The Fragile

A.N. : Here goes. I know that there isn’t much to review, but they will be much appreciated, and will motivate me to get updated faster.

Disclaimer: See chapter one.

FYI: I find it too much trouble to name each chapter so numbers will just have to do.

Chapter 2

Kakashi molded some chakra to the soles of his feet. It was time to meet his friends at headquarters for a night of drunken fun. He set off, making his way on the roofs of Konoha. It was definitely time for a little rest and relaxation. He had been gone for almost three months, and he was eager to see everyone. Well, almost everyone. He hoped that Gai would not be in attendance tonight. He wasn’t in the mood to hear any lectures about how he needed to find love before his springtime of youth was gone and he would be too old to express his love with all the exuberance of his youth. Well, that and the fact that he wasn’t in the mood for any of Gai’s challenges. All of that ‘eternal rival’ nonsense had seen it’s better days…. the days when Kakashi actually cared.

As Kakashi was contemplating these things a he spotted a flurry of pink in the periphery of his vision. He discontinued his brief journey to see if he was properly identifying said object. He stepped to the edge of the roof and peered down at the alley below. Ah, he was correct. ‘Sakura…’ He was tempted to catch up with her later since he was already an hour late, but he was sure that he could hear her muffled crying. He waited, trying to discern her words as she moved closer to him, unaware of his presence. It was never a good thing for shinobi to be so distracted. If he were an enemy he could kill her easily.
Her line of vision never even left her feet! He wanted her to understand how much her distraction could cost her, so he waited. Just a little closer…. Well, and he wanted to find out what could be troubling her so much that it would put her in this state. He always had a soft spot for the pink-haired kunoichi. Now she was the only remaining student he had. Well, ex-student. She has been the Hokage’s apprentice for nearly seven years now. She has grown very strong in her own way, not like Naruto and Sasuke. ‘Has it really been so long?’ Kakashi mused. ‘Three, two, one, NOW!’ Kakashi jumped to the alley below and landed soundlessly a few feet in front of Sakura. She didn’t hear him through her choked sobs. This will only further Kakashi’s point. She walked straight into him and landed soundly on her bottom.

Sakura’s head shot up in surprise. Her look quickly changed from surprised, to annoyed, to angry. And Kakashi wasn’t really sure why. He extended a hand to help her up.

“You should really pay more attention to your surroundings, Sakura.” He lectured.

“Kakashi. I’m sorry for my inattention. Excuse me.” She made to go around him, but Kakashi had her arm in a gentle grip before she could pass.

“Care to tell me what’s got you so distracted?” He asked her gently.

“No.” Seeing Kakashi only brought more memories to the surface, memories she was trying so hard to forget. Kakashi noted that her breath smelled like alcohol. ‘Well, there’s one reason.’ He thought. He decided to switch tactics.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Sakura. Almost four months. I’m heading to HQ for a drink. Would you care to join me? You look like you could use a friend.”

“Friends.” Sakura spat the word as if it were poison. “Since when have you been my friend, Kakashi?” He was shocked to say the least.

“I have always been your friend Sakura.” He stated, very confused.

“Do friends abandon you? Do friends forget about you? Are that what friends do? Well no thank you!” She was nearly shouting by the time she finished, a new wave of tears streaming down her cheeks. She was angry and hurt, and Kakashi just happened to be a convenient target to vent her frustrations on.

“Sakura….” It was all he managed to get out.

“Just leave me alone. Or better yet, just disappear. I’m used to it!” She wrenched her arm free from Kakashi’s grasp with little effort and walked away. He could only watch her leave.

He knew all too well what it felt like to lose those precious few people who are the most important to you. He felt angry with himself for being part of the reason for her pain. He never pushed her hard; he never spent any extra time to help her improve her limited skills. He sheltered her, and assumed that since she was a girl that she just wouldn’t be able to handle skills of Naruto and Sasuke’s caliber. But she proved him wrong. She had blossomed well under Tsunade-sama’s guidance.

He snapped back to reality a minute or two later. There would be no fun for him tonight it seemed. ‘Sorry guys, I’ll catch up with you later.’ He thought. He knew what he needed to do. He collected his wits and set off once again on the rooftops, this time in search of Sakura’s apartment. As her building came into view, he noticed her reclining on the roof of her apartment, looking up at the stars; as if they held the answers she was seeking. He observed her for a moment. It had only been four months since he had seen her, but he felt like this was the first time he was actually seeing her. He realized that he was just seeing her in a different light. Gone was the little girl who never gave up. Gone was her optimistic demeanor. Sakura had grown up. She was a woman now. The realization had hit him like a ton of bricks. Her body had matured, naturally. But at this point it had merely been an afterthought in light of more pressing matters. He sighed mentally and made his way to her roof. He lay beside her to share the view. If she was surprised by his reappearance, she did not show it. She didn’t even acknowledge his presence. After a few minutes of silence, when he decided on the right words, he began.

“Sakura…. I’m sorry.” No response. “I’m sorry that I didn’t treat you the same as Naruto and Sasuke. I’m sorry for not trying harder to help you. I’m sorry that I overlooked you… but most of all, I’m sorry that I haven’t been there for you. I have always thought of you as a friend, Sakura. I’m sorry that I never showed it.” His voice was thick with emotion at his admittance. Now, Sakura was the one who was surprised. She was quite sure that he wouldn’t open up for just anyone. She could feel new tears forming again. She turned her head to observe her ex-sensei. His onyx eye was still staring up at the night sky. She could only just make out the glassy unshed tears that he was keeping in control. Sakura felt her tears spill. She was ashamed for her earlier outburst. No doubt Kakashi has his own demons. She had heard the story about Obito and Rin. Now she felt terrible. He knew the meaning of loss as well. She felt selfish. Naruto may not be here now, but at least he would be back. And at least Sasuke’s still alive. ‘Well, as far as I know anyway.’ But Kakashi would never look upon the faces of his friends again. His team…

With his words, he had brought her a renewed insight into his character. She had empathized with his loss before, but now…. but now she could sympathize. Even through the tears she managed a small smile, feeling like a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. She understood now that she was really not alone. She sat up and turned toward him.

“Kakashi…” She breathed in a near whisper. He looked up at her face and he felt his heart melt a little at the smile she was giving him. He was surprised when she got closer to him and laid snuggly beside him and lay her head and hand on his chest. Her weight on him felt good, warm. He brought his arm around her back and held her close. He began drawing random, lazy patterns on the silky fabric of her shirt. They stayed like that for a while, neither wanting to give up the feeling of being held. But Sakura was ready to be in her comfortable bed. “I’m getting sleepy, Kakashi.”

“Yes, I suppose you should get some sleep. It’s getting late.” He got up to leave, but before he bade his goodnight she had caught his hand.

“Please, won’t you stay with me, Kakashi?” Damn, it is very hard to turn down a beautiful woman such a promising request.

“I don’t want to be alone.” The shy way in which she asked reminded him of the Hyuuga girl. She looked so vulnerable right now. ‘…And beautiful.’ his mind supplied. Damn his lack of self- control.

“Okay, Sakura.” He replied.

End Chapter 2

A.N. : Sorry about the short chapter. This just seemed like the right place to end it. I will try to have another ready tomorrow night for your reading pleasure! Please review!! Any ideas are welcome!