Heart-Shaped Box

Kakashi had his reasons for not visiting Sakura immediately after their time together. Some of them had to do with maintaining his sanity while others were purely work related. He had hopes that in his absence that Sakura would procure information about the place and not be so worried about his visits and focus more on the mission.

 

Pakkun had discovered that there were six brothels. At the beginning of the month they knew of the location of two. He had discovered two more. He frequented the brothels although he didn't sample the wares although no one knew that. He was certain the set up in the other cheaper brothels didn't allow for watching like the one Sakura was currently in because when he went to one he asked specifically to watch. That was when he was given the location of the second one he found.

 

Although the first one he found because he and his pack had at some point followed every person that frequented the place where Sakura stayed. One of them led him to the first. He hoped that Sakura had found at least one more. Then it would mean their job was almost done.

 

Twenty-six days had passed when he realized that it may be prudent to question one of the girls at the other brothels to see if he could get them to give him information. He purchased a girl who was the complete antithesis of Sakura. She had inky black hair with eyes that sometimes looked gray but oftentimes looked purple. She looked a bit older. He'd say she was about fifteen. Her frame was slender giving her a delicate appearance. However, something in her eyes sparked of defiance and that was why he chose her.

 

After he purchased her she led him to a room where she immediately stripped herself of her clothes as soon as the door was closed. Kakashi made no move to stop her however he didn't allow his eyes to sweep over her body instead he looked into her eyes.

 

She said nothing and that told him she was well trained—but not trained enough to do what they would have considered respectful and lower her eyes.

 

“How long have you been here?” Kakashi questioned moving closer to her. Her whole framed stiffened.

 

“Since I saw seven.”

 

“And how old are you now?”

 

“Thirteen.”

 

Kakashi chuckled. “Liar.” If Kakashi hadn't been looking for it he would have missed the mild panic that flashed across her eyes. “If I had to say, I'd guess you were about fifteen. Am I right?”

 

She didn't answer and that was telling enough although he felt slightly bad for what he was doing. “I was under the impression that when asked a question you must give an answer. Was I wrong?”

 

“N-no.”

 

“Lay down on the bed.” She moved to the bed awkwardly and lay her body upon it. “I will ask you again. How old are you?”

 

Her body began to tremble but she still didn't answer the question. Kakashi removed his shirt. “You're making me angry.” Kakashi's voice was filled with ice coated in venom. “Spread your legs and answer my question.”

 

“Fifteen.” She said her whole voice full of terror.

 

“You're a little old to be here. Aren't you?” Kakashi moved closer and began removing his pants.

 

“No one knows. Please...please don't tell. They'll hurt me if they found out someone knew.”

 

 

Kakashi paused in his actions. “Then perhaps we can make some type of arrangement.” She stared at him confused but Kakashi ignored it she'd understand soon enough. “What is your name?”

 

“...Rukia.”

 

:::

 

 

Day twenty-nine brought him back to Sakura's brothel in order to pay her monthly fee and to fulfill his duty. He immediately wondered who he should see first. The Madam or Sakura. The choice was taken out his hands when Sakura rounded a corner and froze when she saw him. Although he found himself freezing as well.

 

He didn't know what it why the madam seemed to ensure that whatever it was these girls wore was shocking. However, this time he felt she had gone too far. Sakura had on silver leggings that were a size too small and little else. Her nipples were covered by what appeared to be silver stars. She was barefoot and yet even from where he stood he knew her nails—toe and finger—where done in the silvery shade.

 

A stranger walked by a leered at her. He stood closer than what Kakashi felt was appropriate and stared at Sakura. He couldn't see the man's face but he didn't need to. Kakashi strode forward.

 

“One more day and you're all mine. I bet you can't wait for all the things I'm going to do to you.”

 

“And what exactly is it that you plan on doing?” Kakashi inquired politely. The man whirled around as if startled to see him there—which was probably the case since Kakashi was well aware of how silently he moved.

 

The stranger's eyes narrowed and said, “Go get your own whore. This one's mine.”

 

“On the contrary, I do believe she belongs to me. Isn't that right, Sakura?”

 

Sakura wasted no time and quickly darted around the man who had been tormenting her and hid behind Kakashi. Her hands reached out and clutched the back of his clothes tightly. He could feel her trembling frame behind him and he felt anger spark inside him. His eye darkened as he stared at the man who had scared her.

 

“I don't take too kindly to people who touch my property.”

 

“Your property? Everyone knows she's up for grabs cause her owner didn't have the balls to train her properly. There's no way you're going to trick me into letting go of my claim. I'm not stupid. ” Sakura squeezed his shirt a little tighter but he shrugged her off easily moved swiftly into the idiot's face.

 

“I don't tolerate violence in my establishment.” The Madam's voice rang clear through the air but Kakashi didn't so much as budge. The other man's pride wouldn't allow him to move either.

 

“I thought you didn't allow other men to touch what belongs to another.”

 

“I do not.” The Madam's voice was cold and crisp as if she couldn't believe that someone would dare sugguest otherwise.

 

“Oh? So you're saying no part of any man has touched Sakura in my absence?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“And if I ask Sakura that question would she agree with you?”

 

“She undoubtedly would.”

 

“Good then you won't mind me asking her.” Kakashi turned to Sakura who's wide green eyes shone with unshed tears as she looked at him. “Sakura, come here.” Kakashi saw her eying the man behind him warily but he couldn't move. He needed her to show her obedience to him.

 

Sakura stepped forward slowly until she was close enough for him to touch. He let a malicious smile cross his lips and he noted that Sakura almost took a step back but didn't. “Has any man been close enough to you that their breath touched your skin?”

 

Sakura's eyes widened in shock and found that she couldn't answer the question.

 

“Answer me.” Kakashi demanded.

 

“No man has laid hands on her. That was our agreement.”

 

“I am no man or woman's fool. I pay you money to ensure that she remains untouched and you have allowed her to be fouled by this bastard and who knows how many others. You, my dear, are a charlatan.”

 

The Madam flinched, “If you don't like the way I do business then maybe you shouldn't have left her here alone as long as you have.”

 

Kakashi locked eyes with Sakura, “Get us a room.” She darted off to do just that not sparing any of them a second glance.

 

Kakashi waited until he was sure she was gone before saying, “It's clear you have no idea who you're dealing with. But I will tell you now so that you understand: Cross me again and I will destroy everything you care about while you watch and then I will destroy you painfully and slowly.” He then reached into his pocket and tossed money in her general direction.

“For next month.”