A Bond

Summary: Sai never thought he could have a bond of his own with anyone.

"This guys' tougher than the Bingo Book let on," Naruto grunted and Sai silently agreed.

The Hokage, Tsunade, had sent Team Kakashi after a few men in the Bingo book whom were spreading Konoha secrets. This was the first man they had come across whom had a natural earth element.

"Sai look out!" shouted Yamato.

Sai jolted and looked up to see a giant clay spear being shot at him. For the first time in his life, Sai froze. Sai told himself to move but he couldn't and silently cursed when he realized he was caught in a paralyzing technique. Sai held his head high despite being scared. Oh well, he'd had his life and it was nothing like he was told it would be.

"Sai get down!"

It was pure instinct and willpower that made Sai's knees buckle and made him collapse. Just as it happened, Kakashi was over him, the spear caught in his grip between his hands. Kakashi grunted in pain but looked over his shoulder, locking his gaze with Sai's.

"Sai are you okay?" he asked in a hushed voice.

"Kakashi-sensei," Sai whispered.

Kakashi sighed in relief. "Man am I relieved," he replied. "What would I do without Sai-kun?"

"Sai!" Sakura shouted running over. "He's in shock, we need to find shelter."

"Go! We'll finish him!" Naruto shouted and Yamato nodded.

"Carry him," Sakura commanded.

"Right," Kakashi nodded.

Sai was silent, staring at the flame of the fire Kakashi built. Everyone but he and Kakashi were asleep.

"Why?" he asked quietly.

"Hm?" Kakashi replied, looking up from his book.

"Why did you save me?" Sai asked more firmly.

Kakashi sighed softly and sat behind the artist; gently taking his hands and rubbing the cold out. "Didn't I tell you before? I'll always protect you," he said.

"Why protect me though? What makes me so special?" Said questioned.

Kakashi smiled. "Because our bond is strong," he said and pulled down his mask, gently kissing Sai's temple.

Sai jolted and looked at Kakashi. "Bond?" he asked in surprise.

Kakashi chuckled. "I don't love random strangers nor take my mask off for them," he said.

Sai blushed and looked down. "I love you too," he murmured.

Kakashi kissed him chastely before putting his arms around Sai's chest.

Closer and closer to finding those emotions every day.

End.