When Sakura was thirteen, she was positive that she knew everything.
So when she saw her sensei sitting against the trunk of a tree, on a lovely spring day, looking forlorn, the budding cherry blossom was sure she could comfort him.
Approaching him cautiously, Sakura took a tentative seat beside him. There was a gentle breeze blowing off the mountains that made her hair dance. She didn't know how much time passed as they sat silently next to each other, but she was happy to simply enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Besides, to her young mind, it seemed as if her presence was a comfort to her sensei.
"Why are you here Sakura?" Kakashi asked with a soft sigh.
"You looked like you needed company, Sensei" was her gentle reply.
A sad, soft smile curved it's way onto Kakashi's masked lips at her words.
"Have you ever lost someone Sakura?" It was an rhetorical question, he knew she hadn't.
"I.." Sakura shifted uncomfortable, her brows furrowing in thought. "I lost a cat once"
Shaking his head slowly, Kakashi leaned his head against the tree trunk and stared up into the sky. "I mean a person."
"No Kakashi-sensei" Looking down at her knees, Sakura began to frown. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Perhaps he hadn't needed company after all? Chewing on her lip, Sakura rose to her knees and turned to Kakashi. The movement caught his eye and drew his attention to the fledgling girl.
Moving closer to her stoic sensei, she placed her hands on his shoulders and pressed her forehead to his. Kakashi shifted uncomfortable but did not shrug his well intentioned student off.
"I may not know what it feels like to lose someone, but I know what it's like to be in pain. I also know that sometimes, just knowing someone is willing to be there for you helps to take away some of that pain." She rubbed her forehead against his softly.
"I'll always be here for you Kakashi-sensei."
"Thank you, Sakura." His thanks was authentic, her words having managed to slightly sooth the ache in his heart.