It all started with that dream...

A/N: This is a short chp update I guess, sorta like the 'filler' chp maybe? Just wanted to show the moment of intimacy in the aftermath of Chp18...Been busy with classes and stuff but I'll try and hurry up the next chapter as quick as I can without totally compromising the storyline;)

To ???: Sorry if you think that way, though it's really not the case. I've been editing the chps and fixing up the html and stuff so I guess that's why it keeps popping up on top...Chp2, in particular, has been really bugging me... For some reason, the last parts are always cut off and I've been trying to fix it *somehow* but guess I don't really know what to do about it:/Hope that's cleared up...

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Chp 19: Moonlight Interlude

Sakura looked out contentedly over the quiet village, her arms folded around her stomach as she hugged herself. The lights twinkling below couldn’t possibly beat the twinkling of her eyes as she felt her lips curve in a grin of pure, undiluted contentment. What had happened, what she had shared with Kakashi was even better than her dream! But the whole experience might as well have been a dream considering how surreal it felt to be in this situation now, Sakura thought blissfully. The great thing was, however, the fact that it really wasn’t, as she could attest by the slight soreness she felt between her legs. Otherwise, though, she felt perfect. Absolutely glorious. As she felt the cool, night breeze hum over her heated body, she hugged herself harder, burrowing into the burrowed black shirt that had been carelessly draped over a chair. It’s long sleeves hung beyond the tips of her fingers and it’s hem reached all the way to mid-thigh, but she couldn’t imagine wanting to wear anything else. Inhaling deeply, she could still make out the masculine scent that clung to the soft fabric.

It must have been a few hours now since the sunset she had showed up. The sex had lasted for hours, she thought with a blush, before they had fallen asleep in each other’s arms, slick skin making contact with another’s, bodies still connected. She had never felt so wonderful in her entire life. So thoroughly content. And somehow, she felt as if she had made him equally satisfied. She turned to gaze at the sleeping figure on the bed. The sheets were twisted around his naked hips, threatening to dip lower with any further movement. His arms were stretched to her side of the bed, as if wrapped around her body. A warm glow lit her from the inside out as her eyes took in the sight of his head curving downwards, as if tucking her safely beneath the protection of his chin, silver wisps of his silky hair brushing the pillow. His handsome face looked so serene, so boyish, so happy. Was that really because of her?

Sakura sighed happily as she stepped out onto the quiet balcony. She wondered how it was going to be tomorrow. She wasn’t sure how Kakashi felt about the whole arrangement. He had said that he loved her and she had no reason to doubt that, but she couldn’t help wondering how things would begin for them tomorrow. With a slight frown, she wondered if there would be any of that awkward mumbling of explanations, of apologies. She hoped fervently that he wasn’t going to regret this! Briefly, she contemplated the reaction of others as she rested her arms against the inviting railings, looking out into the silent night, rubbing her arms absently. Would it be better if she were to leave his apartment before anyone would be about, she thought uneasily. Should she be leaving now? She really didn’t want to but she wasn’t sure how Kakashi felt about the whole thing. She wasn’t really against the idea of everyone knowing, she sure as hell didn’t feel like hiding it just for everyone else’s sakes, but she wasn’t sure how he planned to handle their possible relationship. She sighed softly as she rested her head on her folded arms. She wished she knew the rules…

Slowly, she raised her head to look up at the gorgeous night sky. It was a veritable inky blue blanket of velvet, lending its expansive confines to a carpet of scattered glittering stars. Moonlit nights were another reminder of Kakashi, she thought with a soft smile. She pleasurably remembered the night he had shown up on the bridge to talk to her and she had thought he was lost to the idea that she was as in love as ever with Sasuke, and then the night that they had enjoyed their dance lit by the twinkling of the stars and the moon’s bright glow, where hope had returned as she moved closer into his arms. She was happy. She didn’t want to be anywhere else but with him. She hoped that he would welcome their relationship as much as she did. As another cool breeze blew over her, gently rustling the billowing sleeves of Kakashi’s shirt in its wake, she shivered lightly. Although still gentle, the gust of wind had been stronger than the last, and Sakura was clad only in a light shirt, her long legs still exposed.

Suddenly, she felt warmth envelop her, as strong, muscled arms circled her waist from behind. She let out a slight gasp of pleasant surprise. He felt good. She welcomed the heat from his chest as it seeped into her back, her body leaning back to recline against his strong figure contentedly. Somehow, standing with him under the moonlight caused all questions to cease, all her troubled thoughts to dissolve away. “Cold?” he whispered against her ear as he bent down to gently kiss her neck. Sakura leaned against him, turning her head to the side slightly to allow him more access to the expanse of sensitive skin. “Not anymore,” she said meaningfully, a smile forming on her lips. He was here, nothing else mattered. Kakashi squeezed her tighter, enjoying the feel of her soft hair brushing against his chest. “I like you in my shirt,” he whispered against her skin, his tongue making little swirls on her neck. “It looks much better on you…,” he teased softly. Sakura blushed as she snuggled closer into his chest. She felt the thick fabric of what felt like a robe encasing his hard figure in mild disappointment.

Teasingly, she whispered, “Dressed already?” His low chuckle sent shockwaves of pure pleasure coursing through her veins. “I might be persuaded otherwise…,” came his meaningful reply, his lips moving to brush light kisses over her hair, his chin finally coming to rest on top of her head. “What are you doing out here?” he asked softly. He felt her smile in return before he heard her reply, “I was just looking at the moon… The stars…” “Is that all?” he brushed another light kiss on the top of her head before resuming his position staring out at the same night sky. “I was thinking about you,” Sakura whispered shyly, “On the bridge… When we danced… And I was also thinking that… I love you a lot… And hoping you feel the same way too…” Sakura swallowed against the nervous lump forming in her throat at the possible replies he could throw to her bold admission. But she felt so close to him, closer than she had ever felt with anybody, that she felt like she could tell him anything. “That’s all I was doing…,” she finished in a whisper, trying to inject a measure of a teasing note in her voice so he could keep it light if he wanted. But her mind kept wondering whether he loved her too… She knew he had said so but somehow, she needed to hear it again. It felt important to hear him say it again.

The pause felt like an eternity. “It’s funny,” he began, his lips beginning their slow descent over her pink locks again, “I was lying in bed… And I was wondering the same thing…” Sakura turned in his arms until she faced him, her eyes wide, questioning. It felt important to establish what she meant to him at this moment, with the stars staring out at them. “What are you saying?” she whispered, her face upturned to gaze upon his handsome one. He smiled. “I guess what I’m saying is… I love you, Sakura… And I was wondering if… maybe you care enough about this old jounin to say you love him too?” He leaned down, resting his forehead against hers. He felt his silver hair brushing against her bangs, wondering if she liked the look of pink against silver as much as he did. His smile was boyish, teasing. But she could feel the hope, the seriousness emanating from his voiced question. “I just did,” came her whispered reply, punctuated with a shy smile. Her cheeks glowed. Her body felt warm all over. He loved her! “And you’re not old!” she continued belatedly in a teasing tone. “Don’t let this face fool you,” Kakashi’s joking reply brushed over her facial features.

Sakura laughed, enjoying their closeness. Kakashi smiled at the sight. He could get used to this, being so close to her, holding her in his arms so tight that he didn’t want to ever let go. He felt her tremble slightly in his arms and he studied her, concerned. Again, he saw her give the slightest of shivers. “Cold?” he asked, his handsome face creased in a worried frown. “Just a little,” Sakura said, gazing up at him. He was so beautiful… “I think I can do something about that,” he said with a crooked smile as she felt him untie the fastening of his robe. He held the folds open and she shyly accepted his silent invitation, gratefully stepping forward to lean in to him and bask in his warmth. She felt the heat of his skin seep through the thin fabric, warming her body, warming her heart. She felt so happy. She could seriously get used to this. He loved her, she loved him. Did he want to be with her though? She bit her bottom lip lightly as she gave a slight frown against his hard chest. She needed to know.

“So…” she said, her warm breath brushing over his chest, “you know I love you, you said you love me… Where does that leave us?” Her question ended in a whisper but it hung over the both of them in a pause. Sakura grew tense, anticipating his answers. She didn’t think she could handle being disappointed. She wanted to be with him so badly. She was even prepared to just accept having a physical relationship with him if that’s what it took to be near him. “What do you want?” Kakashi said quietly, his intense gaze boring into her. “I want there to be an us,” Sakura said softly, her forehead shifting against his smooth one as she looked down. Kakashi tipped her chin up with his thumb and forefinger so she would meet his gaze. “I want there to be an us too,” he said quietly, a small smile slowly forming on his lips. He watched the myriad of expressions play on Sakura’s expressive face. Surprise. Happiness. Shyness. Gently, he slipped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer to him, pressing her lithe body tightly against his. She felt good. He smiled. “You sure you want to be with this old jounin?” he teased, his happiness overwhelming him, glimpses of white teeth flashing as his grin spreading widely. Sakura laughed against his chest, her clenched fists playfully beating against the muscular surface. “You’re not old!”

His voice taking on a serious, husky quality, he voiced his question, “So you want this? Are you sure?” He couldn’t believe that this was actually happening. Just the way he wanted. He was one step closer to fulfilling his dreams, his fantasies. All he needed was her final answer. “I’m sure,” Sakura said softly, firmly, turning her face up to look at him. “No matter what everyone else may think?” he pressed. He needed to know she was ready for all the implications that their being together would create. “This doesn’t concern them now, does it?” Sakura said defiantly. He saw her wide, cheeky smile. He felt his own features crease into a smile in return. There was a moment of giddy laughter shared between them as they contemplated the turn their relationship took. The happiness it brought to each of them. Then Sakura stood on her tiptoes, tipping her face upwards toward his. Kakashi lowered his face slowly to meet hers. There was a pause. Warm breaths mingled. Hearts hammered. Anticipation grew. Then slowly, Kakashi closed his heavy-lidded eyes and bent downwards to close the gap, meeting her lips in a kiss…

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As always, pls R&R...=)