Chapter 15 Goodbye

Kakashi carried the pink haired kunoichi out of the cell where she had been tortured. He held her tightly not wanting to ever let her go. Thinking about how he came so close to losing this woman that he had fallen in love, which made his heart ache. He had lost people who had been close to him but he doubted he could have survived losing her. She had managed to creep her way into his heart and there was no way of removing her, not that he wanted to anyways.

Sakura held tightly to the silver haired jounin's shirt. Inhaling his woodsy scent and feeling the warmth of his body. She felt safe in this man's arms. Safety and comfort were things that he had always been to provide for her. She now knew that she could add love to that list. In that cold dark cell enduring pain she would have never thought possible the thought of Kakashi was gave her strength even though she had given up any hopes of seeing him again. Hopes of seeing Konoha and the people she loved had been pushed out of her mind since she knew the only way of that happening would come about with the sacrifice of someone else. That thought hit her like ton of bricks.

"Kakashi?" She raised her head from his chest to look up at his mismatched eyes. "Where is Sasuke?" She figured she already knew the answer but prayed she was wrong.

He lowered his eyes. "He is near." He paused not sure if he should tell her the whole truth. Deciding that lying would be futile, he continued. "I left him fighting Orochimaru to go and find you."

"We have to hurry." Her voice and eyes filled with fear. "Orochimaru wants to take over Sasuke's body. We have to save Sasuke."

This was one of the many reasons Kakashi loved Sakura. She had just be rescued from hell on earth, she was hurt and bleeding with no chakra in her body thanks to the toxin given to her by a sadistic medic but she was worried about helping her teammate.

"Sakura," he stroked her to calm her. "He knows that. Saving you is more important to him than his life. He isn't the only one that feels that way."

"I…you…" The emotion of being loved so much by so many was too much for her at this weakened state and her voice was beginning to fail her.

"He has no intention of letting Orochimaru have his body." He added with a reassuring eye crinkle.

They were entering the circular room where he had left Sasuke battling Orochimaru. It was silent and dark. The torches hanging around the room had gone out. He walked slower and with caution. Good thing he hadn't covered his sharingan.

"Kakashi, do you smell that?" Sakura wrinkled her noise in disgust. "It smells like something rotted."

"I smell it too." The potent smell of death was unmistakable. "Do you think you can stand for a moment?"

She nodded. He put her down, leaning her against the wall. He kept his hands on her waist just in case she couldn't hold herself up but she didn't sway so he let go.

Using a very small fire jutsu he lit the torch closest. A small ring of light surrounded him and Sakura. He reached up and pulled it out of its holder. They were going to have move to investigate since one lit torch wasn't enough for the large space.

"We are going to have to walk to find out what happened here."

"I can't. My legs won't hold me enough to walk."

Kakashi wrapped his arm around Sakura's waist. "Put your arm around me. I'll support you."

She did as she was told. His strength was able to take on most of her weight but it was still painful and she winced each step. Thankfully they didn't have to go too far.

The decaying smell came from a scale white snake the same length of a train. The smell and the ghastly sight hit Sakura making her stomach churn. Though it was sickening she didn't turn away. She knew what (or who would be more appropriate) the snake was.

"Orochimaru." She whispered.

"After years of looking for immortality and power he succeeded in turning himself into a monster." He turned his glaze to Sakura. "Can you take the pain long enough so I can sprint you to the exit?"

"Yes." Her voice showed determination though she wasn't quite sure if she spoke the truth. But she would do anything to get out of that place. "Wait." She lowered herself to the floor and extended her leg. "Take off your belt."

A silver eyebrow rose. "Umm…Sakura…I don't this is the right time or place…"

"Don't flatter yourself, Hatake. I need to stop the bleeding in my leg and then I be able to walk without so much pain."

"Ok. On one condition," He unfastened his belt and handed it to her. "You ask for my pants when we are back home." He winked.

She laughed.

It was easier to joke and laugh that they knew that they were safe. Sakura was relieved that Orochimaru and Kabuto were dead. Sasuke had been able to defeat the Sannin without having to give up his body. Kakashi had saved her.

Kakashi was relieved that she was alive though badly bruised. He would nurse her back to health just like she had done for him.

"I'm good to go now. I still need your support though." She raised her arm to put back around his shoulders.

He bent down taking her by the waist and helping her stand. Again he took on most of her weight. This time she didn't grimace in pain. He was still holding the lighted torch in his other hand. The fire flicked beautiful in her eyes. Before they went anywhere he needed to tell her something he should have much earlier.

"Sakura," his voice was low and husky. She looked up from adjusting the belt now strapped to her thigh. "I love you, too."

She smiled warmly, gently placing her hand on his cheek. "I know but it's nice to finally hear you say it."

His gripped tightened on her waist drawing her closer and he kissed her softly before heading for the doorway that lead out.

As they came out of the darken circular room they entered a lighted hallway. Kakashi discarded the torch he held. He was about pick up Sakura back into his arms when the sound of footsteps making their way towards the pair.

Both tensed up ready for a fight. A loud brash voice screamed in exhilaration at seeing them.

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto took her in his arms and twirled her around. "You're ok."

"Put her down, you baboon." Another blonde came running up. "Forehead, you're safe. Thank, Kami!"

"Yes, I'm fine and safe." Sakura having be placed down by Naruto limped back to Kakashi replacing her arm around his neck. "Thanks to Kakashi." They eyes locked on each other. Only a moron wouldn't have noticed the love in their eyes.

Ino smiled. So they finally had come to terms with their feelings. Naruto furrowed his brow. He had no idea what was going on. Weren't Sasuke and Sakura getting together? He opened his mouth to demand an explanation but was interrupted.

"Where is Sasuke?" Sakura asked worried now that she noticed he wasn't part of the group.

"I'm…here." The words were low and labored. Everyone turned. Sasuke was leaning in a doorway to the left of the hall. He was breathing heavy and blood dripped from the corner of his mouth and down his right arm. "Sakura…" He slide down the wall gripping his side. Blood soaked his hand.

Naruto and Ino ran to him. Naruto caught him before he collapsed. Ino began healing his wounds but he pushed her away. "It…won't…do any…good." It was becoming harder to get the words out. "Sakura…" He waved his hand at her beckoning her to come closer.

"Don't try to be Mr. Tough Guy! Let Ino heal you first!" Naruto protested. Sasuke put up his hand and glared at his best friend. He needed to say what he had to say before it was too late. Time was now his enemy.

Kakashi helped Sakura over to Sasuke. He pulled on the sleeves of the others to provide the old friends privacy. He knew what the last Uchiha was going to say. He felt it was something that be said and heard by the two of them. Kakashi had seen men dying and knew the signs.

"I'm so sorry for everything." Sasuke placed his hand on Sakura's. "I did a crappy job of showing you but I loved you."

"Please…don't." Tears stung her jade eyes. This couldn't be happening. If only she had her chakra, she would have been able to heal him.

"I have to. Not even you or the Hokage could help me now." He could see what she had been thinking. It was one thing he liked about Sakura. Her eyes were so truthful. The edges of his vision were becoming black, encasing the face of the most beautiful woman. "I'm lucky to have you as the last thing I will see. Be happy." He squeezed her hand before it went limp.

"NOOOOOOOOO!"

AN: Another short chapter but the story is coming to an end. One or two (at the most) chapters to go. Please read and review. Thanks :D