Path of thorns [Chapter 8]

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Arc II: Sand

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Chapter Eight

 

A perv, A sloth, A genius and A medic: Perfect combination?

 

The moment she stepped inside the Hokage’s office, Sakura’s mouth fell agape.

 

“Oh, there you are.” Tsunade calmly addressed her student with both hands folded on the table.

 

Sakura blinked when she saw Hatake Kakashi standing silently in front of Tsunade’s table.

 

All these years of knowing him, not once did he ever manage to come early in mission briefings than her or Naruto or even Sasuke!

 

She always came first while he came in last with his pathetic excuse of encountering a lost dolphin outside his house.

 

But this time…

 

He was earlier than her…

 

EARLIER THAN HER!

 

HER!!!                                                                                 

 

The words echoed thoroughly inside her head.

 

Is it the end of the world already? She knew she was exaggerating a bit too much but the shock of seeing him like a punctual jounin made her world turn upside down.

 

“Well, are you just gonna stand there and gape like an idiot?” The blond Hokage commented minus the acrimony. “Come here, Sakura. I don’t have all day!"

 

She did as what she was told and stood next to her sensei who was smiling underneath his mask. Giving a petulant pout, Sakura fixed her eyes towards the Hokage who was watching the exchange with mild amusement.

 

“Before we start,” her eyes directly addressed the pink-haired jounin, “I just want you to know that the—events—that happened yesterday is well forgotten by everyone. You need not to worry as what that boy told me.”

 

Sasuke. She had no idea whether to be grateful or get disappointed at the way he behaved these past few days. But then since she’s up for another mission, that’ll help her escape the tension around Konoha. The chances of seeing Sasuke again will be thin… at least for awhile. And he’s the last person she wanted to see right now.

 

“So, about the mission.” Kakashi immediately interfered after noticing how Sakura indulged herself on la-la land.

 

“Yes,” Tsunade nodded, “A messenger from Sand came yesterday and delivered a request letter from the Kazekage. As you can see, a suspicious group was spotted lurking around their border. The said group injured a lot of jounins from the Wind country. An attack from the enemies occurred three days ago and Sand’s quite desperate for more medics to treat their men.”

 

“Why?” Sakura asked. The request letter was just—odd on some point.

 

“It’s because at the same time, an epidemic spread and most of the children caught it. The Kazekage fears that the epidemic and the unseen enemies might damage the Sand Village greatly.”

 

“So, they have no idea who’s running the group?” Like Sakura, Kakashi found it quite unusual. If Sand wasn’t able to detect whoever’s attacking them, then that only means it was no ordinary group. Could it be? Then he quickly ignored his preceding thoughts, Not possible… Sasuke already killed him. So as what he said… but even he doubted the fact that Uchiha Itachi’s dead. It just came out of Sasuke’s mouth when he returned, tattered and worn-out. He said he killed his brother and that’s that. After his proclamation, everyone believed his words. Kakashi wasn’t so convinced though. Even the Hokage did not believe him at first and still sent a search party for the Akatsuki’s. But for the past few years, they hadn’t heard nor seen any of them. They disappeared… all of them. Did Sasuke really kill his brother?

 

“None. These rebels move in stealth. Sand’s threatened by them.”

 

“I’m one of the medics you’re going to send, huh?” Sakura cocked her head on the side. Good. She needed to get away from here.

 

“Yes, along with your team of four.” Tsunade referred to the interns Sakura was handling in the hospital. “Kakashi, Neji and Shikamaru will accompany you there.”

 

“All three of them?” Sakura was a little surprised at this.

 

“Yes. All three of them.” The Hokage confirmed, “I can’t risk our own medics. We need them as much as the other villages do.” Sighing, she went on, “Now for the strategy. As usual, do not use the straight route.” Her finger directed a circular motion until it reached the border.

 

“We’ll circle around to avoid confrontations.” Kakashi agreed on the plan as she continued. This was the best way to avoid attracting too much attention.

 

“Exactly.” Rolling the map again, Tsunade dropped the paper on the side of her table, “Once you reported to the Kazekage, Hatake, Nara and Hyuuga will report back to me as soon as possible.” Her eyes immediately caught Sakura’s, “Stay there for a week and then come back here and give me the initial report personally. With the trouble Sand’s facing right now, I don’t trust anyone sending vital information without them pilfering it.” She noticed the look on her student’s eyes, “You know what I mean.”

 

Sakura nodded. Orochimaru was still hiding somewhere around Wind country. Who knows? Maybe he was the one who planned those attacks against Sand. Perhaps even the epidemic was his cause too. It’s possible… that man is evil.

 

“Anything else?” Kakashi interrupted.

 

Tsunade gave a long sigh. She’d been giving orders since the moment she woke up this morning, “Just do what I instructed you to do and everything will be fine.”

 

“Clear.”

 

“When do we leave?” Sakura asked after removing her gaze away from the map and into her superior’s.

 

Tsunade smiled, “Tomorrow.”

 

**

 

After the briefing, both jounins walked out and headed home in silence. Kakashi was happy to walk her home of course. The smile on his face was enough proof.

 

“What are you smiling at?” he gave her an innocent look but that failed miserably.

 

His eyebrow arched at her, “Is it a crime to smile once in awhile?”

 

Sakura looked at him and then shook her head, “Whatever it is, it better not be me.”

 

“What do you mean?” the man faked innocence.

 

The pink-haired nin blatantly accused, “You’re looking at me.”

 

“Aren’t you a little high of yourself? What makes you think I’m looking and smiling at you?” the moment he said those words, he immediately regretted it and mentally kicked himself. The way she looked away with—what?—disappointment in her eyes made him realize that he offended her.

 

Sakura had no idea why but her heart sank when he said that. Yeah… I’m not worth your smile… everyone knows that… For someone who bickered with him for years and been slapped with a witty remark right in the face, she’s acting kind of strange. She’s supposed to be used to it by now! But why am I so disappointed? Then her inner voice immediately answered, Perhaps you’re expecting him to shower you with honeyed words and phrases until you melt like a puddle of goo. Sakura, I think you’re starting to fall— Sakura immediately stopped herself from thinking further before she realized something she will regret.

 

Kakashi noticed her stop and this made him feel guiltier. Could she be that upset?

 

“Sakura?”

 

Snapping out from her trance-like-state, her eyes sought his and they looked at each other for a moment that seemed like eternity. Finding this quite ridiculous, Sakura cleared her throat and forced her eyes away from his.

 

What was that?

 

“You can stop imitating me now. Walk, Kakashi.” She herself wasn’t sure if her voice sounded normal.

 

Her voice brought him out of his stupor and noticed Sakura walking way ahead. With a sigh, he went to follow closely behind her.

 

There was silence again. Though this time, Sakura appreciated it. She’s not even sure if she’ll be able to talk without stuttering in front of him.

 

“How are you now?” Kakashi felt the need of using his voice.

 

“What?” she asked, quite confused and then understood what he really was asking. Realization dawn her and then replied, “Oh, yeah I’m fine.”

 

“And your parents?”

 

Finally, the tension broke the minute she recalled her encounter with her parents that morning.

 

“You will never believe what happened,” she started and began telling him how her parents acted like nothing occurred yesterday. Just like what everybody else is doing.

 

“Hm, I guess Sasuke’s really serious about clearing both of your names.” That was good of course.

 

Sakura nodded, “Now I’m compelled to thank him.” Her eyes lowered, “That’s the least thing I could do.” Then she turned to him, “Have you seen him, by the way?”

 

Kakashi shook his head, “No, I haven’t.”

 

Sakura nodded, “I see.” She was half disappointed, half glad she didn’t see Sasuke today. That would be awkward.

 

They continued walking until they reached the familiar intersection. Both separated their ways the moment Sakura convinced Kakashi not to walk her home.

 

Her parents might not like seeing their daughter who’s supposed to marry yesterday with another man.

 

A former sensei or not. She couldn’t risk the chances.

 

**

 

“WHAT??” A female voice shrieked so loud, all the birds sleeping on their nests flew away in alarm.

 

“It’s a mission, woman! What am I supposed to do?” a bored, drawling voice retorted back.

 

“YOU’VE JUST RETURNED AND YOU’RE GOING AWAY AGAIN?? I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU!”

 

“Again, I said—It’s-a-mission! I can’t refuse the Hokage! She’ll kill me!”

 

“YOU AND YOUR STUPID EXCUSES! JUST SAY IT! YOU DON’T LOVE ME ANYMORE! YOU DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT WHAT I FEEL!”

 

“Oh, don’t start on me again…” the voice almost pleaded.

 

“I HATE YOU, YOU LAZY JERK! GET OUT! GET OUT!” and then the female cried, just as loud as she shrieked.

 

“Gladly!”

 

Slamming the door behind him, Shikamaru grunted as he stepped outside the wintry afternoon. “Women, so troublesome…” he grumbled to himself as he scratched the back of his head in annoyance. Up until now he had no idea how he ended up with that loudmouth.

 

Oh yeah, because you love her you big, lazy idiot.

 

And now he wondered WHY?

 

She maybe a loudmouth but she’s still caring and loving when she’s not mad.

 

Except her being a noisy, blonde bitch attitude weighed heavier than her good traits.

 

“I knew I got the right house.”

 

Shikamaru almost tripped backwards from the sudden intrusion, “N-Neji?? Goddammit, don’t go appearing like that again! You spooked the shit out of me!”

 

The other ghosted a smile, his colourless eyes watching Shikamaru twitch with mild amusement, “Did I?”

 

Shikamaru snarled at his witty reply, “What are you doing here?” then his eyes narrowed, “How’d you find me?”

 

Neji shrugged, “Easy. I just had to follow her voice.” He tipped his head towards the apartment behind him.

 

And then it just occurred to Shikamaru that he was blatantly kicked out of HIS OWN apartment! Ticked by this fact, Shikamaru felt like destroying something yet too lazy to do so. “I’d better steal that extra key from her.” He muttered as numerous ideas of stealing the key of his apartment flashed his mind.

 

“Did you say something?” Neji’s brows arched.

 

“Nothing!” Shikamaru snapped. He was definitely NOT in the mood. “So, what are you doing here?” it’s not everyday he was visited by the Hyuuga genius. Yeah, they’ve been on missions together before but none of them still considered each other as friends to visit each other’s home. A team mate, or probably an acquaintance is more acceptable.

 

“Sakura said we’ll meet in the bridge by dawn.” Neji then added, “Hokage-sama’s orders.”

 

“Yeah, yeah.” Shikamaru waved a dismissive hand, “If there’s anyone she should remind about time… that would be Kakashi.” Looking at Neji, he asked, “Anything else?”

 

Neji kept his straight face. That smile he showed a few minutes ago (yeah right!) was a mistake. But seeing Shikamaru’s pallor face was worth his amusement. He couldn’t help it. “No, that’s it.” Making a gesture that he’s about to leave, Neji said, “See you tomorrow.” And with that, he started walking away.

 

Fifteen steps, he counted, until he heard his familiar voice call out to him, “H-hey! Wait!”

 

Neji stopped his steps and looked over his shoulder. The look of apathy was still there though he’s curiousness of what Shikamaru was up to was not.

 

“Where are you going?” Shikamaru dumbly asked.

 

“Home.” Neji internally winced. He lived there, yes, but he didn’t belong there. It was Hinata’s home, not his.

 

“Let’s get a drink before we risk our asses off tomorrow.” Shikamaru said and started walking ahead. Actually, the real reason was that he was avoiding Ino for the rest of the night. Going home drunk will save him from her unbearable nagging.

 

Neji frowned, “I haven’t agreed yet.”

 

Shikamaru offhandedly shrugged his shoulders, “You have no other choice.”

 

“We have a mission tomorrow.” Neji weakly protested.

 

“As I said no-other-choice.”

 

Clear eyes widened and then narrowed. This Nara boy does have a lot of air in him. Finding that he had-as what Shikamaru said no-other-choice, Neji followed closely behind.

 

A little drinking wouldn’t hurt.

 

At least, that’s what he hoped.

 

Having a hangover while in a mission’s definitely inappropriate.

 

**

 

The next day, everyone gathered on the bridge the moment dawn struck. Well, all except for...

 

“Kakashi…” Sakura’s brow twitched irritably. Her morning was obviously destroyed. Noting that Kakashi wasn’t the only who failed to meet the scheduled time.

 

Even Shikamaru and Neji are late!

 

Hyuuga Neji, of all people!

 

“Haruno-san, we’re falling way behind the schedule. Do you think we should leave now?” one of the medics she was handling asked timidly. Everyone could see how pissed off their superior was.

 

“As much as I want to, we can’t.” sighing, she hoped Tsunade-sama assigned more punctual jounins to accompany them instead. “We can’t travel without them. Hokage’s orders.”

 

“But the sun’s already up!” another medic whined.

 

Sakura apologetically shook her head, “Give them five more minutes and then we leave.” But inside, she was already fuming. How can they be so unprofessional??

 

As if on cue, three figures emerged from the horizon.

 

“They’re here!” she heard someone said behind her.

 

“Finally!” another one commented.

 

Neji was the first one to arrive from the three, looking a bit tired.

 

Shikamaru was not far behind him, looking as tired as Neji.

 

And finally, Kakashi appeared. An apologetic smile already plastered on his face.

 

That git. Sakura gave him a disapproving look.

 

Neji passed by her and she was about to open her mouth to ask what was wrong though he beat her up to it.

 

“Don’t ask.” He said while rubbing his temple. The headache wouldn’t go away and he had no idea if he could ever function well on their trip to Fukuoka.

 

Shikamaru came next and again, Sakura did the same only to be silenced by his hand.

 

As Kakashi neared, he grinned widely and said, “Funny story. This morning two—”

 

“Dolphins.” Sakura supplied, quite ticked off. Her arms were crossed while she tapped her foot on the ground.

 

As if to tease her more, he cocked his head on the side, “I was going to say penguins this time.”

 

Sakura glared at him, hard, “Whatever.”

 

“Hm, somebody’s not in the mood today.” Kakashi commented as he started to lead the way. His smirk grew wider when he felt her eyes burning holes on the back of his neck.

 

**

 

“Naruto?”

 

A cheeky grin smeared all-over the blonde’s face, “’bout time you showed up!”

 

The other grunted, “You just love telling me that.”

 

“Pfft!” crossing his arms angrily, Naruto replied, “Well, I wouldn’t if you stop hiding away from everyone.”

 

Onyx eyes glared him down, “I wasn’t hiding.”

 

“…right.” Jumping off a rather large boulder outside the Uchiha residence, Naruto once again gave that big sunny smile, almost blinding Sasuke until his eyes burned into ashes. “In case you didn’t know, it’s been three days since you became cooped inside that house of yours.”

 

“It’s been that long?” Sasuke most mused to himself. With all the thinking he did just caused time fly by so fast.

 

“So I believe that we should go out and spar!” smirking, the blonde haughtily continued, “I bet with all the sitting and sleeping you did back there sore that sorry ass of yours.”

 

In return, Sasuke regarded him coolly, “And what makes you think I’ll go spar with you, dobe? Not worth my time.”

 

“And moping for three days straight is a lot more meaningful??” the other snapped loudly.

 

“Maybe…”

 

“Gah! You’re an asshole!”

 

Sasuke smirked, as usual finding victory with their petty argument was easy enough. It had always been like this; Naruto challenging him into a fight, yelling, insulting, and screaming even shrieking at some point when Naruto was finally over the edge. Seeing him all riled up just makes his day.

 

But today was different.

 

Despite of how much he tried to pretend he hated Naruto, his physical and mental being refused to do so.

 

It was odd, really.

 

“Don’t worry.” Naruto said, “She’s not here. No one will remind her of that day anymore.”

Who’s not here? Sasuke’s brows frown turned deeper, “What do you mean?”

“Sakura’s out in a mission. It’ll probably be a long before she comes back.”

 

“What?” now, the Uchiha genius was glaring daggers, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

 

Naruto gave him a ‘duh-you’re-so-stupid’ look, “You wanted to brood alone, remember?”

 

“I wasn’t brooding,” Sasuke reasoned out, “I was just trying to regain my hon—”

 

“Before you finish that sad remark for an excuse, I want to ask you something.” Seeing that Sasuke’s expecting him to continue, he said, “What did you tell to Sakura that day—” then he faltered, feeling awfully uncomfortable, “—you know—that day you went after her.”

 

“Why do you want to know?”

 

“Because she’s my friend.”

 

“What do you want to know?”

 

“Everything.”

 

Sasuke stared at him for a moment. A long pause occurred and then…

 

“What makes you think I will tell you?”

 

“Because I’m-your-friend!” Naruto never thought Sasuke would reach the limit of annoying him up to the boiling point. But then, this is Sasuke we’re talking about. He’s been doing it ever since, always getting the rise out of him and such.

 

“It’s none of your business.” He said and started walking pass the loud blonde but failed when a hand shot through to grab his arm. Turning his head, he saw something that made his eyes unusually widen.

 

Naruto was beyond the point of joking. He was not looking directly at him but he could tell he was upset. Maybe he pushed the buttons a little too much? What’s so surprising about that?

 

Hm, the fact that they jumped from one friendly conversation to an argument surprised him.

 

“It’s my fucking business, Sasuke and you know it.” Then his hand moved and grabbed Sasuke by the collar. His eyes flashed dangerously towards him. “I may look like I don’t care but if you EVER do that to her again, I’ll kill you!” Ever since Sasuke returned from his mission, he noticed how oddly Sakura had been acting and it worried him. He knew there was something going on and there was only one person he knew who could cause so much trouble. Sasuke.

 

When he learned that Sasuke forced Sakura to marry him for an heir, he did not bother to intrude. He thought since Sakura once loved Sasuke, she’d learn to love him soon as they got married. But he was wrong. Sakura wanted nothing with the Uchiha but still he persisted. It was so wrong.

 

Sasuke knew he was supposed to take the situation seriously. But then being a prick as he was, he flaunted a taunting smirk, “Well, is that a challenge, dobe?”

 

“SASUKE!”

 

“I don’t care what you think. Let go of me and get out of my way.”

 

The fist on his collar shook. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Naruto muttered, “Why are you doing this to her?”

 

Somehow, the intensity within Naruto’s eyes put him into shame. Fighting the urge to continue their glaring contest, Sasuke finally gave up and looked away.

 

Naruto just blinked.

 

He didn’t understand. Sasuke never backed off from anything.

 

Was that—guilt in his eyes? The blonde could never tell for the Uchiha prodigy made sure his eyes were well-hidden beneath his bangs.

 

“I don’t know either…”

 

TBC

Path of thorns [Chapter 7]

Chapter Seven

 

Happy home

 

A hum escaped her lips when she felt something warm pressing her side. Her eyes were still closed while she revelled at the strange warmth she was receiving. She felt grateful; she snuggled closer, seeking more heat and while she did this, a familiar scent engulfed her. Confusion caused her brows to knit together in her sleep.

 

Her eyes fluttered open and started to register her blurred surroundings. Where am I? Waiting for a few seconds to let her fuzzy brain work its wheels; Sakura stayed put on the bed. Wait—this isn’t my room! Her once sleepy eyes widened like saucers as she observed the plain cream ceiling and the soft light the sun offered behind the non-curtained window. Widely, she looked around, trying to clear her brain much faster.

 

“Oh,” she softly breathed as her eyes finally settled on the source of warmth that lay next to her. The events from yesterday replayed in her mind, and made her remember the exact reason why she’s sleeping on Kakashi’s bed—with him. Her eyes prowled around the room; anywhere but Kakashi. But her eyes constantly returned to her ex-sensei’s sleeping face. His face looked so smooth without the creases, his hair mussed everywhere and his even breathing was the only thing she could hear in the silence of the cold room. A blush crept upon her face after she came up with a realization, He looks so handsome like this… so peaceful… She had no control on what she was doing at that moment; her hand rose and brushed his stubborn bangs away from his forehead. Sighing, Sakura laid back and just looked at him.

 

-

-

 

“It’s Kakashi, isn’t it?”

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 

“You’ve grown close with the man since I went away. Some say you and Kakashi got a relationship going on, is this true?”

 

“Yes, we do have a relationship. We’re great friends now.”

 

-

-

 

Was that all he was to her? A friend? She couldn’t blame Sasuke and the others if they assumed that she and Kakashi had a thing going on. They were always seen together. Since Naruto was with Hinata and was rarely seen with them, this roused everyone’s suspicion more. He’s just a friend. Someone I can lean on and tell stuff that I rarely tell everyone else… A relationship further than that is impossible… he’ll never like me that way. To him, I’m just a child, a former student… a teammate. Sasuke’s former fan girl. By the end of her statement, she smiled. Sasuke’s former fan girl. Funny, she never considered herself like one when she was a child. It was because she believed Sasuke saw her more than that. Being a member of Team 7 and all…

 

Suddenly, her thoughts drifted towards her encounter with Sasuke last night. But as soon as that flashed her mind, it ended quickly when Kakashi slightly stirred in his sleep. Sakura stiffened while watching him with guarded eyes.

 

Muttering something incoherent in his sleep, he unconsciously flung an arm across her chest and a leg over hers. Sakura made a small ‘eep’ while she watched in utter surprise. She gave him a side-glance and saw him still in a deep slumber. Great. Now that she’s in a rather, compromising position with her ex-sensei, she had no idea how to get out of it. She could only just imagine the look on Kakashi’s face when he woke up with her pinned beneath his stubborn appendages. Even in his sleep, he’s still a perv. Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Sakura tried to formulate a way on how to get his arm and leg off of her without stirring him from his sleep.

 

Carefully, she started to squirm, trying to free her arms first but found that attempt useless. After countless times of trying to get out, Sakura let out a groan of frustration. Prying his arm alone was tiresome and being tired and annoyed at the same time was not a good combination. She had to do something! She couldn’t afford him seeing this when he woke up.

 

Having no other choice, Sakura settled on squirming her way towards the edge of the bed. She continued until she finally slid off and fell on the floor with a thump.

 

Groaning, she sat up. She cast a glance over to where Kakashi slept. He again muttered something about dolphins, which was odd, and then turned on his side, clutching a pillow as replacement for Sakura’s warmth.

 

Sighing in relief, she stood up and straightened the clothes she borrowed.

 

That was a close call.

 

**

 

When Kakashi woke later that morning, he realized he was alone in his bed. Looking around, he found a note left on the space she occupied last night. With a tired yawn, he leaned against his arm and read,

 

Kakashi-sensei,

 

I wanted to wake you up and say goodbye but you need your sleep more than I could ever imagine. You sleep like a log! No wonder you’re always late… So, I decided not to disturb you and leave this note instead. I want to thank you for letting me stay here last night. You don’t know how much I appreciate all the things you’ve done for me. In return, I made you breakfast! See how incredibly sweet I am?

 

That made him smile. I’ve seen it a long time ago, Sakura… he mused as he continued reading,

 

I have to go home before my parents go ballistic.  I’ll see you this afternoon. Remember, we still got that challenge thing going on. Your mask will be still my prize.

 

Your smartest student,

Sakura

 

The jounin’s smile broadened at this before he dropped back again in his bed. Sakura was right, he really needed sleep. The events from yesterday, not to mention his sleepless nights mulling over Sakura’s wedding, worn him out. His eyes languidly closed but before he let sleep overcome him, the look of contentment never left his face.

 

At least now he had something to look forward to. His afternoon definitely will be worthwhile.

 

**

 

Her heart pounded against her chest as she took the remaining few steps toward home. When she reached the front door, her breath became erratic as if she had ran a marathon. Her hands were shaking as she reached for the door and let herself in. She closed her eyes, bit her lip, and she slowly opened the door. This is now or never, Sakura… and as the interior of the house began to unfold, she held her eyes tightly closed. The last thing she needed right now was the monstrous look on her parent’s faces as they welcomed her home.

 

But what she’d seen stunned her. The house was quiet except for the usual rustling on the kitchen. Cautiously she stepped in, took off her shoes and walked inside. Taking small measured steps, she took a peek inside the kitchen and saw her mother moving from one place to another. Her father sat on the table, reading the daily paper with a cup of coffee prepared before him.

 

At first, she wanted to mask her presence and go straight up to her room. But it was too late when her mother’s head turned towards her direction with both brows arched.

 

Then all hell broke lose when her mother actually smiled, “Come in, dear. Have some breakfast.”

 

What the—? Sakura’s green eyes bugged out as she stared dumbly at her mother who was now preparing the table.

 

As if that wasn’t enough to shock her, her father smiled too and said, “Oh, Sakura. When did you return?”

 

Sakura stared at him for a few seconds before choking an answer, “J-just now…” she was so unsure of what was happening around her. Is this some kind of a joke or a dream, perhaps? Secretly, she pinched her arm and winced. Yep! It’s all real…

 

Her mother laid out a beautiful plate of breakfast on the table and her stomach growled in return. She wasn’t able to eat anything last night and now she could feel her stomach reminding her to feed it.

 

Mrs. Haruno laughed wholeheartedly and went to usher her daughter inside. Sakura stiffened as her mother lead her to sit down on the table. All this time, his father was smiling at her. She had no idea whether to feel relieved or scared. They’re supposed to be mad for Pete’s sake! Why are they acting as if nothing happened?

 

Her mother took the seat across her with her smile never faltering.

 

This scared her more.

 

“Mom, dad… I—” she started, but she was immediately interrupted by her mother’s now, grave voice.

 

“It didn’t happen. Nothing happened, do you understand?”

 

“What?” Sakura was confused.

 

Her father dropped the paper and looked straight into her confused eyes, “Forget what happened yesterday. It’s for the better…”

 

With that said, they started eating, except for Sakura who was still trying to digest the situation.

 

And then something flashed her mind,

 

-

-

 

“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…”

 

-

-

 

**

 

“He DID??” Ino’s voice never failed to rattle the whole city as she went to her flower shop that morning to check-up on her.

 

Sakura browsed around, “Yep.”

 

“B-but I thought he was mad!”

 

“He IS!”

 

“No, I mean… I’ve never seen him so…so angry before…” and with that, Ino trailed off.

 

Sakura sighed, “I don’t know what his intentions are. But before he left, he asked me not to go. He said it’s unacceptable.” She then furiously shook her head, “Argh! I don’t know what’s up with him! He’s so confusing…”

 

Ino nodded in agreement, “Yeah, I know what you mean…”

 

The pink-haired medic nin dropped on a chair nearby and absently fiddled with the lily’s petals, “And now everybody’s acting as if nothing happened… I wonder what Sasuke did to shut them off…”

 

“There’s a possibility he threatened everyone. Of perhaps, they just wanted to show respect. Anyone would’ve done the same thing if they were on yours shoes, Sakura… at least that’s what Shika told me.” With the mentioning of her lazy boy friend, her brows furrowed, “Which reminds me, where the hell is he? I told him to pick me up. And now he’s five minutes late!”

 

Sakura smiled at her friend’s non-stop yapping, “For five minutes you’re already throwing a fit? Ha! What if you’re going out with the king of tardiness, Hatake Kakashi?” Then suddenly she felt her face hot. Memories of sleeping in his bed with him half-naked beside her engulfed her mind. Her spacing off and the obvious blush on her cheeks was not left unnoticed by Ino.

 

“I trust that you and Kakashi already went out on a date, hm?” the blonde teased, which immediately brought back Sakura’s attention.

 

“What? No! I-I mean, not yet… well, sort off… I think…” Sakura embarrassingly went off like a rocket as words gushed off her mouth. She fiddled more with the flower on her hand, trying not to look at Ino straight in the eye.

 

Then suddenly, Ino laughed out loud, “Oh, you’re so easy to tease…”

 

“Ino!” the other gave out a frustrated protest.

 

Ino crossed her arms and continued to interrogate her, “Well, why did you say something about Kakashi being late on a date? That only means one thing, forehead girl. You and Kakashi already dated!” her squeal caused her a headache. No wonder Shikamaru couldn’t stand a minute with her.

 

Now I wonder how those two ended up together.

 

“C’mon, tell me the details!” Ino excitedly gushed, her blue eyes shining with pure interest.

 

“No!” Sakura firmly replied.

 

“Why not?”

 

“NO because we haven’t dated yet and NO because if we ever did, I will never tell you.”

 

Ino glared at her in disappointment, “You’re impossible!”

 

Sakura rolled her eyes, “Yeah, whatever.” She then stood up and started walking out of the store. “Can I have this for free?” she asked before setting a foot out.

 

“It’s already contaminated with you touching it, feel free.” Ino mocked while waving a dismissive hand.

 

Sakura shook her head. “I’ll see you around, Ino-pig.” And with that, she went out before giving the blonde a chance to retort back.

 

**

 

“Sakura-chan!” her other blonde friend and with an even louder mouth named Naruto hollered at her as she entered Ichiraku’s stall. She knew she’d find him here.

 

“Naruto.” She greeted as she took the empty seat next to him. His bowl of steaming-hot ramen still ever present.

 

“Where have you been?” he started, “We’ve been looking all-over for you!”

 

Sakura smiled sheepishly, “Ehehe… I needed some time to think.” Then she asked, “… we?”

 

“Oh, Neji and Shikamaru helped me on the search. But they backed out by nightfall. Said, I was worrying too much!” then he turned to devour his bowl and not long after he ordered for another round. He ate ramen that fast. “I mean, who wouldn’t be? I was so worried! And your parents said they’ll cut-off my head if I didn’t return without you.” Then his eyes looked up, looking thoughtful, “But then, when I returned they said that everything’s fine and I should go home. So odd…”

 

Sakura could not believe her parents could talk so morbid when pissed off. She cleared her throat nervously and nodded, “Yeah… odd…”

 

As if on cue, Shikamaru and Chouji showed up and joined them. “Bah! I knew you’d be here.” The ANBU captain lazily muttered as he took the seat next to Naruto as Chouji took the remaining empty seat beside Sakura. Shikamaru’s eyes trailed over the pink-haired kunoichi who caused so much commotion yesterday. “So, you decided to come back.”

 

Sakura gave a small smile, “Yeah, I had no other choice…”

 

“Don’t worry, Sakura-chan, no one will bother you!” Chouji suddenly piped in before accepting a steaming bowl of ramen. He and Naruto ate in synchronize.

 

Shikamaru sighed, “Sasuke officially barred the ninth of December.”

 

December 9 was yesterday, Sakura mused. Our wedding day…

 

“Uchiha’s gone nuts.” Shikamaru muttered.

 

“No he hasn’t!” Naruto exclaimed when heard him. After swallowing another mouthful of noodles, he said, “He may be a bastard sometimes but I know he did that for Sakura-chan!” then his eyes trailed up, looking thoughtful, “Oh wait, yeah he’s crazy. Forced marriage… psh! What was he thinking?”

 

“Clearly, he’s not.” Shikamaru commented.

 

“Sakura-chan ran away to escape. I would have done the same thing…” Chouji munched continuously on his chips after finishing his ramen.

 

“I’m with you,” Shikamaru gave a lopsided grin.

 

“You do know I’m still here… I can hear you clearly.” Sakura gave out a frustrated sigh.

 

Then Naruto started laughing like there was no tomorrow, “You two?? I can’t even imagine Sasuke proposing to you guys!” Sakura realized she was left unheard.

 

Both Shikamaru and Chouji glared death towards him.

 

“Oh, grow up.” they both said in unison.

 

Clearly irked with the said comment, Naruto swallowed the entire bowl and yelled, “What did you say??”

 

Sakura shook her head, “Enough.” Three pair of eyes settled on her. “You three should all grow up! And by the way, what are you doing here?” her gaze shot straight towards the lazy nin’s direction, clearly saying ‘How dare you ditch my best friend?’

 

Apparently, he didn’t get it at first, “What do you mean?” Shikamaru asked as one eye brow arched in question.

 

“You’re supposed to be at Ino’s shop half-an-hour ago. What are you doing here?” Sakura pressed.

 

Shikamaru looked confused at first and then his eyes slightly widened in realization, “Gee, thanks for reminding me. You’re a great friend.” In exaggeration, Shikamaru scratched the back of his head. He intentionally overlooked his ‘date’ today with that loudmouth. And now Sakura’s here not only to remind him but also to reprimand him about not picking up her best friend on time. Better switch the subject immediately before things eventually turn out boring for him, “By the way, I just got back from a mission briefing. I came here to tell you that Hokage-sama’s expecting to see you this afternoon.”

 

Sakura blinked, “She does?” she asked while wondering why her sensei wanted to see her. Could it be possible that she already knows about her attempts of leaving Konoha? She couldn’t help not to shudder at the thought. If Tsunade-sama asked to see her only to be chastised for not thinking like a full-fledged medic-nin, she’d better prepare herself.

 

Naruto suddenly paled at the mentioning of that old hag’s name, “S-Sakura… I don’t think this is the best time to see her…”

 

“I can’t say no to the Hokage, Naruto.” Sakura reasoned out.

 

“B-but!” the blonde’s head whipped towards her, “She’ll eat you alive!”

 

Sakura groaned and raised an eyebrow. Naruto can really exaggerate sometimes, “What makes you think that?”

 

“She—she must’ve misunderstood what happened last night…”

 

“I’m still here, she wouldn’t fuss over that.” Lightly, she shrugged her shoulders, “It’s probably another mission briefing.”

 

“PROBABLY??” Naruto exclaimed rather too loudly, obviously gaining a lot of unwanted attention from the passer by’s, “That’s no assurance… ‘baa-chan can strike like a horse! She’s ten times powerful than Orochimaru and Itachi combined!”

 

Sakura looked at her friend and then started to laugh. She could still remember that night when Naruto returned from a mission in Sound, wounded and unconscious. She had never seen Tsunade-sama so worried before. Immediately, she tended on Naruto’s wounds and when he recovered three days after, all he got was a good slap on the cheek and strings of castigation from the Hokage herself. She almost acted like a mother/sister to Naruto. Noting that he reminded her so much of her own brother who died.

 

Shikamaru sighed, “These people are mad. I’m out of here.” He then stood up and flipped the flap for his exit.

 

“Wait up!” Chouji stood up and followed his best friend.

 

“What’s so funny?” Ignoring Shikamaru and Chouji’s great escape, Naruto’s eye twitched. Quite irked by the gale of her laughter.

 

Sakura took pity on her friend’s situation and stopped laughing. But that did not stop her from grinning, “As much as I appreciate your concern, Naruto. I’m going.” She stood up and straightened her dress. Her eyes full of mirth, eyed him, “Don’t worry, I won’t let her kick my ass for nothing. Ja!”

 

Naruto was about to say something though he was quickly interrupted when the owner announced his third order. All was forgotten the minute that bowl of ramen touched his hands.

 

**

 

Through the entirety of the night, Sasuke remained inside his room, knees against his chest while his eyes absently stared off somewhere outside his window.

 

The events last night overwhelmed him. He didn’t know what’s gotten into him. He never reacted like that before. Not with a girl. Not with Sakura… of all people…

 

I want an heir… that’s all I ever wanted in the first place. But then… his hands clenched while he closed his eyes from the pain of watching the snow fall for the past three hours. Why does Sakura’s refusal upset me more than I would let on? He asked himself, not knowing what to answer.

 

His plan was perfectly crafted.

 

He’ll ask for Sakura’s hand in marriage.

 

Marry her.

 

Get her pregnant.

 

Continue his bloodline.

 

…

 

Raise his children with her.

 

Come home with the expectation of seeing his kids and his wife preparing a feast for his return.

 

Watch his wife reprimand his children and love them at the same time.

 

Cuddle together as they watch the kids play outside.

 

Tell sweet nothings to his wife’s ear as she giggle and return the favour by kissing him with passion.

 

Touch her.

 

Love her.

 

Worship her.

 

Make her the happiest woman in the whole world.

 

Have a happy home with her and his children.

 

Forget the awful past and build a wonderful future.

 

The first five were his original plans. The rest just came into his mind the moment he left Sakura that night.

 

“Sakura…”

 

He didn’t know what to think right now. There are a lot of single women out there who will do everything for them to get noticed. He can always marry one and impregnate her so he could get a child. But then the thought of marrying someone other than Sakura seemed so wrong. If there’s anyone he wanted to live the rest of his life with... that would be Sakura. The conversation they had last night made him realize something he overlooked for years.

 

He was in-love with her.

 

Pathetically, foolishly, unbelievably in-love with her.

 

And here he thought he was not capable of having such an emotion.

 

Sasuke gave out a bitter laugh. Who would’ve thought? After years of ignoring her, he finally realized that she’s more than a team mate and a friend to him.

 

She was everything he wanted in a woman.

 

The perfect wife.

 

“What have you done to me?” he whispered as his voice faded along the cold December wind.

 

TBC

Path of thorns [Chapter 6]

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

Path of thorns [Chapter 5]

Chapter Five

 

Run baby Run

 

A marriage without love means love without marriage.

 

And that’s what exactly she feared right now.

 

Today was the fifth day.

 

Her wedding day.

 

She now stood in front of a full-length mirror, blankly staring at her reflection wearing the traditional white wedding kimono. I look stupid… Sakura dejectedly observed as her shoulders sagged. The white crown on her head slightly moved from its previous position. Annoyed, she threw it away and sat miserably on the couch.

 

She wanted this day to end… Sasuke, you’re insane! Up until now she could not believe she’s about to get married to Uchiha Sasuke. This is not what she wants. Getting married to Sasuke might have been one of her dreams when she was a child but now—everything’s changed. She doesn’t love him anymore. The adoration was gone long ago. She can’t love him again even if she wanted to. It’s just not possible.

 

Right now, all she wanted to do was to run away from here and be a missing-nin. But of course that would obviously be dishonourable on her part. Running away from her wedding will embarrass both her family and Sasuke. Plus, Tsunade-sama will curse her to hell and back if ever she did such foolish thing.

 

But the temptation was too much… she almost wanted to jump outside her window.

 

No! Must-not-escape! But her feet eventually betrayed her. She was now walking towards it. Well, not until she heard the gentle knocking coming from her bedroom door.

 

Finding that as an excuse for her inevitable escape, Sakura made her way towards the door and opened it.

 

“Sakura! Oh my god! You look beautiful!!!” her blond friend, Ino excitedly entered the room and started babbling.

 

“Hello to you too.” Sakura dryly greeted as she closed the door behind her.

 

Ino questioningly stared at her, “You know, for a woman whose getting married, you don’t look too excited.”

 

“I’m not.” Sakura simply shrugged her shoulders and sat on the couch again.

 

Ino’s eyes went wide and her jaw dropped, “Are you serious? You’re getting married, Sakura!”

 

“You don’t have to rub it in, Ino.” Sakura had enough of this marriage conversation. All these stuff suffocates the hell out of her.

 

Ino dropped of the bed and asked, “Okay, tell me what’s wrong.”

 

Sakura faked a laugh and waved a hand, “Psh, nothing’s wrong! What makes you think that?”

 

“Aside from the fact that you’re not excited on your marriage with Sasuke? Nope, nothing.” Sarcastically, she replied.

 

Sakura looked at her in the eyes and Ino stared back. Finally, she gave up. “I don’t want to get married!” she cried and threw her hands in the air.

 

“What??” Ino was stunned. “B-but, this IS Sasuke we’re talking about here. Why don’t you want to marry him?” for years she’d known Sakura’s head over heels in-love with Sasuke. They even fought for the same guy’s attention for years! Not until Ino noticed her efforts were useless and decided to give up. All this time she thought Sakura will use this as an opportunity to lure the Uchiha boy, but much to her surprise, she didn’t.

 

Knowing exactly what’s running inside her friend’s mind right now, Sakura answered, “I-It just doesn’t feel right…” and then she shook her head, “n-no, I mean… This marriage… This is what he wants… not mine!”

 

Ino frowned as she watched her pace back and forth, “What do you mean?”

 

“He only wants to marry me because he wants an heir. He doesn’t love me and so… and so do I.” the last four words were spoken slowly. She couldn’t find the strength to look Ino straight in the eye. She never told anyone about this except Kakashi. Only he knows she fell out of love for Sasuke. Ino on the other hand still thinks the opposite.

 

“But I thought—”

 

“I don’t want a forced marriage, Ino! I have to get away from here… away from Sasuke.” Yes, that’s right. She must leave the area before the wedding ceremony starts. Reputation be damned! Her feelings and freedom counts more than anything else. So what if her parents disown her? She’ll be a missing-nin if ever she leaves Konoha’s border without the Hokage’s permission. If her parents renounce her as their daughter, might as well leave the village.

 

“Are you insane??” Ino bellowed in the sudden rush of anger. She can’t believe Sakura’s sorting on reckless decisions. “If you run away, you’ll get in trouble. Not only with your family but with Hokage-sama as well!”

 

“I know!” Sakura gave a heavy sigh, “But there’s no other choice…”

 

Ino wanted to protest but Sakura immediately beat her up to it. She walked towards her and held her hand. Ino was stunned at this.

 

“I have to do this.” Green eyes sparkled as she begged, “Please help me get away from here?”

 

Ino’s brows furrowed, “What makes you think I’ll help you?”

 

“I’m your friend.” Sakura shrugged her shoulders.

 

They both looked each other in silence until Ino broke it when she exasperatedly sighed out loud. “Argh! Fine!” the blond glared hard, “You owe me one.”

 

Sakura grinned happily and hugged her friend, almost chocking her, “Thank you!”

 

Ino coughed, “Too-much-love-can’t-breathe!” and then she wheezed.

 

Sakura released her immediately, “Sorry.” Sheepishly, she smiled.

 

Ino smiled back. Even though she’s quite confused and at the same time downright disappointed that her best friend’s about to escape her wedding ceremony, she’s glad that she could help her out. If this makes her happy, then so be it. She’ll help her run away.

 

“Sakura! What’s taking you so long? Sasuke’s waiting outside.” Naruto’s muffled voice impatiently said behind the mahogany door. He’s probably forced to go up there by Sasuke to fetch her.

 

Both girls looked alarmed by this.

 

“I-I’ll be there in a sec!” Sakura hurriedly replied.

 

“The zipper’s stuck! I’m currently fixing it! She’ll be done in a minute.” Ino lamely lied.

 

“Oh, okay.” Naruto offhandedly said, “Just hurry up will you? Sasuke’s starting to piss me off.”

 

“Yeah, sure.” Sakura replied and then felt utterly relieved when she heard his footsteps grew faint.

 

Both Ino and Sakura exchanged looks until Ino exclaimed, “What are you waiting for? Go before Sasuke comes here and destroy that door himself.”

 

Sakura nodded and then headed for the open window. Before jumping out, she glanced over her friend and smiled gratefully, “Thank you.” She mouthed before disappearing outside.

 

**

 

Sasuke glared death at towards Naruto when he returned with no Sakura in sight. “Where is she? Why isn’t she with you?” he immediately questioned, which once again baffled the poor blonde.

 

Blinking, Naruto replied, “Ino said she’ll be down in a minute. Said she’s still fixing her zipper or something.”

 

With this answer, Sasuke’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. Zipper? Kimonos doesn’t have a zipper! His eyes flew wide and turned towards the window of Sakura’s bedroom.

 

It was open.

 

Naruto questioningly stared at his friend, “What’s wrong?” but before he got any answer, Sasuke hastily ran inside the house and up to the second floor to Sakura’s bedroom. Impatiently, he rapped the door. Something’s off. Sakura’s smart and he wouldn’t be too surprised if she come up with something like running away from the village. I wish she didn’t. He said to himself, fearing that she might have done the opposite.

 

“Naruto, for the second time—” it was Ino’s voice who answered, which increased Sasuke’s suspicion more.

 

Without further ado, he kicked the door open and entered causing Ino to shriek loudly.

 

“Where is she?” Sasuke asked in his usual cold, calm tone as he glared practically death towards the blond kunoichi before him.

 

Ino had no idea what to say. Her eyes flew wide and her jaw embarrassingly dropped, “S-Sasuke! Err… S-Sakura’s not h-here.” She sputtered.

 

“Where-is-she?” the Uchiha prodigy repeated gravely.

 

**

 

Kakashi yawned openly as he stared on the small drops of snowflake outside the window of his apartment. Today’s Sakura’s wedding. Two of his former students are getting married. Man, I’m getting old… he mused to himself while scratching the back of his head. He knew he should get dressed and head to the shrine as what Naruto instructed him. But why did he choose not to come and waste his time watching the snow instead?

 

Is it be possible that Sakura and Sasuke’s nuptial bothers him?

 

That he’s disappointed?

 

Not interested?

Or perhaps…

 

Jealous?

 

Nah, that’s not possible. Why would he be jealous? His and Sakura’s relationship had never crossed that line. They were just friends. A companionship they built for years since they started as Team 7. He couldn’t possibly developed feelings towards his ex-student other than ultimate friendship, did he?

 

Ah, even Kakashi didn’t know the answer to that question.

 

He shook his head and decided to ignore those scrunched up thoughts cramping his head. It’s giving him a headache.

 

The room was so quiet.

 

Not until he heard continuous tapping somewhere on his room.

 

Too lazy to get up, he closed his eyes, assuming the tapping was caused by a bird or something he’s not interested with.

 

Well, not until he heard a muffled scream coming outside of his window.

 

“Oh, for god sakes, Kakashi, open the damn window!”

 

Kakashi jerked in his wake as he sat up and directed his stare towards his closed glass window. It stunned him when he saw Sakura’s form outside, still in her wedding kimono, looking awfully irritated. If he did left his window opened, he knew his ears might have been bleeding right now.

 

He got out of bed and went to open the window.

 

“Sakura, what are you—mphff!” he was roughly pushed back inside his room with her hand tightly enclosed around his mouth.

 

Sakura stepped inside, looking cautiously around the perimeter. “Shh, nobody’s supposed to know I’m here.”

 

Kakashi nodded and was grateful when she removed her hand. She then turned back towards the window and closed it. When she was done, she saw her sensei looking as if he’s waiting for an explanation, just as what she’s expecting. Smiling sheepishly, she greeted with a voice notch higher than normal“Good morning.”

 

The white-haired jounin crossed his arms and questioned, “What are you doing here?”

 

Sakura looked at him and noticed that he was wearing a shirt and grey sweat pants. Her face dropped at this and had her arms in Akimbo, “Kakashi-sensei, why aren’t you dressed? The ceremony starts in a few minutes.” She was obviously reprimanding him.

 

Kakashi gave a lopsided grin, “Well, I—” then his face turned into confusion after realizing that she’s here, standing inside his room… meaning… “Are you lost? The shrine’s further north from here.” Seeing the look of guilt cross Sakura’s face, he frowned, “Sakura, is there something you want to tell me?”

 

Sakura immediately dodged his questioning gaze.

 

“Sakura…” Kakashi  he called with a little disappointment. If the wedding’s about to start and the bride’s here, then there’s only one reason forming inside his head. “You ran away.” He softly mused, a little surprised himself.

 

He’s about to say something again but interrupted when his ex-student ran towards him and held his hand tightly between hers.

 

“Kakashi,” she said almost shakily, “Tell Tsunade-sama that I will not be her student from now on…”

 

“What?”

 

“And tell Naruto to stop being an idiot and that I love him. He’s a great guy, really.”

 

“Sakura—”

 

“And as for Sasuke.” This made her stop for awhile. Well, not until she came up with something to say, “Tell him that I’m sorry and I hope that he forgives me…”

 

Finding her gushing of words quite irritating, Kakashi held out his free hand to stop her from talking. “Hold on a sec.” he said, “What-are-you-talking-about?”

 

Sakura tried to calm down for a minute, looking into her sensei’s eyes until she managed to pacify her haywire nerves. “I’m leaving.” Again, she tried to avoid his gaze. There’s something by the way Kakashi’s looking at her that makes her feel ashamed about herself.

 

“Why?”

 

Sakura felt reluctant to confess anything just yet. But the way he’s looking at her left her no other choice. Kakashi mastered the art of getting all the information out of her if he wants to. She had nothing against that ability. With a sigh, she released his hand and sat at the edge of his bed.

 

Kakashi on the other felt thwarted from the loss of her hands. He then turned to follow and sat next to her.

 

Noticing that he’s waiting for her answer, Sakura decided to reply, “I—can’t marry him…”

 

“Obviously.” Kakashi derisively mumbled, which earned him a death glare from the other. Sighing, he said, “But you already said yes, Sakura. You can’t back off. Not now…”

 

“But I already told you,” Sakura turned to her ex-sensei and frustratingly whined, “I don’t love him anymore.”

 

 “You loved him once. You’ll learn to love him again.”

 

Sakura turned away again and lowered her head, “It’s not that easy.”

 

“Running away will never be the solution, Sakura.”

 

“I know…”

 

“You know Tsunade will be upset if she learns about this.”

 

Sakura gave a dry laugh, “Yeah. That’s one of the many reasons why I want to run away.” She knew not attending the ceremony itself will cost her head.

 

He didn’t know why, but he doesn’t feel entirely bad over this situation. Sure, he feel sorry for Sasuke. But the thought of Sakura refusing to marry the Uchiha… it somehow relieved him.

 

As he mused, they sat their in companionable silence.

 

But the silence, this peeved Sakura… a lot.

 

So, she chose to break it, “Love can really be mysterious,” she said with a heavy sigh.

 

“Huh?” was the only response he could give after being pulled away from his thoughts.

 

“Every time you give yourself away, it comes back to haunt you…” she stared into space as she spoke in the barest of whispers. The room was so quiet that even her murmurs were enough for him to hear.

 

“I wish I can relate.”

 

“Don’t say that, sensei! You do have a fair-share of lovers before.” The pink-haired kunoichi retaliated.

 

“Sleeping with someone doesn’t mean you love them in an instant.”

 

Sakura turned to him and blinked slowly.

 

That reminds him of that time he made a comment to her that irritated her to no end. That’ where all the challenge started. Kakashi sighed. “How about I give half of your prize right now?”

 

“What?”

 

“We’ve been challenging each other for weeks and you improved a lot.”

 

Sakura tipped her head on the side, “Oh?”

 

“Yes.” He nodded.

 

Hope and excitement flashed the girl’s eyes, “Then which one is it?”

 

He cheekily grinned, “My explanation.”

 

She knew it’s too good to be true…  “Better than nothing.” And then Sakura looked pensive before asking, “Wait, what’s the catch?”

 

“You get your ass down the shrine in five minutes?” Kakashi unsurely replied.

 

Sakura whipped her head away and defiantly crossed her arms, “Well, forget it!”

 

“Sasuke’s waiting there. You must go.” This was a half-hearted suggestion, and he knew that.

 

“Kakashi, if you’re going to press the subject then I think I should go!” she glared, “Not to the shrine but away from this village!” she suddenly shot up from the bed and was about to jump outside the window when a hand gripped her arm and pulled her back. He whipped her around only to find herself face to face with Kakashi. Or in terms of their height differences, face to chest.

 

“Sakura.”

 

“I can’t marry him.”

 

“Do you really want to leave?” the thought of her leaving Konoha. Unconscioulsy, his hand tightened its hold around her arm.

 

“I have no other choice. What I did is an embarrassment to both our families. I ruined his name by ditching him on our wedding day and I’m too ashamed to face him…”

 

“That’s not enough reason to—”

 

“It’s enough.” There was a finality intone with it.

 

Before Kakashi could articulate a protest, Sakura quickly jumped out of his window.

 

And there goes the bride.

 

TBC

Path of thorns [Chapter 4]
Topic: Path of thorns

Chapter Four

 

Indecent proposal

 

Despite of the cold weather, Sakura’s training sessions with her sensei continued. Tsunade once said that she’s prioritizing the said bet more than her current sensei, which Sakura highly denied. She’s dead serious of being a professional medic someday. And that she appreciates every help she gets from her. The said bet with Kakashi’s a one time thing. Once she gets what she wants, she’ll focus more on Tsunade’s teachings again.

 

“Game over, go home.” Kakashi brushed passed her as he headed on the path towards the headquarters, as usual.

 

“Can’t argue with that…” Sakura helplessly fell down on her knees, heavily breathing. Kakashi wore her out today and all she wanted right now was to go home and hit the sack. There’s always tomorrow. I will win this bet, you’ll see! From her peripheral vision, she noticed him turning his head towards her. But before he could actually open his mouth, Sakura beat him up to it. “I know what you’re going to ask… and the answer is NO.”

 

Kakashi innocently blinked, “I was going to offer you free ramen.” He shrugged his shoulders, “Since you refused, I guess the offer goes to Naruto instead.”

 

“Right.” Sakura stood up with difficulty. She used a lot of charka and now her knees were failing her somehow.

 

“Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you home?” Kakashi asked out of concern.

 

“I’m fine.” Sakura persisted, “Go before Tsunade spit fire on you.” She’s fully aware how awful Tsunade can be when she’s pissed. Tsunade’s worse than a fire breathing dragon.

 

“Alright.”

 

“Hai.” As she watched him leave, Sakura herself turned towards the opposite direction where home’s situated.

 

It was a fifteen minute walk until she reached her home, “Tadaima.” Taking her shoes off, she went into the living room, barely noticing the person sitting in from of her father.

 

Her eyes then widened in realization she recognized who the person was. “Sasuke-kun?”

 

“Ah, Sakura-chan!” her mother said, “Come sit here, quick! We need to talk…”

 

Sasuke turned his head and gave her a small smile of acknowledgement.

 

Things are getting weirder and weirder… Sakura thought as her father ushered her to sit on the available couch next to Sasuke. She sat there stiffly, not knowing what do. She hesitantly glanced over to the Uchiha prodigy with mild curiosity.

 

“You’re just in time.”

 

Sakura frowned again, “For what?”

Her father smiled, “Congratulations.”

 

“For what?” she repeated. A little quite frustrated to know whatever her parents are talking about.

 

“Sasuke-kun here came to ask for your hand in marriage.” Her mother lightly informed her.

 

Sakura blinked twice, “What…” again, realization kicked in, “did you just say—”

 

“You’re getting married, Sakura-chan.” Her father incredibly nailed the point.

 

As the words registered inside the kunoichi’s head, her face blanched.

 

“Oh.” And then she fainted.

 

**

 

Banging the door behind her, Sakura planted her hands on her hips and threateningly glared on the man standing before her. Uchiha or not, she’ll definitely demand the answers she wanted to hear from him. The moment she heard that she’s about to get married, Sakura dragged her former team-mate outside with all intentions of demanding what the hell is going on.

 

The usual smirk you see on the Uchiha’s prodigy cracked his face, annoying the hell out of Sakura all the more. “Do you want me to repeat everything your mother said to you?” he might be smug, but his tone was a lot more hesitant and calculating.

 

“You got that right!” Sakura snapped, “Explain this to me…” Sakura was livid. Who wouldn’t be? It’s not everyday you walk into your home and find out that you’re getting married. And to an UCHIHA no less! She’d been aiming for his heart before. Why the sudden interest now? Now that she’s finally over him…

 

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed as he 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.” Sasuke grimly supplied. The least thing he wanted to discuss right now was Itachi. “You will speak no more of him, do you understand?” he finished with a glare.

 

Intimidated, Sakura replied a soft, “Hai…”

 

Sasuke felt triumphant over the control he has on her. Obedience is something I’m looking for in a woman… Engrossed with his own thoughts, Sasuke barely notice the look Sakura was sending him. She looked really pissed off, shifting her weight from one leg to another. “Well?” she asked, giving him a meaningful look.

 

“Well, what?” Sasuke retorted.

 

Rolling her eyes, Sakura replied, “Your explanation please?”

 

Sasuke gave out a deep throated chuckle after noting how cute Sakura looked when she’s upset. Maybe this is the reason why Naruto loves annoying the shit out of her.

 

Sakura scowled, “Is there something funny?”

 

Sasuke stopped laughing and ended up grinning as he said, “Sakura, I want to marry you.” He said as if it’s the simplest thing to say in the world.

 

Sakura snorted, “Mom just told me, Sasuke. What I want to know is—WHY?”

 

“Should there be any reason?” Sasuke asked back, his brows arching in amusement.

 

“Sasuke!” Sakura held her head and grumbled, “Dammit… you’re driving me insane…”

 

“I need an heir, Sakura. And I need you to help me…”

 

Her eyes went wide, “An heir? That’s the reason why you want to marry me?”

 

“Are you deaf?”

 

Sakura could not believe this. “Sasuke, do you know what you’re talking about?” she incredulously questioned.

 

“Yes.” He simply answered.

 

“We CAN’T marry because you want me to bear your child.”

“Why not?” Sasuke challengingly asked.

 

The pink-haired kunoichi furiously shook her head, “Two people marry because of LOVE! Not because of child-bearing or anything concerning one’s clan!” slowly, she looked into Sasuke’s eyes, almost imploringly as she went on, “We obviously DON’T love each other, Sasuke…”

 

But I thought you do… Sasuke furrowed his brows, “That’s not necessary.”

 

“To me, it does!” Sakura pointed a finger on her chest, “I can’t do this… you’re my friend and I swear I DO care about you but—but I-I can’t marry you… I just—can’t.” she looked into those onyx eyes and felt disappointed to find anger within them. Uchiha Sasuke was obviously not pleased with her answer.

 

I’m not taking a NO for an answer, Haruno… Sasuke stood away from the wall he’s leaning at and growled, “Too late. You will marry me in five days whether you like it or not.”

 

“What?” Sakura looked confused. “Don’t tell me you—”

 

Sasuke nodded with a smug smile on his face, “I already told the Hokage, Sakura. And by tomorrow, I’m sure she’s going to announce it.” His smile turned into an awful sneer, “You don’t want to embarrass me and your family now, do you?”

 

How could you… Sakura never thought Sasuke was capable of doing this to her. How was this possible? How can he easily control everything around him? How can he easily control her family and her future? What was she supposed to do now?

 

She was so confused.

 

Her hands clenched and unclenched on her sides, Sasuke… how could you do this to me? Sakura wanted to cry in frustration. She wanted to kick something (or someone) desperately.

 

“Five days, Sakura. Be the most beautiful bride by then…” and with that, Sasuke turned and walked away.

 

Sakura watched him leave and tiredly fell on the door behind her.

 

Five days…

 

In five days she has to marry Sasuke.

 

The thought alone upsets her.

 

**

 

Sakura recoiled painfully on the ground, gripping her stomach as she rolled over to her side, coughing. Luckily, there was no blood. Her eyes held shut, her teeth gritted to prevent herself from crying out, refusing to show any form of weakness in front of him.

 

As if on cue, Kakashi dropped noiselessly a few feet away from her. “I win. Give it up.”

 

“Not—yet!” The pink haired kunoichi used her undamaged arm to pull herself up from the ground. With much great effort, Sakura managed to move herself in a sitting position. Panting, Sakura looked over to her sensei and still managed to flash a smile, “Good hit, sensei. I didn’t see it coming.”

 

Kakashi shrugged his shoulders, “As well as the earlier ones. Come on, Sakura. The sun’s down, don’t you want to go home?” it’s not that he didn’t enjoy this challenge/training Sakura initiated. It’s just that they’ve been doing it all day. By barely had the time to notice her standing on her feet again and apparently charging at him in full speed. The older jounin side-stepped to avoid her upcoming blow then moved to grip the leg that was about hit his side. Sakura lost her balance and almost toppled down on the ground. But thankfully, an arm snaked its way around her waist, while the other gripped her captured leg, preventing her from falling. As an initial reaction, Sakura threw her arms around Kakashi’s neck, letting out an embarrassing shriek.

 

“Well, how are you supposed to defeat me if you can’t even maintain your balance?” Kakashi teased his exposed eye crinkling.

 

Sakura scowled and smirked back.

 

Before the white-haired jounin could ask, Sakura’s other leg kneed him hard on the abdomen, causing her ex-sensei to double over from the undeniably hard blow. His grip on Sakura loosened and she fell ungracefully down on her butt. With a wince, Sakura quickly jumped back and as what was expected, he used smoke bombs to conceal himself.

 

Smoke filled the surroundings, preventing her from detecting where Kakashi is.

 

“You tricked me.” A voice said somewhere from the clouds of smoke, probably Kakashi’s.

 

The pink-haired kunoichi grinned, “Its part of winning, Kakashi-sensei.” She tauntingly replied, green eyes vigilant from any unexpected assaults. And that’s exactly what happened. Kunai knife’s appeared out of no where and directed to her direction. Sakura managed to evade most of them but one knife managed to gash her leg. It wasn’t that painful, though it’s quite shame that it would leave a mark on her porcelain-like skin. Don’t mind that now, Sakura! Concentrate… find him… don’t get distracted… another batch of Kunai knife’s appeared and luckily she managed to evade them again.

 

Finally the smoke’s dissipating though before it vanishes, arms of her sensei appeared from behind and grabbed her arms, locking them against his. Sakura struggled for freedom, trying as much to retrieve her arms back. “Let go!” she yelled, still thrashing against him despite of the fact that her strength’s nothing compared to Kakashi’s. He’s much powerful, much experienced, and much older than her. Then why challenge him if you think you’re no match for him? She asked herself while still trying to free herself. This is not the time to ask questions, Sakura! Get away from him first then ask questions! She had to find a way to loosen his grip on her. Kicking him again would be impossible since he’s standing behind her, jabbing him in the torso would be unworkable too since both of her arms were held captive against his. What to do?

 

“Yield!” he said next to her ear, trying as much to stop her from struggling. Her movements are very, very distracting, especially for the fact that she’s recklessly moving against him.

 

He was distracted since this morning when they decided to meet up on the bridge to begin the challenge she started. As usual, she came exactly on time. And as for Kakashi, well, he was late again, receiving an amount of rants from his ex-student. As he arrived there, he instantly noticed something he had never noticed on her before. Actually he blamed it all to the sunlight illuminating her face like that.

 

She looked… different. The soft light of morning lightened her face perfectly. And all Kakashi could think was… beautiful and that she obviously grown into a woman… a full grown woman. All these time he had only seen her as the same twelve-year old genin he trained seven years ago. But today was different. He realized that Haruno Sakura’s no longer a child. And that she had filled out quite good on some places and turned out to be one of Konoha’s desirable women. Her pink hair never lost its beautiful luster and fell like a pink waterfall down her shoulders. Then he started wondering what it would feel like to run his fingers through them, or how her skin would feel like against his. When his thoughts started running through unimaginable things, Kakashi immediately stopped himself from going further and told Sakura to start their training.

 

They proceeded to Area 4. The same place where Jiraiya used to train Naruto. Kakashi stood there as Sakura stood on the opposite side, preparing for the long day training/challenge. The moment Sakura initiated the first attack; every inappropriate thought about her vanished as Kakashi blocked her moves and enjoyed the usual session.

 

It went perfectly fine, she doing various ninjutsus as he did all the blocking and throwing attacks as well. Not so long, Kakashi delivered a hard blow on her stomach that made her recoil painfully on the ground. For a second there he suddenly felt worried, wondering if he inflicted damage too much. Sakura’s ability and stamina impressed him that he seemed to forget the fact that she’s still a woman and that he’s much stronger than her.

 

He watched her, noticing her struggle not to cry out in pain. His worries disappeared when she managed to raise herself off of the ground and smile at him. Seeing that smile was enough to calm him down. Kakashi shook the thoughts away and said that the challenge is over. He did quite expect her to refuse and this brought him musing back to his thoughts, which was a mistake.

 

Within split second before her fist hits his face, Kakashi managed to block it and grab the leg that was about to kick his side. She lost her balance and he immediately grabbed her by the waist, gripped her leg and pulled her tightly against him. As if that wasn’t enough she threw her arms around his neck and buried her face against his chest. It took him some time to register what was happening for he was so distracted on the woman in his arms and the position they were in. involuntarily he buried his nose against her bubblegum hair, smelling the wonderful scent of her shampoo as his arms tightened their grip on her. What is wrong with you? This is Sakura… it seems “Come Come Paradise” influenced his mind too much. Now he’s thinking things involving Sakura and his bed, which was really a bad, bad idea! Bad Kakashi! He argued to himself.

 

Again, not concentrating was a mistake. He teased her and saw her scowl. Then she smirked and the next thing he knew, he was doubling over, his hands loosening his grip on her and felt her jumping away from him. To protect himself, he threw smoke bombs. Then he threw kunais to distract her as he slowly moved behind.

 

The smoke vanished and he found himself gripping her against him… again. Of course, she struggled to escape. Her squirming sent unusual prickles down his spine, which made him shudder. His finger tips continuously brushing against her skin, making him wonder of what it would feel like to touch the rest of her.

 

“Yield!” he said again. He desperately wanted to end this training and be off to their respective homes. If this continues further, Kakashi knew something awful will happen. Something that will truly ruin the friendship they built for the past seven years. Heck, he didn’t even know what’s going on with his body and his sudden fascination towards this certain pink-haired kunoichi.

 

“Never!” she yelled back and still continued struggling against his hold.

 

Kakashi feared that answer. “Yield!”

 

“Never!” Sakura gasped when she felt him grab her shoulders and spun her around. Now she was face to face with her sensei. She was standing too close to him, his hand still gripping her arm while the other went to his headband. She narrowed her eyes and watched his hand touch the edge of his headband, slowly taking it off to expose his Sharingan. I-is he going to use that on me? Sakura suddenly felt nervous. Yes, she expected the challenge would be quite hard since Hatake Kakashi’s infamous mask is at stake and so as the answer he refuses to give her. It never came to her that he’s actually going to use his Sharingan against her. Sakura hated to admit it but she feared the eye and the things it may do to her.

 

Kakashi saw a flicker of panic cross Sakura’s eyes. “Don’t make me use this.”

 

Sakura scowled. “Fine!” she forcefully shrugged his hand away and started walking off.

 

The older jounin let out a sigh. He arranged back his headband and followed her.

 

“This is not over, Kakashi.” She said and then stopped, “I’m still after your answer and mask, remember that.” She turned to send him a withering glare.

 

Kakashi only smiled back and lightly shrugged, “I know.” He was relieved that this tiring day was over.

 

Both sat by the river then, sharing a companionable silence. Sakura washed her face as Kakashi took the liberty to lie back down on the lush grass, observing the skies above and not the look of pleasure on Sakura’s face when the cool water hit her face.

 

“Are you alright, Sakura?” he absent-mindedly asked.

 

She looked over to where he lay and cocked her head on the side, “Hm?”

 

“You’re getting married…” he mumbled softly as his eyes lazily followed the cloud’s movement.

 

Sakura’s eyes flew wide and then her cheeks flushed. “So, you’ve heard…” and then she pettily frowned, “But you’ve just returned from a mission. How did you—?”

 

Kakashi chuckled, “I’ve been gone for only three days. The news’ still fresh around here up until now.” His eyes then trailed away from the clouds to Sakura who now sat beside him. “Blame Genma if you want.”

 

A sigh surpassed the kunoichi’s mouth as she reached to pinch the bridge of her nose, “He’s right… I’ll never be able to say no to this…” she muttered under her breath.

 

“Did you say something?” Kakashi then asked.

 

Sakura ignored his question. Instead, she raised her head and looked up into the sky, “Ironic, isn’t it?”

 

“Hm?” Kakashi closed his eyes, meaning to listen to her voice alone just because of the calming effect its causing.

 

“Getting married to the man I thought I was finally over with…”

 

Kakashi slowly opened his eyes and stared. The night she told him that her infatuation over the Uchiha prodigy was finally gone was still fresh in his mind. It confuses him of why Sakura agreed on this said marriage. She said she doesn’t love him anymore… but then, why did she accept? The moment he heard this news from Genma, Kakashi felt utterly doubtful. None of them knew Sakura as much as he does. Seven years of friendship reassured him that. “Why didn’t you say no?” Before he came here to have his usual training with her, he had been meaning to ask her that question. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to since—well, he’s obviously distracted the moment he saw her bathed in the sunlight that morning.

 

Sakura tiredly sighed, “I know… but I couldn’t.”

 

His eyes curiously glanced at her. By the looks of it, she’s fairly upset with this so-called marriage. She’s visibly not into it. Perhaps she was threatened by Sasuke. But then… why would Sasuke do that?

 

Suddenly, anger rose within him. Kakashi knew he had no right to neither interfere nor get angry. But seeing his ex-student moping like that makes him want to go and confront Sasuke. Ever since he came back, Uchiha Sasuke had been acting quite—weird. More importantly, why was he so upset?

 

Is it possible that he’s jealous?

 

No I’m not… he told himself after that mental question. Why would he be jealous? His relationship with Sakura was platonic, nothing more, nothing less.

 

Or is it.

 

Shut up… he berated with his inner self and tried to ignore its further taunts.

 

Sensing that Sakura had no plans of sharing more, Kakashi rose from and stood up. “C’mon, it’s getting late.” He said and offered a hand towards her who was still sitting on the ground.

 

Sakura stared at his hand for a moment and then took it with hers. She stood up and smiled in gratitude. When Kakashi smiled back, she suddenly felt really weird and queasy. Oh my God, don’t tell me I’m blushing… Sakura quickly looked away and almost squeaked, “See you tomorrow.” She said, “And be on time!”

 

He laughed not before asking the inevitable question, “Do you want me to walk you home?”

 

She shook her head and waved goodbye.

 

Kakashi watched her disappear from his sight with a small smile. He wished she didn’t notice his unusual behaviour and how frequently he blushed whenever their skin made contact. With a shook of his head, he headed towards the headquarters.

 

TBC

Path of thorns [Chapter 3]
Topic: Path of thorns

Chapter Three

 

Changes

 

“Okay, talk,” the former sensei of Team 7 demanded as he led the pink-haired kunoichi out of the ramen house—which had proved to be a very hard task indeed. For some odd reason, Sasuke seemed to be paying much more of attention to Sakura; he had even tried luring her into conversations she obviously had not wanted to be included in. Kakashi sensed something out of the ordinary from the kunoichi too, since instead of fawning over her long-time crush, she avoided as much eye contact with Sasuke as possible. How many times had she excused herself to go to the wash room with Hinata? Two or three times—maybe more since Kakashi lost count, being caught up in the overwhelming excitement of Sasuke’s return. It was incredibly odd to see Sasuke trying his best to gain her attention while she was the one who tries to retreat from his advances. Ever since Team 7 had been formed, he saw how much Sakura adored the young Uchiha. Heck, she had even confessed her feelings for the boy before he went off to follow Orochimaru. Something was wrong and he knew that as a former teacher and as a friend, he had every right to know what was going on.

 

Sakura didn’t look up at him, only sighed, debating whether to tell him or not. She knew Kakashi’s wasn’t the type of person who merely wanted to keep up with the latest gossip, but he was instead the type to genuinely worry about the people he cared for. And because she knew she was one of those people, Sakura realized she really had no excuse to refuse his request of telling him what her cold treatment towards Sasuke was about.

 

After all, ever since Sasuke left Konoha, Kakashi had been the only person who was there to give her company, since Naruto was mostly off training somewhere with Jiraiya. Of course, she had tons of other friends, like Ino-pig and Rock Lee (who was still on her heels). But Kakashi was the only one who actually listened. He was the only one who gave sensible advices.

 

“It’s Sasuke,” she started, unsurely.

 

Kakashi scratched the back of his neck and smiled, “Really? I couldn’t have guessed.”

 

Sakura sent him a glare but failed as the corner of her mouth involuntarily quirked into a smile, “I’m serious, Kakashi.”

 

“I know,” he dug both of his hands on his pocket. “So, care to elaborate?”

 

“He’s back,” Sakura said as if it was not the most obvious thing in the world.

 

An eyebrow arched, “He’s been gone for almost five years, you should be happy.”

 

“That’s the point.”

 

“Hmm… you lost me there.”

 

Sakura rolled her eyes and finally turned to glare at him, “What I’m saying is he’s here… for almost five years he came back again! And I…” her eyes dropped on the ground as they stopped walking, “I don’t know how to act around him anymore.”

 

“Sakura…”

 

“He’s always going off somewhere for a long period of time. He can’t expect me to happily chirp and welcome him home with a big hug.” Her brows furrowed at the thought, “Although I’m not very sure if he’d want that either.”

 

“Chirp?” Kakashi amusedly asked. There was an obvious grin beneath his mask.

 

Sakura scowled, “Kakashi…”

 

“Look, Sakura, just…what’s your point?”

 

“I am getting there if you would just stop interrupting,” she answered.

 

Kakashi scratched the back of his head again, “Sorry. Go on.” He noticed her walking again and fell into a step beside her.

 

Sakura was silent for a moment, thinking of how to explain it to him. Kakashi accepted her silence and waited until she was ready to talk again.

 

“I’m…confused.”

 

“About what?” he asked.

 

The pink-haired kunoichi pursed her lips and crossed her arms. “I’ve been in love with Sasuke; at least that’s what I thought ever since I was a kid. Ino and I were always competing because of him. I grew my hair for him since I heard that he liked women with long hair. I tried everything to impress him, but everything ended up left unnoticed. After that moment he thanked me before running off to Orochirmaru, I felt…empty. Somehow, I realized that I failed… I couldn’t get the person I loved. I was angry because I was not able to convince him to stay here… with me… us... I guess I was asking too much.” She laughed bitterly, “Naruto felt sorry for me. Every day he would promise me that he would find Sasuke. That he’d beat the pulp out of him if he didn’t come back. But every search mission failed and Naruto’d come visit me only to assure me that he’ll do much better next time. And then it dawned to me: how awful I must have been to Naruto for him to promise something like that. I didn’t own Sasuke, why should Naruto give promises like that? And so I decided to stop brooding and accept Tsunade-sama’s offer to train me as a medic-nin. I focused on learning new things. We were so glad back then, right Kakashi?”

 

Kakashi nodded attentively.

 

Sakura sighed and looked up, watching the cold, dark sky of winter night. “He was still the same Sasuke, alright. He still ignored me and he still fought with Naruto.” She snorted, “Even Naruto got more of his attention than I did. And then Sasuke joined ANBU and received longer, tougher missions. His last mission was an S-rank, and it took him five years to complete!”

 

“I still don’t see the problem here.”

 

“Isn’t it obvious?” she incredulously glared at him, knowing that he was only feigning innocence and simply wanted her to blurt it out. “I think I’m finally over him!” she exclaimed. “My infatuation for Uchiha Sasuke’s gone. I don’t feel anything for him anymore.”

 

“Are you sure?” he had been expecting this, of course. But it still sounded odd, hearing Sakura talk like this.

 

“Yeah,” Sakura replied thoughtfully. “But that doesn’t change the fact that Sasuke is still my friend, like Naruto. They’re my boys; I think it’ll be difficult for me to lose one of them.”

 

Kakashi grinned, “Am I one of your boys too?” He adorably pointed to himself, causing his companion to giggle.

 

“Of course you are!” she hooked an arm around his as they turned the corner towards Sakura’s home. They walked in a companionable silence until they reached the front of her parent’s house. The thought crossed her mind that she would have to move out soon. After her twentieth birthday, perhaps.

 

“Thanks for walking me home,” she said as she turned to face him.

 

He looked down at her and smiled, “I might have been doing it lately, but don’t get used to it.”

 

Sakura rolled her eyes, “Hai, sensei.”

 

“Good night,” he waved a hand at her and started walking off.

 

“Kakashi-sensei?” she timidly called. Kakashi stopped and slightly glanced over his shoulder. His eye lazily stared at her with mild curiosity. She wrung her hands together, lowered her head, slightly blushing as she muttered a soft, “Thank you…”

 

“For what?”

 

“For listening…”

 

A silent moment passed between them.

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

**

 

“C’mon, Fushy browsh, figsh shme!” Uzumaki Naruto tried to form the right words with few broken teeth, despite his new collection of terrible bruises, complete with puffed cheeks. Yes, training. Teasing Lee and his unusually thick eyebrows was just an extra perk.

 

Lee spat blood off of his mouth and answered in equal determination, “Shure, Narusho! Gesh I have shoo beash you again!”

 

“Shuudup!”

 

Sakura looked at the two and hopelessly sighed. If she had known their fight would come to this, she could have insisted on helping Naruto train herself. That would have been much less dangerous and less foolish than this. She was a medic-nin, for heaven’s sakes! And her medic instincts were screaming at her to stop them from hurting themselves further.

 

“Are they always like this?”

 

Sakura slightly jerked from where she was standing when she heard that familiar, smooth, nonchalant voice. She turned her head and saw the person she was expecting to fall into take a step next to her. “S-Sasuke?”

 

The young Uchiha stood tall next to the baffled cotton-candy haired kunoichi. She hadn’t been expecting him to come nor had she been expecting him to talk to her. Not only was it confusing, but incredibly surprising. She looked up at him and studied his face. His eyes were still watching Naruto and Lee beat each other up but then slowly turned towards her when he felt her gaze. Sakura’s eyes widened at first and then she pulled out a smile, “Yes. They’ve always been like this since…”

 

“Since I left,” he supplied, eyes still seeking hers.

 

“H-hai.” The intensity of Sasuke’s stare started to become unnerving and she turned away to watch Lee tackle down her poor blonde friend.

 

Sasuke was still staring at her as if memorizing the contours of her face. Last night had been fairly unsatisfying for the young Uchiha when Sakura left earlier than expected. He was planning on cornering her so he could talk about his plans of marrying her and his need for an heir. However, much to his displeasure, his plan had failed. Naruto had insisted on dragging him around, chatting to anyone who caught his eye and in doing so had completely separated him from where Sakura had sat the entire night. The moment he finally managed to escape Naruto, she was gone. He later learned from Ino that she had left with Kakashi. Sasuke started to wonder what kind of relationship they may have developed if Kakashi had actually offered to walk her home. Of course, he immediately dismissed the thought. Kakashi was just being a gentleman and offered a former student his company to walk her home. Nothing suspicious. Just an innocent display of friendship. Sasuke had been away from Konoha for almost five years, so he had no right to judge any changes that may have taken place.

 

Sakura could feel goosebumps running down her skin. The intensity of his stare felt terribly uncomfortable. She kept on shifting her legs and rubbing her arms as she hesitantly threw glances over the handsome Uchiha. Stop staring at me! She needed a distraction; or rather Sasuke needed some distraction to tear his eyes away from her.

 

As if on cue, Naruto started insulting Lee again, this brought Sakura’s initial reaction to berate him. “How many times do I have to tell you that his name is Lee and not Fuzzy Brows?” she yelled, watching and half praying that this distraction was working for Sasuke.

 

And it did! He was now looking over to the two boys who were practically rolling on the ground. “Naruto, Lee, cut it out!” she shouted. Unfortunately, neither one seemed to be in a listening mood. Right now, Sasuke stood there, watching them with mild amusement and interest.

 

“Uzumaki Naruto, do that again and I’ll tell Hinata to stop cooking ramen for you for the rest of the year!”

 

Thankfully, the threat actually worked. Naruto released Lee and turned towards Sakura, showing his ultimate Naruto pout, “Bush Shakurahh!!!!”

 

“Quit it! It’s not working!” With an ‘hmph’, Sakura crossed her arms and looked away.

 

“Shakkuuurrahhh!!! Pleash! I love Hinasha’sh cooking. Don’t shell Hinasha!”

 

“I can’t understand you, Naruto. Now, let-go-of-my-LEG!”

 

“Shakkkuurrahhh!!!!”

 

A deep chuckle escaped Sasuke’s throat as he watched the entertaining show before him. “I never thought you’d sink lower than a wimp, dobe.” He teased with a sly smirk on his lips.

 

“Shhuudddup!”

 

“What? Do you wanna fight me now?”

 

“I’ll beash you, you bashtard!”

 

“Feh, you can’t even talk straight.”

 

“Why you!”

 

“ENOUGH!”

 

Both boys stood there, looking at a very, very infuriated Sakura. Her cheeks were red in anger and slightly puffed. Lee chose that moment of silence to try to sneak away, knowing that he was about to encounter one of his Sakura’s frightening moods. But after his “Precious’” dark gaze fell on him, he was unable to move.

 

“You’re acting like a bunch of kids!” Sakura’s sense of superiority immediately reached Sasuke and Naruto’s ears. Since she was now officially over Sasuke, she found herself able to yell at him just as much as she did Naruto. This change in events obviously startled the young Uchiha. “Sasuke, I can’t believe you have the nerve to challenge Naruto, even in his weakened state—”

 

“Am nosh shweak—”

 

“And YOU!” Sakura pointed at Naruto who quickly leapt away to avoid her accusing finger. “Go and take Lee to the hospital! And do something with your teeth!”

 

Sasuke watched Sakura as she talked Naruto down like a ten-year old. A smile slowly etched his strained face. She’ll make a good mother someday… he thought, imagining her disciplining their own children. He made the right choice. Although he would have to deal with her usual habit of nagging too; Sakura would certainly be a handful.

 

“What’s going on?”

 

All eyes turned towards the languidly approaching copy-nin.

 

“Kakashi-sensei… about time!” Sakura sighed in relief and immediately ran onto his side. Sasuke watched them with narrowed eyes.

 

The white-haired jounin teasingly grinned, “Really? And here I thought I was late.”

 

Sakura frowned at first and then figured out what he was trying to say. “You are!” she half-heartedly slapped his arm and said, “I mean, about time you show up! You’re an hour and a half late! I had no choice but to watch these kids beat each other for no reason.”

 

Kakashi arched his brows, “Kids?”

 

Sakura shrugged her shoulders, “Well, they’re acting like it.”

 

Naruto was about to protest but found no strength to do so. He was tired and that made him realize Sakura’s instruction to go to the hospital would be applicable.

 

Kakashi looked at Naruto and Lee and then his gaze settled on Sasuke who seemed to be focusing his signature death glare on him and Sakura. “You too Sasuke?”

 

Sasuke only grunted a reply and looked away.

 

The white-haired jounin shook his head and then turned towards Sakura again, “Are you done with them yet?”

 

Sakura nodded, “Yeah, I think so.” She smirked triumphantly as she noticed Naruto slowly dozing off.

 

Then, as if the two had come to some unspoken decision, Sakura and Kakashi turned on their heels and waved goodbye as they disappeared back into the forest.

 

Sasuke’s eyes trail them while giving Naruto a hard nudge on the side.

 

“Wha-whash??” the blonde woke up, frantically looking around.

 

“Dobe, where are they going?” suspicion dripping in the ANBU captain’s voice.

 

Naruto frowned in half-confusion and half-annoyance from the said pet-name, “Who?”

 

“Kakashi and Sakura.”

 

“Ah, probabshly training,” he tiredly replied, moving towards Lee who had also fallen asleep as well.

 

Sasuke managed to translate what Naruto said and then asked, “Why?”

 

Naruto shrugged his shoulders as he draped one of Lee’s arms over them, “I dunno either.”

 

The young Uchiha suddenly felt troubled. Once again he looked towards the path where the two had disappeared.

 

And then he realized something.

 

Kakashi was a threat.

 

TBC

Path of thorns [Chapter 3]
Topic: Path of thorns

Chapter Three

 

Changes

 

“Okay, talk,” the former sensei of Team 7 demanded as he led the pink-haired kunoichi out of the ramen house—which had proved to be a very hard task indeed. For some odd reason, Sasuke seemed to be paying much more of attention to Sakura; he had even tried luring her into conversations she obviously had not wanted to be included in. Kakashi sensed something out of the ordinary from the kunoichi too, since instead of fawning over her long-time crush, she avoided as much eye contact with Sasuke as possible. How many times had she excused herself to go to the wash room with Hinata? Two or three times—maybe more since Kakashi lost count, being caught up in the overwhelming excitement of Sasuke’s return. It was incredibly odd to see Sasuke trying his best to gain her attention while she was the one who tries to retreat from his advances. Ever since Team 7 had been formed, he saw how much Sakura adored the young Uchiha. Heck, she had even confessed her feelings for the boy before he went off to follow Orochimaru. Something was wrong and he knew that as a former teacher and as a friend, he had every right to know what was going on.

 

Sakura didn’t look up at him, only sighed, debating whether to tell him or not. She knew Kakashi’s wasn’t the type of person who merely wanted to keep up with the latest gossip, but he was instead the type to genuinely worry about the people he cared for. And because she knew she was one of those people, Sakura realized she really had no excuse to refuse his request of telling him what her cold treatment towards Sasuke was about.

 

After all, ever since Sasuke left Konoha, Kakashi had been the only person who was there to give her company, since Naruto was mostly off training somewhere with Jiraiya. Of course, she had tons of other friends, like Ino-pig and Rock Lee (who was still on her heels). But Kakashi was the only one who actually listened. He was the only one who gave sensible advices.

 

“It’s Sasuke,” she started, unsurely.

 

Kakashi scratched the back of his neck and smiled, “Really? I couldn’t have guessed.”

 

Sakura sent him a glare but failed as the corner of her mouth involuntarily quirked into a smile, “I’m serious, Kakashi.”

 

“I know,” he dug both of his hands on his pocket. “So, care to elaborate?”

 

“He’s back,” Sakura said as if it was not the most obvious thing in the world.

 

An eyebrow arched, “He’s been gone for almost five years, you should be happy.”

 

“That’s the point.”

 

“Hmm… you lost me there.”

 

Sakura rolled her eyes and finally turned to glare at him, “What I’m saying is he’s here… for almost five years he came back again! And I…” her eyes dropped on the ground as they stopped walking, “I don’t know how to act around him anymore.”

 

“Sakura…”

 

“He’s always going off somewhere for a long period of time. He can’t expect me to happily chirp and welcome him home with a big hug.” Her brows furrowed at the thought, “Although I’m not very sure if he’d want that either.”

 

“Chirp?” Kakashi amusedly asked. There was an obvious grin beneath his mask.

 

Sakura scowled, “Kakashi…”

 

“Look, Sakura, just…what’s your point?”

 

“I am getting there if you would just stop interrupting,” she answered.

 

Kakashi scratched the back of his head again, “Sorry. Go on.” He noticed her walking again and fell into a step beside her.

 

Sakura was silent for a moment, thinking of how to explain it to him. Kakashi accepted her silence and waited until she was ready to talk again.

 

“I’m…confused.”

 

“About what?” he asked.

 

The pink-haired kunoichi pursed her lips and crossed her arms. “I’ve been in love with Sasuke; at least that’s what I thought ever since I was a kid. Ino and I were always competing because of him. I grew my hair for him since I heard that he liked women with long hair. I tried everything to impress him, but everything ended up left unnoticed. After that moment he thanked me before running off to Orochirmaru, I felt…empty. Somehow, I realized that I failed… I couldn’t get the person I loved. I was angry because I was not able to convince him to stay here… with me… us... I guess I was asking too much.” She laughed bitterly, “Naruto felt sorry for me. Every day he would promise me that he would find Sasuke. That he’d beat the pulp out of him if he didn’t come back. But every search mission failed and Naruto’d come visit me only to assure me that he’ll do much better next time. And then it dawned to me: how awful I must have been to Naruto for him to promise something like that. I didn’t own Sasuke, why should Naruto give promises like that? And so I decided to stop brooding and accept Tsunade-sama’s offer to train me as a medic-nin. I focused on learning new things. We were so glad back then, right Kakashi?”

 

Kakashi nodded attentively.

 

Sakura sighed and looked up, watching the cold, dark sky of winter night. “He was still the same Sasuke, alright. He still ignored me and he still fought with Naruto.” She snorted, “Even Naruto got more of his attention than I did. And then Sasuke joined ANBU and received longer, tougher missions. His last mission was an S-rank, and it took him five years to complete!”

 

“I still don’t see the problem here.”

 

“Isn’t it obvious?” she incredulously glared at him, knowing that he was only feigning innocence and simply wanted her to blurt it out. “I think I’m finally over him!” she exclaimed. “My infatuation for Uchiha Sasuke’s gone. I don’t feel anything for him anymore.”

 

“Are you sure?” he had been expecting this, of course. But it still sounded odd, hearing Sakura talk like this.

 

“Yeah,” Sakura replied thoughtfully. “But that doesn’t change the fact that Sasuke is still my friend, like Naruto. They’re my boys; I think it’ll be difficult for me to lose one of them.”

 

Kakashi grinned, “Am I one of your boys too?” He adorably pointed to himself, causing his companion to giggle.

 

“Of course you are!” she hooked an arm around his as they turned the corner towards Sakura’s home. They walked in a companionable silence until they reached the front of her parent’s house. The thought crossed her mind that she would have to move out soon. After her twentieth birthday, perhaps.

 

“Thanks for walking me home,” she said as she turned to face him.

 

He looked down at her and smiled, “I might have been doing it lately, but don’t get used to it.”

 

Sakura rolled her eyes, “Hai, sensei.”

 

“Good night,” he waved a hand at her and started walking off.

 

“Kakashi-sensei?” she timidly called. Kakashi stopped and slightly glanced over his shoulder. His eye lazily stared at her with mild curiosity. She wrung her hands together, lowered her head, slightly blushing as she muttered a soft, “Thank you…”

 

“For what?”

 

“For listening…”

 

A silent moment passed between them.

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

**

 

“C’mon, Fushy browsh, figsh shme!” Uzumaki Naruto tried to form the right words with few broken teeth, despite his new collection of terrible bruises, complete with puffed cheeks. Yes, training. Teasing Lee and his unusually thick eyebrows was just an extra perk.

 

Lee spat blood off of his mouth and answered in equal determination, “Shure, Narusho! Gesh I have shoo beash you again!”

 

“Shuudup!”

 

Sakura looked at the two and hopelessly sighed. If she had known their fight would come to this, she could have insisted on helping Naruto train herself. That would have been much less dangerous and less foolish than this. She was a medic-nin, for heaven’s sakes! And her medic instincts were screaming at her to stop them from hurting themselves further.

 

“Are they always like this?”

 

Sakura slightly jerked from where she was standing when she heard that familiar, smooth, nonchalant voice. She turned her head and saw the person she was expecting to fall into take a step next to her. “S-Sasuke?”

 

The young Uchiha stood tall next to the baffled cotton-candy haired kunoichi. She hadn’t been expecting him to come nor had she been expecting him to talk to her. Not only was it confusing, but incredibly surprising. She looked up at him and studied his face. His eyes were still watching Naruto and Lee beat each other up but then slowly turned towards her when he felt her gaze. Sakura’s eyes widened at first and then she pulled out a smile, “Yes. They’ve always been like this since…”

 

“Since I left,” he supplied, eyes still seeking hers.

 

“H-hai.” The intensity of Sasuke’s stare started to become unnerving and she turned away to watch Lee tackle down her poor blonde friend.

 

Sasuke was still staring at her as if memorizing the contours of her face. Last night had been fairly unsatisfying for the young Uchiha when Sakura left earlier than expected. He was planning on cornering her so he could talk about his plans of marrying her and his need for an heir. However, much to his displeasure, his plan had failed. Naruto had insisted on dragging him around, chatting to anyone who caught his eye and in doing so had completely separated him from where Sakura had sat the entire night. The moment he finally managed to escape Naruto, she was gone. He later learned from Ino that she had left with Kakashi. Sasuke started to wonder what kind of relationship they may have developed if Kakashi had actually offered to walk her home. Of course, he immediately dismissed the thought. Kakashi was just being a gentleman and offered a former student his company to walk her home. Nothing suspicious. Just an innocent display of friendship. Sasuke had been away from Konoha for almost five years, so he had no right to judge any changes that may have taken place.

 

Sakura could feel goosebumps running down her skin. The intensity of his stare felt terribly uncomfortable. She kept on shifting her legs and rubbing her arms as she hesitantly threw glances over the handsome Uchiha. Stop staring at me! She needed a distraction; or rather Sasuke needed some distraction to tear his eyes away from her.

 

As if on cue, Naruto started insulting Lee again, this brought Sakura’s initial reaction to berate him. “How many times do I have to tell you that his name is Lee and not Fuzzy Brows?” she yelled, watching and half praying that this distraction was working for Sasuke.

 

And it did! He was now looking over to the two boys who were practically rolling on the ground. “Naruto, Lee, cut it out!” she shouted. Unfortunately, neither one seemed to be in a listening mood. Right now, Sasuke stood there, watching them with mild amusement and interest.

 

“Uzumaki Naruto, do that again and I’ll tell Hinata to stop cooking ramen for you for the rest of the year!”

 

Thankfully, the threat actually worked. Naruto released Lee and turned towards Sakura, showing his ultimate Naruto pout, “Bush Shakurahh!!!!”

 

“Quit it! It’s not working!” With an ‘hmph’, Sakura crossed her arms and looked away.

 

“Shakkuuurrahhh!!! Pleash! I love Hinasha’sh cooking. Don’t shell Hinasha!”

 

“I can’t understand you, Naruto. Now, let-go-of-my-LEG!”

 

“Shakkkuurrahhh!!!!”

 

A deep chuckle escaped Sasuke’s throat as he watched the entertaining show before him. “I never thought you’d sink lower than a wimp, dobe.” He teased with a sly smirk on his lips.

 

“Shhuudddup!”

 

“What? Do you wanna fight me now?”

 

“I’ll beash you, you bashtard!”

 

“Feh, you can’t even talk straight.”

 

“Why you!”

 

“ENOUGH!”

 

Both boys stood there, looking at a very, very infuriated Sakura. Her cheeks were red in anger and slightly puffed. Lee chose that moment of silence to try to sneak away, knowing that he was about to encounter one of his Sakura’s frightening moods. But after his “Precious’” dark gaze fell on him, he was unable to move.

 

“You’re acting like a bunch of kids!” Sakura’s sense of superiority immediately reached Sasuke and Naruto’s ears. Since she was now officially over Sasuke, she found herself able to yell at him just as much as she did Naruto. This change in events obviously startled the young Uchiha. “Sasuke, I can’t believe you have the nerve to challenge Naruto, even in his weakened state—”

 

“Am nosh shweak—”

 

“And YOU!” Sakura pointed at Naruto who quickly leapt away to avoid her accusing finger. “Go and take Lee to the hospital! And do something with your teeth!”

 

Sasuke watched Sakura as she talked Naruto down like a ten-year old. A smile slowly etched his strained face. She’ll make a good mother someday… he thought, imagining her disciplining their own children. He made the right choice. Although he would have to deal with her usual habit of nagging too; Sakura would certainly be a handful.

 

“What’s going on?”

 

All eyes turned towards the languidly approaching copy-nin.

 

“Kakashi-sensei… about time!” Sakura sighed in relief and immediately ran onto his side. Sasuke watched them with narrowed eyes.

 

The white-haired jounin teasingly grinned, “Really? And here I thought I was late.”

 

Sakura frowned at first and then figured out what he was trying to say. “You are!” she half-heartedly slapped his arm and said, “I mean, about time you show up! You’re an hour and a half late! I had no choice but to watch these kids beat each other for no reason.”

 

Kakashi arched his brows, “Kids?”

 

Sakura shrugged her shoulders, “Well, they’re acting like it.”

 

Naruto was about to protest but found no strength to do so. He was tired and that made him realize Sakura’s instruction to go to the hospital would be applicable.

 

Kakashi looked at Naruto and Lee and then his gaze settled on Sasuke who seemed to be focusing his signature death glare on him and Sakura. “You too Sasuke?”

 

Sasuke only grunted a reply and looked away.

 

The white-haired jounin shook his head and then turned towards Sakura again, “Are you done with them yet?”

 

Sakura nodded, “Yeah, I think so.” She smirked triumphantly as she noticed Naruto slowly dozing off.

 

Then, as if the two had come to some unspoken decision, Sakura and Kakashi turned on their heels and waved goodbye as they disappeared back into the forest.

 

Sasuke’s eyes trail them while giving Naruto a hard nudge on the side.

 

“Wha-whash??” the blonde woke up, frantically looking around.

 

“Dobe, where are they going?” suspicion dripping in the ANBU captain’s voice.

 

Naruto frowned in half-confusion and half-annoyance from the said pet-name, “Who?”

 

“Kakashi and Sakura.”

 

“Ah, probabshly training,” he tiredly replied, moving towards Lee who had also fallen asleep as well.

 

Sasuke managed to translate what Naruto said and then asked, “Why?”

 

Naruto shrugged his shoulders as he draped one of Lee’s arms over them, “I dunno either.”

 

The young Uchiha suddenly felt troubled. Once again he looked towards the path where the two had disappeared.

 

And then he realized something.

 

Kakashi was a threat.

 

TBC

Path of thorns [Chapter 2]
Topic: Path of thorns

Chapter Two

 

I’ll walk you home

 

Sakura immediately went to bed, groaning as her muscles convulsed in pain. Once again she managed to abuse her body to the point that she couldn’t even move her pinkie finger. Kakashi wasn’t joking when he said he will not make the challenge easy for her. It was torture!

 

They were both jounins, yes. But when it comes to strength and stamina, they’re not equals. She needs more training, Sakura realized as she stared absently at the white ceiling of her room.

 

She already accepted the fact that she’s the weakest in Team 7. Naruto has Kyuubi, Sasuke has Sharingan and Kakashi has his own, medically implanted or not. Each member of Team 7 has special abilities except her and that made her feel all there more incompetent. Sometimes she wondered if she even deserves to be a jounin in the first place.

 

Kakashi was a good sensei. He taught her a great deal even though he’d rather train Sasuke than her.  That’s why she has to win this! She has to prove to Kakashi and the rest of Konoha that despite of her lack of special skills and bloodlines, she’s still a strong jounin and she deserves acknowledgement.

 

With that thought, a smile crept Sakura’s lips before her eyes closed and drifted to sleep.

 

**

 

“Sakura! Sakura, open the door!”

 

Someone was pounding her door.

 

“Sa-ku-ra!”

 

And on top of that, they were yelling like there was no tomorrow.

 

“Sakura!”

 

Another round of pounding began. Sakura groaned against her pillow.

 

“Sakura! Wake up!”

 

The hammering went on.

 

Sakura groaned again and begrudgingly opened her eyes. She tried to pull herself out of bed and somehow managed to stand up. Slightly wincing from muscle ache, the pink-haired jounin approached her door and, thoroughly irritated, grabbed the knob.

 

Angrily, she opened the door and revealed a grinning blond beaming at her, “This-has-got-to-be-important-or you’re dead!” she seethed, eyes twitching as the vein on her forehead popped and throbbed.

 

Naruto laughed, “Man, you look awful.” He received a death glare and quickly backed away, “Not a morning person, are we? I just came here to tell you something, sheesh!” Naruto was still laughing at her. Her hair was sticking out in all different directions, her posture was beyond a doubt poorer than he had ever seen and her eyes drooped tiredly. To make story short, she looks horrible.

 

“Well?” the irritated tone never left Sakura’s voice.

 

Her blond best friend grinned and placed his hands on the back of his neck, “Get dressed, we’re going out.”

 

“Why?” Sakura asked in confusion. What was he getting at?

 

“Just get dressed, alright? I’ll meet you down stairs!” And before he could hear any further protest, Naruto headed down the stairs, leaving a rather confused and aggravated Sakura behind.

 

**

 

At headquarters, three masked ANBU exited The Hokage’s office. The two headed off while the other decided to stay a short while longer.

 

Taking off his ANBU mask, Uchiha Sasuke drop on the empty seats in front of Shizune’s desk.

 

It’s been a long time since… he thought as he absently stared outside. The S-class mission in Stone took a long time to finish. He was now the ANBU captain, a position he gained two years after his return from Orochimaru. Itachi was finally dead; he was gone and now Sasuke had no other purpose. That’s why he went back to Konoha and received missions.

 

He finally fulfilled his goal and now, all he has to do is to proceed to his other task. And that is to restore his clan. He has to get married soon, have male successors and regain the power the Uchiha clan had once possessed. He was the last one and so this duty was tasked to him alone. Sasuke had no other choice but to fulfill this obligation. That’s why he went back to Konoha in the first place. He has to find the suitable mother for his successors. The journey from Stone to Konoha had given him much time to think over all the possible women to court, or rather ask to help him fulfill his duty. Knowing Sasuke, he doesn’t really have to ask since there are a lot of women out there who practically worships the land he walks on. Sasuke’s not vain, oh no, not at all. Women adore him, a plain fact, period.

 

Of course, Sakura was the first woman who came popping into his head. The girl had always been professing her love for him. She had been in love with him ever since she was just a child, and to Sasuke, this was a huge advantage. The relationship may have to be one-sided but it would help restore his lost clan.

 

And there was Ino, and just like Sakura, she’s also obsessed at him. Ino was smart, strong and beautiful. She would make a suitable child-bearer as well.

 

Hyuuga Hinata crossed his mind as well, but he knew she was far from available: Naruto’s with her. Of course he couldn’t bring himself to steal his comrade’s woman. It was a shame though, since Hyuuga was a powerful clan too. A mix of Uchiha and Hyuuga wouldn’t have been so bad.

 

Sasuke mulled hard over his three options again. None of these women had ever gained his love. In fact, Sasuke didn’t know if he was even capable on expressing such emotion. It seemed love was nothing but a void in his heart, his brother made sure of that.

 

Among these women, Sakura was the only person he could consider as a close friend. Ino and Hinata were nothing more than acquaintances. But Sakura…she was a teammate, a comrade…and a friend. She was a member of Team 7 and managed to, somehow, tame him a little bit. He remembered the incident during the Chuunin exam seven years ago, when he completely lost control of himself and just hearing Sakura’s voice calling out his name brought him out of that nightmare. And after that, she had held him, without worry, without hesitancy, without shame… she just held him, offering the best comfort she could provide. Somehow, that day, Sakura had earned his respect.

 

And it occurred to Uchiha Sasuke that he had found the woman suitable to bear his children.

 

“Sasuke?”

 

He looked up and was surprised to see the person occupying his mind, “Sakura.”

 

**

 

Sakura couldn’t believe her eyes. Here she was, standing in front of the man who had so suddenly disappeared five years ago. The same man she’d been in love with ever since she was a kid.

 

Sasuke.

 

After getting dressed, Naruto had proceeded to mercilessly drag her to Tsunade’s office. She asked him what was wrong but all she got in return was his usual tabby smile and a painful tug on her arm. By the time they arrived, Sakura was out of breath. Naruto had at least allowed her to compose herself before escorting her inside.

 

And now, there, near the Hokage’s office, the familiar form the ANBU captain silently sat.

 

The moment she saw him, Sakura’s heart started pounding hard inside her chest. He—he’s back…

 

Naruto brushed pass her and she quickly moved to follow him inside.

 

She didn’t know how to act around him anymore. True, she had been head-over-heels in-love with Uchiha Sasuke ever since before Team 7 was formed. But that was before. She thought, suddenly realizing the loss of the usual flip-flops of her stomach whenever she saw his face or how she would blush from the mere presence of him. What’s wrong with me? But before she could ponder further on the matter, she felt Naruto nudging her side. She looked up and saw him tipping his head, signaling for her to say something.

 

Naruto knew how Sakura felt about Sasuke. He was furious when the bastard took off without even telling.

 

Sakura was disappointed alright.

 

Naruto was livid, swearing that he’d beat the shit out of the smug bastard when he returns. It was odd that Naruto didn’t feel much like kicking his ass right now; he wanted to patch showed no sign of happiness. All he saw shock and confusion.

 

“Sasuke?” She timidly called, her hand cautiously playing the hem of her shirt.

 

Finally! The blond jounin grinned and turned to Sasuke, expecting him to say something in return.

 

Sasuke looked up and stared at her. His face, as usual, was void of any emotion. Two expressionless dark orbs stared blankly into her curious green ones. “Sakura,”

 

Sakura flinched slightly at how her name sounded on Sasuke’s voice. She bit her lower lip and looked imploringly over to Naruto.

 

Naruto understood and tried to break the tension. “Where the hell have you been, bastard? About time you decided to show up!” he half-heartedly yelled.

 

Sasuke smirked at his old friend, “Top secret.”

 

“Well, you could’ve told us you have a five year mission!” Naruto nagged, crossing his arms in a huff.

 

Sasuke looked at him and then turned to Sakura who quickly looked away again. “Is this the reason why you look so upset, Sakura?” he had to be sure that she was still attracted to him, that she still cared for him. Unfortunately he saw no sign of admiration within those eyes. Heck, she didn’t even blush, which as far as he could remember, he could easily make her face flush just by answering “no” to her invitations to eat with her after training. But now… now was oddly different. She continued to avoid his gaze and her face looked paler than he remembered. What’s wrong with her?

 

Sakura forced a smile and ignored his question. “We’re glad you’re back, Sasuke-kun!” she glanced between the boys and said, “This calls for a celebration.”

 

Naruto nodded, grinning at her suggestion. “Good idea!”

 

Sasuke watched Sakura for a while. Sakura felt his gaze and tried to ignore it. It was unnerving, but of course she couldn’t say it out loud. As the three walked off, Sakura decided to follow behind, throwing hesitant glances over to the boy she used to love.

 

**

 

The three sat at one table together and were soon joined by their old sensei, Kakashi. They were not the only ones who had come there to celebrate. A very flirtatious Ino, a lazy looking Shikamaru, a hungry Chouji, a snub looking Neji and his cousin Hinata and the rest of the jounins of their year were there to welcome the ANBU captain’s return. Genma, Anko and Gai had also decided to join the celebration as well.

 

When Sasuke and Naruto were pulled into Rock Lee’s crowd, Sakura and Kakashi were left on the table. Kakashi looked at his former female student and noticed something was a tad bit off. She had been quiet almost the entire night, only speaking when asked and forcing small smile whenever Sasuke acknowledged her. It was strange, but this is also the first time he had ever seen Sasuke actually acknowledge her like that. Kakashi had become so used seeing him pushing her away when Sasuke initiated conversation with her, it stunned him. Especially considering the fact that Sakura hadn’t made any move to return the attention Sasuke was giving her.

 

Once Sasuke was out of earshot, Kakashi turned to her and asked the inevitable, “Sakura, are you alright?”

 

Sakura was in daze when he asked her. Surprised, she snapped her head up and stared at him. Her eyes locked with Kakashi’s unhidden, concern-filled eye. She nervously laughed and shook her head, “I’m fine, Kakashi. Just… thinking…”

 

He obviously did not buy that excuse, “Care to tell?” Kakashi persisted.

 

Sakura shook her pink head, “Nah, you don’t wanna hear about it.”

 

“Try me.”

 

Again, she shook her head, “It’ll bore you.”

 

“I insist,” he pressed, this time looking more determined. He knew something was off; Sakura had never acted like this before, not since the day Sasuke left Konoha.

 

She sighed, knowing full-well that refusing would be useless. Her eyes skimmed on the crowd and then finally settled on the tall form of the young Uchiha, who was currently trying to ignore Ino batting her eyes at him. “It’s Sasuke…” she started, not knowing what to say.

 

Kakashi followed the beeline of her stare and found himself looking over to Sasuke as well, “What about him?”

 

“He’s here,” She replied, or more rather, sighed.

 

“So?” the white-haired jounin offhandedly asked, “Isn’t that what you want?” Since his three former students were genins, he knew how strong Sakura’s infatuation towards the young Uchiha had been. In his mind, it would always be Sakura asking him out, Sasuke refusing and Naruto bouncing on the balls of his feet bugging Sakura until she would snap and stalk away. It was the same scene he always witnessed day by day. But he realized now that that was five years ago. They’re all grown up now, Kakashi thought, suddenly grasping the changes undergoing his three former 12 year old students.

 

Sakura shook her head, “No, you don’t understand…”

 

“Is it because he left without telling you?”

 

“That and…”

 

“And?”

 

Sakura tore her gaze from Sasuke and then turned towards him. Her green eyes, usually full of life were now filled with confusion and mild anger, “I…don’t understand myself anymore…”

 

“Why not?” he asked, his brows furrowing.

 

The pink-haired jounin looked around, feeling uncomfortable with the crowd and the noise surrounding them. She then once again caught sight of Naruto and Sasuke who were still in deep conversation with Neji and Rock Lee. She turned towards Kakashi again and said, eyes pleading, “Walk me home.”

 

Kakashi arched his brows at the sudden statement, “What?”

 

“Promise me you’ll walk me home after this,” she looked up at him, her eyes sincerely begging, “Please?”

 

Kakashi watched her eyes for a moment, and finally, with a sigh he nodded. “Okay,” his lips curled into a smile under his mask, “I’ll walk you home.”

 

TBC

 

Path of thorns [Chapter 1]
Mood:  happy
Topic: Path of thorns

Title: Path of Thorns

By: Yukimiya The Beekeeper

Genre: Romance/Action

Rating: PG-13/T

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything from characters to anime itself. I’m just a mere writer providing happiness for the shippers of this pairing. Thank you.

Summary: [KakaSaku] Orochimaru yearns to create havoc and the need to heal his invalid arms once again arises. Tsunade once refused to heal his arms… but what of the apprentice?

Notes: My first Naruto Fic so please spare me! And this is an EXP FIC (See Bio).

 

***

 

_

 

Arc I: Reunion

_

 

Path of Thorns

 

By, Yukimiya The Beekeeper

 

Chapter One

 

Hitting two birds in one stone

 

“Sakura, behind you!”

 

Haruno Sakura, the nineteen year old kunoichi turned her head only to find the tall form of her sensei descending towards her. His leg outstretched in attempts of giving her his final blow for today’s training. But of course, she will not let a simple attack prevent her from winning. Immediately she side-stepped and directed a punch towards her sensei as he landed gracefully on the ground.

 

Kakashi caught her wrist and prevented her from hitting his face. Sakura expected this and made immediate action. She hastily kneed him on the stomach, causing his grip to loosen. She took the opportunity to jump off and land a few meters away from him.

 

“That’s right, Sakura! You got him!” Naruto cheered.

 

“Shut up, Naruto!” she barked, finding his voice quite irritating at the moment.

 

Naruto pouted and crossed his arms, “I was being supportive!”

 

“It’s not helping!” She glared at him and then back onto the man she challenged a few hours ago. Damn, he’s just too strong… she thought wincing at the few bruises she received from his attacks.

 

Kakashi sighed and then pulled something from the inside pocket of his vest. Green eyes widened as she saw the familiar orange book in his hand. “What are you doing??” Sakura asked in utter disbelief.

 

Unfazed, he flipped through the pages, “What does it look like, Sakura? I’m reading.” Much to Sakura’s mortification the perverted jounin walked towards a nearby tree and started reading that blasted perverted book of his.

 

“But sensei, we’re not done yet!” the pink haired kunoichi protested.

 

Kakashi still ignored her and continued reading the climactic part of Chapter 4 in “Icha Icha Paradise”.

 

“It’s hopeless, Sakura.” Naruto interjected, “Training’s over when that book gets into his hands.”

 

“It’s not too late. We can still get that thing away from him.” Sakura spoke with adamant determination. “Right, Naruto?” She looked around and found the annoying blonde running away. “Naruto!” she yelled, seeing his retreating back.

 

Naruto raised a hand and waved, “I’ll pass, Sakura-chan! Hinata’s waiting. Can’t help ya.”

 

Sakura growled hard and stomped in annoyance, “Dammit Naruto, come back here!”

 

Naruto quickly scampered away before he suffers the circumstances of having a raging Sakura after his head.

 

Pissed off, Sakura turned her attention back to Kakashi, pointed an accusing finger and exclaimed, “Kakashi-sensei, stand up and fight me!”

 

Kakashi ignored her. He just flipped another page and continued reading.

 

Sakura scowled and started towards him. I’d better destroy that book now! She reached down to grab his stupid book but her attempts were quickly stopped by an impassive looking Kakashi who for the second time of the day, grabbed her wrist and pulled her down on her knees and onto the ground.

 

“Try another tactic. That one’s getting old.” Kakashi sternly looked down at.

 

“I came here to train, sensei! Not to watch you indulge in that perverted book of yours.”

 

“Training’s over. Go home.”

 

“I don’t want to.”

 

“Sakura…”

 

“Sensei!”

 

“Do you want me to drag you home again?”

 

“Train with me, sensei!”

 

“We’ve been training all day. Haven’t you had enough?”

 

“I want to learn another jutsu.”

 

“Tomorrow.”

 

“You’re always saying that!”

 

“…”

 

“Sensei.”

 

“…”

 

“Sensei!”

 

“…”

 

“KAKASHI!”

 

He finally shifted his eyes away from page 44 and stared at her. She sat there in front of him, brows creased, eyes flaming and mouth pulled into a pout. She had grown so much.

 

Her hair was still short and still pink of course. She had filled out quite well in all the places courtesy of female hormones and non-strop training. The red dress she used to wear before was now mutilated and made into a two-piece garment. A pink shirt and black shorts. She had become one of the most desirable women in Konoha and it was quite surprising that she had up until now stayed single. Maybe she’s still pinning for Sasuke.

 

“Sakura-chan.” He knew this would hit a nerve on the young kunoichi, “Can’t I have at least a few minutes to enjoy my book? You got me all day, can’t I have this moment?”

 

Her eye twitched from the way he called her. She crossed her arms and gave him a disapproving look. “Perv.”

 

She could see him smirking through that black fabric mask he wore, “I have my needs.”

 

Sakura gave a disgusted look and said, “Ew... Don’t talk like that.”

 

“Like what?” he innocently asked.

 

“You know what I mean!”

 

Kakashi rolled his eyes, “Sakura, you’re nineteen years old.”

 

“So?”

 

He shook his head and went back reading, “Never mind.”

 

Sakura frowned, “What is it?” she persisted.

 

“Give it up and go home.”

 

“I’m not going until you tell me.”

 

Here we go again. He and Sakura had been having these kinds of arguments since…forever. After the day Sasuke left for an ANBU mission, Sakura refused to brood in a corner. Instead, she centred her attention on her sensei. Everyday she’d hunt him down and ask if they could train together. Sometimes Naruto joins them but most of the time, it was only her and Kakashi.

 

After realizing that she had no intention of giving up any time soon, Kakashi sighed and replied, “Look, I’ll explain it to you later. I’ll meet you at the pub.”

 

Sakura smiled and looked at him, “Your treat?”

 

Kakashi smiled back and nodded, “My treat.”

 

“Fine,” Sakura muttered as she stood up begrudgingly and dusted off her backside. She looked down at him only to find him engrossed on Icha Icha again. She sighed and waved a hand, “See you later, old man.” Kakashi removed his eye away from the book and glare holes at the back of her neck. Hmp, serves you right, she thought with a sly smirk.

 

**

 

That night went to the pub as promised and unsurprisingly, found no trace of Kakashi there. I knew it…, she hissed disappointedly. She looked around and luckily found Ino sitting at the corner table, waving at her. Sakura smiled back and took the empty chair in front of her.

 

“How’s training?” Ino asked.

 

Sakura sighed, “It ended with Icha Icha again no matter what I do.” She looked around and still he’s not around. Oh, he’s horrible. I’ve heard of a slowpoke but this is ridiculous…

 

The blonde nin laughed, “You’ll never separate Kakashi from his dirty novels.”

 

“I know.” She shrugged, “Actually, I’m planning on stealing his whole collection and burn it to ashes.”

 

Both women giggled at the idea, not noticing Tenten, Naruto and Hinata joining their table.

 

“What’s so funny?” Tenten took the seat next to Ino as Naruto and his girlfriend, Hinata, took Sakura’s side.

 

“Nothing. Just some cruel prank Sakura’s planning against Kakashi is all.” Ino replied, still giggling.

 

“Oh yeah? What is it?” Naruto excitedly turned to Sakura, obviously interested as well.

 

She looked at him and saw his huge eyes staring at her. Now, who could resist someone who has eyes as big as saucers? Why, Sakura of course! She’s been doing it since she’s twelve years old.

 

“I’m not telling.”

 

Naruto huffed and crossed his arms. Something that he couldn’t get rid off despite of the fact that he’s already nearing twenties. “Well, I bet its lame.”

 

Sakura defiantly raised her chin and playfully grinned at him, “You’re just upset because I won’t tell you.”

 

His brows creased as he exclaimed, “I’m going to tell Kakashi-sensei you’re planning something!” he pointed an accusing finger at her.

 

“Oh yeah?”

 

“Yeah!”

 

“Then go and tell him!”

 

“I will!”

 

Tenten sighed and shook her head and asked, “Why are they always like this?”

 

Hinata only smiled as she sat next to Naruto while watching the two bicker.

 

Ino irritably closed her eyes, her left eye twitching, “Will you two stop it! It’s embarrassing!”

 

As if hearing nothing, the two continued arguing.

 

**

 

A few hours later…

 

“Well, Sakura, I’m off.” Ino said as she stood up.

 

“Me too.” Tenten and Naruto said in unison, while Hinata smiled at her and meekly said goodbye.

 

The pink-haired kunoichi sighed, “I’m going too.” She stood up and followed the rest of the group outside.

 

After saying ‘goodnight’, everybody went their separate ways. Sakura, however, chose to stay in front of the pub for awhile, obviously waiting for someone. He’s not coming. He probably forgot. Damn, Kakashi, I swear I’ll kill you for this. Involuntarily she rubbed her hands together and tucked them deep inside her coat pockets. She looked up and blinked innocently. A small, white flake landed on the tip of her nose. Her eyes crossed, staring on the first snow flake of November. She smiled to herself, looking up to watch snow fall down from the sky.

 

“Sakura?”

 

The pink-haired kunoichi turned and saw none other than Hatake Kakashi standing behind her, his hands tucked in his front pockets and his visible eye staring at her oddly.

 

“Well, you decided to show up after all…” Sakura wasn’t mad at him. Just a little irked at the fact that he was supposed to meet her two hours ago. I wonder what his excuse is this time.

 

I deserve that… Kakashi scratched the back of his and replied, “I overslept.”

 

Sakura rolled her eyes and started walking past him. “That’s getting old.”

 

“Where are you going?” he asked.

 

“Home.”

 

“You’re not going to join me for a drink?”

 

Sakura gave a dry laugh and said, “Probably if you were here on time, I could.” She wasn’t too surprised when she saw him suddenly walking next to her. She had been half-expecting and half-wishing that he’d follow her.

 

“You’re upset, are you?” he asked.

 

She just shrugged her shoulders and replied, “I should be,” she turned to him and glared, “You stood me up.”

 

Kakashi offered a lopsided smile, feeling guilty, “Sorry.”

 

“Nope, that’s not going to work this time,” the young kunoichi blatantly spoke.

 

“What? You’re really that mad at me?” Kakashi asked in pure disbelief. Had he been pushing her too much? “C’mon,” he stopped, grabbed her arm and started dragging her back into the pub.

 

“Hey!” she yelped indignantly.

 

“I’m buying you a drink,” he turned to her and winked, “To make it up to you.”

 

“But—”

 

Of course her protests died and then she’s back inside the pub—again.

 

**

 

Later that night…

 

Sakura refused to get another drink by the third time Kakashi asked the waitress to bring another one. Kakashi noticed her cheeks flushing and decided to walk her home before she gets too drunk. They walked in companionable silence until they turned to yet another corner street.

 

“Kakashi-sensei, you owe me something.” Sakura suddenly blurted out.

 

He turned to her with a brow slightly raised, “I already brought you a drink.”

 

Sakura shook her head, “No, you’re supposed to explain something.”

 

Kakashi was confused, “Which is?”

 

He’s faking innocence! Sakura glared at him, “The thing you refused to tell me back in area 4!”

 

Ah, that one. A smirk tugged the corner of his mouth, “Forget about it, Sakura. It’s nothing.”

 

“You promised!”

 

“I never promised you anything,” Kakashi forced an innocent smile.

 

“Kakashi!” he’s being difficult and it’s annoying her. He was teasing her alright. And he’s obviously enjoying every second of it. “Hatake Kakashi, you are the most insufferable, crude, bas—”

 

“Whoa, is that the way you talk about your sensei, Sakura?”

 

The younger Nin slowly backed away, crossing her arms with a huff, “Sorry old man, I forgot.”

 

“Call me old again; I swear I’ll make sure you regret saying it,” he half-heartedly warned.

 

“Only if you tell me!” she persistently pressed.

 

“I refuse,” he finally stated and then turned on his heels to resume their walk.

 

Sakura threw her hands in the air and exclaimed, “Fine!” she ran to his side and both started walking in companionable silence again.

 

And for a second there he thought she finally gave up.

 

Not until she opened her mouth again and said, “If I beat you in a fight, will you tell me?”

 

Kakashi abruptly stopped walking. He gave her a side-glance and asked, “Is that a challenge?”

 

“Maybe…” she drawled tauntingly.

 

He shook his head and sighed, “All these efforts for the sake of a petty comment. What’s next? My mask?” he said as an afterthought. He however immediately regretted it when he saw the dangerous glint that sparked the kunoichi’s eyes.

 

Sakura looked thoughtful for a moment then finally nodded to herself, “Yeah… that’s a good idea.” For years they wondered what exactly is behind that grey mask. This is the perfect opportunity fulfil that Team 7 goal.

 

Kakashi narrowed his eyes at her, “Sakura…”

 

Sakura grinned, “It’s like hitting two birds in one stone. I get to see your face and at the same time get the answer I need!”

 

“I wouldn’t be too happy if I were you.”

 

“Why not?” she planted her hands on her hips in a most intimidating manner.

 

The white-haired jounin smiled, “It’s a challenge, Haruno Sakura. It’s not a typical training session.”

 

“And you’re planning to make it much difficult for me?”

 

“Probably, yes.”

 

“Sure,” she smugly raised her chin, “I’m not expecting you to go easy on me anyway.”

 

“Right,” for the second time, Kakashi resumed walking. Sakura immediately caught up.

 

“Just so you know I always get what I want.”

 

“We’ll see.”

 

“I won’t easily give up.”

 

“I know.”

 

And the challenge was on.

 

TBC