A LESSON IN SEDUCTION

Chapter 4: Eight years later

Almost eight years later…

Sakura couldn't keep down the emotions that were bubbling up within as her Twenty-fourth birthday drew near. She had never forgotten Kakashi's promise almost eight years before.

After that mission, they both became a little closer than they used to be, but their relationship always stayed that of friends and teammates. He was just a little more caring towards her than her other comrades and sometimes they spent some time together after their sparring sessions. Though it could be seen as nothing special, Kakashi's closer friends knew better. Sakura was the only person Kakashi had ever allowed so close to him. For a reserved man such as the Copy-nin, it was exceptional to show just how deeply he cared for the young woman.

Sakura, on her side, had developed a huge crush on the silver-haired jounin soon after that night. She always enjoyed the time they spent together after their sparring matches. Sakura knew she was privileged for the time she spent with Kakashi, but also knew she had no chance with the man. This was the best she could get from him: an exclusive friendship, but with no romantic involvements.

That is why, during the years, she dated other boys in an attempt to make her crush fade away. As Kakashi said that night, in a few years the guys asking her out increased in number. She tried a few dates with the more interesting ones, but as she expected, none of them were nearly as chivalrous as Kakashi had been in his date with that lucky girl.

Sakura had even two boyfriends, but they both didn't last long. Though she really liked them, she had never been able to give them all her heart, since Kakashi was ever present in it. This is why, in the end, she had to give up on them.

That was when, at the age of twenty-two, the pink-haired medic realized that Kakashi was not just a crush. She was in love with him!

How could she have fallen for the Copy Nin without even noticing herself? Using her over-analyzing mind, she thought back to what happened over the years. In the past six years, she had come to know Kakashi better from all their time spent together. Kakashi was not that talkative, but he opened up to her little by little. Sakura could tell she was one of the only people who knew all of Kakashi's qualities and flaws. She also knew about Kakashi's past and she admired him for the man he had become after those tragic events. But there was more. Sakura was at ease with him at every moment. She could tease him and laugh at him and be with him, while other people would be sent away with a single glare by the silver-haired jounin. He never got angry at her for her jokes, and just laughed them away. She wanted to stay like that with him forever. Well, maybe with some romantic implications – but that would be the icing on the cake.

Once Sakura sorted out her thoughts, she finally knew. 'Oh, God,' she desperately thought, 'I'm in love!'

And now, finally, she was about to turn twenty-four. In one week, Kakashi would be forced to keep his promise and take her out on a date. At least, that was what she hoped for, since Kakashi never spoke about their promise during all those eight years. 'I wonder if he has forgotten…' she would sometimes muse. 'Naa, he would never forget something like this... Hopefully.'

Sakura did not plan on having a party for her birthday. Just a little hang-out at the pub with her closest friends. And then she would have remind Kakashi of his promise, and she would tell him that she still wanted a date with him. Yes, he was thirty-eight now, but to Sakura he was still the same as ever, both in his body and his mind. Not to mention the fact that she was deeply in love with him.

"Kakashi?" She dropped the honorific some years ago, when she became his equal and close friend.

"Mm?"

They were pleasantly resting in the shadow of a large tree, after a rather tiring sparring session. This was their favorite way to spend their time together. They were both laid out on the ground, Kakashi reading his book, and Sakura watching the clouds in a very Shikamaru-like fashion. It was a habit they picked up during the years, and they had grown accustomed to it. Sometimes they would chat a little, but most of the time, they would just rest and enjoy each other's presence.

"When are you planning to take me out on a date?"

The Copy Nin choked on his own breath. "What?!"

Sakura bolted up in alarm, staring him straight in the eye. "Did you really forget?"

He lowered his book and gazed at her quietly. "No… In fact, not at all. But I thought you might have forgotten. You were so young when I made that promise… and I know there have been other boys over the years."

A mischievous smile spread on her lips. "Have you ever wondered why I left them?"

Kakashi's visible eye widened in realization.

"Just kidding…" Sakura chuckled, clearly amused by her not-so-false joke. "Still, I want that date," she added quietly.

"After all these years… are you really still waiting for me?"

Sakura broke her stare away from him. Maybe he was thinking that she was a fool… then his hand went to her shoulder. As eight years before.

"I'm not laughing at you, Sakura," he said in his warmest voice. "I'm just surprised. And flattered, to say the least." His eye crinkle smile confirmed her that he was telling the truth.

"So, will you keep your promise?" The hope was evident in her voice.

He eyed her carefully. "I'll take you on a date. I'll be chivalrous and I'll make you feel desired, as promised. But you have to understand it will be only that. Just one date."

Sakura bit her lower lip. She didn't want it to be just one date. In the past, she tried with all her might to get rid of the crush she had on him, but with the years it only became worse. It became… love. She knew he couldn't possibly love her back, so she just wanted to feel as if he loved her for just one night. After that, she would never bother him again.

"I know Kakashi, don't worry." She gave him her best smile, trying to hide the worry she felt. But Kakashi knew better, and he took her hand in his.

"Sakura… I don't want you to get hurt. And most of all, I don't want to be the cause of it." His tone was full of concern and worry.

She looked at him, this time with a sincere smile. "I know, Kakashi. Really. And I'll be okay, you don't have to worry." It was true. After all, she already was in love with him, it wasn't as if the situation could get worse. She had waited eight years for this moment, and she wasn't about to miss it. She was just afraid that during the date she would break and tell him how she felt. It would ruin their friendship. No matter what happened, it would be best if she didn't reveal her true feelings.

He seemed more reassured now. "Good. I'll pick you up on Saturday morning at eight. We'll travel light."

Sakura was a little startled. She wasn't expecting to leave Konoha.

As if reading her thoughts, he spoke again. "I don't want to take you out on a date around here. People already think we're too close, seeing us on a date would spark rumors. I don't want to ruin your reputation. Besides, I promise you won't regret it, trust me." Again, his eye crinkle smile reassured her. As always.

Sakura was still puzzled, but smiled back. As long as Kakashi was taking her on a date, nothing else mattered. Besides, he told her to trust him and she definitely would. She got up to go home and take a shower.

"All right, Kakashi. And don't forget tomorrow at the pub. For my birthday."

"Sure, Sakura." He was waving at her when something else came to his mind.

"And remember to pack a dress. Something elegant!" he yelled at her.

'Just what am I getting myself into?' she wondered, as she headed home.

In truth, Kakashi had always had a soft spot for his pink-haired teammate since the night of the mission eight years before. And the fact that during the years she had matured and grown into a beautiful woman was no help either. She was the only person he felt completely at ease with, and eventually it came to a point he could no longer lie to himself: he was in love with her.

Above all, Kakashi knew Sakura had feelings for him. But he also knew that she was way too young, and deserved much more than a jaded man like himself. When he saw her with one boyfriend, and then another, his heart nearly shattered. He couldn't deny the fact that he felt relieved when she left them. But he also couldn't be selfish, and confess his feeling for her, either. So, he stayed behind, like a good friend and nothing more.

Now Sakura wanted a date with him. He tried to make her change her mind, but failed. So, a date it would be. He almost half-expected that she would try asking more from him, and he prepared himself to resist her. He would tell her all the reasons why they couldn't be together, and if it wasn't enough… well, if Sakura still asked, he would accept. After all she was a woman, now, and she was able to make decisions. If she was so determined to try, he wouldn't reject her. For she was the only woman he had ever loved, and perhaps, it was time for him to find some happiness, too.

Sakura was startled when Kakashi showed up exactly on time that morning. He chuckled at her shocked expression.

"Shall we go, Sakura?"

"You still haven't told me where we are going…" she prodded for an answer, but knew he wouldn't give up the secret so easily.

"You'll find out soon enough, don't worry."

And they left Konoha.

It was the same hotel they stayed at eight years before. Kakashi explained to her that ever since that night, the daimyo threw a huge party every year to celebrate his daughter's rescue. When Kakashi told him that he would be attending with the kunoichi who helped him that night, the daimyo said that he was honored to have them in his house on such an auspicious occasion.

Sakura was waiting for Kakashi to knock on her door in a few moments, and was so excited for the date, she was certain she couldn't wait for another minute to go by. She checked herself again and again in the mirror and was pleased by her appearance. She just hoped Kakashi would be the same, too.

When the knock came, she nearly jumped out of her skin.

'Easy, Sakura, you need to relax. This is going to be a wonderful evening, not a school exam,' she told herself. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

Kakashi was the same as eight years ago, only this time he had managed to fix his bow-tie by himself.

"I guess you learned how to deal with it," she said playfully, pointing at the bow-tie.

Kakashi smiled in a way so charming, that she almost felt her legs to give out beneath her. "Well, I couldn't bother you with something like that," he said using his smooth voice. "You'll be my lady tonight, so you don't have to do anything but enjoy our date."

He then gently took her hand and brought it to his lips, brushing it slightly. He couldn't help but noticing how stunning she looked tonight. Not that usually she wasn't beautiful, but tonight she seemed simply radiant. And she was going on a date with him. Too bad that anything that could begin would also end this same night. He forced himself from his reverie.

"Shall we go?"

"Sure, Kakashi." She was blushing slightly from his little gesture and sensuous tone of voice. She couldn't predict how red she would be by the end of the date.

The date was wonderful. It even surpassed the memory of the one Sakura witnessed eight years before. Kakashi flirted with her, making her feel desired, but not in a vulgar way. He had in fact been very chivalrous, just as she dreamt during all those years. She was so happy.

But now the party was about to finish, and many people had left. This was the worst part, indeed, for she knew her beautiful dream was about to vanish. It would have been the most beautiful memory of her life, and she knew she had to be thankful for this opportunity. But still, her heart ached.

They were in front of the door to her room, now. An awkward silence cast on them, and she tried to ease the situation.

"You're not going to put me to sleep with your sharingan, are you?" She asked playfully.

He chuckled at that. "Maybe I should. Do you want me to?"

"Oh, no, thanks! I think I'll pass."

A brief giggle, then another heavy silence.

It was time to bid goodbye, Kakashi knew it too, but he couldn't bring himself to put an end to their wonderful date.

"So, are you going to kiss me goodnight like last time?" She asked hopefully, not daring to raise her eyes to meet his.

"Sure, Sakura." He leaned in and gently kissed her forehead, while stroking her hair with his hand. She closed her eyes.

"Goodnight." It was almost a whisper, but she heard his words all too well. They were the ones she dreaded the most, because they signaled the end of the date. Though her mind was resigned to the situation, her heart was crying out loud to stop him, and for her to tell him how she felt. She clenched her fists and entered her door, quickly closing it behind, not trusting her own voice to bid him goodnight. She leaned against the door, and slid down until she was sitting on the floor. A lone tear made its way down her flushed cheek.

'Kakashi…' she thought weakly.

Kakashi stared wordless at her door for another good minute. Then, regaining his ability to walk, he went to his room, closing the door, and then pressing his back against it.

His mind was numb. He could think of only one thing: she did not stop him from leaving. She did not stop him. She did not stop him… He felt like a broken record player. Then he forced himself from his mantra. He should have felt relieved. It was best for the two of them. Tomorrow they would go back to Konoha, and act as if nothing had happened.

But he wasn't relieved. He wasn't happy. He was damn angry! With himself!

'I'm a coward! I couldn't bring myself to tell her I love her. I hid behind the false pretense that it would all be better this way. Which it would be in her case, but it is not for me. I kept telling myself that I didn't want her to stop me – as to tell me she wants me. But it was all a lie. I wanted to hear those words from her. I wanted to be with her. I'm damn selfish and I admit it. But it's too late. She didn't stop me because she doesn't love me. I'm just a crush to her and nothing more. And it's better for her, really. But damn, it hurts so much.' He stopped in his thoughts when he felt his head hurting. He was unconsciously banging his head against the door. What a sad excuse of a man he was.

There was a knock.

Blink.

Another knock.

"Kakashi?" Sakura's muffled voice came through the door.

Blink.

Kakashi's mind switched into panic mode. Why was she here? What was he to do? Confess to her?

"Kakashi, please…"

He quickly regained his wits and opened the door, just enough so he could see her puffy red eyes. She swiftly entered the room, closing the door behind her, and sheepishly looked down. Her hands still over the doorknob behind her. The moment she looked up at him, her expression changed immediately.

"What did you do?!"

His hand flew to hide the dark bruise on his forehead. "Oh, that's nothing, Sakura, really…", but her hands were already glowing with her chakra and she took care of his injury.

Kakashi took her hand in his one before she could pull back and slowly let it rest by her side. He lingered more than necessary before letting go.

Sakura's eyes were cast to the floor. "I need to tell you something…" her voice trembled and he had to resist the urge to take her in his arms and tell her how he felt.

He needed to hear what she had to tell him, before making any move. After his moment of weakness earlier, her presence reassured him in some way he couldn't explain, and he was back to his normal self. Well, almost normal self. Anyway, he decided to follow his original plan. She was too precious to him to ruin her life for his selfishness. That meant that he had to be sure of her feelings and then warn her against himself before confessing to her. If that wasn't the case… well, he would not confess. And he would surely die in that very room due to blood loss from banging repeatedly his head against the door. But then again, she was so much important than him, what would it matter if he died here tonight as long as she went free.

"Yes?"

"Did you… did you have to pretend so much tonight? I - I mean… the things you said, the way you acted. It was all fake, right? Just like the night with that girl?" The hurt in her voice nearly made him tremble.

There was an intensity in his gaze. "Of course not. I didn't know that girl, but I know you, and I care for you." This was slightly evasive, but seeing her like this made him incapable of lying. So, he said the truth, just not all of it.

She inched closer to him and set her eyes on his one. "So…do really like me, then?"

This was getting too dangerous. He could feel his will-power crumbling away.

"Sure, just not in that way. You are my friend. My closest friend. I'm sure you understand why this has to end here." His own words were killing him. "I won't be able to bear losing you." Well, that at least was true.

"Neither can I. But I can't lie anymore. I can't pretend you're just a close friend, Kakashi. Because I love you." She nearly whispered the last part.

'Keep focused, Kakashi,' he reminded himself to not melt under her confession.

"Sakura, this is not love. I know you had a crush on me all these last years, but you're a woman, now, you should recognize love from a crush." Okay, this was a low blow and he felt like an utter bastard, but he had to be sure…

A tear slid down her cheek. Sakura was beginning to feel exasperated.

"I am able to recognize love from crushes, Kakashi! I realized everything was more than a crush two years ago. That's two years that I've already been in love with you! I thought I would be able to part after a date with you, and force myself to forget you. Because I know you can't possibly love me back. But while I was in my room just now, the ache became so unbearable that I can no longer hold back. I can't let this chance go without you to know how I really feel. Even if you don't return my feelings, you deserve to know." More tears fell from her eyes, and her vision became blurred.

Kakashi's self control snapped and he reached forward. He held her tightly and placed a kiss on the top of the head.

"Sakura…" His voice cracked from emotion. "I didn't know… I would never imagined… dreamt of that…" He forced himself to stop and gain control before going on.

"But, why me, Sakura? Why would you possibly want to waste your life on an old man like me? You deserve so much more…"

"During the times together, I learned a lot about you. All of your qualities. All of your flaws". She was still sobbing, but managed to speak. The things she was saying were too important to leave unsaid. He had to know.

"I'm not blind, Kakashi, I'm not dreaming of an ideal man. I just know it's you I love and it's you I want to be with. You know I've tried to date other guys, I really tried. But I can't get you out of my mind… and my heart…"

Okay, that was convincing enough for him. He would no longer hold back, either.

"God, Sakura, I love you too. I have for years." He tightened his grip on her and she began to cry freely now. But this time from happiness.

Then his lips were on hers, and they were moving to his bed without breaking the embrace nor the kiss. They softly landed on the bed and spent all the night together between more confessions, and laughs, and cuddles and love making. They were a couple now, and they would have come back to Konoha together in the daylight. Screw the rumors. They didn't want to hide themselves as if they were in sin. For it wasn't sin, it was simply love.

The end.

A/N: I like it when Kakashi breaks down. He's a great shinobi, and he always puts his teammate's life before his own. He always does the right thing. But he's a man, too. I cannot believe that he never has inner doubts and turmoils before choosing to put himself apart and protecting others. If it were so easy to him to be an altruist, then it would almost be pointless. The sacrifice he makes to act for Sakura's goodness instead of his own, just shows the great man he is.

And, ok, I know the end is too fluffy!!! But I liked it this way, so… I just hope you liked the story anyway.

Happy Fluffy Christmas to you all, especially to Clearheart who made a wonderful job by betaing the story for me!

P.S.: I'll arrange a date with Kakashi to all who reviews… ok, I was kidding… if I could do something like that, I would definitely be his one and only date! ;)

Anyway, reviews are really appreciated!