Disclaimer: Naruto and all characters in the series belong to Misashi Kishimoto.

Star Gazing The music of hundreds of cicadas chirped as night cloaked the land. Their harmonious songs lulling the town of Konoha into a peaceful sleep. But for two shinobi, the cicadas seemed to be singing only for them. With a contented smile on her face, Haruno Sakura lay in the grass, watching the millions of sparkling stars in the sky. There could be nothing better than this, spending time with her favorite person as they gazed upon the stars. She turned her head to study her companion, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. "It's a beautiful night, isn't it Kakashi?" Kakashi turned his head, his lone eye crinkling in a smile. "Yes, it is." He opened his eye as Sakura turned her head back up to the sky. His eye roamed over her face, watching the stars reflect in her large emerald eyes and her rosy lips turn up in a wondrous smile. His heat beat faster in his chest, his breath constricting for a moment before he regained his composure. He averted his attention from the young woman, turning his eye back up to the stars. A lot had changed in the past few years. Sakura was no longer the innocent, naïve girl she used to be. She was now twenty-one, a woman in her own right. She had matured both physically and mentally, as all children did once they grew older. But Sakura has matured further than the rest of her age group. Heartbreak, sadness, and hopelessness could do that to a person. He knew, because he had been there.

Three years previous Sasuke had returned from the clutches of Orochimaru. The third Sannin had died in a vigorous battle between Sasuke and Naruto, once they had settled their childhood differences. Sasuke had been admitted back into the village, under strict guard and constant analysis. That night things had changed between the once teacher and student.

There had been a celebration for the defeat of Orochimaru, Sasuke being most recognized for his return and prowess. Kakashi had attended the celebration. He had kept his lone eye trained on the only occupant that wasn't celebrating, Sakura. He had to remain indifferent as Sasuke had led Sakura away from the crowd, into the dark. What seemed like an eternity later, though it was only a few minutes, Sasuke had returned alone. Upon seeing that Sakura hadn't returned he had gone to investigate only to find that she was no longer there.

Kakashi frowned as he thought about what had transpired next. He had found Sakura at their old training grounds, crumpled on the ground, face hidden in her arms. She had been sobbing harshly, trying desperately to stop the torrent of tears. He had wordlessly knelt in front of her. He had reached forward, curling a lock of her hair behind her ear. She had looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. He had felt his heart clench in pain. 'Sasuke does not deserve your tears. You deserve better.' Those softly spoken words had formed a bridge between their friendship, one that would be impossible to break.

He had cupped her cheek, wiping away her tears from her porcelain skin with his callused thumb. 'You're beautiful.' Sakura had launched herself in his arms, crying in both sadness and joy. He had cradled her against his chest, rubbing her back as his other hand trailed through her silky locks, whispering soothing words in a soft voice. After that fateful night she had come seeking him out almost everyday. He had welcomed and embraced her presence, but as the days had continued his heart had began to love.

Kakashi forcibly brought himself back from his memories. There was no reason to dwell on the past. Most everything had been forgiven between Sakura and Sasuke though she now had a barrier encompassing her heart. Almost untouchable by everyone; he was the only exception.

Sakura spoke. Her voice soft in the silent night, "Have you ever been in love?"

Kakashi, caught off guard for a moment, wondered what she was implying. "No, but I think I know what it's like."

Sakura was silent for a moment before speaking. "I thought I was in love once. But Sasuke shattered all the hope I had left. I want to feel real love, Kakashi." She was silent once again, her mind analyzing her words.

Kakashi smiled softly. "You will find that special someone. I know."

Sakura returned his smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You will too, Kakashi-kun."

"I already have." He stood, ignoring her curious expression as he helped her to her feet. "Come, I'll walk you home."

0o0

A lone person stood atop a hill, gazing into the distance as he waited. His lone eye scanned the forested terrain ahead but he could not see the one he was searching for. Sakura had gone on a mission to Sand a week before. She had been sent because the kazekage was sick. It wasn't her skills that worried him the most, he knew she could take care of herself. He had taught her. But what bothered him was the company she was with; Sasuke.

His heart twisted when he thought of the boy. He wasn't a boy anymore, but a grown man with needs. No matter how he reasoned with himself, he still didn't trust Sasuke. How could he when he had betrayed Konoha and almost killed his friend before? Sakura had been the exception to his murderous past, but he still felt unease. Sasuke was nothing if unpredictable. Mostly so since he came back from Orochimaru.

Suddenly movement in the distance sent his blood rushing with adrenaline. Three shapes moved through the night on silent feet. He couldn't make out their appearance from the dark, but he could feel that they were not enemies. He had had a lifetime of experience dealing with ninjas and he knew a bad from a good person. When they drew closer he hid himself in the tree him and Sakura would lay beneath. He flipped his headband up, revealing his Sharingan. Beneath his mask a frown turned into a joyous smile as he recognized the silky smooth look of cherry locks and sea green eyes.

He stayed in the tree, his breathing even as they came closer. As they reached the edge of the forest Sakura broke away from the other two and came towards him. She knew he was waiting. His heart hammered with excitement as her unique smell of vanilla and jasmine drifted towards him. As she came nearer he slipped behind the largest limb in the tree as he concealed his presence with a jutsu.

She ran swiftly forward, her muscled legs contracting and straining as she closed the distance between them. She knew he was there. He always was. Whenever she returned from a mission he always met her in the same place, their star gazing hill. A grin lifted the corners of her mouth as she felt his presence disappear. He was hiding from her. With a last leap she stood beneath the flowering tree, hands on her hips as she pretended to look for him. After a while she shivered as she felt a presence slip down from the tree and come to stand behind her. Warm hands engulfed her body, pulling her back towards a hard chest. Once he had embraced her he turned her about and repeated the action. A soft sigh escaped Sakura's throat as she returned the warmth he gave to her.

When they parted Sakura looked into his eyes. He always uncovered the Sharingan when he was around her. But she knew he would never use it on her. It was a symbol of their trust and faith in each other. There was an emotion in his coal eyes that she recognized often in her own. A devotion to the other that would last a lifetime and beyond when they greeted Kami in heaven.

"It's good to be home," Sakura said as she rested her head against Kakashi's steadily rising chest. His heartbeat lulled her into a sense of peace and contentment.

"I'm glad you're back. I was starting to think I might have to find you," he teased gently as he caressed her back through his fingerless gloves. When she pulled back he kissed her forehead gently.

"What makes you think I would have been late? I'm not like you Kakashi, though you seem to have gotten over your fear of being early." She sat beneath the tree, pulling her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. She patted the ground next to her before Kakashi joined her.

"I know, I know. My little kunoichi can take care of herself. She's growing up." He ruffled her hair fondly as he used to when she was a but a girl.

Sakura playfully smacked his hand away. "If you haven't noticed, I've been a women for six years now."

Kakashi's eyes roamed over her body, taking in her ample bosom and narrow waist. "Yes, yes you have."

She blushed and buried her burning face in her hands, away from his appreciative eyes. There were times when Kakashi looked at her with such lust and love that she felt she couldn't hold herself back. This was one of those time. After having a hard time returning from Sand she felt that every moment spent with Kakashi wasn't enough. She had seen killing and torture all of her life, but this was different. His love towards her was outstanding and something she wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Whenever she thought of him, she thought of the stars; forever twinkling in a black blanket of mystery whose love of the universe extended farther than you could see.

Before she knew what her actions were she leaned forward and took Kakashi's smooth face in her hands. She leaned forward until their lips, his blocked by his mask, was only a scant inch apart. Suddenly she realized her intentions and tried to jump back but was stopped with two strong hands cupping her wrists. She looked up to see Kakashi's eyes melting her on the inside with their love. "Don't…"

His lips connected with hers. A thrill rushed throughout her body like a lake being released from a dam. The slow movements of his lips upon hers made her knees weak as she leaned forward into the kiss. When they separated Sakura was left feeling utterly sated.

Another surprise awaited her as Kakashi took her hands once more into his own. "Will you marry me, Sakura."

With widened eyes she thought of his proposal. She loved him more than herself. Why shouldn't she? With tears of joy running down her face she kissed him. When she pulled away she continued to shout 'yes' until Kakashi had to shush her with more kisses.

A Valentine's gift from me to you, my dear readers. :D I hope you enjoyed it. I had started this one-shot about six months ago but never got around to finishing it. And since Valentine's day is coming up, tomorrow actually, I thought I would give my faithful viewers a story. Thanks for reading.