I'm sorry for the late update guys. Just had a lot on my end, stressing about bills (oh the joys of being an adult and living independently) and personal stuff. Just found it hard to get in the writing zone sadly, my head has been wrapped up in other things. But here it is, whoo!

To my silent followers and favourites, please, take time to write a review and give me some feedback. Obviously you are enjoying the story so far, I'd just love to hear that from you. Even a simple 'really liking the story' will do! Pretty please? With a cherry and a Kakashi on top?

Also, for those of you who read the manga, how much of a shock was 599? I'm still reeling from that revelation. My mind was pretty much blown. I'm amazed it's intact and able to bring you this chapter, haha. At first I was wondering if I should wait and see what actually did happen to Rin, as I want to keep this story somewhat authentic, but I know you guys were wanting the next instalment and so here we are!

WE REACHED 100 REVIEWS! YAY! Next goal is 150!

And I'll let you guys in on a little secret - I'm currently working on another Sakura/Kakashi story, this one a love triangle that also includes Sasuke. That's all I will reveal now, but I'd love to know if you guys would be interested in reading that story!

As always, please enjoy and remember, reviews are very much loved. :)

CHAPTER SEVEN

"What's with the curtains?"

Sakura turned around at the words, managing to stay steady as she stood on the small wooden chair, hanging up thick red curtains over the window. Her face broke into a smile as she saw Rin standing in her doorway, her hands laden with what appeared to be steaming bags as she quirked up an eyebrow curiously at her friend. The pinkette turned back to the ruby material and sighed audibly.

The fact that she knew the Hokage had ordered ANBU to watch her at all hours of the day was beginning to grate on her nerves. They could easily see into her small room, and as Kakashi had proved twice so far, they could enter it without her knowing as well. The curtains would give her peace of mind, and a chance at maintaining her dignity.

Sakura made sure the curtains were now in place before responding. "A girl needs her privacy sometimes."

With that, she carefully made her way off the chair and over to Rin, taking the bags from her hands, the pungent aroma of the steam hitting her nose. She could smell various spices and ingredients, making her mouth water instantaneously.

"You brought dinner?" she questioned, looking hopefully at the brunette, who nodded and grinned.

"Well, I figured you might be hungry, so instead of eating out alone, I got take-away for two and thought we could have a night in. We haven't really been able to hang out that much over the last few days."

Sakura's grin widened. "You are officially my hero."

She moved into the small kitchenette, getting out two bowls before returning to Rin who was in the process of taking the various dishes out of the bags and laying them across the small table. As she took a seat, Sakura moved over to the chair she had been using earlier as a make-shift step-ladder in order to hang up her new curtains, taking it over to the table before sitting down herself, her belly rumbling in anticipation of the mouth-watering food that was presented before her.

Chopsticks were picked up, dishes passed from one to the other as they took what they wanted and placed it into their dishes. Once the girls had filled their bowls with varying dishes, they began to eat, as well as talk.

"How are you enjoying your time in Konoha?"

Rin's casually asked question surprised Sakura. It wasn't overly personal, but it was certainly not something she'd ever thought she'd be asked. She took a moment to think about it, realizing the word 'Konoha' should have been replaced with 'the past'.

But of course Rin had no idea of this truth, and Sakura was going to keep it that way.

She'd been in this version of the village for two weeks now. It had been odd and somewhat difficult to become accustomed to, especially as she had no idea just how long she was going to stay until she could be returned home to her own time. She didn't want to become too comfortable, but at the same time, she didn't want to completely alienate herself and spend her days locked up in her room with no social interaction with anyone.

"It's good. I miss home, of course, and I've sometimes found it hard to adjust, but working at the hospital has been so wonderful." she replied finally, her lips curling into a small smile.

Her answer was definitely the truth, and it made her feel better about being able to be honest with Rin. She was really the only friend Sakura had in the village, and the pinkette knew that when the time came and she returned home, she would miss Rin's company and friendship.

"That's understandable. What about your family? Do you write to them?"

"Well…that's kind of…um…it's a difficult situation. I'd rather not talk about it."

Rin clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry Sakura, I didn't mean-"

"It's fine. Really."

Sakura bit her lip, feeling guilty about having to lead Rin astray. She hadn't been prepared for that kind of question, and had no way of answering it on such short notice. She could have said yes, but then she knew Rin would have further inquiries on the subject. It was best to nip the conversation in the bud before it developed.

Truthfully, she'd seen her parents two days earlier in the market. She'd made sure to stay away, even going so far as to secretly henge her appearance just in case they noticed the shade of her hair. Luckily, Sakura's younger self had not been with them. She'd watched as they went around and shopped, marvelling at how young they looked and how vibrant her father's hair had once been, having been accustomed to the dusty pink it had dulled down to with age.

Despite the fact that they were partaking in such a menial task and were oblivious to her presence, it was comforting seeing their familiar faces. It had taken everything within Sakura to not go up to her parents and embrace them, as she usually would back home. She had forced herself to simply be content at being able to see them in this strange situation.

"So are you working tomorrow?"

Sakura was broken out of her thoughts by Rin's change of topic, which she was incredibly grateful for. Hospital talk was easy, simple, and she didn't have to lie or bend the truth. It was becoming harder to keep her guard up.

She nodded her head at the brunette. "Early shift. Eight am until four pm."

Rin grinned. "Lucky you. I'm working a late shift, midday until eight at night."

"The late shifts aren't so bad. It's definitely quieter at nights, not so busy with visitors and surgeries."

"That's true. The only problem is it doesn't give me any time to myself, or to be able to just hang out with friends. I mean, I haven't seen Kakashi since my birthday."

This caught Sakura's attention. Her slender eyebrows shot up with surprise at Rin's admittance. "Really?"

Rin sighed in response. "He's always so busy, I was hoping to catch up with him but I can never track him down."

Guilt seeped into Sakura's system, she'd seen Kakashi twice since then. The first encounter had been out of the ordinary, he'd scared the living daylights out of her by appearing in the window with his ANBU mask covering his face. The second encounter had been unexpected and yet comforting. She'd been grateful for his company that day, after dealing with the shock of seeing Sasuke along with his brother and mother. Somehow, he'd come to console her just when she had needed it.

Usually in that situation, her sensei was the last person she'd go to. When anything got her down, she did her best to keep it pent up inside rather than seek reassurance from her friends. Naruto was too overbearing, Sai too oblivious, Ino too condescending. Kakashi was her sensei, the last thing Sakura wanted to display in front of him was her weakness. He'd seen enough of that already through the years.

When it became too much, Sakura hid it well, choosing to let it all out alone in her apartment, away from prying eyes. She hated appearing weak in front of anyone. That's all she'd ever been in her youth, and since becoming a strong and skilled kunoichi, she never wanted to be thought of as feeble ever again.

Being here had messed with her head, and it was becoming harder and harder to keep control over herself, over her emotions, which were jumbled and confusing.

"I'm sure you'll be able to see one another soon." Sakura returned to the conversation, shooting Rin a smile which the brunette returned with a hopeful one of her own.

"I hope so. I just…when I don't see him for long periods of time, I find myself missing him terribly. You said earlier that you've been in love, surely you know what it's like."

Sakura frowned slightly.

Yes, she knew exactly what it was like. Although by the time she realized she truly was in love with Sasuke and not just another one of his fan-girls, it had been too late. He'd begun his descent into the darkness, letting it consume him. She'd told him of her feelings, screaming of her love for him in a bid to prevent him from leaving the village.

It hadn't worked.

Sasuke had left, breaking her heart as he did so. Even years later she had still pined for him, finding herself unable to kill him when the time came. It was after that encounter that she realized he was no longer the boy she had loved, and she began to slowly repair her shattered heart, piece by piece until it once again felt whole.

"My situation was different." Sakura replied sadly, placing her bowl on the table, no longer feeling hungry despite there was still some morsels left in the dish.

Rin frowned. "How so?"

"He knew I loved him. He never returned my feelings, although I desperately wished he would. He called me…annoying."

"I…I love you with all my heart! If you were to stay here with me, there would be no regrets…because every day we'd do something fun, we'd be happy I swear! I would do anything for you! So…please, just stay with me! "

"You really are…annoying."

Sakura let out a bitter laugh with her words.

The frown on Rin's face grew larger.

"Well I'm not sure that Kakashi even feels the same…he knows of my feelings though. There's just one complication."

Sakura turned her viridian eyes on the brunette.

"Complication?"

Rin closed her chocolate brown eyes, her features turning sorrowful.

"Obito…"

Sakura blinked.

Obito.

She'd certainly heard that name before, but from where, she couldn't recall. It was familiar, and somehow Sakura knew it was important. But why? How? She began to grow frustrated as she frantically searched her mind for the answers she so desperately seeked.

Sakura had no more time to ponder on the subject further as a sharp knock sounded at the door, breaking both girls from their thoughts as they looked to the door and then to one another.

"Were you expecting a visitor?" Rin asked the pinkette, her eyebrows furrowed together with confusion.

Sakura's expression matched the brunette's own. "You're the only person who knows where I live." she replied calmly. Oh, and Kakashi, she thought, but did not repeat that aloud as she stood up and opened the door.

An ANBU met her eyes, this one wearing a bird mask. The only feature Sakura could see was the person's short brown hair, therefore it no-one she knew.

"Can I help you?" Sakura asked slowly as her brain tried to make sense of the situation.

"The Hokage has requested your audience." a male voice responded curtly, before moving out of the doorway as an indication that she go with him at once.

The pinkette turned around to give a surprised look at Rin, who looked as puzzled as Sakura felt. For a moment there was silence, until the brunette's face broke into an understanding smile.

"You go, I'll clean up and let myself out."

Sakura frowned. "I'm sorry Rin-"

Rin waved a hand at her, interrupting her words. "It's fine, I understand. I'll see you at the hospital tomorrow."

Biting her lip, Sakura turned back to the ANBU who was waiting patiently for her.

"Alright, let's go."


"You requested to see me, Hokage-sama?"

The elderly man looked at her with a slight frown, although the rest of his features gave nothing else away. He looked to his assistant, the Sai-looking man that Sakura remembered as being named Junichi, and to the ANBU who had silently escorted Sakura, motioning towards the door with a wave of his wrinkled hand.

"I wish to speak to Sakura alone."

The two paused for a moment, obviously cautious, but heeded The Third's order. They both gave their leader a curt nod before swiftly vacating the room, closing the door behind them as they disappeared from view. Sakura watched them as they left, before turning her attention back to the Hokage, who's aged eyes were observing her intently.

"I hear you have recently decorated your room at the inn." he began, and Sakura realized what this meeting was about.

"I'm sorry Hokage-sama, but I don't like the fact that I have ANBU watching me all the time. I'm a young woman, I need my privacy. Besides, I believed that you trusted me."

The Third sighed.

"As leader of Konoha, it is my duty to protect my village at all costs, whether your explanation for being here is valid or not. While you have given me evidence of your circumstances, it isn't a predicament that's been dealt with previously. I'm just doing what is best for the safety of the villagers. I can't take any chances."

Sakura furrowed her eyebrows, feeling exasperated.. "I'm not here to harm Konoha, or any of the villagers!"

"I can't risk it, Sakura."

She crossed her arms, feeling her anger build up. How was she supposed to convince him that her words were true? Yes, the whole situation was insane and incredibly unlikely, but she wasn't the type to lie. Especially not to the Hokage. Feeling as though she was fighting a losing battle, she silently admitted defeat and moved towards the door to let herself out.

Then, she realized that she had the perfect way of convincing The Third that she was, in fact, from the future.

"Naruto."

He froze for a moment, before looking up at Sakura's retreating from and lifting up a white eyebrow. "What was that?"

"Naruto." she repeated firmly, turning around to face the aged man. "I know everything about him, things that are not common knowledge. That he houses the nine-tailed bijū, Kurama. That his father was Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Hokage."

The Third's lips pressed into a thin line.

"There are villagers who know that information, even some that know of Naruto's true parentage. It is plausible that one of them exposed these truths to you."

"Uzumaki Kushina, Naruto's mother. She was the previous jinchūriki of Kurama."

Now that was something that was not common knowledge at all.

The Third's eyebrows rose significantly, his mouth slightly agape with shock that Sakura knew such a thing. It had been under wraps for years, only known amongst the elders and the Hokage himself.

"How do you know such information?"

"Naruto told me."

Stroking his beard in thought, The Third sat back in his chair, his dark eyes wide as he digested Sakura's words. The room fell silent, Sakura frozen into place, her eyes watching The Third before her, hoping that she'd given him enough proof of the truth without having given too much away.

Her knowledge of the future was a scary thing. If it fell into the wrong hands, it could be a powerful tool. She couldn't let anyone know too much about what was yet to come, the risk of altering significant events and therefore the time she came from was too big.

"You know Naruto in your time?"

Sakura's eyes began to sting with unshed tears that she refused to let fall.

"He's my best friend."

It hadn't occurred to her until just then how much she missed the boisterous blonde. He was such a regular part of her life, they saw one another practically every day unless they were on solo missions. At times she'd still found him to be irritating, but right now, she'd give anything just to see his whiskered face again, accompanied by his signature idiotic grin.

The Third's face had softened with her words, and it hadn't gone unnoticed by her. Sakura knew what kind of childhood Naruto had experienced, or in the current time, was experiencing. Ostracized by the village due to his jinchūriki status, which the young boy hadn't even known until he was twelve.

Despite the Hokage asking that the villagers treat him as they would any other, most could not forget the horrendous night that the nine-tailed fox was let free to rampage Konoha. The night Naruto was born had scarred many, both physically and emotionally. Knowing that the small blonde child now housed that very same beast made others wary of him. They knew what kind of power was now contained within his body, and were uncertain if such an attack could occur again.

"I'm glad that he has such a friend."

The Third's soft-spoken statement broke Sakura's concentration, and she looked at the elderly man with shining eyes.

"I know I can't say much, but I want you to know that Naruto…he's the most amazing person I know, both as a ninja and just as himself. Although the village may look down on him now, there will come a time where he will be loved by many."

Letting out a contented sigh, The Third closed his eyes momentarily.

"That is all I ever wished for Minato's son."

His eyes reopened and focused on Sakura, who was standing perfectly still, saying nothing else. She knew she'd potentially said too much, but she wanted to give the Hokage reassurance. Sadly, he hadn't been alive to see Naruto become Konoha's hero, and she felt that it was important that he knew what the jinchūriki would eventually become.

"I will withdraw the ANBU. You must forgive me Sakura, I was merely being cautious. It is a peculiar circumstance afterall. I will make sure that a counter jutsu is found quickly, so that you may return to your own time. Unfortunately, so far we've come up empty. But until then, I suggest you lie low and keep out of the way."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Which reminds me…have you encountered anyone you know so far?"

"Yes, a few." she admitted guiltily. "But I haven't interacted with them to a great extent."

Except for Kakashi.

Sakura was aware that if she admitted knowing Kakashi in the future, all hell would break loose, and he'd be ordered to stay away from her. Selfishly, she didn't want that to happen. It was comforting having a familiar face around, even if it was hidden behind a mask and she'd never actually seen it. Besides, it could affect her friendship with Rin.

At least, that's what she kept telling herself in her mind to justify her reasons.

"Just make sure it's not a regular occurrence, or I'll have to make you write a list of everyone you know and make sure that they stay away from you. I'd rather not, I don't need any extra paperwork." The Third chuckled, Sakura smiling weakly at him.

"Alright, you are free to go. I will summon you if we make a breakthrough with the counter jutsu."

Sakura bowed her head to him. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

With that, she once again moved to the door and left the room, leaving the Hokage to his stunned thoughts.


"You've got your last patient for the day waiting in room one, Sakura-chan. Once that's done, you're free to head home."

Sakura's eyes moved from the desk where she had been mulling over paperwork for the better part of the last hour to the face of the elderly nurse that stood before her, smiling.

"Are you sure Arisu-sama? I still have more of this to go." Sakura replied, indicating to the many scrolls that lay before her on the desk, some opened, some not.

Arisu chuckled. "I can have one of the other nurses take over. Your shift is almost done anyway, and I know you've been working incredibly hard. You're still so young, you need to go out and live your life, not be cooped up here filling in prescriptions and statements."

Sakura blinked before rising from her chair, taking her apple-green stethoscope from the desk and hanging it around the nape of her neck.

"Thanks Arisu-sama."

With that, she moved to the room where her last patient was waiting, opening the door to find no-one there. Raising an eyebrow, Sakura looked around the room but there was no sign of her supposed patient. With a sigh, she moved over to the desk, picking up the patient's file and finding out just who was missing from the room.

Hatake Kakashi, eighteen years of age, blood type O.

"Kakashi?" she exclaimed aloud, not realizing that she had done so.

"Yes?" came the familiar voice behind her.

Sakura spun on her heel to turn around and face the silver-haired copy-nin, who was watching her curiously with his one visible eye. The shock of his sudden appearance made her jump back slightly, landing against the desk with her backside as she held her free hand over her chest, which contained a thudding heart.

"You really need to stop doing that!" she hissed, narrowing her emerald orbs at him.

"Doing what?" he responded innocently, but Sakura could tell from the mischievous glint in his obsidian eye that he had thoroughly enjoyed her response to his presence.

"Sneaking up on me and scaring the living daylights out of me!" she scolded him, placing the file back on the desk before moving towards him.

He shrugged. "Not my fault you're not more aware of your surroundings. You're lucky you're not a shinobi, you'd be a pretty lousy one."

Kakashi's comment made Sakura grit her teeth, for a moment she wanted nothing more than to make him eat his words with a well placed punch to the face with her chakra-filled fist. Instead, she managed to calm herself down, afterall, she was a professional.

"So you're here for just a regular check-up?" she inquired, ignoring his words.

Kakashi nodded. "It's standard for all ANBUs to have a check-up every three months." he explained, looking almost bored.

"Well then I guess you know the procedure." she commented, pulling the stethoscope from her neck and placing the earpieces in her ears, holding the diaphragm in her hand. "Take in a deep breath through your nose-"

"Yeah, I know." he retorted but complied, his eyesight focused on the wall as she checked over his heart, circulation and lungs.

Once she was done, Sakura moved the stethoscope back to her neck before heading back to the desk to fill in all the boxes on his file.

"Your stethoscope matches your eyes."

Sakura turned around to look at Kakashi, who was once again watching her. She felt her cheeks flush from his words, trying to remind herself that he hadn't given her a compliment, he was just stating a fact.

"That's why the nurses picked it for me." she replied offhandedly, cursing herself inwardly for having such a reaction to his comment. All she had to do was remind herself that this was Kakashi. Just a younger, leaner, hotter version…

Mentally slapping herself for thinking such a thing, she turned around, realizing with surprise that he was already standing by the measuring tape so she could record his height. Saying nothing, she walked over to him, noticing the way his eye followed her every movement.

Realizing she had to stand closer to him to use the measuring tape as he was quite taller than herself, Sakura found herself becoming flustered. As his musky scent hit her nose, she could feel her heart beginning to pound once again. Why was she having such a reaction? She could feel her cheeks growing pinker but had no way of stopping it.

If Kakashi noticed anything, he didn't voice it.

Once that was done, he silently moved to the scales, Sakura trailing after him, trying to clear her mind and focus on doing her job.

"So I heard that the Hokage called off the ANBU that were watching you."

His words, spoken so casually, made Sakura freeze momentarily. She hadn't been expecting him to say anything about the situation, but reminded herself that of course he would have known about it, as he had been on the squad that had been assigned to keep an eye on her. Afterall, he was the reason she knew about it to begin with.

"Guess he realised I'm not dangerous." she joked weakly, jotting down the number of his weight on the file.

"It's strange." Kakashi remarked, now moving towards the bed, "Usually newcomers are watched for a month before the Hokage decides whether or not they are a threat."

Sakura frowned at him. "Well, as you said yourself, I'd make a lousy ninja. How could I harm anyone?"

The silver haired man sighed. "Ah, I guess you're right."

Biting her lip, Sakura realised that this was the part of the check-up when the patient removed their shirt so she could check for any abnormalities. Having known Kakashi for years now, she was aware that his infernal mask was attached to his shirt.

Maybe now she would finally get to see that face that had been a mystery to her for so long.

As she walked behind him, she had to stop as he lifted up his shirt, watching with wide eyes as the muscles in his back rippled with each movement, the sight mesmerizing her to the point that she momentarily forgot everything else that was happening around her.

In fact, Sakura was so caught up in the fine display of his toned back that she didn't see Kakashi quickly grab one of the hospital masks nearby and place it over his face, once again obscuring it from view.

He turned around to face her, raising an eyebrow questionably. Sakura knew her cheeks were bright red, her heart was thudding loudly and somewhat painfully in her chest and at any moment, there was a chance she would melt into a puddle of Sakura goo.

Realizing that Kakashi's face was hidden, she scowled inwardly and once again tried to concentrate on the task at hand. As he laid down on the bed, she stood next to him, her hands beginning to grow green as she hovered them along his body.

Even though she was not directly touching him, Sakura could feel the heat from his skin and knew it was having another unwanted effect on her. Trying to concentrate, she banished all forbidden thoughts of the silver-haired man who was once again watching her intently.

His body was incredible. She'd never seen his bare chest before, and couldn't help but be awed by the rock solid abs that lay just beneath her hands. Kakashi's skin was scarred, but of course, she knew that there were many more injuries to come, many more scars that would be etched into his skin. She fought the desire to trace them lightly with her fingertip, and the mortification that she was currently finding her sensei incredibly attractive.

But he's not your sensei yet…

Fighting off the rogue thought as soon as it appeared in her mind , Sakura removed her hands and returned them to her sides before stepping away from the bed and giving Kakashi her best attempt at a smile.

"You're all done!"

She turned back to the desk to fill in the rest of his file, and used it as an attempt to calm herself down and get control of her mind and body back. She couldn't let herself experience such feelings, especially not for Kakashi.

"How did I go?" he asked from behind her, the sound muffled which indicated he was dressing himself again.

"You're in perfect physical condition." she answered, not daring to turn around.

"Good to hear."

His voice sounded closer now, she could feel his hot breath fanning her hair across her neck. Sakura felt herself halt breathing, closing her eyes as all her inhibitions left her at that moment, all she could concentate on was how close he was, how warm his body was, how amazing he smelled…

"You smell like strawberries."

Another fact, not a compliment.

Sakura's eyes opened once more as her mind went to Rin. The girl loved him, and was quite happy to admit so. She couldn't hurt the brunette, the only friend she really had in this time. It wasn't fair on her, and it certainly wasn't fair on Kakashi. What would he do if he were to find out that she was from the future, and also his to-be student?

"You know, you should really try and see Rin-"

As she turned around to speak to Kakashi and break the forbidden moment, her eyes met empty air, her words fading on her lips. Sakura looked around the room, but he'd seemingly gone and vanished just as silently as he had appeared.

Letting out the breath she'd been holding in, Sakura felt her legs go weak momentarily and leaned on the desk for support, her viridian eyes wide with mortification at what had just transpired. Running a hand through her petal-pink tresses, her gaze moved to the floor.

It was wrong. It was so very, very wrong.

And she would not let it happen again.

With that thought, she moved from the desk and left the room, oblivious to the one-eyed gaze that watched her from outside the window.


Here's three things you should know;

1. I know this chapter was kind of slow to begin with, but I hope the check-up scene made up for it. Looks like things are happening between our favourite pair. I'm trying to build it up slowly, but not so slow that it gets boring. And besides, who knows how long Sakura will be trapped in the past? (haha I do!)

2. The hospital scene was actually meant to be something completely different, where Kakashi was going to reveal a bit more of Rin's backstory, but it ended up being steamy instead. And I know a lot of you will be happier that this is how it went instead. I'll put all that in the next chapter, and I will stress that Rin is a very important character in this story, so don't be hatin'. :P

3. This is the second longest chapter so far, after Chapter Three. Hope this makes up for how long it took me to update!

Please let me know what you think, feedback is incredibly helpful and very much appreciated! :)