A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Guest, TranquilPanda, and Square Mom Lover. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)

Also, White Day, the holiday featured in this chapter, is an actual holiday in Japan. I confess to not knowing much about it, besides what I googled. So if I got any details wrong, I apologize.

Would this day never end? Tsunade glared at yet another couple gazing into each other's eyes from one of the windows in her office. It was White Day, when the men returned the affections their ladies had given on Valentine's Day a month prior. All in all, the sickly-sweetness in the air made her want to vomit.

Ino groaned next to her. "Seriously, who came up with this stupid holiday, anyway?"

"Stop complaining, Ino," Sakura huffed on Ino's other side. "It's not like we would have time to do anything, even if we had—"

"Quit acting so self-righteous. If Sasuke was here..." Ino let her voice trail off teasingly.

"Shut up, Ino!" Sakura's embarrassment radiated all the way to Tsunade.

Tsunade sighed. Though her two students had grown beyond even her expectations in the last two-and-a-half years, that was one thing she had been unable to get Sakura to let go of. Her fixation on her former teammate and crush was concerning, not that Tsunade could really judge. After all, she still thought about him every day, and she hadn't seen or even heard from Kakashi in two-and-a-half years. Pakkun had assured her Kakashi was still alive, but that hadn't stopped doubts from assailing her. Doubts that increased every day.

A black, hollow feeling grew in her stomach, and Tsunade shook off her thoughts. No. She wouldn't think about it.

Shizune cleared her throat behind them as she cradled Tonton. "Come on, it's not that bad. Why don't I make us some tea?"

Tsunade turned from the window and waved her hand dismissively. "No, no. I need something stronger." She glanced at her downcast students and frowned. They all needed something stronger. All right, then. She could almost taste the warmth of peach sake. "Let's go to the bar. Drinks on me!"

Three faces turned to gape at her, aghast. Only Shizune found her voice. "Tsunade-sama! They are both underage!"

Tsunade scowled and flopped in her chair. Bother. How had she forgotten that? Still...

"Tsunade-baachan! Are you ready to—?" Naruto's loud voice entered the room before he did, and he halted, staring at the other occupants of the room. "Oh... hai, Sakura-chan! Hai, Ino-chan! Hai, Shizune!"

"Naruto. What brings you here?" Tsunade smirked as Jiraiya walked in after Naruto, scratching the back of his neck and looking for all the world like he wanted to be anywhere else.

Naruto turned his blue gaze back on Tsunade with a grin, and her smirk shifted into a genuine smile. Naruto had grown into a fine young man in the years he'd been gone, and she had to admit it was good to see him again, as she'd only seen him once since he'd returned four days ago. Naruto jammed his hands into his pockets, reminding her sharply of Kakashi. "I'm here to take you to dinner, remember?"

Oh... yes. Now that she thought about it, Naruto had mentioned something about a surprise the last time she'd seen him. Tsunade winced inwardly. Though she had been busy, that was no excuse for forgetting.

Naruto glanced at the girls and Shizune again, and straightened. "I mean, all of you!" He beamed proudly. "I'm taking all of you to dinner."

Jiraiya turned white, though his forced smile remained on his face. Tsunade had to cough into her haori sleeve to disguise her laugh. Clearly, Naruto had convinced Jiraiya to fund this little outing.

Ino and Sakura exchanged glances, then both grinned, bad moods forgotten. "Thanks, Naruto! We'd love to go."

Shizune smiled, and dipped her head. "I would be honored to come, Naruto-kun."

"All right!" Naruto punched the air. "Let's go! I've picked the best place, believe it!"

Tsunade found herself walking next to Jiraiya as the group followed Naruto out of the hokage tower and into Konoha. "So... Naruto's idea?"

"Hai." Jiraiya sighed, then smiled wryly. "He wanted to do something special for you, since he hasn't seen you much since he got back. And... I think he knew you would be missing someone today. He didn't want you to be alone."

Tsunade blinked. She focused on Naruto's spiky blond head, and swallowed hard. When had he become so thoughtful? But she didn't want to think about Kakashi, so she cleared her throat. "Since Naruto is back and Sakura is doing well in her training, I was thinking about reinstating Team 7. I have a jōnin in mind to lead the team, we would just have to find a third member."

Jiraiya nodded slowly. "That would be a good idea. Who is the jōnin?"

"Tenzō. With his ability in wood release and suppressing tailed beasts, I think he would be a good match for Naruto."

Jiraiya agreed. If he said anything else, Tsunade didn't hear him as her thoughts drifted away. How would Kakashi feel about her continuing his team without him? It felt wrong, somehow, but she knew it was best for Naruto and Sakura. She bit her lip. If only she could see him again... just to know he was still alive. To see in his eyes that he still cared about her like she still cared about him. That he remembered their promise.

"Tsunade?"

Tsunade refocused on Jiraiya. Had he been talking to her? "Hmm?"

Jiraiya tipped his head at the restaurant, though his gaze didn't leave her face. "We're here, if you want to go in."

"Oh. Hai." But Tsunade didn't move. She had to know. "Wait, Jiraiya." He stopped and glanced back, so she forced herself to continue. "While you were traveling, did you hear... anything? Is he—is he alive?"

Sympathy smoothed Jiraiya's forehead. He knew she was asking about Kakashi. "No. I'm sorry, Tsunade. I don't know anything."

Nothing. Tsunade could only nod. Would this empty feeling inside ever go away?

"Tsunade-baachan!" Naruto appeared at her side, grinning proudly. "What do you think of this place? Pretty nice, huh?"

Tsunade smiled, and forcefully shoved any thoughts of Kakashi from her mind. She wasn't going to let anything ruin this time with Naruto. "Hai, it's very nice. Thank you, Naruto."

Naruto's chest puffed and he held out his elbow. "I picked it especially for you, Tsunade-baachan. Ready to go?"

Tsunade's smile widened in amusement, though another part of her wanted to dissolve into tears as she took his elbow. She would never know why the shinobi gods had chosen to bless her with this boy. She certainly didn't deserve him. "You know how to make someone feel special, Naruto-kun. Lead the way."

Konoha.

Kakashi halted on the footpath, gaze locked on the familiar sight of Konoha's gate, and swallowed. It had been two-and-a-half years since he'd been this close to his home village. Two-and-a-half years since he'd been this close to Tsunade. He curled his right hand into a fist. So close, and yet so far. But if he could just get one glimpse... just see her for a moment, then he would be satisfied.

"Kakashi-senpai?" Sai stopped next to him, and gave him a curious glance. "Do you sense something?"

Was it crazy that he thought he could catch Tsunade's scent, even at this distance? Kakashi shook himself, and smiled slightly. "No. I was just... distracted." He focused on his comrade, who had become more of a younger brother in the past two years. Sai was the only one remaining of the Root members who had come to him those two years ago. The rest had eventually returned to Konoha, or decided to set out on their own paths. "Do you think you're ready for this?"

"Hai." Sai's dark eyes creased in a smile, and Kakashi noted the hint of genuineness. The kid was getting better at showing his emotions every day. "But only if you're ready, Senpai. Remember, we do this together."

Right. Kakashi exhaled, and faced Konoha again. Only two days ago, during their kenjutsu training session, Sai had announced that he was ready to visit Konoha and possibly stay as a shinobi if all went well. Except he had insisted that he wouldn't go unless Kakashi came with him. Kakashi had only offered a half-hearted objection before he agreed. Because if he was honest, he wanted to see Konoha, if only for a day. And more than anything, he wanted to see Tsunade, even if it was only a glimpse. "Maa, I need to form a henge first."

Kakashi glanced down at himself, estimating how much he would need to change. His pants and shirt were dark blue, with his right arm sleeveless and a short sleeve covering his left stump. A leather strap crossed his chest, holding his ninjatō sheathed on his back. Since losing his arm, he'd had to hone his skills in other areas, especially kenjutsu. He'd gotten better at one-handed seals, but he was nowhere near where he wanted to be. He shook off his thoughts. There was no need to change his clothes, so he focused his henge on his face and left arm, as well as removing the ninjatō. He changed his hair to black and shortened it, darkened his irises, and broadened his narrow features and jawline.

Sai tilted his head. "You could pass as a Uchiha, Senpai."

Could he? Kakashi realized with a jolt that he'd fashioned his appearance after what he'd imagined Obito would look like if he'd live to adulthood. He cleared his throat. "Maa, well, what matters is no one will recognize me. Let's go."

They got into Konoha without trouble, informing the chūnin at the gate that they were civilian brothers visiting for a few days. Kakashi let Sai do most of the talking as his gaze automatically fixed on the hokage tower. Tsunade likely wouldn't be at the window, but he couldn't help staring anyway, searching for any movement. A painful grip clamped his throat. It had been too long. Far too long.

"Impressive, right? That's the hokage's tower," one of the gate chūnin said, apparently having noticed Kakashi's stare. "If you're lucky, you might even see the hokage herself while you're here. She's known as the strongest and most beautiful kunoichi in the world, you know."

The pride in the chūnin's voice was evident, but Kakashi couldn't bring himself to answer. Oh, he knew. More than the chūnin ever would. And though it had been over two years, he could still taste her kisses.

"Hai, so we heard," Sai said, when it became obvious Kakashi wasn't going to say anything. He grabbed Kakashi's arm and pulled. "Come, Niichan. Let's go see the village."

Kakashi let Sai lead him along, but he kept his eye locked on the hokage tower. The sun was starting to set, its light reflecting on the windows, and he clenched his teeth. He wouldn't be able to see—

Sai froze, jerking Kakashi to a stop along with him. "Who is that?"

Reluctantly, Kakashi lowered his gaze from the hokage tower—and his heart stopped. Tsunade was walking out a restaurant, blonde hair flowing behind her and pink lips curved in a smile. She was beautiful and perfect—exactly the same as two-and-a-half years ago. Somehow, he choked out an answer for Sai, "Ts-Tsunade."

Sai shook his head, gaze still fixed on Tsunade and her group. "I know who the hokage is. Who... who is that girl?"

Kakashi looked again, this time noticing Tsunade's companions. Shizune, Sakura and Naruto—a lump of pride stung his throat. His little genin had grown so much—Jiraiya, who was already walking away, and... Ino Yamanaka. Ah. Now he knew who had caught Sai's attention. "Ino Yamanaka. She's on Team 10." He sent Sai a sideways glance. "Maa, why don't you go over and introduce yourself? See how much of your training you remember." Meanwhile, he would stay a safe distance from—

"Senpai..." Sai swallowed. "They noticed us."

Noticed... Kakashi cursed as he swung his gaze back to the kunoichi. Shizune and Sakura looked slightly uncomfortable, a blush darkening their cheeks. Ino was grinning, and she playfully blew a kiss. Tsunade smirked, but Kakashi's eye unintentionally locked with her golden-brown ones. Her smirk slowly faded, and she blinked a couple of times. No, no, no. If she sensed his chakra signature—

Kakashi offered an awkward wave, then grabbed Sai's arm, and dragged him behind the next building. But he couldn't help glancing back just before he rounded the corner. The girls were laughing as they walked away with a bewildered Naruto, Shizune behind them. Tsunade turned as if to follow, but she hesitated, and looked back. The mix of confusion and hope on her face was almost more than he could bear. But she shook her head slightly, then continued after the others.

The pressure in Kakashi's chest eased enough so he could breathe. He slumped against the wall and groaned. He'd thought a glimpse of Tsunade would be enough... but now that he'd seen her... he knew he had to see her again. More than that, he needed to speak to her, needed to hold her in his arms again.

"Kakashi-senpai, are you all right?" Sai asked, dark eyebrows furrowed.

But how to get her a message without... Kakashi smiled as an idea came to him. A genius idea, really. He placed his hand on Sai's shoulder, steering him deeper into Konoha. "Hai, hai, I'm fine. I just remembered something I needed."

One of the pleasant things about Sai was that he never questioned Kakashi's decisions. Whether he agreed or not, he accepted it and moved on. Unlike a certain obnoxious Uzumaki, who had taken it upon himself to question everything. And yet, sometimes Kakashi found himself missing it.

They reached the Yamanaka's flower shop as dusk settled over the village. Sai sent him an undecipherable look, but it was clear he was as close to questioning Kakashi as he'd ever been. "Flowers, Senpai?"

"Hai. This is a good place to practice your social skills. Besides, I need flowers for a—a mission I have here." Kakashi pushed the door open without waiting for Sai's reply. "Come on."

As he'd hoped, Ino Yamanaka had returned to her family's shop after leaving the restaurant, and was at the counter arranging a bouquet. She glanced up; a bland smile plastered on her face. "Welcome to Yama—" her eyes widened, clearly recognizing them. "Oh. Um, hai. What can I do for you?"

Kakashi strolled to the counter, leaving Sai standing rooted in the doorway. "Good evening. I'm looking for a sakurasou. Do you have any?"

"Of course! They're one of our most popular flowers, especially today," Ino chirped. Her gaze darted to Sai, before fixing on Kakashi again. "Are you wanting a bouquet, or individual?"

"Just one, please." Kakashi sensed Sai finally moving up behind him. "What do you mean, especially today?"

Ino laughed as she clipped a sakurasou bloom and proceeded to wrap the stem with some kind of damp cloth. "Because it's White Day! Don't tell me you forgot." She handed him the flower, pale blue irises studying him. "The sakurasou means desire and long-lasting love. But I think you knew that."

Kakashi smiled. "Hai." He paid for the flower, sudden urgency flowing through him. Only one thought occupied his mind. Tsunade.

"What is... White Day?" Sai asked blankly.

Ino gaped at him. "You don't know? It's a holiday when all the men return the gifts and affections their admirers gave them on Valentine's Day. It's sooo romantic," she sighed. "And one of our best business days."

Sai shifted, but didn't take his gaze from Ino. "Did you get anything?"

"Oh. Uh, not really." Ino reddened. "Anyway, can I help you find something?"

Sai blinked, clearly unprepared for the question. But still, he didn't look at Kakashi for guidance, and Kakashi couldn't help a smirk. As he thought. Sometimes, all it took was a girl. Sai's head swiveled, and he pointed at the closest thing: a vase holding a bouquet of small purple flowers. "What are those?"

Ino barely glanced at them before answering, "Purple lilacs. They represent the beginning of love, or first love. Also very popular."

"I'll take it," Sai said quickly.

Kakashi glanced out the window, and his fingers tightened around the sakurasou stem. It was getting dark and he was running out of time.

Ino accepted Sai's payment and nodded tiredly at the bouquet. "Thanks for your purchase. It's all yours."

Sai removed the bouquet from the vase before Kakashi or Ino could object and spun back to the counter—losing several petals in the process—and stiffly held out the bouquet to Ino, water dripping from the stems onto the floor. "For you."

Ino turned white as a sheet, then flushed red. For a second, Kakashi thought she might hyperventilate, and he took a half-step toward her. But she only choked out, "For—for me?"

Sai blinked. "Hai. I bought them for you." As if recalling his training, he added, "Because you're pretty and I like you."

Kakashi cringed. Never mind. He'd forgotten all of his training.

Ino's mouth opened and closed. She finally took the bouquet, still blushing, and squeaked, "Th-thank you. I love them." She lifted her gaze to Sai's and blurted, "I'm about to close the shop, if you want to walk me home."

Well... perhaps their bluntness fit each other. Kakashi hid a grin as Sai smiled—the first genuine smile Kakashi had seen from the boy—and accepted Ino's invitation. As far as he was concerned, that settled that. Maybe he was better at matchmaking than he'd thought. He stepped past Sai and murmured, "I'll find you later."

Sai gave a slight nod, his eyes still fixed on Ino as if she were the most fascinating person he'd ever seen. Satisfied, Kakashi slipped out the door. He'd have to hurry, but he was fairly certain he still had time. He cut through a shadowed alley, and was only a few steps in when he sensed a threatening chakra. Automatically, he reached for his ninjatō as dark shapes dropped down, surrounding him.

The figures closed in, and in doing so, revealed themselves in the moonlight. Identical orange clones, all scowling and brandishing kunai. Kakashi barely had time to blink before the Naruto in front of him stepped forward, blue gaze hard.

"I found you, pervert. Don't think I didn't see you staring at Tsunade-baachan earlier!" Naruto lifted his kunai, the sharp edge glinting. "What do you think you're doing, sulking through a dark alley toward the hokage tower? You won't touch her, not if I have anything to say about it. Believe it!"

Kakashi scratched the back of his neck. Well. This was a problem. He hadn't planned on revealing himself to anyone but Tsunade. Still... it was just for a night. And it was good to see Naruto. He raised two fingers, dispelling the henge. "Maa, as I recall, you were the one who said Tsunade is the only one who can distract me."

"Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto broke into a huge grin. Before Kakashi could react, his former student nearly bowled him over with a hug. "Have you come back for good? It's good to see you, believe it!"

Kakashi patted Naruto back with a smile. "Maa, it's good to see you too. You've gotten big, Naruto-kun."

"Hai, hai. And even closer to becoming hokage!" Naruto stepped back, his expression somewhat smug. "So. Have you gone to see Tsunade-baachan yet?"

"Maa, no." Kakashi shifted. He'd been so eager to see her; he hadn't thought about what might happen if he did. He'd assumed she still felt the same, but what if she didn't? Two years, five months, two weeks and three days was a long time. Suddenly, he felt like an uncertain teenager again. "Do you—do you think she would want to see me?"

Naruto's smirk only widened. "I think there's only one way to find out, Kakashi-sensei."

Great. Not the reassuring answer he was hoping for. Kakashi looked up at the hokage tower, and sighed. But who was he fooling? No matter how Tsunade felt, he had to see her. Needed to see her. "Well... looks like I'm going to the hokage tower, then." He glanced back at Naruto. "No one can know I am here. If the council found out, they would take it out on Tsunade. I'll be leaving tonight."

Disappointment shadowed Naruto's face, but he nodded. "I understand, Kakashi-sensei. I'll see you again, believe it!"

Kakashi squeezed Naruto's shoulder, then flashed toward the hokage tower. His erratic pulse thudded in his ears. Tsunade. Finally, after two-and-a-half years, Tsunade.

Twenty minutes earlier.

Tsunade tugged her haori tighter around her to disguise her trembling hands as she walked after Naruto and the girls. Was she going crazy? That man's chakra... it had felt like Kakashi's. Of course, that was impossible. But... she had felt it. She closed her eyes. She needed to stop thinking about it. He couldn't have been Kakashi, no matter how much she had wanted him to be.

Someone pulled on her sleeve, and she opened her eyes to Naruto walking next to her, blond eyebrows furrowed. "Are you all right, Tsunade-baachan? I saw that creep staring at you." He punched his palm. "If you want, I'll take care of him!"

Tsunade couldn't help a smile. "No, no. It's not that. I'm fine." Naruto still looked suspicious, so she hastily changed the subject. "I haven't had a meal that good in a long time. I'm going to sleep well tonight."

Shizune cleared her throat. "Ah, Tsunade-sama, did you forget about the paperwork that needs to be filed tonight?"

Tsunade scowled as they continued down the shadowed street. Paperwork. It never failed to ruin her day. "Shizune, please. Can't it wait until tomorrow?"

Shizune winced. "I'm afraid not, Tsunade-sama. But I can take care of it. You go home and enjoy your evening."

Tsunade massaged her forehead. Was she such a horrible person that she wanted to say yes? She snorted. No need to answer that question. She was a horrible person. But not tonight. Besides, she could get a drink or two after she finished her work. Gods knew she'd needed one all day. "No, Shizune, I'll take care of it. Go ahead and go home, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Are—are you certain?"

"Hai." Tsunade waved her assistant off. "Don't worry, I think I can manage to file paperwork by myself."

"Well... all right." Shizune smiled, and wished them all goodnight before heading off in the direction of her apartment. Ino soon followed, saying she had to close the flower shop, and Sakura left with her as her house was in the same direction.

Naruto slid his hands into his pockets with a grin. "Looks like it's just you and me, Tsunade-baachan."

"Hai, so it is." Tsunade returned his smile. It was a pleasant evening, and she couldn't deny spending a few moments with Naruto was nice. At least she wasn't alone while walking among all the couples still strolling around hand in hand. And conversation would help keep her mind off who wasn't here.

Naruto's gaze followed Sakura and Ino, and he sighed. "Do you think I'll ever have someone? Or will I end up like you?"

So much for avoiding that topic. Tsunade rolled her eyes and lifted her hand to smack the back of his head, but Naruto had clearly realized his mistake and hastily backtracked. "No! I—I didn't mean it like that, Tsunade-baachan. I meant—"

"To say that I'm so obviously alone?" Tsunade managed a dry laugh. They passed several of Naruto's graduating class, all of whom waved, but she couldn't help noticing that one of them—Hinata Hyūga—merely stared after Naruto with flushed cheeks. Tsunade smirked. Naruto, of course, couldn't have been more oblivious. "Hai, Naruto. I think you'll find someone who loves you, no matter what."

Naruto nodded slowly. "Like you did?"

"What—you—" Tsunade sputtered, cheeks tingling in embarrassment. This time, she gave him a deserved smack on the back of the head. "Baka! Didn't you just say I'm alone?"

"No..." Naruto rubbed his head, but the mischievous curve to his mouth didn't indicate repentance. "You said that, Baachan. I say you do have someone, he's just not here right now. Like Sakura-chan!"

Tsunade glared at the dark entrance to an alley. She was not like Sakura. Unlike Sasuke, Kakashi had made it very clear how he felt about her. Or, at least, how he'd felt two-and-a-half years ago. She shook off her thoughts. Enough. Dwelling on it wasn't going to help anyone, especially not herself. With or without Kakashi, she still had a life to live. No matter how... painful the thought of living it alone.

"I guess I'll be heading home now," Naruto said suddenly. He, too, was staring intently at the alley. Then he blinked, and beamed at her. "I'm glad you had time to go to dinner, Tsunade-baachan."

"Me too, gaki." As she said it, Tsunade realized Naruto was now as tall as she was, even with her heels. How had she not noticed until now? Emotion clogged her throat, though there were so many things she wanted to say. So, she settled for the gesture that said more than any words could. She leaned forward and gently kissed Naruto's forehead. "You're growing into a great man."

Naruto turned several shades of red and a foolish grin spread across his face. "Thanks, Tsunade-baachan! I'll see you later."

Tsunade smiled fondly as he took off into the alley, and she continued on to the hokage tower. The stairwell was dark and silent, and the steps creaked under her feet. The hallway to her office was equally dark. Her sigh echoed in the emptiness. Honestly, couldn't the chūnin have left a lamp on or something? At least the moonlight streaming through the window gave enough visibility to her desk.

A flash of color caught her eye. Tsunade frowned, and made her way to the desk. A single flower with five magenta petals and a white center rested atop a stack of papers. A sakurasou? She picked it up and snorted. This particular flower meant desire and long-lasting love. If this was Jiraiya trying something—

Tsunade froze. There was a chakra signature purposefully left on the flower. A chakra signature that only belonged to one man, and it wasn't Jiraiya. The air left her lungs. He'd left it for her... which meant he—he...

Clutching the flower, Tsunade rushed out of the office. Her heart crashed against her ribcage as she ran up to the top of the tower. If—if she had a good vantage point, then maybe she would see him. She reached the top, and caught herself against the rail, frantically searching the dark streets for a familiar slouched figure with silver—

Tsunade stilled, her grip on the metal rail tightening. He was behind her. Right behind her. The heat from his body sent tingles through her stomach. But, somehow, she couldn't turn around. Couldn't face him. An image of the man across the street from the restaurant flashed through her mind, and she murmured, "It was you."

"Hai."

Kakashi's deep baritone was nearly her undoing. Oh, how she had missed the sound of his voice. All she could managed was a choked, "It's—it's been nearly three years, Kakashi."

"I know." Kakashi's voice was ragged with longing. But Tsunade kept her shoulders rigid as he continued softly, "I felt every moment of it."

"You felt it?" Tsunade couldn't stop the hurt and anger spiking her voice. "For three years, I heard nothing. The only reason I knew you weren't dead was because Pakkun told me so. A dog. And why did you send me that stupid dog, anyway?"

"I—"

"Why didn't you send a message? Just one. I couldn't—I didn't know if—"

Kakashi moved up behind her, his warm breath caressing her neck. His gloved hand rested on the rail next to hers. His chest brushed against her back, and Tsunade wanted to melt back into him, but she couldn't—couldn't let go of the rail. Or her hurt. "I'm sorry, Tsuna." His masked lips brushed her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. "I didn't want to risk anyone finding out that you were in contact with me. You know what the elders would do to you if they discovered it."

"Baka," she muttered. Of course she knew, but... but... she couldn't think straight with him so close. Tsunade sighed, and lifted her gaze to the stars appearing across the night sky. Focus. "Why are you in Konoha?"

Kakashi didn't answer for a long moment, and she could almost feel him withdrawing, though he didn't remove his hand from the rail. "I brought Sai, the last of the Root members who came to me. He wants to become a shinobi of Konoha. He's a good kid, and I think he would make a good fit with one of the teams."

"I see." Tsunade closed her aching eyes. How fortuitous. Now she had a full Team 7. But at the moment, she couldn't make herself care. After nearly three years, Kakashi was here. Here. And she couldn't even make herself turn and face him.

Kakashi sighed. This time, he slowly pulled his hand away and moved back, leaving space between them. Too much space. He murmured, almost to himself, "This... isn't how I imagined this would go."

Hot, angry tears sprang into Tsunade's eyes, and she suddenly found herself able to spin around. She glared at Kakashi, ignoring the throb in her heart at the sight of him. His silver hair was shorter, and a strip of dark gray cloth tied around his head covered his Sharingan instead of a forehead protector. His shoulders were slumped and his hand dangled at his side. Tsunade's chest heaved with emotion she was unable to control. "How did you imagine it going, then?"

Kakashi's eye widened, probably at the sight of her tears. His gaze held hers for a moment, then his shoulders straightened, and he strode forward, closing the distance between them. Before she could react, he pulled down his mask in a single motion and crushed his lips on hers with the fervor of a man who couldn't wait any longer. Her hands found his neck, fingers tangling in his soft, silver hair, tugging him closer, giving in to the moan in her throat. Finally.

But Kakashi pulled back too soon. He rested his forehead against hers, and smiled at her as they both panted. His beautiful smile that was only hers. If possible, her heart beat even faster. He hummed. "Maa, something like... that."

Tsunade managed a brief, tremulous smile in return. She wrapped her arms around his waist, his muscles firm under her touch, as if holding him would keep him here forever. She hated how her voice broke. "Stay. Please."

Kakashi's hand rubbed the small of her back, his expression agonized. "I can't, Tsuna. I have to leave tonight. I'm sorry. I wish..."

"Don't say it." Tsunade lifted her face to his, though she kept her arms around him. This was what they had chosen, and she couldn't let herself regret it. Strength returned to her voice as she continued, "Can you do one thing for me before you leave?"

Kakashi gently kissed the violet diamond on her forehead, his lips warm against her skin. "Anything."

"Kiss me, Kakashi." Tsunade forced the words past the choke in her throat. "Kiss me until I can't breathe."

Kakashi stared at her. The heat in his gaze was almost more than she could bear. He leaned in slowly, pausing when their lips were a hairsbreadth apart, breaths mingling. Then he kissed her, and Tsunade could feel herself drowning in the sensation of his taste, his touch. Nothing existed except for her and Kakashi.

Kakashi deepened the kiss, and the cold metal rail dug into her back, pinning her in place. His hand found her hip, pulling her against him, and Tsunade tightened her arms around him, every inch of his heated skin pressed against every inch of her, sending fire to her core. It was impossible to tell where she ended and he began, but she didn't care.

This was where she wanted to be.

A/N: Well guys, I really didn't want to do this, but I'm going to have to take a break from posting chapters for a few weeks. My brother got married last weekend, and as a result, I haven't had much time to write lately. As in, I'm still writing chapter 31. Also, I got a few ideas that I want to implement in these last chapters, which will likely result in the story being longer than I originally planned. So, I need to figure all of that out before I can continue writing.

Thanks to all you for all of your support! It means the world to me! :) I'll try to get back to posting new chapters as soon as possible.

Guest: Thanks for reviewing! I agree, the Akatsuki would crush him as he is right now, but I don't think he'll be going against them any time soon. I'm also of the opinion that characters should have consequences for their decisions. I'm not really a fan of when characters get through hard situations unscathed.

TranquilPanda: Aww, thank you so much! Your review really made my week. :) I agree, and that's something I've also seen in romance in general. Which is why I'm a big fan of slow burn, as it gives time for the characters to grow an actual relationship. OMG, thank you for all of the compliments. It means a lot! Kakashi saying what he thought of Tsunade's appearance was one of my favorite parts to write. XD Thank you! You stay safe as well.

Square Mom Lover: Thank you! :D Haha, what a coincidence. XD I haven't seen any of Boruto besides the couple of episodes Tsunade is in (I know, I'm terrible), but that's funny it turned out so similar. Tsunade's had a hard time of it, for sure. I imagine she'll be able to figure something out for Kakashi, once she finds out the capabilities of Zetsu, anyway. ;) As always, thanks for reviewing!