Mine

Claiming

Kakashi sat at his desk, staring out of the windows, his thoughts swirling around like a chaotic storm. Sakura was constantly on his mind, a persistent buzz he couldn't shake. He wanted to claim her, but he needed to approach it carefully. He wanted the experience to be special for her, something she would look back on fondly, not just a hasty encounter in the Hokage office.

Was he really doing this? Yes, he was. And yet he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Why did he feel guilty? Was it because he had never claimed anyone before? Maybe it was the fear of making a mistake. He didn't want to disappoint anyone, especially not Sakura. Running a hand through his hair, he recalled their recent embrace. He hadn't planned on hugging her, but the urge to hold her had been overwhelming. Even though they hadn't yet bonded, his yearning for her was already intense.

Kakashi had only heard about the bond's effects from others, like Genma. The connection was said to be deeply emotional, a constant sharing of feelings, especially potent during heats and ruts. Kakashi shook his head and laughed softly. He was overthinking this. Why should he care so much about who he was involved with? Maybe he should just have a drink with Gai and clear his head.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Kakashi glanced at his phone—it was 6:30 PM, and Gai had arrived at his house.

"Ah, my rival! I come bearing alcohol," Gai announced, striding in and presenting a bottle to Kakashi.

"Hey, Gai. Is this 100 proof?" Kakashi asked as he accepted the bottle.

"Yes, indeed! Only geniuses drink 100 proof. Can you handle it, Kakashi?" Gai grinned widely.

Kakashi took a large swig, not wanting to be outdone. "I'm not backing down." He poured them both shots.

As the night wore on, shots were poured, and challenges were issued amid a haze of laughter. Kakashi, now thoroughly intoxicated, slurred, "Soo... Gai, I've got a pre-predicament."

"Oh yeah?" Gai responded, struggling to keep a serious tone.

"It's Sakura. I—I can't decide what to do!" Kakashi admitted, his frustration evident.

Gai looked at him knowingly. "Well, rival, it seems you already know what you want!" He chuckled. "Text her and see if she wants to come over. Maybe that'll help."

Kakashi burst into laughter. "It's one in the morning, Gai!"

"And? Just text her!" Gai insisted.

Kakashi fumbled with his phone. In a rare moment of drunken clarity, he typed out a message: 'Sakura, this is Kakashi. I would like you to come over.' He hit send and groaned.

"Did I misspell anything?" he asked, worried.

"Nope! But maybe she's asleep," Gai replied, burping.

'Is everything okay? It's late.' came Sakura's response.

'Yes, sorry. Gai is over, and we're drinking.'

'On my way.'

"Oh no, she's coming," Kakashi lamented, burying his face in his hands. He slipped off his mask and downed another shot, his drunken state worsening. He sent Sakura a quick text: 'Be careful.' Then he turned his attention back to Gai.

"Why are you so conflicted about Sakura?" Gai asked, genuinely curious.

"Well... what do I do? She's so... what's the word... ethereal," Kakashi said, picturing her flushed porcelain skin and pastel pink hair, those striking emerald eyes.

"Ah! You're afraid!" Gai exclaimed, slapping Kakashi on the back.

"Of course I am! If you could smell her, Gai—my God..." Kakashi's words trailed off as they heard a faint knock on the door.