The next morning he absentmindedly played with his chopsticks in the tasteless hospital food. He sighed fighting back a yawn. He had dark circles around his bloodshot eyes. A coffee would do wonders for him now so he proceeded in pouring himself some. He propped his chin against his palm. Almost a week, he thought. Almost a week had past and still Anko didn't woke up. Was she doing it on purpose? After all, she did love getting on his nerves.

"Kakashi!" he flinched at Shizune's wild scream. The table shook under the pressure of her palms.

"Y-yes?" he answered.

"Anko," she quickly spoke. "Anko is finally awake."

"What…?" he dreamingly said not being able to grasp the whole information.

"This morning!" she continued. "It's like a miracle. Kurenai is talking to her as we speak."

He continued to stare at her, eyes wide. She was finally awake.

"Come on! What are you waiting for?" she turned away. "Let's go!"

He caught her by the wrist. "No…"

"What do you mean no?" she pulled her hand from his grip.

"No," he firmly said. "Please don't tell her I've been here all this time. Tell her you don't know anything about me if she asks and ask Kurenai to do the same."

"But I don't understand," she gaped. "You were…you are…"

"Thank you, Shizune," he got up and left.

He walked out of the cafeteria. His eyes lingered for a brief moment on the hallway that he knew that led to her salon. He couldn't bring himself to see her. He ran out of the hospital and into the street. He didn't stop until he met the refreshing shade of the trees. He threw his arms and clung onto the strong branch snickering at the way it reminded it of her. She was a deadly disease for sure. It caught on fast. He rested his chin on his hands gazing at the green grass in front of him and listening to the sound of the nearby river. He couldn't understand why. Why he fled? He waited for her almost a week. He looked at the blue sky. It was lie. He hadn't waited for her for only a week. He had waited for her all of his lifetime. Not even Rin, his sweet Rin, made him feel that way.

She was good. She was healthy. She was happy. In her own twisted way, but she was happy. He wasn't any of the things listed above. So why would he spoil her? Why would her ruin her? Why did they have to meet? And why was she so addictive?

It was vicious. He knew it very well. He was a coward and even though he knew it he wanted it, he wasn't ready for it. She was just too perfect for him, too beautiful and too understanding. He hurt Rin with his indifference. Wouldn't he be hurting Anko? But Anko was a smart girl. She would know how to take care of herself and if she couldn't manage there was always Gai, the resident hero. There was always Kurenai. She would survive. Even more, she probably didn't feel so strongly.

He spent the rest of the day there, before he finally gathered the courage to face her. He felt his heart burn when he jumped off the branch. He slowly walked back, hands shoved into his pockets, back to the hospital. Fortunately for him, he met no one he knew. Unfortunately, just as he was sure that he would reach her without seeing anyone his path crossed with the Third Hokage.

"How are you, Kakashi?" he warmly asked.

"I'm fine, sir," he answered.

"Then what brings you to a wretched place such as the hospital?"

"I'm visiting a friend."

"Your mission was a success! I'm sorry for ever doubted you. I hope Anko hasn't been a burden."

"Not at all, sir. I highly recommend that you give her more serious missions," he encouragingly said.

"If you say so. I have a mission for you by the way," he said. "It's a one man mission," he pursed his lips. "Possibly S ranked."

His eye widened.

"I know," the man continued. "But it can only be done by one person and I think you're the man for the job."

He cleared his voice. "I don't know. I don't think I'm ready for a mission at the moment."

"Think about and come to my office if you feel like taking it up."

He looked as the old man walked away. He rubbed his chin. A new mission never hurt anyone, but would he want that while he had Anko to take care of. He hesitantly entered the hospital and walked towards her salon. The hallway was empty. It was getting close to twilight. He shouldn't tire her too much. Taking a deep breath he opened the door. Shizune, who was at the end of the hallway smiled proud of her friend. The whole room was draped in reddish hues from the crepuscular sky. Clouds were aflame.

"Hey," he heard her soft voice.

She was peacefully sitting smoothing down her covers. She pulled her hair back in a messy ponytail. She had her devilish grin in her lips. He nodded. She was going to be alright.

"Hi," he said shoving his hands in his pockets.

"What's up?" she asked.

"Nothing special," he shrugged.

"Took you long," she continued.

"Better later than never," he gave her a small smile.

"Busy with them reports, huh?" she asked.

"Oh, don't worry about them. All taken care of," he assured her.

"Bummer," she said. "I wanted to participate. I was on the mission too, you know."

He snickered. "You sure were. The hospital record affirms it."

"Still, I'm crossed. Or should I be?" she looked at him. "Even Gemna came with his crutches to see me."

He sighed. "You make it so hard…"

"I'm going to take that as a compliment," she smugly said.

He shook his head. "You're incorrigible."

"Never was any other way she said."

They locked gazes as the moments passed. Their heart beats mixed with the accurate sound of the seconds.

"Come here," she whispered.

He slowly walked up to her. He took a seat by her chair. She didn't say anything before cupping his cheeks and lovingly looking him in the eye.

"It's okay," she softly spoke. "I'm not going anywhere…"

She pulled down his mask. He closed is eyes. Her lips gently pressed against his. It was almost ghostly. He squeezed his eyes. He couldn't do it any longer. Carefully, he wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips harder against hers. They started passionately kissing.

"Spend the night," she moaned between kisses.

"Okay," rushed back to capturing her lips.

The moments that passed were blissful. He felt happy and he felt safe. She fell asleep when the moon was high above the sky. He cupped her hand between his.

"Thank you," he kissed her warm fingers as a small tear fell down his cheek.

wow, I guess I'm almost done. Just one more chapter to go. Stay tuned in for the finale!