Trigger Warning: There is a brief piece containing sexual assault and other violence.

Kakashi was the first to wake. He immediately registered the feeling of someone cuddled up against him. One eye peaked open to see nothing but a blur of pink in front of him. A soft smile overcame the man as he nuzzled up against her. Wanting to know the time, he opened both eyes and blinked the sleep out of them. The clock read 0714, so Kakashi figured he could get a little more sleep in, but at that moment, Sakura nuzzled her head into his chest letting out a soft sigh. His attention now drawn to her Kakashi allowed his eyes to wander the form of the sleeping Sakura.

Her face was the epitome of peace while she slept. Sakura's skin looked so soft and smooth; it's pale color made her seem so fragile but he knew that wasn't the case. Kakashi had a finger brush hair out of her face as he looked her over. Her hair felt soft to the touch. The scent that emanated from the young woman was simply divine. It was a mix of flowers and citrus that intoxicated him.

Quickly, he was brought out of his thoughts as Sakura shivered in his arms. A quiet whine escaped her as her facial features contorted in a scared expression. Kakashi felt his heart beat faster wondering if he should wake her. When a loud sigh left her a few moments later, Kakashi couldn't help but try to wake her.

"Sakura, wake up…" his hand shook her lightly..

Her reaction was rather violent. Sakura shoved him away nearly causing Kakashi to fall off the bed as she recoiled up against the wall as if defending herself. Eyes wide, chest heaving, and body shaking, Sakura realized it was just a dream. "Ka-Kakashi, I am so sorry," she apologized relaxing enough to lower her arms from her chest.

Kakashi sat after putting a mask on as he had his face hidden once she had pushed him, "It's fine. I get it," he gave his smile, his eyes crinkling. He leaned back against the wall using a pillow to make it more comfortable. Reaching out a hand, he started to pull Sakura up against him to comfort her. She retracted from him again going back to her guarded look causing Kakashi's smile to fade making him look a little hurt, "You know I would never hurt you."

Sakura didn't intend to react the way she did and it made her feel bad, "I know you wouldn't. I guess I am just a little jumpy," she mumbled eyes flicking up to meet his before scooting up next to him and resting her head on his shoulder.

He nodded, "I understand. What you went through won't be easy to get over." He spoke being sure to keep his voice tender, "Just remember that I am here for you."

Sakura sniffled, "Thank you, Kakashi," her voice shaking a little. She felt a hot tear roll down her cheek. 'Stop being so weak!' she berated herself inwardly.

Kakashi slowly moved his other arm around her pulling Sakura into a hug. "It's okay… I will make sure you are okay," he spoke softly stroking her back trying to be comforting.

Sakura couldn't take it. There were too many emotions inside her screaming to get out. Why her? Why was he being so nice? He didn't even have to be here. He didn't have to comfort her. Wasn't he being forced to do this? Why did he care? All these question in her head, but all she could say was, "Thank you… thank you so much Kakashi." Sakura had to force these words through her tears that were now streaming down her face onto his bare chest.

Kakashi simply held the distressed woman in his arms. He made soft, "Shhh~" noises as his hand ran from the back of her neck and down her back. He did this repeatedly as though soothing a frightened animal.

It took Sakura a while to come to again. Sniffles ended her crying stint as she wiped her eyes with her sleeve. As Sakura hung her head, gaze cast down she saw that Kakashi's chest had caught most of her fallen tears. In an attempt to look a little more normal, she gave a weak chuckle, "Sorry," she muttered wiping off the tears that dotted his torso. Her eyes looked to his clock and saw the time. It was now 0800 and she still had a full four hours until her first class. "Can we just… stay in bed a little longer?" she asked not wanting to get up yet.

"Um, sure. I don't see a problem with that," Kakashi shrugged watching as Sakura scooted down into a laying position again and following suit but laying on his back. Kakashi kept his distance since it seemed that Sakura didn't want to be touched but found that she was more than open to cuddle.

Sakura entwined her legs with his and draped an arm over him as her head rested on his chest over his heart. Listening to the steady thump thump of his heart, "You're warm, you know that?" she whispered looking up at him.

"Oh uh… no I didn't but, thanks," he chuckled wrapping an arm around her making sure to be gentle with his touch, "And you smell very nice," Kakashi returned a compliment.

Sakura hadn't been expecting that, "Heh~ you are too sweet," she sighed the room going quiet. She let herself fall into the rhythm of his beating heart going buh bump, buh bump, buh bump. A yawn escaped her feeling very relaxed now.

Kakashi's hand went back to stroking her back and hair slowly, glad that he could be there to provide sanctuary to her while she was in distress. He also didn't mind the silence that overcame them. It was a comfortable silence.

Unfortunately, it was interrupted with the opening of Kakashi's door as Ino appeared, "Oh, there you two are," a grin spread on her lips, "Cuddling, I see. Well, I won't bother you then. Just letting you know I am leaving for class." The blonde didn't wait for either of them to explain before closing the door behind her.

"Ugh, why does she do that?" Sakura groaned unconsciously scooting away from Kakashi feeling guarded again.

Kakashi sighed sitting up again. "I don't know. She's your friend," he deadpanned, "I am going to go make us some breakfast. You want anything in specific?"

Sakura shook her head, "Anything is fine."

"Alright, just come down when you are ready."

With that, Kakashi stood and walked out of the room not bothering to put on a shirt. Sakura watched him leave before face planting into the pillows exhaling loudly. Closing her eyes, she laid their struggling to breath through the fabric. Then a scent registered in her senses. It was crisp. It reminded her of the way the air smelled in a thunderstorm. What was the other part of that smell… it seemed like sandalwood. The scent that wafted through the air calmed her. It was so pleasant. Was this always how her bodyguard smelled? She hadn't noticed before. The scent was just so appealing. But she knew she needed to move sooner or later so she reluctantly pushed herself up and stretched before getting up and heading downstairs.

Kakashi had ended up making white rice, miso soup, rolled scramble egg, bacon, and sausage for the two of them. They ate in relative silence except for the thank you for the meal and please pass this or that. Sakura was inadvertently keeping space between Kakashi and herself, even the slightest touch of their hands would cause her to wince. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, she was just cautious and scared. Kakashi knew that it was going to be difficult for her out in public today. He hoped that rumors hadn't spread.

The day went just as Kakashi had expected. Sakura was closed off except to him and even then she wasn't as open as she normally would be. It was hard to watch her go around being so shy, not talking to others, and refraining from eye contact. He cursed Reiji for what he had done. Luckily though, rumors hadn't spread at all. The only time Sakura seemed remotely normal was when they finally headed back home. As they walked up the path to the front door, they were greeted by barking and paws scratching at the door. It was great relief when Kakashi saw a smile grace Sakura's beautiful face. She greeted the puppies with a very baby like voice. He couldn't describe how happy he was that she was still inside there somewhere.

Ino came home an hour later apologizing for her tardiness saying she had to go to the library for a help group. Neither Kakashi nor Sakura minded of course. Kakashi was already getting dinner ready to cook when Ino had gotten home. Both girls went up to the office to do their homework for the time being. Not putting anything on the grill until 1800, Kakashi made tonkatsu, fried rice, and assorted veggies for them to go along with some tea.

The girls came running down when they were called for, their stomachs rumbling in hunger. The dogs sat at their feet as they ate, begging and managing to get a few scraps of chicken from each person.

Kakashi was first to speak, "How's the homework going?"

"Meh~ could be worse but definitely harder than high school," Sakura shrugged.

"That's just because you are a genius, Forehead. This stuff is hard."

"You know very well that I am not a genius. I bet it just hasn't reached it's hardest point yet," Sakura retorted cutting off a Kakashi who was about to speak.

"I'll probably just end up getting someone tutor me for free in exchange for… services," Ino giggled making air quotes when she said the last word, "But he has to be cute."

Sakura shuddered, "Ino please, restrain yourself."

"Yes Ino, can you watch what you say?" Kakashi added looking up from his now empty plate to the blonde neither of the girls realizing that not only was he done but that they hadn't caught a glimpse of his face.

"I don't understand what's with you two. It's not like anything actually happened. I mean, did he really see you naked? Did he actually rape you? I thought you stopped it Kakashi? I think you two are overreacting," Ino scoffed not understanding what had happened the night before at all. She didn't understand how traumatizing it was. Of course, she also didn't mean to be so offensive.

But Sakura didn't seem to care whether her friend got it or not because without saying a word she got up from the table and ran off upstairs. Kakashi and Ino heard the door slam and the man turned his attention on Ino. "Are you fucking kidding me? Could you be any more insensitive?" he growled.

"What I-" Ino started but Kakashi cut her off.

"You nothing," he pulled up his shirt, "I suffered knife wounds. Sakura watched that happen. She was hit, held down, and forced to do things she didn't want. Who cares if they didn't go all the way. Sexual assault is sexual assault no matter how far it goes." Kakashi could feel his anger boiling but made sure he used a hush toned so as not to let Sakura hear. "She is your best friend and she is traumatized over what happened and you just told her it shouldn't be a big deal. I get that you don't understand but that doesn't give you an excuse to tell her to fucking get over it. You should feel ashamed with how you treated her."

"Kakashi… I-I'm sorry," Ino mumbled not knowing what to do or say.

"It's not me you should say that to."

Ino looked up at him, "You really care about her, don't you?"

Kakashi was going to respond right away but he hesitated being completely thrown off by her question, "Wait… what? Yea of course I do. She's sweet, caring, and deserving of as much care as we can provide." He tried to verify his words.

Ino shook her head all too knowingly. "I shouldn't see her just yet. I'll get the dishes. You go take care of her," Ino shoo'ed him away him away getting up and setting about the dishes with Pakkun following her while Shiba was nowhere to be seen.

Kakashi looked perplexed at Ino's words as he got up and left to go see Sakura. Reaching the second floor's landing, he kept his footsteps quiet as he walked to her door. Shiba was laying by it whining softly. Kakashi knew just how the dog felt. 'Poor Sakura…' he agreed silently standing in front of the door. He was about to knock when he heard sniffling and something that sounded like a fist hitting a pillow. Sighing, he wasn't sure if he should bother her but he couldn't take the idea of her suffering all alone like this.

Knock Knock -

Sakura looked up from her pillow that was in her lap. She wasn't sure if she wanted to be bothered right now, especially if it was Ino who was at the door. Trying to clear her throat, Sakura announced, "Who is it?"

Kakashi could hear the sadness and hurt in her voice, "It's me…" he replied through the door, "Can I come in?"

She thought for a moment, "Sure. Let me unlock it." Sakura got up and made her way to the door unlocking and opening it for him.

They stood there for a moment just looking at each other as Sakura had not moved since opening the door. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and sniffles shook her body each time. Kakashi reached out to her causing Sakura to wince but she didn't back away this time. Hesitating, Kakashi gently set a hand on her shoulder wanting to say something but had no clue what to say. Suddenly, Kakashi had the woman wrapped around him in a tight hug. Her body shook as Sakura tried to hold in her tears. Kakashi wound his arms around her holding her comfortingly. It seemed like an eternity had passed as they just stood there holding each other.

Kakashi felt it wouldn't be smart to bring up Ino yet, "Why don't you follow me, hmm?" he said looking down at her.

Sakura merely nodded but took the hand Kakashi offered her before going down stairs. Ino must have been listening in because she was nowhere to be seen when they came down. But that wasn't their final destination as Kakashi continued outside the dogs following them. He lead Sakura over to the bench swing in the back right hand corner of the yard where they couldn't be seen due to the cover the cherry flower blossom trees provided. He sat down first then patted the spot next to him for her to join. Sakura hesitated a moment before sitting and curling up against him and let Kakashi drape an arm around her shoulders.

"Figured fresh air would do you some good," he muttered looking down at her.

Sakura nodded silently.

Kakashi pursed his lips behind his mask, "I talked to her about what she said. I think she gets it now," he told her trying to be ambiguous.

A quiet, "Thanks," left her lips but nothing else. Still, she nuzzled her head into his chest to let him know she really meant it.

"Sakura, I know this will take time and please don't try to rush your recovery but… I just want to say-" he paused thinking about his words, "I will be here for you. Any day any time." Suddenly Ino's words came back to him. She was right, even if he didn't want to admit it out loud. "I care about you," he whispered letting his hand rub her arm gently.

Sakura started to sniffle again, "I-idiot." She gripped his shirt in her hand. She didn't mean it in a mean way… he was just being too nice and now she was crying again.

"Oh… heh~ sorry. I just wanted you to know."

Sakura wriggled her other arm around his back and hugged Kakashi. She held him tight since she couldn't find the words to thank him. If she was going to be honest, Sakura never thought he would care so much. But over this short time that they had been put together, he proved it time and time again. If there was one person she could trust to be there for her, it was going to be Kakashi. He didn't just say he was going to be there, he showed her, "Never go away…" she muttered hiding her face a soft blush coating her cheeks.

"As you wish…" he whispered back giving her a little side hug since that was all he could manage in this position.

"Why though?"

"Humph?"

"Why do you care?"

"Oh well… " Kakashi paused thinking, "I don't really know why, specifically. I just do."

Sakura looked up at him raising an eyebrow disbelievingly.

"What? I mean you are nice to me and others, you care about everyone, and just… I think you deserve it," Sure there were other reasons but he wasn't quite sure he should reveal those.

Sakura still knew he wasn't telling her all the truth but decided that she would let it go… for now, "Well, thank you… again."

"Of course," he sighed thankful she accepted what he said.

They both looked up after Kakashi spoke to look at the stars through the cherry flower blossom trees. Their usual comfortable silence joined them again. Sakura was able to register Kakashi's wonderful scent this time as they laid there. It was quickly becoming her favorite smell. After a while both of them exhaled as a shooting star passed over them.

Kakashi closed his eyes making his wish, 'Star light, star bright, The first star I see tonight; I wish I may, I wish I might, Have the wish I wish tonight. I wish Sakura could be happy from here on out.'

Sakura did the exact same only she was wishing that this had never happened to her, "what did you wish for?"

"Shh~ I can't tell you. It won't come true if I tell you," he chuckled looking back down at Sakura. A soft breeze blew through the back yard made Sakura shiver in his arms. "I guess we have been out here long enough. Come, let's get you to bed," Kakashi stood.

Sakura was comfy and upset that he had moved, "Carry me…"

Without hesitation Kakashi had swept her off the swing and into his arms bridal style, "This what you want?" he asked.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Sakura nodded a faint smile playing across her lips. Kakashi carried her all the way inside and upstairs to her room. He laid her down and tucked the pinkette into her sheets. Kakashi brushed some hair out of her eyes smiling down at her. He turned to walk away and shut off her light but stopped.

"Sleep well… Sakura." he nodded before walking out hearing her goodnight behind him only to see Ino standing in the hallway looking at him. "What do you want?" he whispered.

"Nothing. Just wanted to let you know I am okay with it," Ino replied cryptically.

"Okay with what exactly?"

"You'll see," the grin that appeared on her face looked suspicious to Kakashi.

"Uh-huh… well I am going to bed now," He nodded and entered his room closing the door behind him.

Sighing, he slowly removed one piece of clothing at a time except for his mask and boxers. He kicked them into a pile at the foot of his bed before plopping down and turning on his bedside table lamp. Getting into his covers, Kakashi grabbed his book and began reading until sleep was threatening to overcome him.

Meanwhile, Sakura had rolled over almost instantly passing out and it wasn't long before a nightmare started to overtake her.

"NO!" She screamed not wanting this to happen. "Please stop!"

Reiji wouldn't listen as he continued his efforts to undress her. At that moment, Kakashi tackled him, knocking Reiji to the ground. The next thing Sakura saw happen… occurred in a flash. There was a loud bang and Kakashi coughed up blood…

Sakura woke immediately panting feeling tears running down her face. Getting up, she opened her door and ran into Kakashi's room seeing him sitting upright in his bed perfectly fine and still wearing his mask, well minus his injuries from that memory. She didn't wait for his reaction before closing his door and jumping onto his bed holding him, happy that the dream wasn't true. Her body shook as she held onto him trying to stop the tears from falling more.

Kakashi was extremely confused, "What's wrong?"

"Nightmare," she muttered quietly still trying to get a grip.

Shaking his head, "Alright, come on get in bed," he told her holding the sheets back for her so she could get in with him, "But… we can't make a habit of this okay?"

She nodded crawling under the sheets before cuddling up to him. Kakashi turned off the light and scooted down to his regular place and rolled onto his side to look at Sakura. She wound a leg in with his and wiggled an arm between his side and his arm while her head nuzzled under his chin. She took a deep breath taking in his scent. This helped her calm down. Even more so once Kakashi had draped an arm over her, Sakura was beginning to feel safe. Closing her eyes, Sakura pretended to be asleep this time.

Kakashi assumed that she was asleep of course, so he did just as he had done the night before and place a small kiss to the top of her head whispering, "Goodnight, Sakura."

To entertain him, she let out a contented sigh. Soon after Kakashi drifted into sleep. When Sakura guessed that he was asleep, she peeked open her eyes and scooted her head back to look at Kakashi. Just like he had seen in her that morning Sakura found that he looked so peaceful while he slept. Even through his mask, she could tell that he was sleeping with a slight smile on his face. This earned a small giggle from her. Sakura had a strong desire to inch his mask down and wondered if it would wake him. Reaching up, she grabbed the fabric and gave a little tug. No response. Slowly and ever so gently she pulled it down further and further until the mask was just hanging on by his chin.

Finally, she could get a good look at him and how marvellous it was. It was a shame that Kakashi hid his face from everyone like this. He was so handsome with slightly higher than normal cheek bones, a strong jawline, and thin lips. Her mind began to wander about him. She let herself explore all of the possible feelings. As she explored, Sakura found that she in turn cared for this man. She had no idea to what depths, but Kakashi took care of her, watched after her, and wanted better for her and that made her care for him all the more.

A yawn overwhelmed her interrupting the thoughts she had been contemplating. She leaned up and pressed the tiniest, most gentle kiss she could to his lips before nuzzling her head back under his chin. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes slowly drifting off.

Just before the pinkette fell asleep she whispered, "Goodnight to you too, Kakashi."

Author's note: Hey everyone! I can't believe I am already 5 chapters in! I hope you are all liking the story so far and I can tell you I have big plans that I hope you will all enjoy. If you want to help me get chapters out faster it would be of great help if you left me reviews and comments about my work. And lastly thank you for reading!