Chapter Text
Various articles of clothing flew across the room from the modest walk-in closet, landing haphazardly on the bed, desk chair, and even floor. Shoes were strewn about, mismatched, hiding the carpet beneath.
“This is a terrible idea,” was muttered dramatically from the closet, Sakura emerging, face drawn. She sighed, emerald eyes scanning the mess of the room, knot of anxiety in her belly tightening.
Her best friend, Ino, stood over the bed, sifting through the clothes, evaluating each one with a stern eye. “Don't be so negative,” she chided, shaking her head as she tossed a blouse to the side to grasp another.
She rolled her eyes, joining the other woman’s side, searching through the melee of shirts, skirts, and dresses. “I'm being realistic.”
“Who is this guy again?” Ino queried, placing a red, bell-sleeve top onto a pile of some other ones she deemed acceptable.
“A friend of a friend of Naruto’s.” She tossed a navy-blue skirt atop the pile as well.
The blonde stopped mid-movement, processing. “... Oh.” She eventually stated.
“Exactly.”
“Well…” Her friend paused, visibly debating. “He could be normal.”
She scoffed, rejecting a pink sundress, tossing it to the side. “Doubt it.”
“Did you see a picture?”
She winced. “He didn't have one.”
Ino’s face morphed into one of offense. “Ugh!” she groaned. “Naruto.” So much was said with that one word, it was nonsensical.
“You understand the problem,” she deadpanned, flicking away yet another dismissed choice. “Okay, I think we have enough options to peruse through.” The women gathered the ‘approved’ pile, swiping the other clothes to the side to lay them out. Debating the pros and cons, they finally decided on a red, puff-sleeve peasant top with a sweetheart neckline and white swirl pattern throughout the fabric. Pairing it with a pair of cuffed, quarter-length light blue jeans, they squabbled between shoes, eventually settling on a pair of black, open-toe wedges.
Outfit secured, they retired to the living room with a full bottle of red wine. Pouring themselves a hearty glass each, they fall back onto the sofa.
“I’m surprised you even agreed to do this,” Ino observed, casting sky blue eyes in her direction. “I thought you said you were swearing off dating forever.”
She sighed, tapping the wine glass with her nail. “I was,” she agreed, nodding. “But…” she trailed off, trying to figure out how to voice her thoughts. “I’m 28 now, and I’m not getting any younger, Ino. I mean, I want to find my person, you know?” She took a small sip of her drink, melancholy swarming her. “After Sasuke…”
“I know,” the blonde interrupted, placing a hand on her shoulder, rubbing gently. “And you deserve someone way better than that prick.”
She smiled gratefully. “Definitely.” They did a cheers, giggling. “I just realized I’ll never find what I want by just sitting at my house or haunting the halls of the hospital. And Naruto’s guy might not be the guy, but I figured at least I’m putting myself out there and practicing.”
“I’m proud of you, Sakura,” Ino announced, enfolding her in a one-armed hug, mindful of their glasses. “I know dating is a hassle for you, but I’m glad you’re willing to keep trying. Your Mr. Right is out there!”
She had her doubts, but kept them to herself. Ino had been in a happy relationship with her boyfriend-turned-fiance, Sai, for three years now, so she hadn’t been in the dating scene for quite some time. Naturally beautiful and charismatic, she had no trouble even when she was. She wasn’t oblivious to the fact that she wasn’t as blessed.
Not allowing herself to wander down that depressing road of self-depreciation, made worse by the cheating of her long-time partner over a year ago, she forced herself to change the subject to more pleasant topics, distracting herself from the worry of what she had agreed to do this weekend.
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Saturday came before she knew it, and she found herself standing in front of the predetermined restaurant, preparing to meet her mysterious date. She took a deep breath, trying to quell the shaking in her limbs, praying she wasn’t sweating through her top. The last thing she needed was to be stinky in the presence of a literal stranger.
She pulled out her phone, diving into the messaging app to locate Naruto’s text with a description of her date.
‘his name’s Kakashi
he’s tall, ig? old
white hair, like a grandpa or smth
it sticks up weird ’
She shook her head. Typical Naruto.
Taking another steeling breath, she pushed through the fear and front door simultaneously. Having been told the reservation was under Naruto’s name, she checked in with the maitre-d, mildly surprised to be informed she was the first to arrive considering she spent at least 5 minutes paralyzed outside. She trailed the man silently, pleased he led her to a shaded table on the outdoor patio. She thanked him, pulling one chair out to settle into the seat. She stretched her legs, accidentally pushing the other chair out. She surveyed the area, quickly scanning for anyone that fit Naruto’s description, but upon finding no one, she turned to her phone to pass the time. Within a few minutes, a waiter appeared, taking her drink order before slinking off. Doom scrolling, she startled when the chair across from her creaked as something occupied it. Curious, she peered over, jumping back when a little brown head popped up.
“A… Dog ?” she breathed, leaning forward, brow furrowed.
The dog huffed, as though agreeing with her assessment. Her knowledge of dog breeds was limited, but she was able to say with certainty that this was a pug , droopy face, large eyes, smushed face. His muzzle and ears were a darker brown, small nose black as coal, and black pupils amidst a sea of white. He wore a blue vest with ‘service’ on the back in bright white lettering, matching collar, a small, round tag glinting in the fading sun.
She reached over the table, examining the tag. “Pakkun?” she read, meeting the dog’s placid, almost bored-looking, gaze. “Is that your name, little guy?”
The pug let out a strange, yowling noise that she took as confirmation.
“Okay…” This is so weird. She came here to meet a man, and now a dog shows up? He was admittedly well-behaved, simply sitting at the table as though he did it every day. She observed the patio again, noting that no one either noticed or found this situation as odd as she did, with still no sign of this mysterious Kakashi character. She peeked at her watch: It was 20 minutes past their meeting time.
At that moment, the waiter arrived with her glass of water. He set it down on the coaster, face twisting in an ugly sneer upon noticing her new companion. “Excuse me, miss. You can't have a dog here,” he informed, eyes narrowed.
She scrambled for a believable retort, unsure if the man had seen her enter with a dog or not. As ridiculous as it was, she didn’t want him to get kicked out; he clearly belonged to someone. “As you can see by his vest, he's a service dog, thank you very much,” she quipped, waving her hand in Pakkun’s direction. “You have to allow him to stay; it's the law.”
The waiter crossed his arms, defensive. “A service dog for what?”
Got you, she smirked internally, triumphant. “Excuse me?” she stressed, slapping her palms on the tabletop, standing suddenly, tone outraged. “Did you just ask me what I need a service dog for? That is illegal , I'll have you know; you are not allowed to ask me that!” She threw her hands up, leaning into the act. “In fact, where is your manager? I'm going to let them know that you violated my right as a disabled person.”
The waiter balked, stepping back, the threat of a complaint and the multiples of nosey gazes from the other patrons spooking him. “No, no!” he cried, grinning, trying to smooth the situation over. “Please forgive me, miss! I'm so sorry. Your dog is welcome to stay.”
She glared at him a few moments longer for good measure, playing at being quelled, she fell back into her seat, huffing. “Fine,” she acquiesced, folding her arms across her chest haughtily. “I better not hear another word about it.” She pointed at Pakkun. “Get him a bowl of water, please. It’s hot out here.”
Thirty minutes into the rendezvous led her to a disappointing, annoying conclusion.
This Kakashi guy wasn’t coming; he stood her up.
Electing to not allow the opportunity for a nice meal to be squandered, she ordered a heaping portion of tempura and a side salad. The waiter cut a look to Pakkun, notepad poised. “And for him?”
The little pug bore into her gaze, begging without begging. She paused, considering. “Get him a steak?” she ventured, waiting for the dog to indicate his opinion on it. He let out a small sound, like a borf, his pink tongue lolling out of his mouth as he panted. She nodded. “A plain steak. Cut up, please.”
Order completed, the waiter scurried away. She sighed, leaning back, staring at her new furry friend. “His loss, right?” she posed, lips pursed. “I’m a great date. I mean, look at you.” She gestured to him. “You’re getting a free steak out of this deal, and we just met.”
Pakkun snorted, scratching at his ear with his back paw. Okay, she conceded. He is pretty cute.
When their meal arrived, their plates were set with a flourish before them. A waitress had brought their food instead of their waiter, and she eyed the dog with a wary glance, but served him nonetheless. Ensuring the bites were small enough for his small mouth, she secured her chopsticks, guiding a piece of fried deliciousness into her mouth, a delighted hum of approval escaping her. “How’s yours?” she asked, regarding the other dish. The steak bits were half gone, drool dappled over the rest, and Pakkun noisily chomping on the ones in his mouth. She cringed. “Good, then. I’m glad.”
As she ate, she chattered lightly to her non-verbal companion, likely coming across as crazy to anyone looking in, but hardly caring. This wasn’t how she envisioned her night going, but the food was yummy, the weather was pleasant, and the dog was adorable. Whenever Pakkun would pause to tilt his head at her statements, or let out a well-timed huff or snort, she almost wondered if he truly did understand her.
And where was his owner?
The meal was winding down, tempura and steak scarfed down, Pakkun slurping the ceramic of the plate. She chuckled, using the compact kiosk on the table to pay their tab. Preparing to wrap up, she checked her phone for any new messages, silently pondering what to do about the furball. Should she take him home with her? Call a pound? Maybe he was microchipped…
“I see you’re enjoying yourself.”
The new voice jolted her, immediately whirling her head to the person standing behind the pug’s chair. He was fairly tall, lean but built, his silver hair in messy disarray. He wore a black, long-sleeved shirt that conformed to his torso, dark blue jeans, faded black Converse. The lower half of his face was obstructed by an indigo scarf, dark eyes twinkling in amusement as he looked down at the canine.
Pakkun cut his round eyes up at the man, but returned to his loud licking quickly in obvious dismissal.
“Umm…” she chimed in, glancing between the man and Pakkun. “Do you know this dog?”
The man glanced at her, meeting her confused gaze squarely. “Since he was a wrinkly little lump with giant, goldfish eyes.” His voice was pleasant, a light, teasing lilt, covering her like a warm blanket.
The little pug growled, annoyed.
The attractive stranger rolled his eyes playfully. “Don’t be like that; you grew into them.”
She gaped, realizing this guy was Pakkun’s owner. “Who the heck are you?”
“I’m Kakashi,” he replied, giving her a tiny wave. She felt her heart stop. This was Kakashi? Naruto said he was old with white hair! “You’re Sakura, aren’t you? Sorry I’m a little late.”
She recovered quickly, sputtering, incensed at his lame introduction and excuse. “A little?” she parroted, glaring. “It’s been over an hour!”
He chuckled nervously. “Well, about that…” He scratched the back of his head, reminiscent of what the dog had done earlier. Like pet, like owner for sure. “I had something to take care of, so I sent Pakkun in here to let you know since I didn’t have your number.” He reached down, pulling the vest open, producing a folded up piece of paper. He fluttered it gently. “But I guess he was more interested in getting fed.”
The dog snorted, head angled away from his master, as though in a show of defiance.
The silver-haired man shook his head, sighing. “Unbelievable.”
That was certainly a word for this whole situation. She scoffed, arms crossing defensively, eyes cut sharply at him. “Well, Pakkun and I are finished with our meal, so I guess you missed out, buddy.”
He had the decency to appear abashed at least, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. “Perhaps I can make it up to you?” he suggested hopefully. “With dessert?”
Staring at the man, she could feel her defense falling. Always was a sucker for a hot guy , she lamented. “I guess I could be talked into ice cream,” she eventually responded. Not wanting to look like that much of a pushover, she directed her attention to the little pug. “What about you, Pakkun?”
He barked, tail wagging happily.
Humming, she rose from her seat, procuring her bag, meeting Kakashi’s dark eyes. “Well, if my date agrees, I guess I’m in, too.”
She wasn’t sure what expression she was expecting, but entertained was not it. “I see I’ve got some stiff competition,” he declared, sliding a blue leash out of his pocket. Securing it to the back of Pakkun’s vest, he made a clicking noise, signaling to the pup to jump down. He opened the short gate to the patio, sweeping his hand to indicate her to go first in exiting.
Plowing through the gate, she turned her nose up, striding down the sidewalk with man and dog plodding along beside her. “He showed up on time,” she pointed out, continuing the charade of offense. “And he listens. Honestly, a perfect gentleman.”
“He must’ve been raised well.”
She fought the curl of her lip. “Agreed; I’m sure he had a wonderful influence.” She threw him a scathing look from her peripheral. “Somewhere.”
His hand met his chest, feigning a wound. “Ouch. I’ve got a lot of making up to do, huh?”
She shrugged. “Pakkun here set the bar.” She peered fondly at the toddling dog. He had grown on her in their brief time together. He looked up at her, panting loudly.
Kakashi hummed, sidling closer to her, almost brushing her arm with his. “Well, I’ll have to do my best to get back into your good graces, Sakura.” Oh, the way he said her name was sinful, and she hated how easy it was going to be for him to do that. “Can’t be outshone by my own dog here.”
Unable to hold it back, she finally laughed at the absurdity, face hurting from how big her smile was. Though she couldn’t see his mouth, Kakashi’s eyes crinkled in a way that she knew meant he was smiling as well.
Meanwhile, Pakkun trotted along, full, happy, and unbothered by the plight of single humans.