Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any characters.

Warning: Graphic violence and language. Not suitable for all audiences.

Prologue:

Near Deaths Door

Do you believe in second lives? Sakura wondered are there really second lives, a second chance? Her mind reeled this question over and over as she lay in her former sensei's arms. He seemed to be cradling her for some reason that she didn't understand. She could hear Naruto; an always energetic blond boy that she's grown to know as a friend. He was shouting at the top of his lungs. Panic filled his voice.

"Sakura! Sakura!"

What happened to me..? She thought. She tried to speak but nothing came out. She seemed to be drowning. Panic filled her jade eyes. She tried to move but Kakashi held her still.

"Don't move, Sakura. I'm trying to stop the blood flow."

Blood flow?! What happened to me? She felt her body was in agony, sharp needles of pain filled all of her being. She tried to speak again, whispering "Kakashi-sen..." she choked on something liquid, but metallic in taste. As warmth left her body it was replaced with a foreboding numbness. She felt the urge to throw up, but couldn't.

"Shh... don't talk, its ok" Remorse filled Kakashi's eyes, it wasn't ok. She knew from his look that she wasn't alright. The blond boy was still panicking "Naruto Calm down." Kakashi whispered.

"I CAN'T! Sakura... Sakura... please don't die... Sakura-chan..." His voice hiccupped; she could vaguely see tears streaming down his pale face.

Die...she thought; am I going to die...?

"Kakashi-sen..." She stammered again "I ... I " she had to tell him, her feelings overwhelming her. She couldn't go like this not with out telling him. He looked down at her, sadness filled his eyes. She watched his blood red eye looking down at her. She could feel herself smile a true and genuine smile. He leaned down pulling her closer.

"Yes Sakura?" He knew these could be her last words, her skin was pale her body was cold to the touch. He knew there was no saving her, as much as he wanted to try. Naruto was bawling. As he crumpled to the ground, his anguished sobs filled the air. She could hear him cursing to himself about not being able to stop them, his voice strained... It was unlike him to be crying like this. Her jade eyes transfixed on a face she had known most of her life... I can't let it end like this. She strained to speak again, her voice barely audible. Kakashi listened to her.

"Do... do you believe in second chances? ... "She felt herself gasping out.

"I don't know Sakura" He whispered back.

Forcing herself to speak again "I believe... in it" she coughed; she could hear Naruto in the background gasping for air from crying so hard. She pressed on "Kakashi... "She continued with out really thinking about what she said "I... I want to see you again, if there really is a next life. I... want to be with you and him again..." She smiled "I hope I can... I really wish so... I love you Kakashi..." her voice trailed off... Her eyes closed. There was a rattling sound as her last breath escaped her trembling lips, and she went limp in his arms. Faintly she could hear Naruto screaming... She heard something else in these final moments.

"I love you, too, Sakura. I hope there is a next life. I'm so sorry..." His voice not as calm as she remembered it... The smile never left her face. Blood running from the corner of her lips. Her pink hair cascaded over his arm fanning out, like a halo. Everything went to a tingly and a dizzying black from there… The Cold calming silence of nothing claimed her at last.

TBC Chapter One: Bittersweet Kiss