You Gotta Go There To Come Back

by Creirdyddlydd

Feeling empty and in love with someone she can't have, Sakura leaves on a journey of self-discovery. Her return will shock the heck out of everyone she knows and bring her closer to the one she loves.

14. Feel It Now

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You Gotta Go There To Come Back

Chapter 14: Feel It Now

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And all the reasons invading

Twist and turn my aching soul

I leave myself behind in pieces

I know you'll need them when I'm gone

I'm on my own I'm sure I'll know it now

I'm on my own I'm sure I'll feel it now

I'll never see again

I'll never see again

The worst has come I'm falling in

I'll never see you again

I'll never see you again

The worst has come I'm falling in

-Feel It Now by BRMC

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Music started to fill the stadium as Sakura's dancers began to dance in the semi-darkness on stage. However, there was no sign of Sakura. Naruto began to squint, trying to better see in the dim lighting. Before he could start to ask questions that his peers wouldn't know the answers to, there was a crescendo in the music and the beat sped up slightly. A spotlight focused on the center of the stage as a figure began to rise from underneath.

The applause were deafening as Sakura came up from beneath the stage, shaking her hips in time to the music. Once the platform lifting her stopped, she strutted toward the front of the stage as she began to sing.

I wanna hold 'em like they do in Texas please

Fold 'em let 'em hit me raise it baby stay with me

The group of shinobi could only watch in rapt fascination as Sakura danced and performed. Apparently, she had toned it down for her show in Konoha. The dances were sexy and uninhibited, her expressions and movements were seductive, and she seemed to get more lost in the music the louder the crowd cheered.

Kakashi recoiled slightly as a girl nearby almost smacked him in the head with her flailing arms. The girl was crying and screaming, no doubt overcome with emotion at the sight of her favorite idol. The magnitude of what Sakura had become was finally making itself clear to Kakashi. She wasn't just a beautiful and talented singer or actress. She was a role model for these girls; a confident woman who could be herself and wasn't ashamed to show how gorgeous she was.

Konoha's brainy little bookworm had come into her own, in more ways than one. Sakura had always been a brilliant medic. Now they were seeing what she had made of herself outside of shinobi life. The difference was amazing - she'd been the serious young woman who had slapped Naruto upside the head for his perverted jutsu. Yet here she was, dancing provocatively without being trampy, on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. She had become immensely famous, someone people would pay tons of money to just glimpse. It was a staggering discovery; something they hadn't fathomed while in Konoha. Back in their home village, it was impossible to realize just how popular she was since everyone had known her before her stardom.

Russian roulette is not the same without a gun

And baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun

A saucy wink from the singer sent in his direction made Kakashi's jaw go slack under the mask and he peered over at the others to see them in similar states of shock. That had to be one of the sexiest lines of a song he had ever heard...and completely unexpected. It could always just be a part of the song, he knew that. But if Sakura was game for some unusual bedroom acts, then he would have to be the luckiest man alive. Brilliant, generous, affectionate, gorgeous, talented, famous and adventurous: that was his Sakura and she - maybe - loved him.

With his own body swaying to the infectious music, Naruto watched his teammate prance across the stage to one end and lean over to high-five some of the concert-goers. His heart stopped for one agonizing second as the fans rushed the stage in that corner and the massive security guards had to push back against the throng. One young man dissolved into tears as Sakura's hand made contact with his, overwhelmed that she had touched him. Naruto's blonde spikes swished as he shook his head in disbelief. If he ever acted like that with a celebrity, he wanted Kakashi to just raikiri him out of his misery.

The song ended with roars from the excited crowd. A pumped Sakura waved to the audience as she put the microphone to her mouth. "HEY WATER COUNTRY!! HOW ARE YOU DOING TONIGHT?"

Screams rang out as her answer. "THEN LET'S GET THIS PARTY GOING!"

The Konoha shinobi watched, completely entranced, as Sakura sang and danced her heart out. She was energy personified, never once seeming tired or winded as she performed song after song. The fans were screaming, singing, shouting and reaching towards the stage even if they were several rows away. Ino looked around her, flabbergasted at what Sakura had become and the power she wielded. It was unnatural.

Kakashi let out a groan as Sakura fell to her knees and rolled her hips just like she had in that montage video they saw in Konoha. For a scant heartbeat, he nervously wondered if anyone heard the embarrassing noise. The screaming fans and blaring music guaranteed his noise had gone unnoticed. Couple that with the fact that 90 percent of the stadium screamed louder when she did that move and he let out a whooshing breath of relief.

Yamato smiled as he watched Sakura jump around on the stage as the band free-styled after her final song. She seemed carefree and happy, like she was having fun. It was good to see the young woman who had faced so much hardship with a beaming smile on her face. The band finally stopped and Sakura quickly spun to face the roaring crowd. "GOODNIGHT WATER COUNTRY!!"

The stage fell dark and immediately the crowd began to chant for an encore. Sai looked around in amazement. These people were greedy! Sakura had just given it her all for three hours straight and the audience still wanted more. He shook his head in bewilderment as Sakura emerged from backstage with her band and dancers.

"YOU WANT MORE, HUH?" More deafening screams pierced the arena. "ALL RIGHT, THEN! START IT UP AGAIN, GUYS!!"

Three songs later and finally, Sakura was done. "WE LOVE YOU WATER COUNTRY! SAKURA OUT!" There was a loud bang and a flash of smoke. In an instant, Sakura was gone and the lights on stage dimmed for the final time.

As the lights in the rest of the arena came up, Naruto blew out a breath as he looked at the others. "That was one hell of a show!"

Ino nodded enthusiastically. "Sakura's amazing! I didn't think Forehead had it in her."

Makoto approached the shinobi after the crowd had thinned out. "I'll take you to Sakura."

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The visibly exhausted woman managed to wave excitedly at her friends as they entered her dressing room. "Did you guys like the show?"

Yamato, Kakashi and Sai nodded happily while Naruto and Ino were more vocal about it.

"That was great! I can't believe what I just saw!"

"Sakura-chan, don't get so close to the fans again! I was afraid they would pull you off the stage!"

"All those times I tried to set you up with a guy and it turns out you should have been helping me!"

Sakura laughed heartily at Naruto's and Ino's compliments and scoldings. "You guys are funny!"

Kakashi watched as she unsuccessfully tried to hide a massive yawn. "Tired?"

Sakura waved a hand dismissively. "I am now. I don't feel it on stage since my adrenaline is pumping, but a few minutes later and I just want to crash."

Kakashi eyed her form appreciatively. The damp ends of her hair were curling slightly, her face was flushed and her lips red from her dancing, her make-up was smudged slightly and her eyes were darker than usual and heavy-lidded due to exhaustion. He hated to think it, but she looked thoroughly sated; like a woman who had just been pleasured over and over. His mind started to taunt him with imagined scenarios and conjured images, whispering that he could make her look like that and that he wanted to. Silver locks shook as he tried to banish the impure thoughts from his mind. He could explore those fantasies later, when he wasn't surrounded by so many people and the object of his desire was not within arm's reach.

Aya gently maneuvered the young woman up and over to the showers. "Shower first, sweetie. You know you'll be grumpy if you sleep without cleaning up."

Sakura turned to the shinobi. "Wait here. There's one more obstacle I want you guys to see."

Puzzled, the Konoha group sat down on a large couch to wait as Koji burst into the room with Hiro. "Did you enjoy the concert?"

Kakashi nodded. "Very much so."

Hiro's violet eyes scanned the room from beneath his dark curls. "Where's our little starlet?"

Aya's motherly voice floated into the room before she entered. "She's getting cleaned up."

Makoto and Shingo appeared in the doorway. "Everything's ready, Koji."

"Thank you." He turned to Hiro. "Will you get everyone else loaded so we can focus on Sakura when she's done?"

"I'm on it."

Yamato's ninja senses went on high alert. "Is everything all right?"

Koji smiled reassuringly at the tense soldiers. "This is normal procedure after a concert. A lot of the crowd will still be standing around outside the venue, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sakura or get an autograph. She used to make sure everyone got their autograph of photo with her, but there's just too many now. Plus, if she sticks around, it presents a danger to herself and other fans who may get trampled by overzealous admirers." He adjusted his glasses. "We make sure to get the band, dancers and back-up singers loaded on their wagons and taken to the hotel first. They aren't in any danger really. Then, we take Sakura out once we have the full staff of bodyguards available. We try to take her out a side door that fewer fans are milling around. Most of the time, we don't even have Sakura in the same hotel as the others. Some fans follow the other wagons hoping to catch Sakura at the hotel."

Ino's head was spinning. "Is Sakura really in that much danger?"

Aya put a calming hand on the young blonde's shoulder. "Not since the guys take such precautions with her. Her whereabouts are kept secret to make sure she's safe."

Sakura came back from the showers, seemingly half-asleep. Koji embraced her in a friendly hug. "You did great, love!"

A sleepy 'thanks' was mumbled into his chest as she practically collapsed against him. With a gentle push from Koji, Sakura backed up and walked over to her friends. She plopped down on Naruto's lap, swung her legs over Yamato's and pillowed her head in Kakashi's lap. She offered a drowsy smile to the masked ninja who creased his eye in response.

Kakashi hadn't kissed her since that night in Konoha on her balcony and quite frankly, he was jonesing for a Sakura fix. Sakura had been surrounded by numerous people the entire time they had been away from home and it was hard to get a moment alone with her. Seeing her shower fresh and adorably sleepy so close to him was making it hard to keep his actions in check. Instead of leaning down to kiss her, like he wanted to, he satisfied himself with running his fingers through her freshly washed hair.

Sakura was just drifting off when Makoto's deep voice broke the peaceful silence. "It's time to go."

With a little groan of protest, Sakura hauled herself off her comfy perch and followed the gigantic man to a doorway. "Stay close, guys. This can be dangerous." The fact that she had snapped to a more lucid state and the seriousness in her voice had the shinobi nodding in agreement.

Eight men, built like brick walls, surrounded Sakura, Koji and the shinobi. Sakura was placed in the middle with Koji, the shinobi around them and the security team around them. As one unit, they quickly left the building.

"SAKURA!! SAKURA!!" The people surrounding the doorway screamed and yelled at the young singer. Notepads and sheets of paper with pens were thrust towards her as the cameras clicked from every direction, blinding Sakura with their flashes of light. She winced as one man's hand managed to grab her sleeve for a half-second. "WE LOVE YOU!" More screams sounded around them as they picked up their pace to reach the carriage.

Sakura, Koji and the shinobi were loaded into the waiting carriage and Makoto pounded the roof once they were secure. The driver cracked the reigns on the horses and the carriage sped off towards the hotel as the security team stayed behind.

Sai blinked in confusion as the carriage lurched and bounded down the road. "What about the others?"

Koji smiled. "They'll be fine. The fans won't bother them at all. They'll be arriving at the hotel within a few minutes."

Ino patted Sakura's hand as the young woman took deep breaths to calm her pounding heart. "Are you alright, Forehead?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It gets a little scary when one of them actually touches me. I'm not worried so much for my safety as their safety. I'm a kunoichi; I can handle it if a civilian gets a little rough. But the security guards aren't going to pull their punches if they're trying to protect me."

Kakashi let another smile slip. She was too adorable sometimes. Someone as caring as Sakura was a gem and he would be a fool to let her get away.

When they reached the hotel, Kakashi thought maybe he'd finally get a moment alone with his kunoichi, but she had other plans. "Come on, Ino. You're sharing a room with me."

The two quickly went into the suite and shut the door, Sakura almost asleep on her feet. With a little frown, Kakashi went into the room he was sharing with Yamato after exchanging good nights with Naruto and Sai.

Yamato smirked at the disgruntled Copy Ninja. "Miss spending alone time with Sakura?"

Kakashi's head swiveled so fast he thought his neck would snap. "How did you know about that?"

Yamato let out a little scoff. "Ninja, remember? Besides, you two aren't exactly secretive. You've been giving each other googly-eyes since we left Konoha."

There was a choked snort of laughter from the silver-haired man. "'Googly-eyes'?"

"Call them what you will, but you two are completely obvious." Yamato shrugged as he settled into his bed. "Goodnight, sempai."

Kakashi grunted in agreement as he got into bed, still grumpy that he didn't get any time with Sakura.

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Kakashi was normally an early riser, but the extra early wake-up call was not appreciated. Sleep hadn't come easy the previous night and he was still a bit put out that he didn't get any private time with his pink-haired love interest.

Kakashi looked over at Yamato, who was apparently dead since he wasn't stirring at the pounding on the door. With a roll of his eyes, he made his way over to the door and made sure his irritation was apparent for whoever was standing on the other side.

Hajime was leaning against the door frame suggestively, the smile that usually devastated men and women adorning his lips. "Hello again, Stud Muffin. Up for a little early morning tumble? Your cute friend in there is invited, too."

Kakashi gave a crabby groan of 'uh' before shutting the door and slumping his way back to his bed.

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Unfazed, Hajime giggled as he headed over to Sakura's and Ino's room. Using the key he was given, he quietly crept inside and gave a devilish grin before he jumped onto Sakura's bed. "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"

Sakura jolted awake and proceeded to slap the man who was jumping on her bed and yelling. When Hajime finally quit giggling and had calmed down, Sakura huffed at him. "That's such an annoying way to wake people up."

Ino grumbled from her cocoon of blankets on the other bed. "No doubt."

"Well, I just came to tell you two that it's time to get up. We have to leave in two hours, so be ready and fed by then." He gave Sakura a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving.

"You heard him, Pig. Up and at 'em."

Ino groaned before cracking an eye at her pink-headed friend. "I thought you loved sleeping in. What's with the early morning travel? The sun's not even up."

"Two reasons. One, we have to leave early to get to the next stop on time. And two, it's safer for me to leave when fewer people are surrounding the hotel." Sakura headed into the bathroom to shower. "Go ahead and sleep a few more minutes. I'll wake you again when I'm done in here."

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Sakura looked at the groggy faces in the carriage. "Sheesh. If I had known you guys would be such big babies, I wouldn't have invited you."

Naruto pouted before a yawn cracked his jaw. "Don't be so mean, Sakura-chan. It's only," he paused to check his watch, "six a.m. Which means, we were up at four a.m. That's the middle of the night."

Sakura gave a soft laugh. "Go ahead and sleep some more. That's what I plan on doing." And sure enough, five minutes later everyone was sleeping again.

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Sakura blinked at the silver hair obscuring parts of her vision. A smile lit her face as she realized Kakashi had slumped over onto her shoulder as he slept. It was flattering that he was comfortable enough to let his guard down with her. His side was warm and welcoming as he rested against her and she had the desire to lean her head against his. Giving into her impulses, she laid her head atop his and sighed in contentment.

She was tempted to close her eyes and rest some more, but they would be stopping for lunch soon so she forced herself to lift her head. "Hey, Kakashi?" She whispered softly as she gently ran a hand through his hair, making sure her nails scratched lightly along his scalp. "It's almost lunch time."

He snuggled deeper into her shoulder as her nails continued their pleasant scratching. With a little giggle, she moved her shoulder to bump his slightly. "Wake up, sleepy head. We'll be stopping to eat soon."

She glanced around at the rest of the carriage's sleeping occupants briefly. She didn't want them awake until she had a little more time with Kakashi. Deciding she needed to wake him quickly if they were going to have a few minutes alone, she pushed at his shoulder more forcefully. "Wake up."

Finally, he lifted his head and then slumped forward, resting his head in his hands as he rubbed at his face and then ruffled his hair. He turned to the woman next to him who was smiling gently at him. "Finally! It took me forever to wake you."

"Sorry. I didn't get much sleep last night." He scrubbed at his head again before leaning back in his seat, his side resting against Sakura's. He internally winced at his pathetic excuse. Sakura had seen him get maybe a few hours of sleep on week long missions before. The truth was that he was more comfortable with Sakura than anyone else. Falling asleep that deeply next to her was far too easy and something he could definitely get used to, which worried him slightly. Thankfully, Sakura was an ally.

Green eyes narrowed slightly at his little lie, but Sakura continued the conversation without saying anything about it. "You get used to it. I've learned to grab a few minutes when I can while touring." She glanced out the window and noticed a town in the distance. "We should be stopping for lunch in this town coming up."

"Good. I wasn't hungry before we left so I didn't eat."

Sakura glanced at Kakashi, who seemed entranced by the passing scenery and smiled impishly. His hand was resting on the seat, within easy reach. Her mind went back to that kiss on her balcony and she decided it had been long enough. He initiated that kiss, he said they should see where things went and she had made it clear she didn't want just a fling with him. She slipped her hand under his, lacing their fingers together. She was relieved he wasn't wearing the shinobi gloves as the warmth and rough texture of his hand glided along hers.

She glanced nervously up at his profile and saw his mask stretch slightly in a tiny smile as his fingers tightened around her fingers. Her breath caught as he turned to face her, his gaze warm and intense, as he kept their eyes locked and brought her hand to his masked lips, giving it a slight kiss.

Sakura wanted to melt into the seat, her pulse thundering and a pleasant heat curling in her chest, as she continued drowning in his charcoal stare. She wanted another kiss and it appeared he was thinking the same thing as his hand went to the edge of his mask and they moved in closer.

The snort Naruto always gave before he woke up broke the intense moment and she frowned adorably at the waking ninja. "Later," was whispered by Kakashi and Sakura's eyes lit up hopefully. Kakashi chuckled slightly and gave her hand another squeeze before pulling away. They weren't ashamed of their budding romance and their friends knew about it, but they didn't want it to be a public thing until they were sure where it was headed.

As usual, Naruto's thoughts were centered on food as he sniffed at the air. "I smell ramen." He stuck his head out the window to locate the source of the smell and Sakura just hoped a tree branch didn't lop off his noggin.

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Kakashi and Sakura were grateful for the quiet moment while the others ate lunch. Sakura couldn't eat inside the restaurant peacefully, so she stayed in the carriage with the older jounin while the others ate inside the little ramen place Naruto insisted on.

Comfortably full, she eyed Kakashi curiously. "So, if a tree falls in the forest and no one's around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

He quirked a brow at the off the wall question and then grinned. If she wanted to discuss some of the philosophical questions people had been asking for centuries, he was game. "Of course. It would still strike other plants and the ground to cause vibrations."

"There's a flaw in your reasoning."

Kakashi leaned back in his seat across from the kunoichi. "Is that so, oh wise one? Please educate me."

"Gladly. Sound is defined as 'the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of hearing by vibrations transmitted through the air or other medium'. So if there are no 'organs of hearing' around for the vibrations to reach, then there is no sound."

Kakashi smirked. "There's always bound to be a life form somewhere in a forest to make the definition of sound complete."

Sakura cocked her head to the side. "If 'no one' in the question applies to just humans, then I guess the tree does produce a sound. If 'no one' applies to all life, then there is no sound. Can we agree on that solution?"

Kakashi couldn't take it any more. She was smart, she was beautiful, they were alone...finally...and he wasn't about to waste his chance. With startling speed, Kakashi propelled himself forward and crushed the surprised kunoichi to his chest as their mouths clashed together. Where as their first kiss had been tentative and sweet, this one was a burst of unbridled passion. Sakura found herself preferring this one - an unrestrained Kakashi was a huge turn-on.

Kakashi shifted and Sakura let out an 'oomph' as her back hit the seat, knocking the wind from her. A maskless Kakashi grinned down at her before slamming his lips to hers once again. Sakura pushed back just as fiercely, tongue and teeth working frantically to get her fill of him before the others got back from lunch.

Kakashi's attentions moved to the smooth skin of her neck, his rough ministrations becoming gentler to avoid hurting her. "I've been waiting so long to get some time with you," Kakashi whispered into Sakura's ear, his hot breath sending tingles up her spine.

Sakura wove her hands into his hair, pulling him closer. "I'm sorry...There isn't much time...with the busy tour schedule." A particularly pleasurable nip to her earlobe caused her hips to involuntarily arch into Kakashi's.

As much as Sakura wanted to grind up into the hardness she had felt again, her conscience warned her that it was too much too soon. She was getting ready to calm things down when Kakashi sat up, pulling her with him.

"I'm sorry. That went a little too far." He laced his hands into the hair at the back of her head and pulled her in for another deep kiss. "I still plan on enjoying these thoroughly," he spoke against her lips as they parted to breathe.

Sakura placed her hands on his shoulders as she raised herself up, intent on giving him a kiss that would steal his breath and rob him of his ability to think.

Her gaze shifted out the window as a flash of blonde caught her attention. "Well, shit." She settled back into her seat and quickly pulled Kakashi over for a brief kiss. "They're done." Her eyes locked on the obvious arousal in Kakashi's lap and placed her hand a few inches above it, green chakra swirling around her hand and the affected area.

Kakashi watched in fascination as the bulge disappeared, his blood flow being redirected. "Thanks." He blushed slightly in embarrassment and then realized his mask was still down. With a swift tug, he was covered again and everything seemed normal to the Konoha ninja and Koji as they all re-entered the carriage.

Yamato cast a sly glance at Sakura and Kakashi, wiggling his eyebrows when they made eye contact with him. Sakura mouthed 'shut up' and Kakashi narrowed his visible eye, the entire exchange finished before the others clued in.

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Four months sped by, the various arenas and towns becoming a blur for the shinobi who were caught in the whirlwind of Sakura's life. Kakashi and Sakura had managed to exchange kisses in a few stolen moments, but true quality time still eluded them.

Sakura smiled as they boarded the boat that would take them back to Snow from Sea Country. The trip was a long northeastern journey, filled with twists and turns as they maneuvered around the many islands surrounding Water Country. It would take a month, but it was a month Sakura was looking forward to. She needed some time off from concerts and media appearances.

They had splurged to rent the entire boat so they had separate rooms during the trip, knowing too much time in cramped quarters would drive them all insane. Kakashi glanced at Sakura repeatedly as they explored the large, private boat. With individual suites, he was certain he would get some time with his beautiful kunoichi.

Ino bounded out of the cabin she had chosen, a beaming smile on her face. "Sakura! This is amazing! Have you always traveled like this?"

A slight giggle escaped the blushing star. "No. We used to have to cram all the carriages on tiny ferries to take us from one little island to the next, island hopping our way between mainlands. This is actually the first time we've rented a private boat that didn't have the rest of the crew on board."

Sakura grabbed Ino's and Kakashi's hands and dragged them up to the deck with her, eager to watch the shoreline shrink as they headed out into the open sea.

Once out in the sunshine, she raced over to one of the boat's edges and leaned on the railing next to Naruto. He breathed in the salty air and sighed as he sagged in relaxation. "This is great! I've never been on a boat without being on a mission or returning from one."

Sakura grinned as her eyes locked on the rapidly disappearing coast of Sea Country. "It is fun if you don't have a problem with motion sickness." She nodded toward the green-faced Hiro, who was breathing deeply in an effort to keep from getting sick. "Hiro, why don't you go to your cabin, sweetie? You can take some of your medicine and then sleep."

The producer nodded and then motioned for Koji to help him to his room. Koji shook his head and then shot an amused smile to the watching shinobi. "What a weenie." Sakura snorted at the remark as Hiro loudly protested.

She gave a tired yawn before heading towards the cabin area. "I think I'm going to take a nap, too. See you guys at dinner."

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Kakashi grinned as he noticed Sakura leaning against the boat's railing. "Why are you up here so late?"

Sakura spun quickly and then sighed in relief. "It's kind of eerie when you can't tell where the sea ends and the sky begins. With it pitch black as far as the eye can see it's a little mesmerizing and chilling at the same time."

Kakashi nodded in agreement and then leaned on the railing next to her. There was a moment of content silence before Sakura shivered slightly. "Are you cold?" Kakashi slung his arm over her shoulders and rubbed at her bare arm to warm her up.

"Thank you," she murmured as a light blush colored her cheeks.

Kakashi tilted her chin up towards him and brought his lips to hers in a small, innocent kiss. "Why so shy all of a sudden?"

Sakura shook her head. "I'm not shy. The blushing is something I can't control, though."

Kakashi removed his arm and then rubbed at a spot on his shoulder with a little wince.

"What's wrong?" Sakura eyed the rub critically, her medical mind kicking into gear.

The older jounin tried to play off the action. "Nothing to worry about."

"You're not one to rub or wince at nothing, Kakashi." With her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed, the silver-haired man knew he wouldn't win this one.

"I think I pulled something. My shoulder's been sore for a few days."

"Why didn't you tell me? A small pull is an easy fix." With a little eye roll, the medic motioned for Kakashi to follow her. "Come on. I'll give you a medical massage in my cabin. That will take care of your sore shoulder."

As soon as they entered Sakura's cabin, Kakashi strolled over to the window and stared outside quietly. Sakura arranged the medicinal oils on her night stand and then eyed the man she was in love with. He seemed unaware of what she was doing, lost in his own world and Sakura grinned fiendishly.

She crept up behind him and slowly brought her teeth to his bicep, lightly biting through his shirt. She didn't bite hard, but it was enough to draw him out of his pondering.

"Did you just bite me?!" His tone was incredulous and his open eye was wide as he regarded the woman next to him.

Sakura stood there with a wide eyed and innocent expression, a smile trying to pull up the corners of her mouth. A muffled snort of laughter forced its way past her tightly pressed lips. "I'm sorry." She gave a few more giggles. "You were completely spaced out over here."

"Biting me was your solution?"

Sakura gave a nonchalant shrug, which made the masked ninja fall a little farther for her. Her playfulness was something he absolutely cherished about her.

He pulled his mask down to reveal his smile and gave her another small kiss before pulling her around in front of him. He clasped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder as she leaned back into his chest. "What were you thinking about anyway?"

Kakashi tightened his hold briefly. "What do you see in me, Sakura?" The question had plagued him on and off the entire time he had known about her feelings for him. Sakura was an amazing woman who could have any man she wanted, yet she chose him, an old and jaded warrior who didn't have much to offer her. He was stubborn and set in his ways, unwilling to bend the slightest bit to accommodate another in his life. However, Sakura seemed to meld into his space and life seamlessly. She had made a space for herself without Kakashi even realizing what was happening, and he found he didn't really mind at all. But the question remained, why did she want him when she had her pick?

She brought her hands up and behind her to lace into his hair and then tugged. He gave a little grunt at the sudden sting. Sakura eased her hold and then turned her head to give him a small peck on the chin. "Are you seriously asking me that?"

Kakashi nodded before nuzzling her neck. With a sigh, Sakura brought her hands back down to lace with Kakashi's around her waist. "What do I see in you? I see a man who is brilliant, strong, loyal, protective, caring, generous-"

Kakashi interrupted. "I'm a cheapskate."

"You're generous in your actions, which is much better. Now shut up and let me finish."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Generous and funny. You do have issues with tardiness, but I can overlook that." She twisted in his embrace to face him. "You have a lot of qualities that attracted me to you." She tilted her head to the side and gave him a once over. "Not to mention that sexy thing you have going on when the forehead protector is gone and your hair hangs in your face." She gave a little purr and a wink.

Flattered by her flirtations, but determined to get his answers, Kakashi frowned cutely at her. "There are other men that have those qualities, too."

Sakura put her arms around his waist to pull him closer as she rested her head on his chest. "Yes, there are," she admitted. "However, I believe there are some things you just can't explain. You obviously had something extra that drew me in. I can't tell you what it was because I don't even know. What I do know, is that I care about you very deeply."

Kakashi gave her another warm smile before pulling her in for another sweet kiss. It wasn't earth-shattering or heart-stopping. Just a gentle push of his mouth against hers to let her know he felt the same.

Sakura gestured to her bed and the oils situated next to it. "Did you still need that medical massage for your shoulder?"

Kakashi shook his head before turning her around again to stare out the window with him. "This is plenty for now."

Sakura peered over her shoulder at him with a cute smile. "Not many have refused my medical massage."

Kakashi peered down at her with a mock scowl. "Just how many have you offered a medical massage to?"

A playful smirk tilted her lips. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

With another smile, Kakashi looked out at the never-ending inky blackness. Sakura felt Kakashi yawn against her shoulder. "Are you sleepy, Kakashi?"

"I should probably head to my cabin. I don't think I'll be awake much longer." He pulled back and Sakura spun to face him.

"Stay here."

Kakashi froze, not sure how to respond. He wanted to be with her, very much so. But he didn't want things to progress too rapidly and ruin the relationship. "Sakura, do you really want that?"

She spluttered slightly as she realized how it sounded. "I didn't mean it like that! Just...stay here and sleep."

That sexy smirk that made her knees weak spread across his lips. "I think I can manage that."

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Sakura felt her insides flutter as she stepped out of her bathroom to see Kakashi in her bed, lying on his side with his head propped up on his hand. Seeing him in nothing but his sweat pants looking absolutely delectable, Sakura felt a little frumpy in her gray pajama pants and shirt. She didn't even have any pretty pajamas on for him.

Kakashi flipped the covers back and patted the bed beside him. "Come on."

Her stomach flopped again at the husky timbre of his voice. She laid down next to him on her back, all of her muscles going rigid in nervousness.

"If you're going to be this tense, I should go."

Sakura turned to face him and slipped an arm around his waist. "Don't go. This is new territory; just give me a minute to get used to it."

Kakashi's dark eye twinkled as he grinned at her. "I think I can help you relax." The kisses he gave her were meant to settle her nerves instead of excite her. They seemed to be working as her muscles eased and she began to drift in and out of consciousness.

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The month was over far too quickly for Sakura's and Kakashi's liking. He was in her room more often than not on the boat. They never went past kissing and cuddling, but both were starting to feel it was about time they did. Sakura knew she still loved Kakashi. It was blaringly obvious to her, though she hadn't verbalized it to him yet. And she felt Kakashi loved her. She knew she'd probably never hear the words from him since he wasn't one for sharing his feelings. However, the intense looks that seemed to peer into her soul, the scorching kisses, the careful way he held her; it all seemed to point to love in her mind.

Hiro did a little tap dance once he was on the boat dock. "Land! Finally!"

Koji shook his head at the spectacle. "Sakura, do you want me to take your friends to a hotel or are they staying with you?"

"They're staying with me, of course!" She hid behind a few crates on the boat dock and emerged as a brunette. "And now I can head home without too much trouble."

Koji and Hiro embraced the singer and shook hands with the shinobi. "We'll see you in a few days. Get some rest and we'll finish the dates for Snow."

As they strolled the snow covered streets and bundled deeper into their cloaks against the chilled winds, Sakura felt conflicting emotions. This had been home for the past five years. These places and these people had been kind and welcoming. After the tour was over, she would be leaving. It was sad to leave Snow, but she was excited to make Konoha her permanent home again. Besides, she still had her manor in Snow that she could use as a vacation home.

She led the group down a secluded, tree lined avenue. "It's just down this lane here."

Yamato, Sai, Kakashi, Naruto and Ino were awestruck as Sakura's manor came into view. Kakashi found his voice first. "This is your house?!"

"Yep. Isn't it gorgeous?"

Kakashi had seen mansions before. Hell, as a child he lived in one! But this was something else.

Ino's blue eyes widened as she scanned the property. "How much did you pay for this thing, Forehead?"

A blush slid across Sakura's face. "Well, I did splurge a little on the house. It was love at first sight with this house and I just had to have it!"

As their feet crunched up the gravel walkway, Sakura's heart began to thump in excitement. She had only lived in the manor for two weeks before the tour started, and then she was gone for eleven months. The house was still new to her.

"HALT!"

Sakura's head snapped up at the sharp command and she finally noticed the two guards standing on either side of her door. "Oh, Toshi. Hiroki. You startled me."

The guards looked at her puzzled. "Do not come any closer to this house. You have no business here."

It finally dawned on Sakura why they were acting like they didn't know her. She dropped the henge and her hair returned to its natural pink hue. "It's just me, guys." Koyuki's guards, who were on loan to Sakura to guard her house, sighed with relief upon recognizing her.

"Welcome home, Sakura-san! Did you enjoy your tour?" Hiroki's normally lop-sided smile was a familiar and comforting sight.

"It's been fun so far. Did anything exciting happen while I was away?"

Toshi kicked at a rock. "No. It's been boring as hell."

With a giggle, Sakura gave a little bow to them. "Thank you for watching over my house. Please give my regards to Koyuki-hime and tell her I'll be by to visit after a few days of rest."

With a salute, the guards began to make their way down the lane.

Naruto bounced on his feet. "Koyuki-hime?! Will we get to see her soon? Why can't we go now?"

Ino gave him a little bop on the head. "Idiot."

Yamato turned to the kyuubi vessel. "Don't you think everyone else would like to rest first? Plus, you don't just show up to a feudal lord's palace unannounced. There are appointments that need to be made and clearances - "

"We don't need those," Sakura cut in. Yamato didn't know about their mission to Snow years prior so she explained a little to the wood user. "Kakashi, Naruto and I know Koyuki from a mission when we were Team 7. Plus, she and I have become good friends. We'll go see her in a day or two. That or she'll be barging in here once the guards relay the message."

Sakura opened the door and gave a sweep of her arm. "Come on in."

The place was impressive from the outside, but the inside was even more so. Hard wood floors, marble fireplaces, intricate wood detailing, stone walls in some places, the shinobi were amazed at the obvious fortune Sakura had spent on the home. Sai ran a hand along the cold marble of a fireplace. "This is beautiful."

Ino peered into a tiny alcove in the living room. It was big enough to contain a fireplace, but small enough to only allow a few people inside. "Does every room have a fireplace?"

Sakura nodded. "Almost. It's an old house. It was built before electric heating was available." She turned toward a staircase and motioned for the others to follow. "I'll give you the full tour in a minute. First, let me take you to your rooms so you can put your stuff down."

Everyone had 'ooh'ed and 'ahh'ed over the massive house, impressed with the beautiful structure and the fact that it now belonged to one of their friends. Sakura plopped down on one of her overstuffed sofas with a sigh. "This is happiness."

Kakashi sank into the couch next to her. "Ooh, this is happiness."

Naruto slowly sat on her other side and was swallowed into the puffy cushions. "The only thing that would make this moment better is food."

With a giggle, Sakura nodded. "For once, I agree. However, I'm not cooking and I'm not going out for ramen."

Naruto gave a groan of protest, which the others ignored. "Does anyone deliver around here?" Sai asked.

Sakura's eyes lit up. "There's this place down the road that makes the best burgers ever! They'll deliver to us."

Yamato quirked a brow. "Burgers?"

Sakura answered without looking at him as she dug through a cabinet for her phone book. "Snow Country food. They're great if you want something quick and don't feel like cooking."

Ino shrugged. "I trust you."

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Sakura let the other half of her hamburger fall from her fingers with a moan. "No more or I'll burst."

The other occupants of her kitchen were in similar states. Kakashi frowned at her. "They were good, but now I feel sluggish."

Sakura grinned at him. "It'll wear off. By tomorrow morning, you'll feel like yourself again."

Sakura's doorbell rang and the singer groaned. "Who the hell could possibly be here?"

With the Konoha shinobi following in case there was trouble, Sakura answered the door only to come face to face with a few grocery bags. "Wha-?" The bags were thrust into Naruto's arms and Sakura was swept up into a tight hug by feminine arms.

"SAKURA!! I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!!"

Sakura managed to push back enough to get a glimpse of a familiar face. "KOYUKI!" She leaned back in to return the suffocating embrace. "It's so good to see you again!"

Koyuki pulled away and gestured to the bags. "There's enough food in the bags to get you through a day or two. I figured your pantry would be empty since you were gone for so long." Her gaze swept over Naruto and Kakashi. "There are some familiar faces."

Koyuki smiled slyly at Sakura. "So did you two, you know, bow-chick-a-wow-wow, yet?"

Sakura's face flamed at the blatant question. "KOYUKI!" She leaned over to hiss at the older woman. "Not that it's any of your business, but no. Not yet."

The princess's smile grew. "So you admit that you will, then?"

Sakura tugged at her hair with a growl while Kakashi smiled in the background, amused to no end with this conversation. "I haven't seen you in eleven months and the first thing you do is embarrass me!"

"Well, isn't that what friends are for, Sakura-chan?" Koyuki grinned again. She finally noticed Yamato and Sai. "So, who are these hunky guys?"

Pleased that the conversation was no longer about her and Kakashi, Sakura smiled. "This is Yamato and Sai." She pulled Ino over from the back of the crowd. "And this is my best friend and rival, Ino."

Koyuki smiled pleasantly at all of them, but her smile lit up just a bit more when she looked at Yamato. Sakura felt a feral grin spreading across her lips at the realization. She wouldn't say anything yet. She would bide her time and soon, when Koyuki least expected it, she would pounce!

As they all sat and talked, Sakura noticed Koyuki getting closer and closer to Yamato. She was sly, Sakura would give her credit for that. The feudal lord would make sure she was talking to Yamato about something when she shifted, slowly scooting just a little closer to the elite jounin. While Koyuki was talking to Naruto, she shifted again and bumped into Yamato. With a blush and glide of her hand along his arm, she apologized but only moved a tiny fraction away. What Sakura couldn't understand was that Yamato seemed oblivious to the whole thing!

Sakura let it go for the night. The time was just never right to embarrass the princess about her obvious crush. Once she had left, Ino was the first to head to bed. "I'm exhausted. See you guys in the morning."

The rest parted and Sakura gave Kakashi a quick kiss before heading up to her own room. "Goodnight, Kakashi."

When he went into his room, Sakura thought that was it and she would see him in the morning. So, she trudged up to her room and showered before getting ready to collapse on her own bed again.

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"Hello, gorgeous."

Sakura's head shot up at the husky voice and felt a tingle up her spine when she saw Kakashi reclining on her bed. "I didn't think you would come up."

"Disappointed I'm here?" A worried expression crossed his face.

"Actually, I'm delighted." Sakura smiled before cuddling up to the man she loved.

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The last month of the tour was bittersweet for the group from Konoha and pure torture for the group from Snow. The Konoha shinobi and Sakura were glad she would be coming home soon, but a bit saddened that her amazing talent would become dormant once more. The gang from Snow thought it a travesty that her voice would no longer be heard on new material and were heartbroken at losing such a marvelous friend.

Sakura gave no indication to her fans that her career was over. She continued doing her shows and interviews the way she had always done them, with no one the wiser. Koji, Hiro and Koyuki agreed it was also safer to keep her retirement secret. If her fans and the press knew, she would no doubt be swarmed by people from all over the world trying to get one last glimpse or autograph from the celebrity.

On the night of her last concert, Kakashi watched from the wings as Sakura called out her normal goodbye. "SAKURA OUT!" She stealthily threw down the smoke bomb and the trap door beneath her opened allowing her to fall through quickly, making it look like she disappeared. She sat for a minute on the mat below the stage and took a few deep breaths.

"You okay?" Kakashi held out a hand to help her up.

"Just a little emotional. This has been my life for a long time now and it's over." Her green eyes started to glitter with tears before she hastily blinked them away. "Nope. Not gonna cry." However, when Aya came running up to her, tears cascading down her cheeks, Sakura was a goner. "Damn it, Aya! I was doing so good to not cry!"

Before long, there was a whole group of them hugging and sobbing right there in the tiny space beneath the stage. Hiro managed to still his quivering bottom lip before clapping to get everyone's attention. "I hate to break this up, but we need to get going and clear out of here. There's still the tour wrap party tomorrow night, so look forward to that."

After getting showered, Sakura started the trek out of the arena with Yamato, Kakashi, Sai, Ino and Naruto. Naruto glanced around worriedly. "Don't you need a carriage and some security, Sakura-chan?"

The singer waved a hand dismissively. "Nah. They don't bother me in Snow. The locals just see me as another resident."

All of their heads swiveled to investigate the commotion down one hallway. Two members of Sakura's security team were doing their best to hold in a throng of fans, but there were just too many and at the sight of Sakura, the group was finally able to push past the burly men.

Yamato's eyes grew wide. "Shit!"

Kakashi quickly built a wall of shadow clones. "I can hold this! The rest of you get her out of here, now!"

Sakura grasped at Kakashi frantically. "No! Someone stay to help him! There's too many!" Naruto grabbed her around the waist to haul her off as the other three surrounded her, creating a barrier with one person watching the back and two on her sides. "KAKASHI!"

Yamato tried to reassure her as they ran. "He'll be fine, Sakura. There's no need to worry about Kakashi."

"There were so many people, Yamato." Her fearful whisper made Ino grasp a hand as they continued toward Sakura's house.

"He'll be alright, Forehead. You just have to trust him."

Naruto chuckled slightly. "That old pervert won't let a few civilians get the better of him. He's stubborn."

Sakura relaxed slightly. She was no longer hysterical, but the worry was still evident in her posture and visage.

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Sakura paced her room, listening for the front door to open. She jumped with a muffled squeal as someone tapped on her window. She twirled around to see Kakashi chuckling at her. Relief flooded her as she raced to the window to let him in.

"You really need more training if that made you jump."

"Shut up. I've been worried about you! Are you all right?" Her hands automatically came up to poke and prod at him.

He winced as her fingers brushed over his back and she sighed at him. "Lie down on your stomach on the bed."

"Why, Sakura!" Kakashi gave her a scandalized expression.

"Shut up. Again." She started to rummage through a drawer in her bathroom. "You have a massive knot in your back. I'll give you a massage to knead it out."

With a tiny, happy moan Kakashi spread out on Sakura's bed. He snuggled a pillow close to inhale her scent and then closed his eyes. Sakura's medical massages were pure magic and he was ecstatic to be ordered to receive one.

Warm chakra seeped into his tense back, loosening the knot of muscles before warm hands accompanied the flow of chakra. He was beginning to drift off from the soothing sensations when Sakura's voice floated to him. "Don't ever do something like that again, Kakashi. Please."

"Sakura, I had to protect you. There were a lot of people there."

"Well, keep a partner if something like that comes up again. I couldn't bear it if you were hurt."

He felt the chakra fade and her hands stopped as she finished working at his back. He continued to lie there, feeling boneless, just enjoying the carefree feeling. When Sakura rested her forehead against his shoulder blades, he swiftly turned so she was on her stomach under him.

"What are you doing, Kakashi?" She flailed slightly, trying to get out from underneath him.

"Shh. Calm down. You're tense, too." He squeezed a bit of the ointment onto his hands and then rubbed them to warm it. "I'm not as good at medical massages as you are, but I can at least do a decent job."

The moment his large hands pushed into her shoulders, she gave a soft moan and he felt her body relax in surrender. "Okay, maybe I do need this," she admitted as he continued rubbing.

He finished and moved to kneel beside her. Sakura turned over and smiled up at him. "Thank you."

"Anytime." His mask was down, allowing him to give her a dazzling smile.

For the past six months, Sakura had been alternately pulling and pushing at this man. She loved him; that was without a doubt. But she didn't want the relationship to progress too quickly. Finally making her decision, she pulled him down for a deep, lazy kiss.

Kakashi had no choice but to stretch out on top of her, since she wouldn't let him settle any other way. With a last playful nip to her bottom lip, Kakashi grinned at her. "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

Sakura nudged his nose with her own before giving him another breath-stealing kiss. As they broke apart, she pulled his head down to whisper in his ear. "Make love to me."

Kakashi froze. Every fiber of his being wanted to comply with her wishes, but if she regretted this in the morning, he couldn't do it. He wanted to be with her completely. He didn't want her to view their first time as a mistake or as happening too soon. Plus, she had only done this once before a few years ago. "Are you absolutely sure, Sakura?"

"Kakashi, I've been in love with you for over five years now. For the past six months, we've been getting closer than ever and trying to control our feelings for each other. I've had six months to think about this. Yes, I'm sure." She pulled him in for another kiss and he was hers.

Suddenly, he jumped up and blew a tiny fire jutsu to light the candles in Sakura's room. He looked around the sensual room, very much like the one she had set up in Konoha. "There. That should do it."

Sakura propped herself on her elbows and raised a confused brow at him. He gave her a boyish grin. "Just wanted to set the mood. We need to do this right."

Sakura giggled at him as she flopped back onto the bed. Kakashi started to settle down next to her, but a hard yank had him sprawled across her again. "What was that for?"

Sakura blushed, a little embarrassed at her actions. "Your weight feels nice, like we're closer somehow." She loved feeling his heartbeat, pulsing hard just as her own was. She loved feeling his increased breathing, matching her own ragged breaths.

Kakashi smiled down at her affectionately. With his beautiful smile, his mismatched eyes gleaming down at her and his silver hair falling messily around his face, she was powerless. It was unfair that he carried such power over her, but she wouldn't change it for the world. Her bottom lip trembled in nervousness as she thought about what was happening between them. Kakashi ran his thumb over her quivering lip. "It's alright. We'll do only what you're comfortable with, at your pace. You're in control tonight."

Her nervousness melted away at his words and actions. Kakashi was the one man she didn't need to worry about hurting her. Kakashi leaned in for another kiss. He would let Sakura call the shots, but he also knew he would have to initiate everything. He was hoping to keep her calm with the familiar kisses, but Sakura's kisses were mind-shattering. With the charged atmosphere, the knowledge of what they were working up to and Sakura's amazing kisses, he wasn't sure he could keep things slow enough for her.

Kakashi was shocked when slender hands worked their way under his shirt. She smoothed her hands up his torso and then pushed slightly at his chest to break the kiss so she could push the shirt over his head. Apparently, he didn't need to go as slow as he thought he did.

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There were no hard thrusts, no loud cries, barely any sound at all save the blissful sighs and content murmurs coming from the two ninja. They were beautiful; a sculpted tangle of limbs and skin as the candle light spilled over them, casting a golden glow. Their movements were slow and measured, meant to draw out pleasure and express passion without any vulgarity or rushed actions.

With each of Kakashi's slow pushes in, Sakura would raise her hips at the same tempo, creating heavenly friction before the equally slow withdrawal. Sakura clutched at his hair as she kissed him deeply and leisurely, before moving her hands down to knead his hips as their pelvises met again in a cascade of ecstasy.

A tiny whimper pushed past Sakura's lips as every muscle in her body tensed and shook. She had never felt anything like this. It was cataclysmic, stealing her breath and thoughts as her body acted on its own. Kakashi gave an equally soft grunt into her neck as his pumps grew erratic, signaling his own descent into oblivion.

Once he caught his breath, he rolled to his side, wrapping an arm loosely around the sated pink-haired woman next to him. Sakura gave a barely coherent smile. "I love you."

Kakashi couldn't respond. The phrase was trite and inadequate to express how he felt for the woman snuggling closer to him. He knew Sakura felt the same, but she was a woman who liked to express herself vocally.

Green eyes watched the unguarded facial expressions with a little smile. Kakashi wasn't one for vocalizations and Sakura was fine with that. His actions tonight, the way he held her and caressed her, his care for her in all his movements, the way he stared into her eyes as he made love to her, all told of how he cherished her. "Goodnight, Kakashi."

Knowing Sakura wanted to hear the words, no matter what she said, he smiled. He could at least give her that, even if the words weren't enough to describe how he felt. "I love you, too." The smile on her lips spread as her eyes closed and she pulled him over for a sleepy kiss to express her appreciation.

As he watched her drift off to sleep, the magnitude of his feelings for her struck him. It was more than love and he wasn't sure how to handle that. It was too much. He couldn't love that deeply. He was broken and hollow, someone like him had no business with someone as lovely and vivacious as Sakura.

Yet, he didn't want to give her up. No one had ever made him feel the way Sakura made him feel. He was happier, lighter with her. He felt like he could take on the world, as long as she was next to him.

He was beginning to drift off when a tap on the window caused panic to clench hard in his stomach. It had been peaceful in the world of ninja lately. There was no way Tsunade would send for them if she could help it. He pulled on his pants, shirt and mask before moving over to the window. His worry only increased as he saw a messenger for the council, not Tsunade, on the balcony.

The messenger gave a short bow as Kakashi opened the balcony door. "Sorry to disturb you, Hatake-san. A message from the council." Kakashi took the scroll with a confused expression. The council wasn't one to issue orders or send messengers. They preferred face-to-face meetings.

Hatake Kakashi,

You are to report back to Konoha at once. A bride has been chosen and you do not have the option to accept or refuse. You will marry in six months, the bride's chosen length of engagement. So the order has been issued.

Homura and Koharu

Konoha Council

Kakashi stared at the scroll's message with wide eyes. He contemplated defying the order and staying with Sakura. However, that would only result in ANBU being sent after them both. He could avoid the hunters for a while, but not forever. He couldn't ask Sakura to live that life, either. Doing so would be asking her to give up her home, her shinobi career, her family and friends, everything just because of him. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, trying to think of something with his genius mind. Every scenario ended the same way, with the hunter nins dragging him home to Konoha or disposing of him and Sakura as missing nins.

He should have known it was too good to be true. Someone like him could only cause tragedy for someone like Sakura. He quickly collected his things from the room Sakura had given him on their first day in Snow, not that he ever used that room. Kakashi went back into her room and stared at her peaceful form for a long moment before scrawling a quick note to her.

He fled through her window and into the forest surrounding her home. There was no way he would let ANBU be called out to hunt down Sakura. If he was no longer an option, Sakura could move on and find someone worthy of her love and devotion.

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