Sakura was running. Her heart felt as if it were going to jump out of her chest. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she tried to catch up to the people walking away from her. Only their outlines could be seen but that was enough to make it clear who they were, Kakashi and Asuna.

"Kakashi! Wait!" Sakura called out running as fast as she could to catch up but they seemed to only get further away. "Please, I need you!" She begged hand reaching out as tears kept falling.

Her heart jumped as a hand grabbed her. The grip was tight and menacing and the voice that spoke sent shivers down her spine, "No no, you're tainted. You don't deserve to be cared about. He doesn't want to be associated with you." Reiji's cool voice chilled Sakura to the bone.

Even more desperate to get away Sakura yanked against his hold, "Kakashi help me! Please don't leave me! I need you! Please… please… PLEASE!" She sobbed only to be dragged further away.

Sakura awoke drenched in cold sweats. She had nightmares often about that night but this was a new one in the long string of dreams since Asuna had, in a way, challenged her. She knew what the message of her dreams were, Sakura wasn't that dense to not see it. Part of her liked it part of her didn't but Kakashi had an effect on her few months of being at school and there was no denying it. While it was hard for Sakura to fight Asuna for Kakashi's attention due to her being uncomfortable getting close to people since the incident with Reiji, Sakura still tried her best. At least with Kakashi she knew she could trust him.

Glancing at the clock Sakura sighed. It was only 430 in the morning but she was awake no and figured there was no point in trying to sleep much longer. She could go downstairs and get some work done and let the dogs out.

Climbing out of bed she put on her slippers and headed down doing her best to keep quiet so as not to wake the others. Sakura made her way through the kitchen to where the dogs were sleeping in their kennels. As soon as she touched the latches to their cages they woke and started wagging their tales. Kakashi had done well to raise them so they didn't bark much unless you teased them into it. Letting them out, Sakura opened the back door so they could go to the bathroom she stood nearby the door taking in the cool fresh air. It was nearing November and the air was getting crisper by the day. Soon it would be jackets and boots weather and she loved it. When the dogs finished their business she closed the door behind them as they entered.

As Sakura turned she nearly jumped out of her skin not expecting Kakashi to be leaning against the counter in some running pants and sweatshirt, "Oh hell! Kakashi don't creep up on someone like that." Sakura gasped clutching her chest.

"Heh~ Sorry about that. I'm good at keeping quiet. What are you doing up?" Kakashi asked genuinely concerned.

Sakura rubbed her arm nervously, "Couldn't sleep. You know, nightmares." The memory of the dream still vivid in her mind.

"Humph~ and let me guess, you are still thinking about it?" He paused as she nodded in response. "I see, go put some exercise clothes on. You can join me for a run. It might help clear your mind."

"You sure? I know it's your alone time." Sakura knew better than anyone how nice it was to have something that was just yours and yours alone.

Kakashi chuckled and tousled her hair making Sakura scrunch up her nose in that cute way he liked, "I would like it if you did. It's always better to have company."

Not wanting to disappoint him by saying no Sakura went back upstairs and got dressed in some running tights, long sleeve shirt, and put her hair up in a ponytail before heading back down to Kakashi. He nodded upon seeing her and they made their way to the door where they put on their shoes and leashed the dogs. Sakura took Kiba's leash and Kakashi took Pakkun's.

"You might want to stretch first." Kakashi noted having already started himself once they were out the door.

Sakura followed suit her mind still on the nightmare. Her eyes flicked to Kakashi only to think of how silly she was being. She finished up her stretching, "I'm ready when you are old man." Sakura teased bouncing on her toes to keep blood flowing.

"Mhmm well try to keep up." Kakashi winked and took off at a brisk pace.

Sakura had to say she was a little surprise by how quick he started. But it was nothing she couldn't handle. Kiba pulled her along as they caught up to Kakashi and Pakkun. When they did however Sakura saw a tiny smirk through Kakashi's mask before he sped up and started pulling away again. It must have been nearly a mile by the time Sakura started huffing and puffing. By all means Sakura was a fit person but the pace Kakashi was maintaining was just insane. She stopped at a bend in Kakashi's path needing to catch her breath making him come back. Even he was breathing rather hard.

"What's up Sakura? Can't keep up with the 'old man'" he teased at her earlier comment.

Still panting she tried to speak, "You… you know full well that's bullshit." She gulped trying to steady her breath, "Do you always go that fast?"

"No, this is just payback for teasing me." he chuckled, "You want to start heading back or just finish the route on a slower pace?"

"I can finish it but let's keep it slower."

Nodding Kakashi waited for Sakura to give him the signal before they resumed their run. Truth be told Kakashi was impressed with how long she was able to keep up with him when he pressed hard. He really found her resolve to be one of her best qualities even though she did have many. When she was younger he never really got the chance to know her but over the course of these past few months, Kakashi found he really admired the woman she turned into.

The rest of their run went on in relative silence. Sakura had completely forgotten about her dream by getting caught up in how nice it was to be out for a run as the sun rose over the hills in the distance. That and having this private time with Kakashi was definitely enough to soothe her worries about him leaving her behind. Whenever Sakura could, she would steal glances in his direction. He looked so peaceful but intense all at the same time. She figured he must be incredibly fit considering he was hardly breathing heavy even at the quick pace that they maintained. When they turned the bend to start the trek back to the house she tried to look at him again only to find he was already looking at her. But instead of looking away like they normally would Kakashi held the gaze just long enough to smile behind his mask before looking at where they were going again.

There was something in this smile that made Sakura's stomach do a flip. While her face was warm from the effort she was putting into running it got even warmer from the blush that overcame her. In her mind he had not just smiled but he smiled at her, as if he was happy she was looking at him. This put her in an even better mood as the run was drawing to a close.

"Alright last part," Kakashi grinned as they turned onto the street that lead back to their house, "I like to sprint this bit." With that he took off at an insane speed.

Sakura, who had been looking down at Kiba so she wouldn't trip over him looked up to see a hill that was a lot bigger than last time. Or maybe because she wasn't in a car. Gathering herself Sakura picked up her pace. Already well past three miles her legs screamed in protest as they fought the incline. Gritting her teeth Sakura pushed through to the end before collapsing in the front yard letting the cool grass help her collect herself. Kakashi was sitting on the steps up to the front door chuckling at Sakura's exhausted form laying in the grass. What was meant to be a glance however turned into a gaze. The way her chest rose and feel, how her hair stuck to her face, and the tired smile captured his attention. He couldn't look away.

Sakura peeked one eye open looking up at Kakashi to find him staring making her smirk, "Can I help you?"

"Huh? Oh! Umm no just waiting on you." Kakashi fumbled over his words trying to clear his mind.

"Well then why don't you help me up?" Sakura motioned for him to come over.

Sighing Kakashi rose walking over and taking her outstretched hand and pulled Sakura up, "So lazy." Sakura rolled her eyes, "Did you enjoy it though?" Kakashi asked hoping it had helped her.

"Well, other than realising that we living on the side of a mountain I did enjoy that. You were right, it definitely clears your head. Plus I liked spending the time with you." She spoke without thinking.

"Aww I'm flattered." He teased, "But I agree. It was nice to have your company."

"Can't you take a compliment without teasing me?" Sakura huffed not able to look at him, "I'm going to go shower. Meet back down for breakfast?" She asked walking to the door.

Kakashi nodded going inside after her. He didn't go upstairs however as he had to finish up his routine in the backyard. The dogs joined him laying down in the grass nearby. Kakashi was glad that he had this time alone now as he had to clear his own mind. The way Sakura had looked lying there was far too enticing for him. He was her bodyguard, it wasn't his place to engage her in a romantic fashion. Not only that he was what… fourteen years older than her?

The thoughts going through his head caused him to increase the pace of his push-ups trying to make the burn of his muscles drown out his thoughts. Finishing up, Kakashi laid on his back looking up at the sky only to have a cute furry face look down at him before licking him.

"Kiba… don't look at me like that." Kakashi groaned reaching up and scratching the dog's ears, "You know I shouldn't." Kiba looked down at him looking confused, "Oh come on, you are smart pup." At that point Kakashi's hands hit a good spot making Kiba pant softly with what looked like a smile, "But… now that argument isn't fair. You are supposed to agree with me. Pakkun? A little help?" Kakashi looked over to see Pakkun tilt his head at him, "Not you too... " Kakashi sighed admitting defeat for now. "Let's go back inside hm?"

Kakashi stood making his way to the door with the pups following right behind him.

Meanwhile Sakura had made her way into the shower. The hot water rinsed away the grime of the run and relaxed her tense muscles. While Sakura loved showering, baths would always hold a special place in her heart. Putting her hair under the stream of water Sakura closed her eyes relaxing her mind. Instantly her memory of Kakashi smiling back at her replayed for her enjoyment. Once again her stomach did a flip and a smile graced her lips. But then she groaned. She did even need to see these things to get all giddy over Kakashi. Of course it wasn't bad but it just meant to her that this was more serious than she thought.

Opening her eyes Sakura knew she wasn't going to lose to Asuna. Not after feeling what she just did. If there was anyone Sakura felt close to it was Kakashi so she could get past her problems for him. She also had a feeling that Kakashi felt the same way for her which meant the battle was over before it even began.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Yes sorry sorry school is coming to a close and my life feels like it is just speeding up. So uploads will be slow but they will be coming more often than before. Hopefully I get an update for 1 story a week. Savior will be next to be updated so look there.

Anywho I hope you enjoyed the chapter big moves are coming up here in Overwatch so stay tuned for some feels and excitement and romance!