AN: There's a small time skip here as we enter the second act of this story. I really suck at indicating the passage of time and shit like that, so if you guys have any advice on how to do that better, pleasepleaseplease tell me. Until then, enjoy this awkward author's note.

/

"Come on, Sakura, you can do better than that."

Sakura panted, eying the silver-haired man with a smirk. He lunged toward her with a kunai gripped in his hand, reciprocating said smirk. Sakura dodged his attack easily, preparing for the next one.

They had been sparring together for the better part of the morning, and Sakura was feeling pretty good about it. Thanks to their regular sessions, Sakura's speed was beginning to improve.

"You're one to talk, Kakashi-sensei," she said, her body tensed and poised for attack. "Who was that blonde you were with at the bar last night? The one with the unibrow."

His eyes steeled, but his smirk was still playful. "That's a low blow, Sakura," he said. His headband was pushed up to reveal his Sharingan. He tilted his face down, making him look slightly ominous as the wind blew his hair across his face.

Sensing that he was the tiniest bit offended, she felt guilty. "I'm sure she has a wonderful personality."

Kakashi lunged again, but this time the playful glint in his eye was gone. He didn't use chakra and there were no jutsu, no hand signs. It was just blow after blow. Sakura blocked and dodged, curious about his sudden change in tactic. There was something frantic in his pacing and the way he timed each blow. He was less methodic than usual and Sakura suspected that he was releasing his own emotion rather than doing something productive.

Having enough of it, Sakura used a chakra-laden punch to send him careening back into the grass behind him. He steadied himself and planted his feet, his fighting stance unbroken.

"I'm sorry," Sakura said, though her tone was anything but apologetic. "Have I struck a nerve?"

Kakashi's shoulders sagged. The corners of his mouth tilted down in a deep frown. "I think that's enough for today," he said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"I'm sorry if I offended you," she said quickly. "I was just teasing."

"Don't worry about it, Sakura," he said, giving her a bright, albeit fake smile. "Anyway, I've got to run. Places to be, things to do."

Sakura shook her head, closing the distance between them. "No wait," she said, reaching out to tug on his sleeve.

He leaned away from her and leapt off toward the village, giving her a consolation wave as he left. Sakura stood on the training grounds for a second, confused. She hadn't meant to hurt his feelings. He didn't usually take ribbing so personally, certainly not where women were concerned.

With a frown on her face, Sakura sighed and made her way to the Hokage tower.

/

"I need you to do me a favor, Sakura."

Sakura was no surprised. "There's more sake in the bottom drawer of your desk," she said dryly.

"Not that," Tsunade snapped.

Sakura looked up from her clipboard at her mentor. It had been a year since the infection's outbreak and things were back to normal at the hospital. Sakura directed the day-to-day things still, but Tsunade had taken a lot of responsibilities off of her shoulders, giving some to Shizune and spreading others over a group of freshly trained medic-nins.

At first Sakura had been annoyed by this. She didn't like to think she couldn't handle it, but frankly, she was glad for the extra hands.

"I have a contact in Mist that informed me of a type of moss just discovered growing in peaty soils near the moors," she explained. "I've been told that it's receptive to chakra and can be used for sterilization and healing."

"Moss?" Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued. "If it's growing in the moors, then what would happen if it's grown in controlled, liquidized chakra?"

Tsunade grinned. "You're my student for a reason, Sakura, dear," she said proudly. "I'd like to analyze it for myself and see what uses we can find for it. I need you to go to Mist and gather as much of it as you can. I think now is an appropriate time to revisit the liquidized chakra and see what we can really do with it."

Sakura nodded. A simple mission to Mist was a good excuse to get out of Konoha for a while. If no combat was involved, she could go alone and maybe treat this like a vacation.

"When do I leave?" Sakura asked.

"At your leisure," Tsunade replied, "You can—"

"Ah, Tsunade-sama," said a voice from the doorway. Both Sakura and Tsunade glanced over at the door to find Kakashi standing there with a rather sheepish look on his face. "I was, uhh, just coming to check if you had any missions for me."

Tsunade cocked her head to the side. "It's been a slow month for you, hasn't it?" she asked. "Well, you've got good timing. I was just sending Sakura on a mission to Mist. There's not really anything for you to do, but I'd rather her go with someone just in case."

"That's not really necessary, is it, Tsunade-sama?" Sakura asked, a little miffed. "I don't need a babysitter."

"No, but Kakashi does," she argued. "Besides, throw him a bone. He's bored out of his mind."

"He seemed to have a lot to do this morning," Sakura muttered under her breath.

"What?" Tsunade asked.

"Nothing."

Kakashi scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Anyway," Tsunade said skeptically, "you can both leave tomorrow unless you have something else to do."

"Tomorrow sounds good, Tsunade-sama," Kakashi said, bowing his head respectfully. He disappeared around the corner, but not before Sakura managed to catch the redness in his cheeks.

"What's up with him?" Tsunade asked.

Sakura shook her head. "Nothing."

/

The next morning, Kakashi met her at the gates and they left without much ceremony. Sakura had packed for a long trip – Mist wasn't just around the corner. Her pack was stuffed with a tent, several days worth of rations and clothes, and a healthy amount of medical supplies.

Conversely, Kakashi's pack was much smaller and she eyed it with skepticism as they exited the village.

"Are you sure you brought everything you need?" she asked.

"I'm sure, Sakura," he said, "don't you worry."

He gave her an eye-crinkling smile and she wondered about his change in mood.

"So, umm, about yesterday…" she began.

Kakashi held up his hand to stop her. Instead of telling her that it was forgotten, or rather that it should be forgotten, Kakashi merely shook his head.

"I'm trying to apologize to you," she said, glowering at him.

"There's no need."

"But if I upset you then I want to make it right," she insisted.

Kakashi shook his head again, this time with a disdainful tsk. "Women are always wanting to talk about things," he said, glancing up at the sky. "It was astute of you to see that I'd developed a… mature relationship with…"

"Unibrow?" Sakura offered. He didn't have to say her name. It didn't matter to Sakura.

Kakashi rolled his eyes. "I shouldn't have let you see me with her like that," he said regretfully.

"Like what?"

"Drunk, for one," he said with the barest hint of a smile.

"Why should it matter if I see you drunk," Sakura asked, "or with a woman? I'm an adult. We've known each other for a long time."

"It's uncouth," he argued. "Besides, you're supposed to look up to me."

Sakura scoffed, but Kakashi ignored it.

"I wouldn't want you to think less of your sensei if you find him consorting with… ladies of the night."

Sakura froze mid step.

"Ladies of the night?"

Kakashi stopped, too, and turned to face her.

"She was a prostitute?" Sakura asked, astonished.

"She's a fine woman," Kakashi said stiffly. "She's good company."

"Oh, I didn't mean… I'm sure she's good company and all, but you're a handsome guy, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said, feeling a blush on her cheeks. "You could easily find a—"

"I know, I know," he said quickly, "but we both know that life as a shinobi isn't exactly conducive to having a wife and family. It's just easier this way."

Sakura resumed walking and Kakashi followed. She was silent, her brow furrowed as she mulled over Kakashi's words. It had never occurred to her that she should avoid having a husband or family for the sake of being a shinobi. Why shouldn't she be able to have both?

"I think you could still—"

"Let's just leave it at that for now, okay, Sakura?"

Sakura pouted, but didn't argue with him. She was unsettled by the idea of being alone forever, and even more unsettled by the idea that Kakashi seemed to be at peace with it.

"Come on," he urged. "We've got a lot of ground to cover."

/

They trudged onward through the thick of Fire Country with little commotion. Sakura was grateful for the silence, for the opportunity to stew in her thoughts. Ordinarily that might have set her on edge, but she couldn't stop thinking about what Kakashi had said and she didn't mind that he was allowing her to think without interruption.

Kakashi had been a steady presence in her life since she was twelve. There were only a handful of times she could recall ever seeing him with a woman, but lately he seemed to be finding himself often in a woman's company.

Or at least he was getting more lax with trying to hide it.

She snuck a glance at him, watching his graceful gait as they flitted through the trees. She had always wondered about his private life – it was only natural. Aside from wanting to see his face (which she had finally been able to see under great duress), there hadn't been too much to be curious about. Kakashi was a simple man. He enjoyed reading his perverted books and spending time with his friends and taking missions and all kinds of easy things.

If he was able to enjoy all those things without worry, then what about a romantic relationship seemed like a bad idea to him? Was he afraid of getting hurt? Of losing someone he loves? Of leaving behind a grieving widow?

Holding back a sigh, Sakura thought of Sasuke. She didn't want to. She was supposed to be past that now. It was just that every time she thought about a future, a family, it was always Sasuke's face she envisioned – her own little pink-haired, Sharingan-eyed children.

Of course that was ridiculous, and she knew it. She didn't even really want that. It had just been so ingrained in her mind for last decade. Giving up on it felt like giving up on a piece of herself. Was that Kakashi felt like? Was he giving up a piece of himself by letting go of the idea of ever settling down?

Sakura frowned, trying to envision what a future could look like for her. Sasuke was out of the question, but she had never really liked anyone else. Did that mean she was going to be alone forever, just like Kakashi?

"Don't frown like that. You'll get wrinkles."

Sakura looked up at Kakashi and realized that they were nearing the shore now. He had paused to look back at her and make sure she was still behind him before leaping off again.

A massive boat loomed in front of them and the bustling docks beneath it were filled with men carrying boxes and loading cargo. Of course Sakura realized that Mist was an island and that they'd have to take a boat to get there, but it hadn't really dawned on her until just now. Her frown deepened – she wasn't the biggest fan of boats, but she could manage.

"How long until we get to Mist?" Sakura asked, glad that Tsunade had sent Kakashi along with her because he seemed to always take care of the business side of things for her whenever they went on missions – a habit he had developed after being her sensei for so long, no doubt.

"Three days," he replied over his shoulder. "It should be nice and relaxing."

Sakura pursed her lips. Kakashi might find three days of doing nothing relaxing, but Sakura was the type who needed to keep busy.

They checked in at the docks and boarded the boat before making their way to their shared cabin. Sakura stared woefully at the two twin beds in all their rustic, unkempt glory. This was exactly a cruise liner, and their accommodations were less than luxurious, but Sakura had dealt with much worse.

There were still a couple of hours left until the boat took off and Sakura didn't intend to be on the boat for any more than she had to.

"I'm going to check out the dining quarters," Kakashi said, tossing his pack onto the bed nearest the tiny round window. "You coming?"

Sakura shook her head. "I think I'm going to go sit on the docks," she replied. "Maybe get my feet wet."

"Suit yourself."

/

The water was cool and the air was warm, so in spite of the somber nature of her mood Sakura was content. She swung her feet through the water, sending droplets up into the air. After spending so long moping in her bed, it felt nice to be outside again, to be doing something productive – or at least on the way to doing something productive.

In fact, she felt pretty optimistic. It had been a while since she'd been excited about her career, and this strange moss seemed like something that could be used for all kinds of things. Perhaps she could make some kind of herbal panacea, a cure-all. The possibilities were endless and she couldn't wait to get her hands on it and see what she could really do with it.

A gentle breeze whipped through her hair, bringing with it the scent of salt and sea and pine. She listened contentedly to the creaking wood of the boat, the bustling men behind her. A nice cup of chilled tea would be perfect now, she thought as she continued swishing her feet through the water.

Someone approached her from behind – she could hear the thudding footsteps against the dock. She didn't turn around immediately, assuming it was just Kakashi coming to check on her. The footsteps paused, and she realized that it wasn't her sensei, who would never have walked so loudly.

She turned to see her visitor and felt her jaw gape open at the sight of him. There was no mistaking that silvery hair, those coal black eyes. They were back behind their usual circle rimmed glasses now, but he somehow looked different.

"Kabuto…"

His expression was carefully neutral as he approached her and sat down next to her on the dock. She watched him remove his shoes and set them down in between them. His dunked his feet into the water next to hers and turned to give her a curious, almost pleasant look.

"I thought it was you," he mused. She was struck by how he looked younger, for whatever reason. His skin was smooth, his hair was shorter, and his eyes were wide. He looked happy – genuinely happy. "I don't know many other girls with pink hair."

"What are you doing here?" she blurted out, openly eying him up and down. She was blown away by the difference in his appearance. He no longer wore his headband, instead letting his bangs fall freely over his face. His hair wasn't tied back in a ponytail and had been cropped much shorter. He was Kabuto alright, but he definitely wasn't the same.

"Same thing as you, I imagine," he said, gazing out toward the sea. "You heard about the Mist moss, too?"

"How did you hear about that?" she demanded.

"I have my sources," he said cryptically.

Silence settled over them, and even though she knew it was rude, she couldn't help but stare at him. They hadn't parted on the friendliest of terms, and she tried not to think about him much if she could help it. She still felt guilty for everything that had transpired a year ago, so she tried to just forget it had ever happened.

Kabuto didn't seem to harbor any ill will toward her anymore. His gaze was soft as he tapped his fingers against the dock. His contentedness was a little off putting.

"You seem different," she said accusingly.

"I'm sure," he said, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.

Sakura's eyes narrowed with suspicion. She still needed to be wary of him, even though she felt perfectly comfortable in his presence. He seemed so docile now, pleasant, even. But that was how shinobi were. They were sneaky – especially a man like Kabuto, a spy.

"Ah, I remember how easy it always was to see your emotions," Kabuto said with the barest smile. "You don't have to worry – I'm not going to hurt you."

"I wasn't worried about that," she snapped. "You couldn't hurt me if you tried."

Kabuto kept his gaze off to the horizon as he stood up and picked up his shoes. "I'm sensing some hostility here," he said, shaking one foot and splattering droplets all over the dock and Sakura. "I think I'll keep to myself from now on. I just thought it was best that I informed you of my presence. I wouldn't want you to think I was spying on you or stalking you."

Sakura scoffed.

"You're not traveling all the way to Mist alone, are you?"

"Obviously a delicate flower like me can't travel alone," she said dryly. "Kakashi is with me."

"Then I guess I'll have to be on my best behavior."

Sakura glared at him, but judging by the comically goofy grin on his face, he was teasing her. She wasn't so sure she liked that.

/

Once Kabuto was out of sight, Sakura frantically made her way to the dining quarters. There was absolutely no way she trusted Kabuto and the idea of being trapped on a boat with him for several days was nauseating.

She spotted Kakashi in the corner, his head low as he munched quietly on some dried seaweed. Though he looked fairly casual, Sakura knew he was as alert as ever. She saw the minute way his visible eye widened when he saw her. He stayed perfectly still as she approached.

"We may have a problem," she said, grabbing a nearby stool and pulling it up to his table.

"Oh?" His eyes were now on the door instead of her.

"Kabuto is here," she said lowly. "He's coming to Mist, too."

Kakashi focused his eye back on her and tilted his head with curiosity. Not enough concern, Sakura thought. "Did he seem hostile?" he asked.

"Well, no," she admitted.

"Did he speak to you?"

"Yeah," she said fidgeting with her hands under the table. "I think he wanted to confirm that it was me. He said he wanted to alert me to his presence."

Sakura saw the muscles near his mouth adjusting, but beneath the mask she couldn't tell what kind of expression it was. His eye gave away nothing. "Did you ask him what he's been up to since Orochimaru's death?" he asked. "It's been a year since anyone's heard from him."

"I didn't ask."

"Do you think he would tell you if you asked?"

Sakura swallowed and looked down into her lap. "I don't think that's a good idea, Kakashi," she said quietly.

"Sakura…"

She didn't want to look up at his face, because like Kabuto said, it was hard for her to hide her emotions sometimes. She didn't want Kakashi to see her hesitancy, her fear. But something about the tone of his voice made her look up anyway.

"Are you afraid of him?" he asked, concern now etched on every visible part of his face. "You seemed pretty content to work with him before. He didn't try to hurt you, did he?"

"It's… it's complicated."

"How is it complicated?" he asked, his tone darker as he shifted in his seat, on higher alert now.

Sakura was silent and already feeling her face burning. Of course there was a sordid history she had with Kabuto, but she didn't want to have to explain that to Kakashi. It was embarrassing enough to admit to herself. Besides, it wasn't really the reason she felt so uncomfortable with Kabuto around. It was her nagging guilt that bothered her so much. How could she just casually ask Kabuto what he'd been up to all this time when the only reason he wasn't up to his usual business was because of her?

"Sakura?"

The boat groaned in her silence. She looked back toward the door, growing more and more nervous about the prospect of sharing the boat with both Kabuto and Kakashi together.

"Don't worry, Kakashi," she said, still avoiding his gaze. "It's nothing you need to be concerned about."

"That's not what you implied just a minute ago."

Sakura stood up abruptly, jostling the table. "I said don't worry about it," she said, not tersely, but curtly enough for him to know she was done with the topic of conversation.

She moved to leave, but Kakashi grabbed onto her arm. "Sakura, don't hide things from me that could put you in danger," he said. He sounded more concerned than reprimanding, but it annoyed Sakura all the same.

"I don't need a protector," she snapped. "You're only here because you were bored, not because I needed you."

Kakashi let go of her arm. Even though she couldn't tell from his face, she could see by his posture that her words had stung him. She felt another stab of guilt in her gut, which compounded terribly with the guilt she already felt. Still, she was irritated and just wanted to be alone.

She paused for a moment, waiting to see if Kakashi would attempt to pull more information out of her. He avoided her gaze and crossed his arms, so she took the opportunity to make her way back to their room.

/

Back in their room, Sakura sat curled up on the bed, her knees bent as she stared through the window. She couldn't see anything but the whiteness of the sky, but she could still hear the sounds of the dock.

She was immensely frustrated with her situation now. For as long as she could remember, Kakashi had always been a welcome presence. Though he'd probably loathe hearing it, she'd always thought of him as a bit of a father figure. She wondered if she made a mistake by not just telling him about what had happened with Kabuto all those months ago.

Even if she decided it was the right course of action now, the damage had already been done. On top of the whole prostitute thing, there was now something unbearable between them and she didn't find his presence so welcoming anymore. It was all her own fault – pressing herself into business and then denying him entry to hers.

She was the worst.

She had fucked up Kabuto's life, invaded Kakashi's privacy, and anyone who didn't hate her was all the way back in Konoha, probably mad at her for not saying goodbye.

She wished Ino had come instead of Kakashi. Or even Naruto.

With a sigh, she uncurled herself and sprawled out on the bed. She stared up at the wooden ceiling, angry with herself for this awful feeling that she had no one to blame for but herself.

The door creaked open and she didn't have to look to know that it was Kakashi. She rolled over onto her side, facing away from him. It was rude, and it made her guilt feel even worse. She just couldn't look at him right now. Maybe tomorrow after she'd had some time to stew for a little bit she could apologize to him.

His body came into view as he moved to sit on his bed. He faced her, his hands folded in his lap in a way that was very un-Kakashi-like. He was silent, but Sakura didn't look up at his face just yet.

"The boat is leaving soon," he said softly. "If you want to walk around on land before we take off, you'd better do it now."

Sakura didn't answer.

He sighed and stood up. She kept her eyes on his knees. He stood still for a moment, probably looking down at her, but she couldn't know for sure. Eventually, he made his way toward the attached washroom and shut the door behind him.

Sakura rolled over onto her stomach and screamed into her pillow.