Chapter Six
Don’t go
Snow drizzled continuously that morning as she walked the pave path towards the boundary of Konoha. It seemed the weather itself disapproved on her decision of leaving. There are a lot of things she forgot before leaving. One is getting out from this stupid wedding Kimono, two she forgot to pack and three she forgot to leave a note for her parents.
The wind blew harshly and made her skin prickle. Nevertheless, she continued walking in small footsteps her kimono allowed her to make.
“I knew I’d find you here.” A familiar, ominous voice drawled somewhere and made her halt her steps.
Oh no… slowly, she turned her head and saw the least person she wanted to see right now. “S-Sasuke??” she stuttered with eyes wide open, “H-how did you—?”
Uchiha Sasuke stepped out of the shadows with crossed arms and still in his wedding attire. He looks gravely upset. “This is the path taken by ninjas who leaves Konoha…” his eyes caught hers and glared, “We’ve been here before, Sakura” He softly mused. She felt rooted on the spot as Sasuke took the opportunity to walk around her. “Except I was the one in your place. You should’ve seen your face before. You were crying… begging me to stay.” He stopped and looked down at her, “Do you expect me to do the same thing? Beg on my knees and cry like a baby? Is that what you want, Sakura?”
“Stop it!” Sakura exclaimed.
This of course did not stop him, “Who do you think you are? Making me follow all the way here and being so troublesome??”
The medic nin ignored him.
Sasuke finally snapped, “You said you love me! Why are you being so difficult??”
Sakura couldn’t speak. She had no idea what to say but her mind was reeling with anger. Of course she remembered that say he went off to find Orochimaru! She actually begged Sasuke to stay and confessed her undying love for him. Love… what did she knew about love? She was only twelve back then for cryin’ out loud! Her infatuation for the Uchiha was long gone.
Her eyes turned glassy as tears welled, “So that’s it, huh? You think because I confessed that I love you makes me an easy woman to impregnate!” She trembled from this realization. “Is that what I am to you? It’s not because I said I loved you means you can easily marry me and ask for an heir!” oh great, now she was crying. She felt a tear slide down her cheek and immediately she wiped it away. She couldn’t let this bastard see her cry… not again.
For the first time, Sasuke was at a loss. Her tears affected him to some extent that made speaking quite difficult. He only stood there and watched her, almost feeling sorry for what he had just done.
Sakura shook her head, “Just—just leave me alone!” she tried to walk pass him but an arm immediately grabbed hers and stopped her from taking another step.
“I don’t understand…” Sasuke started rather confused. He side-glanced at her but she did not return the look he’s giving her, “What happened?” he don’t understand why Sakura was being like this. She likes him a lot doesn’t she? Back then she always find a chance on throwing herself at him. She even confessed that she loved him before he left.
When Sakura offered no answer, Sasuke’s eyes dangerously narrowed and his usual indifferent voice toned lower, “It’s Kakashi, isn’t it?”
Sakura jerk at the mentioning of their ex-sensei’s name as her eyes fell wide. What? Abruptly, she turned her head and replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” At the last word, Sakura winced as Sasuke gripped her arm non-too gently.
“Admit it!” Sasuke growled at her pretences, “You’ve grown close with the man since I went away. Some say you and Kakashi got a relationship going on, is this true??” when Uchiha Sasuke demanded answers, he always got them. He didn’t acquire the Captain position in the ANBU squad because of his infamous bloodline. He had worked hard for everything he achieved.
Sakura’s lips tightened into a thin line while watching the fire of fury dancing around Sasuke’s onyx eyes, “Yes, we do have a relationship.” Sasuke growled at this answer, “We’re great friends now. He’s the best listener and adviser I ever had.” Her eyes then drifted and looked daze, “When you went away to find Orochimaru, he’s the one who comforted me. He’s all I had back then…”
Sasuke did not like one bit of what he was seeing. The two had gone really close and despite of Sakura’s constant proclaiming that she and Kakashi are just friends; Sasuke could still see utter admiration within the girl’s emerald eyes.
It angered him. “Liar!” he used brute force by pushing her that made Sakura stumbling backwards. Sakura landed hard on the ground earning her a pain shooting straight into her spine and the rough pavement gashed her arms and legs. A whimper was heard while the Uchiha just stared in utter stun. I never… I couldn’t… I never meant to… Sasuke had no intention on hurting her. He was driven by anger and unintentionally inflicted pain. Sakura… I… his anger towards the pink haired kunoichi shifted and now he was angry with himself. How could he do that to her? How could he hurt her?
Sakura could not believe how Sasuke managed to wound her emotionally and physically all at the same time. This is something Sakura could not pass. It was too much.
“Sakura,” he started and went to help her up.
She quickly stood up on her own and regarded the other with bitter eyes. “I’ve had enough.” She was about to turn on her heels when suddenly, she was stopped for the second time.
“Don’t leave.” Sasuke almost choked his words. The irony of this situation kills him. “I… I will not bother you anymore.” This caught her attention and she slightly turned her head to see if he was sincere. When he saw this, he hesitantly looked away, “I will call off the wedding… I’ll talk to your parents if you want. Just don’t go. Naruto will kill me. I can’t let you ruin your life here because of me. It’s unacceptable…”
“Sasuke…”
Sasuke turned and went off like the wind. He disappeared quickly and left a rather stunned kunoichi behind. She stared blankly on the spot where the Uchiha previously stood, trying to decide if this really was happening or just a trick of her imagination.
“Ow…” Sakura cringed when she accidentally brushed the gash on her wrist. “I’m not dreaming alright...”
**
He would’ve chopped his legs off so he could stop pacing back and forth in his living room. He didn’t know what he’s supposed to do in this kind of situation. The moment she jumped off his window and ran away, Kakashi immediately changed into his Jounin clothes and planned to see the Hokage at once. But as he reached the door of his apartment, he hesitated to go out… and that’s when the pacing started.
That’s it; I’m going to see the Hokage. Brushing a hand through his mussed hair, he reached for the door when suddenly, a knock resounded on the other side.
His brows furrowed. Who could it be?
Another knock was heard and this moved him to turn the knob and open the door.
As his visitor was revealed, his brows rose as confusion crossed his face. “Sakura?” for the second time that day, Sakura unpredictably appeared before him.
The look on her face somehow made him worried. Her head’s bent down low, her usual vibrant eyes clouded with an emotion he could not name and snowflakes covered her shoulder and the top of her head.
“Kakashi…” her deadpanned voice called his name.
He was about to ask what was wrong but Sakura cut him short and stepped inside his apartment as well as his personal space at the same time. She leaned against him and laid her forehead against his chest. All he could do was stand there and wait.
“I want—can I stay here… just for tonight?”
Kakashi didn’t say anything in reply. Instead, he sighed, pulled Sakura to the living room and closed the door behind him.
He turned to look at her and saw that she already took a seat on his couch. He pinched the bridge of his nose before he walked towards her. Taking the seat next to her, Kakashi waited. He knew she’d spill the beans soon as she knows he’s ready to listen.
When she felt the couch deepen next to her, Sakura’s hands formed a fist on her lap. “He told me not to leave the village.” Her words caused confusion for the older Jounin. As if sensing this, she went to clarify who she was referring to, “Sasuke… he followed me.”
His exposed eye slightly widened, “He did?”
“He—he hurt my feelings. He forced me to marry him in order to revive his clan; he insulted me and thought I was an easy woman. But in the end, he apologized.” Out of frustration, she shook her head violently, “I don’t understand! Why is Sasuke acting so strange? He wasn’t like that before!” in her mind, she replayed the past events in full concentration.
-
-
Sasuke’s eyes narrowed and then crossed his arms. Sighing, he replied, “We both know that I’m the last heir of my clan—”
Sakura averted her eyes and grunted, “You’re not.”
A scowl crossed the Uchiha prodigy, “What did you say?”
Sakura turned her head and glared back, “Itachi’s—”
“—non-existent.”
-
-
“Maybe he changed for the better.” Kakashi answered. Come to think of it, Sasuke’s… for the lack of a better word… amenable now than before. He acknowledges everyone… even Lee whom he thinks before was not worthy of his time. Also, there’s his decision of reviving his clan and starting a family. Something must’ve happened before he returned from that mission for him to decide such thing.
Sakura gave a long side-glance at him, “You really think so?”
He shrugged his shoulders, “If not, maybe he really likes you.”
At that, she huffed, “I told you he only wants me to bear little Uchihas that will continue his bloodline.”
“He’s a genius, Sakura. I don’t think his decision of marrying you just effortlessly popped in his head. There’s got to be a reason other than that.” Kakashi couldn’t believe he’s actually taking Sasuke’s side. That morning he wished that the wedding would be cancelled for good knowing that he’s not yet ready to address Sakura as an Uchiha. What do you really want, Kakashi?
“And what reasons would that be?” Sakura’s brows furrowed, “Sasuke’s an enigma. I’ll never know what’s going on inside his head. Not until he lets someone to do so.”
“Did you ask him?”
She rolled her eyes, “What’s the use? I’ll never get straight answers from that guy.”
“Hn, I guess you’re right.”
…
“Sensei…”
“Hm?”
“You know, my parents are probably throwing a fit right now.”
He was glad she said that. It somehow lightened the mood. “If I was your father, I’d do more than throwing a fit.”
Sakura lightly reminded, “But you’re not my father.”
“Well, lucky you.” A weak smile formed beneath his mask that in some way calmed Sakura. Today’s events wore her out. She’d give anything to curl up in her bed right now. Going outside and seeing her friends—except Sasuke, who would only make her day more miserable. She needed time. And she believed Sasuke knows that.
“I want to stay…”
“I didn’t object.”
“Well—thank you.”
There was silence.
And then…
“I—I’ll cook dinner if you want.” She looked up to him expectantly.
Kakashi stared at her for a moment and then flashed another lopsided smile. “I already ate.” He lied of course. Pacing back and forth while thinking about Sakura’s safety made him forget the fact that he had to eat. Also, he couldn’t let her cook in this condition. She was tired both emotionally and physically. “Are you hungry?” he asked, knowing that she too wandered around Konoha with an empty stomach.
Sakura forced a grin but failed. Instead, she shook her head, “No.” I lost my appetite…
“You’re tired.” Kakashi stood up and crossed his arms, “Go take a shower, I’ll lend you some of my old clothes and you can go to bed.” He instructed in a way that brought a look of distaste from the other.
“Yes, mother.” Reluctantly she stood up and started walking towards… wait a minute! She slowly turned and gave a sheepish smile, “Err… where’s the bathroom?”
**
Three men met up at the bridge right after the sun disappeared that afternoon.
“Any luck?” Naruto asked the second Jounin who arrived.
“I can’t find her anywhere.” Answered Neji, who agreed on going with the search party after seeing Naruto beg on his knees.
“You?” Naruto asked Shikamaru, who too searched after receiving a blood curling nag from his girlfriend—who else? Ino.
“Troublesome as it was…” Nara Shikamaru scratched his cheek. “I can’t find her too.”
The blonde gritted his teeth, “Dammit! Where is she?”
“Give it up, will you? Sakura’s old enough to find her way home.” Neji said, obviously quite tired from the vain searching for that pink-haired medic-nin.
“Neji’s right,” Shikamaru added, “She’ll come out when she’s ready. If I were on her shoes, I would’ve done the same thing.” A forced marriage was something he totally disagreed onto. Asides from the fact that it is so troublesome to marry someone that you don’t love, it also takes a lot of time and effort to prepare. That’s why he wasn’t fussing over Sakura’s disappearance. She was a good friend of his and Neji’s as well. They both knew Sakura needed some time to think. If only they could convince Naruto not to worry too much, they’ll be able to retire for the night.
“I’m going home.” Shikamaru declared before turning on his heels and walking off.
“What?” Naruto exclaimed.
“Yeah, me too.” And soon, Neji followed.
“Hey!” The blonde protested.
“I said give it up and go home.” Neji replied.
“Ja!” Shikamaru waved and tucked his hands on his pocket as he and Neji left.
“B-but!” Naruto blubbered, “Sakura’s parents will kill me! Oi!!!”
Naruto shut his mouth the moment he heard a soft thud behind him. He looked back and saw a tall, dark figure heading his way. Narrowing his eyes, Naruto tried to decipher who this person is. Then the fog vanished and the tall form of Uchiha Sasuke appeared before him. “Sasuke!” he immediately ran to meet him half way, “Where have you been?? Do you know where Sakura is? Did you find her?”
Sasuke ignored him and kept walking.
Why do people keep on walking away from him like that?? Naruto angrily turned on his heels and yelled, “Hey! I’m talking to you, you bastard! Where is she?”
“In a place where she’s supposed to be.”
Naruto looked at him as if he’d grown two heads, “Ha? I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.”
“You worry too much.” Those were the last words he said before he vanished.
The blonde fell agape. First, his two companions left him and now Sasuke’s talking in riddles. Slapping a hand on his forehead, Naruto muttered to himself, “I am so dead…” the faces of Sakura’s parents flashed in his head.
**
Sakura cautiously looked around the room. She’d been here before—well, the last and first time she’d ever been here was this morning. Her eyes swept each object, noting that the only furniture in it was the bed and the chair on the far corner.
“Something wrong?” Kakashi’s voice made her jump slightly. As she did this, her movement caused her to bump against something hard behind her. Curiously looking pass her shoulder, she was surprised to see Kakashi’s clothed chest. Her eyes went wide and a blush crossed her cheeks. She immediately moved away and gripped tightly on the pillow she borrowed between her arms.
“N-nothing’s wrong! I-I was just…” sighing she turned and lowered her head, “I just want to thank you again for letting me stay.”
Kakashi chuckled at the display and shook his head, “For the umpteenth time, Sakura, don’t mention it.”
Sakura blushed again and gave a small smile. “Sorry.” As she did this, her eyes trailed over to her ex-sensei and noticed him wearing normal clothes other than the Jounin get-up he always wore outside. A pair of sweat pants and a simple white shirt. His headband was discarded but the mask was still on. His bangs hid his Sharingan well beneath. Noticing that she was now gawking at her sensei, she immediately looked away, swearing that his face couldn’t get any hotter.
Little did she know Kakashi was doing the same thing as well. He smiled at the sight of her, wearing his old sweat pants that hang low on her hips and his shirt twice her size. She looked so small and fragile inside his clothes. He wouldn’t mind seeing her like this everyday.
“Let’s get some sleep then.” Kakashi broke the pregnant silence as he closed the door behind him.
Her eyes flew wide as she watched him do this. “W-were sharing the same room? Y-you’re going to sleep here??” her nervousness peaked as the other walked across the room and shutting the windows closed to prevent snow from entering his room.
“Why not? I live here.”
“I-I know that!” Sakura could swear her voice was shaking, “A-are we gonna share the same bed too?”
Kakashi turned to her and as if to taunt her, he smirked and said, “You don’t expect me to sleep on the floor when my bed can accommodate two people in it, do you?”
Sakura’s mind reeled as he said this. Same bed? Me, Kakashi-sensei… same bed?? As if he hadn’t done enough to make her fluster, he started taking off his shirt. “W-what are you doing?”
“Taking off my shirt.” As if he didn’t state the obvious, “I sleep like this all the time. Or do you want me to go all the way?” he moved his brows suggestively.
Her cheeks looked like a ripen tomato as embarrassment engulfed her. He’s doing this on purpose! With an annoyed stomp of her feet, she said, “I’m sleeping on the couch!”
Kakashi prevented himself from laughing out loud. Pushing her to her limits caused him so much fun. “No you’re not. You’re sleeping here.” As if to show his point, he tapped the empty space beside him.
Sakura looked at him warily and he looked back with mirth dancing in his exposed eye.
He was teasing her and it got the better of her. With the determination to slap his stupid innuendos right onto his face, Sakura placed the pillow between them and climbed the bed.
Grabbing the end of the comforter, she tucked herself in and turned on her side, “Don’t come near me, do you understand?”
“Ah, giving me the cold shoulder again?” Kakashi teased on the other side.
“Shut up.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna crawl on you.”
“Perv.”
Kakashi chuckled, “Good night—honey…”
Sakura gritted her teeth, “Go to sleep, old man.”
“That’s low, Sakura.”
“You started it.”
“…”
“Good night, Kakashi…” she finally said softly before yawning as sleep started to claim her.
A smile ghosted his lips, “Yeah, you too.”
TBC