Disclaimer: Photo not mine. Got it from google. Don't kill me.


Chapter 5

He could hear himself panting as he ran up another flight of stairs. Why was he even running? The girl had made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. He grabbed the railing when he almost tripped himself, letting out an embarrassing yelp. The halls were dark and the only source of lighting he had were the lights outside. Another flight of stairs and he could feel his lungs begging for air, he hadn't done any exercise for so long that a couple flights of stairs was already giving him hell. When he reached the top floor, his pace started to slow before settling into a full stop. He hunched over and had his hands on his knees as he tried to calm down his breathing.

He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. 'What the hell am I doing?'

Kakashi glanced up and stared at the open room on the end of the hall, light streaming into the darkness. He stood on his spot unsure what to do next.

"Damn it…" He crouched down and clutched his aching head. "I'm such an idiot."

He glanced up at the door again.

He had two options: one, go inside that room and make sure the girl who made it crystal clear that she wanted no involvement with him of any form or kind was okay and try to convince her to let him take her home or two, just turn around and go home, pretend not to have seen the text of the bane of his existence and just visit the household soon with a bottle of sake and a bouquet of flowers for the parents of said girl. He sat on the floor and pulled out his phone from his pocket.

8:03 P.M.

He groaned and ruffled his already messy locks. "I don't even know…"

With another look towards the open door he pushed himself up before turning around and walking to the opposite direction.

What he didn't expect was a very tired looking Sakura coming up from the stairway with a bunch of canned drinks in her arms. Kakashi cursed inwardly then bolted into one of the empty classrooms before the girl could even notice him. He stuck to the wall and dared not to breathe as he heard her footsteps growing closer.

'Crap!' He thought. Kakashi held his breath as the sound of her mumbling to herself, numbers and names reaching his ears as she went. His back slid on the wall as he collapsed on the floor with a relieved sigh as the girl passed his hiding spot with a muffled yawn and a grumble of annoyance. He heard the door close and breathed a sigh of relief as he slowly made his way out from his hiding spot.

"…That was close."

Scratching the back of his neck, the silver haired man exited the empty room and walked back to the direction of the stairs. He resisted the urge to look back when he heard the soft click of a door closing behind him and quietly reached the staircase. Kakashi reached for his phone once more and began formulating an excuse as to why he would not come home with a pink haired girl beside him.

"Maybe I'll get some of those sweet buns Haruno-san likes…" He mused with a small sigh as he made his way to the staircase. He was careful not to make any noise, knowing how keen the girl he left behind was so observant when it came to sensing people. He skimmed through his messages with bored stare; finding out his inbox was already full with spam and annoying ads.

"Who the hell wants a five foot tall plush—"The sound of books falling followed by a long string of curses that a high school girl should never use stopped him from even finishing his sentence. He glanced back to see the door slightly open and he could still hear Sakura cursing the gods above for whatever misfortune had befall her. He smiled and had to cover his mouth to prevent the laugh that bubbled from his chest. He could still her grumbling as the sounds of books being stacked reached his ears.

He glanced at his phone and back to the door again.

He sighed. "I'm going to regret this aren't I?"

Kakashi slowly made his way back to the end of the hall, his shoes barely making a sound. He was quiet as he slid the door open and smiled when he found the girl with her back facing him, muttering obscenities as she picked up the fallen books. "Fucking books..." She stood up and headed over to the bookshelf on the other side of the room, still giving no sign of noticing his presence. Kakashi closed the door behind him and looked around the messy office before landing on the girl using a stool to reach a box from the top shelf. He made a move to approach her bet froze in spot when she dropped the heavy box on the floor without remorse.

He coughed. "…Sa—"

"Naruto, if that's you and Sasuke hiding again I will be forced to suspend you from council duties again," She sighed and moved to another shelf. "I already told you two to go home and finish the budget reports, I don't want a repeat of last month's incident regarding the tennis club and Neji-senpai will—"She still hadn't looked at him and was moving around once again. Kakashi watched her continue to speak while she re-arranged files. Her eyes were focused on her work that she didn't even notice him sit down in front of her. He gave a small smile at her dedication and quietly listened to her lecture Naruto and Sasuke as she continued. "—have to punish you two again. He had to clean up your mess when the new equipment they requested for didn't arrive. You know how much work we have and we can't afford to lose any extra hands. The School festival will be held two weeks from now, I don't want you two missing in action. So please just…"

Her eyes finally met his.

Kakashi smiled. "Yo!"

"…Oh," She frowned, "It's you."

Kakashi feigned hurt. "How mean! Sensei just wanted to make sure that his cute little student gets home safely!"

Sakura glared and grabbed a stamp from her right. Kakashi almost jumped in surprise when she brought it down on her desk with unnecessary force. "Hatake-sensei,"

"H-Hai?"

She stared at him long and hard. "Hatake-sensei…" sigh. "Please go home."

"Hai…" He blinked. "…Eh?"

Sakura started to move about once more and he could only stare at her dumbly trying to process the words she had just said. "W-Wait… you're not mad at me?"

She didn't even turn to look at him as she spoke. "Hatake-sensei, I appreciate your concern but I still have no plans of going home yet," she gestured towards the boxes scattered near his feet. "I have three boxes of paperwork to finish and I have to finish them tonight. The council is already swamped with work especially with the school festival coming up and I don't want the others to be stuck doing budget reports."

'But you are?' He frowned. "Can't you just take them ho—? "

Sakura cut him off before he could even finish. "If I bring them home, I wouldn't even be given permission to touch them." She returned to her desk with another stack of papers and continued skimming through the stacks of papers on her desk. "Okaa-san doesn't like me bringing paperwork home and Otou-san worries that I'm over-working myself." She began sorting out her papers and Kakashi could only frown. "Besides, Okaa-san will force bed rest on me as soon I step into the house. I'd rather finish it now than work on it tomorrow. "

Her phone rang and she ignored it. Kakashi stole a glance on the device and frowned when he saw what was written.

25 unread messages and 12 missed calls.

"Aren't you going to answer that?" Her phone continued to ring.

She ignored him.

"Sakura… at least answer your phone."

"Ignore it."

Kakashi glanced at the clock. "It's almost nine. Your mother is probably worried sick."

"I already sent Okaa-san a text saying that I'll be home late."

"You know she doesn't like you sending her text messages."

"And you know the moment I answer that phone I will be forced to leave my work and head straight home."

He sat down with an exasperated sigh. "And ignoring her call makes your situation any better?"

"I'd rather have her be mad at me later than now."

He frowned. "You know your father doesn't like you staying out past your curfew."

"I already told Otou-san that I have council work."

His frown deepened. "And what did he say?"

"…I didn't read his reply."

He face-palmed. "Sakura… are you insane?"

She shrugged and continued skimming through her papers.

He eyed her cluttered table in distaste and flinched when she slapped his hand away when he tried to get a paper from her organized mess. Ow.

"You can't possibly finish all these before—"

Sakura placed a box on one of the tables in the room and grabbed a red marker. "I've already finished one box; I can finish the other two in no time," She wrote the word 'done' on the top and turned to him. "I'll be fine."

"Sakura…"

"Hatake-sensei…"She sighed. "The school festival is coming up and aside from club budget appeals I have to look over the booths each class had come up with and create a list of alternatives for the classes that had their ideas rejected. I also have to finish all of these tonight because tomorrow because there will be a meeting in the afternoon for all the class presidents to know their class' designations. Next week the whole council will be departing for a week long leadership training program with Ibiki-sensei. Ibiki-sensei had requested that I do the planning and scheduling for each activity because we would be having a joint camp with the student council of Suna High. I conversed with their student council president and agreed that we split the work evenly with the activities and to let the teachers handle the budget. After that—"

Sakura continued to list off everything she had to do for the week. Kakashi could only stare at her as she simultaneously worked and told him how she would have to organize an exhibition for the various sports team so that outsiders and possibly upcoming freshmen would see the wonders of Konoha's sport department as requested by Gai-sensei. She then went back to her duties of planning the leadership training program and he could only curse Ibiki in his mind for pushing all the work to Sakura. In his mind he wondered if his old friend Baki would be present as he heard the names Subaku, remembering the man's fondness of the student during his drunken rants. He watched her move about almost in a daze and jumped back in surprise when she dropped a box on her desk.

"I have work to do, so if you're not gonna help please leave me be to finish my work." She dropped a box in the trash bin and made her way back to her desk.

"If that's the case then…"

Sakura caught the defeat in his tone and hid a smirk when she heard him walking away. At lease now she could work in peace—

"Why is the basketball club asking more money for… food budget?"

Or not.

Sakura almost dropped the files she was holding and turned to glare at the man who still refuses to leave her alone only to see the man in question sitting on the lounge with an opened box of budget appeals. He was concentrated on the paper he was holding and he didn't even bother to glance her way when she stalked near him.

"What are you doing?"

Kakashi slipped the basketball club's money appeal to his 'not gonna happen side' and began rummaging inside the box once more. "Helping you get your work done… But seriously… snack budget?"

Sakura frowned. "Hatake-sensei, you don't have to do that I'm perfectly capable of—"

"Ah! I see the archery club is in need of new bows… isn't Hyuuga-kun in the archery club?

Her frown deepened. "Hatake-sensei, just go home. I can do—"

"Lee-kun? Huh, seems like the Judo club is moving onto nationals! Gai must be proud."

Sakura tried to take the box away from him only to have him turn away from her.

"Hmm… Ebisu's kids are sure demanding with their books huh?"

"Hatake-sensei!"

Kakashi stopped and looked up to the girl. Her face was red in anger as her hands fisted the material of her skirt. He slowly stood up and opened his mouth to try and calm the seething girl but simply shut his mouth when she threw a pencil case to his chest. He didn't even try to dodge it. He was so shocked by the situation that he didn't even know what to do. He had never seen the girl raise her voice and yet here he was being the cause of it all. He didn't know what to do.

"…Saku—"

"Leave!"

He frowned. "Sakura I'm only trying to help…"

"I don't need your help!" She grabbed a roll of tape from her desk and threw it at him.

He cringed when it hit him but made no move to do as she says. "You're being unreasonable—"

"I said leave!" She made a move to grab her things but her vision blurred and she found herself falling. She grabbed the edge of her desk to keep herself steady and clutched her aching head with her free hand.

"Sakura!"

She held up a hand to keep him from getting closer.

"I'm f-fine…" She tried to stand upright but only managed to make her situation worse.

"You obviously aren't!" He moved to help her steady herself but was pushed back the moment he got close. "What the…Sakura!"

"Don't touch me!" She glared at him. "I told you I'm fine, just… just a bit dizzy... I'll be okay if I just sit… down…"

Kakashi caught her before she hit the ground.

"Try telling me that without collapsing you little brat!" He sighed as he cradled her limp body close to his. Her face was flushed and her breathing was labored, he could tell that her temperature was up without even having to touch her forehead. "Damn it Sakura… listen to your mother more often will you?" He hoisted her up and carried her bridal style to the couch on the far corner of the room he took off his coat and draped it over the sleeping girl. Grabbing her bag from the corner he carefully tucked her head and made a make-shift pillow to help her get more comfortable.

He sat down on the floor next to her sleeping form and groaned.

"What am I going to do with you…?"

Kakashi glanced at the watch and saw that it was almost nearing ten in the evening. He pulled out his phone and began to dial a familiar number. It didn't even pass three rings when Haruno-san picked up. As expected she was a nervous wreck, worrying about her daughter. The woman was talking at such a fast pace that he could barely even make word out from what she was saying. "H-Hana-san…" He tried to get in a word but the woman kept talking. He thanked the gods when the phone was finally taken from her and the calm voice of Haruno Satoshi reached his ears.

"Kakashi? Is Sakura with you?"

"A-Ah… Haruno-san, as a matter of fact she is." He laughed nervously and loosened his tie, finding it hard to talk all of a sudden. "She's with me and I'll see to it that she gets home—"

"DON'T BOTHER!" Hana-san's voice cut off. "THAT GODDAMN BRAT IS FUCKING BANNED FROM THIS HOUSE UNTIL I SAY SO!"

Beep.


Satoshi stared at his wife. "Dear…"

Hana smiled at her husband and kissed him on the cheek. "How about some tea and cakes before bed hmm?"

"Dear you banned our only daughter from our home."

"Don't be silly, Toshi-kun!" Hana giggled. "Her future husband is with her so it's fine."

Satoshi sighed. "…I know I've already accepted the thought but please don't force it upon them so early in their (if you could call it a) relationship."

"Oh honey," She kissed his cheek. "Shut up."


Kakashi stared at his phone.

"…What?"

Okay.

He was not panicking.

He could do this.

All he needed to do was breathe.

And think.

At the same time,

Breathing is important.

The brain needs oxygen to properly function. Kakashi stood up and began to pace. "This is not good."

Sakura didn't even turn in her sleep as he started coming up with ideas on how to break the news of her mother banning her from entering their home. "Hey Sakura, you're mother doesn't want you to come home so I guess you'll be staying with me tonight—unless of course you want to stay at a friend's house w-which of course you will because you don't want to stay with me and that's perfectly understandable—" Sakura coughing was what stopped him from flipping out. He rushed to her side and tried to have her sit up a bit more so she could breathe more only to worry even more finding out that her temperature was rising.

He needed to keep her cool.

He excused himself and brushed her bangs away, promising that he would be back. He found a clean towel in her bag and headed to the bathroom situated near the end of the hall. He soaked the white cloth with cold water and wrung it, making sure he wouldn't make a mess as he went back inside.

"Okay… She's asleep. I'm sure that I can carry her home…"

He mumbled going through possible scenarios of getting the pink haired girl into a better environment. He thought about taking her to the hospital but knowing Sakura, she would just kick up a fuss about wasting money. Naruto and Sasuke was out of the question, he never had a good relationship with the Uchihas and Naruto lived alone. He could call one of her female classmates but that would mean touching her phone. Lord knows how that will end and he'd rather not risk it.

He dipped the towel in cold water once more and wrung it out. "Okay I think this should do," He exited the bathroom and frowned when he heard voices coming from the student council room."I swear to god… Sakura!"

He slid the door open and glared at the pink haired girl who was coughing up a storm on her place on the couch. A box of paperwork was near her feet and some papers were scattered on her lap. She didn't even glance his way when he walked up beside her. She was talking to someone on the phone, carefully laying out instructions to what she wanted to happen. Her voice was calm and steady, no trace of discomfort evident. It was clear that she didn't want whoever was on the phone to worry. Kakashi crossed his arms in annoyance and stared her down.

"Yes, I can do it tonight. I've finished outlining the event schedule but…' The voice on the other line seemed to hesitate. 'Are you sure you're alright? It's not like you to pass work onto others—Not that I'm complaining, we all know you need a break but this is really out of character… Are you okay Sakura?"

Sakura shook her head with a fond smile. "Yes, I'm fine senpai… It's just that I have a bit of a headache…" She staggered a bit and Kakashi had to hold her steady so she wouldn't collapse again. She glared at him daring to say anything and compromise her situation even more. "…Neji-senpai, I've already finished a box from the club budget appeals but I—"

"Got it, be sure to drink plenty of water and head to bed early. I'll handle the rest," Neji sounded tired but his voice was stern. "And take it easy for awhile okay? We're here to help you Sakura. You don't have to finish all of it by yourself."

"Yeah… Sorry."

"Don't apologize. Just go to sleep and be sure to call Hinata in the morning. She's been bugging me the moment you called but I know you need rest more."

"I will, tell her I love her and not to worry so much."

"She heard it. Goodnight Sakura."

"Goodnight senpai."

Sakura ended the call and leaned back with a heavy sigh. "…Happy?"

Kakashi had to smile at that. "Very." He deposited the white towel on her forehead and she squeaked in surprise at the sudden cold temperature. "Put that on your head and lie down. I'll clean up a bit."

"You don't have too… I can—"

"Sakura." His tone said it all.

She sent him a withering look before lying down once more and adjusting the towel so it also covered her eyes. Kakashi smiled, seeing her finally calming down and went about arranging papers on her work desk occasionally asking her where something went and she would reply with small grunts or simply point over to the direction. He was beginning to get annoyed by the amount of papers he had to sort and didn't fail to voice out his opinions to the resting pink haired girl. Sakura hummed in agreement and laughed when he stumbled upon the rejected club appeals and complained how some students were being ridiculous.

"It can't be helped. Ever since Sarutobi-sama approved the rule of any club being allowed to be established, students got crazy with their ideas." She mumbled, but Kakashi heard it perfectly and snorted in annoyance.

"Well you won't see me signing a club form for… maid-sama appreciation club."

Sakura laughed but ended up coughing and waved her hand in dismissal when he asked if she was alright. Kakashi assured her that he would be finish soon and he would accompany her home.

"Okaa-san banned me from the house though…"

Kakashi froze from his place at the bookshelf. "Ah… You heard that…"

"It might be the fever but I thought I heard her screaming somewhere…" Sakura removed the towel from her face and stared at the ceiling. "Did you call her?"

"I did, I wanted to tell her that you were running a fever and that I'll just drop you home but your mother had other plans…"

"I see…" Sakura sighed and closed her eyes. "Well it can't be helped."

Kakashi smiled nervously. "Maybe we can convince her—"

Sakura snorted.

Kakashi blinked. Did she just… snort?

"Tough luck. Okaa-san can be a bitch when she's pissed as fuck. I mean seriously one time she went fucking ballistic when Otou-san accidentally spilled some sake on the couch."

Okay this is not normal. Kakashi blinked. "Sakura…are you feeling alright?"

Sakura barked out a laugh. "Ha! Let's see… I haven't slept in days, the last meal I had was an orange for breakfast, I had to beat down a whiny ass senior and now I can barely even stand without fucking collapsing without the help of a perverted middle-aged man who can't even get rid of his floozies without my help."

Kakashi cringed. "Okay… It must be the fever talking but I'm taking you home."

"I'm banished 'member?"

"I'm sure Hana-san will un-banish you when we get you home."

"She won't. My father had to sleep outside when he couldn't remove the sake stain from the couch. Corporal punishment if you will."

He groaned. "I guess I can help you check into a hotel—"

"Why? Weren't you going to let me stay with you?"

Kakashi blinked. Okay. She did not just suggest that. "Sakura… wouldn't you rather stay in a hotel?"

"Why would I?"

Kakashi stuttered. "B-But don't you hate—I mean what would the neighbors think!?"

Sakura shrugged. "The landlady already knows me and I've always told your neighbors I was a distant cousin. I don't think It'd be much of a problem."

"No, no. If you're worried about the money I'll pay for it—"

"No." She sat up from the couch. "It's a waste of money, plus your house is closer to mine so I'd just walk home tomorrow."

"But…"

"Nu-uh" She stood up swaying slightly. "It's decided. Let me just go grab my bag and…"

She was falling again.

"Damn it Sakura!"

...

He ended up carrying her on his back.

Kakashi sighed and glanced at the sleeping girl draped over his shoulder. How did this end up like this? All he wanted was a civil conversation with her. Reconcile then live the rest of their lives as teacher and student.

Okay he didn't want to be just teacher and student. He wanted his pinkie back in his life and he wanted her now. It's not like he didn't like the person she became, it's just that it would be nice if they can talk like they used to and spend some quality time together every now and then. He wouldn't also mind that her glares lessens and the infliction of bodily harm be removed from their so-called relationship.

Kakashi sighed.

Yeah like that was going to happen.

Sakura began to stir from her place on his back and he stopped walking for a moment making sure she was fine. When she made no indication of waking up, he re-adjusted her position so that she would be more comfortable before walking once more. He had to smile remembering the many times he would carry her like this when she was younger. Sakura would always demand a piggy-back ride from him during her 'princess time' and he would always happily comply. He remembered the two of them getting into character and she would always love it when he played the knight in shining armor.

Kakashi chuckled. "Your carriage awaits, milady."

"I remember that."

Kakashi almost dropped her. "S-Sak—"He sighed. "You're awake…"

Sakura hummed and rested her cheek on his back. "You were such a cool knight." She mumbled.

"Ha… I'm not sure about cool."

She hummed once more. "You're right… you always loved wearing the eye-patch… more of a pirate though."

Kakashi chuckled. I like fever induced Sakura. "Maybe I got it from a jousting tournament or something. An opponent could've gauged my eye out."

"Mm… maybe."

They were already on the ground floor and Kakashi could make out the parking lot from the dim lights outside. He glanced at her once more. "Feeling better?"

"…A bit."

"We're almost to the car."

"…Can I get some water later?"

"It'll be a few more minutes until we get home but I guess we could stop by the convenience store for awhile."

"The one next to the park?"

Kakashi smiled. "Yeah… The one where we used to get ice-cream all the time,"

"I'd like that… ice-cream." She began coughing once more.

Kakashi laughed. "The ice-cream will have to wait though, for now let's get you some water and throat lozenge."

"Yes please."

He laughed once more and they reached the car. Sakura tried to struggle when he went and opened the backseat door but soon surrendered when he told her that she would be more comfortable if she had more leg-room. She nodded but there was a small frown on her face. He grabbed his bag from and hers so that he could put it in the passenger seat. The car ride was quiet, he would glance at the girl behind through the rear-view mirror and he would see her smothering a cough with a handkerchief. Kakashi glanced at his radio but decided against playing anything knowing Sakura had a massive headache. He thought about starting up a conversation seeing as she was yet to push him away but decided against it. It wouldn't do him good to push his luck too much the night that she had finally spoken to him in a civil manner. He made a turn and thanked the gods that there was little traffic tonight. He made another turn and almost sighed in relief when he saw the familiar street leading to a familiar convenience store.

"Ah… we're here."

Kakashi nodded at the girl and made a move to turn off the ignition. "I'll be right back."

Sakura nodded and pulled his jacket tighter around her body. "I'll be here."

Kakashi sent her a small smile before making his way towards the convenience store. It was when the door closed behind him that he sighed in such an exasperated manner that the man behind the cashier jumped in surprise. Kakashi sent him a withering look before heading over to the drinks section. He grabbed a couple of water bottles and eyed the brown bottles of cold hard beer with longing. "…Next time." He promised. The walk back to the cash register was horrible and he had to thank his mother when he remembered that Sakura had dropped of some leftovers from his parent's home when he thought about food.

"Will that be all sir?"

Kakashi looked up at the nervous face of the young man in front of him, then read his nametag. 'Naoya'. "…Cough drops."

"O-Of course," Naoya smiled nervously and grabbed a packet from behind the counter. "…Rough day?"

Kakashi sighed. "Rough wouldn't begin to cover it."

"A-Ah… That would be 500 Yen."

Kakashi shrugged and pulled out his wallet. He eyed the rack of candy and grabbed a packet of gum knowing he couldn't smoke in front of the young girl. Naoya began punching in the numbers and Kakashi let his eyes wander around the empty store. His eyes landed on the freezer near the exit, smiling at the memory of him carrying Sakura so that she could pick a flavor of ice scream she wanted.

"U-Umm sir."

"Hmm?"

"I-Is that your car outside?"

"Yeah why?" Kakashi lazily glanced outside.

"The backseat door has been open for quite awhile now."

"SHIT!"
Kakashi didn't even bother grabbing the plastic bag on the counter and ran out the store ignoring Naoya's distress about his purchase. He had to dodge a speeding cyclist when he crossed the road. When he reached his, he found that the kid was actually telling the truth. Sakura was gone. He saw their bags still in the passenger seat but saw no signs of the pink haired girl. He examined the door and felt relieved when he saw no signs of breaking in. Kakashi slammed the door close before looking around for anything that could tell her where the girl went. Kakashi went back to the convenience store and found no one inside except for the clerk. Said clerk began gesturing to his items and for him to pay, but he ignored him in favor of searching for the girl.

"Damn it Sakura!"

The park.

Kakashi remembered about her talking about it and made a turn towards the community lot. It was dark and only a couple of lampposts were situated around the area but Kakashi knew exactly where to go. Even after all these years, their park remained the same.

He could see little Sakura running in front of him laughing, taunting him to catch her as they played. Kakashi passed a familiar set of swings and chuckled at the memory of Sakura falling face first into the dirt when she tried copying him by swinging standing up. He passed the fountain where he fell more than a couple of times when he and Sakura would meet up, with him arriving more than twenty minutes late. The girl would scold him, tears in her eyes then promptly push him in the fountain and he allows her to do so just to make her feel better. He passed the giant sandbox where they would always play castles and princesses with him being the knight.

And then he saw it.

The big tree that they would always meet upon afterschool; His steps slowed and he approached the tree with caution. It had been so long since he went here and he can't help but smile sadly at the nostalgia that washed over him. He walked up the small hill and sighed. "It's been awhile…"

He touched the bark, admiring the rough texture. He always regretted not coming down here, but there were so many memories with him and her together in this place that it never felt right for him to go alone. He laughed a hollow one. She hates me though.

Kakashi sighed and sat down on the soft grass, leaning his back to the tree as he would always do while he waited for her.

"…Sorry I left the car."

Kakashi stared at the leaves above. "It's okay… just promise me you'll never do that again."

"Sorry…" Sakura murmured from her place at the other side of the tree. "I just…"

She didn't say it, but Kakashi knew what she wanted to say. After all, he felt the same way. She missed this place. "Yeah,"

A cool breeze passed them and Kakashi had to remember that she was running a fever. He asked her if she wanted to leave but she quietly asked him if they could stay for just a bit more. He reluctantly agreed and stretched his legs out, getting comfortable. "Okay… But only for a bit more."

The silence was unnerving. He wasn't sure if it would be okay to start a conversation when clearly she wanted silence. He fiddled with his tie, hoping to relieve boredom only to remember that his jacket was with the pink haired girl. The night was cold but warm enough that she could survive with his coat. He spotted a vending machine near a park bench and asked if she wanted anything to drink. She made a sound of affirmation but didn't give any specifics on what she wanted. Kakashi got up and slowly made his way to the brightly lit machine.

He fished out some change from his pocket and stared at the choices.

"…What the hell am I doing?"

He sighed and crouched down. He faintly remembered doing the same thing awhile ago before this whole fiasco even started. He groaned and glanced at the clock tower situated in the middle of the playground.

10:03 p.m.

It's late. He thought. "I should probably get her home…"

He stood up and made the safe choice of hot green tea and grabbed a can of black coffee for himself. The walk back was quiet and he could faintly see Sakura still sitting behind their big tree. His feet made a crunching noise as he walked through patches of grass and dead leaves. He was about to call out her name but it died down in his throat when he heard sniffling.

"…I bought you some tea." His voice was barely above a whisper and he had to strain his ears to hear the small thank you that she gave when he sat down beside her.

She had her knees tucked under her chin and she hugged them close to her chest. She was wearing his dark coat but it was too big on her, with the sleeves going past her fingertips. She was still crying and Kakashi had no intention of bringing it up unless she wanted to do it on her own. He placed the can near her feet and went on drinking his own.

"…I'm sorry."

Kakashi glanced at her. "You don't have to apologize… I mean, I did leave you in the car—"

"Not that…" She cut him off, wiping her tears away with her, well his, sleeve. "I'm sorry for ignoring you... and being such a bitch to you."

"…Oh." He didn't know what to say to that. "…Yeah,"

"But I really did hate you."

Ouch. "Huh…" Kakashi leaned back and stared up at the starless sky. "Can I ask why?"

"No."

Well that wasn't fair. "Why not?"

"It's just that… I don't know the reason why as well."

Kakashi didn't have a reply to that.

"Maybe…" Sakura held the can of tea in both hands. "Maybe it's because you changed."

He laughed at that. "Hate to burst your bubble but you were the one who changed first."

She shook her head. "No… You probably didn't realize it but you were the first to change." She still held the can, staring at anywhere but him. "It all started when you stopped playing with me I think."

Kakashi blinked "…You hated me for not playing with you?"

"Petty… I know." She laughed. "But you have to understand, I was eight. Kakashi-kun who had always played with me had no time for me anymore. He had other friends now that he could play with. Kakashi-kun has to study more to get into a good college, he has no time for a middle-school brat—"

"Wait… You thought that I—"

"Kakashi-kun has responsibilities now and should not be bothered…" Her voice quieted down and Kakashi held his tongue.

'She… She felt that way all this time?'

"I thought that 'Kakashi-kun is so nice for playing with me… but Kakashi-kun is a grown-up now.'" She laughed, albeit sadly. "I shouldn't get in his way now… Kakashi-kun wouldn't want to play with a little kid, so I have to grow up faster so that Kakashi-kun would want to spend some time with me again."

A tear fell down from her eye and she didn't even bother wiping it. "It was wishful thinking though… I studied hard, did my best in sports, and became someone anyone could rely on" She smiled. "Adults praised me for being such a mature child despite my age and for a moment I was happy." Her voice grew confident. "I was happy with teachers praising me with my work, I was happy when Tsunade-sama told me I was one of her best students, I was happy when I became the youngest council president and… I was happiest when I got into the high school you were teaching in."

"Sakura…"

She shook her head. "Remember that time at the restaurant? When our families got together and we celebrated my entrance to high school?"

Kakashi remembered. It was at that night that she made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. "…Yeah."

"I was excited that night." She grinned. "I was so excited to tell you that I got accepted into high school and show you how much I grew up!" She laughed. "I got dressed up, had mom do my hair and I called Ino to help me with my make-up. I wanted to tell you personally all the things I had done just to make it seem like I was a level higher than the others that you would later call students… but you were so far away."

Kakashi frowned. "What are you—"

"We celebrated your promotion that night as well, remember?"

"Oh… that."

"When Hatake-san brought it up… I was so ashamed." She covered her face with her hands. "I thought 'Of course…for every step I take he was twenty steps ahead.' I was so embarrassed! I finally thought that it was something I could be proud of and finally be able to stand next to you… but I remembered that I would never be able to do that because I was just a kid—"

Kakashi grabbed her head and forced her to look up.

"W-Wha!?" Sakura's face showed shock even through the tears streaming down her face.

"Shut up."

"W-Wha—"

"Shut up and listen to me." Kakashi stared her in the eye and glared. "I've always been proud of you. Without you even telling me I've always known the success and praises you've gathered during the times we were apart. You don't know how much I bragged you to Genma and others for all the accomplishments you've done. If anything I'm the one embarrassed to be seen by you. You were the one everyone relied and you were the one that everyone praised. Never think of yourself to be lesser than me because I am nothing but a twenty four year old bachelor who lives alone, is constantly late and is accused of being a chronic pervert."

"B-But I'm…"

"And don't think I'm not pissed at you."

Sakura blinked. "Huh?"

"I sat here for five minutes listening to your side of the story and the only thing that processed in my mind was that you pushed me away because you wanted to be with me?"

Sakura blushed. "N-Not like that!"

Kakashi glared. "Oh don't you dare try to excuse yourself now. You're telling me that you hated me because I wasn't there to play with you!?"

"T-That's not—OW!" He flicked her forehead in a painful manner.

"This is why I call you a brat!" He yelled. "Don't decide by yourself to just cut me out of your life just because I missed some play dates!"

Sakura turned red in anger and pushed him away. "Then what was I supposed to do huh!? Mope around, just waiting for you to notice me?"

"It's better than pushing me away when you really wanted to be with me! What are you a tsundere!?"

"T-Tsun—!?"

"Oh and did it ever cross your mind to just talk to me about this? Huh?"

"It's not that simple!"

"Really now?" He glared. "How hard is it to just come up to me and tell me how you really feel?"

"Y-You—!" Sakura blushed. "You're so immature!"

"Immature!? Who's the one who isn't being honest here?"

Sakura started tearing up again.

"Oh no! You're not going to cry and make me feel guilty!" He pinched her cheeks. "You're equally responsible here!"

"Shut up!" Sakura swatted his hands away and curled into a ball of embarrassment. "Leave me alone!"

Kakashi yelled out in frustration and collapsed on the ground with an angry yell. "You're impossible!"


"…I'm sorry for grabbing your head and pinching your cheeks."

Sakura and he was sitting on the park bench near the vending machines. Kakashi passed her another can of green tea just because the other one got cold from all the… emotions that were flying around during their so called confrontation awhile ago.

"…I deserved it."

Kakashi sighed. "You didn't. I was just…overwhelmed with the whole thing and let my emotions get the better of me."

Sakura stayed quiet and drank her tea.

"So… you like me huh?"

She then spat it out.

"W-Wha—What are you saying!?" Her face was red and she turned to the stoic male beside her. "I-I don't!"

Kakashi raised a brow in question. "Really? I was sure you were in love with me, what with the way you told you story of 'wanting to be with me'"

"Y-You…! Don't just jump into conclusions on your own!"

Kakashi laughed. "Ha… Sorry. That was a bit conceited of me."

"It was." Sakura blushed and looked away taking a sip of her drink once more.

"Okay…" Kakashi got up from his seat and stood in front of her. "Punch me."

Sakura almost choked on her drink. "W-Wha… Have you gone crazy!?"

"Nope." Kakashi grinned. "But it's only fair seeing I hurt your face. A man should never hit a girl."

Sakura stared at him. "…You're being serious aren't you?"

"Of course!" Kakashi grinned and stood up even straighter. "Punch me in the gut or something."

Sakura sighed. "You're so weird."

"Punch me!"

Sakura stood and adjusted his coat around her. "You sure about this… people told me I punch quite hard."

Kakashi winked. "Even the more reason you should."

Sakura sighed once more and got into a stance that would surely promise pain. Kakashi gulped and closed his eyes when she drew her fist back. She warned him that she was going to punch him now and tried his best to relax his whole body knowing it would hurt more if he resisted the force.

But all he felt was a light tap.

He slowly opened his eyes. "Sakura…?"

Her face was flushed red and her hand was still balled into a fist. She refused to meet his eyes but she grabbed onto the material of his shirt and pulled him closer.

"I…love you"

Kakashi frowned. "Sakura…"

"I really do love you."

He sighed and patted her on the head. "Sakura… you know I can't go out with you."

She started sniffling but slowly nodded her head. "I know… I didn't expect you to, but I just wanted to be honest for once."

He pulled her into a hug and patted her on the back comfortingly. "Thank you."

"But I still do love you."

He smiled. "I know."

"Do you love me too?"

He pulled away. "…Sakura."

She laughed and wiped the tears away. "Ha. Sorry for pushing my luck."

He smiled at her. "Sorry kid but I'm not interested in going out with little kids."

She started tearing up again, but the smile stayed. "I know…"

Kakashi stared at her for a long while.

She blinked. "W-What?"

He sighed. "You know what?"

Sakura threw him a confused look but quickly melted into a surprised one when he pulled her close to him with a cheeky smile. "H-Hatake-sen—mmh!"

He kissed her.

Sakura turned red and before she knew it, he was already pulling away. "W-Wh—"

Kakashi grinned and kissed her on the forehead. "Sorry."

Sakura blushed once more and squeaked in surprise when he lifted her up and began walking away. "Y-You said you couldn't go out with me!"

Kakashi nodded. "That's right I can't. The law strictly forbids me to have any form of romantic relationships with minors."

"T-Then—"

"Then we should just go get married to avoid any conflict!" He said that in a tone too happy that Sakura was beginning to question who the sick one is right now.

"M-Marriage?"

"That's right! So let's go to your house so that I can properly ask for your parents' approval."

"S-Sensei!?"

Kakashi stopped walking and stared at her in the face. "Is that anyway to call your future husband?"

Sakura glared despite the blush. "Y-You're insane!"

Kakashi raised a brow in question. "You're rejecting me?"

She seemed shock for a moment before closing her mouth and slowly shaking her head no.

Kakashi grinned. "It's agreed then!"

He carried her the whole way back to the car.

End


Hi.

Um. Yeah I finished it. (is it a bit rushed though?)

Also. I'm not dead.

Bye.

Review please !