Worth Something

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Sakura didn't remember falling asleep but woke up with a splitting headache. The cold morning air nipped at her skin, making her shiver. Kakashi was no longer beside her, and the memory of their closeness the night before made her cheeks flush. The tenderness he'd shown her lingered in her mind, a stark contrast to the cold reality of the morning.

Groaning, she made her way inside, where Kakashi greeted her with breakfast. He was already fully dressed, mask in place, and ready for the day. "How long ago did you wake up?" she asked, taking a bite of her eggs.

"I woke up about two hours ago," Kakashi replied, slipping his mask down to eat. "I got a phone call—I have business to attend to today." His tone was grim, the weight of his responsibilities evident. The warmth from last night seemed distant, replaced by the reserved, cold man she had first met.

As she sipped her orange juice, Sakura's heart sank. She feared he might never be as open with her again. "What business do you have?" she asked, hoping for a glimpse of the man she had connected with the night before.

"I have to help Nagato move a shipment. I won't be back until late tonight. Please don't leave here—I can't afford for you to get snatched up again," Kakashi said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Where would I even go?" Sakura muttered.

He tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "I don't know, but you can't even if you wanted to."

She studied him, noting how well put together he was—no sign of the drug-induced haze from the previous night. She wanted to know him better, to break through the walls he kept around himself. "I won't go anywhere," she agreed.

They finished their breakfast in silence, tension hanging in the air. Summoning her courage, Sakura decided to address the previous night. "Kakashi... Last night, I really—"

But Kakashi cut her off, raising his hand dismissively. "I was high, Sakura. I'm incredibly sorry for how I was with you." His tone was curt, making Sakura's heart sink.

"So, you didn't mean any of what you said?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.

Kakashi swallowed hard, his gaze locking onto hers. "I can't tell you that. I was vulnerable and spewing emotions. We cannot get distracted from the big picture. We need to end this, once and for all. Please, let's move forward."

Sakura bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. She knew he was right—distractions could lead to disastrous mistakes. "How am I supposed to move forward from it all?" she asked, her voice heavy with sadness.

Kakashi sighed, his gaze never wavering as he delivered another blow. "I imagine how you do for everything else—with a strong drink."

Sakura stared at him, her emotions a whirlwind of anger and heartbreak. She felt foolish for thinking he actually cared about her. Kakashi stood up, collecting their plates and placing them in the sink. "I'll be back late tonight. Don't do anything stupid."

With that, he walked out, leaving Sakura alone in his large, empty house. She wandered over to his liquor cabinet, tears streaming down her face now that he was gone. She took a few large gulps from a bottle, the burning sensation in her chest bringing a familiar, twisted comfort.

Feeling small and defeated, Sakura made her way to his office, the bottle still in hand. She sat down at his desk, rifling through the drawers in an attempt to distract herself. She jiggled the mouse to wake up his computer, but it prompted her for a code. She stared at the screen, realizing she didn't know him well enough to even guess what it might be. She assumed it was probably his birthday and she had no clue when that was.

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