Chapter Eleven

Reconcile

This is nice…

The moon was full, the stars glittered brightly up in the dark blue sky, the whole town was still and quiet as the soft breeze of winter air brushed passed. The snow was falling, making a grand coverlet all over the land and pavement. It was a perfect night, really…

Except for the fact that she was walking down the street in the middle of the night carrying a bundle of flesh twice heavier than her. I’ll just consider this as part of my training … dammit, how much does this jerk weigh?? With difficulty, she adjusted her hold on his waist as she half dragged her burden towards their inn.

“Mmpht…” Kakashi mumbled, his head lolling from side to side, vainly trying to keep on his footing but failed miserably and ended up adding extra weight on Sakura’s part.

“Quit moving!” Despite her vigorous training and fifteen years of experience as a ninja, Sakura found carrying a drunkard very difficult and troublesome. The urge to push him away and leave him cold on the streets was so strong her hands itched.

This is just great…

Perfect.

Sakura groaned as she shifted her hold on him. Kakashi never get drunk this fast. She knew him for so long and as far as she knows, Kakashi can his hold alcohol very well. Never had she seen him so sauced, he couldn’t even use his own feet to walk! She suspected that the woman he was with for the whole night might have spiked his drink. But as she tasted the remains of his drink, she tasted nothing odd in particular. And that brings her to a conclusion that Hatake Kakashi had just consumed too much alcohol.

And despite the fact that she was supposedly angry at him, she was starting to worry about his welfare. Sakura glanced at her drunk ex-sensei, “You could’ve told me, you know…” she noticed him cock his head on the side, a sign that he acknowledged her voice, “Whatever’s bothering you… you can tell me, Kakashi. You should know that by now…” all she got for an answer was a groan. Sakura rolled her eyes.

**

By the time they arrived in his room, she dropped him offhandedly down his bed. Kakashi rolled and gave a grunt of disapproval. Sakura dropped on her knees at the foot of his bed and started removing his shoes and leg guards. “You shouldn’t drink if your system can’t take it.” She gave a chastising glare before climbing on the bed to remove his vest. Her cheeks flushed prettily as she started undressing him, There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You’ve done this numerous times in the hospital. As if he’s got anything you haven’t seen before… in the hospitals, I mean!

With that done, Sakura was about to get up when suddenly, Kakashi involuntarily snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her down on the bed next to him.

Sakura released a small ‘eep’, thrashing in hopes of removing Kakashi’s hold on her. “Sensei!” Instead of letting her go, he pulled her closer and draped his leg over hers, tangling them together. “Oh no…” Sakura felt her heart pound inside her ribcage as blood rushed quickly to her cheeks and down her neck. “Kakashi!” her vain attempts were so futile, she grew tired from fighting.

Tightly she closed her eyes while balling her fists, she prayed, “Let go please…” and unfortunately, it wasn’t working. She opened her eyes again only to find herself only a hair breadth away from his face.

With a sigh, Kakashi slurred; “Stay…” and then he snored.

Sakura wanted to cry in frustration.

She wanted to cry because she liked this position even though she’s not supposed to.

This was so embarrassing. Anyone can walk in and see them in this very compromising position. If that so happens, she knew she’d die out of humiliation. If not, she’d commit suicide immediately.

But at the moment, she wanted to enjoy it. With that settled, Sakura finally relaxed and shifted into a better position. It’s a shame I rented a room for the night when I’ll end up sharing a room with you. She closed her eyes and let her fatigue wisk her away into a peaceful slumber.

I’ll deal with this in the morning…

**

Sakura groaned her displeasure at the sun that was now up and shining fully. Mumbling something, she turned on the other side, tucking deeper into the blanket.

Sakura…

“Mmpht…” tossing on the other side, she tried to block the stupid voice with a pillow.

Sakura…

“Five more minutes…”

“SAKURA!”

Immediately, the pink-haired jounin sat up straight in a flash, looking around for any possible signs of danger. “I’m awake! W-what? What?” her eyes frantically swept the whole room and found nothing suspicious. Except the tall figure sitting Indian style on the edge of her futon. Her brows furrowed.

She heard a sigh, and then an awfully familiar voice drawled, “Haruno, wake up.”

“Kakashi?” she assumed since she’s seeing a blur of white before her. She rubbed her eyes and wondered, What is he doing here? And then her inner voice came in and gave her a good slap on the forehead, You’re not the guy who flirted with women and got drunk in a bar, idiot! You’re supposed to remember everything. And ever so slowly, realization came in.

Kakashi got drunk.

She dragged him back to the inn.

Slept with Kakashi…

On his bed…

With her pinned around his arms and legs.

Tangled limbs and…

Gya! Sakura so badly wanted to kick herself hard, I-I slept in his bed… again!

Since she’s obviously still under the state of confusion and shock, Kakashi took this moment to continue, “What is the 5^th basic in Shinobi fighting?”

Her mind was a bit disoriented from the events yet fortunately she managed to answer, “A ninja must not be caught from behind. Don’t be careless about your surroundings…” she repeated exactly what he said on their first training.

“I could’ve killed you.” Kakashi dryly commented. Upon having much clearer vision, she noticed him in the same outfit he wore last night. Only now he wore the vest again and his shoes as well. “Even if this place gets destroyed, you’ll still be sleeping like a hibernating bear in that futon without any idea of what’s going on.”

Sakura could not understand at first, W-wait? Hibernating BEAR?? “That’s not true…” her brows furrowed and her lips curved in a petty pout.

Kakashi looked at her impassively, no emotions or whatsoever.

That made her nervous.

Was he mad?

Why?

I’m the one who’s supposed to be mad at you! Her brows drew together in an angry scowl, her hands balling into fists on her lap, her eyes twitched as she noticed his exposed eye observing her blatantly. “Ungrateful jerk.”

His eyebrow arched at her chosen words. “Ungrateful? You just slept in my bed, Sakura. Twice, and you call me ungrateful…”

“It was not my intention to sleep here.” Sakura gritted her teeth.

“Then enlighten me,” he said, crossing his arms, looking as if he’s willing to listen, “What are you doing in my room?” as a matter of fact, he couldn’t remember how he ended up here in the first place. All he remembered was, he was drinking his fifth (or was that sixth?) shot glass when he kissed that blonde girl and then he said something that made the woman angry. And so she left him, and he continued drinking. After that—nada.

“You were drunk and—”

Kakashi stiffened at her words, trying to decipher where she’s getting at. Surely they hadn’t? Absolutely not. Not with all the clothes they’re both wearing it wasn’t possible... It wasn’t possible, was it? But if EVER he did something, he should’ve remembered bits of it somehow. Sakura might had been a wonderful woman… so wonderful she’ll be left etched inside his head. You’re trailing the wrong thoughts again, Kakashi. But still…

“—listening??”

He was quickly dragged back to reality, “Huh? What?”

Sakura growled, “You asked me, I answered and then you didn’t hear any word that I said??” another growl and then she threw the sheets away and made a move towards the bathroom.

After five minutes, she finally came out.

“I’m ready to listen now.” Kakashi felt his mouth twitch in a smile when her eyes blazed with unbidden fire of animosity. He knew she wanted to kill him right now, but it was too fun to stop.

Sakura wanted to kick him in the face, “I’m through!” she then started pacing back and forth knowing that his eyes trailing her every move. “First you ignore me, then you get drunk with me left alone to drag you back, and now you’re acting like the biggest ass in the whole wide world!” she stomped her foot and angrily crossed her arms as she glared down at him, “I don’t know what’s going on anymore… Why are you doing this to me?” then her eyes softened as she searched his, “To us?”

Kakashi didn’t know what to say.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but…” she crossed the room and sat in front of him, mimicking his position, “I’m your friend, remember? You can tell me what’s bothering you.” She reached out and touched his hand and he in return stiffened at the contact. Sakura quickly withdrew her hand and profusely blushed in ten shades of red, “I-I’m sorry…”

For two seconds he relished the feel of her soft, warm hand in his arm. Kakashi felt the impulse to grab her intruding hand and pull her into his arms. But he fought against it and instead, cleared his throat. “It’s not that easy…” he replied to her first question.

Blinking twice, she asked back, “Why?” again she blushed, “That time when I had problems with Sasuke… you were always there to help me…” she looked up at him and said in a plea, “I can do that too, Kakashi. I will always be there to help. Just tell me what’s wrong?”

Kakashi fell silent.

“Kakashi…”

The problem is YOU, Sakura… I can’t stop thinking about you and it drives me nuts. This is wrong… things aren’t supposed to go this way. I’m not supposed to lo—lust after you. You’re my former student… team mate… my friend. You remind me so much of Rin and—, Kakashi was stunned at that thought. Was that it? Is it because Sakura reminds him of Rin? Is that the reason why he’s attracted to her? Mentally, he shook his head. No. Sakura’s Sakura and Rin’s Rin. Both are different women… they can’t be compared. Yes, both of Konoha kunoichi’s and medics, but everything else about them is different. Rin’s his friend and Sakura’s—What is Sakura to you, Hatake? As matter of fact, Kakashi had no idea at all.

He sighed.

And Sakura misinterpreted his reaction.

She looked—hurt.

He doesn’t trust me… She told herself, feeling completely at a loss, I thought we’re already good friends… and yet he can’t tell me anything… It occurred to her that Kakashi still probably thinks she was a child. That Sakura’s too immature to hear his own problems.

She was staring at him with wide eyes and that confused him. “Sakura?”

Startled, she looked at him as if he just appeared before her. And then, with all her strength, she pulled out a fake smile. “It’s okay.” She said, making a move to stand up. “If you don’t want to—I mean, if you don’t want to tell me, it’s fine…” she blinked back the tears forming on her eyes, looking elsewhere, “It’s fine, really…” her voice quivered, a sign that her eyes will break the dam and shed tears. This is so embarrassing! He’s not supposed to see me like this… and then she started crying. Be strong, dammit! Unfortunately, her body and heart refused to cooperate.

Kakashi stood up in stun as she cried. He had no idea what do. Dealing with emotional women was never his forte. What have you done? He was a stupidest jerk ever created in this world. If ever Naruto and Sasuke learn about this, he was a dead man for sure.

“Sakura.” He grabbed her shoulder and turned her around again. His heart sank he saw tears ran down continuously on her flushed cheeks. It was his entirely his fault and guilt’ was crushing him thoroughly.

“I’m sorry… not my right… to intrude… so stupid… I’m sorry…” she said between sobs, quite reluctant to the fact that she was apologizing when he was clearly at fault. That maximized the volume of her crying.

“I—can’t really understand what you’re saying but—” with a frustrated sigh, he pulled her towards him and hugged her, “—stop crying, please?” he ran his fingers through her pink hair, wishing that it would somehow soothe her. Primarily for her to STOP crying. He was getting too uncomfortable despite the fact that he was starting to enjoy having her in his arms, sharing her warmth and all.

“Imsmfryforimrphfing…” she said with her voice muffled by Kakashi’s vest.

He slightly pulled back and wiped the tears staining her cheeks, “I don’t deserve this, so stop it.”

“Whatever I did, I’m sorry.” She returned his embrace and tightly wound her arms around his waist, “If it’s my fault why you’re acting this way, then I’ll stop. If you think I’m a nuisance, I will never bother you again, I promise.”

Kakashi chuckled, finding her ranting overly amusing. She looked so cute doing that, “Who says you’re a nuisance? Yeah, maybe sometimes—” she hit him hard on the arm, “—but if it makes you feel better, you’re wonderful that way.” And then he realized that didn’t make things any better since he received a second blow, on the stomach this time.

“Are you angry at me?” she hesitantly asked the question bothering her for days.

“Of course not.” He replied while tucking her stray hair behind her ear. “Are you?”

Her brows furrowed, “At first, yes. Who wouldn’t after ignoring me for days??” sighing she went on, “Which reminds me, don’t you ever do that again…”

“I won’t.” he promised with a smile, “I was a jerk and I admit it’s my fault. I should never treat you that way, Sakura. You’re my friend and that will never change. So don’t doubt our friendship alright?”

“As you said, it’s your fault.” After that they fell silent, still held in each other’s arms.

“So, everything’s okay between us?” Kakashi started again.

“If you stop ignoring me then I guess we’re good.” Sakura replied.

“I figured that too…”

They both pulled away from their embrace and sheepishly smiled at each other.

“That was some morning we had.” Kakashi commented with a grin.

“Yeah…” Sakura mindlessly nodded, missing the warmth.

Kakashi glanced on the window and noticed the sun rising, “I think we should pack and leave. We’re almost there.”

Her shoulders sagged; “I guess so…” she then turned and went towards the door. Before she could even open the shoji and step out, Kakashi stopped her.

“Sakura.”

She turned and arched one fine eyebrow, “Hai?”

“I missed you.” He said earnestly.

Sakura felt elated on some point. Yep, her morning was finally complete.

“I missed you too…”

TBC