A/N: I am so sorry for the extremely long wait. I've been incredibly inactive these few days because I was sick. I'm better know, so here's the 4th chapter of 'Growing Feelings!'

Kakashi stared at Sakura in complete shock.

He was dumbfounded, so say the very least. Too many emotions were running through his head at the same time in order to comprehend them all.

Kakashi was propped up on one arm, Sakura beside him, sitting on her knees. She was looking down at the floor, her face seemed pained, yet a slow blush was appearing, probably from embarrassment.

As Kakashi was sorting through his thoughts, a slow smile appeared on his face. Then it turned into a happy chuckle.

Sakura likes me, huh? And all this time I was worried she wouldn't fall for an old sensei like me!

He immediately felt his ego rise and himself feel extremely cocky. Looking back at Sakura, he still noticed she wasn't looking at him, but at the floor.

She was looking really ashamed and embarrassed an upset frown on her pretty features that still made her cute. She was probably worried that he didn't return her sentiments.

Kakashi felt that he needed to show her that he liked her too.

….

Damn! Sakura thought to herself. I'm such an idiot! He was probably going to say something like I think of you like a little sister or daughter … not something like a lover!

She heard him chuckle.

He's laughing at me now. Any second he's going to go, "I'm an old captain and you're a young team member, this doesn't make any sense-"

All of a sudden, she felt muscular arms wrap around her back and pulling her closer, making Sakura fall onto Kakashi. Since he was still injured, Kakashi's grasp on Sakura was still weak, but steady, he didn't want to let go of her. Sakura began wrapped her arms around him, too.

"Sakura," Kakashi breathed into her hair. "I really think you're something, I really like you, too."

Sakura felt her heart rise with happiness, an idiotic grin finding itself on her face.

They hugged each other closer, they both really needed this.

Sakura could feel Kakashi's loud and fast heartbeat through his clothes. She still couldn't believe what is going on.

The feeling was indescribable.

….

Slowly Sakura pulled away, sitting back onto her knees.

"Well then," Sakura breathed "I guess I need to start healing you, now."

Kakashi chuckled. "I think so,"

Sakura blushed, before she began making hand signs and a bright green glow appeared from her fingers. After a few minutes, Kakashi's bloody gash was fully healed. Her medical skills were amazing.

Sakura was finishing up, wiping the blood away. She felt Kakashi's eyes tranced onto her, and couldn't help but feel extremely self-conscious.

But at least she knew that he liked her, too.

Suddenly she realized she was still on a mission. She quickly snapped her head back to look and see if Yoshinao, Kaede or that chuunin saw their little confession-hug scene.

Luckily, Yoshinao and the chuunin were busy talking with Kaede and attempting to tend his little injuries.

"So then," Sakura looked back at Kakashi. "I guess my first ANBU mission is a success?"

Kakashi nodded. "It was better than a success." He winked at her.

Sakura chuckled, slowly standing up and dusting off her pants. She held her hand out for Kakashi to take, and together they walked over to the Kaede.

….

Yoshinao, the chuunin, Kaede, Sakura and Kakashi walked back to their palace.

She really didn't want people to know about their new feelings for each other, because it'll just cause chaos.

Kakashi was in front since he was the captain, and the rest were behind him.

Suddenly, the chuunin decided to strike up a conversation.

"It's Sakura, right?"

Sakura blinked back at him. "Yes, it is."

Kakashi was reading his Icha Icha, but he seemed very distracted because he could hear their conversation.

He wasn't very fond of another guy talking to Sakura.

"My name is Akio, and I'm Yoshinao-sama's assistant."

"Interesting." Sakura replied.

Kakashi smiled behind his mask. It seems like Sakura doesn't want to talk to him, either. She didn't sound too enthusiastic.

"So, you're Konoha ANBU?"

"Mmhm" Sakura wasn't sure if she was able to tell him any more information.

"Are you new to-"

Kakashi had enough of this. Immediately he turned around, slamming his book shut. He looked down at the little chuunin, his face cold.

"Listen, the Konoha ANBU is completely confidential. The amount of information you need is suspicious."

Kakashi growled.

"I-I'm sorry, sir, I-"

"I won't be able to tolerate this stupidity next time." He threatened.

The frightened chuunin nodded. "I'm deeply sorry, sir."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, before swiftly turning around.

Just as he turned around the air wasn't as dark and suffocating anymore. Akio shakily wiped the sweat on his forehead and for the rest of the journey, kept his distance from Kakashi and Sakura.

….

Once they made it there, Kakashi held a short meeting with the team members to get them acquainted on what happened. Soon after they took off back to Konoha, all the while acting as if nothing happened between Kakashi and Sakura.

….

Hokage's Office, 6:00 p.m.

Kakashi stepped forward and handed the scroll to the hokage.

"The mission was a success. No casualties or dramatic details."

Tsunade-sama nodded, quickly scanning the scroll before putting it beside her, bring her hands back into their position interlaced under her chin.

"Who was the Assasin?" she asked.

"Kin Gamoki. He's a missing nin from the Grass. He works for Akatsuki who are after all the tailed beasts. The heir of the Grass country, Yoshinao has control over the protection of the 7 tailed beast who is a young boy by the name of Kaede."

Tsunade nodded thoughtfully, she must be comprehending things slowly. Probably too much sake.

"Mission well done, Dragon Squad. I'm happy to see you're coping well, Sakura."

Sakura smiled. "Thank you, shishou."

Lady Tsunade waved a hand as if to clear something. "Nah, don't call me 'shishou' anymore, Sakura. You're no longer my apprentice. You've grown, you're now in ANBU!"

Sakura nodded. "Sorry, it was just a habit, Tsunade-sama."

"Well then Squad 4 Dragon, there's no missions for you that I know of now, so the rest of your night is free. But be prepared to be called for another one at any time."

"Hai!" they all replied, before Sakura 'poofed' in a flurry or cherry blossoms, Kakashi in a swirl of leaves, Yuki in a spray of mist and Dajaku in the smoke.

They appeared a split second later outside the Hokage's office, bidding their farewells.

"See you Sakura, Taichou and Yuki!" Dajaku was the first to leave, casually turning around slightly to wave at them while walking to the far off distance.

"Well, catcha later Sakura! See you too, taichou," Yuki bid her goodbyes second, walking off in the opposite direction of Dajaku.

And here Sakura and Kakahsi were.

Together alone.

Sakura felt herself feeling the tension, it was nerve wracking. Might as well get the hell outta here.

Kakashi planned for Sakura not to leave. If she tries, he'd stop her with a pathetic excuse.

All of a sudden, Sakura's blond haired flirtatious and incredibly annoying friend came running towards her.

What was her name … Ino? Ah yes, daughter of the Inoichi Yamanaka. Kakashi thought. She's very annoying.

"Oh My God Sakura, I caught you just in time. And look, you've already finished a mission, too!" Ino squealed.

"What is it, Ino?"

"You know how it's Friday night?"

"Yeah?"

"And you're free?"

"MmHm."

"And there's a bar just around the street?"

" … uh yeah?"

Sakura didn't like where she was taking this. Kakahsi narrowed his eyes at the Yamanaka. He knew exactly what she wanted, and needed to stop Sakura. He really wanted to be with Sakura alone.

"Forehead, can't you see? You still need a boyfriend, and there's a bar just down the street! It's your chance! There's no arguing that we're going to go down there and have the time of our lives!"

Kakashi frowned. He hated that Yamanaka.

"Um, Ino … that sounds like fun but I'm really tir-"

"Drink some sake and you'll totally forget about it!" she squealed. "Trust me, by the end of the night, you're going to have a boyfriend."

Kakashi snorted in his mind.

Damn right she is.

It'll be me.

….

Sakura hesitantly bid goodbye to Kakahsi before following Ino to her apartment to 'pamper' up.

Once they were inside Ino's apartment, she immediately began rummaging through her closet.

"There's no way you're wearing that." Ino gestured to Sakura's ANBU uniform. "The guys would be too scared to ask for your number."

Sakura sighed.

"And you should be grateful that you have such an amazing friend of yours who's willing to help share her clothes."

"I'm quite aware of that, so thank you, Ino."

"No problem."

All types of shirts, skirts and dresses went flying out of the closet as Ino kept rummaging.

"Ah ha!" Ino exclaimed finally, standing up and wiping some sweat from her forehead. "This dress is so for you. I got recently, but I never wore it. So here you go."

Sakura knew it was going to be some slutty piece of fabric.

She looked up at the little black dress Ino had in her hands.

For the first time, Sakura actually like what Ino picked.

It was a black halter V-neck dress that went down to Sakura's mid-thigh. The material was soft and comfortable, and the bottom was wavy, the ones where you can twirl in. It had a white waistline belt, and on one side on the bottom, there was a small triangle-like cut to show off more skin.

It was pretty slutty, but Sakura still loved it. It was Friday night, she's still single, and they're going to the bar. Why not?

"Oh my god Ino, I love it!"

Ino smiled triumphantly. "I knew it, Sakura!"

Throw in some black high heels, a white purse, black earings and Sakura's pink hair slightly curled and done up in a messy bun with bangs on the side; you get the perfect outfit. The dress even showed off her curves.

Sakura even put on some make-up, but not too much. She looked perfect.

"I'd totally fuck you if I were a guy!" Ino complimented. (A/N: I stole that from another fanfic … sorry ;))

Sakura furrowed her brows. "I'd rather not know that." She joked.

Ino was finished, too, with a strapless, mini tight white dress that stopped just below her but. Talk about slutty.

The two casually walked towards the bar, knowing that they're going to seduce the crowd.

….

The Bar

Sakura has been to the bar before. And it's the same.

You can hear the sound of glasses clinking with each other and people talking. It was dimly lit space, and on one side of the wall there were the bar tenders, and people could sit down on the stools facing them.

Or they could chose to sit on one of the tables scattered around.

The smell of alcohol was strong and undeniable. Sakura could also smell sweat.

This bar was usually for civilians or ninjas on their free time, or just had a rough day. All in all, Sakura always managed to recognize someone.

Once Sakura and Ino arrived, most of the talking and noises stopped.

They were the center of attention.

The men were watching their every move as they walked by, some brave enough to even give a whistle.

They obviously didn't know that Sakura was in ANBU.

She began feeling really self-conscious.

In the corner of her eye she saw Naruto waving enthusiastically.

"Sakura-chan!" he screeched. "Over here, come join us!"

Sakura smiled. Naruto always manages to break the tension in the air.

As she made her way through, slowly the talking continued, and before she knew it, the bar was just as rowdy as before.

"Hey Naruto," she greeted before scanning her eyes over the table.

There was Kiba, Shikamaru, Lee, Shino, Hinata, Chouji, Neji and Tenten. She greeted them all.

"Wow, Sakura, you look amazing," Naruto drooled, a bright blush on his cheeks.

Sakura chuckled.

Suddenly Ino appeared behind Sakura.

"Sakura, come here!" she pulled on Sakura's arm.

Sakura found she and Ino looking at two jounins, who she had no idea their names and what they do. Once of them was eagerly eyeing Ino, and the one with the messy dark blue hair and purple eyes was checking Sakrua out.

They were cute, but Sakura really like another man.

"Sakrua meet Takoto," Ino introduced the purple eyed man. "You two can get acquainted."

Sakura desperately searched around for help.

….

Genma sat at a table with Kakashi, and some other jounins and ANBUs.

"Hey Kakashi, is that Sakura?" Genma asked, putting down his glass.

Kakashi nodded, his eyes staring intently at his book. He knew she was going to the bar, that's why he came too. He saw her when she came in, and like the crowd, was completely amazed by her appearance.

And now she was talking with another guy.

Kakashi really didn't want to watch, so he pretended to read. It was very distracting. And even though he told himself not to, he can't stop looking up at her for the umpteenth time.

They both confessed to each other, so now what?

"Man, she's hot." Genma said bluntly. "Got all the right curves. I love women like that."

Kakashi's grasp on his book tightened.

"I can't believe you haven't fallen for her yet. She's the one everyone dreams of. Whoever she likes is incredibly lucky."

Kakashi's face contorted into a cocky smirk.

"She's really wasting her life on that loser. Look, his cup is shaking. Any second now, the un co-ordinated bastard's going to trip over his feet and the wine is going to go all over Sakura's dress. Disaster."

Kakashi gave a forced grunt of acknowledgement.

"I'm going to save her." Genma decided. Suddenly he thrust his hand in the air. "Hey Sakura, come over here!" he beckoned.

Kakashi's eyes widened. He looked up.

As their eyes met, Kakashi felt shivers run down his spine.

Sakura furrowed her brows at him, as if wondering why he was at a bar.

Kakashi gave a shrug.

He watched as she politely denied whatever the man she was talking with, and made her way over.

"Uh, hi Genma. … Hi Taichou." Sakura said a little hesitantly, standing behind them.

"Wow, Sakura. You've grown" Genma's eyes were on her boobs.

Sakura frowned. She cleared her throat so his eyes would snap back to hers.

Because if it didn't, Kakashi would've ripped out his private part and tongue.

"You look lovely, Sakura." Kakashi told her.

Sakura gave a sheepish smile. "You like it? I mean Ino was just like-"

Kakashi chuckled. "Have a seat."

Sakura plopped down on a chair in between Kakashi and Genma.

Throughout the night, Sakura was having a great time. Kakashi was actually very funny. He kept making her laugh. She really liked being with Kakashi.

….

Suddenly, people around the table began to get up. It was late, time to go home.

After Genma left, Kakashi lead her towards the door. "I'll walk you home." He offered.

It was really awkward as they were walking.

Just the sound of the leaves crunching below their feet.

They were walking beside each other, Kakashi's head stuck into his book.

Sakura frowned. It was cold outside. Especially in her short dress-

"Sakura, you're freezing, here, you can take my vest." Kakashi offered, finally talking.

He handed her his vest, and she put it on.

It didn't really help much.

But she was happy that he tried.

She took a deep whiff of his vest, which smelled of musky pine, forest, and something … something that really suits Kakashi.

Sakura exhaled dreamily.

"Do I smell good?" Kakashi joked, he was watching her.

Sakura's eyes flung open at him in disbelief. He was watching her?! How embarrassing! How could she get a cold when her face was that of a tomato.

"Um …"

"You don't have to answer that."

"No uh … you smell good. Yeah." She blushed.

Kakashi smiled. "Glad to hear. Glad to hear."

….

Once they reached Sakura's apartment, Sakura returned the vest.

"Thanks for … walking me home."

Kakashi nodded.

Sakura took a step forward, but was stopped by a hand on her wrist.

"Sakura," Kakashi mumbled in into the chilly autumn air. "You like me, right?"

Sakura froze. She slowly nodded.

"Can I come in? I mean to talk about-"

"Sure, Kakashi. You can come in." she unlocked the door.

Kakashi took in the warm, cozy, color co-ordinated space. "Nice place you've got here."

"Thanks. Make yourself at home."

They plopped onto the couch.

"So," Kakashi began. "I guess we start dating now?"

….

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