t be kicked or punched due to fondling.” Kakashi let out a laugh that was a mix between a snort and a raspberry. She laughed against his ear, his smile faltered slight as he realized that he didn’t want her to stop. He wanted her to keep laughing just for him and he knew that it was only him that thought that. Sakura poked his cheek, he noticed she was examining him “Why did you stop laughing? Did I do something wrong?”

“No, no…just thinking that’s all.”

“Hmm… Thinking about me?” She really had a one tracked mind, he admitted to himself. She whispered in his ear “If it’s about me at least don’t fantasize about my scars.”

“Eh?” He blinked “Why…why would I do that?”

She rolled her eyes, “You had an obsession with the one on my stomach last night.”

“Oh, uh… sorry, one doesn’t really think properly when intoxicated.”

“I know you beat up the bedroom door.”

“Did I?”

“Yeah you taught it good.” She snickered rubbing his back; Sakura realized she liked being this close to him. No pressure, no one looking down on them, on her. She liked his laugh and more importantly she knew that she liked him more then he knew. She smiled inwardly when he smiled at her joke.

“I see, well we should probably finish breakfast… not to mention clean up that one you threw across the room. I bet it smells like very berry now.”

“Probably” Sakura got up, padding across the floor to the door she looked back “Sorry for throwing it”

He waved his hand dismissively “I deserved it” the corner of his lips curved upwards reveling what he was thinking about.

“You are a pervert”

“Just a little one” He winked jokingly as she left the room.

-

“Kaka-Senseeeiii…” Kakashi put his finger in his ear as Naruto whined trying to get his attention. From the corner of his periphery he could see Sakura standing behind Naruto. “Senseeeiii…” He pouted.

“What the hell do you want?” Kakashi asked with his finger still in his ear. He did have a headache from drinking and it didn’t make it better that Naruto was whining profusely.

“Well, Kaka-sensei we want out of gym.”

“We?” His eyebrow perked up as he looked at Sakura.

“Yeah, Gai-sensei is on a rampage again! I heard it from the juniors that heard it from a senior in first period.”

“Rumor, ka?”

“Actually it appears to be true, more then one person as speculated this ‘rumor’. I’m not feeling well and I’d rather not take my chances.” Kakashi eyed Sakura how had been silent while Naruto whined to get his attention.

“I see, well I can excuse Sakura but not Naruto.”

“What!?” Naruto shouted “But, but… I’m not feeling well either.”

“Right a case of wannacutclassitus was it?” He tapped the pad of paper on the desk with his pen. Naruto smiled sheepishly.

“Come on please” Naruto got down on his knees begging.

“Stop begging; give me a good reason for excusing you.”

Naruto shot up straight then leaned over to whisper in Kakashi’s ear, He stifled a laugh before coughing. “See,” Naruto said with a pink tint to his skin “I do have a valid reason.”

“Alright, so you do. I’ll write you both a note and you can spend gym in the self study room.”

“Aw man.”

“What now?” Kakashi looked up at Naruto sighing.

“Well, I wanted to spend the hour in here.”

“Why? It’s boring in here. I should know, I’m in here most of the day all day everyday of the week.”

“See that’s why! We wanted to keep you company even if it’s for an hour or so…”

Kakashi rolled his eyes looking at the clock, “Fine”

“Yes!”

“But,” He sighed again from being interrupted by the noisy one once more.

“But?”

“But you have to work. You’ll be filing papers and such for me for the entire hour. Is that ok?” Naruto was quick to agree, anything to get out of gym with Gai. Sakura reluctantly agreed there was something on her mind Kakashi discovered while she handed each letter to Naruto. She wasn’t really paying attention to what she was doing. At one point she had stuck a letter in Naruto’s eye; he whined loudly that he might have a paper cut on his eyeball which wasn’t the case after Kakashi looked at his eye carefully. “Naruto, I need you to run down to the office and photocopy these files for me.”

“Ok boss” Naruto grabbed the stack of files and the hall pass from the desk. He tore out of the office as if he wasn’t ill at all.

“I half wonder if he was telling the truth.” Musing out loud, he looked over at Sakura “What’s wrong?” She looked down at her feet “I know something is wrong, you were feeling fine before school. What happened?”

“Nothing…”

“Lair, look me in the eye and say that.” Her eyes never left the floor. “Alright, don’t tell me.” He turned his back on her. Sakura tilted her head looking at the back of his head, “I mean you don’t have to tell me, it’s just nice knowing if there’s a problem that I might be able to solve.” He could hear her shifting on her feet behind him, something was defiantly wrong. He just didn’t know what exactly.

“Naruto knows doesn’t he? That’s why he brought you here, isn’t it?” Her reaction to his questions was confirmed by the clicking of her heels tapping nervously on the tiles and her breath stuttering from her lips. Even with his back turned to her he knew she was on the brink of crying. “What happened?” He asked, not looking over his shoulder. When she didn’t answer once more he tilted his chair swiveling it around to look at her. Sakura’s eyes were big and watery like emeralds dropped in a pool of clear water; her lip was quivering slightly as she looked at him. “Clearly there is something wrong.”

She nodded, “Well that’s a start” He said with a faint smile “Troubles with some of the girls?” She shook her head no “I see, boys then?” Her head wobbled back and forth “Half and half, boy then?” She nodded “Alright, not Naruto since he doesn’t have it in him… Hm… You’re going to make me guess?” Pure silence, she didn’t respond “Apparently so. Alright let’s see, a boy in your class then?” She nodded again, Kakashi rubbed his chin in thought “It would be so much easier if you just told me. Twenty questions isn’t a game I’m very good at.” So far he was batting a hundred, Sakura blinked at him. “I’m going to take a wild guess; I want you to say yes or no if I get it right.” She wobbled her head once again. He leaned back his head and thought about the dilemma, he eyed her while thinking. Something he noted while looking at her was the fact that her lips were puffy. His eyes blinked unevenly as he came up with the solution. “I hadn’t noticed before, I’m sorry.” He said cocking his head to the side “I think I know what happened, one of the boys in your class kissed you. Roughly without notice, Naruto happened to be passing by and bashed the boy in the face with his fist, am I right?” She didn’t reply “You promised” He smiled gently.

“Yes” She whispered after some time.

“Finally” he sighed deeply “Alright now tell me how did Naruto get away with what he did?”

“I don’t know.”

“You should know you were standing right there.” She shook her head “Very well it doesn’t matter what matters is are you hurt?”

“No”

“Did he hurt you in any way?”

“No”

“Was it just a shock? Or did you foresee it coming?”

“Yes and No”

“I see, now the only question remains is who the young boy was.”

“Doesn’t matter”

Kakashi’s lip twitched, “Doesn’t matter… why?”

“Never going to talk to him again”

Sitting back he put his fingers to his lips, “Why?”

She said with a matter of fact tone playing on her lips, “He took what wasn’t his.”

His eyes drew wide, looking up at the girl before him he wondered if he had heard her properly. “It’s just a kiss, there will be others.” She stamped her foot in silent protest, “Sure it was probably terrible it doesn’t mean you have to hold it against him.” Her eye lids dropped as she pouted, he could see her eyes move to the corner then back at him. “What wasn’t his” He paused watching her reactions she was uneasy about something, First kiss? “I wouldn’t let it bother you, next time you see him just laugh it off.”

“But it’s not fair” She said waving her arm in a downward slashing motion.

“Why?”

“Because…” Her voice dropped away when she tried to answer. Kakashi leaned forward placing his fingers around her wrist, she jumped at first. The initial contact gives away so much. Her heart is pounding, she wasn’t angry, disappointed? But why? He thought a moment about what she had said, ah… I’ve been careless.

“Forgive me for being heartless about the matter” Her pulse quickened “I was looking objectively about the matter and did not interject myself into the equation.” He picked up the skip in her pulse; he knew that was it after all. “Can you forgive me?” Kakashi rubbed the inside of her wrist with his fingers gently; he could feel the hair under his thumb raise up with goose bumps. He smiled what could be interpreted as a secret smile “I’ll make it up to you.”

Seconds later the door of the small office slammed open with a wild eyed Iruka standing in the door way. “YOU!” he shouted pointing his finger at Kakashi “I should have known you would pull something like this.”

Kakashi’s eyebrow twitched with interest, “Like… what, exactly?” He’s going to make a wild accusation again, I just know it.

“We told you,” He said with is nose in the air “Not to be alone with her.”

“Ah, well you see…”

“No excuses! I overheard the tail end of your conversation!”

“Oh? Prey tells what did you hear?” Sakura watched a smirk interlace on Kakashi’s svelte lips.

“You were going to make it up to her, what exactly did you mean?” He gasped for air “You got her P-P..pre..”

Kakashi’s smirk failed looking at the young man in the door way. He stood up gingerly letting Sakura’s wrist slip from his grasp. Taking two long strides towards the brown haired man he placed his fingers around his shirt gripping it tightly, his voice was low and to Sakura it sounded rather dangerous. “If you ever suggest that in her presents again, all three of us will be marching down to the office, where she will file charges against you. Do not dishonor her ever again in my presents.”

Sakura could see her teachers eyes shake in what she would call ‘intimidated fear’ “I… I see.” His voice shook audibly. Sakura was amazed by Kakashi’s prowess; he had never shown this air about himself before. Iruka coughed loudly trying to pry the doctor’s fingers from his shirt, “So that’s not the case, my mistake.”

“Indeed.”

Sakura only could guess where this conversation was going, “Excuse me… Kaka-sensei was just checking my blood pressure, I was feeling faint.” Brown eyes turned to her widely, “Honestly, I might be sick so Naruto brought me down to the clinic… he’s so overly protective about my health you see.” She smiled brightly. Only Kakashi knew that she was lying, her smile was purely aesthetic, deep down she wanted to scream and cry.

“I’m sorry,” Iruka said softly.

“It’s ok!” She chimed “Naruto should be back with those files soon, I’ll check the hallway for him, Kaka-sensei.” Kakashi nodded letting her slip past.

“As you see,” he stated in a low voice not letting go of his captive “No foul play has occurred. I am getting tired of this banter,” Kakashi’s grip tightens upon the younger teacher’s shirt “I would really like it if you would stop. I have troubles of my own caused by my family and it would relive some stress if you would comply and leave Sakura and me the hell alone.” His last few words hissed through his soft lips at that man before him.

“Yo-you don’t scare me.” Iruka stammered, trying to get free and clear of the silver haired male that held him fast.

“I know,” He smiled bearing his teeth, his eyelids drooped as his lips tightened into an ungodly smile that would send shivers down anyone’s spine. “It doesn’t mean… that you shouldn’t be.” A small squeak came from Iruka as Kakashi let him go dropping him into the hallway. “Now, I let you know this” His fingers cracked as he flexed them gently “If you mess with Sakura or Naruto ever again… there will be hell to pay.” And with that Kakashi slammed the door on Iruka who had to retract his toes from being crushed.

-

Naruto panted down the hallway swaying left and right trying to keep the papers from tilting to far this way or that. “Uwaaaa…” whispering as he traveled down the hallway avoiding several people in the process. Getting to the stairwell of the wing where the clinic was he whimpered slightly looking up. “Aw shit” Putting one foot on the stairs he heard someone coming down the stairwell at an alarming pace, he shouted out before the person got to him “Careful!” The foot falls stopped a few steps from him, he glanced around the stacks of papers his smile widened “Sakura-chan, thank god.”

“Need help?” She smiled gently, briskly coming down the stairs to his level.

“Yes, please this is really heavy.” Sakura took a couple of steps up before sliding her fingers under half of the stack “No less is fine” She didn’t listen to him as she took her half of the papers.

“Iruka showed up” She whispered.

“What does that cranky fool want?” Naruto barked indignantly.

“Cause trouble I suspect, Kakashi said that Iruka doesn’t approve of our ‘relationship’ or Kakashi.”

“Eh? Explain” Naruto asked finding his footing on the stairs above him.

“Well, from what I’ve gathered Iruka doesn’t approve of Kakashi’s lateness or methods.”

“Well… he hasn’t been that late in a really long time.” Stating the truth smiling from one side of his mouth “We know why though, Iruka probably doesn’t.”

“Nor will he” She said with a crinkle to her mouth “The last thing Iruka needs to know is that.”

“Seriously” The blond agreed nodding “Hey have you fixed the smell problem?”

“Not yet, I should ask Aburame-sensei about it. He might be able to suggest something.”

“That’s a really good idea.”

Their conversation stopped short when they reached the top of the stairs. The rapid sound of hurried feet traveled their way in an abrupt manner. Looking past their papers they saw Iruka practically running towards them. The look on his face was almost abject terror. “Excuse me” He whispered edging past the two of them. Sakura noted that he didn’t look at either of them in the face when he went past.

“That was… odd.” Naruto said looking over his shoulder at the now fleeing teacher.

“I half suspect something.”

“What?” His voice tinged with anxiousness

“Kakashi finally told him to back down.”

“Explain”

Sakura sighed looking over at Naruto “Kakashi. He can be scary when he needs to be.”

“Alright, but what does that have to do with Iruka?”

“Everything,” She paused looking down the hallway “Listen, you know about his former job. Let’s just say intimidation is something he specializes in.”

“Ohhh…” Naruto’s mouth was wide when he finally figured it out “Kaka-sensei threatened Iruka then?”

“I wouldn’t doubt it.”

“Good.” Smirking before starting off again down the hallway, “Maybe he’ll think twice before annoying the hell out of us on lunch break.”

Sakura half wondered if that was the case. Kakashi, what did you do? Once they reached the office door, Naruto whined loudly that they couldn’t possibly open the door with the papers in hand. Slowly the door to the office opened, Sakura nearly expected a scowl on Kakashi’s face but that hadn’t been the case he smiled at the two of them “Took you long enough.”

“Sorry, Kaka-sensei! But there were so many papers to be copied!”

“Ah, sorry” Rubbing the back of his head he moved to let them pass “Ten-chan was supposed to do that but, well she’s out sick.” He knew it was a lie; Tenten had been acting weird all week. Over the weekend she called him hastily telling him that she wouldn’t be coming to work for a few days. He mused to himself thinking about what she said; she’s eloping nodding to himself. Kakashi knew it was in his best interest to just tell everyone that she was sick, less questions and less problems for him to deal with.

“I hope she feels better,” Naruto said putting down the papers on the desk. Sakura followed in suit, Sakura had been there when Tenten had called she saw the smile dance over Kakashi’s mouth when he said ‘Ah I see, well take care.’ Tenten had been secretly dating someone of importance for the last month or two. No one knew who it was but Sakura had a feeling she knew, Hinata had mentioned that her cousin had been acting weird for the last few months. Staying out late, buying expensive things on his cards, excessively lying to his uncle about what he’s been doing and where he’s been going. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Especially since Sakura had seen a photo-sticker of the two of them at an amusement park in Tenten’s wallet.

“I’ll let her know the next time she calls.” Kakashi mused from the corner of his mouth. “Now we need to fold these and get them out to the classrooms.”

“What are they?” Sakura said reading over the form. “Are they permission slips? Dear parent(s), we would like to inform you that summer is here. Summer Activities will commence for Sports clubs, we would love for you to attend our summer sports festival August 21. Bring a lunch and plenty to drink (Staying hydrated is important in the long summer days).” She looked over watching him smile at his own handy work. “Seriously?”

“Yes, actually it’s not just the sports clubs. Which is really annoying, in actuality it’s all the school.”

“I’m not participating.” Sakura said flatly “Besides My parents won’t care, they aren’t even in the country!”

Kakashi pouted “I care” Sakura was lost for words she looked him over carefully, anything that would give him away, a smile, a quirk anything at all, but there was nothing. “I had hoped you would join in. It’s good for you.” He said smiling.

“Forget it.” Sitting down she eyed him from the corner of her vision “I don’t know what you are up to, but I’m not running or participating in this drivel.”

“Why not?” Kakashi asked sitting down at his desk taking up a couple of papers folding them neatly between his fingers, “It’s a good opportunity, running, stretching, and more importantly getting to know people. I know you love that.” He winked and smiled that secret smile of his.

“Eh?” Naruto chimed in “I don’t get it.” He sat down on the floor in front of the examination bed folding papers neatly.

“Sakura…” He started putting down the folded paper to pick up another one “Likes to network at school functions.”

“I do not”

“Don’t lie” Holding his finger up to her face “I know that you would love nothing more then to get to know the parents of the students.”

“Why?” Naruto asked quizzically.

“Because, in the future” Choosing his words carefully “Those types of contacts can make lots of money.”

“Should I do that?” Naruto looked up from his papers; there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“It wouldn’t hurt, especially if you plan on being a writer in the future.”

“I do!” He said enthusiastically “I can’t wait, I want to run a business and write for a living.”

“Well, then you should take the opportunity to network then. Get to know your classmates, make lasting relationships. It’s important for success for later, Sakura knows all about it.”

Sakura could feel her cheeks growing hot in embarrassment, since when did he know her so well? “It is important, but I’m not participating end of story!” She slammed her hand down on the desk, the sound echoed off the walls causing Naruto to jump.

“Now, now we’ll talk about it later. You might change your mind.”

“I won’t” She said firmly.

“Well… at any rate let us finish folding these so we can take them to the classrooms.” Kakashi said with a smile, he had every intention of making her participate whether she wanted to or not.

-

Late in the afternoon, dark clouds loomed overhead threatening to loosen the water with in. It made all the classrooms dark with an eerie tone. The hours drawn on for Sakura, she wanted nothing more then to go home. Her eyes fell upon the boy that sat next to her; the right side of his face was blackened with a fist shaped bruise. Righting herself she looked forward at the teacher so that he wouldn’t catch her glancing at him.

The entire class room had been in an upheaval to how Sasuke had gotten his bruise but the dark eyed boy said nothing. Ignoring all the comments and questions he went about his business as if nothing happened. He failed to make eye contact with Naruto and Sakura which raised more questions, Sasuke however dismissed any more questions that came his way about it.

“Right, Class… Moshimoshi” Kotetsu said dryly tapping his book on the podium to get their attention “I have some papers to pass out.” One eye blinked before the other he was clearly upset that no one was paying attention to him. “No one goes home until you pay attention.” He stated firmly, as quickly as could be everyone stopped what they were doing and faced him. “Right, I have papers to pass out.” He repeated “They need to go to your parents; it’s about the Sports festival on the 21 of August.” Half the room groaned displeased with the announcement “I know, this class isn’t exactly the ‘sports’ type but there are prizes for winning rank at the festival.” Several ears perked up “Hm,” He looked at his paper that gave him a description of the events “We have gift certificates to the school store… that’s lame” he commented to himself “Ah here, grand prize: A four day all paid trip to an onsen.”

“Whaaaaaat?!” Half the class shouted more titters of whispers came from the room “We should win! But how?!”

Kotetsu smiled waving his hand “Now, now. I will tell you that everyone has to participate to win.” Sakura sunk down in her seat crud… “There are several events where one or more members of our class must partake. Eventually everyone in the class must be in one of the events to qualify for the prize.” She didn’t like the sound of this one bit, now she understood why Kakashi said ‘You might change your mind.’ Sick bastard, he knew! “So along with the slips to tell your parents about the event I’ll pass out the event schedule. Look it over figure out what event you wish to be in, we’ll have sign-ups in two days.”

While Kotetsu placed a stack of each on the desks Naruto leaned over to Sakura, “Sakura-chan…”

She leaned back whispering, “I know.”

-

Rain drizzled from the sky when the final bell rang for classes to be let out. Sakura made her way to the front entrance, changing her shoes she spotted Naruto smiling like a monkey holding an umbrella. Walking over with a slight click-clack on the hard wood she tilted her head towards him then at the rain, “So, need an umbrella?” He teased.

“Hm,” She thought about what the day was, Wednesday “Yeah sure” smiling she placed her hand on Naruto’s sleeve as he opened the umbrella out under the rain that pattered softly upon the surface of the orange fabric. They walked down the path, smiling as they went it would be a good day for a warm drink.

“Coffee shop?” He asked glancing over at her with a tint of a smile gracing his soft face.

“Yes, we can do that. I don’t need to be home for another hour or so.”

As they walked past the gate Naruto turned his attention to her, “Sakura-chan about the festival…”

“I know, I have too or the entire class will be upset with me.”

“I want to go with you.” He smiled childlike, his eyelids slid down into a sincere angelic look that made Sakura feel tingly inside. “To the Hot spring,” He said quickly “I think it would be fun.”

“Yeah, but he’ll be there.”

“Who cares, it’s not like he’ll try something with me around. Besides if he did try something in on the girl’s side, I don’t foresee him living long enough to attempt anything.”

Sakura found herself laughing at the image of Sasuke getting beaten to death with pillows, “Very true.”

“Ah here we are,” Naruto said softly opening the door with his free hand letting Sakura in through the glass door, he turned tilting the umbrella closing it then tapping it softly on the ground to shake off the water. Coming into the shop he placed it in the umbrella container near the front door. He smiled at Sakura who had waited for him just on the inside of the door.

“How many, are in your party?”

“Two” Naruto replied with a cheeky smile. Once they were seated in one of the booths near the window Naruto pulled out the events listings “Which one do you think you can do?” He was sincerely concerned for Sakura.

“I don’t know,” looking over the paper all of them looked difficult. Swimming was out of the question, so was anything that involved wearing a tank top.

“You know… This might sound silly but you could always, I don’t know go out on a limb and just forget about um… it.”

Sakura’s eyebrow rose as she looked at her now fidgeting friend. “It?”

“Yeah… the problem, I mean, I don’t have a right to just say ‘get over it’ but I’m concerned that it might hinder you later on. I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad, ka?” Sakura looked up at the light that hung above the table. “It’s… pretty bad Naruto.”

He didn’t say anything but looked at her with apathy. There wasn’t anything else in the world that he would give to make things right with her. He knew that there was something wrong, deeply wrong with Sakura. Whether it was mentally or physically he didn’t know for sure. Naruto hadn’t prided because he respected her privacy but she had told him a while back that what had happened was pretty bad, he couldn’t quiet grasp how bad. “It’s ok” He said smiling at the window, he knew her eyes were on him now “Talking about it, we don’t have to. I mean it’s at your pace, I just… I just want you to know I’m there for you if you want to talk.” Looking back at her emerald eyes he smiled gently to let her know that he would never give away her secret even if hell froze over.

“Thank you.”

“Now, how about those drinks” Naruto waved over one of the waitresses and ordered for both of them. When his attention turned back to his pink haired friend, she was staring out the window wistfully. “Nay, about what he did.” He caught the glance of her eyes looking at him in the window “That didn’t stir up images or remembrances about it, did it?” She smiled turning to him shaking her head no “Man,” Naruto whispered “I wish I was better at intuiting when you were lying to me.”

“I’m fine, really.” Looking down at her fingers she added “I’ll tell you, but not here, ok?”

He nodded drawing his attention to the list, “So I was thinking about something in track and field. What do you think?”

“I can see you doing that, maybe a marathon or something.”

“Hey have you given thought to that?”

“What?”

“Marathon, it’s little effort really.”

“Uh, no I can’t run like that to save my life.”

“Hn, alright well… swimming is out of the question. What about a rally?”

“Rally?”

“Yeah, it’s where you have a baton and pass it to each member of your team while you over come obstacles.”

“Interesting, hey what is this?”

“What the Kibasen?” She nodded “Well… it’s like a cavalry battle, three people support a ‘rider’ and the rider tries to get the headbands off the others, the rider and his supporters. It can get pretty wild and crazy from what I heard.”

“Sounds like fun actually.” She half smiled.

“You’d make a perfect rider Sakura, since you are lightweight. But you have to be aggressive to take the bandanas.”

“I can try” smiling whole heartily.

He smiled back at her, “That’s the ticket” thrusting his fist into the air with gusto “I have no doubt you’ll be a feared rider!”

She laughed “Right, I’ll have to think about it though. From what you said I have to literally trust three others to support me.”

“Yep, I can be a supporter if you join that game. I’m sure we could convince Kiba and Chouji to join as well. Chouji would make an awesome front runner.”

“I imagine he would.” They both found themselves laughing at the situation. “But wouldn’t the other two pick something else that they were good at?”

“Doesn’t hurt to ask, besides I can think of several others that would make perfect supporters. Shikamaru for instance, he’s cleaver enough to calculate while on the move. Shino would be another; he’s quick on his feet.” She found herself nodding “And besides I think those guys would have a lot of fun.”

“Your right it doesn’t hurt to ask, but I still need to think about it.”

“No pressure, just think it over.”

-

Sakura waved at her blond haired friend as he turned from the stairwell and ducked out of sight. Only Naruto knew where she was living and would often walk her home. It concerned her if anyone else in her class or even the teachers found out that she was living with him. Sakura knew that it was a matter of time and it would cause hell on high water when it finally did come out. Oh well, we’ll cross that bridge when it comes. Placing her key in the lock she turned the handle. Her nose was met by Very Berry the tip of her nose crinkled as she sniffed, still not better, she pouted inwardly. As she came inside she removed her shoes opening the closet she placed them on the rack, which was filled with her shoes and a few lone pairs of various male dress shoes. Removing her school sweater she hung it up next to the others.

Ah, stupid paperwork, she thought opening her school bag removing the reminder slip and event chart. Gently padding to the refrigerator she stuck the two papers to the front with one of the magnets. Worry about that later, since he isn’t going to be shocked, stupid bastard… her inner mind thrust a few punches shouting Hell yeah! I’m going to pay him back! She waved her hand trying to clear those thoughts.

Looking around she noticed that the patio door was a jar as well as the kitchen window; he must be airing out the rooms with the fresh rain smell. Closing her bag she made her way to the bedroom, the door was open when she reached it. Pushing it open with the tips of her fingers she caught site of Kakashi sitting on the window sill reading.

Crossing the floor she sat her bag down against the nightstand. She glanced over her shoulder at Kakashi, he was so engrossed in his book that he failed to notice her, or he did notice her and made no mention that he had. Taking a few steps to the closet she pulled out a change of clothing before closing the doors once again and walking slowly to the bathroom to change.

Opening then closing the bathroom door behind her she turned on the light. Leaning down she pulled off the right sock then the left, Sakura crinkled her toes against the soft light gray carpet. Even though the rain was warm she felt a slight chill after it had splashed up hitting her legs while she was walking home. The hair on her arms prickled and rose, rubbing her arms she thought that it might be nice to take a warm shower. He’d probably kill me, her lips contorted to a half frown, half pout. I don’t care! Removing her pin from her tie she placed it with the rest of her jewelry on the counter. Picking up her socks she opened the closet and threw them into the ‘white’ basket, Kakashi told her that there was a white basket and a darks basket it took her awhile but she finally figure out which was which.

Unbuttoning her shirt she removed it and also placed it in the basket. Looking down at her arms she inspected herself carefully, is it really right to tell Naruto? She sighed questioning her sanity, why did I say that? Maybe… maybe Kakashi can tell me what to do about it. Her inner self shouted about getting revenge, later don’t worry, she reassured herself. Unconsciously she rubbed her arms before removing her skirt. Hanging it up next to some of the other clothing that had been drying, Sakura moved on to other things. Unclasping the back of her bra she folded it neatly and placed it on top of the counter. Those were washed separately and specially, she nodded to herself, ‘delicates’ he called them. They were to go in the laundry with his silk ties and shirts, although she would have thought it better to dry clean them. Kakashi never took anything to dry clean if he could fit it in the washer, Sakura thought that to be strange.

Finally removing her panties she threw them in the white basket. She closed the doors before drawing her attention to the shower. Turning the faucet she fantasized about the warm water on her skin, a small smile curled on her lips. Once the water was warm to the touch she climbed in closing the curtain behind her, blatantly she forgot to lock the door. Seeing as the door shot open right after she closed the curtain. Sakura could hear her own breath gasping and her eyes widening when the door opened. Her skin pricked and heated up as the sensation that something might happen to her. She could hear her own voice call out “Can I help you?”

“Hn,” He replied “I thought I heard something… sorry.”

“Yeah… shower” She laughed uneasily.

“I didn’t know you were home.”

“You’re an idiot.” She shot back at him “I walked into the room and put down my bag. It’s not like I was silent about it!”

Silence

“Say something.”

“Sorry” She could hear the door close with a click, she peaked out of the shower to make double sure that he was gone.

“Idiot” she found herself whispering. GOD DAMN! Her inner self shouted, double revenge! Sakura sighed leaning her head on the tiles, no… no none of that, her inner self looked at her dumbly, look it was an accident. No it wasn’t! He’s a damn pervert! She paused in thought, I don’t think so. She quarreled with herself for an awhile before the door opened again, her eyes snapped up to the sound “Yes?” She asked warily.

“I forgot”

“About?” her eyebrow twitched, God he’s a moron. Her inner self gloated, told ya.

“Ah, we need to talk about something.”

“I see can it wait till I’m out of the shower?”

“Yeah sure, I just wanted to tell you that’s all.” The door snapped shut once again.

“Seriously, what an idiot” Sakura said not so quietly, picking up the bottle of shampoo to wash her hair “What is he thinking?” He’s not, inner Sakura said pointing out the obvious he just wanted to catch a glimpse of you naked. “I doubt that.” I don’t, not for a second. Shaking her head she dismissed the thought of him being a total pervert.

Finishing her shower she toweled off as fast as she could to get dressed, slipping on a gray cotton shirt that she had stolen from Kakashi and a light pink skirt which she thought that she would never wear. The pattern on the skirt was graham fabric the cross hatch pattern mixed with pinks and grays it matched perfectly with the shirt she had taken. Pulling on white cotton panties she looked at herself in the mirror, she hardly recognized herself. Sakura wasn’t the perfect princess, the bagginess of the shirt made sure of that. She smiled as she brushed out her hair.

Opening the door to the bathroom her nose was once again invaded by very berry, she sighed as she turns to open the bedroom door. Walking in she noticed he was perched once again on the sill reading his book. But this time he looks up from his book, “Ah” he smiled shutting his book “took you long enough.”

Sakura rolled her eyes, crossing the soft carpet she stood next to him at the window “Ok so what did you want to talk about?”

“Sit” he motioned for her to sit across from him. She leaned against the window sill, “I’ve been thinking about something.”

“Alright…”

“The kiss thing,” he said offhandedly he noticed that she looked away when he mentioned it. “He… wasn’t the first.” He watched her liquid jade eyes turn to him in surprise “I knew you’d be surprised” He smirked “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Then I remembered”

“Remembered what?”

He reached out and put his fingers to her lips, “It might not count, but…” she watched his eye lids drop slightly in remembrance, it was an interesting look for him soft and sincere. At this distance she could see any imperfections he had, there was a nick missing from his eyebrow. A small scar under his cheek, as her eyes drifted over his face she realized he was inching closer to her. “I have kissed you before.” He whispered with his lips mere inches off hers. His eyelashes practically brushing against her face “If you count it,” he repeated brushing his lips on hers. Sakura found that she blushing remembering what exactly he was talking about.

She made no inclination to move away from him, as he struck, his fingers pulled her closer touching here and there gracefully without remorse. Her eyes danced watching him carefully as he took action, he was going to ‘kiss’ her once more but not as a doctor. At first it was the corner of the mouth gentle with care, then over her lower lip softly as a butterflies touch, then finally he kissed her briskly pulling her closer then ever. She let out a small sound that couldn’t be interrupted by any means. He watched her eyes drift; her eyelashes flitter and close half mast. Her eyes filled with emotion that she hadn’t displayed since he’d known her, the depths pooled attempting to pull him in with dark desire. Gently he let her go, he observed her carefully with his mismatched eyes. Her eyes meekly open looking dazed and confused to what exactly happened. The only words from her lips that made him smile were, “Wow.” She touched her fingers to her lips as to remember something long since past.

“Remember now?” She nodded “Granted,” He looked towards the rain outside “It was no were near as soft” His grin drew up carefully watching her from the edge of his vision.

“Yeah… but.”

“Shh, don’t ask questions.” Standing up striding across the room to the door, he turned she could see the lucid smile on his face “Want to make cookies?” She watched the child like expression dance over his face as he opened the door to leave.

Pushing herself to stand, she watched him leave the room. Calling out as she followed him Sakura replied, “Sure.”

TBC

The Marks and Remarks of Geniuses

A/N: I'm still on Hiatus, But I thought I should post this since it has been done since last year. Sorry for the wait. And a big thank you to those that hunted me down and reminded me that I had this chapter waiting in the wings. It had been realeased to my livejournal back in January, but with the problems with my computer I lost word and was unable to publish it to until just now. Thanks again, sorry it's going to be another long wait for chapter 9.

As a reminder, all spelling and grammer mistakes are my own. Thanks for reading, see you when I finish chapter 9.