Expectations

Note: There is a brief masturbation and sex scene in this chapter...just as a warning for those of you not old enough to read...I'm still not that great with writing these things so please bear with me. Maybe it won't be the kind of moment where you guys break out the rotten tomatoes and stuff. So now I'm gonna go hide just in case... *ducks and covers head* On with the story......





Sakura woke with the sun shining brightly on her pale face. That's when she noticed the absence of Kakashi's warmth, and the gentle embrace he'd held her in all night. Patting the sheets beside her she frantically moved further away from her body in her attempts to locate him. Nothing. Jade colored eyes shot open in panic.



“Kakashi? Kakashi, where are you?”



Throwing the bed sheet from her body, she jumped up and ran from the room to find him. Looking in the bathroom, disappointment taking over her emotions, she was worried he'd broken his promise and left her without a word. Damn Sasuke for his inconsideration, his cold heart, and his blow to her head. She'd never forgive, and she'd never forget. Because of him, she found it hard to trust anyone, even Kakashi and Naruto.



Entering the kitchen, she spied a piece of paper that hadn't been there last night. Picking up the white sheet, she read it's contents. It said: Sakura, I didn't forget my promise. I was summoned early this morning to the Hokage's office for a mission report and briefing. I'll return to you as soon as possible. We'll talk later, I promise you. Remember, I never go back on my word. It was signed, pure and simply, Kakashi. Simple words for a simple man.



Relieved that he hadn't left her, she headed back to his bedroom to find her something suitable to wear. Due to the big differences in their sizes there wasn't much to offer, but she finally settled on a black, fitted tee shirt, a green vest, and a pair of his older, green nin pants to match the vest.



Hugging the clothing to her face, Sakura breathed in, inhaling Kakashi's manly scent. His scent that drove her wild. The smell of outdoors. And if the wind could have a particular scent, it would belong to Kakashi as well. She'd always loved the way he smelled. Untamed, free...just like the wind.



Heading to the bathroom, she carefully laid her substitute clothing across one of the shelves by the door. Slipping from her red top and black, spandex shorts, she let them fall to the floor. Turning on the water, she adjusted it until it reached the proper temperature. Finally satisfied, she stepped into the shower, its warmth enveloping her, the water flowing rapidly down her slender body.



Her small hands soaped her skin, thick, lathering bubbles covered her, and as she rinsed the bubbles away, her body began to react to her own touches. Her skin so sensitive, she could only imagine that her hands were Kakashi's as they were guided from her pert breasts, down her stomach, and even lower.



Sakura moaned as she brushed against her most sensitive spot, hormones rushing, face flushing, her body wanting something other than what she could give. With each touch, each caress, she mentally pictured that it was Kakashi caressing her, touching her. Her hands moved with more speed, touches grew heavier, and her moans louder. Something was building inside, a tensed coil ready to spring loose.



“Kakashi! More...harder...please!”



Outside the door, a certain silver haired Jounin stared in awed disbelief. Sakura was in his shower, and it sounded like she was having a solitary, good time. He couldn't have that! Mischief entered his eyes as an idea popped into his head.



Opening the door a crack, he slipped inside the bathroom. Listening to her emotional cries turned him on. Unzipping his vest, he laid it quietly on the floor, and soon the rest of his clothing, sandals and forehead protector joined it.



Pulling back the curtain slightly, he slipped into the shower stall unnoticed. The sight that greeted him was enough to cause an apopletic fit. There stood Sakura in all her naked glory, wet, and calling his name while touching herself. A pair of mismatched eyes glazed over as he took her situation in. Smirking, he moved to stand behind her. Her hands had once again moved to her breasts and he spotted the perfect opportunity to make his presence known. Lightly, Kakashi placed his hands over her own, massaging her small, but perfect breasts.



Sakura had been showering and rubbing herself to ecstasied oblivion when a larger set of hands cupped her breasts over her own petite palms and fingers. Taken off guard, she spun under the water to attack whoever dared touch her. Moving to quickly, she realized her mistake. Gasping, she swiftly turned and lost her balance. She'd fallen if it hadn't of been for the person behind her. Holding firmly to the muscular set of arms, Sakura took in a perfect, male form. Her eyes started at the feet making a slow sweep upwards. Moving past the male anatomy, which was nothing short of huge, her eyes were stunned as toned abs and a wonderfully built chest made it into her line of vision. Believing she knew who it was, she closed her eyes, muttering, “I don't believe this is happening to me!” A male voice cut off any further thoughts.



“Like what you see, Sakura?” He sounded amused because, well, he was. It wasn't every day that he came home to a woman in his shower masturbating, and calling his name. Kakashi was going to milk it for all it was worth.



She groaned and covered up her eyes. Now that she'd seen her former teacher naked, the image would never leave her mind. It was burned there, etched forever in her memory. Which that also made her wonder how he could read those infernal books in public without having a raging hard on! Just seeing him that way made her think very, very naughty thoughts. Made her want to do very naughty things!



Gently, Kakashi reached up; prying her hands from her eyes. “Sakura, look at me.” No response. Her eyes remained tightly closed. “Sakura, look at me. It's okay. I'm not angry. In fact, I'm completely perplexed! I never knew there was this side to you!”



“It was well hidden?” she replied questioningly. Hell, it was questionable whether he'd believe her or not.



He shook his head.



Nope. He didn't believe a word. Damn. Wasn't that the luck?!



Nervously, Sakura opened her eyes to stare at him. He's so gorgeous, she thought. What could he possibly see in me? There's so many other women in town who'd suit him better. Why me?



“You're wrong, Sakura. There could never be anyone else for me, but you. No one else possesses your fire, your strength. I know you don't think you're beautiful, but you are. You also have a wicked sense of humor. There's so much about you to love, even though you can't see it. The rest of us do. Just believe me when I say...you're the only one for me. Ever.”



Smiling, Sakura nodded in her happiness. Tears welled up in her eyes with his touching words. No one outside of Naruto had ever said those kind of things to her. It felt so good to hear them.



Leaning down, Kakashi gently pressed his lips to hers, eventually coaxing them open to admit his probing tongue. His strong arms snaked around her waist, holding her upright, and keeping her from falling. With the admittance of his tongue, Sakura's last defense crumbled letting him in. The pressure of their kiss increased, invisible flames danced between them, turning up the heat, making their hearts run wild. Pulling back suddenly, Kakashi looked at Sakura, who looked at him worriedly in return.



“Sakura I want this more than anything, but I refuse to do this for the first time, with you, in the shower. I think it's time to hit the bed.”



Swallowing nervously while full of raging emotions, Sakura nodded, her wet, pink hair sending droplets of water flying. So many feelings running through her, she could only nod. Her voice wasn't trusted.



Leaning around her, the silver haired Jounin turned off the water signaling the end of their shower. Pushing aside the curtain, he stepped out first, then helped her from the enclosure to dry off.



As the two dried themselves, they allowed their eyes to roam over each other's bodies, taking in every inch of skin they could. Kakashi grinned at the flush overtaking Sakura's face as she stared, gawking, at his most prized possession.



“Surely you've seen one before, Sakura?”, he teased.



“Um hmm. Just not one quite that large! Even Genma's not that blessed!” Oops! She slapped a hand over her mouth. That statement didn't sound right, didn't come out right. Once again her bad luck struck. And of course Kakashi wouldn't know that she'd only seen the perverted senbon master as a patient, strictly platonic, nothing but a medic-nin to patient situation. Nothing else.



Momentarily, Kakashi frowned. Apparently she'd seen his best friend naked, and that thought didn't set well with him at all. What had happened for her to see it? If Genma had done anything to her...best friend or not, he'd kick his ass and bury him more than six feet under!



Noting the stony expression on Kakashi's face, she sighed. “Nothing happened, Kakashi. He'd been out on a mission at the same time you were and came back severely injured. I had to strip him completely down to heal him.” Flashing him a typical, laughing expression, she assured him, “Don't worry, Kakashi. He's nothing compared to you, and I'd be stupid not to accept the best that you and life has to offer! You're the only man I want. The one I'll ever want. Just get that in your head right now.”



She stood face to face with him, hands on her hips daring him to contradict her, but the contradiction never came. Something even better came. He did. Always him. Sakura had always wondered why she'd compared others to him. None of them had ever been good enough, and they always seemed shallow with not enough depth.



Assured by her words, Kakashi allowed himself to relax again; getting caught up in her warmth, her eyes. Picking her up bridal style, he quickly walked from the bathroom to the bedroom down the hall. Stopping at the foot of his bed, he kissed her, and then gently tossed her onto the mattress.



Sakura squealed as her body was lightly thrown onto his bed. A strange feeling building in the pit of her stomach she couldn't name, couldn't place. She'd never been down this road before. Maybe it bordered between excitement and fear as she didn't quite know what to expect. Her eyes watched Kakashi as he crawled on the bed heading her way.



Kakashi was on her before she knew it, his larger body covering her smaller one. Easing her fear, he kissed her slowly, then building the pressure and intensity until she was as wrapped up in the kiss as he was.



Without any coaxing, this time, her lips parted and his tongue slipped inside her mouth taking control, tasting her, showing her how hot a kiss can get. Getting swept away, she broke lip contact, using her tongue to languidly lick across his lips, down his jaw and stopping at his neck.



Paying particular attention to that area, Sakura decided to act like minx. Tracing a trail, with her tongue, up his neck to his ear, she lightly sucked on his lobe. Hearing his groan, she smirked. She loved being able to drive him crazy. The fact that he was putty in her hands, that kind of power was addicting! Hopefully she'd be able to use it often.



“Sakura! Where the hell did you learn that?” Growling under her torture, he figured he'd die a sweet death soon. All the better, the quicker to return the favor, making her hot for him, squirming, begging for release. This thought sustained him during his time of seductive torture.



Finally, wanting to enact a little revenge of his own, Kakashi flipped them, Sakura now on the bottom and looking sheepishly into his mismatched eyes. “Your turn now, Sakura.”



His tone charged with such a sexual sound sent shivers down her spine. Just being in his presence overloaded her system. She couldn't think, she could only feel.



Winking, she replied, “Do your worst, Kakashi! I dare you.” The light of challenge flared to life within her green eyes. That was one thing Kakashi had a difficult time resisting...a challenge.



“Oh, I will.”



Taking her lips captive again, his right hand trailed down from her neck, slowly towards her left breast. Lightly running his fingers over it, it sprang to life, begging for attention. So he obliged. Placing his warm mouth on it, he gently suckled and licked while rubbing the other breast so lightly, as a feather, causing an unfamiliar sensation to course through her body.



Arching her back, Sakura already felt as if she'd died and gone to heaven, and she was certain that her lover was nowhere near done. She'd heard of the famous Copy nin's prowess. It was said he could go all night, but could she? It was doubtful, for she'd never had any experience in that department, and she'd heard that your first time hurt like hell. At least she'd be with someone experienced, for her first time, instead of a bumbling boy feeling his way in the dark. Thank Kami for that!



Digging her nails into his back as his talented mouth moved lower, much, much lower. As he found her most delicate and sensitive place, she moaned loudly, hips bucking, as his tongue brought about the beginnings of her first orgasm.



“Kakashi, please! You're killing me!”



Her pleasured groans and cries of ecstasy filled the room, and filled Kakashi with pride knowing that he was the one to bring her to the edge. And he'd be the one to take her over it. Him and him alone.



Momentarily stopping, he fired back, “That's the point, Sakura.”



Sending him a gaze that would freeze hell over, she asked him, “And who said you could stop?! Get back to business!”



“Yes ma'am. I aim to please.”



Continuing his torture, he felt as moment by moment she became ready for him. Her body grew wetter by the second as he exchanged his lips with his hands. He wanted to make this the best it could be for her since it was her first time. He'd be damned if she'd only suffer pain.



After a while, her wild thrusting hips became more erratic. Testing her, he found she was more than ready for him. Positioning himself at her entrance, he paused to tell her, “Sakura, I'm sorry, but this will hurt, or so I'm told. I'll do my best to take away your pain. This is the only time I will willingly hurt you. I just thought you needed to know this.”



Unable to say a word, her throat constricted with emotion for the man above her, Sakura meekly nodded her head once. But nothing could've prepared her for the physical torment that followed his words and her agreement.



Entering her slowly, he tried to allow her to accommodate his rather large size, but the task was next to impossible. “Sakura, I'm going to just break through, so just bear with me.”



“Okay.”



Sakura wouldn't deny her fear. But to admit it and face it, she'd beat her fear. At least this one wouldn't kill her, so she hoped.



Kakashi surged forward, breaking her barrier, and wincing at her cry of pain. Looking down, his heart dropped at the pain he'd known would be there. But knowing and seeing were two different things. He felt like such a bastard for causing her this pain, but afterwards there'd be nothing but pleasure. Only pleasure.



The moment he'd broken through, Sakura felt as though she'd be seared with a hot, searing sword. Feeling as though everything inside had shredded, tears pooled and then fell as the pain shot through her most intimate place.



Crying out, she appealed to her lover to ease her pain. “Kakashi, it hurts. Please make it go away.”



“Soon. The pain will leave you, I swear. Do you trust me?”



The look in his eyes so haunted, how could she not trust him.



“I trust you with everything I am, including my life. Why do you ask?”



“Sakura, with your permission, I'll use my Sharingan to ease your pain, but you have to surrender your will to mine. If you fight me on this it won't work. I want you to feel how great love can be. Will you allow me to use it?”



Mismatched eyes carefully studied her pained expression as he patiently waited on her answer.



“Yes.”



With that one word Kakashi activated his Sharingan. The three black swirls spun rapidly, blurring with it's rotating motion. Staring directly into her eyes he sensed her inner self fighting him. He'd already informed her what would occur if she fought him.



Attempting to quell her inner Sakura, the pink haired medic nin finally won over her temperamental other self. Watching his Sharingan, she felt as it's effect took over, pulling her will into him, pulling her under as she surrendered the last of her remaining strength to him.



Lightheaded, Sakura dazed under his spell, felt her pleasure increase exponentially as Kakashi began to slowly slide in and out again. Speeding up the pace, he soon felt he'd explode inside her, her tightness gripping him, sending him over the edge.



Her moans so light at first had grown so loud she was almost screaming. She urged him to go even faster as she shouted his name loud enough for his whole apartment complex to hear. He'd definitely be the talk of the village tomorrow. Of that he was certain.



The couple finally came together in waves of crashing orgasms. Calling out each other's name as the feelings of completeness overwhelmed them, Kakashi and Sakura collapsed with exhaustion. Happiness written all over their faces, and for the first time, Kakashi felt no burdens, no heaviness pressing down on his soul. Happiness took the place of it all along with the massive love he felt for the kunoichi laying exhaustedly in his arms.



Watching his lover intently, he lightly ran a hand through her shoulder length, pink locks. “I love you, Sakura,“ he whispered.



“And I love you, Kakashi.” Came her soft, sated reply. “Never let me go, Kakashi. Promise?”



“Promise. No one will ever separate us, I swear to you!” He vowed this with complete conviction. His tone passionate and husky saying things his words couldn't admit just yet.



Satisfied in their afterglow, Sakura and Kakashi, wrapped tightly in each other's arms drifted to sleep.



Next morning...



Sakura had been summoned to the Hokage's office. Shizune had been the one to find and deliver her message to her bright and early. So, now here the medic nin stood waiting for her former teacher to arrive and reveal her reasons for summoning the young woman.



The door swung open suddenly, admitting the fore mentioned Hokage and her assistant, Shizune, who happened to be holding Tonton, the Hokage's pet pig. Breezing by the newly appointed medic nin, Tsunade apologized for her lateness. “I'm sorry, Sakura. There was an emergency at the hospital that required my attention.”



Quickly settling in her chair, she continued, “The reason you're here is that one of the teams is being sent out into Sound country and I'd like for you to accompany them. The team will arrive any moment and all of you will be debriefed together.”



No sooner had she finished her statement than a knock sounded at the door. Raising her voice a notch, she called out, “Enter.”



A group of five walked into Tsunade's office to stand beside Sakura. Her eyes widened in surprise at all the shinobi present: Naruto, Neji, Tenten, Kiba and... Genma! The third most perverted man in the village would be out on this mission. Great! Everyone in the village knew that Jiraiya was the first, and Kakashi was hot on his heels with second place.



Inclining her head towards the men, she glanced at Sakura. “Sakura, you will accompany these five to Sound where the six of you will infiltrate Orochimaru's last known hideout. There you will search out any news or information possible, no matter if you must find locals in the area and talk with them. Whatever it takes...get the job done. The limit on this mission is two weeks. After that, a group of ANBU will be sent out to determine whether you're alive, dead or captured. Depending on their information, should you be alive and captured, obviously they'll attempt to rescue you. You know the rest of the rules.”



“Hokage? What exactly are you looking for?” Genma's senbon sat carefully between his lips, even as he spoke, it's pointed, wickedly, sharp end dangling precariously; ready to kill if the need arose.



“Supposedly, my former teammate, Orochimaru is developing a new weapon, and all he requires is a shinobi with an especially strong amount of chakra to power it. Or so we've been told. This is the reason for your mission.” Taking her time to pointedly look at each one of them, she stated gravely, “The six of you are needed to discover his weapon and report back...alive. Be careful, there are spies everywhere who wouldn't hesitate to betray you if given the opportunity, so trust no one except each other.”



Tsunade's gaze locked with Genma's. “Are you ready to go, Genma?”



“Yes, Hokage.”



The busty blond replied, “Well, then, you are to leave tonight under the guise of darkness with the stars to guide you. You have two weeks for the completion of this mission. Good luck and may Kami watch over you. Dismissed!”



Everyone but Sakura and Naruto immediately left talking amongst themselves as they went. Genma loudly proclaimed, “I've got a bet a friend has to make good on and I wouldn't miss this for all the ramen in Konoha!”



“What's he gotta do?” Kiba piped up in curiosity.



“Let's just say that he had a really good time last night, and he'd made a bet long ago that he'd more than likely he'd never fall for the real thing. Well, the “real thing” bit him in the ass last night!”



Kakashi's best friend slapped Kiba on the back, the two raucously laughing out the door as they headed to the nearest bar.



Poor Sakura had turned red while eavesdropping on Genma's statements. If only he'd known who Kakashi's “real thing” was he'd shit kittens! Especially after discovering that he'd said it all right in front of her.



“Asshole”, she muttered.



Genma had no respect for other people's privacy or business. Of course, he was the village's biggest man whore too. Don't get her wrong, she liked him as a friend alright, but sometimes he could easily overstep certain boundaries, like the too much touching, invading personal space too closely, kind of boundaries.



“Sakura?”



Sakura turned to see Naruto staring at her. “Naruto, what's wrong? You're so quiet.”



“Just thinking.”



“Mmmhmm. Could it be that you're nervous about the wedding?” Sakura had to tease him about his future endeavor with Hinata.



The two of them made the perfect couple. They were so cute, yet so different. He was the loudest shinobi in the village as she was the quietest and shyest. That just went to prove how much opposites attract.



“Maybe. I'm a little concerned about this alleged weapon of Orochimaru's. I'm just wondering if it really exists and what it can really do.” The blond was actually wearing an anxious expression for once. Something rarely seen on his face due to the huge mischievous grin he always wore.



Wanting to see him smile, she teased him, “Did I just hear you use the ten dollar word, alleged? Wow, Naruto! Hinata must really be rubbing off on you!” She snickered at the thought of the ever so quiet Hinata giving Naruto hell. Just the thought of it sent her into a laughing fit.



“I do have a vocabulary, Sakura, I've just always chosen not to use it. Let's say that I really like to surprise a few people with the few big words I know.”



“Understandable. Well, we'd better go get packed and say goodbye to everyone, mainly Hinata and Kakashi. I'll see you later on tonight at the main gate, okay?” She smiled as he nodded his head and shrugged.



Then the two of them left the Hokage's building, each going their own separate way.



The Hyuuga Mansion, later that day, early evening...



White eyes watched Naruto carefully as he entered through the main door. “Have you told her yet?”



“No. Have you?”



“Not a word. I didn't think it was quite right for me to inform my uncle and cousins that we were leaving out on a mission without you here. I thought it best for us to divulge it simultaneously. I'll tell my uncle, and I'll leave Hinata to you.”



For a moment Naruto wondered if Neji, the infamous Hyuuga prodigy was afraid of his own cousin. Giving voice to his thought, the loud ninja asked him, “Why, Neji, are you afraid of Hinata?”



“Hell no! I just can't deal with a sobbing female!” The older male crossed his arms shooting his friend a look that dared him to push him on the subject. “Naruto, she's expectant. She's going to tear up and cry when you suddenly announce that you're going on this confidential mission, and you might be gone for about two weeks.”



“How do you know this? She might surprise you and never let a tear fall!”



“Trust me, Naruto! Pregnant women's hormones bounce all over the place and take everyone around them on the worst roller coaster ride of their lives. That's all we've been through so far, you haven't been here, therefore, so you don't really know what I'm referring to, but you will.”



Neji's eyes filled with a teasing light. “After the wedding, my friend, she's all yours.”



Slapping Naruto on the back, Hinata's cousin walked off laughing, his chuckles echoing in the large expanse of the Hyuuga mansion.



“I can't believe the bastard's laughing at me! Just like Sasuke-teme when we were kids.”



Rolling his eyes, Naruto hurried to the garden, Hinata's favorite place in the house to be at times like these. She loved to sit amongst the budding flowers, spreading vines, splashing water, and the small water fountain located at the heart of all massive greenery. The fountain's bubbling and gurgling caused peace to well in her heart, its constant, gentle sounds appealing to the budding mother inside her.



Stepping into her second home, he smiled as he saw her sitting there by the fountain, faced tipped up to the sky, her eyes closed. Wrapped in a dark blue kimono, her belly's swollen stature prounouncing their growing child to the world.



Entranced by the view, he stood there, silently, just observing. The usually abnormally loud shinobi couldn't bear to speak, so afraid to break the spell that existed before his very eyes.



Hinata's hands gently lay on her belly, rubbing it as she tenderly whispered, “Your father and I can't wait for your arrival, little one. We both love you very much, and are anxious to meet you. Your father is a great man, you'll love him the moment you meet him, I did. Only recently, in the last couple of years, did I gain the courage to tell him so. I love you both. I always want the two of you to know this, never forget it.”



On cue, as if sensing another presence, which Byakugan was perfect for catching those unaware and trying to sneak up on her, Hinata turned towards the garden's entrance to see the love of her life. “Naruto!”



Slowly standing, then moving forward, Hinata met Naruto halfway from the entrance. He held her tightly; remembering the sight that had greeted him moments ago. She was so beautiful, so precious to him, and he didn't know what he'd do should anything happen to her. She was his life outside of being a shinobi.



Hinata immediately noticed the tension in his eyes and body. “What's wrong, Naruto?”



“Who says anything's wrong?” Trying to play it off, he failed badly. He should've known better. If Sakura could read him so well, Hinata was able to read him even easier than Sakura due to the time spent together the last year or so.



“Naruto, this is me you're talking to. Your eyes say it all. They tell me something is bothering you and you don't want to tell me about. Go ahead, tell me that way it'll be out in the open. It's better that way. Don't you think?”



Caressing his cheek, the Hyuuga heiress poured her feelings into touches and light kisses she placed on his forehead, cheek and lips. Patiently she waited for him to open up to her.



Inhaling deeply, “Hinata, several of us have been assigned to a mission. The length is about two weeks, and we're being sent to Sound country to seek out Orochimaru's last known place of existence.”



Hinata's gasp cut off his explanation. “Are you one of them?”



Bowing his head, he solemly replied, “Yes.” Raising his eyes to meet hers he continued his explanation. “I can't tell you the reason for the mission, but we'll be gone for up to two weeks. The good news is that Tsunade is sending a medic nin with us in case of trouble.”



Smiling in her shy way she stated simply, “Sakura.”



“Yes. You know she'll take care of us all. Aside from granny Tsunade and Shizune, she's the best our village has to offer. Our chances greatly increased the moment she was added.”



“I agree, Naruto.” Holding him close, she pleaded with him, “The only thing I ask of you is come home safely. Don't make me raise our child alone!” Tears welled in her white eyes, dripping from them as quickly as the water running through the fountain she so loved.



“I promise you, Hinata! I will return, we'll be married on time, and I'll be here to help you welcome our first born into the world.” Naruto vowed without question or hesitation.



Tears falling, her voice trembling, Hinata whispered in the late afternoon light, “Make me yours one last time before you go. Please?”



Flashing her his typical trouble making smirk, leaning down, he fastened his lips to hers claiming her as his own.



On the other side of the village, Sakura had already informed Kakashi of her mission, leaving out various parts she couldn't reveal due to confidentiality and safety reasons. And her lover understood all that, but he was not happy that Genma was going along and he wasn't. It had lead to a small spat which in turn became a heated make out session.



Kakashi stared at Sakura as she slept. For now he'd have to reign in his jealousies and inadeqacies. For reasons unknown, Genma had been chosen, and he wondered why he hadn't been picked for this one. He was better suited for this type of danger, but also he was used to working in solitary conditions, not with a whole team.



“Kakashi?”



“Yeah?”



Her eyes opened staring earnestly at him. “I want you to know whatever happens that I love you. Ever since you helped me after Sasuke's abandonment, I slowly came to terms with my feelings, finally recognizing them for what they were. I'm sorry you had to wait so long.”



“Sakura, you were worth waiting for.” He fiercely took possession of her full lips, expressing with emotions what his body and heart truly wanted to say.



Breaking their kiss momentarily, she assured him, “So were you. You always will be worth waiting for.”



Sighing, she regretfully stated, “It's time. I have to get my things and go. We'll be leaving in two hours, and I haven't gathered anything together yet. Besides, if you hurry, I'll let you treat me to dinner!”



“If I must, I must”, he sighed. A pillow smacked him dead center in his face following his remark.



Teasingly, Sakura beckoned him towards the bathroom. “If you want me, come get me.”



Jumping up from his bed, Kakashi took off after his pink haired lover, eager to join her under a cascading mass of water as he had his wicked way with her.



The shower turned on, giggles and chuckles loudly echoed in the small room, the couple thoroughly enjoying each others company.



An hour an a half later...



Somberly, Kakashi and Sakura walked down the streets of Konoha after eating a decent meal of ramen. Holding hands as they slowly strolled down the paved streets, neither of them said a word. What could they say? What was there to say? Neither of them had ever been in this type of relationship before so it was all new to them.



Finally they reached the front gates.



Sweetly, Kakashi kissed her goodbye; hugging her tightly, he said, “Don't let anything happen to you.” Trying to make her smile, he teased, “Well, at least two weeks isn't too long. It'll just make you appreciate me more.”



“I already do. Love you.”



She'd begun walking away when he whispered, “Love you.” Seeing Genma leaning against the wall, he approached him. “Make sure nothing happens to her, Genma. I know she's a well trained kunoichi and medic nin, but-”



“She means more to you than life, yadda, yadda. I know. Is it like fucking mating season around here? First, Ino and Shikamaru, Naruto and Hinata, then you and Sakura, Neji and Tenten and several others.” Shaking his head, “Damn, I guess if I don't get a move on then I'll lose out! I sure don't want to be like that Lee kid!”



Smirking, because he was going to piss Genma off with his next words, Kakashi said, “Even Lee's got you beat. He's seeing someone...can't remember her name though.”



“Oh, well, I'll enjoy all the single ladies that you guys can't. Anyway, it's time to get this mission under way.”



Bidding Kakashi farewell, Genma called out to Sakura, Naruto, Neji, Tenten and Kiba while motioning them over. “Okay, guys. Hope you got everything. We're moving out! Remember, don't lag behind, stay alert and be quiet.”



Aggravated, Neji angrily muttered, “We're not Genin anymore, Genma.”



“I know. Just reiterating rules for those of you who've forgotten them. Not that I figured any of you would...really, I just wanted to yank your chains.”



Naruto nailed Genma with a hard look, muttering, “Asshole!”



Sakura leaned over to Tenten. “We've gotta put up with this the entire mission?”



“Ummhmm.” came her flippant reply. “It's so gonna suck putting up with a teenager that's almost twice our age.” Snickering behind her hand, the weapon's mistress quietly asked her, “Isn't there a medical jutsu you can perform to silence or paralyze him?”



Sharing a mischievous glance, Sakura nodded. “Funny you should mention it. Not only are there the jutsu's to silence and paralyze...but there are also jutsu's to render a special part of his anatomy useless for over seventy-two hours.”



Thinking about how big a womanizer their mission leader was the two kunoichi's burst into laughter, only to be silenced by Genma sending them a severe look. They both apologized to him for being so noisy, still hiding giggles behind the palms of the hands.



The group left the huge, front gate and began their mission. Everyone, worked up or nervous, in some way attempted to think of a way to quell their nerves. They weren't allowed to speak unless given permission by their leader. It was like being in the academy again, however they understood the importance of “running silent”.



Several days later they finally reached their destination. Penetrating the enemy's boundaries, they carefully hid within two hundred feet of the huge, stone compound. Upon first glance they couldn't see anything worth the rumors that had reached their Hokage. Hiding amongst the trees and leaves, everyone in the group took note of all the shinobi and civilian personnel involved. They didn't want any civilians to get hurt, if possible.



Genma ordered Neji to use Byakugan to scout around, seeing if he spotted anything unusual. Unfortunately, he did. Genma scowled as he listened as the ebony haired man described a machine that apparently operated on the user's chakra, and what it did from there was no telling.



“Wait”, Neji harshly whispered. “They're strapping someone in it! They're going to use it!”



Rubbing his hands together, Naruto quietly said, “What luck we're having today!”



“What's happening, Neji?” Their leader needed to know what that infernal machine was capable of so their Hokage could make preparations to counteract its effects.



Chakra swirled and welled within the user strapped tightly to the machine. Suddenly, he flinched as the energy dispersed and those around the powerful machine dropped to their knees drained of their chakra-and life. It was obvious by using his bloodline limit that the people's chakra had been completely wiped out, leaving behind and empty shell. “Oh ,shit! This is not good!”



Switching from his Byakugan to regular vision, he swallowed worriedly. “There's a problem. It looks like whoever operates the machinery places some of their chakra into it while it builds up some kind of charge. Once fully charged, it sends the chakra into people around it, and the machine steals their chakra, draining them to the point of weakness and possibly death." Sneaking a quick glance at Tenten he could feel her fear; he only wished she would hurriedly conquer it and not allow it any such power over her.



Tenten stared at the machine in horrid fascination, and fear. What could they do? What were their orders now? Adrenaline and fear served as constant reminders of their dangerous profession. Yes, Tenten was afraid. Fighting against her feelings she told herself, I can't allow my feelings to rule me. When on missions I must show no emotion and that includes being afraid. But I've never seen anything like this! A machine like this could revolutionize the way wars are fought! And it wouldn't be a good thing.



Sharing a glance with Neji, his eyes told her everything she needed to know. His look, his expression told her to put her trust in him. That everything would be alright. So once again Tenten followed what she knew and waited for further instructions. Leaning against a tree, her back pressed firmly to it's bark she found herself wishing she could've done one last thing before leaving Konoha on this mission. But this request was too dangerous to breathe life into such a foolish notion. And one other would've shared her opinion also.



Kiba, who'd remained so silent up until now whispered, “How are we going to combat that? Who the hell's operating the damned thing?”



Sakura gasped, “Sasuke!”



A chorus of “What?” echoed in the group of six.



Eyes narrowed at the young medic nin Genma asked, "How do you know,Sakura? How can you tell it's Sasuke?" His stance indicated that his easy going, teasing manner fell to the side, for the moment.



"I just can!" Her face appeared first sad, then blank. "I can tell by his dark hair, his profile, on top of the massive amount of hate and chakra he's exuding." Her gaze slid over to Neji. "Ask Neji. He can verify it."



Genma didn't even have to ask. Neji automatically activated his Byakugan to investigate Sakura's claim. With what he saw in his vision he had to agree with her. It was indeed Sasuke. Apparently the last Uchiha had gained the necessary hatred and power he'd been seeking. And this power had obviously corrupted him, his face twisted into a sneer. While Neji was still observing him, Sasuke's head turned slowly in their direction. From the malevolent glare in his eyes Neji knew they'd been discovered. He could hear Sasuke's cold voice calling out to the militant force around them informing them of the breach, shouting orders while leaping from the machine; heading in their direction.



Deactivating his Byakugan, Neji harshly swore. "Shit!, Genma we must go."



The more experienced Jounin reiterated their mission. "We must get more information. What we have is so little."



"It's enough", Neji barked. "Would you have us endanger and throw away our lives for what information we've uncovered?"



Everyone stared at the two wondered what they should do. Finally Genma stated quietly, "Let's move out. Maybe what we have will be enough."



Neji and Genma threw out their arms in front of everyone else. Genma shot out, “Everyone head back to the village. We've been had, Sasuke has seen us. Run. Get back to the Hokage with what intel we have, now go!”



“They're bringing reinforcements. We have to run.” Neji calmly stated.



“Let's allow the others to get a head start and we'll follow.”



The enemy shinobi were on them before they could say anything else and their battle began with no further ado.



Kiba with Akamaru at his side, Tenten, Naruto, who'd already dispersed several shadow clones of them all running around in distraction, and Sakura leaped through the leafy canopy of the trees. All of them moving as expediently as possible, their chests heaving, fear gnawing, especially at a certain medic nin.



If Sasuke was in the group that of their pursuers, then they were in big trouble! He'd been pretty powerful and strong before leaving Konoha in search of more power, and now he'd had time to grow even more so. What would he be capable of now? she thought.



Akamaru's barking interrupted her thoughts, and Kiba called out, “We're either going to have to put on speed or make a stand! They're gaining and quickly.” Their scents easily discernible, growing closer, he growled at their persistance. Not like he expected anything else anyway. But as his close friend, Shikamaru always said...it was troublesome.



“I could summon more shadow clones.” Naruto offered graciously.



“Naruto, they worked for a short time, but they've already caught on to that, I say we make our stand. Besides”, the bun wearing weapon's mistress said, “I'm itching for a good fight! My scroll's just begging to released!” Her brown eyes alighted with excitement, her thoughts momentarily wandered to Neji.



I know he's alright. He's one of the best shinobi in our village. Shaking her head, she cleared her thoughts as she couldn't afford to be distracted.



A quick vote and the rest of the group agreed to make their stand. Even if they'd kept running, it'd only been a matter of time before they'd caught up anyway, so they'd give them a fight to remember!



Retrieving her scroll, Tenten awaited the arrival of their enemy to release it and let loose with her metallic arsenal.



A horrible feeling struck Sakura in her chest. A heavy, weighted down feeling, despair, and she knew what was causing it. Breathlessly, she whispered, “Sharingan!” Her green eyes widened in fear. “Everyone...run! Sasuke's here!”



Going back on their earlier decision to stay and fight, they all turned, running in the direction to take them to their beloved home.



Her legs and arms pumping hard and fast, Sakura ran throught the woods fast as her body could carry her.



Without warning, a sharp, stabbing pain erupted in her right calf muscle. Glancing backwards, a kunai was embedded deeply, buried halfway in her muscle, blood oozing out around the weapon.



Still attempting to run, she could only limp now as her lower right extremity was damaged. Who threw that damned kunai? A sinking feeling in her belly told her the answer. It wasn't one she wanted to hear, but it was there nevertheless. Her instinct whispered that it was Sasuke who'd done this to her. Bastard!



Stopping to rest a few seconds, she glanced around. No one in sight. Good. Breathing deeply, calming her ragged breaths, she closed her eyes and slumped back against the tree. A familiar, horrible feeling rose to the surface again. Afraid to open her eyes, afraid of what, or who, she'd see, Sakura swallowed hard, willing herself to open her eyes.



“Oh no!”



An evil chuckle greeted her. “Hello, Sakura. Miss me?”



“Sasuke.”



Whipping out two more kunai, the former leaf shinobi turned missing nin, the last Uchiha started slashing at the apparently, defenseless kunoichi.



Two men hurried through the forest as they heard a scream. One of them cursed loudly, “Shit! Sakura!”



Putting on more speed the first one stated matter of factly, “If that's Sasuke hurting her, hell won't have a pit deep enough for him to hide; if it's the Uchiha..he won't be able to escape Kakashi's wrath!”



“I agree. Let's move it.”



They said nothing else as the easily navigated their way through the trees and leaves, branches dangling from various limbs scattered on the trunks of the trees.



Fighting back as valiantly as she was able, Sakura delivered some hard blows, but he'd managed to slice her up pretty well with his kunai. She was waiting for the killing blow. He wanted to give it to her, she felt it. So where was it?



Raising the kunai, Sasuke stabbed downwards with it, aiming it towards the kunoichi's heart. Creating a slight whistling sound as it sliced through the air, she winced, waiting for the final blow. It never came.



Opening her eyes, she was shocked to see Genma and Neji standing in front of her, Genma holding Sasuke's arm in one grip while Neji had him by the throat. Grateful for their interruption, she made a mental note to thank them later.



Before anyone could do anything else, Sasuke disappeared in front of their eyes leaving behind nothing but a light purple smoke in his vanished wake.



Sakura collapsed the moment he'd left. She was a bloody mess, literally.



Wryly, Genma looked at her saying, “Kakashi's gonna be pissed! You know that right?”



“He'll get over it", she stated convincingly. " At least I'm still alive.” And then she relinquished consciousness, falling into the blackness.



“Yeah, you may be, but I may not when he's done with me”, he muttered.



Six days later...



Neji and Genma carrying an unconscious Sakura finally spied the gates of Konoha, walking through them so exhausted. Genma could only imagine what his friend would say when he saw Sakura. She was covered in blood and kunai slashes. She'd attempted to heal herself, but she was just too wounded. Genma and Neji had both attempted to heal her torn body, but even with the training they'd received it still wasn't enough. They were nowhere near Sakura's level. Truthfully they hadn't expected less. She'd trained with the best medic nin around....Tsunade. Genma wondered if Naruto had prepared Kakashi for the sight getting ready to greet him. If not..things could get really ugly. He hoped Kakashi wouldn't pull out Chidori. Maybe luck would be on his side today. Maybe. When pigs fly!



Naruto accosted them at the gates just like Genma suspected he'd be and there was Kakashi, as well, whose black look didn't bode well for anyone involved in the mission.



Genma gently handed Sakura over to Kakashi who in turn said, “Well talk later.”



“Sure. After I sleep first.” Turning on his heel, the senbon master headed home leaving behind a worried Kakashi.



He was worried about Sakura. Her body appeared to have gone through hell and back. He spotted multiple, raw and still bleeding, kunai wounds, her pale, pasty skin caked with fresh and dried blood. The sight cut his heart as the kunai had cut her skin, making her bleed. Carefully, making sure he had a good hold on her, he took off like a bat out of hell to the hospital to get her wounds tended to.



Holding her ever so close, he whispered, his voice cracking slightly, “Hold on, Sakura. You're safe. You're with me now. I'll take care of you, I promise.”



The hospital loomed up before them, he entered its doors calling for help as he pushed them out of his way.



Sakura was taken from him, and they rushed her into an room to begin the healing process which could take nothing short of time.



Meanwhile, out in the hall, Kakashi nervously paced up and down the hallway. He hated and despised these damned places anyway, but he couldn't leave Sakura here. He swore he'd be there for her, take care of her. He wouldn't go back on his word now. Not when it meant so much to someone who meant so much to him.