Chapter Fifteen
Two in a row
“Kakashi?” Sakura blinked out of surprise as she gaped at her ex-sensei standing in front of her tent. His sudden appearance did not alone stun her, but the look of weariness surrounding the man. He was standing perfectly still there but she could tell he’s tired through the look of his eye. “What are you doing here?” It’d been only a day since she and Neji left Sunagakure. She assumed he’d never come after her or perhaps reproach her once she returned.
Kakashi stared at her, silently assessing if she’s alright. Fortunately, she looked extremely well… only a little groggy. After checking her, he swept the area with mild antipathy. “You’re in the barracks.” He simply stated which totally has no connection with Sakura’s question.
She blinked slowly at him at first as her fuzzy mind tried to digest his question. She was so busy figuring out the parasite last night and only had three hours sleep until Kakashi appeared. Not that she’s complaining or anything. In fact, she liked the fact that Kakashi followed her and glad that he’s here. She missed him greatly since for the past few days of not talking to each other. She had been rounding the hospital while he’s scouting the village for information. Both were busy and she supposed that’s the reason why she wanted to hug him right now. Unfortunately, something was a little bit off with him today. He looked… tense.
“Err… the captain arranged our stay here.” Which reminds her, where was Neji?
“Captain?”
Sakura looked around and saw a few soldiers already camping outside. “Get in.” with a nudge of her head, she made way for Kakashi to enter. Once he was inside, she closed the flap, turned around and faced him. Crossing her arms, Kakashi alleged she’s gearing up for interrogations.
“Okay, what are you doing here?” she asked again since she was blatantly ignored on her first attempt.
Kakashi sat on the unused bunk and rubbed his face with his hand. “Where’s Hyuuga?”
Sakura looked waspish at the way he kept on throwing questions back at her, “I don’t know and please answer my question.”
He was silent for a moment as if trying to figure out what he wanted to say. “Sand was attacked last night.”
Emerald eyes widened, “What?” she’s a little bit disappointed she wasn’t there to witness or be a part of it.
“It didn’t last long. The moment they appeared, they vanished.” He could clearly remember the men in black clothing jump from one roof to another. He and Shikamaru tried to track them down but they were easily diverted from a special smoke bomb they used to escape.
A frown crossed Sakura’s feature as she sat on the empty chair in front of him, “I wonder what their intentions were…” she looked up at him with peaked curiosity, “Wait, that doesn’t answer my question.”
“The Kazekage sent me here to get you and Hyuuga back.” finally, he raised his eye and looked straight at her, “This village is under the Kazekage’s watch list.”
“I don’t understand…”
“They were trying to find something, Sakura. Those intruders…” up until now he couldn’t believe the conclusion they got after that briefing the Kazekage started last night. “A report was sent to the Kazekage saying something about the Daimyo’s army settling here. That displeased him since the daimyo never informed him about this before. The group who attacked Sand last night was also seen around this village… The Kazekage wants you back until the investigation is over.”
Sakura then stood up, dusting her lap as she did so, “Well, I’m glad I’m done with it. We can go back now.” She then started to pack her things that lay on the table. Somehow, Sakura still felt that wasn’t the real reason why Kakashi came here and looked all apprehensive. Something’s bothering him and she’s determined to know what it was.
“This situation is serious,” his voice interrupted her from musing “you said it yourself.”
“I know.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me?”
Sakura stiffened. She turned to look over her shoulder. All she received was silence and that lost look on his face. That worried her. “Tell you what?” Sakura was confused all of a sudden.
“You left the village.” He spoke in the calmest voice that somehow frightens the pink-haired nin.
“Oh, that.” Despite of her queasiness, she tried to paste a smile, “Well, I needed to investigate. I asked the Kazekage to permit my leave and he did just as long as I’m with another. I asked Neji to go with me and he’s nice enough to take me up with my offer.” Then excitement replaced her fake smile and gushed at her sudden discovery, “And you what? I finally solved the problem. It was a parasite that infected the people. It was endemic, Kakashi. Ah, I bet in Konoha—”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Kakashi repeated the question quite louder than before. His face still show nonchalance but the tone of his voice gave it all away. He’s upset. Upset that Sakura went out the village where unseen enemies lurked without telling him. Upset that she took Neji instead of him.
Sakura slowly blink, hurt that Kakashi just raised his voice at her. She drew back slightly, a frown marring her face. “I thought it’s not needed…”
Kakashi’s eye narrowed, “Sakura, it’s too dangerous out here. I thought you already realized that.” I was worried.
“I did…” Sakura faintly defended.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you ask me to go with you?” his questions bombarded her a bit.
“You were busy.” Sakura countered, “You were dating Gaara’s secretary, weren’t you? I thought I wasn’t supposed to interfere!” now, she too was starting to raise her voice.
“That’s different.” Kakashi turned away, “And we’re not dating.”
OH, so he’s allowed to do his little investigation and I’m not?? Really, she was getting tired with the sexism. Why does everyone underestimate her? Is it because she’s born with breasts?? Is that her fault?? “I only did it because it’s part of my mission!”
Kakashi glared, “And it’s our mission to protect you and your trainees.” I’m here to protect you.
“I don’t need it!” Sakura yelled, shaking in anger. Does Kakashi think she’s still a twelve year old who can’t handle things on her own? “Kakashi, I’m not a child anymore! I can take care of myself!”
“Sakura…” he growled. He could feel a headache coming. Frustrated, he massaged his temple. “It’s not what I mean.” Why can’t you understand? He was upset Gaara didn’t allow him to follow her immediately. He said he’s more needed inside the village and that they’ll be fine. Funny, even the Kazekage himself trusts Sakura and her impulsive decision-making and he doesn’t. Is it my fault if I worry too much for her? And after that attack last night, no one could stop Kakashi from going. It was too dangerous for him not to do anything about it. Even the Kazekage agreed on his proposition.
And here he was…
“Yes it was.” She muttered the words laced with sullenness as she went back to packing. “It had always been. You always thought I was weak. It’s always Sasuke and Naruto, your strong students. You knew they had the potential except me.” She was now literally throwing everything inside her bag as petulance overcame her, “I’m the weakest in your team! I bet you even wished it was Ten-ten or Ino who’s in my place.” A bitter laugh erupted upon her lips. So bitter, she winced. “I knew it all along…” She had enough with the criticisms… she’s tired with the ‘weakling’ title attached on her forehead. She’s tired being the ‘weak’ one. She’s just an ordinary kunoichi with no bloodline or any kyuubi history behind her. She had a normal family, a normal life just like everybody else. She had nothing special to be proud of. Yeah, so what if the Hokage trained her. Healing is still different from the ability to defend yourself. She clearly lacks in that department.
He didn’t confront her because he wanted to imply her frailty. He was here to show her how much he cared and that he can’t let any harm come near her as long as he’s alive. During her absence, he used that time to think over his relationship with Sakura. He knew it was no longer platonic nor teacher-student relationship. It’s deeper and more meaningful and it was all over with him. “Sakura…” he planned to retaliate but Sakura beat him to it.
“And why are you so worried, sensei?” She nastily cut him short, “Neji’s with me. If you think I’m incompetent and can’t protect myself, then Neji can perfectly do that job for me!”
Upon mentioning of Neji’s name, Kakashi’s temper rose but was glad he was still able to control it. “Can’t we have a conversation that doesn’t involve Hyuuga?” his voice again rising from the uprising emotions stirring inside him. Neji and Sakura had gone together for one night and he didn’t like it.
“What?” her eyes incredulously glared at him.
“You two had been close—too close these past few days and you went out the village with him. What will the others think?” he crossed his arms, mimicking her defensive stance.
Sakura’s mouth opened and closed like a fish before exclaiming back, “It was a professional mission!”
“Is it?” Kakashi spat. The lines on his mouth tightened in frustration.
“Where are you getting at, Hatake?” she was angry—mad—upset even! “You know me better than that!”
“I was thinking if I really did.” He replied without tact, completely dropping the calm Hatake Kakashi off. He was too disappointed to pretend that he’s not affected by this when just seeing another man near her kills him. He wanted her to know that but it seems this little fight they started will prevent him from doing so.
“How dare you!” angry strides approached him as she stood there in front of him, a few inches separating them. “And this is coming from someone who courts women in bars!”
“I’m a man, Sakura. Not a saint.”
“You’re a pervert!”
“And you’re a nineteen year old virgin and still naive.”
Sakura gasped.
He meant that to taunt her but when he saw the look on her face, he immediately regretted it. He suddenly felt the urge to backtrack… but it was too late.
Her fist went straight to his face and punched him.
For someone so petite, that was a strong punch, Kakashi thought as he softly touched his tender jaw.
Sakura was shaking, eyes wide as it flared dangerously towards the older jounin. “I thought you were my friend…” even her voice quivered as tears started to flood her eyes. That was the most offending and hurtful words she had ever heard. And what hurts more is that it came straight from Kakashi’s mouth.
“I am your friend.” Kakashi said in the barest whisper as he still kept his face away from her. He was too ashamed to face Sakura. Too ashamed he just wanted to disappear and wish this had never happened.
There was silence… and then Sakura drew back her hand and stood still with her head down. “Then why can’t anyone trust me for once?” Then her eyes sought his, “Why can’t you?”
“You don’t understand.”
“I wanted to but you won’t let me!” and bit her lip hard, trying to suppress her anger. She was crying now. Why does she always have to cry in front of him?? Sakura shook her head violently, “I thought you were different!” anger flashed her eyes as she turned, wiped the tears on her cheeks and walked away. But she was abruptly stopped when Kakashi reached out and pulled her towards him. Sakura was too stunned to react until she felt his other arm encircle her waist. “Let go!” she demanded and tried to fight his hold on her but to no avail, she remained crushed against him. “Kakashi!”
“Hear me out,” it was as simple command and she mentally kicked herself for immediately abiding to it. She stopped pulling away from his hold and glared up at him with great animosity. Kakashi coolly looked down on her, completely betraying the fact that his emotions eating him inside out. It was now or never. “I want to give you something… right here, right now.”
Sakura’s anger gone astray and was now replaced with shock as Kakashi released her arm, reached his mask as he slowly pulled it down. She all of a sudden found it difficult to breathe as her heartbeat thudded inside her chest while watching each smooth patch of skin revealed. Her green eyes following the dark fabric slowly exposing the bridge of his nose and then the pristine skin…
Kakashi cherished the attention he’s getting from her as his eyes basked at the sight of her watching his every move. He admired her finely shaped eyebrow, fan-like lashes, bright emerald eyes that could swallow him any minute, the curve of her cute little nose, the light blush of her cheeks and finally, the flesh and suppleness of her lips.
The moment the mask was down, he crushed his lips on hers, letting out all his pent-up frustration and at the same time cherishing the sweetness of her lips against his. Finally, he was here, holding the woman he loved for so long, kissing her senseless in complete solitude of the tent.
Thousands of emotions brought dizziness on Sakura’s part as her legs turned jello from the passionate pressing of their lips. Kakashi… all negative emotions completely vanished to thin air as she moved her arms and wrapped them around his neck. She pulled him close, not minding the anger she felt a few seconds ago and revering with the passion he created. She didn’t want to let this piece of heaven go and neither did he as he felt his arms completely crush her form against his. How perfectly they fit, she wondered as her body arched against him in attempts of feeling him more.
He held her tightly as his kiss softened, almost loving, just enough to feel that this was reality. This was no longer a dream. His lips brushed hers softly before pulling away for the need of oxygen they had been denied. A whimper escaped her petal lips as Kakashi gently smiled at his effect on her. He leaned his forehead against hers, each breathing quite erratic, noses touching as fingers caressed every skin it could reach. His knuckles stroked the apple of her cheek as his voice spoke in the barest whisper, “I’m sorry…” he didn’t know what came over him.
Sakura looked at him with mild daze expression, running her eyes on the part of Kakashi’s face he kept for so long. No wonder he hid it under that blasted mask. He was far too beautiful without it just as what she imagined. Only the scar on his sharingan marred his face though Sakura didn’t consider it as a bad thing. His skin was smooth, his nose was perfect and his lips… oh those lips, she wanted them on hers again and let it devour her. Lightly her fingertips touched his skin, revelling at the feel of it as Kakashi closed his eyes in return. “This is not fair,” she said as her fore finger traced the outline of his lower lip. “I didn’t win… but you gave it to me.” Her eyes sought his and asked, “Why?”
“Should there be a reason to everything, Sakura?” the way his deep voice spoke her name sent shivers down her spine, making her all tingly inside. Not that it was unpleasant or anything. It actually feels nice. So nice she wanted to kiss him again, and kiss him she did.
She took the initiative and stood on tiptoes to reach him. Kakashi gladly pulled her close as he felt her hands on his chest, up to his neck until her fingers ran through his silver locks. Sakura sighed at the feel of his silky hair, marvelling it in the process. She was engulfed by intense desire that she had never felt before. He was right, she was still naïve. And suddenly, she felt ashamed. She attempted to draw back but Kakashi was too fast to stop her. He kept kissing her until her lips fell pliant again. Sakura decided to let the feeling get the better of her and melted into his embrace as she shyly kissed him back.
“Sakura!”
They broke free from their embrace and stared at each other with widened eyes. Both were breathing erratically from the loss of air. They remained like that for a few seconds until another call forced them to break apart.
Kakashi moved away and stood on the far corner, rubbing his face again. He was irritated and at the same time relieved at the interruption. God knows what he would’ve done if they continued. He sneak a glance over to the girl he was just kissing and saw her fixing her hair and clothes. Trying her best to erase the blush on her face, she went towards the flap of her tent and opened it.
“Sakura,” it was Neji and no other. He looked impatient from the fact that it took him a couple of times to call her name before she answered.
“Ah, Neji. Where have you been?” Sakura asked as she brushed the tangles on her hair with her fingers.
“Investigating,” and then something caught his eyes. Sakura followed the beeline of his stare and saw him looking at Kakashi who was looking back as well.
“Oh,” she warily looked at the two boys and said, “He’s here to take us back.” then she received an arched eyebrow from the Hyuuga prodigy, “Kazekage’s order.”
“I see.” He stepped in and still noticed Kakashi’s lingering glare. What’s up with him? He wanted to ask but refrain from doing so.
“Any information?” Kakashi collected himself together and hoped that his voice sounded neutral. This was a mission and personal affairs should not interfere. The kiss he shared with Sakura should not happen in the first place. It was a shame he just realized it now. I can’t jeopardize anything.
Neji stood straight in front of him and nodded. As much as he’s annoyed with the older jounin right now, Kakashi still needed to be respected knowing that he stands as their captain. “There were rebels spotted last night. But it seems the daimyo’s army refuses to affirm this statement.” He could still remember the hostile argument he had with the captain this morning. Neji vaguely wondered why he’s still alive. Captain Shoda was so offended; he could’ve called his dogs and ordered his death. Like that’s going to happen. He snorted at the ridiculous thought. He deserved a more honourable death than that.
“Kazekage just received the report of their stay in this village.” Kakashi pondered, “Something’s not right.”
Neji agreed with a nod, “I thought the same thing too.”
“There’s only one way to find out and that is the Daimyo’s letter. If he confirms that he didn’t assign his soldiers to scout this village, then I guess we’ll just execute proper action.” Then he added, “Just as long as it’s an order from the Kazekage.” Kakashi clearly remembered how Gaara implied that Konoha shinobis has nothing to do with Sand’s war as long as the Kazekage himself orders it. As much as he wanted to help, he couldn’t.
“I know.” Then his eyes landed on the pink-haired medic sitting on her bed. She’s awfully quiet through the whole conversation. His eyes then shifted towards the copy ninja and noticed his avoidance towards Sakura. I give up. He cleared his throat and then said, “I’ll tell them we’re leaving. I’ll see you back in the entrance.” And then with that he was gone and left the two alone.
The tension was unbearable, it almost choked her. Timidly she raised her eyes to look at him. He was still standing there, facing the direction opposite of hers. She hastily stood up, planning to pack her stuff as the only possible way to break the silence between them. For the second time of the day, his hand stopped her. She stiffened from the touch but did not dare to look back.
“Sakura… I’m sorry.” Just as when her eyes slowly widened then did it narrowed in dejection. “I shouldn’t have done that. It was a mistake… I don’t know what came over me…” he couldn’t look at her. He didn’t know what he’d do if he did.
She worried her lip between her teeth, something within her suddenly felt heavy. A mistake he says… Sakura felt as if she was in a déjà vu of some sort. Only then it was Sasuke who rejected her. Now even Kakashi… the man she leaned onto… she thought he appreciated her more than Sasuke or Naruto could ever do. It hurts… Sakura tried not to get angry, to yell, and to cry even. She’s strong. She can’t cry over her second rejection. She’s being a pro at this and she’d better be proud of it. Two in a row… wow.
“Let’s pretend this never happened. It will only jeopardize the mission…” he didn’t know if it was a good thing to say that but he’s practically telling the truth. He’s worried of what would happen and how this will affect the two of them. If they wanted peace between them of some sort, he’d better stop whatever this was.
God I hate you… she wanted to hate him, really. But she knew she couldn’t. Despite the hurtful refusal, he’s still right. They couldn’t risk anything by their foolishness. They were ninjas and as much as possible, ninjas are not meant to love.
A student-teacher love is outlawed by any village. Even if he was her former teacher, their age gap was enough for gossip-mongers to spread. If a relationship was possible between them, it’ll be difficult.
I can’t lose you as a friend and I know you think the same way too… if it is best to forget, then I’ll do it. For us… she reached out and removed his hand. Surprisingly, Kakashi was pliant and allowed her. Once that was settled, she turned to him with a smile already glued on her face. It didn’t even reach her eyes, Kakashi sadly thought. “Let’s go then. Don’t want to keep Neji from waiting, ne?”
He didn’t know if this was a good or a bad thing.
Kakashi could only wonder.
**
Travelling with the person you least wanted to talk to was difficult for a soft-heartened woman like Sakura. She tried her best to avoid him and luckily she was able to do so. Kakashi on the other hand acted as a professional and ignored their current situation. He’s focused to get this job done and then he will talk to her to settle the tension between them. For now, he’d better get used to being ignored. Neji was caught in the middle and for being the genius that he is, he did the only practical thing to do. He’s blind, deaf, and mute over the situation. Like Kakashi, he’s determined to finish the mission as soon as possible.
Upon their arrival, the three parted on their respective rooms and slept the rest of the night.
**
“What?”
Gaara stood near the balcony of his office with both hands behind his back. His eyes moved to see her face and he was right. She was downright confused. That made him happy. He returned his gaze back towards the orange sky of Sand Village and said, “The Hokage requests for your return. It seems your assumptions were right. Your village too suffers the same disease. She said she expects you to return together with the other two jounins.”
“Only two of them?” Sakura asked, “What about the other one.”
“One jounin will be left to secure the safety of your trainees. The other two are asked to report back to the Hokage immediately.”
“Who’s staying?”
“I am.”
Sakura turned to see the person who entered the office. “Shikamaru?”
Shikamaru lackadaisically shrugged his shoulders, “Felt like staying.”
Sakura smiled, “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you’re avoiding someone.”
Shikamaru arched an eyebrow. She perfectly knew who she was referring to.
Sakura rolled her eyes, “I’m glad I knew you then.” She added silently as she once again returned her attention towards the Kazekage.
Gaara felt unsure about that smile she just showed. He assumed something may have occurred, and probably that white-haired jounin has got to do with it after receiving a rather annoying interrogation from him when Sakura left for her investigation.
Even Shikamaru noticed the changes. He suspected it has something to do with the copy ninja. Who wouldn’t? He’s choking from the tension-filled silence they created during their briefing this morning. He suddenly pitied Neji for the fact that he’ll be stuck in their company until they reach Konoha.
Sakura waited for Gaara to say something when suddenly, a slash of white caught the corner of her eyes. It seems the presence of Kakashi and Neji too were called by the Kazekage. They entered the room and stood on either side of her and Shikamaru. She stiffened when Kakashi took the place next to her. Since this morning, they had been trying to avoid each other.
Once they were complete, Gaara went back to his chair and observed the group silently. It seems the interaction between Kakashi and Sakura mostly caught his attention. His eyes lingered on the two for a moment before asking the inevitable, “When do you plan to leave?”
“Dawn is the best time to travel, Kazekage-sama.” Kakashi affirmed sternly.
Gaara nodded in approval, “You can travel through the path I used towards Konoha. In three days, you’ll reach your destination.”
Kakashi tipped his head, “Hai.”
Gaara then handed them a scroll containing the personal information and message addressed to the Hokage. Neji took it since he was assigned to give the said scroll once they get back.
When the formalities were over, they left his office with Sakura giving him one last smile.
That girl really did get through him somehow, Gaara mused to himself as he once again immersed himself with overdue paperwork.
**
Outside, Neji went to ask Shikamaru, “How long will you stay here?” he asked a bit hopeful.
Shikmaru lazily grinned, “Why, Neji. I didn’t know you cared.” He teased and his grinned widened when Neji scowled. “I dunno… a week I guess.”
Neji snorted, “I thought it’ll be a lot longer than that.”
It was Shikamaru’s turn to scowl, “Say more and I’ll ask the Kazekage to prolong your stay too.”
Neji smirked at the threat, “Do that and I’ll tell him you’re hitting on his sister.” He tipped his head towards Gaara’s office.
Oh, Shikamaru knew he lost there. “Psh, whatever.” He turned away and noticed Sakura looking absently afar. He followed the beeline of her stare and saw Kakashi talking to Gaara’s secretary. A smirk tugged his lips as he moved his eyes towards Neji.
Neji noticed this and frowned, “What?”
Shikamaru patted is shoulder and said, “Good luck.”
Confused, Neji crossed his arms as he watched Shikamaru leave the building. What was that for? And then at that moment, his eyes laid on Maiya batting her eyelashes towards the copy ninja. His eyes shifted towards Sakura who watched them as if she just lost the highest prize in a lotto game. Now he knew exactly what Shikamaru’s trying to imply. Good luck indeed.
TBC