Shattered Dreams

Notice: Slight lime in this chapter.

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After they had eaten a small breakfast of fruit they’d plucked from around the clearing and some nuts Tenzo had brought with him, they tidied everything away, including the house that Tenzo had built and set off on their way back to the village. All the while they travelled Sakura refused to take her eyes off Kakashi incase he vanished again, this of course led to her stumbling a few times and nearly falling. Which she would have done if her chakra control wasn’t so good.

Finally sighing Kakashi realised he couldn’t ignore her any longer, it wasn’t fair on her to keep tripping and it wasn’t fair to stay away from her and have her panic constantly. He dropped back from his position next to Tenzo and moved next to Sakura. Sai took the hint and moved up to take Kakashi’s place next to Tenzo as Kakashi reached out and took Sakura’s hand in his. She gasped as he did so looking up at him in surprise, he looked down at her thoughtfully and spoke.

“I promised you I wasn’t going anywhere didn’t?” He asked gently.

“Yes” she said looking a at him shyly.

“Then you need to remember that and stop thinking its going to happen. We can’t have you tripping and falling now, can we?” He said squeezing her hand gently before looking ahead again as they moved through the trees hand in hand.

She smiled at him before turning her attention to the journey ahead. With his hand in hers and his body right next to her, she no longer worried about him vanishing. So the rest of the journey passed without any mishaps. She still couldn’t believe he’d taken her hand though, Kakashi and public displays of affection just didn’t go together at all, and what would the rest of the team think? Well, besides Sasuke of course. She had a feeling that he already had an idea of not only how deep her feelings ran, which of course he did know, but also Kakashi’s to, he was to damn clever for his own good sometimes.

Surely Kakashi was worried how this would look? But one look at his composed rather serene face told her different. He wasn’t bothered about anything right now or so it seemed, he looked quite content actually. And besides she figured the others would just see it as Kakashi doing a good deed, possibly without any forethought in the matter and had just done what he thought was best to protect a team mate from her own stupidity.

They probably never even considered the fact that just last night he had held her in his strong arms and told she was the most important thing in his world, that they’d shared a kiss so soft, it was like being kissed by the wind itself, that he’d held her in his arms all night while she slept, and that he had been hesitant to let her go. What would they think if they found this out she wondered? How could Kakashi be so blasé about it all? She wondered if he ever worried about anything, most of the time he never seemed to, apart from last night of course.

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“Seeing as Kakashi and Sakura are still recovering, I think we should take a food break now.” Tenzo said stopping a long time later.

Now that they had Kakashi with them the rest of the team was perfectly willing to stop and eat and take their time returning to the village. Sasuke smirked as he looked over at Sakura and Kakashi still holding hands.

“Sakura, you need to let go of my hand now.” Kakashi bent down and whispered in her ear.

“No!” She muttered quietly sounding like a petulant child.

“Please?” He asked grinning his trade mark grin as he turned to look at her. “I’ll be back once we’re ready to move off again ok?”

“Ok.” She replied sulking but letting go of his hand anyway. His eye crinkled at her once more before he moved to talk to Sai and Tenzo while they all stretched and ate.

Naruto was eyeing them curiously, unsure of what was going on, he turned to Sasuke.

“Why are Kakashi-sensei and Sakura holding hands?” He asked lost as always.

“Because dobe, she’s scared he’ll disappear again.”

“Shut up teme! I asked a perfectly reasonable question! You don’t have to go lording it over me just because you’re the last heir to the Uchiha throne you know!” He snarled.

“Look there’s something you don’t know. Something I’m not really sure I should be telling you but you deserve to know. Just don’t go all mouth all mighty when I tell you and start screaming or anything ok?”

“Huh? Uh what? Ok…”

Sasuke shook his head at Naruto, he knew it should be up to Sakura to tell him but this felt like the day he’d first got back and Naruto had thought they were keeping secrets from him. Sasuke didn’t want him to feel like that again.

“Sakura’s in love with Kakashi.” Sasuke stated as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “And from what I can tell he at least likes her a lot, maybe even loves her back.”

“Wha….!!”

“Shhh!” Sasuke hissed, covering Naruto’s mouth with his hand. “I told you not to over react!”

“But… but… Kakashi-sensei and Sakura?”

“Yes, would you rather she was with someone else? Someone who didn’t know how to take care of her properly? Someone who didn’t know what love is? Someone who'd just use her to get what they wanted then throw her away like she meant nothing?”

“I… Uh, well no.” Naruto sighed. “But why didn’t she tell me herself? Why did she tell you and not me?!”

“She didn’t tell me I figured it out, and I questioned her on it, yesterday. Turns out I was right.”

“Aren’t you always?”

“No.” Sasuke said sadly. “Sometimes I get things completely wrong. I hurt the people I care about the most.”

“What’s this, the great Sasuke Uchiha admitting he’s wrong? Quick the sky must be falling!” Naruto said laughing.

“Oh very funny dobe! Now are you going to help me get them together properly if they need the push or not?!”

“Yeah, yeah sure.” Naruto said laughing again.

“Everybody ready to go?” Tenzo asked suddenly.

“Yes sensei.” They all replied as Kakashi nodded.

“Then let’s get going.” He replied taking to the trees with Sai right behind him.

Sasuke and Naruto looked over at Kakashi and Sakura once more before taking to the trees as well. Kakashi walked over to Sakura again and held out his hand to her, she looked up and took his hand in hers.

“Ready?” He asked gently, squeezing her hand.

“Hmm.” She replied nodding, as they set off behind the others.

As they travelled Kakashi’s mind wandered back to the conversation with Sasuke. ‘Damn him for being right!’ Kakashi cursed. ‘Is it possible that I could give my heart to someone again? I don’t think I have it in me, but I don’t know how much more of being alone I can take, Sakura is definitely the only person I could consider letting into my heart, that’s for sure. But is it fair to her to do this if it turns out I just can’t let her in?’ He sighed heavily causing Sakura to look at him, panic written in her pale green eyes.

“Ka… Kakashi?” She asked hesitantly.

“Shh. It’s ok, nothing to worry about honest.” He said giving her an eye crinkle to assuage her worry.

She nodded at him and turned her full attention back to the journey. Looking at her he knew it was about damn time he at least gave it ago. The loneliness he felt constantly was slowly but surely crushing him. He’d never admit but it was happening all the same. How in the hell did Sasuke know what he was going through though?! ‘Because he’s gone through the same thing as you, only he was the cause of his own suffering. He abandoned everyone he cared about and now he feels the weight of it on his young shoulders. He’s been there, done that but he attempted to put things right a lot earlier than you did that’s all. Now isn’t it time for you to try the same?’ The simple answer was of course yes but putting it into practice was going to be a lot easier said than done.

The entire team travelled hard and fast without another word spoken between them until it came to be evening and they all decided they had travelled far enough for today. They set up camp, Tenzo once again refusing to make a house saying it was time consuming and a waste of chakra and they were just being lazy. They would sleep on the floor and like it. Kakashi of course chuckled at this causing Naruto to look at him sulking, which only served to fuel Kakashi’s amusement.

Sakura had let go of his hand the minute the landed on the ground, he figured that she must be thinking he didn’t want to be around her more than was necessary so she didn’t want to prolong the torture for him. When in reality he wished he could just stay by her side constantly holding her hand, holding her close to him, feeling her warm soft luscious lips against his and her tightly muscled body with its wonderfully feminine curves under his hands. But that just wasn’t a good idea right now he reminded himself.

He set about making sure the camp was safe along with Tenzo and once they were satisfied that no one was getting in to there camp without warning and possibly a missing limb they settled down to eat and sit by the fire with everyone else. Kakashi turned to look at Sakura once more and there was something he wanted to know. Heading over to her he prepared to ask her the thing that he had been wondering about since the fight the other day….

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“Sakura?” He asked gently, crouching down so that his eyes were on level on with hers.

“Hmm?” She asked looking up into his intense gaze.

“Do you know how you did the summoning jutsu the other day?”

“Honestly?” She asked hesitantly.

“Yes.” He said giving her his usual smile.

“Promise you wont get mad?” she asked chewing her bottom lip thoughtfully.

“I promise.”

“I haven’t the foggiest, it just kind of happened.”

“Think you could do it again?” He asked moving to sit next to her, all the time his eyes never left hers.

“I… I honestly don’t know, but I’ll try.”

“That’s my girl.” He said squeezing her shoulder gently before removing his hand and watching her as she prepared to try and summon the dogs she had summoned the other day, or at least one of them.

She cut her finger with her kunai, before smearing the blood over her other fingers and pressing her hand into the ground with total determination. All at once there was a puff of smoke and a deep growl followed by a confused

“Oh it’s you again, did you need me for something?” coming from the large brown and white bull dog, who had saved her life the other day.

The gaze of all the men in the camp turned to stare at the sight in astonishment. They had wondered if she’d ever be able to manage it again and by the looks of things she was perfectly capable. She appeared to have summoned the leader of the pack of dogs from the other day with the minimum of effort. Kakashi summoned Pakkun at this point and the small dog stared in awe at the larger dog above him.

“Yo, Boss! You’re your back?” He asked not noticing anyone else or anything else just now, his concentration purely resting on his missing master. “What the hell happened?”

“Well you see there was this supernatural ball of light and the cave sealed itself and…”

“Boss, your little lies may work on these pups here, although I doubt that but I don’t believe word.” He said eyebrow raised.

“No no it’s true.” Sakura said giggling.

“Your kidding?”

“No, she’s really not. I’ll tell you about it sometime, but it’s a really long story and well Sakura has something to show you.”

“Oh?” He asked noticing her for the first time and turning to face her before his attention was taken with someone else entirely. “Since when have you summoned Yaiba boss?” He asked looking at Kakashi in confusion.

“I didn’t.” he responded looking at Sakura.

“You… You know him?” She asked in shock looking at the decidedly larger dog.

“Sure do. He’s the leader of a rather vicious pack. Although I wouldn’t worry he’s loyal to the end and he’d never hurt you.”

“Well thanks, that helps me feel a whole lot better then.” She replied sarcastically.

The large dog walked towards Sakura and she shrunk back a little. He sensed her fear and stopped to just look at her, before he whined and rolled onto his back, exposing his belly and submitting to her. She looked at Kakashi unsure of what to do. He nodded back and said

“Go ahead.” He said nodding at the prone dog at her feet.

She leaned forward cautiously, while the rest of the team sat open mouthed not daring to breathe, Kakashi knows what he’s doing though they reasoned. She reached out her hand and gingerly touched the large dog’s stomach gently, when he wriggled happily in response, his tongue lolling from his mouth as a dopey grin spread across his face, Sakura laughed and moved forward to rub both her hands over his stomach as the rest of the team breathed in deeply again now that they knew everything was safe.

“So you really summoned him huh?” Pakkun asked eyeing Sakura curiously.

“Yeah, he and his pack helped me fight off some ninja the other day.” She said as she moved back against the tree and Yaiba followed, sitting himself down next to her proudly.

“You… you summoned the entire pack?!” He spluttered.

“Yeah, she sure did. This girl’s strong.” Yaiba said in a deep rumble before turning to his mistress and looking at her.

Sakura blushed as everyone looked at her in awe. She hid her face from Kakashi as he turned to grin at her.

“Well Kakashi you were right all those years ago, she definitely has what it takes to be a very good kunoichi.”

“I told you, didn’t I?” He smirked, he’d always known Sakura would do well and now she had gone beyond even his expectations.

“Mind if I head back now?” rumbled Yaiba looking at Sakura for permission.

“Sure.” She replied scratching him behind the ear before he disappeared in a puff of smoke, Pakkun following in quick succession muttering something about “Hey wait up!”

Kakashi chuckled at this and turned to view Sakura again, as she flushed bright red again. He put his arm around her shoulder and whispered in her ear.

“See I told you were a very capable kunoichi didn’t I.” He said making it statement, not a question.

“Yes.” She whispered back.

“Come on, I’m hungry lets grab something to eat, we should all be getting to sleep soon as well.” He said leading her over to the rest of the team as they feasted on more fish that Naruto had again caught.

As soon as they were done eating, Tenzo ordered the team to get some rest, and he would take first watch. But Kakashi came up with a better solution, he would have his ninken stand guard as they slept for half the night and halfway through the night he would have Sakura call Yaiba and his pack to stand watch the rest of the night. Tenzo seemed to welcome this thought and settled down to sleep with the rest of the team.

Sakura, Sai, Sasuke and Naruto fell asleep in their now traditional sleep formation and Kakashi watched saddened that she wasn’t snuggled up to him tonight but it was for the best he thought. He really could do with a good nights sleep after everything that had happened lately.

He awoke halfway through the night, someone was stirring in their camp, since Pakkun and the others weren’t making a fuss he figured it must be one of the team. He looked up and found himself staring straight at Sakura who was leant against a tree gazing right at him.

She must be a little cold again he figured, since she was shivering slightly. She looked back at him sadly before looking away a tear leaking from her eye. He felt a pang of guilt that he’d made her cry again, only this time just by looking at her. He resolved there and then to not see her cry over him again. She felt his gaze linger on her and so turned her face back to look at him. He motioned she should call Yaiba and his pack and have them stand guard. She nodded her head and called the entire pack first time. Giving them instructions or rather asking them politely if they’d mind taking over guard duty from Pakkun and the rest she sent them on their way. Kakashi whispered her name and called her to him.

Getting up from the uncomfortable position on the ground, she made her way towards him stopping in front of him. He reached up his hand and pulled her gently to the ground with him, once there he pulled her tight to him and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing the back of her neck as he did so. She snuggled tightly against him, so that his well toned stomach moulded to the contours of her back, placing her hands over his, she fell asleep with a contended sigh. He watched her sleeping for a while before sleep washed over him to, bringing with it dreams about his little pink haired kunoichi, which in turn brought a big grin to his face as he slept.

Waking up to giggling, Kakashi opened his eyes and looked up to see the entire Team 7 staring at him and Sakura. He shrugged his shoulders and grinned at them before gently shaking her awake.

“Sakura, it’s time to wake up.” He whispered in her ear.

She growled at him, and pulled him back down to cuddle to her. This caused a huge smirk to spread across his face, before he shook her gently again.

“Sakura, we have an audience.” He said gently while his eyes remained fixed on the team as they stared over at them with raised eyebrows.

“Huh? Wha?” She muttered, sitting up bleary eyed. “What are you all staring at perverts?! I was cold!” She growled noticing four pairs of eyes watching her and Kakashi’s every move. Quickly they all moved away and began getting ready for breakfast. They’d all learned long ago it wasn’t wise to annoy Sakura when she’d just woken up.

Kakashi pulled her to him again, brushing his lips against her neck, even though he had his mask on she shivered as he did so but it definitely wasn’t due to the cold.

“You’re adorable in the mornings.” He purred.

“Hmph! Shut up!” She growled moving away to brush her hair and to put some distance between herself and Kakashi. She was embarrassed that they’d been caught by the rest of the team. Although judging by their reactions they’d either been suspecting it or just weren’t bothered by their closeness.

After eating and clearing away their camp away, they set off once again at top speed for Konoha. Kakashi slipped his hand into Sakura’s again as if it was the most natural thing in the world and indeed to the pair of them it was. Sasuke looked back at one point, a smirk clearly spread right across his normally dark and moody face. Kakashi just raised an eyebrow in mild amusement and continued to look straight ahead.

Once it had passed late into the afternoon they stopped for a snack and Tenzo pulled Kakashi away from Sakura to speak to him. Kakashi could guess what it was that the younger man wanted to speak about and decided he better get it out of the way. Once they were out of ear shot of the others he turned to Kakashi, eyeing him thoughtfully.

“You know I honestly never thought I’d see the day the Great Kakashi Hatake fell in love, but you’re clearly smitten to hold hands with her, in front of your team and on a mission. You know Tsunade’s going to kill you right?”

“Yeah, I know but well it’s just something I’ll have to face sooner or later. Let us see where this is going before we inform the Hokage though would you?” he asked rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

“Hey, it’s your funeral Kakashi. Just make sure she’s worth it ok? I’d hate to get you back only to have Lady Tsunade kill you the second we do. This entire mission will have been wasted then wouldn’t you say?”

“Yeah, but trust me she’s worth it and a whole lot more besides.” He said his eye crinkling in a grin.

“Then I wish you both the best of luck.” Tenzo said holding out his hand to shake Kakashi’s.

Kakashi took his proffered hand and shook it before turning to walk back to the rest of the group. Sakura was watching him intently for any sign that something was wrong. When he moved towards her and sat down behind her, and pulled her to sit in his lap she realised that everything must be ok and she relaxed against him as he rested his head in her hair. Her scent was intoxicating to him, he couldn’t get enough of her. He was careful not to get carried away though of course since the rest of the team was staring at them almost constantly now.

“We’ll stay here for a while longer than normal, I know it’s going to be hard on us but since we’ve managed to cover more ground than I thought possible once again, if we continue through the night we’ll actually make it to the village by the morning. I for one am dying for a hot shower and knowing we’re so close to home I just want to get there.”

“Sounds good to me.” Kakashi replied. “I’m dying for a shower.”

“Yeah I can imagine.” Sasuke smirked over at Kakashi and Sakura raising an eyebrow at them.

Kakashi of course didn’t miss the innuendo that Sasuke was so clearly alluding to but choosing to ignore it he just raised an eyebrow back and looked down at Sakura. It was clear Sasuke’s suggestiveness hadn’t been lost on her either, for she had turned a beetroot red once again. Kakashi chuckled, her innocence was one of the things that drew him to her. She was so pure, so sweet but then of course there was also her fiery side, which he had to admit he loved just as much.

As they sat resting and chatting as a group about odds and ends, the latest Konoha gossip, (compliments of Ino of course,) and various other things, Sakura moved from Kakashi’s lap, causing him to groan unhappily at the loss of her warm body and once again called Yaiba. She sat petting him, while her thoughts drifted to other things. She wondered what would happen when they got to home. Would Kakashi still want her then? Would they be allowed to see each other? Would Tsunade kill him when she found out?

She lay on the ground and sighed. Suddenly sensing someone had moved right up next to her, she looked to the left to see Sasuke sat next to her, looking at her worriedly.

“Something wrong Sakura?”

“No, not really just thinking about some things.” She replied still continuing to smooth Yaiba.

“Would his name happen to be Kakashi Hatake?” He asked sarcastically smirking at her.

“Yes.” She replied seriously.

“What’s up? You worried what everyone’s going to think? Or are you just worried Lady Hokage will kill him?”

“Everything.” She sighed.

“It’ll all be ok. Just trust me ok? Enjoy some time with him first just the two of you, no one else needs to know except us just yet do they?”

“No, I guess not.” She grinned sitting up.

“Good, glad we got that sorted. Now then do you think Yaiba’s the type of dog who’d go for stick chasing?” He asked, laughing at the expression on the warrior dogs face as he looked at Sasuke in disgust. “Guess that’s a no then huh?”

“Yeah, I think so.” Sakura laughed so hard a few tears leaked from her eyes.

Sasuke got up not long after that to head over to Naruto who was having a slight argument with Sai over god knows what, but Sasuke couldn’t resist winding the pair of them up. Looking at Sakura once before he left he whispered to her

“You should talk to Kakashi about how you feel.”

She jumped at his suggestion but realised he was right of course. She told Yaiba to go rest, stood up from the ground, brushing the grass from her skirt and straightening her clothes before she moved back towards him. He too seemed lost in thought but looked up at her as she stood next to him. She looked down at him for a second before lowering herself to sit in his lap again, her hand reaching up and twisting his hair gently around her finger. He slipped his arms around her waist and leaned against the tree with his eyes closed. She whispered her fears to him, and he listened to every last word before telling her that yes they would have a lot of obstacles to face, and people to deal with but they’d get through it. She buried her face in the crook of his neck

Tenzo looked up at the entire team and decided now was the time to move on with their journey. It was getting dark and though it would dangerous to move in the dark he wanted to get home and sleep in a real bed, and have a hot shower. In the end they all agreed that it would be best if they had Kakashi’s ninken and Sakura’s pack fan out surrounding them as they moved, so they had more eyes to keep watch in the dark. Once they had been called and given their instructions, all six members of Team 7 set off determined to cover as much ground as possible before it became to dark for them to move through the trees safely.

Sakura had forgone asking Kakashi to hold hands this time in order for them both to move as fast as possible. They moved tirelessly, with great purpose and made great room, before they were forced to move to the ground in favour of saving their necks from falling out a tree if they slipped in the dark.

They moved along as fast as possible, knowing with each passing moment they were closer to reaching Konoha. As dawn began to approach there up ahead of them was the welcome site of the gates to the village. Sakura’s heart leapt with joy at the familiar sight of the village she loved so much. Kakashi’s heart gladdened to finally be returning as well.

Instinctively without much thought or hesitation he reached out and grasped Sakura’s hand in his. Everyone who knew Kakashi knew he wasn’t a hand holding type of guy it just wasn’t him, but for some reason on his return to the village it just seemed to feel right.

“Welcome home Kakashi!” Naruto yelled happily.

Kakashi gave him a crinkly eyed smile in thanks just before an ANBU member jumped down from the gates and started in wonder at them, as if trying to make certain that the man in front of him was indeed the Kakashi Hatake. Apparently deciding that he wasn’t seeing a mirage or having a dream he turned to Kakashi and spoke.

“Welcome back Kakashi Hatake. The Hokage would like to see you in her office ASAP.”

“I’ll be right there.” He said grinning. The ANBU member took off for the Hokage’s tower intent on informing her that the rumour was indeed true, Kakashi had returned. Kakashi turned to the members of Team 7 as he thanked them all in turn. They all shook hands with him before shooting off in different directions. Naruto moaning he was tired and wanted to go to bed, Sasuke just grunting his agreement. Tenzo and Sai of course said they had reports to do and they had to report back to the ANBU head quarters and disappeared in seconds. Sakura began to think that Kakashi was avoiding her and was going to leave her and head off without even a goodbye. She felt tears prick her eyes as she felt his hand move in hers, just as she was about to pull away and run home he turned to look at her and whispered to her.

“Come with me.” He pulled her gently with him, his hand still grasping hers and she followed him obediently to the Hokage’s tower. As they reached the tower and went to step inside she released his hand and he pointed to a seat in the hallway opposite Tsunade’s office and told her to sit there and wait for him. She did as he asked just as Shizune came barrelling towards her shrieking her name.

“Sakura!” She cried wrapping her in a tight hug.

“Hello Shizune, How are you?” Sakura asked smiling broadly.

“I’m good. But how are you?! You’re back quicker than we expected and… and with Kakashi-sempei as well!”

Sakura grinned and nodded yes happily.

“Don’t go into detail I expect you’re tired, you can fill me in soon. Do you want a cup of tea?”

“Oh yes!” She sighed happily as Shizune ran off to make her a cup of tea.

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“Come!” Tsunade’s voice echoed as Kakashi finished knocking.

“You wanted to see me Lady Hokage?” He asked smirking.

Her head shot up at the sarcastic, joking tone of that all too familiar voice. As her eyes looked up they met the one dark, usually expressionless eye of the jounin in front of her. Only right now that eye was filled with humour as he smirked at the look of shock on her face.

“So it’s true! You’re really here?!” She asked eyeing him warily and looking him over to see if he really was in front of her or if her hangover was playing tricks on her.

“I’m really here.” He said unable to keep the humour from his voice.

“You brought my apprentice back safe and well I hope.”

“Yes Hokage-sama, not a scratch on her. She’s outside if you want to check.”

“No, no that’s alright.” She said waving a hand at him. “I believe you. How did she do? Did you see the improvement in her or was there no need to fight?”

“She did amazingly well Hokage-sama. She’d surprise even you with what she managed.” He said with total pride in his voice.

Tsunade picked up on that and looked at him curiously. “Go on.” She muttered.

“She mastered my summoning jutsu, and she took on six jounin shinobi and killed them all.”

“She did what?! Really?! I knew she was good but she did all that?!” She asked apparently in awe at her own apprentice’s skills.

“She can show you if you like, she’s really rather good at it now. Oh, incidently you might want to send the ANBU out to the location just to make sure the bodies are taken care of.”

“What? Oh uh yes, yes all in good time… Sakura!” She yelled.

Sakura heard the voice of her nigousan and was worried for a second that she already knew about the slowly developing relationship between her and Kakashi but she didn’t sound angry she sounded happy. Sakura frowned before thanking Shizune for the tea and moving towards the office.

“Kakashi tells me you’ve mastered his summoning jutsu. I’d like to see it.”

She looked at Kakashi warily but he just nodded and gestured for her to continue. She pulled a kunai from her pouch and cut her thumb, spread the blood over her hand and then proceeded to press her hand to the ground. With a puff of smoke Yaiba appeared and with a rumble he spoke.

“Mistress.” He rumbled, bowing before her. “Did you need something?”

“Oh, Sorry Yaiba, I was just showing Tsunade-shisou that I finally mastered Kakashi’s summoning jutsu. You can go back now if you like.” She smiled scratching him behind the ear before he disappeared in another puff of smoke.

Tsunade who had remained silent during all this looked on in astonishment. Sakura truly was an amazing student, worthy of any and all praise heaped on her. She smiled at her apprentice and even at Kakashi for helping Sakura become so strong. (Which was a very rare thing indeed.) Almost every time she spoke to Kakashi she ended up with a headache worse than any hangover and her head in her hands. This time she just sat leaning forward on her desk, her head resting on her hands which were locked together and a large smile on her face.

“Very good Sakura, you’ll surpass me one day for sure.” She said turning back to her apprentice.

Sakura blushed a deep crimson again and looked at the floor for a second before returning her gaze to the honey eyed woman in front of her.

“Thank you shisou.” She muttered quietly causing Kakashi to chuckle gently at the blush creeping across her face.

“Now I’m sure you’re both tired and Kakashi I understand you’ve been through a lot but could you please see your way to making sure my apprentice makes it home safe and sound?”

“Yes Hokage-sama.” He said bowing slightly and turning to leave the room.

“Sakura, go home. Get some rest.” She said in a soft voice when Sakura hadn’t moved to follow Kakashi out the door. “You can have two days off your hospital duties. Now go!” she said more sternly.

Sakura moved to Kakashi side and they exited the building together.

“I expect a full report in two days time Kakashi!” Tsunade’s voice and followed them out of the building.

Kakashi groaned and reached for Sakura’s hand again. Instead of leading her home however, he took her to the Hokage monument. He sat down on the ground, and stared down at the village below. He’d been away two years and although he hadn’t actually been conscious for those two years, the last few days he had missed seeing the village spread out below him as he relaxed. He’d love to sit here and just read but he had a feeling if his hand went anywhere near his book Sakura would throw him over the side, so he resisted that temptation, opting to pull her to him instead.

“Tired?” He asked as she rested against him and closed her eyes.

“A little.” She replied. “Kakashi?”

“Hmm?”

“When do I get to see you without that damn mask?” She asked sitting up and facing him again. “I never got to see your face last time.”

“Hmm, depends on when you try to kiss me again I guess.” He teased resting his hands on her hips.

“You kissed me!”

“Only to stop you seeing my face.” He said matter of factly, but with his eye crinkling in his trade mark grin.

“You git!” she shrieked pushing him to the ground while she straddled his hips and leaned forward to pull his mask down.

“Not here.” He breathed, his voice a little lower than usual, as he sat up with his arms around her.

Getting up and pulling her with him, he whisked them both away to his house. As soon as they were through the door he backed her up against the wall and buried his face in her neck. She could feel his breath washing over her neck, hot and heavy and it was doing strange things to her insides. Her face flushed with passion, she pressed herself closer to him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He groaned and slumped a little more against her.

After a few seconds he pulled away slightly so that he was resting his forehead against hers and whispered hoarsely.

“Sakura.” He sighed. “I shouldn’t be doing this. Tell me to stop, please. I can’t break away from you, I shouldn’t be the one to take this from you.”

“I don’t want you to stop, I want it to be you.” She whispered quietly, her voice having taken on a hint of desire, sounded so seductive to him he couldn’t pull away anymore.

With a groan he pulled his mask down and plunged his head down to plunder her mouth with his. As he kissed her harder than he had done the other night a soft moan escaped her lips and caused her to open her mouth a little more. His tongue pushed forward and he began to run it across her lips waiting for her response. She moaned again as he moved his hands to pull hers above her head and hold them there as he pressed his mouth to hers harder.

Eventually she overcame her hesitation and gently pushed her tongue forward to brush against his, this was all the invitation he needed. He pushed his tongue into her mouth as she opened it wider to allow him full access. The growl this brought from the back of his throat as he explored her mouth fully with his tongue caused the heat that was slowly spreading through her to rise further and she struggled to free her hands and run them through his hair.

He smirked at this and pushed himself against her harder. He wasn’t prepared to give up control to her, he enjoyed having her at his mercy, and by the throaty sighs that escaped her lips every now and again she was enjoying it to. Sensing he wasn’t letting her go anytime soon she did the only thing she could do to increase there contact, she slowly and gently pushed her tongue to meet his and ran it up and down the length of his tongue, tasting him as he’d tasted her.

Her slick muscle gliding over his so tenderly caused him to go fully hard as his arousal rested against her thigh. He grunted as she fidgeted beneath him, smirking a little when she realised what she was doing to him and proceeding to wriggle under his touch. He growled as he pulled away to nibble her ear, kissing and sucking the lobe before moving down to nip her neck. Her breath caught in her throat as he did so and she arched her head back to allow him full access to her neck, moaning gently as he continued to nip at her neck before kissing and licking the tender flesh afterwards.

Kakashi couldn’t take this any longer and he released her hands and pulled away to look at her. Dear god she was beautiful, her face and body had taken on a faint flush and her jade green eyes were misting over with desire. He wanted her so bad but he didn’t want to rush this. He didn’t want her to ever regret that she’d given everything to him. He didn’t want her to feel pushed into it.

“I think we should slow down a little.” He whispered, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on her full soft lips, resisting the urge to cover her mouth with his again he opted for a quick gentle nibble of her bottom lip before pulling away.

As his body heat was drawn from her she gave an exasperated sigh, looking at him she couldn’t help but feel a hint of regret. Didn’t he want her? Was he regretting ever starting this? As if reading her thoughts he looked back at her and sighed gently.

“I just don’t want to rush you. I want you to feel ready, I know you probably think your ready right now but I think we both know your not one hundred percent sure right now are you?”

“No.” She whispered shaking her head and looking at him like she’d done wrong.

“Come on.” He said taking her hand softly in his and leading her to his bedroom. “Let’s get some sleep.”

As she took in the room with its soft grey walls and jet black bed spread she realised just how tired she really was.

“Just make yourself comfy.” He whispered in her ear as he stood behind her. “I’ll just be a minute or two then I’ll join you ok?”

“Mmm hmm.” She replied turning to look at him, the expression on her face making her look like a little lost puppy.

“It’s ok. You haven’t done wrong, I could never be mad at you Sakura. I just want to make sure your totally ready ok?”

She nodded at the smile on his handsome face. She hadn’t taken it in till now, there was no mask covering his face. She drank in the sight as if it was the only time she’d ever see it. To get a better view she reached up and pulled his Hitae-ate off and stood back to admire the beautiful face before her. The only thing marring the perfect symmetry of his flawless face was the scar running down his left eye and the sharingan eye itself of course. The rest of his skin was flawless, his face was more beautiful than she’d ever imagined it could be. His jaw was masculine and smooth, though it seemed to be clenched right now and she knew he was trying hard not to get carried away again. Although his face was clearly strong and male there was something almost effeminate about his beauty, that only added to his attraction.

She reached forward and traced the scar down his left eye closing the eyelid of his sharingan eye as she did so and down past the socket and onto his cheek bone. Her hand unconsciously moved to run her finger along his jawline before she planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

“Sakura you’re making me feel embarrassed staring like that.” He chuckled, though his face showed no outward signs of embarrassment at all, quite the opposite in fact, he appeared to be enjoying the attention very much. “Is there something wrong? Is my face hideous or something?”

“No, it’s… it’s beautiful.” She whispered awestruck.

“Well, gee I wasn’t expecting that.” He smirked rubbing the back of his neck slightly awkwardly.

“I’m sorry, I….” She said seeming to come round from her stupor, Kakashi was without doubt the best looking man she’s ever laid eyes on. Sasuke didn’t even compare to him, couldn’t even come close.

“Get some sleep Sakura.” He grinned with an eye crease. “I’ll just be a sec, ok?”

“Ok.” She nodded her agreement, as she ran her hand over the bedspread and moved around the room touching things and pulling things off the shelf to examine them.

Kakashi watched her in amusement before turning and entering the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Leaning against it for a second he sighed deeply, running his hands through his hair.

‘You should be taking a very cold shower right now Kakahi.’ He thought to himself, but no matter how much he knew that was what he should be doing, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He needed a release, if he was going to go back in there and sleep next to her all night a cold shower just wasn’t going to cut it.

He moved over to the toilet, before dropping his regulation jounin pants and beginning to run his hand up and down the length of his rock hard, almost painful erection that ached to be relieved. He gritted his teeth to stop any sound escaping his lips as he gripped tighter and began to move faster.

They both knew why he’d come in here, but he didn’t want her to feel anymore embarrassed by hearing him, various grunts and sighs escaped his lips every now and again however as he pumped harder, faster, the need within him building to a point where there was no chance he could stop, not now. He braced himself against the sink so hard his knuckles turned white as his other hand moved along his shaft, gripping it hard and forcing his release. As his seed spurted forth in a hot burst of white light, his orgasm pulsing from him, he whispered her name, collapsing forward a little.

Now he could sleep, he cleaned himself up and brushed his teeth before pulling his jacket, long sleeved top and vest off, leaving him standing in just his jounin pants. Opening the door he moved back into the darkness of the bedroom, in the light shining from the bathroom door he looked over to the bed. Laying on her side facing away from him she looked so small, hunched up into a ball on the right side of the bed. He noticed a pile of clothing on the chest of drawers, judging from what he could see she had gone to bed dressed in nothing but her shorts and wrappings. He sat on the edge of the bed and unwrapped the bindings around his lower legs.

Sighing he slipped into bed behind her and pulled her back to rest flush against his chest. She cussed as he did so but didn’t wake up fully, he kissed her neck as his arms wrapped around her waist and he found himself falling towards sleep a lot faster than he thought he would. He slept soundly that night, not a single dream coming to him. He’d never slept so well and so contended before, it was as if it was meant to be, with her by his side, making him whole again. She chased away the nightmares, kept them at bay and the only things she brought with her occasionally were dreams of love and warmth, feelings of fulfillment.

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