I am aware that some of the things in this story will be going against things that happen in naruto as I have yet to read the manga and while I know a fair few spoilers I have only seen episodes one through to twenty nine so far.

Author's Note: I must warn you that I occasionally phrase my sentences out of the norm, having been exposed to a number of writing styles. If it bothers you pretend I'm old, small, green with dusting of hair, pointy ears, a habit of kleptomania and am called Yoda.

Apolagies for any poorly spelled Japanese words, and inevitably poorly spelled English words, which I can pass on no blame to another on.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words I speak, not Yoda, nor any other Naruto ideas or characters, and sadly, also not own I do Kakashi.

No bishounen were harmed during the making of this fan-fiction.

Part I

The cold air brushed her side, dancing across the satin sheets, but she was not cold. Her mind drifted once towards consciousness, but upon finding herself still pressed warmly against his skin she drifted to sleep again, safe and sound.

He gently slipped away from her, a sad glance her way before he redressed, calming his thoughts before he slipped out the window and into the night, the light white curtains flitting lazily about in the breeze.

He was back a moment later, blue black hair framing his face, his mouth tightened in pain. He slipped the covers back over her shivering form and, as a last thought, kissed her lightly on her forehead, sealing the moment for ever.

Kakashi sighed softly to himself as he watched Sasuke leave from his perch on the telephone line. He understood all too well his student's need to accept what might be his last chance to forget his troubles and simply be loved for a time. he knew this and knew did not respect Sasuke any less for it, but his heart bled for Sakura, for he knew also all too well the pain she would feel.

Sasuke waited in the darkness for his sensei. It was oddly comforting to know he was late again as always. Kakashi made him feel safe, like a child's stuffed toy he was too old for. before he had not known of his need for the reassurance his teacher provided him with… and that of his team.

He knew Naruto would think him a coward at first, but he would understand.

He turned at the sound of footsteps. Kakashi had arrived, walking unhidden towards him for the first time. his sensei met his eyes after depositing his pack at his feet.

"I am late." He said simply.

"I know." Said Sasuke in much the same tone, a tired smile fitting the corners of his mouth. This was the familiarity he loved most of all the things his comrades provided him with.

The fore-head protector he held out to his friend glinted in the moonlight. Kakashi did not answer at first as he held it.

"Keep it with you always, even if you never again wear it." The gentleness in his voice held underlying affection. Sasuke looked from the proffered item to his teacher again. Kakashi understood.

"I will remember how you were willing to give me the thing most precious to you friend."

He smiled as he took it back from Kakashi. The man he respected most had freely acknowledged the trust between them. That was what he would remember forever. He took up his pack and looked back to his friend.

"Look after them."

"Always."

"Good bye Kakashi."

"Good bye Sasuke."

And he was gone.

Part I Finite.

Review if you're reading this, you need not write anything, the fact that you're reading this is enough.

Do not worry that Sasuke's absence will be unexplained, all will be known in due time.

I have already written Part II, it will be posted when I have written Part III, I have decided to adopt this as my writing procedure so in case a writers block temporarily stands the readers I can give them an offering to fend off the flames for a while as I get the next part completed.