Afraid of the Dark (KakaSaku)

Behind the Gun

Sakura sat there, disbelief washing over her as the realization hit. Overwhelmed by emotion in her drug-fueled state, tears began to stream down her cheeks. "It was you?" she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude.

Kakashi nodded, his gaze distant as he recalled the memory. "I was on a recon mission, searching for you. I almost left the area until I heard a sound... you were whistling, singing softly. Your voice was so faint, I thought I'd imagined it. Even then, in that condition, you showed incredible strength."

Her brow furrowed, a mix of emotions stirring within her as her body buzzed with the heightened sensations and the shock of this new revelation. "Then why are we here now?" she asked, her heart pounding in her chest, her jaw clenching involuntarily.

Kakashi's gaze dropped to the floor, and he hesitated, sensing he could afford to be more truthful with her now. After everything he had put her through the past day, it felt like the least he could do.

"You once asked me why I chose you," he began quietly. "It's because I knew you were the only one who could do this for me. I saw your strength back then, and I knew you wouldn't break. It was a calculated decision... one where I knew there would be no mistakes."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Her voice trembled with sadness, tears still streaming down her face. Everything felt amplified, every emotion hitting harder than ever before. Kakashi shook his head. "Because I needed you to fear me, I need you to fear this," he replied, his tone firm, almost harsh.

Sakura considered this, realizing he was right—if she'd known, she might never have followed his orders. "But understand," he continued, his voice growing sharper, "this isn't over. Nagato is a force to be reckoned with, and he won't back down from his threats."

"You think I'll stop? I thought you knew by now that I've grown to enjoy this." Sakura's inhibitions were completely stripped away, her words flowing freely. She flushed slightly as she added, "I want to impress you. I want you to see that I'm good at this," her eyes searched his, seeking approval. Kakashi sighed, his gaze weary. "You're not supposed to feel that way, Dr. Haruno. This is putting you in jeopardy."

Taking advantage of the moment, Sakura pushed for more answers, riding the high she felt. "I've asked you why you left Anbu twice before. Will you finally tell me now?" Her gaze was intense, eagerly awaiting his response.

Kakashi hesitated. "That's none of your business. You need to understand how dangerous this game really is." His eyes bore into hers, hoping she would drop the subject, but Sakura persisted. She leaned closer, her hands on his shoulders. "Please, tell me. You know why I left; it's only fair that you do the same."

He swallowed, knowing her drugged state only fueled her persistence. It was now or never, but he wasn't sure she was ready to hear it. Taking a deep breath, he replied, "Life isn't fair, Sakura. You of all people should know that," his jaw tightened, his tone harsh.

Sakura pouted, her dilated eyes filled with pleading. He wanted to tell her, but he couldn't. "Stop grinding your teeth," he ordered softly. "I'm getting you more water." She suddenly shot up from the bed, filled with restless energy. "I can come with you," she said, stumbling slightly. "Very well," he replied.

They made their way down the stairs, the cool air prickling her skin. Sakura's senses were heightened; every touch felt electric, and she wanted to feel him again. At the sink, Kakashi filled a glass with water and handed it to her. "Drink. All of it."

She gulped it down, the cold liquid soothing her dry throat. Her jaw still ached, but she couldn't stop clenching it. She felt restless, every nerve buzzing with energy. As she watched Kakashi, she could sense his guilt lingering in the air, but she was too caught up in her own euphoria to care. "Will you kiss me?" she asked bluntly, craving his touch more than anything else.