The echo of clock ticked in the dark hallway. It was minutes pass nine. He continued to stare at his feet. The only light that came was from the moon.

"Visiting hours are over, Kakashi," Shizune came up to him.

"I know," he answered.

"She's been out for almost five days. I don't think she's going to wake up…" she pondered. "Anytime soon…"

He didn't answer. He continued staring at his feet.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like, but I think that you need to go and rest, really. The guys told all about the mission."

"I'm fine," he reassured her.

"No, you're not. Listen, if you want I can watch over her and I'll call you," she suggested.

He shook his head. "No, Shizune, you have others things to do. It'll just be a burden. I can watch over her."

"What's gotten into you?" she smirked.

"She's my…" he thoughtfully looked at his dry fingers. "Subordinate. It was my mission and I'm supposed to look after my men. What captain would I be if I wouldn't be sure that she'll be safe?"

Shizune smiled. "Okay, would you like to go in?" she asked.

He carefully looked at her. "I thought we weren't allowed to; at least not after visiting hours."

"For you, I guess I can make an exception," she smiled. "But, please, try to not get caught."

He smiled. He slowly opened the door to Anko's private salon. She was lying on her bed with badages around her arms and abdomen. Her face had been untouched. It was still clear and smooth and so peaceful. He was afraid to touch her. She looked extremely fragile, like a glass figurine. All he could do was sit by her bed and cry. He bit his lower lip.

"God, please, save her."

The following morning, he went to eat at the hospital's cafeteria. Gai was being sent home that day.

"Kakashi, you look like a zombie," he said.

He didn't answer.

"Seriously, you look worse than me," he insisted. "Why do you keep on staying?"

Kakashi ignored him.

"You hated her. You thought she was crazy."

Kakashi continued eating.

"And you just don't get so worked up on your comrades. You're used to death. What has gotten into you?"

Kakashi didn't bother to look at him.

"God damn it! Just say that you love her!" he yelled.

Half the cafeteria turned to look at them.

"Why do you have to be so hot-blooded?" Kakashi asked him back.

"You annoy me to no end," Gai crossed his arms.

Kakashi smirked. "So what if I do?"

Gai clutched his heart. "Hatake Kakashi in love. I never thought I'd see the day."

"I never said I was," he answered.

Gai shook his head. "Wow, just wow. I'm going to go and do my first hundred victory laps. Do you want to come?"

"No, I'm just going to hang around here for another while," he answered.

"Suit yourself."

Kakashi got up and went directly back to Anko's salon. The door was half open. Someone was there. He heard a girlish laugh and recognized it as Kurenai's. He decided not to go in. Other persons could have been there.

"I miss you, Anko," she spoke. "Wake up, please. I'm starting to worry. Just please wake up."

His eyes widened.

"Listen, you won't believe this, but this is one of the few times I found you alone. Kakashi's here all the time, y'know? He's been looking after you. I think he's in love with you," she paused. "Are you in love with him?"

He listened to their silence.

"I see…You don't know. Well, judging from your foolish acting…I guess you do. A little, at least," he could imagine the grin on her face. "I'm going to leave now. Promise I'll come back tomorrow. I'd like if you'll be up and we can talk properly because I'm getting really thirsty every time I leave here. Take care."

She swiftly walked to the door. He hid himself behind it. He could see that she was crying when she left the room. When he was sure she was no longer on the floor, he entered. He hesitantly looked at her.

"Well," he started. "I saw Kurenai do it and didn't really consider it crazy so I'm going to talk too. See, the problem is that I am a very verbose person. It was better when you did the talking and I did the listening. It was easier, I guess, that is one of the reasons I kind of, sort of fell in love with you," he paused. "There, I said it, happy?" he laughed. "I don't see why you should be. I have this weird way of showing it, I know."

He walked around the room.

"I just want you to wake up!" he yelled looking at her bed.

"Oh my God, he's lost it," he heard a voice behind him and turned to see Asuma and Tenzou behind him.

They were curiously waiting in the doorway.

"What are you guys doing here?" Kakashi asked.

"We came to see Gemna,"Asuma said. "You should do it too."

"Maybe I will," he growled.

"Wow, it's driving you crazy," Asuma commented.

"How long have you been there?" Kakashi asked.

"Oh, so this talking thing has been going on for a while?" Tenzou asked in disbelief. Kakashi didn't answer. "Wow…just…wow"

"I know, he's got it bad," Asuma said lighting up a cigarette.

"You're not allowed to do that here," Kakashi coldly said.

"Sure me," Asuma replied.

"Seriously, it's not healthy for the injured people."

"Let's get going, Tenzou," Asuma said. "Sheesh wouldn't want to harm his precious Anko. Good luck being in love with her."

Kakashi felt like hitting something. He angrily looked at the girl lying on the bed.

"See what you make me do?" he asked her.

He decided to go and visit Genma. The ninja was reading something when he came in.

"Hey, Kakashi! What's up?" he asked happy for the company.

"Hi," he shoved his hands in his pockets. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Awake," He said. "How's Anko."

"She's still not woken up," Kakashi said.

"That bad, huh? Poor thing," he commented. "So I guess you feel kind of guilty?"

"Me?"

"Yeah, but don't worry about it. She's a very understanding person, really. She's been disappointed way too many times. She's gotten used to it."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying that you don't have to feel responsible. She'll get over it." Kakashi continued to stare at him. "You can't be serious about her? You've never been in love. I'm telling you being with her will be like a one way ticket through hell for you. She wants all or nothing and if you can't give it to her…then don't even bother."

Kakashi narrowed his eye at him. "Thanks, Genma, I'll keep that in mind."

"Come on, man, don't be so stuck up!" he cried.

Kakashi decided to go for a walk before going back to Anko's room. He walked by the river, the woods, through the village. He thought about his life and himself. Anko didn't fit in anywhere. He would have made her miserable and he knew it. He returned to her hospital room only when the moon was again shining high on the sky.

He walked up to the window and propped his hands against the windowsill.

"God, I swear, if she just wakes up, I'll never hurt her again."

He looked over his shoulder at her angelic pale face.

"Never," he whispered.

Hey, so if I'm not mistaken, just another two chapters and this story is done. It's going to be sad. Also I'm going to post my Total Drama Island fic and I have a few ideas for some other maga such as Paradise Kiss and Nana. Anyway, keep tuned on the bitter-sweet story.