Promises Remembered

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Sakura

Fifty-eight days into the past

Sakura walked back to her apartment late that night with a sad smile on her face. She had left Naruto with a fridge full of meals he had helped her make. Cooking with her had been the highlight of his week, apparently. For a child that ate nothing but instant meals, spending time with a caring adult making real food had been an exciting novelty. On their way home from Ichiraku, he had practically begged her to come over next week and do it again.

Would it be ok if she did? It would be tremendously helpful if she knew how long she was going to be stuck in the past. She had a foggy memory of someone mentioning that Naruto had been drinking spoiled milk in his cup ramen the morning they had met as team seven the first time. It was long after the day itself and said in jest, but surely that wouldn't have happened if she was still there taking care of him. It wouldn't hurt anything to take care of him while she could.

Approaching Kakashi's door, she could hear shouting already. What the hell? She let herself in and followed the noise... to the bathroom.

"I told you, Kakashi, that was a long time ago! I was a small child. Mine has grown quite a lot. I have never had any complaints from the ladies." Sakura's eyes nearly bulged out of her head at the sound of Gai-sensei's boisterous voice declaring... well, what she thought he was declaring.

"Yeah right... What ladies? Eh? Look at that. Still have plenty on you, I bet..." Kakashi's voice was slurred and he was snickering. Blushing furiously, now positive they were talking about what she thought they were, Sakura stood outside the bathroom, mortified. The door was wide open, they were standing shoulder to shoulder, Gai supporting Kakashi's weight, as they both stood in front of the toilet. "I bet you never even ever used that with a real lady."

"I'll have you know, Kakashi, that I was with a most beautiful woman just two nights ago. She had long blonde hair, perfect breasts, and was overflowing with praise for my performance!"

This was not happening.

Kakashi shook his head. "Pfffft—No way."

Gai barked a laugh. "What about you, my eternal rival? When was the last time you made use of that unnecessary monster? I don't think I have ever seen you leave the bar with any maiden, fair or otherwise."

Kakashi made a weak attempt to push Gai from his side. "Shuddup."

She had heard enough. She had heard way too much, in fact. Straightening, she coughed loudly. Two heads swung around to stare at her. Gai clearly did not know her but Kakashi smiled brightly to see her. "Sakuuku— Hana-chan! You're here!" He twisted in Gai's grip attempting to get to her—thankfully he had already put himself away—and would have stumbled if his friend had not caught him.

"Oh no... Wash your hands before you touch me, thank you very much, Kakashi-san."

He pouted but allowed Gai to haul him to the sink. Once he'd finished, Gai helped him from the bathroom where he promptly threw himself at her. Luckily for him she was much stronger than the average woman. "I'm so glad you're back, Hana-chan! I missed you!"

Over his head, she glared at Gai. "What is wrong with him? I left him totally sober and laying in bed. And where is Tenzō? I thought he was going to be here tonight?"

Gai laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "I am Maito Gai and I do not know any 'Tenzō'." He winked excessively. "But an ANBU op did stop by this afternoon, and asked if I could help look after Kakashi tonight. After I helped him to the bathroom the first time, he was in a lot of pain. He found the painkillers you brought from the hospital, and took some. I am not a medic, Hana-san, but I believe he took too much."