Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto...

Ok so this is the next to last chapter. I'm so very sorry it took a little longer to get out. Things have been crazy with Christmas, family, and work. Plus, I've been a little brain dead lately, but it finally came to me. So once you've finished reading, let me know what you want to happen to our lovely couple. I'll be waiting :)

Chapter 22: What Happens Next

Inner Sakura/ Thoughts

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It was dark in the vast void of nothing. Everything he loved faded around him, as he allowed himself to melt away. There was a pain in his chest, but not from his wound, that had stopped hurting the moment he let go. No, this was a different sort of pain. His heart was grieving the loss of her face, her voice, the smell of her skin. He knew he would never see her again, but that was ok because she was still alive.

And he was dead, or dying. He wasn't completely gone yet, and that confused him. "I always thought death would come quickly for me." He could feel himself slipping further into the darkness. The ache in his chest started to ease as he drifted further along. It was like falling asleep, so very peaceful. Sakura's image began to twist and blur in his mind, her lips moved, but his ears were deaf to her voice. Everything about her began to fade, until he was no longer sure who she was.

The farther he fell, the more content he became to no longer exist. There was a tug at his chest, like someone was trying to wake him up. "Leave me alone. I want to sleep." But the feeling just became more intense, and he was slowly being drug out of the darkness. As the tugging increased, the fog in his mind began to clear. Sakura's image snapped back together, like a rubber band after being stretched too far apart. "Sakura. How could I have forgotten you."

The pain in his chest became almost unbearable, as heat surged through him. Then he could hear her, the voice of an angel. She sounded so sad, and she was begging someone. "Please stay with me".

He wanted to reach out and touch her, but his arms wouldn't move. He wished her could cradle her in his arms and kiss her till she was no longer sad. He tried to open his eyes but her couldn't find the strength.

He felt a wetness on his cheeks. Tears, she was crying. "Don't die....Please....Don't die".

The warmth in his chest increased till it was almost unbearable. He wanted to cry out but his voice was lost. Just as the flames were about to consume his body, something heavy fell over him. The warmth faded from his chest, and everything returned to black.

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Heavy eyes slowly blinked open. The room was bright, and the patient quickly brought up a stiff arm to shield them. "Where am I ." The room still wasn't in clear focus.

A familiar voice answered. "Your in the hospital."

The room slowly came into focus. Kakashi struggled to sit up, causing his head to spin, followed by an intense throbbing. He felt strong hands on his chest, as he was quickly pushed back onto the bed. One hand left his body, and securely positioned his head band over his sharingan eye.

"Hey, your not completely healed yet." Tsunade sat on the edge of the bed, her hands gently restraining him. "You were injured pretty badly, you need your rest." Kakashi relaxed his body, he was too tired to argue. "If it hadn't been for Sakura...."

She was cut off when Kakashi bolted up against her. "Where is she. Is she alright." He was urgently fighting her grip.

"Calm down." She pushed against his shoulders and pinned him to the bed. "I didn't spend all that time healing you, just so you could re-open your wound."

Kakashi continued to struggle. "Tell me. Is Sakura ok." His heart was pounding so hard he thought it would explode.

"She's fine." Tsunade loosened her grip, and glared at her patient. "Now if you don't calm down, I'll tie you to the bed."

Reluctantly, Kakashi let his body go slack, as he leaned into the bed. "I want to see her."

The blond medic shook her head. "Not until you've rested." Kakashi motioned to protest, but she continued. "Besides, Sakura is still unconscious."

"What!" Kakashi nearly jumped out of bed. "Why is she unconscious?" He instantly regretted moving, as pain shot through his side.

A vein bulged in Tsunade's forehead, as she quickly began to lose her patience with Kakashi. "She used up too much chakra, and I haven't been able to wake her." She crossed her arms over her chest and let out a long sigh.

"Now hold still while I repair the wound you just opened." She pushed him back onto his pillow, and placed both hands carefully over his chest. She took in a deep cleansing breath, and began pouring her healing chakra into his body.

Kakashi's skin began to tingle at the familiar sensation. "Sakura used her chakra to heal me." It was more of a statement than a question, but Tsunade answered anyway.

"Yes. She almost completely depleted her chakra. Both of you were barely alive when I reached you." She moved her hands lower and continued healing him. "But, if Sakura hadn't done what she did, you would have been dead." Tsunade finished with Kakashi's wound, and folded her hands in her lap.

Kakashi kept his gaze averted from Tsunade's face. "But why did she do it? She put her life in jeopardy to save me."

Her voice softened. "She did it for the same reason you jumped in front of Sasuke's attack. She loves you, and she was willing to die for you." Tsunade's eyes became misty, and her thoughts were miles away from Kakashi and the hospital room. Kakashi only needed one guess to know the memory she was engulfed in. A tear began to slide down her cheek, and Tsunade quickly regained composure and wiped it away with a flick of her finger.

She cleared her throat as she rose from his bedside. "Well, I need to check on Sakura, and you need to stay in bed." She cocked her eyebrow for emphasis. "I'll be back later to check on you, so don't even think about going anywhere."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Kakashi's voice was too innocent as he closed his eye and pretended to drift off to sleep.

Tsunade turned to leave, and called over her shoulder. "Just to be sure, I'm having Naruto stand watch outside your door." Kakashi visibly stiffened, and Tsunade grinned to cover a laugh. Then she was gone, her footsteps softly echoing down the hall.

Kakashi pulled back the blankets and cautiously slid off the bed. "Like that is going to keep me from going to Sakura." Reaching into his pants pocket he pulled out a spare mask and positioned it securely over his face.

Slowly he limped towards the door, grabbing the bed frame for support. He reached the door, pulled it open, and came face to face with the hyperactive ninja.

"Kakashi Sensei." Naruto's voice was loud enough to make Kakashi flinch. "Grandma said you would try something like this." His arms were folded across his chest and a triumphant grin was plastered across his face. "You're not suppose to be moving around."

Kakashi rolled his eyes in annoyance. Great, just what I need. A lecture from Naruto. Out loud he said "Naruto, good to see you. What are you doing here?" He hoped that by playing it cool he could slip past his new bodyguard.

Naruto held up his hand. "Save it Sensei. Your not going to distract me that easily."

Kakashi sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "It was worth a try." He tried to maneuver past Naruto. "Now if you'll excuse me, there is somewhere I need to be."

Naruto blocked his path. "You need to be in bed."

Kakashi was becoming irritated. "I need to see Sakura." He gave Naruto his most menacing glare. He hoped it did the trick, because right now, he didn't have the strength to back it up.

No such luck. Naruto seemed to know it was an empty threat. "Save the dirty looks old man. Besides, you're not as scary as Grandma Tsunade."

Kakashi softened his features, he would try another approach. "I have to see her. I need to know that she is alright." He paused, letting Naruto take in his words. "And if it would make you feel any better, you can come with me."

Naruto thought it over. "Fine. But we have to make it quick. If Tsunade beats us back, we're both in big trouble."

Kakashi nodded in agreement, and together they headed down the quiet hall.

When they reached Sakura's room, Naruto cracked the door and peeked in. "It's all clear. Tsunade must have left already."

Kakashi pushed the door open. "If you don't mind, I'd like a few minutes alone." Naruto nodded, and Kakashi pushed past him and closed the door.

The room was quiet, and the curtains were pulled shut, blocking out most of the afternoon rays. Even in the dim light his eyes automatically locked on Sakura's still form. Kakashi watched the soft rise and fall of her chest, as she slept peacefully under the covers. She looked so small and frail, completely vulnerable. He wanted to take her in his arms and protect her forever.

Slowly, Kakashi walked towards the bed, his gaze never leaving her face. He pulled up a chair and took watch at her bedside, his hand gently claiming hers. He stroked her fingers with his thumb, "I love you." He raised her hand to his lips, and placed a chaste kiss on her delicate skin. "Please wake up.... I need you."

Sakura stirred slightly, a soft moan escaping her lips. "Kakashi" He voice was rough and hoarse from not being used. Slowly her eyes fluttered open. Her jade eyes piercing his heart.

"Sakura." Kakashi's heart slammed against his chest. How he had missed the sound of her voice. "How are you feeling?"

"Thirsty." Sakura smiled weakly.

Kakashi quickly picked up a glass of water sitting on the bedside table. Helping Sakura sit up, he lifted the glass to her lips allowing her to take a long drink. When she finished he laid her back onto her pillow and placed the glass on the table.

Her eyes shone at him in a way he had never seen before. "I'm so glad you are ok. I thought I lost you."

"I thought I was going to loose you." Raising one hand to his face, Kakashi slowly pulled down his mask. He leaned down and pressed his lips tenderly against hers. The kiss was short but filled with passion.

Kakashi pulled back and gently stroked Sakura's cheek. "Don't ever scare me like that again."

Sakura smiled. "I'll try, but I can't make any promises. I am a ninja after all."

Kakashi chuckled quietly, "Yes you are. And you've proved it to the world."

Sakura reached up and ran her fingers through his soft, silver locks. "So whats next for us?"

Kakashi smiled down at her with so much love in his gaze, it caused he to blush. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

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Ok so what will happen next? Thats where you come in. I'm open to any and all ideas. So let me hear them. Don't forget to review