A relationship that had begun when a certain kunoichi was of age, Sakura had just turned 20 when her and her former sensei Kakashi began a romantic and sexual relationship. A relationship that was taboo from the start due to ancient bylaws. Bylaws that attempted to protect students and teachers from only thinking about the other and risking everything for the one in the middle of a war, when they should be focused on all.

Fight fear for the selfish pain, it was worth it every time

3 years of hiding, 3 years of secrets and 3 years of lies. Sakura was tired of it. Sakura wanted to go public and just face any kind of punishment that would be dealt out.

Kakashi wanted none of that, he didn't want to risk it, the judgement that would come with it. The dishonor he would bring to a name his father had already long dishonored, he had just finally rebuilt that reputation and he wasn't going to ruin it for some kunoichi. Even if she had a perfect smile, or if the way her laugh lit up rooms, the way her cherry blossom colored hair bounced at each step, the way her chest moved as she breathed, the way her tongue danced across his collar bone on long nights, or the way her soft hands felt against his scarred body. Sucking in a breath Kakashi had just started packing for an S rank mission he had been dealt hours prior, he had to leave soon and instead of spending what few hours he had left in Konoha, Sakura wanted to argue with him "Sakura I said no. Do you not understand what would or could happen? I could be stripped of every achievement, every rank and every honor I earned. I could be forced into retirement with nothing to show for it. And if the council saw fit? I could be sentenced to death! It's not a risk I am willing to take! You're my student Sakura, how do you not see how utterly fucked up this is?"

If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?

Sakura had stood there arguing for what felt like the hundredth time with him but for some reason this time felt different, listening to his words it almost felt like his words were knives carving deeper and deeper into her back "Was Kakashi, I was your student… I haven't been your student in a very long time" Sakura softened her voice as she looked down, her hands trembled "I doubt Naruto would allow you to be stripped of any titles or put to death. He sees you as a father figure Kakashi and now is the perfect time to come out about this, he's Hokage now and he's the decision maker. It isn't Danzo's world anymore or the council's world. Those days died with Madara and with Danzo." A loud chime from downstairs signaled it was time for Kakashi to leave, the clock had struck 3PM, for once Sakura thought Kakashi would be on time. Everything in her chest tightened, she didn't want him to go, not yet. There was so much she still wanted to say "Kashi…."

If our love is insanity, why are you my clarity?

Kakashi had spent so much time arguing he almost didn't finish packing on time when the clock downstairs chimed signaling it was 3PM and time for him to head out if he wanted to be on time to the front gate. Letting out a deep sigh he grabbed his navy-blue mask, sliding it over his neck and letting it hang around his neck for a moment he zipped his duffle bag up, grabbed his weapons bag and looked at Sakura for half a second.

Don't speak as I try to leave 'cause we both know what we'll choose

If you pull, then I'll push too deep and I'll fall right back to you

The look on the woman before him almost caused Kakashi to drop everything, the way her emerald eyes stared at him with tears threatening to fall if he said another word, Kakashi just wanted to hold her and tell her he would do anything to make her happy. Kakashi adjusted his mask and secured his standard issued Leaf headband and finally zipping up his forest green Jonin vest and slipping his shoes on "-Kura, we will talk when I get back. I love you" Kakashi took that moment to rush out the open window of his apartment, hoping no one would see Sakura when she tried to leave later that night, if she left at all.

Hold still right before we crash 'cause we both know how this ends.

The wet fall weather soon turned into a cold winter freeze, Kakashi had been on his scouting mission for the last 2 months. He was tasked with finding the last remaining White Zetsu, every so often he would send 2 of his hounds to the leaf with updates. One to Naruto and one to Sakura, one hound let Naruto know more in depth how things were going, and one hound just gave Sakura a short simple "yes I'm alive stop worrying" update. Sometime during the mission Kakashi decided once he got back, he was going to talk to Naruto, he was going to go public. Marry Sakura and have a family with her.

Kakashi would never actually get that chance.