Kakashi couldn't help but catch the free-floating cherry blossom.

It was the color of a fresh blush and bloomed to absolute perfection. Fragile petals were protectively encased in the cup of his hands. Tenderly settled against him, it seemed perfectly content in its new home.

His head cocked and a tiny smile quirked at his lips underneath his facial mask.

Sakura. Matured and at the peak of its beauty, it was truly a remarkable flower.

Such a small little thing as a seedling; dancing in the wind. Needy, and in want of guidance, it attaches itself to a skyward branch. But, the bark of the tree can only do so much. The motherly wiles of the earth take over and ease the tiny bud in to something worthy of admiration.

And then quite suddenly, as if realizing what its purpose was in this wide world, it quietly opens, spreading its sweet perfume to all those near, enchanting them all with its strength and beauty.

As he gazed at the little flower Kakashi wondered if his own cherry blossom had ever thought of herself in this way.